Wednesday 12.27
State Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager issues an opinion that Wisconsin's new ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions does not affect domestic partner benefits or anti-discrimination protections. The opinion is advisory, but the courts could use its arguments if domestic partner benefits are challenged.
The Wisconsin Claims Board grants former Madison resident Anthony Hicks $25,000 in restitution and $53,000 in legal fees. Hicks, who spent four years in prison, was released in 1997 after DNA evidence cast doubt on his conviction for rape.
Thursday 12.28
An intruder enters via an unlocked door and sexually assaults a woman asleep in her home on Harvey Street on Madison's near west side. The attack is similar to one that took place on the east side on Dec. 5, although police haven't established a link between the two assaults.
Friday 12.29
Madison firefighter K-Tal Johnson and his wife, Shelly, die in a car accident in Indiana. Their 13-year-old son, Ian, survives the crash. Madison Fire Fighters Local 311 has set up a fund for Ian; visit local311.org for information on donating.
Brian McNally, 26, of Waunakee, dies from injuries sustained in a car crash on Christmas Day. The crash also killed 21-year-old Rikita Lee, who died on impact. McNally's car was struck by a car being driven by Ian Bowers, 19, a soldier home on leave from Iraq. Bowers has been tentatively charged with two counts of homicide by drunken driving.
The State Ethics Board fines Gov. Jim Doyle $300 for violating state ethics laws by accepting Packers tickets from a utility in 2003. The board says that even though Doyle paid the $63 per-ticket face value, he still got special treatment because the skybox tickets were not available to the general public.
Monday 1.1
Madison's first baby of the new year ' a girl ' is born at 4:15 a.m. at St. Mary's Hospital to Rosario Nava and Jesus Mares.
Tuesday 1.2
Three candidates file for the Wisconsin Supreme Court seat being vacated by Justice Jon Wilcox. They are Madison attorneys Linda Clifford and Joseph Sommers and Washington County Circuit Judge Annette Ziegler.
The state Department of Transportation announces that 709 people were killed in traffic crashes in Wisconsin in 2006, the lowest number since 1998.
The Madison Common Council approves the final plans for redevelopment at Hilldale, including a 65,000-square-foot Whole Foods store, an 11-story condo tower, a health club and other retail.
Compiled from local media
