🌱COVID Surges, Hospitals Reach Capacity + Mercie's Coffee Opens

Good day, people of Madison! Sean Peek here with your brand-new edition of the Madison Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Frigid with periods of sun. High: 10 Low: 0.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Madison today:

1. Hospitals in Madison have reached full capacity as COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the country. Case numbers at UnityPoint Health – Meriter, UW Hospital, and SSM Health St. Mary's were tied with the previous peak of 179, health care officials said on Thursday. Representatives from the three sites said they plan to reassess policies for postponing elective procedures on a weekly basis as cases continue to climb. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)
2. A Madison man charged in a Middleton crash that killed three teens was bound over to trial this week. Eric Mehring waived his right to a preliminary hearing and entered a not guilty plea when he appeared in court on Thursday morning. Merhing is charged with three counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, two counts of second-degree reckless homicide, and two counts of second degree recklessly endangering safety. (WKOW)
3. A new coffee shop with a mission has opened on Madison's east side. Mercie's Coffee opened on Monday as part of owner Mallory Orr's lifelong mission to fight human trafficking and inspire change. The shop aims to raise awareness of four Wisconsin-based organizations committed to fighting human trafficking. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)

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From our sponsor:

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Today in Madison:

• Anime Club Sakugan At Hawthorne Library (5:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• For more than a century, scientists have pondered whether there could be life on Venus. Now, UW-Madison Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) scientist Sanjay Limaye has co-authored a collection of papers making the case for exploring the planet to find the answer. (Facebook)
• Wisconsin Farmers Union Government Relations Director Nick Levendofsky was at the Capitol on Thursday morning, testifying in support of Assembly Bills 727 and 728. (Instagram)
• The Department of Civil Rights is hosting two events to help increase awareness of the diversity of businesses located in Madison. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you tomorrow for another update.

— 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.