💰 UW wins big in budget deal

🚧 Is This the Future of the Top of State Street?

• City planners unveiled initial concepts to redesign the top of State Street, aimed at creating spaces that are welcoming and safe for everyone. The region has been a concern for city officials for over a decade, and nearby businesses say they’ve seen an increase in crime there.
• The designs include planters, tables, and increased lighting, which would make the space easily usable for food carts and artisan vendors at the top of the street. One idea would be to use the small parking space on Carroll Street, which got pushback from some businesses along that street.
• 🎧 Dig deeper: On a special Wednesday news roundup, the City Cast Madison team talks about our reaction to the redesign ideas. We also talk about what the Wisconsin Supreme Court has cooked up lately, and give our suggestions for naming the Henry Vilas Zoo flamingos. [Isthmus, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

💰 UW Gets $256M Hike in Budget Deal

• Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday that he has reached a tentative budget deal with legislative leaders that would include the largest increase to the Universities of Wisconsin in over two decades and $330 million to support the state’s child care industry.
• Recently, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said some in the GOP were looking at cutting the UW budget by $87 million. But this deal would give the UW $256 million, including $100 million to stabilize the system after recent campus closures and layoffs, and $54 million to retain and recruit faculty and staff in high-demand fields.
• The deal, which has yet to be finalized, would include more than $1 billion in income tax cuts and $1.4 billion in spendable revenue for K-12 schools, including raising the special education reimbursement rate to 42 percent. [WPR]

🚌 Bus, Trash Service Cut Back for Holiday

• Metro Transit service will reduce hours to Sunday schedules on Friday in observance of the Fourth of July. All standing paratransit rides are cancelled, and riders must call and schedule a casual ride. The administrative offices will be closed Friday, but the call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Similarly, the Madison Streets Division will have no trash, recycling, brush, or large item collections on Friday. Residents who have regular Friday pickup should instead put their trash and recycling out on Monday morning. [City of Madison]

Friday is Independence Day, and there’s plenty going on in and around Madison to ooh and aah about – from fireworks displays to family activities to festivals celebrating community. Here’s some help to plan your long weekend.

🎆 Here Comes the Boom

The Monona Community Festival at Winnequah Park on July 4 is the granddaddy of fireworks shows in the area. And pre-show traffic can get pretty snarled, so our advice is to go to the festival early and enjoy the rides and the food before the rush starts.

Another option is to set up your blanket at a nearby location, such as Yahara Place Park or Olbrich Park. Or, if you know somebody with a nice boat, you can even head out onto Lake Monona for a nice view. Just make sure to be safe, on land or at sea.

The fireworks actually start on Wednesday, July 2 in Verona with Festival Foods’ pyrotechnics show at Hometown Festival USA Park. On Thursday, the Festival Foods in Madison is sponsoring its own fireworks show following the Madison Mallards game at Warner Park.

On Friday, it’s the Madison Night Mares’ turn to host a fireworks show at Warner Park. Fans can just come out onto the field after the game to enjoy the show.

🎻 A Patriotic Celebration

But we don’t need fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. On Wednesday, July 2, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Concerts on the Square program is called “A Celebration of Liberty,” featuring patriotic bangers like “Stars and Stripes Forever” and the “1812 Overture” (complete with real cannon fire, so bring your earplugs!).

⬆️ Last Week’s Photo

It’s located on the back of Northside Town Center next to Prism Apartments. Thanks to Madison Minutes reader Renae Schroeder for sending in this photo!

🎉 Congratulations to Mickie K., DeAnna F., and Caroline S. for being the first three to guess right!

⬇️ This Week’s Photo

Do you know where these windows are located? A few clues!

• The house is on Madison’s east side
• The root vegetables in the windows were designed by an artist named Lightbox
• If they make you hungry, you can go across the street to get some sexy fries!