"The Department believes that mere open carry of a firearm, absent additional facts and circumstances, should not result in a disorderly conduct charge." 
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen in an advisory opinion to state district attorneys saying he believes state law allows citizens to openly carry firearms. 


"My message to my troops is if you see anybody carrying a gun on the streets of Milwaukee, we'll put them on the ground, take the gun away and then decide whether you have a right to carry it. Maybe I'll end up with a protest of cowboys. In the meantime, I've got serious offenders with access to handguns. It's irresponsible to send a message to them that if they just carry it openly no one can bother them."
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn who told his offciers to ignore Van Hollen’s memo on open-carry weapons. 


"It defies common sense that the day after we announce over $95 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for Milwaukee Public Schools that they would be talking about a double digit property tax increase. Management needs to be held accountable. This really emphasizes the need to move forward with the State Superintendent’s power to oversee the use of the federal funds as outlined in our recent report findings.”
A joint statement from Governor Jim Doyle and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in response to MPS officials warning that another double-digit school tax increase may be ahead for Milwaukee taxpayers, despite Milwaukee's acceptance of federal stimulus dollars. 


"Some time between now and October we’ll be getting into the race."
Former  Wisconsin Congressman Mark Neumann (R-Nashotah), confirming his intention to run for governor in 2010.


"I've got a lot of other things to do. I'm not going to be thinking about that for quite awhile."
Governor Jim Doyle on whether he will run for a third term. 


"Adding more revenue to the transportation fund with Governor Doyle in office is like pouring water in a bucket that has a hole in the bottom."
Assembly Minority Leader Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon).


"This is a total disgrace in its barbarity."
State Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend), on the practice of performing late-term abortions at the Madison Surgery Center. Grothman opposed two appointees to the UW Hospital & Clinics Authority Board Thursday because of their votes to approve the performance of the procedure at the facility. The nominations were approved 17-15.


"Without being able to change their identity, terrorists are easier to detect and their plans easier for law enforcement to thwart -- making everyone safer."
Wisconsin Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee Falls) defending his REAL ID bill after Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said she's working to repeal the law.



OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK


Apple

What were they thinking in the first place?



MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK


Dianne Feinstein's sweet deal.



MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK


The media's outrage over Miss California's stance against same-sex marriage, even though the majority of America agrees with her.


That, and Earth Day.



STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK


Rapist stabs cellmate. Why?


Man pretending to fall off bridge, guess what?


A pregnant woman, a bear, and a car...


The life-saving bra.



REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

A  look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...


HEROES OF THE WEEK


Everyone who attended a Tea Party this week


Richard Phillips and the U.S. Navy


Jim Dancy


Alice Smith


Shannon and Allen DeWall


Anne Fleming



VILLAINS OF THE WEEK


Janet Napolitano


Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)


Hine Laloulu


Lori Perl


Christopher Purseley


Kristy Hammonds Thompson and Michael Setzer


The state of Vermont


United Airlines



QUOTES OF THE WEEK


“The White House says the president is unaware of the tea parties and will hold his own event today.”
ABC’s Dan Harris on “Good Morning America” on April 15. In reaction, please read the many great responses in the comments section of this blog.


It’s not inevitable that these things must happen. … If you believe in the principles that founded and built this country, join us."
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Janesville), at the Madison  “Tea Party,” that drew an estimated 8,000 to the state Capitol Wednesday.


"It is irresponsible to raise taxes on families when our state is in one of the worst economic declines in decades and unemployment is increasing at an alarming rate each month."
Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau), on a Legislative Fiscal Bureau report showing that the Doyle budget would raise property taxes on the median house by $91 this year and an additional $134 in 2010.


"My decision to not accept federal stimulus money was not popular with liberals, but it was the right thing to do."
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker in a four-page fundraising plea sent this week to the state's "most committed Republicans." Democrats have accused Walker of flip-flopping for opposing the stimulus bill and declining to submit a list of projects to Governor Jim Doyle when the federal stimulus bill was being drafted, then preparing a list detailing $130 million in funds the county will pursue.


"Watching Walker is making me dizzy. Walker says one thing to the media, another to his donors - one thing in Milwaukee and another out state."
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Joe Wineke on Scott Walker's fundraising letter.  


"Working in a bar is not like working in a coal mine in West Virginia in 1915. Second- hand smoke is a minor problem. … It’s not that dangerous of a thing."
State Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend), dismissing the statewide smoking ban included in Governor Doyle's budget as “one more freedom we’re taking away.”


