Johnson and Baldwin vote for Protect College Sports Act (WASHINGTON DC)
Wisconsin’s US Senators support legislation targeting a “Wild West” era in college sports. Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Republican Ron Johnson were both “yeas” as the Protect College Sports Act passed on a bipartisan 77-22 vote this week. The bill would grant the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption to restore its five-year eligibility rule and transfer limits, and would also codify regulation of name, image and likeness deals that allow athletes to be paid. The bill will now need to be passed in the House. A survey by the The Athletic put the University of Wisconsin’s NIL spending in the range of $27-31 million, ranking the Badgers 23rd among schools in the Power 4 conferences and 8th in the Big Ten.
Immigration judge rules Islamic Society of Milwaukee president can be deported (MILWAUKEE)
A legal setback for the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee. An immigration judge ruled Wednesday that the U.S. has grounds to deport Salah Sarsour. The ruling does not mean that the Palestinian born Sarsour will be immediately deported. His lawyers have 60 days to argue that sending him back would put him at risk of torture. If that argument is rejected an appeal would likely follow. Sarsour has been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for decades but was detained by ICE in March. Federal prosecutors say he lied about convictions for terrorism in Israel when applying for his green card over 30 years ago, convictions his attorneys argue were the result of coerced confessions under torture.
Residents urged to get vaccinated before respiratory illnesses begin spreading (UNDATED)
Wisconsin health officials are encouraging residents to get vaccinated now before flu, COVID and other respiratory viruses begin spreading more widely. State epidemiologist Dr. Jonathan Westergaard says vaccines remain one of the best ways to reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death. He says getting vaccinated this fall can help protect families throughout the respiratory virus season. More information is available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
Coolest Thing Made In Wisconsin contest down to 16 finalists (UNDATED)
The race to find Wisconsin’s coolest made-in-state product is down to 16 finalists. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce has announced the Top 16 products advancing in the annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. The field includes everything from Komatsu’s electric rope shovel and Badger Meter’s cellular endpoint to Seroogy’s Meltaway Candy Bars and the iconic Carmex lip balm. Public voting in the Manufacturing Madness bracket begins October first and runs through October sixth. The winner will be announced October 27th.
Multiple hunting and trapping seasons start in October (UNDATED)
October brings the start of several hunting and trapping seasons across Wisconsin. Six different season opening dates are scheduled throughout October, including duck, goose, bear, pheasant, grouse, bobcat and coyote seasons. Hunters are urged to double-check season dates, licenses and required stamps before heading afield. The Department of Natural Resources also encourages hunters to review regulations, public land access information and firearm safety rules. Anyone born on or after January 1st, 1973 must have hunter education certification before purchasing a hunting license, unless they qualify under Wisconsin’s mentored hunting law.
Crowley holds slim lead over Tiffany as Governor’s race tightens in new Marquette Poll (UNDATED)
Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley maintains a slight edge in the Governor’s race over Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany in the latest Marquette Law School Poll. Poll director Charles Franklin says support among likely voters is at 49 percent for Crowley versus 46 percent for Tiffany. Among all voters, Crowley leads 46 to 45 percent. All those results are inside the poll’s margin of error. Also in the poll, disapproval for President Donald Trump among Wisconsinites has risen to 60 percent versus 38 percent approval, but Franklin says that does not mean an electoral boon in general for Democrats. Inflation and the cost of living continue to be the most pressing issue for respondents with 65 percent saying it was their first or second most important issue.