Updated 2/22/17 8:40 p.m.
Burlington native and former gubernatorial candidate Ed Garvey died Wednesday after a battle with Parkinson's Disease. The 76 year-old Garvey was the first executive director of the National Football League Players Association, and ran for a U.S Senate seat in Wisconsin in 1986, then ran for governor in 1998. Both campaigns were unsuccessful. He later founded the annual progressive political event, "Fighting Bob Fest", named after his political idol, "Fighting Bob" La Follette.
A Kenosha-based political group made up primarily of progressives plans to stage a Paul Ryan listening session this weekend--without Ryan. The Speaker has been getting heat from some constituents who have grown frustrated with President Trump's performance in office and think that Ryan should be holding town hall meetings in his district. Ryan has yet to schedule any this year. Forward Kenosha now says it'll do it for him. The group is inviting the public to vent at UAW Local 72 headquarters on Washington Rd. this Sunday evening from 6 to 7:30. A Ryan spokesman told WGTD News that Ryan won't participate, describing it as a clever attempt by the group to draw attention to itself. A spokesman for Forward Kenosha accuses Ryan of not listening to his constituents.
McAllen, Texas---Paul Ryan spent Wednesday near the U.S./Mexican border as the Trump administration steps up immigration enforcement and prepares to ask Congress to pay for a border wall. It's the first time that the 1st District Republican has visited the border. He's leading a small group of lawmakers on a fact-finding mission.
A lawyer for the Tremper High School transgender student who won a lawsuit against the school says revocation of federal guidance related to bathroom use would not impact his case. Attorney Ilona Turner said Wednesday that rulings by both state and federal courts relied on cases showing it's unlawful to discriminate against transgender people, not on guidance issued by the Obama administration. But an attorney who's representing the school district has a different take. Ronald Stadler says he believes the Trump administration actions will boost the district's case as it appeals the lower court rulings. Oral arguments at the federal appellate court level are scheduled for the end of next month.
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From the WGTD news staff and the Associated Press.