"It is a very serious public health issue."
State Representative Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), defending the ban’s placement in the state budget. Republicans had requested the non-fiscal, policy item be taken out of the budget.


"I am sending the message to our community that Milwaukee is open for business. This is a safe place for everyone to come to enjoy all that this city has to offer and the Milwaukee Police Department is clearly having a positive effect. Our presence is being felt"
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn announcing that city’s violent crime and major property crime rates continued to drop in the first quarter of 2009.


And from Journal Sentinel Tom Haudricourt’s Brewer Notes today about Friday night's Brewers-Mets game in New York:

Special visit:Timothy Dolan, who left his position as Archbishop of Milwaukee to become Archbishop of New York, visited with players and officials on both sides of the field before the game. Those in the Brewers delegation couldn't help noticing that Dolan was wearing a Mets cap.

"We lost CC Sabathia and didn't get a first-round pick (from the New York Yankees) and now we lost Archbishop Dolan and didn't get any draft picks back," general manager Doug Melvin said. "Shouldn't we get something back? He has to be a Class A free agent."

Dolan spent several minutes with right-hander Jeff Suppan, a devout Catholic who visited with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican during the 2005-'06 offseason. Dolan also spent time with Brewers owner Mark Attanasio, who traveled from Los Angeles back to his hometown to see new Citi Field and watch his team play.



OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK


The Deparrtment of Homeland Security claims military veterans are a threat to America.



MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK


Another Wisconsin business decides to leave and Jim Doyle does nothing.   He'd rather be watching golf.



MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK


The suspension of South Milwaukee Fire Chief Jay Behling. Of course he was wrong to use a racial slur. It's always wrong to use that word. But the amount of the subsequent news coverage and punishment handed down are open to debate.



STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK


This is not a recommended field trip.


I've just been shot! Would you like some tea?


Couple delivers after surprise pregnancy with help from 9-1-1.



REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

A  look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...


HEROES OF THE WEEK


Slain Pittsburgh officers


Captain Richard Phillips


Marcus Luttrell


Courtney Spaude


Jim Mullen


John Miller



VILLAINS OF THE WEEK


Richard Poplawski


Faye Schilling and Jean Crump


James Sebero


Eliot Brandon Zayas


MPS


Beloit teachers union



QUOTES OF THE WEEK


"One of the great strengths of the United States is ... we have a very large Christian population -- we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."
President Obama at a news conference in Turkey.


"It's an inconvertible fact of history that the overwhelming population of people who were involved in the drafting of the constitution ... came out of the tradition of Western Christian civilization. I think there's a strong body of Jews, Christians, certainly Evangelicals that would find such a statement to be very offensive." 
Dr. Timothy O'Donnell, president of Christendom College and professor of history, reacting to the president's comments.


“President Obama is seeking an additional $83.4 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, a request that will drive the cost of the two wars to nearly $1 trillion since 2001.”
Julian Barnes of the Los Angeles Times


"Testing his political capital: How many Democrats will vote no?"
ABC's Rick Klein on President Obama's request for additional war funding.


"I remember President Bush saying to me one time in the Oval Office, ''Well, Joe, I'm a leader.' And I said: 'Mr. President, turn and around look behind you. No one is following'."
Vice President Joe Biden


"It didn't happen. it's his imagination; it's a made-up, fictional world. He ought to get out of it and get back to reality. He's making this up out of whole cloth. I hate to say this, but he's a serial exaggerator. If I was being unkind I would say liar. But it is a habit he ought to drop. You should not exaggerate and lie like this when you are the Vice President of the United States.”
Republican strategist Karl Rove on Joe Biden.


"Spring elections have such low interest. That doesn't mean they're not important. We had 5 percent of people determining who we were going to be choosing (as state superintendent) this month. We're not cutting down the number of elections, but just trying to do them differently. Choosing a Supreme Court justice is tremendously important, and more people should be involved in it."
State Representative Jim Soletski (D-Green Bay), one of several lawmakers sponsoring legislation that would put nonpartisan spring elections on the fall ballot.


"Wisconsin voters respond positively to a positive campaign. Wisconsin voters would rather vote for something than against something."
Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson, after her victory Tuesday.


"I ran a good race, and kept it clean. I think money was a huge difference. That makes a big difference in how you can get your message out."
Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Randy Koschnick after his loss to Abrahamson.


