Wednesday, 2.3
The Urban Design Commission approves plans for a new Target store next to the Hilldale Shopping Center. The plans now go to the Plan Commission before heading to the Common Council on March 2.
Thursday, 2.4
A legislative committee hears testimony on a proposal to forbid the release of 911 recordings, allowing only transcripts to be made public. Critics argue that access to the recordings provides essential information, especially when there are concerns about the official response. (See "Brittany Zimmermann Called 911, But No One Came," 5/1/08).
Friday, 2.5
Gov. Jim Doyle gives municipalities until March 1 to identify companies that qualify for tax-exempt bonds from federal stimulus money. Despite the credit crunch, no one in Madison has applied for a piece of the $12.2 million available here.
Sunday, 2.7
Madison police initiate two "power shifts" - from noon to 8 pm and 8 pm to 4 am - designed to get more officers on patrol during the busiest times. But the new shifts mean fewer officers on the streets during traditional slow periods, which worries some.
Monday, 2.8
The Associated Press reports that state Rep. Marlin Schneider (D-Wisconsin Rapids) admits having exaggerated when he claimed to have "hundreds" of letters from people whose lives have been damaged by online court records of dismissed charges. It was actually 22 letters.
Tuesday, 2.09
Democrats in the state Assembly propose a bill to limit people from taking out more than one payday loan at a time and limit loans to $600 or 35% of a person's biweekly income.
An audit shows that the state's 15 virtual schools, which allow children in kindergarten through high school to take classes online, are reaching the open enrollment capacity of 5,250 set two years ago. Lesley Erickson, head of the Wisconsin Virtual Academy, calls for the cap to be raised, saying it "limits this opportunity for all students who might find this to be their best learning environment."
The inaugural meeting of a city of Madison workgroup to review snow policies is canceled, due to snow.
Wednesday, 2.10
A 3.8 magnitude earthquake in northern Illinois is felt by some residents in Madison, who report feeling slight rumbling and hearing dishes rattle.
Compiled (in part) from local media
