Morning Update

Hello Wednesday

Street closure, Covid-19 boosters, and a new video game studio in town. Here's what you need to know today.

In this newsletter

Goooood morning, Madison!

It's Wednesday. Let's just get right into it today, shall we?

— Hayley

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🎮 A video game developer is opening a new studio in madison.

Respawn Entertainment, the maker of Apex Legends, is opening a new development studio in town. The company is owned by gaming giant EA.
"It’s been our belief since day one that Respawn is not a singular location but a mindset," Respawn SVP of Operations Daniel Suarez said in a statement. "We see that Respawn mindset reflected in Madison, which has cemented itself as one of the great game development cities not just in the United States but the entire world."
Is this a gaming town? This wouldn't be the first video game studio to set up shop in Madison. Game developer Flippfly is based in Madison and Raven Software (the makers of Call of Duty) is based in Middleton.

🐣 Madison Audubon is looking for a new name.

The local ornithological society announced it will change its name in order to break from the racist legacy of its namesake.
John James Audubon was a famed 19th-century naturalist and wildlife illustrator. He also fought abolitionism and robbed skulls from Native American gravesites.
Earlier this month, National Audubon announced it would keep its name, despite concerns from members. The local chapter hopes their action will help foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
“It’s the kind of change that we really do need,” Jeff Galligan, Madison Audubon Society member and founder of BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin told Tone Madison. “You can talk all you want, but you’ve got to put up some action too."

Want this sweet Madison Minutes hat?

You can’t buy one, but you can win one. We’re giving away 25 hats in March.

Learn more about Hatapalooza

😷 New guidance for young kids and Covid-19 boosters.

Kids ages six months to four years who have already gotten three doses of the Pfizer vaccine can now get a Pfizer bivalent booster.
Find a vaccine appointment near you.

🗳️ Can formerly incarcerated people vote in Wisconsin?

The short answer is, it depends.
A new investigation from Wisconsin Watch shows more than half of election-related crimes in the last decade stem from individuals not knowing the rules surrounding voting after incarceration.
If you’re formerly or currently incarcerated and thinking about voting, check out this explainer with everything you need to know.

🚫 Part of Regent Street will be closed this weekend.

Starting Friday Regent Street will be fully closed between Park Street and East Campus Mall. The street should be reopened by 3:00 p.m. Sunday.
Why? Building a crane.

🎙️ Today on City Cast Madison

Who’s Behind the Voice of Madison Metro?

If you’ve hopped on a bus in Madison in the past twenty years, you’ve heard his voice. Next stop… Pinckney at Mifflin. Next stop…

It’s his voice that announces every stop on every Madison Metro bus. He’s always there, guiding us around the city. But you’ve never heard his name… until now.

Meet Ward Paxton, the voice of Madison Metro.

Listen now