Milwaukee Journal SentinelMADISON - Gov. Tony Evers and his administration came under fire Tuesday by conservative justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, one of whom compared his order to close businesses and schools amid the coronavirus outbreak to government oppression. "Isn't it the very definition of tyranny for one person to order people to be imprisoned for going to work among other ordinarily lawful activities?" asked Justice Rebecca Bradley, who later questioned whether the administration could use the same power to order people into centers akin to the U.S. government's...…Milwaukee Journal SentinelMADISON - Gov. Tony Evers and his administration came under fire Tuesday by conservative justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, one of whom compared his order to close businesses and schools amid the coronavirus outbreak to government oppression. "Isn't it the very definition of tyranny for one person to order people to be imprisoned for going to work among other ordinarily lawful activities?" asked Justice Rebecca Bradley, who later questioned whether the administration could use the same power to order people into centers akin to the U.S. government's...WW…

Milwaukee Journal SentinelMADISON - As Republicans pursue a longshot chance of overturning the presidential results in Wisconsin, they’re focused on absentee voters' addresses, the state’s residency requirement and a flash drive that was briefly left in a counting machine.With a lead of more than 20,000 votes by President-elect Joe Biden, Republicans would need to find something momentous to shift the state’s results to President Donald Trump.And in the unlikely scenario that Biden loses Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes, he could still claim the presidency because of his victories in other...…Milwaukee Journal SentinelMADISON - As Republicans pursue a longshot chance of overturning the presidential results in Wisconsin, they’re focused on absentee voters' addresses, the state’s residency requirement and a flash drive that was briefly left in a counting machine.With a lead of more than 20,000 votes by President-elect Joe Biden, Republicans would need to find something momentous to shift the state’s results to President Donald Trump.And in the unlikely scenario that Biden loses Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes, he could still claim the presidency because of his victories in other...WW…

Mississippi Clarion LedgerView CommentsBrett Favre is paying Mississippi back $1.1 million in welfare money he received for speaking engagements and other purposes, according to State Auditor Shad White. White said the former Green Bay Packers quarterback paid his office $500,000 on Wednesday and he would "repay the remainder in installments over the next few months." The auditor said the money will eventually be sent to the Mississippi Department of Human Services for welfare-related expenditures.Favre received funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or...…Mississippi Clarion LedgerView CommentsBrett Favre is paying Mississippi back $1.1 million in welfare money he received for speaking engagements and other purposes, according to State Auditor Shad White. White said the former Green Bay Packers quarterback paid his office $500,000 on Wednesday and he would "repay the remainder in installments over the next few months." The auditor said the money will eventually be sent to the Mississippi Department of Human Services for welfare-related expenditures.Favre received funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or...WW…

Milwaukee Journal SentinelMADISON - Republican legislative leaders lashed out Wednesday at Democratic Gov. Tony Evers after his staff secretly recorded a May 14 phone conversation over how to respond to the coronavirus pandemic the day after the state Supreme Court struck down the state's stay-at-home order.The recording and the reaction to it all but ensures a permanently broken relationship between Evers and Republicans who control the Legislature. The two sides have rarely gotten along since Evers was elected in 2018 and Wednesday's episode was characterized by...…Milwaukee Journal SentinelMADISON - Republican legislative leaders lashed out Wednesday at Democratic Gov. Tony Evers after his staff secretly recorded a May 14 phone conversation over how to respond to the coronavirus pandemic the day after the state Supreme Court struck down the state's stay-at-home order.The recording and the reaction to it all but ensures a permanently broken relationship between Evers and Republicans who control the Legislature. The two sides have rarely gotten along since Evers was elected in 2018 and Wednesday's episode was characterized by...WW…

Milwaukee Journal SentinelMADISON - Republicans who control the state Legislature appealed a court decision Wednesday to try to make sure absentee ballots aren't counted if clerks receive them after election day. The filing with the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals came two days after U.S. District Judge William Conley — election day — and received by clerks by Nov. 9. Ordinarily, absentee ballots in Wisconsin are counted only if they are in clerks' hands by election day. Conley provided the extension because of the coronavirus pandemic, a surge in mail voting and recent problems with...…Milwaukee Journal SentinelMADISON - Republicans who control the state Legislature appealed a court decision Wednesday to try to make sure absentee ballots aren't counted if clerks receive them after election day. The filing with the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals came two days after U.S. District Judge William Conley — election day — and received by clerks by Nov. 9. Ordinarily, absentee ballots in Wisconsin are counted only if they are in clerks' hands by election day. Conley provided the extension because of the coronavirus pandemic, a surge in mail voting and recent problems with...WW…

