Morning Update

Goodbye to a local favorite

RIP Burrito Drive, a revival of an Ale Asylum classic, and progress on an emergency shelter. Here's what you need to know about Madison today.

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— Hayley

🌯 Goodbye, Burrito Drive.

Purveyors of the White Trash Burrito announced their last day in business will be March 26.
The iconic east side hole-in-the-wall restaurant made a name for itself for its fusion menu items, cheap delivery, and late-night hours. But the spot that once reliably held a line out the door after bar time ended its late-night service during the pandemic and never brought it back.
"The last few years have been challenging for everyone," the restaurant wrote in an Instagram post. "It's been a wholehearted feeling and emotional experience to be a part of this supportive community over the last 16 years. But all good things must come to an end."

🗳️ A look at the municipal referendum on the spring ballot.

Have we mentioned the election is April 4?
The city has a referendum on the ballot asking voters whether or not aldermanic terms should be staggered.
Here's the exact language: "Shall the Charter Ordinances of the City of Madison be amended to establish staggered two-year terms for members of the Common Council beginning in 2025, with the 2025 Spring Election including one-year terms for alders in even-numbered Districts and subsequent elections the term for all alders shall be two years?"
In regular terms: If voters say "yes" to the question, starting in 2025, alders in even-numbered districts would be up for election in even-numbered years and alders in odd-numbered districts would be up for election in odd-numbered years.
Get prepared: Check out a full sample ballot here.

🍻 Reviving Ale Asylum’s flagship beers.

When Ale Asylum closed its doors in 2022, many mourned the loss of classic local brews. But now, the owners of Karben4 Brewing have purchased the Ale Asylum brands and their recipes.
Yep, that means Hopalicious will be back on taps near you soon. The local brewery will welcome back the Ale Asylum classic at a party in the Karben4 taproom on March 22. They also plan to bring back "other iconic Ale Asylum beers" in the future.

🛍️ Part of State Street could become a pedestrian mall this summer.

Madison is in the early stages of considering a pilot program that would turn the 400 to 600 blocks of State Street into a pedestrian and bicycle mall.
The city has toyed with the notion for a while but has taken a renewed interest in the idea given that buses will be removed from the same blocks starting this summer when the Metro Transit redesign begins. Currently, only delivery cars, emergency medical services vehicles, and city buses are allowed on the three-block stretch, according to NBC15.

🏠 Funding has come through for a new emergency shelter.

The Salvation Army has received a $4 million federal grant to build a shelter and community center on the 600 block of East Washington Ave. The new building will be four to five stories tall and provide transitional services for people in need.
The new construction is part of a larger development that includes The Shield, a three-story apartment building with mixed-income and affordable housing. The apartments are set to open next year.
Some context: The Salvation Army of Dane County currently operates out of a makeshift space in the former St. Patrick’s Catholic School. Plans for this project have been in the works since at least 2019.

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🎙️ Today on City Cast Madison

Did You Lose $2M? Also, Conversion Therapy and Bank Bailouts!

Dylan Brogan, Bianca Martin, and Molly Stentz roundup the news with a Madison mystery involving mission millions and the political fight over banning conversion therapy. Plus, we wonder about local fallout from the recent bank failures.

Listen now

🏦 Finances 101

This is a sponsored column from Bank of Sun Prairie.

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📅 Events

Today

Saint Patrick's Day
Invaders From Mars (1953) at UW Cinematheque 🟠
50+ Meet & Greet at Warner Park
The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective at North Street Cabaret
Cherub (DJ Set) at Liquid Madison
Friday Family Films: On the Basis of Sex (2018) at Goodman South Madison Library
The Jimmys St. Patrick's Day Bash at The East Side Club
Kiss Me, I'm Funny Stand-up Showcase at Breese Stevens Field
The Kissers St Patricks Day Celebration at High Noon Saloon
Mike & Friends - Grateful Dead 70s Night at The Bur Oak
The Music Department at Glass Nickel Pizza Co.
One Night of Queen at Overture Center
Orquesta SalSol Del Mad at Cafe CODA
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Screening and Performances at Crucible

Saturday

6th Annual Battle of the Badges at Madison Ice Arena
Acton Madison Children's Business Fair at Acton Academy Madison West
Cider Class: Learn to Ferment Cider at Home at The Cider Farm
Day of Resistance to Trans Genocide - March & Resistance Rally at Wisconsin State Capitol
Drum Power Performance at Madison Children's Museum
Kids in the Rotunda: Kalaanjali School of Indian Dance at Overture Center
Latin Pride Orquesta 5 Year Anniversary at Majestic Theatre
Maple Syrup Fest at Aldo Leopold Nature Center
March Watershed Reading at Arts + Literature Laboratory
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers at Overture Center
Tea with Purpose: Tasting and Talk with Aureal Ojeda at Central Library

Sunday

Beyond the Score at Overture Center
Bur-Oken Comedy Show at The Bur Oak
Rock & Roll Playhouse: plays music of Ramones at High Noon Saloon
The Spring Market at Goodman Community Center
Starry Nights: Painting with Dance at Overture Center

🟠 Wondering about the orange circle? That symbol next to an event means that Tone Madison recommends checking it out.

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Check out even more events on our community calendar.

🐶 Friday Floof

This week's floof is the beautiful and majestic Usdi Yona, or Yona for short. According to her owner Barb, her name means Little Bear in Cherokee and this outgoing girl lives up to it. Yona is a Bernese Mountain Dog and some of her favorite activities include running through the snow and climbing (or slamming into) trees.

😸 Do you have a floof to share with the Madison Minutes community? Fill out this form for the opportunity to be featured.