Morning Update

What is the most Madison thing possible?

Paul Soglin and his mustache. Photo credit: Soglin's (now deleted) Twitter account

Good morning, Madison!

Eight years ago, the State Journal published a crowd-sourced list of 100 things that define Madison.

That list is now a bit outdated (former Mayor Paul Soglin’s mustache was item no. 2 on the list).

So now the paper is seeking new suggestions from the public for an updated list. You can submit your suggestions here. Might we suggest the Madison Minutes notepad?

— Sam

🏳️‍🌈 Federal legislation protecting same-sex and interracial marriages is poised to become law, thanks in part to U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin.

The U.S. Senate passed the Respect for Marriage Act last night. It now heads to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass and be sent to the president's desk to be signed into law.
Baldwin, the first openly gay senator, was one of three lawmakers who introduced the legislation after the repeal of Roe v. Wade, fearing the U.S. Supreme Court could overturn other rights secured by Supreme Court decisions.
While 12 Republican Senators supported the bill, Wisconsin’s other Senator, Ron Johnson, voted against it.
Go deeper: ‘Her leadership was critical’: Tammy Baldwin guides same-sex marriage bill through extremely divided Senate (CNN)
Related: The fine print of the Respect for Marriage Act (CNN)

🚨 One person was injured in a shooting on State Street Tuesday.

According to police, the shooting happened around 3:30 p.m. on the 100 block of State Street during an altercation between two people who appeared to know each other.
The suspect fled the scene, and as of late Tuesday night, had not been arrested.
The bigger picture: The downtown shooting comes one week after a man was fatally shot near John Nolen Drive. The suspect in that case also remains at large. "Having two so very close to each other is really so uncommon for Madison," Police Chief Shon Barnes told the State Journal.

🏈 New Badgers football coach Luke Fickell’s visit to town.

Many were caught by surprise when the UW announced Fickell as the new Badgers head coach this weekend. By Sunday night, Fickell was in Madison. On Monday, he met with the team, spoke with interim head coach Jim Lenoard, and was introduced at an event at Camp Randall, according to the Cap Times.
“Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. We’re all going to be growing together through this change,” Fickell said.
Related: Football coaching staff jobs posted as Badgers introduce Luke Fickell as new head coach (Channel 3000)

The West Campus District. Credit: UW-Madison

🚧 UW-Madison is seeking input on redevelopment plans for the west side of campus.

Background: The university is redeveloping certain “high-opportunity land parcels” on the west side of campus to generate more revenue. The planning process began in August, and final plans are expected to be delivered to the Board of Regents for approval next summer.
The plan will outline changes to building use, greenspace, and parking/transportation.
The project website prompts visitors to answer a short survey about their experiences with the west side of campus and their priorities for redevelopment.

🍳 This local nonprofit needs help to outfit its new kitchen.

Mentoring Positives, a nonprofit that mentors youth, moved into a new space on the east side and needs help outfitting their commercial kitchen, according to Madison365.
The new space, on the first floor of the newly-built Ella Apartments, has room for community gatherings and mentorship, as well as a kitchen where local kids can produce and sell food.
The nonprofit is trying to raise $13,000 to fund remaining needs like utensils and kitchenware. You can donate online or email Will Green to get involved.

❓ Have you ordered free Covid tests from the state yet?

This is your reminder that all Wisconsin households are now eligible to receive a free Covid-19 test kit every month. Each kit contains five rapid antigen tests.
You can order tests here.

🐦 Your lunchtime read: Sittin’ in the morning sun

Via Isthmus: “Birding sits are accessible because there aren’t any trails or debris that could serve as barriers for people who use a wheelchair or have a visual disability, Svabek says. And they have their advantages: a number of birds can be heard by remaining mostly still, while the slightest stir, when hiking, can cause birds to fly away. This morning, says Svabek, they have heard the calls of sandhill cranes and the high-pitched screech of the red-winged blackbird.”