📝 One of America’s best food trucks is in Madison

📢 TruStage Workers Ratify Union Contract

• After nearly two years of negotiations, strikes, and protests, Workers at TruStage (formerly known as CUNA Mutual Group) have a new contract that will deliver new and retroactive raises, maintain pensions and health insurance, and protect workers’ access to remote work.
• The company has roughly 1,800 employees in the Madison area. When the union went on strike earlier this year, it marked the largest local strike in more than a decade.
• Dig deeper: Do you like stories about labor and unions? Check out WORT FM's Labor Radio News Roundup. [Cap Times, Tone Madison, WORT]

🎓 UW-Madison Promises Free Tuition for Native Students from WI

• UW-Madison announced it will cover the costs of undergraduate degrees for students who are members of one of the state’s 11 federally recognized Indigenous tribes. Starting next fall, the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise program will cover tuition as well as housing, meals, books, and other educational expenses for in-state undergraduates who qualify.
• Additionally, the university announced a five-year pilot program to cover in-state tuition and fees for students from Wisconsin tribes who are pursuing law or medical degrees.
• Both current and incoming students are eligible to participate in the program, it’s not based on financial need and is privately funded.
• The numbers: Currently, the annual cost of an undergraduate degree for a Wisconsin resident is $28,916. For law students, the cost is $35,197 annually, and med students pay $42,198 annually. [WPR, UW-Madison]

🏆 Caracas Empanadas Gets Top Yelp Honors

• Local food truck Caracas Empanadas was recently named one of the top 25 food carts in the U.S., according to Yelpers. You can usually find the cart on Library Mall during the week but Caracas Empanadas is also a regular at major local events, like the Dane County Farmers’ Market.
• Hot tip: Did you know Caracas Empanadas has a sister? The Caracas Arepas food truck opened in 2018 and is equally delicious. (At least in this newsletter writer’s opinion.) [Yelp, Wisconsin State Journal]

Dane County Humane Society would like you to meet Ander. He’s a boisterous adult pup who was found alone at a Madison gas station last month. Ander loves attention, treats, toys, and playing fetch. He enjoys learning, is very treat motivated, and has been working with staff and volunteers on walking with a loose leash. Ander is looking for an energetic but patient family who will work with him on his confidence and positive reinforcement training, while also spoiling him with fun activities, treats, and love.

Inside the DEI Battle Between UW and State Lawmakers

The UW System Board of Regents flip-flopped on a major state deal that would require the UW to reclassify diversity-related staff in exchange for around $800 million for staff raises and building projects. Three regents changed their tune on the controversial proposal just days after voting no on the exact same offer.

So what changed?