"People recognize that in order to make the changes necessary, we need a candidate with a broad base of support behind him, and we need a candidate with experience behind him."
Tony Evers after winning the race for state Superintendent of Public Instruction.


"We sure gave them a run for their money."
Rose Fernandez following her loss to Evers.


"Those numbers will come down significantly if school districts take the federal stimulus money they have coming and don't spend it beyond the revenue limits."
Governor Doyle's response to the news that under his propsoed state budget, property taxes on the median valued home would increase $91, or 3.2 percent, in the first year and another $134, or 4.5 percent, in the second year according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. 


"It is irresponsible to raise taxes on families when our state is in one of the worst economic declines in decades and unemployment is increasing at an alarming rate each month. People shouldn't have to worry over whether they can afford to live in their own homes."
Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald reacting to the report that property taxes go up under the governor's budget.


"(A) shocking display of fealty to a foreign potentate."
The Washington Times, describing President Obama bowing to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia at a G-20 meeting in London.


"It wasn't a bow. He grasped his hand with two hands, and he's taller than King Abdullah."
An Obama aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.


“Rather than everyone here having to learn Chinese — I understand it’s a rather difficult language — do you think that it would behoove you and your citizens to adopt a name that we could deal with more readily here?” 
Texas state Representative Betty Brown (R) during House testimony on voter identification legislation. Brown said that  Asian-Americans should change their names because they’re too hard to pronounce.  Refusing to apologize, Brown later told Organization of Chinese Americans representative Ramey Ko, “Can’t you see that this is something that would make it a lot easier for you and the people who are poll workers if you could adopt a name just for identification purposes that’s easier for Americans to deal with?”



OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK


Rosa Freeman



MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK


Is the economy on the rebound?



MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK


Michelle Obama's garden. Or is it the dog? Or what dress she's wearing?



STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK


Ron Blair needs to get his priorities straight.


Read why she called 9-1-1.


She knows her beans.



REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

A  look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...


HEROES OF THE WEEK


American Civic Association receptionist.......UPDATE


Carnegie Hero Medal Award Winners


McDonald's


Creative folks


Dick Golembiewski


Melodie Wilson


Matt Steven


Carl Smith


Goran Suton


Tiffara Steward...

VILLAINS OF THE WEEK


New York gunman.....UPDATE.


Iowa Supreme Court


Child killers


Ria Ramkissoon


Troy Kelm


Milwaukee alderman Ashanti Hamilton


Virginia Kelly


Carlos Santana



QUOTES OF THE WEEK


"You eat an elephant one bite at a time."
Chris Kliesmet of Citizen for Responsible Government on an effort to recall Governor Doyle. The recall needs more than 540,000 signatures within 60 days to advance. Kliesmet and Vince Schmuki protested Doyle’s budget outside the Joint Finance Committee hearing in Racine on Monday. 


"This program is 20 times more expensive for each job we create."
Aaron Olver, deputy Commerce secretary, on a Commerce report that the state’s film tax credits were far less effective than other job subsidy programs. The governor has proposed replacing the credits in his budget with a new, smaller grant program.


"They have proven their ability to draw dollars and jobs to Wisconsin, to seed economic growth in a growth industry. Let’s not scrap them; let’s make them work better for our state."
Film Wisconsin Executive Director Scott Robbe on the film credits. 


"The president's budget is little more than a thinly veiled attempt by Washington to spend its way into prosperity, tax its way into tax relief and borrow its way into debt reduction. This simply cannot work."
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, the ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee, unveiling a GOP alternative budget on Wednesday that would repeal the entire $787 billion economic stimulus package except for an extension of unemployment benefits. It would  borrow $3 trillion less over the next decade than President Obama's budget. 


"I think the more people learn about this (state)budget, the worse it becomes for the Democrats. I’m convinced of that. And that is why they are trying to rush this thing through as fast as they possibly can, because the longer it sits in the sun, the worse it stinks."
State Representative Robin Vos, a leading Republican on the Joint Finance Committee.


"The police department has made great strides in the last year and a half in reducing crime, and I don't want to take my foot off the accelerator."
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett contending the city should get 75 percent of a $5.8 million federal Justice Assistance Grant to help maintain the current level of police strength.


"To get greedy now is shameful. I will tell you right now it's not going to be 75-25."
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke making his claim for the sheriff’s department share of the funds.


