MADISON, Wis. – After a tumultuous, news-filled 2020, a number of major topics are ongoing. In 2021, here’s some of the stories we’ll be following the closest.
TRANSITION OF POWER: President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn into power in on Jan 20. Despite there being no evidence of widescale voter fraud or election tampering, top Republicans say they plan on protesting the vote made by the electoral college. While political experts say this is more of a symbolic gesture than anything, President Trump has not yet fully committed to a peaceful transfer of power.
READ: Dane County Clerk: Recount certified; no evidence of voter fraud
CORONAVIRUS VACCINE DISTRIBUTION: While Wisconsin will likely reach both 5oo,ooo total cases of COVID-19 and 5,000 deaths linked to the virus before the month of January is over, help is on the way. Two vaccines have been approved and are now reaching more Wisconsinites each day. According to DHS data, more than 47,000 vaccines have already been administered. However, top health officials say it could be months before the vaccines reach the general public.
REOPENING SCHOOLS: In another decision that could come before the end of 2021’s first month, districts in Wisconsin will make the decision whether or not to return to in-person learning. Governor Tony Evers has already advised schools to consider reopening following the winter holiday break. While local health officials in Dane County say schools can reopen with the proper guidelines, MMSD has yet to make a decision one way or the other. District leaders say they plan to announce their plans by Jan 8.
SHUTDOWN IMPACT ON LOCAL BUSINESSES: 31 State Street businesses have already shut their doors for good since the beginning of the pandemic. Despite federal assistance, the WRA anticipates nearly 1 in 2 restaurants in the state could close for good. While there is no immediate plan for more relief funding, a number of businesses have started online fundraising campaigns to pay bills and employees.
LIST: Madison dining and drink businesses with GoFundMe pages
MADISON’S RECORD YEAR OF GUN VIOLENCE: In 2020, Madison saw record high shots fired incidents, while tying for the most homicides in a one-year period. The murder of 11-year-old Anisa Scott highlighted a summer of gun violence where elected officials promised to create change. The three men arrested for Scott’s murder will face trial in 2021. New MPD Chief Dr. Shon Barnes will be tasked with finding a solution to the increase in crime as well as repairing the relationship between police and the public.
READ: Not guilty plea entered for teen charged in Anisa Scott killing
RULINGS FOR SHESKY, CHAUVIN: The killing of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake sparked protests throughout the nation in 2020. This year, the police officers could face punishment. Kenosha Police Officer Ruston Shesky’s fate could be decided as soon as mid-January. On August 23, 2020, Shesky shot Jacob Blake several times from point blank range. Kenosha city leaders are already bracing for possible protests after the decision is made. On March 8, a trial is expected to begin for Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin as well as the other police involved in the killing of George Floyd. In May, Chauvin was videotaped kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly 10 straight minutes, killing him. Chauvin’s defense attorney has asked the trial to be moved to the summer of 2021, but no official decision has been made.
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