Monday in Whitewater will see wind gusts and a high of 46. Sunrise is 6:38 and sunset is 7:20, for 12 hours, 42 minutes of daytime. The moon is a waxing crescent with 6.9 percent of its visible disk illuminated.
Update No. 2: Turns out Nicholas Jacobs, one of the winners of a million dollars, wasn’t an ordinary attendee but a Wisconsin College Republicans chairman:
Nicholas Jacobs, a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, is listed as the chairman of Wisconsin’s College Republicans chapter. He has made his account private on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that Musk owns.
According to his LinkedIn account, Jacobs worked for the campaigns of U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and Rep. Derrick Van Orden. In the fall of 2024, he worked as a “ballot chase representative” for Turning Point Action, which began as a youth-focused group active on college campuses but has expanded its voter outreach operations, especially in Wisconsin.
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Elon Musk gave out $1 million checks on Sunday to two Wisconsin voters, declaring them spokespeople for his political group, ahead of a Wisconsin Supreme Court election that the tech billionaire cast as critical to President Donald Trump’s agenda and “the future of civilization.”
Elon Musk presents a check for $1 million dollars to a man during a town hall Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
Elon Musk presents a check for $1 million dollars during a town hall Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
“It’s a super big deal,” he told a roughly 2,000-person crowd in Green Bay on Sunday night, taking the stage in a yellow cheesehead hat. “I’m not phoning it in. I’m here in person.”
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A unanimous state Supreme Court on Sunday refused to hear a last-minute attempt by the state’s Democratic attorney general to stop Musk from handing over the checks to two voters, a ruling that came just minutes before the planned start of the rally.
Sunday in Whitewater will be rainy with a high of 64. Sunrise is 6:40 and sunset is 7:19, for 12 hours, 39 minutes of daytime. The moon is a waxing crescent with 2 percent of its visible disk illuminated.
On this day in 1867, the United States and the Russian Empire agree to the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, about two cents/acre. The parties later ratify the agreement by treaty, and effective transfer occurs in October 1867.
It was improbable that Wisconsin courts would intervene to prevent Elon Musk from conducting a giveaway (of either hundreds of dollars or even millions of dollars) so close to the April 1st election. American courts are not dispositionally situated to address an authoritarian movement, as these movements act quickly, audaciously, and ignore both law and tradition in pursuit of their goals.
A Wisconsin appellate court denied the state Democratic attorney general’s request to stop billionaire Elon Musk from handing over $1 million checks to two voters at a rally planned for Sunday, just two days before a closely contested Supreme Court election.
The denial Saturday by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals is the latest twist in Musk’s deep involvement in the race, which has set a record for spending in a judicial election and has become a litmus test for the opening months of Donald Trump’s presidency. Trump and Musk are backing Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel in the race, while Democrats are behind Dane County Judge Susan Crawford.
Attorney General Josh Kaul filed the lawsuit Friday, arguing that Musk’s offer violates the law. Kaul on Saturday later appealed to the state Court of Appeals, after a county court judge refused earlier in the day to hear the request for an emergency injunction to block the payments.
Saturday in Whitewater will be cloudy with a high of 68. Sunrise is 6:41 and sunset is 7:18, for 12 hours, 36 minutes of daytime. The moon is new with none of its visible disk illuminated.
On this day in 1999, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closes above the 10,000 mark (10,006.78) for the first time, during the height of the dot-com bubble.
Each Saint Patrick’s Day weekend, generations of the O’Brien clan gather in the family’s maple grove to tap the sap, cook the syrup and enjoy each other’s company. The family’s creation of combination sap shed and gathering space ensures their family tradition will go on for many generations.
Friday in Whitewater will be windy with a high of 76. Sunrise is 6:43 and sunset is 7:16, for 12 hours, 33 minutes of daytime. The moon is a waning crescent with 1.1 percent of its visible disk illuminated.
In a post on X, the social media platform he owns, Musk wrote late Thursday that he would “give a talk in Wisconsin” on Sunday night. He did not say where.
“Entrance is limited to those who have voted in the Supreme Court election,” he wrote, though he did not specify how that would be verified.
Musk also wrote that he would present two $1 million checks “in appreciation for you taking the time to vote.”
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In a statement, the spokesman for Schimel’s opponent, liberal Susan Crawford, said Musk was trying to buy off Schimel and labeled his visit a “last-minute desperate distraction.”