"As a responsible parent, I am attempting to raise respectful, positive and healthy children who will hopefully grow to have these attributes when they become adults. I am deeply saddened that my parenting skills and motives have been called into question."
Milwaukee Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, responding to allegations he physically abused his 6-year-old daughter. He voluntarily turned himself in to police and has been released.



OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK


Governor Doyle wants to go back to welfare as we knew it



MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK


$2.8 BILLION



MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK


Every single move made by both Obama's at the G-20



STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK


One cough, nail gone


DMV worker caught doing 103 mph


Where will they put their loose change?


REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

 



have in common with her?

The answer.



REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

A  look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...


HEROES OF THE WEEK


Carol Haertlein Sells


Kellogg's


Blind bowlers



VILLAINS OF THE WEEK


Donovan Espinosa


Alex Edwards


Brian Jay Nellis



QUOTES OF THE WEEK


"If  we see (stimulus) money being misspent, we're going to put a stop to it."
President Obama speaking to a gathering of state officials.


"The needs far outweigh the money."
Gary Wolter, MG&E executive and head of the state Office of Recovery and Reinvestment, warning that some worthy projects may get shut out of billions in federal stimulus money reserved for the state. 


"It tells small businesses, it tells consumers, it tells the markets: Guess what, big tax increases are coming. So if you're a small business, an entrepreneur; you want to take risk, you want to start a business? Don't bother because we're going to raise your taxes."
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, criticizing President Obama’s federal budget bill.


"I am tired of talking about doughnut holes. Let me know when you want to get back to substance."
Wisconsin Congressman Dave Obey on the nearly 8,500 earmarks in the omnibus budget bill signed by President Obama. 


An "individual choice."
A reference to abortion made by Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele in an interview with GQ magazine. 


"Chairman Steele needs to reread the Bible, the U.S. Constitution and the 2008 GOP platform. He then needs to get to work or get out of the way."
Former Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, who endorsed Steele in the RNC chairman's race.


"I tried to present why I am pro-life while recognizing that my mother had a 'choice' before deciding to put me up for adoption. I thank her every day for supporting life."
Steele in a statement after his GQ comment caused controversy.


"When you wrestle with a gorilla, you don't quit when you're tired. You quit when the gorilla is tired."
The slogan for Siren High School at this week's state girl's basketball tournament.



OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK


Whitefish Bay police



MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK


State Republicans have invited businesspeople to speak out about their concerns with Wisconsin's horrible business climate. Here's the story.



MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK


American Idol. ENOUGH!



STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK


Monkeys flossing teeth with human hair


The curse of Colonel Sanders


Check out the last item in this column about the New Jersey Nets.


"If you are a golfer who has played for any length of time, this story may make you want to quit the game. Or throw your morning coffee in disgust."



REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

A  look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...


HEROES OF THE WEEK


Ellen Basinski


Good Samaritans


Sully and his crew


Nigel Haskett


Make-a-Wish Foundation


Nadya Vessey


Governors turning down stimulus money


Mary Woodward Lasker


J. Innes


Jeff Van Zytveld



VILLAINS OF THE WEEK


Amanda Knox


TV show protesters


Greenpeace


The officer who gave out this jaywalking ticket



QUOTES OF THE WEEK


"We are not quitters. While our economy may be weakened and our confidence shaken, though we are living through difficult and uncertain times, tonight I want every American to know this: We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before."
President Obama in his State of the Union address.


"This spend-a-thon that Obama and the Democrats in Congress have been engaging in places a huge burden on our children and also threatens to make inflation so severe that it wipes out those who have prudently saved for retirement."
Wisconsin Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner reacting to the State of the Union speech.


"Bill Clinton declared more than a decade ago 'the era of big government is over.' With his new budget, President Barack Obama has brought it back."
Steve Holland of Reuters on President Obama's proposed federal budget.


"The taxing aspect of this is worse than Robin Hood. He's resurrecting class warfare for political gain."
Economist Peter Morici, a University of Maryland professor


"Conservatives, it is the time to begin the job of taking back our government. Democrats want to use this crisis to move America toward the sort of Europeanized economy that runs counter to the freedom and entrepreneurial spirit of our people, to usher in an era of greater government control and micro-management of our economy."
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan


"I can't emphasize enough that we believe we can do this safely. We're not opening the back door and saying it's time to leave."
Wisconsin Corrections Secretary Rick Raemisch on Governorr Doyle's plan to release 3000 felons early.


