🌱 4 Killed In Semi Crash + MMSD Offers 15,000 COVID Tests

Up and at 'em, Madison! Let's get you started this Saturday with everything you need to know going on in town today.

First, today's weather:

Breezy and not as cold. High: 26 Low: 16.

Here are the top 3 stories in Madison today:

1. Four people were killed after a minivan was hit by two semi trucks on Interstate 39/90/94 on Thursday. The Wisconsin State Patrol says the minivan had stopped to assist with a disabled vehicle on the shoulder of the southbound lanes and was hit by the trucks while pulling back into traffic. Southbound lanes of the interstate were closed for about three hours. (WXOW)
2. The Madison Metropolitan School District will offer 15,000 COVID tests this weekend. The district is urging people to get tested now because the PCR tests, which were given to the district by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, will expire on Monday. Six testing sites will be open today and tomorrow, with pre-registration online encouraged but not required. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)
3. A book by a professor of art and education at UW–Madison has been named a finalist for the Malta National Book Prize. The book, "Rubble Walls of Thought: Limits and Freedom" is John Baldacchino's first book of literary philosophy. It was written in his mother tongue, Maltese, and invites readers to explore ethics, politics, literature, and epistemology. (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Today in Madison:

• Food Pantry At Badger Prairie Needs Network (10:00 AM)
• Pride Teen Book Club At Sequoya Branch Library (2:00 PM)
• Bird And Nature Outing At City of Madison Parks (2:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Did you know our friendly gut bacteria can alter our DNA to make us healthier? New research out of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery finds that they accomplish this feat by producing special fatty acids. (Facebook)
• Pick up a Monthly Maker Kit at the Member Services desk on your next visit to the Museum of Wisconsin Art! Each kit contains everything you need for an art discussion, plus instructions for a take home art activity inspired by the MOWA collection. (Instagram)
• Madison Children's Museum is partnering with AMI Expeditionary Healthcare to host two more pop-up COVID vaccination clinics at the museum on Jan. 10 and Jan. 31. Pre-registration is required. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! I'll see you around.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.