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A tango opera
The Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla was a man of many worlds. But his love supreme was tango music and in the opera, that is also what draws María to Buenos Aires. Read more
Jan 21, 2025
Dane County ‘sustainability campus’ could break ground later this year
Dane County’s Rodefeld Landfill is nearing the end of its life. A new ‘sustainability campus’ will serve as a central location for treating and processing waste and recycling. Read more
Jan 20, 2025
Lobbyists vie for Wisconsin budget-bill favors
The start of the new legislation session requires lobbyists to register with the State Ethics Commission, declaring the causes, issues and organizations for which they are advocating. Read more
Jan 20, 2025
What to do in Madison this week: celebrate MLK Day, 'The Brutalist' and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for Jan. 20-23 also includes a special edition of 'Several Questions with Nate Chappell' featuring an all-autistic panel; a tour stop by Two Friends at The Sylvee. Read more
Jan 20, 2025
Love at first spike
Madison embraced its new pro volleyball squad at its Field House debut. LOVB Madison returned the favor, winning the match by prevailing over Salt Lake. Read more
Jan 18, 2025
Wisconsin agency launches probe into Ridglan Farms
Ridglan Farms, a dog breeding and research facility in Dane County, is being investigated by the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for recurring violations of state animal welfare standards. Read more
Jan 16, 2025
The $4 billion solution
Republicans want to spend at least half of Wisconsin's surplus on tax cuts while Democrats would rather spend it on various services. Gov. Tony Evers will soon propose some plan in his two-year state budget and the debate will begin. Read more
Jan 16, 2025
What to do in Madison this weekend: LOVB Madison, 'Harry Clarke' and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for Jan. 16-19 also includes album release concerts by Paul Dietrich's Elemental Quartet and Clean Room; Words with Nerds is Cheshire Cat Comedy's 200th show. Read more
Jan 16, 2025
Skaters, hockey players turn out in droves as city council approves future plan for Madison ice arenas
The city of Madison ended its existing land contracts for two ice arenas and transferred full ownership to two nonprofits. Read more
Jan 15, 2025
Herbiery taproom to close Feb. 1
Unfortunately, the taproom never attracted enough traffic. “I’ve been doing this by myself and it’s wearing me down,” says owner Nia Ryan. Read more
Jan 15, 2025
Republicans in Wisconsin Legislature dismiss Evers plea for citizen lawmaking
Gov. Tony Evers wants Wisconsin to be the 25th state with citizen initiatives that let constitutional amendments and new laws be enacted without approval by governors or legislators. Read more
Jan 13, 2025
What to do in Madison this week: Al Falaschi + Tim Whalen, 'The Rise of T. rex' and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for Jan. 13-16 also includes opening night for 'Harry Clarke,' a new Two Crows production; a tour stop by Spencer LaJoye. Read more
Jan 13, 2025
Black lagers are in
Styles like the Czech tmavé pivo and the German schwarzbier are growing in popularity. Read more
Jan 10, 2025
3:30 PM
Madison parks commission greenlights continued fireworks at Warner Park games
The Mallards and Night Mares will host six fireworks displays and one drone show at Warner Park this year. Read more
Jan 9, 2025
4:00 PM
Judge: Let special prosecutor decide if Ridglan Farms committed crimes
A Dane County judge has ordered that a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate allegations of animal cruelty at Ridglan Farms, a dog breeding and research facility in the town of Blue Mounds. Read more
Jan 9, 2025
1:10 PM
What to do in Madison this weekend: Michael Kosta, Star Country's Class of 2025 concert and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for Jan. 9-12 also includes more Freezing Man concerts; the return of Madison Korean American Day. Read more
Jan 9, 2025
5:03 AM
Madison’s red bus lanes were meant to last 10 years. They’re already chipping.
Near campus and downtown, flakes of the red paint covering bus-only lanes have been accumulating. Read more
Jan 8, 2025
4:35 PM
Up-and-coming hip-hop at UW Memorial Union
With a small setting and curated list of performers, UW Memorial Union’s Black Box Sessions should appeal to both super fans and those new to the genre. Read more
Jan 8, 2025
8:00 AM
Options for Dry January expand
Dry January isn’t just a niche anymore. “I’m not sure every brewery needs to have its own NA, but it’s definitely a trend,” says Lakefront brewer Luther Paul. Read more
Jan 8, 2025
8:00 AM
Myadze does not file reelection papers; Crawford v. Schimel for Supreme Court
Local races seem largely quiet this year. But the state Supreme Court and education superintendent races look to be bitter fights. Read more
Jan 7, 2025
5:35 PM
The techie in me
This year I am making one resolution: I will stop being the stereotypical old guy, complaining that he can't figure out how to get Netflix to work on his iPad — and related frustrations of a generational variety. Read more
Jan 7, 2025
10:00 AM
‘A tinkerer’s paradise’
A magical storage space now, the third floor of the Madison Children's Museum will, with the help of a recent multi-million grant, be turned into another floor of exhibits. Read more
Jan 7, 2025
9:00 AM
Two Crows back with three plays
Marcus Truschinski joined an effort to spread theater magic in Spring Green year-round. ‘I was hoping to help our little town in the winter,’ Truschinski says of the impetus behind the nonprofit Two Crows Theatre Company, founded in 2019. Read more
Jan 7, 2025
8:00 AM
If you hate swimming in a cold pool, here are some warm water options
Where can I swim in a warm pool? Are there lap lanes? Read more
Jan 7, 2025
8:00 AM
In the December issue
Control of Wisconsin Supreme Court is again at stake in pivotal election
Justice Ann Walsh Bradley is retiring after 30 years on the high court. Most likely the contest for her seat will pit Susan Crawford, a Dane County judge, against former Attorney General Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County judge. Read more
Annie Forest is building a fitness business around vulnerability and community
It's all about stacking successes at this gym that gives people a sense of safety and ease. Read more
The year in Madison restaurant openings and closings — and relocations
Perhaps the most exciting restaurant news was not about an opening but a move — Mint Mark left its small quarters in Schenk’s Corners for a space in The Eastern. Read more
Anti-fluoride activists target Wisconsin cities
Members of a growing anti-fluoridation movement have prompted at least nine Wisconsin municipalities to remove fluoride from their drinking water this year. Read more
A retreat where nature is the guide
“The throughline of all these retreats is quiet, time with the land, and time with oneself,” says Pam Shellberg of Holy Wisdom. The first retreat, Winter Rest, on Jan. 10-11, is full, but looking forward there’s three more. Read more
Casa Ora Tasting Dinner
Centro fundraiser by chefs Ivo and Isbelis Diaz, 6 pm, 1/22, Seven Acre Dairy, Paoli. $100. RSVP. Read more
Jan 22, 2025
6:00 PM
Trever Hagen, Thomas Wincek, Andrew Fitzpatrick
"OBSERVATORY: A Night of Experimental Musics" series. Read more
Jan 22, 2025
7:00 PM
A Taste of Venezuela
Centro fundraiser three-course dinner by Casa Oro chefs Ivo and Isbelis Diaz, 4-9 pm, 1/23, Seven Acre Dairy, Paoli. $50. RSVP. Read more
Jan 23, 2025
4:00 PM9:00 PM