"He is letting people off of sentences that they were given by a jury and judge. And worse yet, he is letting unelected bureaucrats - not judges and juries - make those decisions."
State Representative Scott Suder (R-Abbostford), reacting to the governor's plan on releasing felons early.


"I see the rationale as very different, so I didn't raise the beer tax. I want to be very clear. We don't want young people to drink. But we actually like people to drink beer in Wisconsin. We don't want people to drink beer irresponsibly and excessively. But unlike tobacco, it's a very different substance. Alcohol and beer used responsibly and for enjoyment and so on is not inherently a dangerous product. There's no healthy way to use tobacco."
Governor Doyle on his decision not to call for an increase in the beer tax.


"Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard. Giving every worker the right to smoke-free air is an important public health issue that is supported by the vast majority of people in Wisconsin. Personally I hope that clock doesn't tick too long. Because every second marks a second that someone in Wisconsin is needlessly being exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke."
Pat Finder-Stone, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society at a rally to support a statewide smoking ban.



OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK


The Obama tax and spend us into oblivion budget



MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK


Obama nominee likens pregnancy to slavery. Can you say, "nutjob?"



MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK


Bobby Jindal's performance during his rebuttal to the State of the Union address.



STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK


Perfect timing on this raffle.


My, my, my, but gas is really expensive.


The Hat Man can wear his hats again.


Not surprisingly, this happened in Hollywood.


And there's no way to crawl under this stall.


REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

A  look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...


HEROES OF THE WEEK


The Boehms


CNBC'S Rick Santelli


Darrell Thompson


Pastor Charles Jacobs Jr.


Wisconsin legislative Democrats Annette Polly Williams and Bob Ziegelbauer


The Franklin Common Council



VILLAINS OF THE WEEK


Taxer Jim Doyle


Spender Jim Doyle


A criminal's best friend, Jim Doyle


Denise Novotny, Angela and David Schmidt


Tiffany Burkhardt


Overzealous cops



QUOTES OF THE WEEK


"Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot,in things racial we have always been, and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards."
Our nation's first African-American attorney general, Eric Holder in a speech to employees of the Justice Department. 


"If a federal agency proposes a project that will waste that money, I will not hesitate to call them out on it and put a stop to it."
President Obama at a gathering of 80 mayors at the White House.


"I've told all my friends: You better like me today, because you're not going to like me on Wednesday."
Governor Doyle, joking before he proposed his biennial state budget.


"It's hard to dream up a more foolish time to raise taxes on Wisconsin businesses. This is just as foolish as it gets."
State Representative Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin), during Assembly debate on the budget repair bill package. 


"I heard the governor say that Wisconsinites don’t curl up and hide beneath the covers. But I think taxpayers better do that."
Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau), reacting to the governor's budget address.


"We’ve got domestic partnerships, prevailing wage law, red light traffic cameras, primary seatbelt enforcement, statewide smoking ban -- these are things that don’t belong in a budget bill; these are issues that should be debated individually."
State Senator Neal Kedzie (R-Elkhorn), on the non-fiscal policies included in the governor's budget proposal. 


"It makes no sense. It'll shut down the industry. They won't come. They can't."
Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton, disagreeing with a provision of Governor Doyle’s budget revising the state’s tax credits for film production.


"I feel there are people who are only using this as a means to facilitate the removal of Dr. Cole, so if it wasn't this it would have been something else they would like to use."
Activist Lamonte Harris on the firing of Darnell Cole as Milwaukee Area Technical College president after Cole was charged with drunken driving.


"This bold move would provide immediate incentive to put money back into the market place. Imagine the impact on builders, auto, truck and motorcycle dealers, retailers and all others who are hurting under this economy."
Milwuakee County Executive Scott Walker, calling for stimulus money to fund sales and property tax breaks during his State of the County address. 


"We live in a morally sick society when our supposedly 'finest' medical professionals promote, rationalize and carry out the destruction of our young. What a disservice we do to women when the solution we offer is to destroy their children."
Barbara Lyons of Wisconsin Right to Life



OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK


Millions down the drain



MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK


Election night was a bad one for the teachers union.



MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK


The snowstorm earlier in the week that never came.

And Oscar previews.



STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK


The chimp


I saw Mommy suing Santa Claus


Mice falling from the ceiling


Male homecoming queen



REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

VILLAINS OF THE WEEK


Republican Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, who voted for the stimulus package.


