Former State Senator Kathleen Vinehout's home burned down in a fire on Saturday morning. According to a Facebook post from her official account, the home is a complete loss, but the family is safe. Later posts indicate that Kathleen and her husband escaped the fire with only the clothes on their back. Eau Claire City Council President Andrew Werthmann has started a Facebook fundraiser to raise money for the family for immediate needs.

A bubbling sense of uncertainty enveloping Foxconn's plans for its manufacturing and research operations in Wisconsin has sparked considerable speculation around the state in the opening months of 2019. Industry analysts and other observers are wondering to what extent the company's promises would, or even could, come to fruition as its public commitments evolve at a fast clip.

The Wisconsin Farmers Union held their annual convention last week. The convention is always a whirlwind of democracy in action as the members vote to set their policy priorities for the coming year, and discuss issues affecting farmers for lobbying action throughout the coming year. This year's convention featured a panel on monopolies and antitrust legislation, including how they affect farmers.