US Senate Republicans have blocked the president’s nomination of Louis Butler for a federal judgeship in the western half of Wisconsin. Butler, a former State Supreme Court justice, was one of seven federal nominees who failed to win Senate approval before the end of the year. The GOP minority pulled a procedural maneuver and sent the appointments back to President Obama.
Badger defense is impressive in Bowl victory
December 30, 2009 By
Wisconsin’s kickoff coverage unit was burned for a long return on the opening kickoff. It led to a touchdown on the next play and Badger fans had to have that sinking feeling against the much quicker Miami Hurricanes. But the Badgers didn’t panic.
After failing to keep their first drive alive, punter Brad Nortman pinned Miami deep, the Badger defense got a stop and Wisconsin went on to even the score. From that point forward, the Badgers appeared to be in control and went on to beat the Hurricanes 20-14. [Read more...]
“Mark of the beast” livestock case continues moving
December 30, 2009 By
A hotly contested court case centered on farmers’ religious beliefs is now in the hands of a judge. Last week, Clark County District Attorney Darwin Zwieg filed his final brief in a case that pits the Old Order Amish against the government.
Safe sleep for infants
December 30, 2009 By
Health officials in Milwaukee are trying to make sure infants are sleeping safe and sound.
Dozens of infants have died in Milwaukee in recent years, while sleeping in the same bed as a parent. Most recently, a mother woke up Christmas Day to find her six-week-old daughter dead, after she put the infant in bed with her for the night. [Read more...]
State road site needs upgrade
December 30, 2009 By
Weary travelers wondering about road conditions last week had a tough time checking the state’s 511 website. Kelly Langer is the system operations chief in charge of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s winter travel site. She says the combination of a major winter storm and a holiday travel day led to major demand on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. “We had over 2,000 simultaneous hits on the site, and it ended up giving many people an error message,” says Langer, adding that people who refreshed their browser were able to access it. Langer says additional data lines will allow the site to handle more Internet traffic. She says that should prevent similar problems in the future.
Rick Schuh, WHBY