The Wisconsin Coalition for Safe Roads


The idiots who made these threats.


Amber Carter


More sexting teens


Paula Oliveira


San Lorenzo Senior Apartments in Santa Cruz



QUOTES OF THE WEEK


"This debate is coming to an end and it really never started." 
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), referring to the short amount of time lawmakers had to review the stimulus bill that was completed and posted online just before 11 p.m. Thursday.


"What was initially advertised as a well-intended effort to boost economic growth has become sidetracked by misplaced spending and lack of attention to the true problems facing the nation, especially housing. Massive amounts of money will be spent years after this bill is signed into law, thereby undermining claims that it is stimulative. This bill, therefore, is not timely, targeted, and temporary, which is what a stimulus bill should be."
Senator Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) who withdrew his nomination as Commerce Secretary, critcizing the stimulus.


"He did something faster than any other president in history. ... I salute him for his leadership."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.) thanking President Obama.


"This is not going to solve all the budget problems Wisconsin has or any of the other states have."
Wisconsin Governor Doyle


"We cannot afford to nitpick. We have to take our best shot and if we make a mistake then we have to, as we move down the line, correct things."
House Appropriations Chairman Dave Obey (D-Wausau)


"Here’s one thing we need to do as Republicans: not just criticize -- and there’s a lot to criticize in that package -- but propose alternatives. We simply cannot be the opposition party. We have to be the proposition party."
U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Janesville)


"We need less big government bailout and more true economic stimulus. I would put money in the hands of consumers and employers long before government."
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker on the state stimulus plan.


“No drama Obama is no more.The surprise withdrawal of Senator Judd Gregg as the nominee for U.S. commerce secretary was the latest setback in a turbulent start for President Barack Obama’s administration after a campaign marked by operational discipline.” 
Bloomberg's Julianna Goldman


“The Obama White House, three weeks old, is having trouble duplicating the well oiled Obama campaign."
Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times


"I wouldn’t be doing you a service if I didn’t say this. This organization (Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, WMC) has badmouthed Wisconsin more than any other. We try as hard as we can to bring business in here."
State Senator Mark Miller (D-Madison) and the Senate’s Joint Finance Committee co-chair, blasting WMC at its own event, the annual Business Day in Madison.


During state Senate debate this week on a bill to increase the minimum wage, state Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield) mentioned a contractor friend in his district that has a few trucks and employs bricklayers, drywallers, etc. The contractor had to lay off 10 people last November because there are no housing starts in Wisconsin. Increasing the minimum wage at this time, Kanavas argued would make it even more difficult to create and retain jobs.The next speaker was state Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) who said:
“It’s time to grow our economy from the ground up by putting more money in the pockets of the people who work for a living rather than protecting the lavish lifestyles of a Wall Street elite.”

Senator Kanavas then replied:
“The senator from the 30^th (Hansen, Senate District 30) is a passionate speaker but I got to tell my buddy, the contractor back in my district that now he’s apparently a member of the Wall Street elite because that’s exactly what I just heard was that somehow that guy who employs 10 people who go out and work in a truck every day is suddenly a member of a Wall Street elite.”


"I am proposing that Bradley Tech be closed at the end of this school year so that we can start over."
Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan in reaction to a large brawl at Bradley Tech High School in Milwaukee during which a police officer was punched in the face. The school has been the scene of a number of high-profile fights.


"You are an imposter. You came to prominence as a leader, a public servant, but you are just another opportunist, the object of our pity as well as our scorn."
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Richard Sankovitz as he sentenced  former MIlwaukee alderman Michael McGee Jr. to a year in jail on two corruption charges. McGee must first complete a 6 1/2 -year federal sentence before serving the state sentence at the House of Correction.



OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK


What else could it possibly be this week?



MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK


Paul Ryan asked the question the media wouldn't, and got the answer about the true cost of the stimulus.



MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK


At least on the Internet, Salam Hayek's breastfeeding.



STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK


Beer pong is saved


I thought the British had more class.


Take a gander at the physical attributes of Lee Redmond. Go ahead. It's OK.  Well, you know what they say.......about all good things coming to an end. Read..


REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

A  look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...