Emily Wagster PettusAssociated PressJACKSON, Miss. – A nonprofit group caught up in an embezzlement scheme in Mississippi used federal welfare money to pay former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre $1.1 million for multiple speaking engagements, but Favre did not show up for the events, the state auditor said Monday.Details about payments to Favre are included in an audit of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. State Auditor Shad White said his employees identified $94 million in questionable spending by the agency, including payments for sports activities with no clear...…Emily Wagster PettusAssociated PressJACKSON, Miss. – A nonprofit group caught up in an embezzlement scheme in Mississippi used federal welfare money to pay former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre $1.1 million for multiple speaking engagements, but Favre did not show up for the events, the state auditor said Monday.Details about payments to Favre are included in an audit of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. State Auditor Shad White said his employees identified $94 million in questionable spending by the agency, including payments for sports activities with no clear...WW…

Milwaukee Journal SentinelJim Johnsen, the president of the University of Alaska System and sole finalist for the position of University of Wisconsin System president, withdrew from consideration for the job Friday.The decision came mere hours before the nine-member search committee chaired by UW Regent Vice President Michael Grebe was set to meet in closed session to consider recommending the full board make Johnsen a formal offer."After deep reflection as to where I am called to lead a university system through these challenging times, it is clear to me and my family...…Milwaukee Journal SentinelJim Johnsen, the president of the University of Alaska System and sole finalist for the position of University of Wisconsin System president, withdrew from consideration for the job Friday.The decision came mere hours before the nine-member search committee chaired by UW Regent Vice President Michael Grebe was set to meet in closed session to consider recommending the full board make Johnsen a formal offer."After deep reflection as to where I am called to lead a university system through these challenging times, it is clear to me and my family...WW…

Milwaukee Journal SentinelWisconsin Democrats needed a fundraising boost. And the message from the original cast of "The Princess Bride" and their guests?"As you wish."More than 110,000 people donated at least $1 each to tune into , making the online event an inconceivable fundraising win for Democrats here."Tonight's once-in-a-lifetime Princess Bride reunion changes the odds on who wins Wisconsin," said Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. "This is by a mile the biggest grassroots fundraiser that we have ever had."Wikler added that "chipping in to register for...…Milwaukee Journal SentinelWisconsin Democrats needed a fundraising boost. And the message from the original cast of "The Princess Bride" and their guests?"As you wish."More than 110,000 people donated at least $1 each to tune into , making the online event an inconceivable fundraising win for Democrats here."Tonight's once-in-a-lifetime Princess Bride reunion changes the odds on who wins Wisconsin," said Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. "This is by a mile the biggest grassroots fundraiser that we have ever had."Wikler added that "chipping in to register for...WW…

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Although people coming out to monitor the voting process is nothing new — especially during a presidential election — the concept of poll watching has been in the spotlight recently. Last month during his debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden, President Donald Trump urged his supporters to "go into the polls and watch very carefully." about who can watch the polls — and what they're allowed to do.Here's what to know in Wisconsin, whether you're interested in watching the voting take place or a voter wanting to ensure your right to vote is...…Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Although people coming out to monitor the voting process is nothing new — especially during a presidential election — the concept of poll watching has been in the spotlight recently. Last month during his debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden, President Donald Trump urged his supporters to "go into the polls and watch very carefully." about who can watch the polls — and what they're allowed to do.Here's what to know in Wisconsin, whether you're interested in watching the voting take place or a voter wanting to ensure your right to vote is...WW…

Milwaukee Journal SentinelThe Wisconsin Public Service Corp. will now be responsible for cleaning up chemical contamination in Marinette after a settlement with the state and federal governments.   WPS will be responsible for cleaning up historic contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, at a former manufactured gas plant, according to a Monday afternoon release from the Department of Justice. The settlement was reached on Friday and requires the utility to conduct remedial activities at the site, dredge and dispose of contaminated sediments, and...…Milwaukee Journal SentinelThe Wisconsin Public Service Corp. will now be responsible for cleaning up chemical contamination in Marinette after a settlement with the state and federal governments.   WPS will be responsible for cleaning up historic contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, at a former manufactured gas plant, according to a Monday afternoon release from the Department of Justice. The settlement was reached on Friday and requires the utility to conduct remedial activities at the site, dredge and dispose of contaminated sediments, and...WW…