Thursday, Jan. 29
The Solidarity Sing Along scores a win when a state appeals court rules that a requirement for singers in the state Capitol to obtain a permit is unconstitutional.
Sunday, Feb. 1
All-but-confirmed presidential candidate Gov. Scott Walker takes an aggressive approach to foreign policy on ABC News, saying the country needs "boots on the ground" to fight ISIS. He says people want "new, fresh leadership" and "big, bold ideas," but critics say his remarks are boilerplate for both parties.
Monday, Feb. 2
At the annual Sun Prairie Groundhog Day celebration, Jimmy the Groundhog chomps Mayor John Freund on the ear while the mayor leans in to listen to the animal's weather prediction. City council members later pardon the rodent for his Holyfield moment at their meeting Tuesday night. Who knew that Sun Prairie was so soft on crime?
Tuesday, Feb. 3
Gov. Walker lays out his $68 billion two-year spending plan, which relies heavily on borrowing and spending cuts and calls for an expansion of private voucher schools, massive cuts to the UW System and drug testing for welfare recipients. He also uses his line veto to eliminate the "Wisconsin idea" from state statutes. A median-value homeowner will save $5 a year on property taxes, though. So we've got that going for us. Which is nice.
Madison's parks division reports that the dreaded emerald ash borer has infested Doncaster Park on the city's west side. It may be time to kiss your ashes goodbye.