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Morning Update: Friday, Dec. 3

Morning Update: Friday, Dec. 3

Good morning, Madison!

Some of the topics in today's newsletter are pretty heavy, but read all the way through for information on a fun popup bar and a picture of a cute cat. And, like we do every Friday, we dropped some event suggestions for the weekend at the very bottom.

— Sam

🚨 A La Follette high school student was arrested yesterday for bringing a loaded handgun to school.

  • The 18-year-old student was arrested after a tip from a parent.
  • School officials say the reason the student brought the gun “remains unclear to us,” the Cap Times reports.
  • A basketball game between La Follette and East High scheduled for last night was canceled following the incident.

⚖️ Michael Gableman, an investigator appointed by Republican lawmakers, is threatening Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway with imprisonment.

  • Gableman is seeking court orders requiring Rhodes-Conway and the mayor of Green Bay to answer questions for his investigation into the 2020 election, according to the Journal Sentinel.
  • Both mayors say they’re willing to meet with investigators but haven’t been given a date for depositions.
  • Rhodes-Conway has said repeatedly that she’s willing to testify and wants to do so publicly. “Attorney Gableman apparently missed the October headlines saying that I was proud of and willing to testify publicly about Madison’s handling of the 2020 election,” she said in her latest statement.
  • For context: A nonpartisan audit released in October found there was no widespread voter fraud. A recount completed last year confirmed that Joe Biden won Wisconsin.

🎓 UW-Madison just kicked off its search for a new chancellor.

  • A 21-person search committee made up of people from the university and local community is tasked with finding a successor to Rebecca Blank, the State Journal reports.
  • Blank is leaving this summer to lead Northwestern University.
  • Related: UW System faces headwinds from Republican legislators, other challenges after Blank leaves (Wisconsin Examiner)

⚖️ The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in an abortion-related case this week that could lead to Roe v. Wade being overturned.

  • Conservative justices “signaled they would allow states to ban abortion much earlier in pregnancy and may even overturn the nationwide right that has existed for nearly 50 years,” the AP reports.
  • The decision might not be handed down until the summer.
  • What would this mean for Wisconsin? If Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions would become illegal under existing state laws, the Cap Times reported earlier this year. Conducting an abortion would become “punishable by up to six years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.”

♻️ Paper cups can now be recycled in Madison.

  • You can now drop those cups from coffee shops and fast-food restaurants in with your other recycling.
  • Throw away any plastic lids or straws, though, and remove any cardboard sleeves so they can be sorted separately.
  • The city says that an equipment upgrade at the company that sorts recycling made the change possible.

🎄 Nothing says the holidays like... The Office?

  • Young Blood Beer Co. is doing a popup bar with decor and drinks inspired by the hit TV show.
  • The popup will be open through Dec. 23.

🐈 Her name is Mamma and she lives in the Sherman neighborhood.

🦠 Covid-19 Resources

Wisconsin Vaccination Rate: 56.1%

Dane County Vaccination Rate: 72.6%

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

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

Do you still need your flu shot? Start here.

📅 The weekend

Friday, Dec. 3

Saturday, Dec. 4

  • Holiday Market by Dane County Farmers’ Market at Monona Terrace. 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Fair Trade Holiday Festival at Monona Terrace. All vendors have been vetted to ensure their products are ethically and humanely produced. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • 22nd Annual HolidayFest Arts & Crafts Fair at Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Over 80 crafters from the Midwest will be selling their handmade goods. $1 entry fee. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Pawliday Photos at Petphoria. Receive free professional pet photos with any purchase in Petphoria. Santa will NOT be at the event. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Community Carol Sing with Madison Symphony Orchestra at Overture. 11 a.m. Free.
  • Badger Soles at Alliant Energy Center. Buy, sell, and trade sneakers, clothing, and more. From sneakers and designer clothing to sports cards and vintage. 150+ vendors. 1-6 p.m.
  • Christmas Bar Crawl. 4 p.m.-12 a.m. $20 includes 2 drinks and waived cover charges. Must bring a toy to donate for Toys For Tots.
  • Little Women (2019) screening at Union South. From IMDb: “Jo March reflects back and forth on her life, telling the beloved story of the March sisters - four young women, each determined to live life on her own terms.” 6 p.m. Free.
  • Charlie Berens at the Orpheum. Doors 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $150.
  • Watermelon Collie, MQBS, & Sex, Fear at Communication. Doors at 7:15 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. No alcohol served. $8.
  • Watershed Reading IRL with author Chris Stedman at Communication. Book “asks whether virtual spaces might offer new sites of experimentation and play and satisfy our longing for meaning and community.” 7 p.m. Free.
  • Billy Idol and Steve Stevens at the Barrymore. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $42.
  • Leather + Lace at Crucible. 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 5

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