📝 Is legal weed finally coming to Wisconsin?

🏥 The Republican Plan For Medical Marijuana

• Legislative Republicans have introduced a medical marijuana program that would create five state-run medical cannabis dispensaries to serve Wisconsinites who are severely ill with chronic diseases such as cancer, HIV, and Glaucoma.
• The program would be among the most restrictive in the country and so far has been met with a lukewarm reception from Democratic lawmakers. Gov. Tony Evers, who has advocated for full marijuana legalization in the state, said he would support the bill “if there's no poison pills.”
• Under the Republican proposal, state residents who have one of the approved conditions can apply for a permit to purchase edibles, topical treatments, and oils. (Smokable marijuana would not be allowed.) Products would not be subject to Wisconsin sales tax, meaning the sale of marijuana products wouldn’t be the same kind of money maker that it is in states like Illinois, which in 2022 generated more than $36 million in sales tax off of Wisconsin residents alone.
• Dig deeper: What’s the state of weed in Madison? City Cast Madison has the answers to all of your burning questions. [Cap Times, Channel 3000, AP, City Cast Madison 🎧]

❄️ Madison Braces For Snow

• With snow on the ground and more on the horizon, the city has canceled today’s trash and recycling pickup and suspended all non-essential, in-person services. This means city facilities like libraries and offices will be closed to the public.
• Madison Police and Fire Departments will not be affected by the closure and Metro will still run regularly but expect delays.
• Send in the plows: City officials have warned that driving conditions during and after the storm will be rough and residents are encouraged to stay off the roads if possible. The city’s snow plows — like Snowbi Wan Kenobi and Dolly Plowton — will be out and about clearing and salting Madison’s roads. [City of Madison, Madison Minutes]

🧶 Finding a New Home For Fiddlesticks

• The east side fiber arts store was forced to close its doors at the end of December. Fiddlesticks Knits opened at 1976 Atwood Ave. in 2021 selling yarn, needles, and other fiber arts materials. The shop also sought to foster an inclusive, accessible community by hosting regular classes. The shop’s closure was sudden and the result of a dispute with the business’ landlord.
• What’s next: For now, Fiddlesticks is still selling items online and looking for its next storefront. In a social media post, the shop’s owner said she’d like to keep the store in the SASY neighborhood but is also looking at potential locations elsewhere on the east and north sides. [Fiddlesticks Knits, Facebook]

🥎 Coming Soon: Softball

• The Madison Mallards and Northwoods League recently announced the formation of a new summer softball league. The Madison team, which has been temporarily dubbed "Madison Softball," will play at Warner Park.
• The league includes teams from La Crosse, Mankato, MN, and Minot, ND and will feature some of the best collegiate softball players from around the country. The first home game will be June 16.
• What’s in a name: You can help determine the name of the new Madison team. The league is collecting submissions through Feb. 1. Creativity is encouraged! [Northwoods League]

It’s the first Take Me Home Tuesday of 2024! If you’re new here, this weekly segment highlights an animal currently available for adoption from the Dane County Humane Society.

So without further ado, meet Mootsie. She’s an adult pup who was shy and nervous when she arrived at DCHS in late November 2023 but has since warmed up to staff and volunteers with the help of yummy treats and baby talk. Mootsie likes when people speak to her like a baby because she’s a big baby at heart.

Mootsie is looking for a family without small children who will spoil her with playtime, attention, and love while working on her positive reinforcement training. Mootsie has been at the shelter for a bit, so she’s a member of DCHS’s Lonely Hearts Club and her adoption fee has been reduced.

Please note, DCHS’s Main Shelter is closed today due to inclement weather. The shelter will reopen Thursday, Jan. 11.

Wisconsin’s New Voting Maps Are Coming Soon

Wisconsin’s political maps have been called some of the most extreme partisan gerrymanders in the country. Right before Christmas, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the Republican-drawn maps as unconstitutional — but they didn’t talk about the partisan advantage. They said the maps need to be compact and contiguous, instead of having Swiss cheese-like holes cut out of districts.