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CBS News
18-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down GOP law weakening attorney general's power
A unanimous Wisconsin Supreme Court sided with the Democratic state attorney general Tuesday in a long-running battle over a law passed by Republicans who wanted to weaken the office in a lame duck legislative session more than six years ago. The court ruled 7-0 that requiring the attorney general to get permission from a Republican-controlled legislative committee to settle certain lawsuits was unconstitutional. The law is a separation of powers violation, the court said. The Republican-controlled Legislature convened a session in December 2018 after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul defeated Republican incumbents. The laws signed by Republican Gov. Scott Walker on his way out the door weakened powers of both offices. At issue in the case decided Tuesday was the attorney general's power to settle lawsuits involving environmental and consumer protection cases as well as cases involving the governor's office and executive branch. The new law required the Legislature's budget committee, which is controlled by Republicans, to sign off on those settlements. The Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2020, when controlled by conservatives, upheld all of the lame duck laws and ruled they did not violate the separation of powers principle. But the ruling left the door open to future challenges on how the laws are applied. Kaul sued that year, arguing that having to seek approval for those lawsuit settlements violates the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches. The Legislature argued that lawmakers have an interest in overseeing the settlement of lawsuits and that the court's earlier ruling saying there was no separation of powers violation should stand. Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford, who won election to the state Supreme Court in April and will be joining the court in August, ruled in favor of Kaul in 2022 saying the law was unconstitutional. A state appeals court overturned her ruling December, saying there was no separation of powers violation because both the executive and legislative branches of government share the powers in question. The Supreme Court on Tuesday said the Legislature cannot "assume for itself the power to execute a law it wrote." There is no constitutional justification for requiring the Legislature's budget committee to sign off on court settlements at issue in the case, Justice Brian Hagedorn wrote for the court. Kaul praised the ruling, saying in a statement that the decision "finally puts an end to the legislature's unconstitutional involvement in the resolution of key categories of cases." Republican legislative leaders who defended the law had no immediate comment Tuesday. The win for Kaul comes as Evers has been unsuccessful in overturning numerous law changes affecting the power of the governor. He's proposed undoing the laws in all four state budgets he's proposed and courts have upheld the laws when challenged.
CBS News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down Republican law weakening attorney general's power
A unanimous Wisconsin Supreme Court sided with the Democratic state attorney general Tuesday in a long-running battle over a law passed by Republicans who wanted to weaken the office in a lame duck legislative session more than six years ago. The court ruled 7-0 that requiring the attorney general to get permission from a Republican-controlled legislative committee to settle certain lawsuits was unconstitutional. The law is a separation of powers violation, the court said. The Republican-controlled Legislature convened a session in December 2018 after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul defeated Republican incumbents. The laws signed by Republican Gov. Scott Walker on his way out the door weakened powers of both offices. At issue in the case decided Tuesday was the attorney general's power to settle lawsuits involving environmental and consumer protection cases as well as cases involving the governor's office and executive branch. The new law required the Legislature's budget committee, which is controlled by Republicans, to sign off on those settlements. The Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2020, when controlled by conservatives, upheld all of the lame duck laws and ruled they did not violate the separation of powers principle. But the ruling left the door open to future challenges on how the laws are applied. Kaul sued that year, arguing that having to seek approval for those lawsuit settlements violates the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches. The Legislature argued that lawmakers have an interest in overseeing the settlement of lawsuits and that the court's earlier ruling saying there was no separation of powers violation should stand. Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford, who won election to the state Supreme Court in April and will be joining the court in August, ruled in favor of Kaul in 2022 saying the law was unconstitutional. A state appeals court overturned her ruling December, saying there was no separation of powers violation because both the executive and legislative branches of government share the powers in question. The Supreme Court on Tuesday said the Legislature cannot "assume for itself the power to execute a law it wrote." There is no constitutional justification for requiring the Legislature's budget committee to sign off on court settlements at issue in the case, Justice Brian Hagedorn wrote for the court. Kaul praised the ruling, saying in a statement that the decision "finally puts an end to the legislature's unconstitutional involvement in the resolution of key categories of cases." Republican legislative leaders who defended the law had no immediate comment Tuesday. The win for Kaul comes as Evers has been unsuccessful in overturning numerous law changes affecting the power of the governor. He's proposed undoing the laws in all four state budgets he's proposed and courts have upheld the laws when challenged.
