As expected, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker announced today that he will not attempt to create a state health care insurance exchange for Wisconsin residents and will instead defer that chore to the federal government.

The public is invited to help BizTimes Media salute the first responders to the mass shootings in Oak Creek and Brookfield by attending the 2012 Health Care Heroes Awards Breakfast.

Bloomington, Ill.-based Fire Safety Sales Inc. plans to move its corporate headquarters to the Historic Third Ward in Milwaukee.

U-Line, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of premium built-in under-counter ice making, refrigeration and wine preservation products, has signed an importer agreement with Showtime Essential Kitchen Products, a premium distributor and service provider located in Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland.

Neenah-based Legacy Private Trust Company announced that Paul Kasriel, retired senior vice president and chief economist at Northern Trust Bank, has joined Legacy as a senior economic and investment advisor and consultant.

GE Healthcare, which has a major presence in Wauwatosa and Pewaukee, announced today that it plans to cut its Wisconsin workforce of about 6,500 employees by 2 percent.

Grundfos, a leading manufacturer of water pumps, will make Downers Grove its North American headquarters in the spring.

Officials from the Chicago Bulls and Mayor Rahm Emanuel today confirmed that the team's new Chicago practice facility will be built just east of the United Center.

Illinois and the federal government have approved an environmental impact statement for the high-speed rail line under construction between Chicago and St. Louis.

The Milwaukee Brewers are encouraging fans to take part in the “Design A YOUniform” contest beginning Friday morning.

America's high-speed rail program is experiencing the best of times. Congress has appropriated more than $10 billion for the effort in the past three years. Thirty-two states and the District of Columbia are advancing numerous projects. And about 62 percent of Americans say they would use high-speed rail service between U.S. metro areas, according to the American Public Transportation Association.

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. has announced Jason Aldean as the first big headliner scheduled for Summerfest 2013.