Wednesday, 4.22
Wildlife experts seek to assure west-side Madison residents that, as one put it, "the threat posed by coyotes is infinitesimally small, but not zero." (See web report: "West Madison Residents Gather to Address Coyote Encounters," 4/22/09.) There have been a number of recent sightings and two pets reported killed. As usual, Isthmus was in front on this story ("Wily Coyotes Are Showing Up All Over Dane County," 2/17/06).
Thursday, 4.23
UW-Steven Point Chancellor Linda Bunnell announces she's resigned following an incident in which she drove her state car into a parked vehicle in Madison, then drove away. Bunnell admitted ordering three drinks but said she only drank one - which, the Associated Press noted, was "widely mocked." The AP later quoted her saying: "I wish I hadn't broken the law but I can't say that's a regret." Mock away.
Former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann says he'll run for governor as a Republican in 2010. Milwaukee County Exec Scott Walker plans to do the same.
Friday, 4.24
Walker announces on his Twitter account he's filed papers to run for governor next year. That's just 88 characters; this takes it to limit.
Saturday, 4.25
The Dane County jail says it's terminated its contract with the Mental Health Center of Dane County to provide services at the jail after concerns were raised about inmate medications. The new provider is Correct Care of Nashville, Tenn., which raised the concerns.
Losers on parade, part 1: Juan Moore, 22, is charged with battery and fourth-degree sexual assault after grabbing a woman's butt on State Street, then punching her in the face.
Sunday, 4.26
Losers on parade, part 2: A white man in his 50s, 6'3" and 250-300 pounds with missing teeth, makes off with a bottle of vodka from a State Street liquor store, then KOs a man who tries to intervene.
Monday, 4.27
Losers on parade, part 3: A 6'3" white male with a slim build and dirty blond hair breaks the nose of a 21-year-old man dancing at a downtown house party.
Tuesday, 4.28
The Wisconsin Supreme Court rules that criminals can be required to pay restitution even after their sentences are served, ignoring concerns that these obligations might make reintegration more difficult.
Both houses of the state Legislature pass a bill requiring drivers to look before opening their doors and eliminating a rule that bikes must stay at least three feet from parked vehicles. The change, similar to one passed by the city of Madison, was prompted by an incident reported in Isthmus (Madison.gov., 8/15/08) where a bicyclist was ticketed by police after getting "doored" by a car.
Compiled (in part) from local media
