📝 Parks are free this weekend

⚡ Good News for EV Drivers

• The Wisconsin State Senate this week passed a pair of Republican-authored bills that would make it easier for businesses to operate electric vehicle charging stations and free up almost $80 million in federal construction aid. The legislation passed 30-2 with no debate and now heads to the Assembly.
• Dig deeper: City Cast Madison got the inside scoop on these bills and how they could impact the way you get your energy. [AP, City Cast Madison 🎧]

⛄ Get Outside This Weekend

• Madison Parks and Dane County Parks are offering a permit-free weekend on Jan. 20 and 21 so you can take advantage of all the winter activities our parks offer. From winter hiking and snowshoeing to ice fishing and cross-country skiing, there are plenty of ways to capitalize on the free weekend.
• For details on Madison Parks activities, click here. For information on Dane County Parks activities, click here.
• Looking for more adventure? Here are five state parks within a 30(ish) minute drive of Madison. [City of Madison, Dane County, Madison Minutes]

🛍️ Change Boutique Says ‘Goodbye’

• The owner of Change Boutique on Willy Street announced her plans to close the shop in March. The decision is the result of multiple circumstances — the pandemic hit the business hard and in 2021, an SUV literally hit the business’ storefront.
• The shop opened in 2012, specializing in fair trade fashion and accessories. Change’s hours will be the same throughout January and February. In an Instagram post, the store’s owner said she plans to maintain an online presence to continue to sell products. [Change, Wisconsin State Journal]

🍜 Meet Zen Ramen

• The new ramen restaurant opened at 4674 Cottage Grove Rd. late last year. Zen Ramen’s menu features eight types of ramen, buns, boba, and more. Chef and co-owner Tyler Wan honed his culinary skills in Japan and was eager to bring the cuisine to Madison’s East Side, citing a lack of ramen in the area.
• The restaurant, which is named after the school of Mahayana Buddhism focused on meditation, is open daily for lunch and dinner. A grand opening celebration is in the works. [Zen Ramen, Cap Times]

Fabiola’s Is Reviving Madison’s ‘Spaghetti Corners’

Fabiola’s Spaghetti House and Deli is now open for dinner in Madison’s Greenbush neighborhood. The former Rocky Rococo pizzeria on Regent Street has been transformed into a restaurant serving both Italian classics like spaghetti and meatballs, and Jewish deli staples like bialys and latkes.