📝 Meriter workers on the picket line

🚌 Tracking Metro

• Metro will soon launch a new software to track its buses. The technology, aptly named Bus Tracker, will be piloted with 12 buses and will expand throughout the summer. It was set to launch on Monday, but “data issues” have pushed the launch date back. Once the new technology goes live, Metro will be looking for feedback.
• Related: Everything you need to know about Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Plus, did you know there are chairs in the “accordion” section of the new buses? [Metro, City Cast Madison 🎧, Facebook]

📣 Meriter Hospital Workers Picket for Contract

• Workers and community members picketed outside UnityPoint Health – Meriter over the weekend, calling for wage increases, proper staffing, and safe working environments. Union employees have been in negotiations with the hospital for three months. While the weekend’s picket was billed as “informational,” participants said they’re prepared to go on strike. [WORT]

📚 MMSD Has a New Spokesperson

• The Madison Metropolitan School District hired Edell Fiedler as its new senior executive director of communications. Fiedler has more than 20 years of professional communications experience and most recently served in a similar role for the City of Elgin, Illinois.
• The bigger picture: Fiedler succeeds Tim LeMonds in the role, who was accused of bullying and harassment of both MMSD staff and local media. This is the second major new hire for the district, which recently named Joe Gothard as its new superintendent. [WMTV, Channel 3000, Isthmus]

🕵️ Your Lunchtime Read: After 35 years of uncertainty, investigators ID skeleton found in Madison chimney

• “After more than three decades, investigators finally have a name to tie to a gruesome mystery.The skeletal remains found on Sept. 3, 1989 in the chimney of a Madison business belong to Ronnie Joe Kirk, Madison Police announced Monday.But more questions remain in the death of Kirk, whose remains were discovered in the process of renovating a music shop nearly 25 years ago.”
• Related: Where are Madison’s most haunted places? [WPR, City Cast Madison 🎧]

We’re back with another edition of Take Me Home Tuesday and this week, we’re getting Scrappy. Literally.

Scrappy is an adult dog who was found running around loose in Fitchburg. He can be shy at first, but once he warms up, he’s a playful and affectionate sweetheart. Scrappy enjoys playing with toys and is a champion at fetch. Scrappy is a real outdoorsman who loves running around in yards and going for hikes. Like all good boys, Scrappy also enjoys receiving pets, belly rubs, and will sometimes snuggle up in your lap.

Scrappy needs a quiet home with no small children. He’s looking for a patient family who will work with him on building his confidence and positive reinforcement training, while spoiling him with lots of affection, adventures, and playtime.

Bipartisan Solutions to Wisconsin’s Abortion Debate

Abortion has proven to be a leading issue in the 2024 elections. But does Wisconsin have any bipartisan solutions on abortion? Ali Mulrow is the executive director of Women’s Medical Fund Wisconsin and Bria Halama is a mental health counselor. Host Bianca Martin sat down with the two — who hold opposing views — to learn about their experience and to get their recommendations for the state.