Ryan Dashek

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Best And Worst of Arts in 2014

Best of Music

Supreme Court gay marriage non-ruling brings Wisconsin forward

With the U.S. Supreme Court refusing to hear the seven same-sex marriage cases on their docket, the stays in each of the seven states were lifted, effectively legalizing gay marriage in Utah, Oklahoma, Virginia, Indiana and Wisconsin. Ever since a Wisconsin constitutional amendment which stated, “Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid ... as  a marriage in this,” was approved by voters in 2006, gay marriage has been illegal in Wisconsin. This stood until 2014, when the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against Gov. Scott Walker challenging the amendment. It was ruled that the ban was unconstitutional. The state appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, where Oct. 6 they denied review of the case. The right to marry is a fundamental right that has been denied to same-sex couples. Public opinion has shifted in Wisconsin, with 55 percent in favor of same-sex marriage, so the opinion that approved the amendment is not even relevant anymore. With the Supreme Court’s statement, Gov. Walker and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen are required to accept the circuit court’s decision. As progressivism has been an integral part of this state’s history, the decision only substantiates Wisconsin’s motto: forward. 

Federal court refuses to rehear voter ID arguments

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals declined a request by the American Civil Liberties Union Friday to rehear the controversial voter ID case the court decided earlier this month.

Ward comments on UW surplus funds

Following a statewide uproar after a legislative audit revealed the University of Wisconsin System held $1 billion in cash balances as of last June, UW-Madison Chancellor David Ward released additional details in a statement Thursday about where the extra funds will be used at the university.

Record Store Day lets local bands shine once the vinyl starts to spin

Monona robbery ends in suspect's shooting

PETA files suit against UW

Members of the animal rights group People for Ethical Treatment of Animals  will file a lawsuit Tuesday against the UW System Board of Regents for not releasing documents concerning eye-movement research on monkeys and cats.

New Beer Thursday--Rising Moon Spring Ale

Blue Moon's spring seasonal Rising Moon has hit liquor store shelves in an attempt to capitalize on drinkers lured in by the beer's suggestion of winter's end, warmer weather and Terrace music. However, Rising Moon's emphasis on ""smooth and balanced taste"" results in a one-dimensional brew more suited for beerophiles requiring training wheels than the discerning micro-brew lover.

02/11/2010 - Evil Bird

Beer tax not appropriate in economic downturn

A newly proposed state tax on beer will only harm the Wisconsin beer industry without benefiting safety.