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Morning Update: Monday, Oct. 18

A weekend of protests

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Good morning, Madison!

Here's a historical fact to start off the week: On this day in 1967, club-wielding cops clashed with students protesting the Vietnam war on the University of Wisconsin campus.

According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, "65 people, including several officers, were treated for injuries. Thirteen student leaders were ordered expelled from school. State Attorney General Bronson La Follette criticized the police for using excessive brutality."

Now let's dive into the news of today.

— Hayley

🗳️ Dane County is one step closer to finalized district voting maps.

  • The Dane County Board of Supervisors approved a tentative map that outlines what voting boundaries will look like for the next 10 years.
  • The map was approved in a 32-2 vote. It was one of three potential districting solutions drawn up by the county’s nonpartisan redistricting commission. This year is the first time elected officials played no role in drawing the maps.
  • The approved outline will now head to the county clerk’s office for final adjustments. The board of supervisors will vote on the finalized maps next month, Cap Times reports.

📣 The East high walkout went districtwide in a second protest last week.

  • Some context: Hundreds of East high students walked out of class last Wednesday to support a survivor of a recent alleged sexual assault involving two of the school's students.
  • Hundreds of students walked out of class for the second time last week Friday in protest of the district's handling of matters of sexual assault and harassment. In addition to East High School, students at La Follette, West, and Memorial high schools also walked out in protest.
  • The student protestors presented a list of demands aimed at the school board and high school administrators. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, the list of demands includes:
    • Education and training for staff and students on sexual assault and harassment and the reporting policy.
    • Clear protocols for every student on how to report incidents both on and off district property.
    • Sanctions for perpetrators of sexual assault on or off campus from suspension to expulsion.
    • A commitment by the school and the district to support victims.

🏈 What's up in Wisconsin sports?

✈️ Dozens gathered to protest the impending arrival of F-35 fighter jets at Truax Field.

✔️ Former President Trump says Sean Duffy should run for Governor.

💉 This Madison startup helped schedule 70,000 COVID shots.

  • Co-founders Jonathan Baran and Tyler Marklein launched Carebot in March 2020, just weeks before COVID-19 shut down businesses (and life) in Wisconsin. The technology the two created helps streamline appointment scheduling and other logistics so clinics can work to get as many shots in arms as possible. As the Cap Times reports, they've been incredibly successful in their efforts.

🏟️ Your lunchtime read: At the Helm: behind the scenes with the Badgers’ video director.

  • From Madison365: "As a producer [Justin] Helm is responsible for directing the various editorial elements for the events he produces such as women’s hockey. As the video director, Helm manages the video board; he dictates what the viewer sees and when they see it. ... Helm not only has control over what the people see on the video board, he also controls how people see. As an all-seeing eye, Helm can shape the narrative of the gameplay at his own discretion."

🎃 Did someone say animals with pumpkins?!

🦠 Covid-19 Resources

Wisconsin Vaccination Rate: 54.5%

Dane County Vaccination Rate: 71.5%

Here's where to find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.

Need a COVID-19 test? PHMDC has you covered.

Are you eligible for a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna? Find out here.

📅 Events: Multi-day

Monday, Oct. 18

  • Prayers for the Planet, a multifaith demonstration for climate action, at the Capitol. 12 p.m.
  • Bike tune up event at Lussier Community Education Center. 4-6 p.m. Free.
  • Virtual Conversation With Toufah Jallow, author of “Toufah: The Woman Who Inspired an African #MeToo Movement” and Saikou Camara, an international motivational speaker. Hosted by a Room of One’s Own. 6 p.m. Free.
  • The Madison Moth StorySlam: LEGENDS at High Noon Saloon. Performers share a five-minute story about lore. Doors 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. $15.

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