HEROES OF THE WEEK


Company B in Green Bay


Jesse Coltrane


Girl Scouts



VILLAINS OF THE WEEK


Vera Morehouse


Anthony Stancl


The University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Authority Board



QUOTES OF THE WEEK


The audio from the Hudson splashdown


The octuplet mom speaks


Obama: "I screwed up"  

Etta James bashes Beyonce for singing , "At Last" at the Obama Inaugural party...

Look, but don't touch


You think YOU had a bad day?


REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...


HEROES OF THE WEEK


Jill Stanek, Lucy Talbot, Anita White


Wisconsin students



VILLAINS OF THE WEEK


 Judges Joan Kessler and Patricia Curley


Milwaukee County Supervisors Clark and Jones


Two priests


Sam Adams


Julieta Clinton


De Pere restaurant



QUOTES OF THE WEEK


“I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President.”
What the oath is supposed to read.


“”I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear [pause] that I will execute the Office of the President faithfully.”
What US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said while swearing in Barack Obama.


"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day: when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around,  when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right."
Text excerpted from the benediction delivered by Rev. Joseph Lowery at the inauguration.


“I would say that he would be Joshua going across to the Promised Land. Martin Luther King Jr. went to the mountaintop like Moses, and he said, ‘I might not get there with you, but I can see the Promised Land.’ But we gonna’ get to the Promised Land. So Joshua carried them across. Martin Luther King, Jr. was prevented from going into the Promised Land.”
Boxing promoter Don King referring to Obama.


"It’s a difficult thing. As a Republican, I am convinced his plans will not work. As an American, I hope they do."
State Representative Robin Vos (R-Racine) on the mixed feelings of conservatives on Inauguration Day.


"I was just one of the fools who stayed too long. I don't understand how people with families can afford this job."
Former State Representative Dave Travis ( D-Waunakee) on news that he benefited from retiring early in order to avoid the market downturn’s effect on his pension. Travis estimated his pension and future Social Security benefits to be about $60,000 a year -- more than his final annual legislative salary of $47,413. Hundreds of other state workers took the same advice and retired before the end of 2008.


"The mayor's resignation today, for all, was viewed as a good thing and allows for the partial closure of one chapter of this book."
Racine City Administrator Ben Hughes on former Racine Mayor Gary Becker's resignation Tuesday. Becker was arrested last week on charges related to possession of child pornography, misconduct in public office and attempting to arrange a sexual liaison with what he thought was a 14-year-old girl.


"Where do you guys find these women, really, seriously. I'd say about every fourth man who comes in here unemployed, no education, is with a woman who is working full-time, going to school. Where do you find these women? Is there a club?"
Former Milwaukee Judge Joseph Wall during sentencing of a drug dealer in 2007. The drug dealer was living with the mother of his one-year old child who was working to support them. Wall's remarks led an appellate court to reverse Wall's ruling. Wall also called the woman a "baby mama."


"The trial court's intemperate sentencing remarks were sarcastic and demeaning, the antithesis of 'patient, dignified and courteous.' As is evident by the many sentencing transcripts that cross my desk, it is possible for a sentencing judge to mete out stiff (and often well-deserved) sentences without belittling the offender."
Appellate Court Judge Patricia Curley ripping former judge Wall's above comments.


"Tell whoever is bellyaching to stop their whining. If they don't like the change, they can find some work somewhere else in the weak economy."
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, responding to a reporter's question about a union official's complaint that staffing changes at the House of Correction could result in safety problems.


"Assuming the Healthy Wisconsin program were to become law in 2009, the regression analysis predicts that between 2009 and 2015, an additional 143,000 people would be drawn to the state by the prospect of readily available health insurance, or would remain in the state so as not to lose their Healthy Wisconsin coverage. In dollar terms, the annual—and currently unbudgeted—cost of adding these 143,000 individuals to Healthy Wisconsin would be $550 million (in 2007 dollars). This figure could be expected to grow rapidly, however, to keep pace with medical inflation, and possibly to accommodate new arrivals with unusually costly health care problems."
From a Wisconsin Policy Reserach Institute report, analyzing the impact if Wisconsin approves government health care.



OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK


No class at the inauguration from poor winners.



MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK


Open-carry becoming central gun rights issue.

Oh, and there was that March for Life in Washington...



MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK


The Obama coronation.



STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK


Clerk's mistake= $1M


Shelly Koontz is a criminal. Read why.


He wasn't dead after all.


Coming to a civics class near Green Bay...


REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...


