UW police urge lawmakers not to allow weapons in buildings

MADISON — Police who protect the University of Wisconsin's flagship campus in Madison are urging state lawmakers not to allow concealed weapons to be carried into campus buildings.UW-Madison Police spokesman Marc Lovicott issued a statement Tuesday coming out against the bill circulated Monday by Republican lawmakers.Under current law, license holders can carry guns on the grounds of public colleges and universities but they are barred in campus buildings.Lovicott says the campus would not be safer if firearms were allowed in the buildings.

Republicans unveil plan to dismantle, replace Wisconsin's top government watchdog

Republicans unveil plan to dismantle, replace Wisconsin's top government watchdog

MADISON — Legislative Republicans on Wednesday unveiled their plans to break up and then replace the Government Accountability Board, which has overseen some of the most contentious elections in state history during its short lifespan.Some of the Republicans backing the current plan to scrap the GAB voted in favor of creating the agency in 2007, in the wake of the caucus scandal that shook up the state Capitol."It was a well-intentioned eight-year experiment, one that at one time was held up as a model for the nation," said Rep.

Wisconsin voter ID fight goes before federal court

Wisconsin voter ID fight goes before federal court

MILWAUKEE — Opponents of Wisconsin's voter identification law have argued in federal court that the legislation is improperly restrictive and should be expanded to allow more forms of ID to be used at the polls.The case Monday represents the latest push from the American Civil Liberties Union against a law passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature and signed by Gov.

Gov. Walker proclaims October "It Can Wait: Distracted Driving Awareness Month"

Gov. Walker proclaims October "It Can Wait: Distracted Driving Awareness Month"

MADISON -- As students settle into a new school year, Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed October as It Can Wait – Distracted Driving Awareness Month throughout Wisconsin and is urging all residents, particularly teens, to take the to keep their eyes on the road, not on their phones.New research from AT&T shows that smartphone use has grown beyond texting, with 7 in 10 people engaging in smartphone activities while driving.

Governor Walker will consider appointing candidates running for Supreme Court

Governor Walker will consider appointing candidates running for Supreme Court

MADISON — Governor Scott Walker will consider appointing to a vacancy on the Wisconsin Supreme Court one of the candidates running to fill the 10-year term.Walker's spokeswoman Laurel Patrick said Tuesday, September 29th that Walker has three criteria for filling the remainder of Justice Patrick Crooks' term, which runs through the end of July.

Republican lawmakers seek co-sponsors for bill that would make it easier to hire, fire state workers

Republican lawmakers seek co-sponsors for bill that would make it easier to hire, fire state workers

MADISON — Republican state lawmakers are seeking co-sponsors to a fast-tracked bill backed by Governor Scott Walker to overhaul the state's civil service system, making it easier to hire and fire state employees.Senator Roger Roth (R-Appleton) and Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) on Monday, September 28th circulated the bill with a deadline of Thursday to sign on as co-sponsors.