🚨 How a spelling error put an innocent man in prison

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]

🛑 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.

• An employee at Buraka said the African restaurant has definitely seen a slowdown in traffic. Spokesman Brendon Smith at the Willy Street Co-op said business at the store has “been a little quieter,” but the store remains open and continues to back peaceful community expression. [WKOW, WMTV, Cap Times]

✊ 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]

🏗️ 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]

⬆️ 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

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!