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| |  | The site of Corey Ruiz’s July 22 shooting on Williamson Street has become a memorial site. But for how long? (Hayley Sperling / City Cast Madison) |
| The intersection of South Baldwin and Williamson streets in Madison has been transformed in the week since Corey Ruiz was shot and killed there by a Madison police officer. Protesters have closed down multiple blocks and turned the space into a memorial site with barricades, flowers, signs, and mutual aid stations. | | While many surrounding businesses and neighbors support the goals of the protesters, others are complaining the encampment is a safety hazard and an impediment to traffic. And how long the memorial will remain is unclear. As far as the investigation into the shooting goes, MPD Chief John Patterson said in a statement Monday there’s no new updates to be shared. | | 🚧 Traffic Rerouted Until Further Notice: City officials said the intersection would be closed until further notice and detour signs are rerouting traffic onto East Washington Avenue. Bus routes have also been detoured. [City of Madison] | | 🪧 Alderman Asks For Patience: District 6 Ald. Davy Mayer, who represents the area, said he’s been meeting with both protest organizers and locals to provide municipal services and driveway access to residents. He said trash bins originally taken by protesters to build the barricades have been returned to residents and there will be a special trash collection on Thursday in the area. [City of Madison] | | “People have every right to protest and make their voices heard, and that right matters deeply to me. At the same time, we're working hard to be mindful of neighbors and those who work in the area and serve our community here.” | Davy Mayer | District 6 Alder |
| | 🛑 Businesses Back Protesters, Even With Fewer Customers: Some stores in the area have closed, while others are staying open. Lazy Jane’s Cafe manager Alex Gaspar said he wants his restaurant to be a haven for protesters, especially during the heat wave. Meanwhile, Kool Things Vintage Clothing owner Joel O’Donnell said he is keeping his store closed so as not to be a distraction. | |  | A “Little Free Revolutionary Library” is one of the stations found at the Williamson Street memorial site. There are also tents for art making, food distribution, and mental health services. (Hayley Sperling / City Cast Madison) |
| ✊ George Floyd Fist Donated From Minneapolis: A symbol from the 2020 Black Lives Matters protest in Minneapolis now appears at the center of the intersection. The statue of a raised fist that sat in Minneapolis’ George Floyd Square was donated by organizers who wanted to show solidarity between the two cities. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities] | | 🗳️ Encampment Becomes an Issue in Gov Race: On Monday, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, the overwhelming favorite to become the Republican nominee in the governor’s race, said the barricades need to be removed “before this escalates.” [Facebook] | |
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| What Madison's Talking About |
|  | A redevelopment of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum site would include two neighboring buildings – but the plan might conflict with state officials’ plans. (Daderot / Wikimedia Commons) |
| 🏗️ Vet Museum Redevelopment Plan Includes Two Restaurants: The private owners of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum space on the Capitol Square want to tear down the neighboring buildings containing Coopers Tavern and Rare Steakhouse to make way for a 13-story development. But state officials say their lease for the museum gives it the right to buy the current 10-story museum property whether the owners support the sale or not. But whether or not the state still maintains that right to purchase is currently being worked out in court. [🔒WSJ] | | 💰 Civilian Oversight Board Wants 1% of Police Budget: In the wake of the police shooting of Corey Ruiz, Madison’s Police Civilian Oversight Board reiterated its call for 1% of the Madison Police Department’s budget to be reallocated to fully fund both the board and the Office of the Independent Police Monitor. MPD’s 2025 budget was more than $96 million, so the move would more than double the current $405,000 budget. [WKOW, City of Madison] | | 🍺 Minocqua Brewing Owner Says State Revoked His License: Kirk Bangstad, the outspoken owner of Minocqua Brewing Company, says the Wisconsin Department of Revenue has revoked his brewer’s permit over liquor law violations. Bangstad, who briefly ran for governor this spring, blames the decision on political motives. He has until Aug. 4 to appeal the decision. [WPR] | | 🚨 Deputy’s Spelling Error Sent the Wrong Man to Prison: An innocent Canadian man went to prison for 18 months because of a spelling mistake by a Dane County Sheriff’s deputy. The deputy was investigating a man targeting children online, but misspelled the suspect’s username when requesting records. The error led to a Halifax man being arrested and convicted by mistake. [Ars Technica] | | 🧑⚕️ Free Clinic in Verona this Weekend: Uninsured or underinsured Wisconsinites can get free medical, dental, and vision care at a Remote Area Medical clinic Aug. 1-2 in the parking lot at Verona Area High School. Doors open at 6 a.m, and care is first-come, first-served. [News 3] | |
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| |  | Did you know where this charming bench is located? (Hayley Sperling / City Cast Madison) |
| ⬆️ Last Week’s Photo | | This bench is located just off at the Southwest Commuter Path near the intersection at Harrison Street and Keyes Avenue! | | 🎉 Congratulations to Donna W., Albi S., and Julie S. for being the first three people to guess correctly! | | ⬇️ This Week’s Photo |  | Can you shed a little light on where this beacon is located? (Rob Thomas / City Cast Madison) |
| Where is this light located? A few clues: | | - It’s on Madison’s north side
- It dates back to the 1930s
- Here’s a hint: I took this photo right before I went on vacation!
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📰 Extra! Extra! Flyers promoting a "Block the Beltline" protest Monday were apparently a hoax, perhaps created to sow misinformation. Local advocacy groups said they had nothing to do with it, although hundreds of motorists changed their commutes Monday as result. | | To spot fakes, experts recommend checking to see who the organizers are and verifying through official channels. And if the event has no safety protocols or legal support, or seems intended to incite violence, stay clear 👀 |
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