2/03/2026

MADISON - Democratic lawmakers introduced a bill yesterday to legalize recreational marijuana in Wisconsin. While there’s already a bill to legalize medical marijuana being debated in Madison, Democratic lawmakers are now seeking to pass a bill of their own they hope will have bipartisan support allowing for responsible recreational use among adults.  The bill would also create a regulated medical cannabis system, generate new state and local revenue, and provide a pathway to expunge or adjust past marijuana-related convictions.  If it passes, marijuana would be legal for anyone over 21. Anyone 18 or older could participate in the medical marijuana registry.  However, it could face opposition from Republicans who control both the Assembly and the state Senate.

2/03/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Michigan hunters can now use their phones to confirm a kill tag on certain animals.  The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has this new feature on its app.  The DNR says it makes it easier for hunters to track their harvests during hunting season.  On the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, you can now validate kills for animals like deer, bear, and other furbearing prey.  Last year, hunters were first able to track harvest tags for wild turkeys that was so successful they added other animals; the system has also helped solve delays in hunter registration and helped prevent illegal hunting before registrations are processed.  The DNR says you can still register for or report a kill tag in person at any DNR location.

2/03/2026

LUTSEN, MN - The owner of Lutsen lodge, Bryce Campbell, who is charged with fraud and accused of burning down the historic building in 2024 is now suing the insurance company that denied his claim.  In total, the insurance claim placed by Campbell on Lutsen Lodge amounted to at least $16 million.  The Lutsen lodge caught fire in February 2024, resulting in a complete loss of the North Shore hotel on Highway 61.  Campbell is currently facing arson and insurance fraud charges. He’s currently out on bail and has a court appearance coming up next month.  Financial records show Campbell’s company was around $14 million in debt at the time of the fire.