53 total articles : showing 1-10 next 10 >
Business Beat: Wisconsin's furlough dust far from settled
Although state budget details were worked out in secret, it's no secret many state and University of Wisconsin employees remain boiling mad at Gov. Jim Doyle for ordering 16 unpaid days off over the next two years to help close the $6.6 billion budget gap that keeps on growing. read story
As folks seek inexpensive things to do, tax hikes may be necessary
Through early May, attendance at the Henry Vilas Zoo was over 130,000 -- nearly double the number of visitors from the same period last year. Of course, this surge in zoo-going has little to do with the public's sudden interest in threatened species and everything to do with the fact that a visit to see the animals is free. read story
Business Beat: Midwest high-speed rail plan appears on track
The Obama administration is dropping hints that a proposed Midwest high-speed rail network connecting Minneapolis, Madison and Chicago has a good chance of landing part of the $8 billion in federal stimulus earmarked for passenger trains. One unresolved issue is whether Midwest trains can meet the speed guidelines being used to determine which states get federal funding. Those guidelines define high-speed rail as 90-110 mph. read story
Business Beat: Madison wants to cut auto traffic 25 percent by 2020
The city of Madison is poised to add another hoop for developers to jump through when considering new projects: how many car trips will be generated. A resolution working its way through City Hall sets a goal of reducing the total amount of vehicle miles traveled here 25 percent by 2020. That could make it harder to build homes, offices or stores on the urban fringe. read story
Business Beat: Budget belt-tightening spreads across the board
As much as you wanted to think Wisconsin was going to cruise through this recession unscathed, signs are pointing to a long and painful road ahead. Government officials at the state and local level are now realizing they are going to have to make do with less, lots less. read story
Business Beat: Plans for Ice Age Trail irk private landowners
The area west of University Ridge Golf Course between Woods Road and Shady Oak Lane contains some of the most spectacular glacial terrain in Dane County. Now, the city of Madison is attempting to map out future development for the Shady Wood neighborhood, some 640 acres between Midtown Road and County PD. read story
Business Beat: Stock market makes gains, but it's too early to celebrate
The stock market has shown some signs of life this spring, posting six straight winning weeks before pausing last week. Main Street investors might have enough courage to actually open their next quarterly 401(k) statement. But before getting too excited, remember: The housing bubble is still bursting, and the automakers are still in trouble. read story
Business Beat: Don't eat the rich; just tax them
With so many taxpayers now filing electronically -- the IRS estimates nearly 60 percent this year -- Tax Day has lost some of its urgency. No longer must last-minute filers line up at the post office to beat the April 15 deadline. But Tax Day still presents a great chance for the middle class to realize how badly the system is skewed against them. read story
Business Beat: Urban digs for University Research Park
Madison has long dreamed of a leafy "Central Park" in the blighted industrial corridor between East Washington Avenue and Williamson Street. Ambitious plans there have included water features, gardens, market space and walking paths. read story
Business Beat: County executive race could hinge on rail issue
Political foes of County Executive Kathleen Falk are betting that Falk's support for a commuter rail system between Middleton and the outskirts of Sun Prairie will help bring victory to challenger Nancy Mistele. "Remember, only Nancy can stop the train," says veteran real estate developer Glenn Hovde. read story
