Vote early today

Happy Tuesday!

Today is the first day of in-person absentee voting in Madison. You'll need a photo ID and valid voter registration to participate. If you've moved since the last time you voted, you'll need to bring a proof of residence document, too.

What counts as an acceptable photo ID? If you have a Wisconsin driver's license, you're good to go. If not, check out the full list of acceptable IDs here.

What counts as proof of residence? Think utility bills and mortgage statements. For good measure, the city has put together a full list of acceptable documents here.

If you requested an absentee ballot, you can return the completed ballot to an in-person absentee voting location during the location’s voting hours. Head here for a full list of voting locations.

Happy voting!

— Hayley

🎓 UW has a problem with academic abuse.

• A new investigative series from Wisconsin State Journal higher education reporter Kelly Meyerhofer explores several cases of academic abuse at Wisconsin's flagship university.
• The investigation "identified nine employees who were accused of violating the university's policy against hostile and intimidating behavior in the last six years." Of those investigated, four remain employed at UW, and four have left for other jobs.
• Some context: Unfortunately, the story of academic bullying and abuse isn't new for UW. In 2019, Meyerhofer reported on the 2016 suicide of Ph.D. candidate John Brady, who endured a "toxic" work environment in his UW lab. Seeing as UW is a research institution, abuse and bullying in lab settings takes on an increased importance.

🌮 Hello Bandit Tacos and Coffee, goodbye Lao Laan-Xang on Willy Street.

• Bandit: Located in the historic train depot on Madison’s West Washington Avenue, Bandit Tacos & Coffee opened Monday. The new spot is the sister restaurant to Grampa’s Pizzeria and Gib’s Bar on Willy Street. Bandit is open seven days a week at 11 a.m. You can check out the full menu here.
• Lao Laan-Xang: The beloved Willy Street restaurant will have its last day Sunday after 25 years in that location. But don't get too worried, the State Journal reports the restaurant's second location at 2098 Atwood Ave. will stay open. Co-owner Christine Inthachith said the consolidation is the result of Covid-19 stress, staff shortages, and the fact that her 75-year-old mother, who has been a longtime cook in the Thai kitchen, plans to retire.

🚧 Development to watch: $20 million housing project on the East Side.

• Background: Back in 2020 developers proposed a $40 million redevelopment that would have demolished the Lakeside Shopping Center and built "two, four-story buildings that would have delivered 188 apartments, 20,350 square feet of commercial space and parking," the State Journal reports. But after failing to secure the shopping center, the project stalled.
• Now, Threshold Development Group has a new proposal out for its housing project on the busy corner of Monona Drive and Cottage Grove Road. The $20 million development will reportedly bring one five-story structure with 69 apartments, parking, a UW Credit Union branch, and a space for the beloved Java Cat.
• Have thoughts? There will be an online neighborhood meeting about the project April 7.

💪 Meet Madison's American Ninja Warriors.

• Two Madison-area moms are headed to San Antonio to compete in season 14 of the reality TV show “American Ninja Warrior."
• According to the Cap Times, Shelby Copeland of Madison and Yari Breunig of Waunakee will compete tonight for a spot in the semifinals in Los Angeles. The two have trained for years at ORTHDX Natural Fitness on Madison’s north side.

🥩 Fresh cuts on campus.

• Madison College has opened a student-run butcher shop at its Truax Campus. The shop — named the Retail Butcher Shop while class is in session — is open Monday afternoons and offers items like bacon, brats, and bologna, Madison Magazine writes.
• All the meat is sourced locally when possible. Cuts range from $3-$20 per pound.

🐫 Spring is coming. The camel says so.

• Sunday marked the first official day of spring and soon the Henry Vilas Zoo Bactrian camels will start to lose their winter coats and grizzly bears will wake up from their winter snoozes. The zoo says wild migratory birds are already coming back to the state and the bears should make their public debut at the zoo later this week.

🎤 Your lunchtime read: Madison musician Adem Tesfaye blends blues, health and hip-hop.

• From Madison365: "Life for musician, fitness trainer, hip-hop guitarist, and “artistpreneur” Adem Tesfaye is a religious concentration. His prayers are answered within the frets of his guitar, surrounded by the many mirrors he keeps in his apartment – a converted workout studio and mental health dojo."

🦠 Covid-19 Update

Wisconsin Vaccination Rate: 60.6%

Dane County Vaccination Rate: 78.4%

Resources

• 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.
• Request an at-home testing kit from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
• Where to pick up free masks from the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program
• What to Do if You are Sick or Possibly Exposed (PHMDC)

📅 Events: Tuesday, March 22

• Spring Training, tales from baseball’s live-ball era with Falconbridge Players at Lodgic Everyday Community. 7 p.m.
• POSTPONED Greta Van Fleet with Rival Sons and The Velveteers at the Kohl Center. Tickets start at $49.50. 7 p.m.
• Omnium Gatherum, w/ Allegaeon, Black Crown Initiate and Tubal cain at Crucible. Metal. 7 pm. $18.
• It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia-themed trivia at High Noon Saloon. 7 p.m. Free.
• Black Midi, NNAMDÏ at Majestic. Music at 8 p.m. $18 advance, $20 doors. 🟠
• Colin Haye at the Barrymore. 8 p.m.  Tickets start at $35.

Wondering what that 🟠 means? That symbol next to an event listing means that Tone Madison’s team of writers and editors recommends checking it out.