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Poet Laureate of the United States Ada Limón to read at Overture
A spring’s worth of poetry events jump-started by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters culminates on May 23 with a reading by the poet laureate of the United States, Ada Limón. Read more
May 17, 2024
Isthmus' 2024 summer festival calendar
Locate those lawn chairs, picnic baskets and sunscreen…it's summer. Here’s our 2024 calendar covering festivals and annual special events in Madison, Dane County and around the state. Read more
May 16, 2024
What to do in Madison this weekend: Irish Fest Madison, Madison Bach Musicians and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for May 16-19 includes the return of WORTstock to Warner Park; a reunion show for Sunshine Allison. Read more
May 16, 2024
City of Madison budget crisis averted?
The city was estimating a large budget hole for 2025. But when the books were closed for 2023 it turned out the city was about $31 million in the black. You can thank inflation. Read more
May 15, 2024
Community Shares of Wisconsin Backyard Hero: Ashley Inda
Each month Community Shares of Wisconsin presents the Backyard Hero Award to organizations and people making change happen in our community. This month’s hero is Ashley Inda. Read more
May 14, 2024
Political parties target five Wisconsin Senate seats without incumbents
Due to redistricting, all 16-even numbered districts will be filled at the November 2024 election, but the odd-numbered districts, last elected in 2022, will be determined in November 2026. Read more
May 14, 2024
Wisconsin boycott ban could hinder UW-Madison protesters’ divestment demands
The 2018 state statute prohibits state agencies or local governmental units from “refusing to deal with or terminating business relations with Israel — or entities that conduct business in Israel" if the intent is punative. Read more
May 13, 2024
What to do in Madison this week: Jacob Kushner, 'Majeska Mondays' and more Isthmus Picks
Isthmus Picks for May 13-16 includes Forward Theater's Wisconsin Wrights readings of new plays; it's a good week for Americana fans with tour stops by Sarah Morris, Pokey LaFarge and Humbird. Read more
May 13, 2024
Against the grain
Sylvie Rosenthal invites us into Lower Astronomy Studios, a woodworking studio she has maintained for more than nine years. Read more
May 10, 2024
Madison’s Mercury Stardust and Basil Forest team up for a book club podcast
The book club’s discussions are supportive and compassionate and packed with Mercury Stardust’s iconic laugh. Read more
May 10, 2024
Breese Stevens eyes new seats, new playing surface, to attract high-level sports
New turf, locker rooms and 500-1,000 more seats, among other improvements, could be headed to Breese Stevens Field ahead of a women’s pro soccer team beginning play. Read more
May 9, 2024
Pro-Palestinian encampment continues as UW-Madison prepares for commencement
Lengthy negotiations between pro-Palestinian protesters and UW-Madison leaders have stalled, with commencement ceremonies scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Read more
May 9, 2024
What to do in Madison this weekend: Isthmus Dance Collective, Madison Night Market and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for May 9-12 includes a DELVE incubator showcase from Isthmus Dance Collective; an all-ages Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration at Madison Children's Museum. Read more
May 9, 2024
5:06 AM
Churches eye redevelopment as buildings age and membership dwindles
‘The status quo for these properties is simply not viable for many of [these churches]. So they will change,’ says Pres House executive director Mark Elsdon. Read more
May 8, 2024
11:00 AM
A spirited adventure
A steady stream of new liquid refreshments has been popping up in the grocery aisle, as well as on a few cafe menus. Read more
May 8, 2024
8:00 AM
Isthmus wins six Milwaukee Press Club awards
Isthmus wins statewide awards for best illustration, personal profile, newspaper design, critical review, public service story and business story. Read more
May 8, 2024
8:00 AM
Climbing the rock
“Hidden from sight, I was on my own. Standing on the relatively flat base of the rock, I gazed at the ocean, the endless surge of water so lonely and awe-inspiring.” Read more
May 8, 2024
8:00 AM
Starving Wisconsin’s public universities is not the answer
Years of defunding the UW System have laid the groundwork for implementation of Republicans’ higher education agenda. Read more
May 7, 2024
2:00 PM
New owner promises few changes for 77-year-old Esquire Club
The Esquire Club is “already hip,” says new owner Craig Spaulding. He is mindful of keeping traditions that are working. Read more
May 7, 2024
1:30 PM
Wisconsin's legislative candidates face strict rules, deadlines to get on the November ballot
Dozens of first-time candidates in Wisconsin are learning about the many reports and other hurdles that must be cleared before — hopefully — their name is on the Nov. 5 ballot. Read more
May 7, 2024
10:00 AM
Q: Where do new plays come from?
Wisconsin Wrights’ new plays explore contemporary issues with an eye to history. Read more
May 7, 2024
8:00 AM
Madison’s ‘housing first’ complexes will shift approach, offer less supportive housing
After two troubled affordable housing complexes are sold, far fewer of their units will be devoted to supportive housing. City officials say that change, along with new management, will help avoid some of the problems that plagued the buildings. Read more
May 6, 2024
7:30 PM
Auntie Luke explains why constitutional referendums are so confusing
Auntie Luke Explains, a new series by T.L. Luke, demystifies complex topics through the use of comics. She begins this month with an explainer on constitutional amendments that go to statewide referendum. Read more
May 6, 2024
3:00 PM
Jamming with strangers
Why would a performer put together three hours of music with players he won’t see until the day of a show? “It’s as exciting as all get out,” explains Ben Majeska. Read more
May 6, 2024
8:00 AM
In the May issue
Wisconsin is for the birds
By almost any measure, birdwatching in Wisconsin has never been more popular — with technology making it easier than ever to tell a nuthatch from a chickadee or to post colorful photos on social media sites. Read more
Dinner at Nonna’s
It seems reasonable to assume that at a spaghetti house, you should start with the spaghetti. Also: take the cannoli. Read more
Churches eye redevelopment as buildings age and membership dwindles
‘The status quo for these properties is simply not viable for many of [these churches]. So they will change,’ says Pres House executive director Mark Elsdon. Read more
Auntie Luke explains why constitutional referendums are so confusing
Auntie Luke Explains, a new series by T.L. Luke, demystifies complex topics through the use of comics. She begins this month with an explainer on constitutional amendments that go to statewide referendum. Read more
Behind the Isthmus cover — May 2024
Designer and animator Chris Bennett finds the fun in a Madison run for the May 2024 Isthmus cover. Read more
RSVP for Concerts & Cuisine
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra fundraiser featuring food by more than 25 chefs, 5 pm, 6/2, Marriott-West, Middleton. $150. RSVP by 5/19. Read more
May 19, 2024
Spring Art Tour
Annual Mount Horeb Area Arts Association open studios event, 10 am-5 pm, 5/17-19, between Arena and Ashton to the north and New Glarus to the south. Free. Locations TBA: mhaaa.org Read more
May 19, 2024
10:00 AM5:00 PM
artist studios in Dane, Green, Iowa and Sauk counties
Dane County Master Gardeners Plant Sale
11 am-3 pm, 5/19, UW Extension office parking lot. Read more
May 19, 2024
11:00 AM3:00 PM