Thursday, March 2
Drinking fountains in six Madison schools test positive for lead contamination levels higher than the national standard. Lead testing is not required, but the district decided to do it after hearing concerns from parents. The rest of the district will be tested later this month.
Monday, March 6
UW-Madison saw an increase of more than 100 sexual assault reports in the last year, according to The Daily Cardinal. There were 325 reported sexual assaults in 2016, up from 217 in 2015. Some advocates say this is a good thing, though, because it means more survivors know their rights and feel comfortable coming forward.
Tuesday, March 7
The state Assembly votes 98-0 to pass a bill legalizing the possession of cannabinoid oil, a type of marijuana extract used to treat seizures. Already approved by the Senate, the measure now moves to the desk of Gov. Scott Walker, who has said he supports it. How very chill of him.
You can now take your concealed weapon on board a Madison Metro bus, thanks to a ruling from the state Supreme Court. The justices rule 5-2 to overturn a lower court ruling that allowed local municipalities to preempt state law and prohibit guns on public transport. Don’t you feel safer already?
Wednesday, March 8
In an early morning vote, members of the Madison Common Council approve a liquor license and operational agreement for a controversial biergarten in Olbrich Park. The project was opposed by some neighbors, but many also see it as a way to bring a fun new concept to an underused public space.