📝 Elvis vs. Madison

⚖️ Evers Okays Maps

• Gov. Tony Evers signed off on new legislative maps for Wisconsin this week. The maps will be in place for the November election and are likely to help Democrats gain seats in the state Assembly and state Senate.
• The maps were originally drawn and proposed by Evers. After much back and forth — and some intervention from the state Supreme Court — Assembly Republicans eventually embraced Evers’ maps saying they had no better option. Meanwhile, many Democrats voted against the maps, holding out hope they’d be able to gain even more seats.
• Dig deeper: Wisconsin’s old maps were once called “some of the most extreme partisan gerrymanders in the United States.” [Wisconsin Watch, City Cast Madison 🎧]

☕ More Local Starbucks Push for Unionization

• Workers at Starbucks shops in Monona and on Madison's south side have filed petitions with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize. In a letter to the company’s CEO, workers pushed for higher pay, a safe working environment, and better benefits.
• Starbucks workers at the State Street and Capitol Square locations have already successfully unionized. [Channel 3000, Cap Times]

🩷 A Store for Scrunchies

• What started off as a hobby for one UW-Madison graduate will soon have an in-person storefront near campus. The shop — Every Bitch Needs a Scrunchie — will open up shop at 626 Langdon Street this spring selling scrunchies (of course), as well as apparel and products made by other local creators.
• “I want it to be a very bright and welcoming space with plants all over and lots of pastels,” owner Kenzie Beam told Cap Times. “I want it to be somewhere that people can come in and buy gifts for themselves or a loved one, and just feel happy while they're shopping.” [Cap Times]

🍎 MMSD Wants to Hear From You

• The Madison Metropolitan School District is hosting several community engagement sessions focused on the district’s budget and facilities. The sessions will cover the current state of the district’s facilities and the challenges they face, and strategies for revitalization.
• The next session will be Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. in the Toki Middle School/Orchard Ridge Elementary School cafeteria. More dates and information are available and a virtual session is in the works. [MMSD]

⬆️ Last Week’s Winner

Once again, y’all have proven that you truly do know where things are in Madison. Nearly 150 people responded to last week’s query and you literally all got it right. Congratulations to everyone who played, the correct answer was I/O Arade Bar on Willy Street.

🎉 This week’s special shoutout goes to readers Jules R., Tess R., Maddie L., and Kevin R. who taught me something I didn’t know. Our dear skeleton’s name is Mr. Bones.

⬇️ This Week’s Clues

Outside of what Madison business can you find this art? Submit your answers here.

• This East-side joint is a favorite for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
• Their patio is a top destination during the warmer months.
• Still not sure? Read this neighborhood guide.

How New Apts on E. Wash Are Helping Solve Climate Change

New apartment buildings in Madison promise many amenities: granite countertops, fitness centers, and rooftop decks. But one new development, Bakers Place, promises something more: a chance to save us from climate change.