Morning Update

It's primary time

It's primary day. Do you have a plan to vote? Let us help you answer these common voting questions.

In this newsletter

Go vote! Photo by Hayley Sperling

Gooooood morning, Madison!

It's primary day! Do you have a plan to vote? Let us help you answer these common voting questions.

What am I voting for? See what will be on your ballot here.

Who are the candidates? Learn more about the people running for Madison mayor, City Council, and Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice.

Where do I vote? Find your polling place here.

Do I need an ID? Yes. You’ll have to show an acceptable photo ID to vote. Accepted options include a state-issued driver's license or identification card, passport, and military ID.

Can I drop off someone's ballot for them? No! You cannot turn in anyone's ballot but your own unless you are assisting someone unable to deliver their own ballot due to disability.

Now get out there and flex those civic muscles.

— Hayley

🚧 From the group that brought you The Hub, meet “Johnson and Broom.”

The Chicago-based developer Core Spaces has proposed yet another large-scale development downtown. The proposal outlines plans for a 12-story redevelopment with nearly 380 apartments intended to help alleviate the student housing shortage.
The new building dubbed “Johnson and Broom” would sit on North Broom Street between West Gorham and West Johnson streets. The proposal would require the demolition of a dozen low-density housing buildings, according to the State Journal.
Next steps: Things are very much still in the early stages for Johnson and Broom. Neighborhood meetings are in the works and Core Spaces plans to present the project to the city’s Urban Design Commission March 1.
The bigger picture: Core Spaces is responsible for many projects that have changed Madison's skyline over the past decade. Their portfolio includes the Hub, The James, Oliv (currently under construction), and a fourth un-named 12-story project currently moving through the city's approval processes.

📺 The City of Madison now is offering free electronics recycling.

Through the end of the year, the city won’t charge recycling fees for televisions, computers, laptops, and monitors.
Unwanted items can be brought to the city's these drop-off sites. You won't have to fill out a work order for these items but don't just leave them on the curb.
Recycling fees for other items, such as refrigerators, microwaves, and tires, still remain in place.

A proposed mural for the Moxy Hotel on East Washington Ave. Rendering via NCG Hospitality

🎨 More murals?

The developers behind the new 151-room Moxy Hotel on East Washington Avenue have asked for city approval to paint a six-story-high mural on the corner of the new building.
The mural was designed by Arizona-based artist Cinque Smith and will feature a face painted in bold colors and surrounded by abstract shapes. The Moxy is currently under construction and is set to open in December.

🍳 Meet Madison's 2023 chef of the year.

Chef Sean Pharr was recently named Madison Magazine's 2023 Chef of the Year. Pharr is a co-owner and chef at Mint Mark, Muskellounge and Sporting Club, and the yet-to-open Hank's.
Related: Mint Mark is moving to East Washington Avenue (Madison Magazine)

*A parent got few answers from the district and Badger Bus after her daughter had a close call with a school bus. Image via Flickr user Dyniss Rainer*

🚍 Your lunchtime read: Is Madison’s school district holding its private bus contractor to account?

Via Tone Madison: "When a school bus hits and injures a student, how do Madison’s school district and its private transportation contractor, Badger Bus, follow up?

That’s a big unanswered question for the parent of a fifth-grader who had a close call with a Badger-operated yellow school bus in late January on the near west side. The child, fortunately, got away with only a bruised knee. When her mom contacted Madison Metropolitan School District staff and Badger Bus about the incident, she didn’t get a whole lot in the way of answers, accountability, or confidence that students are getting safe bus service."

📬

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🎙️ Today on City Cast Madison

*Billie Jo isn't a stray but she was adopted from a local shelter. Photo by Hayley Sperling*

Does Madison Have Too Many Stray Cats?

Outdoor cats. They evoke strong feelings in the neighborhood. They fight, yowl, kill birds and other wildlife… and make more cats.

But what do we do about Madison’s strays? If you call the city, animal control will attempt to trap them. But if these cats can’t find a home, they’ll likely be killed. Many cat-loving Madisonians are not making that call, leaving the cats to roam free.

The Madison Cat Project has an idea: round up these kitties and spay or neuter them. Then release them back outside to help curb the population. The only problem? It’s not really legal. Dr. Adam Bauknecht explains.

Listen now