UP: Renters. The Madison city council passes an ordinance that protects renters who call the building inspector or join neighborhood watch programs or neighborhood associations. Landlords object to the change, saying state law already protects tenants from retaliation by landlords. The Apartment Association of South Central Wisconsin says it may sue the city over the new law.
DOWN: Madhatters. Owner Ted Gervasi withdraws his application to reopen his bar on the 600 block of State Street because of neighborhood opposition. Gervasi's application was approved by the Alcohol License Review Committee a day after the Madison city council passed an ordinance limiting the number of bars downtown. Since then, Gervasi says he's received nasty emails and phone calls from area residents. Maybe he should have offered them a discount.