“Wisconsinites don’t want a billionaire like Musk telling them who to vote for, and on Tuesday, voters should reject Musk’s lackey Brad Schimel,” spokesman Derrick Honeyman said.
Trump framed the race that will decide the ideological balance of the state Supreme Court in national terms, saying it would have an “outsized impact on the future of the country.”
“I know you feel it’s local, but it’s not. It’s really much more than local,” Trump said in the 10-minute call. “The whole country’s watching.”
After 14 months and 50,000 miles, Bridget McCutchen from Ashland earned the Guinness World Record as the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe by motorcycle. The northern Wisconsin native traversed 45 countries, developing newfound confidence — and inspiring more women to ride — along the way.
Meet Mr. Pugsley Addams, the Minnesota cat who holds the Guinness World Record for a living domestic feline with the longest tail. The 2-year-old silver Maine Coon’s fluffy tail measures an astonishing 18.5 inches long. Owner Amanda Cameron said Mr. Pugsley Addams is “a curious adventure seeker” — with a reputation for “troublemaking.” Pugsley received his world record title in February, beating the previous record holder in length by nearly 2 inches. Pugsley’s family said they celebrated their cat’s world-record achievement by showering him with lots of kisses and giving him his “favorite shoulder massages.”
Thursday in Whitewater will be cloudy with a high of 58. Sunrise is 6:45 and sunset is 7:15, for 12 hours, 30 minutes of daytime. The moon is a waning crescent with 5.4 percent of its visible disk illuminated.
On this day in 1912, First Lady Helen Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, plant two Yoshino cherry trees on the northern bank of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the origin of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
In a post last week, this libertarian blogger wrote criticizing Sen. Chuck Schumer. That criticism was, and is, deserved. SeeSchumer Gets the Criticism He Deserves.
Josh Marshall relates an observation that one of Marshall’s friends made of Schumer:
A few days ago a friend told me that Chuck Schumer thinks he’s a minority leader but he’s actually an opposition leader. Or rather that’s the position into which history has placed him — and he doesn’t realize it or he doesn’t grasp the difference or he’s simply not able to be the latter thing. There are lots of ways to explain the disconnect or incapacity. But I thought this was a pretty good one.
Yes. These times, more than within the last three generations, will test understanding and imagination. Some will adjust; others not. Some previously unnoticed will rise to the moment; many prominent until now will fall away.
That’s true nationally, statewide, and it will prove true in Whitewater, also. How odd that even now one has to write this way, warning that a few hidebound men and women will not be able to shelter in local boosterism or positivity in the misapprehension that Whitewater is an island far from turmoil on the mainland.
Watching a community forum of municipal candidates from a few weeks, ago, where the organizers carried on as though we lived in conditions of nonpartisanship1, made so very clear that we are not immune from Schumer’s failure to grasp the moment.
A community that pretends a wolf2 is a sheep soon has fewer sheep.
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Not even bipartisanship, itself an extinct species, but nonpartisanship. No one profits from these misapprehensions so much as the authoritarian populists. They’re professedly commonsensical only until they can impose their book-banning and closet-confining on others. ↩︎
A palate cleanser of sorts — Sophia S. Galer on the em dash. (Admittedly, I am a fan of the em dash, so her views suit my preferences.) What makes Galer so compelling, however, is that her intelligence is creative, inquisitive, seeking. Something about which to be hopeful in the generation after mine…
Wednesday in Whitewater will be partly cloudy with a high of 53. Sunrise is 6:47 and sunset is 7:14, for 12 hours, 28 minutes of daytime. The moon is a waning crescent with 11.3 percent of its visible disk illuminated.
On this day in 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridgecollapses following a collision between the MV Dali container ship and one of the bridge’s support pillars, killing 6 people.
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence continued its sharp 2025 decline as Americans’ views about their financial futures slumped to a 12-year low, driven by rising anxiety over tariffs and inflation.
The Conference Board reported Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell 7.2 points in March to 92.9, the fourth straight monthly decline and its lowest reading since January of 2021. The reading was short of analysts expectations for a reading of 94.5, according to a survey by FactSet.
The business group found that the measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market fell 9.6 points to 65.2.
That’s the lowest reading in 12 years and well below the threshold of 80, which the Conference Board says can signal a potential recession in the near future. The proportion of U.S. consumers anticipating a recession remains at a nine-month high, the board reported.
