Morning Update

It's good to be back

Morning update: Monday, Jan. 9

In this newsletter

Goooooood morning, Madison!

Is this thing on?

Happy Monday, friends. We're officially back from vacation and ready to bring you the news. I hope everyone had a happy and safe new year.

First things first, we have to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone who stepped in to support us in our year-end campaign. We met our goal (and then some)! Thanks to your help, we're able to start this year stronger than ever.

Now, let's shake off this rust and jump into today's stories.

— Hayley

🥕 Missing the farmers' market? You're in luck.

Every Saturday through April 8, Garver Feed Mill will play host to the Dane County Late Winter Farmers’ Market. The market will run from 8 a.m. to noon each week and feature about 40 vendors selling fresh produce, local meats and cheeses, honey, and more.
Related: How to have an Awesome Visit to our Late Winter Market (Dane County Farmers' Market)

❤️‍🩹 Addressing ethnic fraud in Madison.

For at least five years, Kathryn “Kay” LeClaire went by the name nibiiwakamigkwe and claimed to be Indigenous. They built up a platform locally as an activist and artist, sitting on panels, selling Indigenous art, and holding a paid residency at UW-Madison. But at the end of 2022, LeClaire was outed as a fraud.
The allegations exposing LeClaire as white were first published on the New Age Frauds forum, which works to uncover racial hoaxes. LeClaire has not denied the findings. In a statement to Madison365, they offered an apology and said they would stop using an Ojibwe name and would return their culturally-related items to the community.
The allegations have shaken Madison's Native, artistic, and academic communities. The tattoo and art collective giige — where LeClaire was a co-owner — has severed ties with them and will soon have a new name.

Instagram: @LauraChouette 📸 and www.laurachouette.com 🌐 — Photo by Laura Chouette / Unsplash

🏳️‍🌈 How East High became a target of right-wing fury.

East High School's student-run Gender and Sexuality Alliance organized a family-friendly drag show at the school scheduled for later this month.
The event was shared on Twitter by Libs of TikTok, an account with 1.7 million followers that is known for its transphobic views and unprovoked harassment. Following their tweet, dozens of accounts joined in to throw insults at the school and administrators.
Republican former Gov. Scott Walker shared the Libs of TikTok tweet and added his own message (falsely) claiming drag shows to be strip shows. Madison School Board president Ali Muldrow called Walker's statement "intentionally inaccurate and misleading," according to Cap Times.
Some context: This isn't the first time a local school has been the target of Libs of TikTok's harassment. Last Spring, Middleton High School drew the account's ire after a teacher performed a drag routine in a staff talent show.
Dig deeper: Drag Queens in the Classroom Teach Inclusion and Fun, Offering a World of Imagination (Teen Vogue)

🏫 One City Schools is cutting classes for ninth and 10th grades.

Last week, One City announced it will shut down its ninth- and 10th-grade programs, affecting roughly 60 students. Administrators say the decision was made due to staffing shortages. All five of the high school core subject teachers who began the school year at One City have left, according to Cap Times,
The two grades will end classes Jan. 20. The majority of affected students will attend classes within the Madison Metropolitan School District, which opened an “emergency enrollment center” following the news of One City's announcement.
Related: Madison school staff shortage continues (Isthmus)

Japanile ( Restaurant ) — Photo by Mahmoud Fawzy / Unsplash

🍣 There's a new sushi spot on the east side.

A young couple has opened Yako Sushi House in the former home of Red Lion Singapore Grill & Japanese Cuisine at 515 Cottage Grove Road.According to the State Journal, the new spot opened earlier this month and focuses on sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi.
Those who frequented Red Lion won't notice too many changes to the inside of the restaurant, but notably, the new owner has added a sit-down sushi bar where customers can see the sushi chef at work.

👩🏾‍💻 Your lunchtime read: Wisconsin’s 52 Most Influential Black Leaders 2022.

At the end of 2022, Madison365 published its eighth annual list of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black leaders. The people highlighted on this list range from community leaders and elected officials, to business owners and school administrators. The outlet's CEO and publisher Henry Sanders writes, "You might know a few of these names, but there’s a good chance that most of them will be new to you. I urge you to get to know them. Reach out to those living and working in your communities."

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🎙️ On the pod

What Madisonians Want In 2023

From City Cast Madison's Jan. 3 episode: Happy New Year! And that means it’s resolution season. City Cast Madison asked you for what you wanted to see in Madison in 2023, and you delivered. Plus, the team — Bianca, Molly, and Dylan — share their hopes for the city.

Listen now