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Dermatologist shares correct amount of sunscreen to use during a heatwave
With temperatures this weekend set to top 30C in a number of regions, dermatologist, Dr Scott Walker has shared important advice about the use of sunscreen at the beach As the UK basks in scorching temperatures with an ongoing heatwave expected to see mercury levels soar past 30C in several regions this weekend (June 21/22), a dermatologist 's timely advice on sunscreen application might be something beachgoers want to take seriously. Doctor Scott Walker took to TikTok to deliver his skin protection tips as Britain braces itself for the heatwave With a practical demonstration using a glass, he illustrated just how much sunscreen is essential for a day at the beach: "This is how much sunscreen is needed to cover you body on a typical beach day - it's an entire shot glass full, but let's be honest - do you ever apply that much?" Dr Walker then confessed that the reality is most people skimp on their sunscreen, meaning they don't get the full benefits advertised on the bottle. "Not a lot of people do, which is why the SPF [sun protection factor] advertised on the bottle is not what we are really getting," he remarked. "Nobody applies enough, and in fact this was proven in a real life study at a ski resort where they gave skiers SPF50 or SPF100 and told them to use it how they normally would." The findings of the study revealed that it was more common for individuals using SPF50 to suffer from sunburn. Dr Walker shared the lessons learnt: "So, we have learned a couple of things here," he reiterated. "One - we need to be applying more sunscreen. And two - higher SPF numbers can be beneficial, especially on those days we're going to be outside all day." Dr Walker closed with a further piece of advice, stating: "Sunscreen isn't perfect! Remember the number one line of defence is physical sun protection - seeking shade and UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing!". Writing in response, user shared: "Every one I know uses SPF20 maybe 30 if they don't have anything else, but my Scandinavian friend only uses 50 or above regardless. I'd rather be ghostly pale and comfortable instead of red and uncomfortable." Another chimed in: "That is why I buy cheap. The supermarket brand, the one for atopic skin (normally unscented) and use the same for face and body." A third person offered their insight: "It's one reason I get a stronger sunscreen than I need. If I don't use enough I'll get the strength I need (and if I can't go stronger I'll make sure to use enough)." Whilst a fourth person revealed their sun protection strategy: "And we're supposed to reapply that much every two hours if where gonna be out in the sun all day like the beach. Which almost nobody does, myself included - I forget, though I do bring shade and stay under it most of the time." According to the NHS, meanwhile, adults should aim to apply around six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen if you're covering your entire body. "If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced," the NHS notes. "If you're worried you might not be applying enough SPF30, you could use a sunscreen with a higher SPF." The advice continues: "If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice: 30 minutes before going out just before going out Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears, and head if you have thinning or no hair, but a wide-brimmed hat is better. "Sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently, and according to the manufacturer's instructions. This includes applying it straight after you have been in water, even if it's "water resistant", and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. "It's also recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, as the sun can dry it off your skin."
American Press
10-06-2025
- Business
- American Press
Chamber CEO: 'We can't accept the status quo'
Scott Walker, the new president and CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, told Calcasieu Parish police jurors at their most recent meeting his plans for the area's future. 'If you think about it and what's happened since COVID, we feel that here Louisiana has lost population, our region has lost population,' Walker said. 'We're trying to build that back, but we're not where we used to be.' According to Walker, regional success has common factors — winning regions are strategic and have a long-term focus because they invest in themselves, they're organized for collaboration, they have a customer-service focus and they continuously improve. Walker said he has a strategic plan that kicked off in May to help the region rebuild. 'We can't rest and we can't just accept the status quo,' Walker said, and sentiment echoed by Judd Bares, president of the jury. 'I've sensed from the few times we've met that you're here to work and it shows and we're excited,' Bares said. 'We can't wait to collaborate and help in any way we can.' Also at the meeting, the jury adopted a resolution approving the submittal of a grant application to the state's Department Children and Family Services for participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Education and Training Program for Oct. 1-Sept. 30. The move would also mean a cost reimbursement share for the grant. Erika Garrison, assistant director for the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department, explained what this means for those qualifying. 'This is essentially for individuals who are receiving SNAP benefits, they can connect to our program and we work with them to provide access to different types of training to receive a certification where they can then go and apply for a higher paying wage job and get off of benefits essentially, so it's a way for them to achieve economic stability,' Garrison said. The Police Jury rejected a resolution on bids received by the Parish Purchasing Agent for the paving and exterior improvements at various Calcasieu Parish Libraries Project due to budgetary constraints and requested permission to readvertise with a revised scope of work. The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will meet again on June 26 at 5:30 p.m.
STV News
09-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Seed potato farmers left in limbo after EU trade deal reached
Seed potato farmers in Scotland say they need to know 'sooner rather than later' when they can resume exporting their products to the EU. In March, a political agreement between Europe and the UK was reached after crops were banned post-Brexit, which farmers say cost the industry tens of millions of pounds. Scotland's seed potatoes are exported worldwide, but until recently, farmers haven't been able to sell them into the EU. The multi-million pound industry says a clear timeline is needed quickly if they're to make the most of the agreement. Farmer Robert Doig told STV News: 'We lost all our European market in Brexit, it went to zero…for those doing business with the EU it was sort of a catastrophe. 'But the EU seed still came in so we lost our market and had another one coming in. 'The seed potato industry has contracted a little bit.' He says the details of the deal need to come sooner rather than later. Farmers now predominantly export seed potatoes into North Africa, with Egypt and Morocco the largest export markets. Scott Walker, chief executive of GB Potatoes, said: 'This has been extremely welcome. 'The timing of those details is important to allow farmers to meet the EU's demand.' NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon said last month: 'This agreement marks a welcome shift towards reducing the red tape and costs that have frustrated Scottish farmers and food exporters for years. 'While details are still emerging, anything that helps restore smoother trade with our largest export market is a positive step.' He added: 'The devil will be in the detail. We need to ensure this works across all sectors – from livestock to seed potatoes and delivers real benefits on the ground. 'The principle of the deal is dynamic alignment with EU policy, but we need to understand what the exceptions might be and how this might work in practice.' The UK Government say the specifics of the deal will be decided on in the coming months. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
