Morning Update

40 years of free concerts

Supreme Court debate, a city lawsuit, and shakeups on the UW-Madison hockey team. Here's what you need to know today.

In this newsletter

Photo via PBS Wisconsin

Good morning, friends!

This year marks the 40th season of Concerts on the Square.

If you've never participated in the Madison summertime tradition, let me set the scene.

It's a warm summer evening and you've just made your way to the Capitol Square. Thousands of people are sitting on lawn chairs and lounging in the grass with an abundance of wine and cheeseboards as classical music floods the air.

The free concerts will be on Wednesday evenings from June 28-Aug. 2.

You can check out the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for more information on this summer’s lineup. I also recommend following their social channels to stay updated on schedules and cancellations. And if you really want more concerts content, read this very thorough piece from The Cap Times.

— Hayley

⚖️ Mark your calendar for a Wisconsin Supreme Court debate.

The two candidates vying for a seat on the state’s highest court will participate in a debate March 21.

With the election on April 4, this could be the only time conservative former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly and liberal Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Janet Protasiewicz face off on the issues.
The event will be held at the State Bar Center in Madison and streamed online. It's also open to the public, just RSVP first.
The bigger picture: This state Supreme Court Race is already the most expensive judicial election in American history and has been called 2023's “biggest, most unusual” election by The New York Times.
Take action: Check your voter registration, polling place, and more here.

🚙 The city has plans to sue Kia and Hyundai.

City Council will vote tonight on filing a federal lawsuit against the car manufacturers "for their failure to install industry standard anti-theft technology in millions of their vehicles.”
Some context: Thefts of Kia and Hyundai cars in Madison increased by 270% in the summer of 2022 compared to 2021, according to the city.
"These are not just numbers – they represent Madison residents who have had their vehicles stolen and lives disrupted; police officers taken away from their regular duties; and bystanders put in danger by the reckless driving that often accompanied these thefts," Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said in a statement.
The bigger picture: Class action lawsuits have been filed in at least 12 other states against the car manufacturers for similar reasons, according to CNBC.

*Photo via Community Shares of Wisconsin*

🤝 Today is the big day for local nonprofits.

Community Shares of Wisconsin and its nearly 70 nonprofit members are hosting The Big Share, a day of giving focused on social and environmental justice.
The group hopes to raise $650,000 today through online donations and in-person activities. Check out the full lineup of events.

🏒 Turnover at the top of Badger men’s hockey.

After seven seasons as Badger men's hockey head coach, Tony Granato has been fired.
The university's athletic department made the announcement Monday. Associate head coach Mark Osiecki was also let go, according to the State Journal.
"I think it was something we didn't get done that we needed to get done as coaches, and I can be thankful and grateful for my time here and tell you how much fun I had," Granato said. "I wish it went better — the win part of it — but lots of good things to remember from the experience, and that's what I'll take with me."
Granato garnered many accolades in his time coaching at UW, including two Big Ten coach of the year awards. But overall, the Badgers faced more lows than highs during his tenure. The team finished last in the Big Ten Conference this season and 13-23 overall.

👻 Your lunchtime read: For Madison indie horror filmmakers, abandoned convent is a godsend.

This one goes out to all of my fellow horror movie fans out there.
Via Cap Times: "For a real estate developer, a creepy, abandoned convent on the property might seem like a headache. For three Madison filmmakers looking for a place to make their next horror movie, it was a holy opportunity."

📬

Did someone forward you this email? Sign up here.

🎙️ Today on City Cast Madison

From Deputy Mayor to Mayor? Why Reyes Wants to Lead Madison

Meet the challenger running for Madison Mayor. Gloria Reyes is running on her experience as a former Madison police officer, school board president, and deputy mayor in the Soglin administration. But also, she’s running on her experience as a local who grew up here and has deep community roots.

We spoke with Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway about her bid for re-election on Monday’s show.

The election is Tuesday, April 4th. Learn where you vote or how to register.

Listen now