Key Reads

Congratulations.

Jimmy in Sun Prairie has spoken. No shadow, so it’s an early spring!

Here’s a bit of background, if you’re interested in finding out more about Jimmy, gopher it.

All about Jimmy – Dairyland Sentinel

In more predictable news, the so-called experts tasked by the Wisconsin Supreme Court with the extra constitutional duties of judging and possibly drawing new legislative districts released their entirely predictable report. Expect six more weeks of unquestioning stenography of these ‘experts’ analysis.

Professors love Democrats’ redistricting maps – Scott Bauer, Associated Press

If you’re a sports fan, things seem as familiar as waking up to Sonny and Cher again and again. The Brewers had a player that achieved excellence, they decided they could no longer afford him, so they made a deal for cheaper, younger players. It will be a couple of Groundhog’s Days before we can judge the wisdom of the Corbin Burnes trade. And the sixth ranked Wisconsin Badgers’ basketball team choked away a 19 point lead against basketball juggernaut Nebraska last night. Here’s hoping they can turn thing around in time for March Madness.

Corbin Burnes trade grades: Orioles get ‘A’ for landing ace, underwhelming return sticks Brewers with a ‘C’ – R.J. Anderson, CBS Sports

Nebraska rallies from 19 down, stuns Wisconsin in overtime – ESPN

We also have updates on the hospitals and clinics that are set to close in Western Wisconsin. Efforts are underway to bridge the health care access gap, including a possible sale of some of the soon to be shuttered facilities.

With almost 1.4K workers expected to be laid off through closures, local official hopes buyout could preserve jobs, access to care – Hope Kirwan, WPR

And as we predicted, the news media is finally beginning to focus on the economic impact our mild winter is having on Wisconsin businesses.

Economic development officials say 7-county region lost $6.5M from lack of snow – Joe Schulz, WPR

Finally, we want to assure you that real, live humans write your Key Reads every weekday. We end this edition with a story about how Wisconsin may approach future Artificial Intelligence regulation.

Wisconsin’s task force on AI pitches five proposed laws – Benjamin Yount, The Center Square

Who knows, someday they’ll have a computer forecast the weather!?!!