UP: Paul Soglin. Madison's new mayor wastes no time in renegotiating a bike-sharing program with Trek, lowering the city's contribution to the cause from $300,000 to $3 (see report by Joe Tarr). And he suggests the city could still break ground on a new Central Library this fall, as was planned before Soglin raised concerns about having the necessary funding all in place.
DOWN: Madison schools. The state's proposed elimination of collective bargaining rights for public workers has prompted a large exodus of teachers from the Madison school district, the Wisconsin State Journal reports. As of last week, 138 teachers had decided to retire, up from 83 a year ago. Superintendent Dan Nerad says "our intention is to replace them with knowledgeable people, but as a rule they will be less experienced."
DOWNER: Madison air. The American Lung Association, in its annual State of the Air report, ranks Madison 24th worst city for short-term particle pollution, which puts people at risk for early death, asthma exacerbations, heart attacks and strokes.
