Wednesday, Jan. 27
A controversial plan to put a snowmobile trail in Blue Mound State Park wins approval from the state Natural Resources Board. Sorry, silent sport enthusiasts.
The Wisconsin Union’s governing board has voted to shut down the Hoofer Equestrian Center near Belleville, officials announce. The stable had become too expensive to maintain, but the Union is looking for ways to keep the riding team.
Thursday, Jan. 28
Gov. Scott Walker’s approval rate is still an abysmal 38%, according to the Marquette Law School Poll. That’s up one point from a low of 37% in September, but it can’t bode well for that third term he keeps talking about.
State Attorney General Brad Schimel files an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Whole Women’s Health v. Cole in support of requiring abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Stay tuned for a reproductive rights showdown.
Is water privatization a good idea? State GOP legislators seem to think so. A bill that would make it easier for out-of-state companies to buy public water utilities passes an Assembly committee.
Saturday, Jan. 30
U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Sherwood) announces he will not seek reelection in November. Ribble famously quit the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus in October and was an early critic of Donald Trump.
More water woes: An Assembly committee approves a bill that shifts more power to waterfront property owners and developers looking to build on wetlands.
A woman in her mid-20s is shot and killed in what police say is a “targeted” incident in a parking lot on Madison’s far east side. Police later apprehend a suspect, 26-year-old Christopher O’Kroley. It’s the city’s first homicide of the year.