Tuesday in Whitewater will be sunny with a high of 46. Sunrise is 6:48 and sunset is 7:13, for 12 hours, 25 minutes of daytime. The moon is a waning crescent with 19.5 percent of its visible disk illuminated.
It’s a week from Election Day, and Ron Johnson’s correct in his recent observation on Brad Schimel’s campaign for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court:
“This is entirely winnable, and you know, if we do win it, again, we have to thank Elon for all the support he’s given this race, and I was really glad to see President Trump throw in his endorsement as well,” Johnson told the 10,000 people on the livestream…..
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A statement from Crawford’s campaign described the X event as “Elon Musk’s check-in with his $12 million investment.”
“Musk wants a lackey on the Supreme Court who will rule in his company’s favor on their lawsuit against the State of Wisconsin,” said Crawford campaign spokesperson Derrick Honeyman. “Wisconsinites don’t want this slimy and corrupt billionaire running our Supreme Court.”
Monday in Whitewater will be windy with a high of 45. Sunrise is 6:50 and sunset is 7:12, for 12 hours, 22 minutes of daytime. The moon is a waning crescent with 28.7 percent of its visible disk illuminated.
Whitewater’s Urban Forestry Commission meets at 5:30 PM and the Police and Fire Commission at 6 PM.
Farm and construction equipment manufacturers started the year with high hopes for the economy, bolstered by President Donald Trump’s campaign promises to cut taxes on domestic producers and slash government regulations.
But that optimism has given way to fears of a possible recession, sparked by Trump’s international trade war, said Kip Eideberg, senior vice president for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, a national trade group based in West Allis.
“If we are dragged or pushed into a recession as a result of the tit for tat tariffs, that’s a whole ’nother level of pain,” he said. “That’s the biggest fear right now.”
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China, Canada and the European Union plan to hit Wisconsin’s two largest industries, agriculture and manufacturing, with retaliatory tariffs. The moves come in response to Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum and his broader threats and use of tariffs.
Almost 10 percent of Wisconsin’s jobs — or nearly 300,000 — were in industries those countries are targeting. That’s the largest share of any state in the country, according to an analysis from The New York Times.
From the New York Times, here’s the portion of the story to which the WPR story refers:
Rural parts of the country are once again at risk from retaliation. Agriculture is a major U.S. export and farmers are politically important to Mr. Trump. And rural counties may have one major employer — like a poultry processing plant — that provides a big share of the county’s jobs, compared with urban or suburban areas that are more diversified.
The retaliatory tariffs target industries employing 9.5 percent of people in Wisconsin, 8.5 percent of people in Indiana and 8.4 percent of people in Iowa. The shares are also relatively high in Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky and Kansas.
The shapes of these cells are puzzling. They have wavy edges and protrusions and fit together a bit like puzzle pieces. But what is it for? New research looking at the lymph capillary cells, found throughout human tissues, has determined how exactly these tiny vessels are able to let fluid and immune cells pass through between them while also being strong enough to resist rupturing under pressure. Their unusual shape seems to be key…
Sunday in Whitewater will see afternoon showers with a high of 47. Sunrise is 6:52 and sunset is 7:11, for 12 hours, 19 minutes of daytime. The moon is a waning crescent with 38.8 percent of its visible disk illuminated.
On this day in 1933, the Reichstag passes the Enabling Act of 1933, making Hitler dictator of Germany.
A political action committee associated with Elon Musk is offering Wisconsin voters $100 if they sign a petition “in opposition to activist judges” and another $100 if they refer another person who signs the petition. The petition requires people to provide a name, address, email and phone number — information that will help the group make further contact with voters.
The group, America PAC, has reported spending more than $7 million in support of Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel’s campaign for state Supreme Court. Musk himself has contributed more than $13 million to pro-Schimel efforts.
During the campaign, Schimel’s opponent, Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, has accused Musk of trying to buy a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Musk’s company, Tesla, recently filed a lawsuit against the state seeking to change Wisconsin’s law about who can operate car dealerships within the state.
Schimel himself has portrayed himself as a “support network” for President Donald Trump if elected to the Court.
The payment is for a signature in exchange for contact information. The contact information is only useful if those contacted then vote Musk’s way. Those voting Musk’s way are only valuable to Musk if they would not have voted Musk’s way otherwise.
(There might be an opportunity here for people to sign Musk’s petition — whether they choose to ignore any follow-up contact or sign it although they already intend to vote his way — and get paid on Musk’s tab.)