HEROES OF THE WEEK





Photo: Reuters

That's USC Trojans quarterback Mark Sanchez as he warms up before the start of the 95th Rose Bowl game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in Pasadena, California, January 1, 2009. USC won easily, continuing the Big Ten's pattern of laying eggs in bowl games.

Take a look at the message underneath Sanchez's eyes.

R.I.P. GARENN.

What does it mean? Here's the answer with details from September and  November......and this video.

No, he's not dead. Director George Butler attends the New York Premiere of George Butler's Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry, held at the Asia Society, Friday, Oct 1, 2004 in New York. Butler wants his friends to know he's very much alive, despite his premature obituary on "The Charlie Rose Show" this week. During his annual New Year's Eve tribute on PBS to notable figures who during the year, Rose included Butler, whose 1977 film "Pumping Iron" featured a then-unknown bodybuilder named Arnold Schwarzenegger. The screen even flashed a Butler tombstone, 1943-2008. (AP Photo/Jennifer Graylock)


Twincredibles


IRS leaves lawyer confused


REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

And finally, a quote that epitomizes the collective orgasm the mainstream media had all year over.....SWOOOOOOON....Barack Obama.

It comes from Chris Matthews.

“Look, everybody likes to be popular. What do you expect? We've got a major economic problem and I'm the president during the major economic problem. I mean, do people approve of the economy? No. I don't approve of the economy. ... I've been a wartime president. I've dealt with two economic recessions now. I've had, hell, a lot of serious challenges. What matters to me is I didn't compromise my soul to be a popular guy."
President Bush in an interview with Fox News.


"I am not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing. I will fight, I will fight, I will fight until I take my last breath. I'm dying to answer these charges. I'm not going to quit my job. I'm not going to do what my accusers and political enemies have done and that is talk about this case in 30 second sound bites. I am dying to show you how innocent I am. I intend to answer every allegation that comes my way."
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (D), publicly addressing for the first time corruption charges filed against him.


"There is no excuse for my actions and I accept full responsibility. This is not typical behavior for me, but unfortunately I drank too much and exercised very poor judgment"
State Representative Jeff Wood  (I-Bloomer), in a statement on his arrest in Columbia County. Wood, who according to the police report had a damaged car and had pulled off to the side of westbound I-94, had a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 and was found with two bags of marijuana and a pipe.


"You're going to reach a point where I could pretty much tell state employees not to come to work for six months and that still wouldn't deal with the size of the deficit that we're dealing with."
Governor Jim Doyle on the potential of cutting state agencies in order to resolve the budget deficit. Doyle said he expects to introduce his budget in mid-February, but it could be pushed back a few weeks if the federal government stalls in providing help for state governments.


"For decades cities have suffered government cutbacks that have pressured decisions that have under-funded cities’ long-term infrastructure and maintenance needs. Funding these projects will begin to reverse that trend."
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett requesting aid to Milwaukee as part of a federal stimulus package.


"In my neck of the woods, I've got a lot of guys in the paper industry out of work, and they just don't have any confidence that we're working to help them. You can't forget about the rest of the state."
State Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah), on utilizing stimulus money outside Milwaukee.


"If we want to compete to be the majority party in this country again, we have to expand our appeal beyond the angry white male."
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Janesville), about the GOP.


“I’m expecting us to make the playoffs, as I hope the rest of our team is. It very well could be my last (year). It could be my last three games or last four games, I don’t know. I think that every player, you’re always an injury away. I have no idea, as most players don’t, what direction a team would want to go in. This is 18 years. Sixteen have been nonstop. It’s been a pretty good run, but it’s not over yet.”
NY Jets QB Brett Favre about his future.



OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK


Woman drowns her baby, gets only 5 years in prison.


With economy struggling, Congress gets a pay raise.



MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK


Ever notice when some study comes out about impoverished, struggling families, it always gets media coverage, front and center? How about a study that says kids that are raised at home by both of their biological parents who regularly attend religious services have far fewer problems at home and school? Gee, we certainly wouldn't want that news to get out...


And Baby, it would really be cold outside if not for us, thousands of years ago.



MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK


The impending end of civilization, or, this week's snowstorms. This time, the weatherpeople didn't over-dramatize, but they never passed up a chance to tell us: a) The snow is coming and b) The snow is falling.



STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK


Have it your way with some beef body spray.


You threw a shoe at President Bush? Take my daughter, please!


Santa's reindeer: male or female?



REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.