UP: Overture Center. The financially struggling arts center gets a big boost when a deal is worked out to eliminate $28.6 million in debt through a combination of private donations and debt forgiveness by banks. The deal is contingent on Madison accepting ownership of the center for free. (See story here.)
DOWN: Trees. Madison cuts down about 200 trees along Old Middleton Road on the city's west side this week to make room for bicycle lanes. The city plans to cut down another 200 next year to make way for retention ponds, aimed at reducing runoff into Lake Mendota. It ain't easy being green.