Friday marks the first-ever World Glacier Day, an international observance established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the rapid retreat of glaciers worldwide. As experts warn of accelerating ice loss, visitors at Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier watch in awe as massive ice chunks break away and crash into Lake Argentino—a process both natural and symbolic of broader climate concerns. (AP Video/Sara España).
Saturday in Whitewater will be sunny with a high of 43. Sunrise is 6:54 and sunset is 7:09, for 12 hours, 16 minutes of daytime. The moon is a waning crescent with 48.9 percent of its visible disk illuminated.
On this day in 1993, the Intel Corporation ships the first Pentium chips (80586), featuring a 60 MHz clock speed, 100+ MIPS, and a 64 bit data path.
Domino’s, Papa John’s, Pizza Hut… how about Pizza Pacaya? Cue Beryl Shereshewsky. On Guatemala’s Pacaya volcano, Pizza Pacaya offers a unique cooking and dining experience. Chef Mario David García uses the heat from active lava vents to bake pizzas at over 1,800°F, creating a one-of-a-kind cooking method that only a few lucky tourists can experience.
Friday in Whitewater will be windy with a high of 54. Sunrise is 6:55 and sunset is 7:08, for 12 hours, 13 minutes of daytime. The moon is a waning gibbous with 60.1 percent of its visible disk illuminated.
On this day in 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. leads 3,200 people on the start of the third phase of the successful civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
Last evening, that Pennsylvania school district, located outside Lancaster, Pennsylvania, issued a statement after accepting Caroline Pate-Hefty as their next superintendent.
Manheim Township School District Announces Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty as New Superintendent
Lancaster, PA – The Manheim Township School District (MTSD) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2025. The Board officially approved her appointment during its regular meeting on March 20, 2025. Dr. Pate-Hefty will lead MTSD under a five-year contract, ensuring continuity and stability as the district continues its commitment to academic excellence and student success.
The Board’s decision follows an extensive search and selection process that engaged staff, students, parents and guardians, and community members in identifying the qualities most essential in the district’s next leader.
Dr. Pate-Hefty brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership, having served as Superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) in Wisconsin for the past five years. During her tenure, she successfully expanded programming for English Language Learners and improved student achievement in reading and math, ensuring all students received the highest quality education.
Prior to her time at WUSD, Dr. Pate-Hefty served as Executive Director of Student Services in District #89 in Chicago, where she spearheaded legislation to reintegrate 125 students with disabilities into their home schools, ensuring the most inclusive setting. This initiative not only enhanced educational opportunities for students but also resulted in significant cost savings for the district. She was also part of the leadership team that established the Washington Dual Language Academy, which was later recognized as a “commendable school” by the state of Illinois.
Dr. Pate-Hefty holds a Doctor of Education degree from National Louis University of Chicago, a Master of Educational Leadership from Concordia University, and a Bachelor of Special Education degree from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. She will be relocating to Manheim Township with her husband and two daughters and looks forward to being closer to her oldest son, who will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy in the fall of 2025.
“I’m truly honored to accept the role of superintendent in Manheim Township,” said Dr. Pate-Hefty. “My family and I are excited to join this incredible community—and we can’t wait to become proud Blue Streaks! Together, we will build on the district’s strong tradition of excellence and remain committed to the achievement of each individual’s potential by providing the opportunities, support, and inspiration every learner deserves!”
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Pate-Hefty as the next Superintendent of Manheim Township School District,” said Ms. Sara Woodbury, President of the MTSD Board of School Directors. “Dr. Pate-Hefty is an experienced, data-driven, and strategic superintendent who leads with empathy. Her proven track record of serving all students and her commitment to excellence make her the right leader for our district. We are confident that under her guidance, MTSD will continue to thrive and will innovate in ways that challenge and nurture all of our students for success.”
The MTSD Board of School Directors expresses its gratitude to all those who participated in the search process and looks forward to welcoming Dr. Pate-Hefty into the Blue Streaks community.
A reminder to those who will remain in Whitewater, in self-stated public service to the community — Stewart Brand’s famous observation about information is still true:
On the one hand information wants to be expensive, because it’s so valuable. The right information in the right place just changes your life. On the other hand, information [almost] wants to be free, because the cost of getting it out is getting lower and lower all the time. So you have these two fighting against each other.
