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Dynae Allice Photography
Madison voters approve three spending referendums, despite earlier pushback
All funding referendums on Madison voters’ Nov. 5 ballots passed; homeowners could see up to $1,580 in increases to their tax bills by 2028. Read more
What's New
Max Denning
Before the call: Making the rounds of Madison's election night gatherings
The call on the presidential election would not come until early next morning, but people of all political stripes gathered election night for company and comaraderie. Read more
Nov 6, 2024
Dynae Allice Photography
Madison voters approve three spending referendums, despite earlier pushback
All funding referendums on Madison voters’ Nov. 5 ballots passed; homeowners could see up to $1,580 in increases to their tax bills by 2028. Read more
Nov 6, 2024
Republicans maintain control of Wisconsin Legislature, but Dems make gains
Republicans kept control of the Wisconsin Legislature, but will not have a two-thirds majority required to override vetoes by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers anymore. Read more
Nov 6, 2024
Dynae Allice Photography
In convincing win, Melissa Agard becomes new Dane County executive
Melissa Agard won the race for county executive handily, with around 61% of the vote. She has to run again in April. Read more
Nov 6, 2024
Liam Beran
‘It’s been remarkably quiet’
Around 98,790 absentee ballots had been returned in Madison as of Tuesday. Poll workers processed the ballots throughout the day. Read more
Nov 5, 2024
Jason Joyce
Madison’s date night guru since 1976 could use a hand
While it seems relatively straightforward to present a constantly updated, comprehensive list of what’s going on in a growing city that punches above its weight class in terms of stuff to do, it’s no easy feat. Read more
Nov 5, 2024
Wisconsin candidates ignore state’s looming ‘senior tsunami’
The number of Wisconsin residents 75 and older will increase by 74% in less than a generation — from 407,070 in 2020 to 708,500 in 2040, a Forward Analytics report, “On the Brink,” predicted in September. Read more
Nov 4, 2024
‘The Foe and the Fallen’ vinyl release and on stage at the Bur Oak
On Nov. 9, ‘The Foe and the Fallen: Songs from the Greatest War’ will be released on vinyl in a special program with early and late shows at The Bur Oak. Read more
Nov 4, 2024
Jordan Rathkopf/The Rathkopfs
What to do in Madison this week: Fall Election, Nikkya Hargrove and more Isthmus Picks
Isthmus Picks for Nov. 4-7 also includes an all-star bluegrass collaboration pulled together for Majeska Monday at the Up North; Patti Parks Band at Red Rooster. Read more
Nov 4, 2024
Liam Beran
Madison early voting turnout doubles 2020 numbers
In-person early voting has been brisk in Madison, double the turnout of 2020. Read more
Nov 3, 2024
courtesy Glitter Workshop
A roundup of Madison holiday arts and crafts fairs, pop-up markets and more for 2024
It's never too early to start looking for the perfect holiday gift. Read more
Nov 1, 2024
Kendyll Hazzard
Do it yourself
While dancing together at Isthmus Dance Collective’s 2024 spring show, five local dancers decided they wanted more chances to showcase their artistry. Their first production debuts Nov. 2. Read more
Nov 1, 2024
10:00 AM
Liam Beran
Can out-of-state college students push Kamala Harris over the edge in Wisconsin?
Vice President Kamala Harris, alongside popular musicians, rallied students Wednesday night in Madison, She praised the Gen Z generation as ‘rightly impatient for change.’ Read more
Oct 31, 2024
10:00 AM
HLS Productions
What to do in Madison this weekend: Forward Madison FC playoffs, Madison Hmong New Year Celebration and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for Oct. 31-Nov. 3 also includes open studios day at the UW Art Department; opening weekend for Madison Opera. Madison Shakespeare Company and StageQ productions. Read more
Oct 31, 2024
5:02 AM
Tommy Washbush / Freepik
Election predictions for Nov. 5
Polls and data points aside, here are Citizen Dave’s election predictions for Nov. 5. Read more
Oct 30, 2024
11:00 AM
Liam Beran
Cincinnati mayor visits Madison, urges Tibetan community to vote their principles
The mayor of Cincinnati, the first Tibetan-American mayor of a major U.S. city, spoke at the Wisconsin Tibetan Association community center, urging Tibetan-Americans to vote their principles on Nov. 5. Read more
Oct 30, 2024
10:00 AM
Guía Isthmus para el votante en otoño de 2024
Isthmus explica en detalle lo que debemos esperar en la papeleta de votación del 5 de noviembre. Read more
Oct 28, 2024
4:15 PM
2024 Isthmus General Election voter guide
Isthmus breaks down what to expect on the Nov. 5. ballot. Read more
Oct 28, 2024
4:10 PM
Voters to judge GOP’s third constitutional change Nov. 5
Two proposed constitutional amendments were defeated by Wisconsin voters in April. Another one, to codify who can vote in the state, is on the ballot Nov. 5. Read more
Oct 28, 2024
10:00 AM
Submitted photo
Don’t cut support for people with disabilities
Steven Salmon, a Madison-based writer who has cerebral palsy, is able to live independently with the help of such programs as Social Security. Read more
Oct 28, 2024
9:00 AM
Beth Skogen Photography
What to do in Madison this week: Griefcat, Downtown Madison Family Halloween and more Isthmus Picks
Isthmus Picks for Oct. 28-31 also includes a release party for a new ghost particles album; readings by Wisconsin People & Ideas Fiction and Poetry Contest winners. Read more
Oct 28, 2024
5:08 AM
Wisconsin schools are forced to rely on referendums to keep running
Wisconsin’s system of funding public education is outdated, and the state Legislature has failed to fund it properly. Read more
Oct 26, 2024
12:30 PM
Billionaires and super PACs fuel record spending in tight Wisconsin Senate race
According to pre-election campaign finance filings released on Thursday, Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde have spent the most among any candidates in a Wisconsin Senate race. Read more
Oct 25, 2024
6:30 PM
In the October issue
Can Monona help solve Madison’s housing crisis?
Monona may be landlocked but it isn’t airlocked. City leaders are looking upward for how one small suburb can do its part — and, maybe, much more — to help address the Madison area’s housing needs. Read more
They put the Wisco in the Wisconsin Book Festival
Memoirs, essays, poems, micro-histories and more shine the spotlight on the Badger State and those who write about it. Read more
A generation of art lovers
Youth programming at the Overture Center for the Arts includes the OnStage field trip program, Kids in the Rotunda, the Jerry Awards and Jerry Ensemble. Read more
The dean of Wisconsin pollsters
Charles Franklin launched the Marquette Law School poll in 2012, one of the most accurate in the nation. He is a respected national pollster and in-demand source for journalists. Read more
Open to all
Madison’s longest-running, all-ages open mic is also noteworthy for its inclusivity of genre, welcoming dance, visual art, stand-up and spoken word. Read more
Mike McCabe
Discussing "Miracles Along County Q," new novel. Free, but ticket recommended (livestream also available). Read more
Nov 6, 2024
6:00 PM
Culinary History Enthusiasts of Wisconsin
"The Culver's Story," talk by Craig Culver. Free. Read more
Nov 6, 2024
7:00 PM
Nat Turner in Jerusalem
Nathan Alan Davis examines the story of an enslaved man who led a rebellion, 10/17-11/10, American Players Theatre-Touchstone, Spring Green. Read more
Nov 6, 2024
7:00 PM
