Let's get ready for the primary

Happy Monday, Madison!

Every day we inch closer toward the next election. In this case, the next opportunity to exercise our civic muscles is the Aug. 9 primary.

To help prepare you to be the most informed voter you can be, we've partnered with the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin to share important dates and information related to the upcoming election.

In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing voter guides, FAQs, and more related to the election. These aren't political ads (we don't do those), just facts and resources.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for informed and active participation in government. Their mission is to empower voters and defend democracy. You can learn more about their organization here.

— Hayley

P.S. Did you catch the events newsletter yesterday? We're more than 90% of the way toward reaching our goal of reaching 200 members and unlocking our new interactive events calendar for everyone. Will you help us cross the finish line?

😷 Covid-19 transmission in Dane County is now high.

• The new status went into effect last week. At this level, in accordance with CDC guidance, Public Health Madison & Dane County recommends everyone be up to date on their vaccines and wear a mask while in public indoor spaces.
• At this time there is no mask mandate.
• Find a Covid-19 testing site here. Book a Covid-19 vaccine appointment here.

🥬 Weed and abortion referendums on the ballot.

• The Dane County Board of Supervisors voted last week to put three non-binding referendum questions on the ballot in November. The questions will ask voters to weigh in on whether whether recreational cannabis should be allowed (and taxed) in the state as well as if abortion access should be legal in Wisconsin. Voters will also be asked if Wisconsinites previously convicted for small amounts of cannabis possession should have the charge expunged from their records.
• What does this mean? Put simply, not a whole lot. The outcomes of the referendum votes will not actually change the legality of cannabis or abortion in the state.
• If nothing will change, why are we voting? As county Sup. Aaron Collins explained to the Cap Times, the votes are largely a means for data gathering.
• The bigger context: This isn't the first time the county has asked voters to weigh in on these issues. In 2010, 2014, and 2018, voters largely approved referendums asking whether cannabis should be legalized, taxed, and regulated in the same manner as alcohol for those 21 and over.

🚗 Watch your speed on East Washington.

• As part of its Vision Zero initiative, the city has implemented new speed limits on a section of East Washington Avenue. Starting today, the portion of the roadway east of Stoughton Road (pictured above) will be reduced to 35 mph.
• Here's a look at where else the city has reduced speed limits as part of Vision Zero.

🚧 Welcome back Blair Street.

• For the first time in two months, South Blair Street is now open to both sides of traffic.
• The city has been working jointly with the State Department of Transportation to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists. and motorists at the intersection of South Blair Street and John Nolen Drive, and Eat Wilson Street and Williamson Street.
• The entire project is set to be completed by the fall of 2023.

🍻 RIP Ale Asylum.

• After more than 15 years in business, Madison's largest brewer is closing its doors. Ale Asylum announced its closure last Friday across its social media channels.
• The company had been up for sale for nearly a year and had appeared to have secured a buyer but as the State Journal reports, those plans feel through, brining an end to the Ale Asylum era.
• All hope is not lost for fans of the craft brews. Co-founder Otto Dilba told the State Journal he hopes to sell the brewery’s brands to other brewers in an attempt to keep the recipes alive.

📸 Your lunchtime read: What we gain through live music photography.

• Via Tone Madison: "Part of preservation’s function is inextricably linked to the brutal fact that we have to perpetually contend with the specter of death. There is virtually no guarantee that our friends, family, and pets will be around for as long as we might like, but there is a guarantee that our time together will be limited. Actively celebrating that overlap is essential. In our limited capacity for recollection, photography and videography can serve as a vital supplement when the intention and execution are anchored in good faith and understanding between parties."

📅 Events: Monday, July 25

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⏪ Miss a day? Catch up on past newsletters here.

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