Wednesday, 9.22
Madison police rescind citations for obstructing justice to two men who refused to show identification while packing firearms at a Culver's Restaurant on the east side Sept. 18. Instead, all five men who brought holstered guns into the restaurant are charged with disorderly conduct. John Monroe, an attorney representing the men, says openly carrying firearms "cannot constitute disorderly conduct in and of itself."
Thursday, 9.23
Madison city staff unveil their draft recommendations for the downtown master plan, asking residents for more feedback. See Alicia Yager's report.
David L. Hirsch, 31, pleads guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute marijuana in what prosecutors have called one of the city's biggest pot operations. He faces 10 years to life at his Nov. 22 sentencing.
Friday, 9.24
In their first debate, governor candidates Democrat Tom Barrett and Republican Scott Walker argue over tax plans and Gov. Jim Doyle's policies. Barrett, who is behind in the polls, uses the occasion to attack Walker's economic and job proposals. Two more debates are scheduled before the Nov. 2 election.
Monday, 9.27
Disgraced Calumet District Attorney Ken Kratz announces through his attorney that he will resign before Oct. 8, when a hearing for his removal was set to begin. Several women have accused Kratz of using his position to seek sexual favors.
The Wisconsin State Journal sounds an alarm about manganese in drinking water, reporting on a new study that found it affects intelligence levels in children. Manganese has been found in Madison's water, though one scientist says it's not at a dangerous level.
The Madison school board recommends that its representative on the Tax Incremental Financing Joint Review Board vote against a proposal to expand a downtown TIF district to include the Edgewater hotel project. The board's approval - set for a vote Wednesday evening - is needed for the developer to obtain a $16 million loan already approved by the city of Madison.
Wisconsin Job Watch reports that the state's job growth was virtually stagnant between July and August, with 700 fewer jobs and unemployment holding steady at 7.9%.
Tuesday, 9.28
Rep. Spencer Black, who is retiring from the 77th Assembly District, offers a somewhat tepid endorsement of Brett Hulsey, the Democratic candidate running to replace him. Black says Hulsey, a current Dane County supervisor, "established a good record with regard to keeping in touch with his constituents."
Police charge the Rev. Thomas Marr, a former Watertown priest, with investing parishioners' money in a scheme to pry loose millions of dollars from Nigeria. Really.
Wednesday, 9.29
A gasoline container explodes inside the Target store being constructed at Hilldale Shopping Center. No one is injured.
Compiled (in part) from local media