Morning Update

A local record smashed

A look at the record-breaking day for a local radio station.

In this newsletter

Friday 8 O’Clock Buzz host Andy Moore interviews Gov. Tony Evers. Photo by Jade Iseri-Ramos / WORT

Happy Tuesday, Madison!

Last week we told you about WORT's quest to break the station's record for the most people interviewed in an hour. The record, which was set in 1999, was 71 guests.

Now, it's 86.

Friday 8 O’Clock Buzz host Andy Moore interviewed everyone from local musicians and business owners to Madison’s poet laureate, Gov. Tony Evers, and our very own Sam Hoisington!

You can watch the full hour of interviews here.

— Hayley

🛍️ The Public Market is coming.

The project faced a series of setbacks, including million-dollar budget shortfalls that called its viability into question. But thanks to additional funding from public and private sources, the $24 million market will break ground this fall and open in spring 2025, Cap Times reports.
The year-round indoor market will take over the two-story, 45,000-square-foot, city-owned building at 200 N. First St., which is currently used as a temporary men's homeless shelter. It will host 30 permanent vendors, as well as pop-up stores and restaurants.
Dig deeper: What's old is new again: Uncovering an old Madison public market ahead of new construction (WKOW)

✏️ Madison teachers are taking a stand this week.

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. In recognition, the union that represents district staff is encouraging educators to work only during their contracted hours.
The move is meant to help raise awareness for all of the extra work teachers and staff put in outside of their contracted hours.
Some context: MMSD is currently drafting its budget for the 2023-24 school year. So far, the budget includes a 3.5% base wage increase for staff but the union is calling for an 8% increase to match inflation.
Dozens of MMSD staff members posted the same comment on a district Facebook post for Teacher Appreciation Week: "The best thank you would be a budget that honors our work. Teachers deserve the cost of living adjustment, guaranteed planning time, and smaller class sizes."
Related: MMSD budget proposal includes staffing cuts as enrollment drops (Cap Times)

🎺 Mark your calendars for Make Music Madison.

The annual city-wide music event will take place on the longest day of the year, June 21.
This is the 11th year Madison will host a Make Music Day, which turns the city into a stage for hundreds of free live performances throughout town. More than 1,000 cities in 120 countries around the world participate in the celebration.
Wanna play? Registration for performers and venues is open through May 25.

🎓 UW has named its new provost.

Starting in August, Charles Lee Isbell Jr. will become the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s chief academic officer.
Isbell succeeds provost John Karl Scholz, who is leaving to become president of the University of Oregon. Most recently, Isbell served as dean of the College of Computing at Georgia Tech. He was chosen following a nationwide search.
What's a provost, anyway? The provost is the second-ranking leader under the chancellor. They oversee the university's 13 schools and colleges, enrollment management, teaching and learning, outreach, and more.

*Check out a video of this Good Boy working on his skills with his foster.*

🐶 Happy Take Me Home Tuesday! Meet Smokey.

From Dane County Humane Society: When this 1-year-old pup arrived at DCHS in March, he was shy and fearful of men. He was placed in a foster home where he could relax and work on his courage.

His foster says Smokey is a fun loving boy who entertains himself by tossing around his stuffed monkey or chewing on a toy. He will snooze for hours next to his foster on the sofa, and he's a great walking partner who will adjust to his human's pace.

Smokey is looking for someone who will work with him on his positive reinforcement training, encourage him to be brave, take him on walks and hikes, and show him he's loved.

Smokey is a member of the Lonely Hearts Club, and his adoption fee has been reduced. Learn more about him here.

📬

Did someone forward you this email? Sign up here.

🎙️ Today on City Cast Madison

Why the Newest State Capitol Statue Matters

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, protestors in Madison gathered day after day at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Amid calls for more diverse representation at the Capitol, a statue of Hans Christian Heg was torn down and tossed in the lake.

And then, an idea was born: Wisconsin should create a statue memorializing civil rights pioneer Vel Phillips. She was the first woman judge in the state and first African American woman elected to statewide office, among many other firsts.

Now that statue is becoming a reality. We speak with Vel’s son, Michael Phillips, about his mother’s legacy and when it’ll happen.

Listen now