Election Officials Need A Break + Mental Health Funding + Trains!

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Here's what's going on around Madison today.

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First, today's weather:

Occasional rain and drizzle. High: 54 Low: 49.

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Here are the top stories today in Madison:

1. Election officials in Wisconsin and across the country are struggling. Amid a number of election investigations, threats of violence and constant doubt of their abilities to run elections, election officials are emotionally drained with some having a hard time deciding to stay or leave their positions. (The Cap Times)
2. Gov. Tony Evers announced a $2 million investment into mental and behavioral health services. The funding, which comes from the Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Association, will primarily go toward underserved communities like Hmong and Southeast Asian populations. (Channel3000)
3. Train enthusiasts listen up! Madison and Milwaukee are "key pieces" in a new high speed rail system mapped out by the Midwest Regional Rail Planning study for the next 40 years. The Wisconsin cities would be integral in connecting Chicago to the Twin Cities. (WPR)
4. The candy corn brats, known as the "Spook"Toberfest brat, at Jennifer Street Market has been receiving national attention. (Wisconsin State Journal)

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Today in Madison:

• Rely Series: Cybersecurity: When the Unexpected Happens, What Do You Do? — Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. (11 a.m.)
• Thursday Book Discussion: The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi — Sequoya Branch Library. (1 p.m.)
• DNR Coal Ash Rule Hearing —Sierra Club: Wisconsin John Muir Chapter. (2:30 p.m.)
• Book Discussion of 'The Mother-in-Law'—Lakeview Branch Library. (5:30 p.m.)
• Halloween Trivia Night — South Madison Branch Library. (6 p.m.)
• Wisconsin People & Ideas 2021 Fiction and Poetry Contest Reading — Wisconsin Book Festival. (7 p.m.)

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Madison Patch Notebook

• Shelter From The Storm is bringing awareness: "Gilmore and Wasabi are here for Pitbull Awareness month! They want everyone to join them for our adoption event this Saturday (Oct. 30) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shelter! They also want you to know that Pitbulls are awesome!" (Facebook)
• PBS Wisconsin is enjoying fall views: "Lights. Camera. Nature! The @PBSWisconsin production crew has been in the Northwoods this month capturing stunning fall foliage for our next installment of Wisconsin's Scenic Treasures, a celebration of Wisconsin's beautiful natural areas." (Instagram)
• Wisconsin Veterans Museum shares some history: "With 299 days down and just 66 to go, 'short timer' Mike Kowalkowski began recording the time left in his one-year Vietnam tour. You can see this countdown on his reversible Mitchell pattern helmet cover." (Instagram)
• Dane Arts spotlights an artist: "Today's DABL Featured artist is Julie Snyder. Traditional metalsmith skills are used to create modern jewelry with clean lines and quality craftsmanship. You can find more of their work at www.metalearthjewelry.com." (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around! If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Molly Carmichael

About me: Hey there! I'm a recent UW-Madison graduate and a fan of all things local. Send me your Madison newsletter articles, events or ideas.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Madison Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at madison-wi@patch.com.