UP: Chickens. The Capital Times reports that the number of people keeping backyard chickens in Madison continues to grow, with 197 licenses issued so far this year. The city has seen an increase in licenses each year since it allowed people to keep chickens in 2004.
DOWN: The Snuggle House. The Snuggle House, which offered $60-an-hour cuddling sessions, closes after just three weeks. The business was part of a trend for touch therapy but was met with suspicion and snickers in Madison. Timothy Casper, a lawyer for owner Matthew Hurtado, tells the Associated Press: "He's tired of people taking potshots at him." Sounds like he could use a hug.
