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Forward Theater’s ‘Airness’ slays
Perfect for a cabin-fever-struck Madison, Airness is full of heart while being full-on funny, especially in the hands of Forward’s uber-talented cast. Read more
Jan 31, 2023
Wisconsin Capitol budget battle lines already drawn
Get ready for six months of rhetoric and infighting over how to spend Wisconsin's record $7.1 billion surplus Read more
Jan 31, 2023
What to do in Madison this week: Frozen Assets events, Pilobolus, and more Isthmus Picks
Isthmus Picks for Jan. 30-Feb. 2 includes a mayoral candidates forum hosted by west side neighborhood groups; tour stops by Oshima Brothers and Adam Melchor. Read more
Jan 30, 2023
There are good reasons to landmark Madison's Filene House
John Rolling says he nominated Filene House for landmark designation because it “is one of those rare treasures that should be preserved as legacies for the Madison community.” Read more
Jan 27, 2023
Heavenly hell
Hadestown is the most exciting touring production offering in this year’s Broadway series at Overture. As with other classic tragedies, those who know the final plot twist will still experience its emotional punch. Read more
Jan 26, 2023
What to do in Madison this weekend: Folk Ball Festival, ‘Hadestown’ and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for Jan. 26-29 features concerts from hardtrap (SAYMYNAME) to folk (Katie Dahl) to metal (Anthrax) to several classical offerings; ‘Airness’ takes flight. Read more
Jan 26, 2023
Strollers Theatre deserves praise for its production of ‘Hir’
Taylor Mac — playwright, performer, satirist and social critic — conceived of Hir as part of a four-play cycle that examines the polarization of American society. Read more
Jan 25, 2023
Bail amendment, referendum added to Wisconsin’s April ballot
The constitutional amendment on the April 4 ballot would give judges new, tougher criteria when setting bail in criminal cases. The advisory referendum addresses work requirements for taxpayer-funded welfare benefits. Read more
Jan 23, 2023
Abortion rights rally highlights importance of upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race
Abortion rights activists, energized by recent electoral and political wins, urge attendees at a Madison rally to vote in the February primary for Wisconsin Supreme Court. Read more
Jan 23, 2023
What to do in Madison this week: Rhett Miller, ‘Hadestown,’ and more Isthmus Picks
Isthmus Picks for Jan. 23-26 includes a book talk by Bill C. Malone and Bobbie Malone; MMoCA Cinema screening of ‘Riotsville, U.S.A.’ Read more
Jan 23, 2023
Hook’s 20-year cheddar is back
The cult favorite of crystal crunchers, Hook’s 20-year cheddar will be released again this spring. Isthmus talks with cheesemaker Tony Hook. Read more
Jan 19, 2023
Rise Baking Company headed to Schenk's Corners
An industrial building at 2021 Winnebago St. will be transformed into a full service cafe with coffee, bread and sweet and savory pastries. Read more
Jan 19, 2023
Historic cynicism
Opponents of a proposed large housing project near Tenney Park are trying to block it by securing landmark status for the Filene House, an office building on the site. Read more
Jan 19, 2023
9:00 AM
What to do in Madison this weekend: A Queer Variety Show, Overture Galleries reception and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for Jan. 19-22 features theater premieres from Strollers and Broom Street; a good week for poetry lovers with the Winter Festival of Poetry series kick-off and a Watershed Reading Series showcase. Read more
Jan 19, 2023
5:03 AM
What I learned from my mom
Bill Lueders' mom died in late December, just a few weeks shy of her 99th birthday. In her final years she was sadly evicted from the senior care facility where she had lived for 10 years. Read more
Jan 18, 2023
2:00 PM
Progressive NIMBY-ism on display in Madison debate over proposed zoning changes
I’m saddened by the debate that has developed around transit-oriented development zoning in our neighborhood. TOD is good policy. Read more
Jan 17, 2023
9:00 AM
What to do in Madison this week: King Day commemorations, Outdoor Skate with the Badgers, and more Isthmus Picks
Isthmus Picks for Jan. 16-19 includes hybrid author talks by Jamie Pacton and Lawrence Tabak; concerts by Loveblaster and Jazz is Dead. Read more
Jan 16, 2023
5:31 AM
Why Wisconsin Republicans want ‘flat’ tax considered
Republican leaders say a flat income tax would provide an incentive for needed new workers to move here and for retirees to stay here. Opponents say it helps wealthy residents and hurts taxpayers in lower-income brackets. Read more
Jan 16, 2023
3:30 AM
Celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. in and around Madison
Donzaleigh Abernathy, the daughter of the Rev. Ralph Abernathy, is the guest speaker for the King Coalition of Madison & Dane County Observance, which will also honor Wayne Strong and Dr. Charles Taylor. Read more
Jan 15, 2023
9:00 AM
One Dish: Fried chicken sandwich at East Johnson Family Restaurant
East Johnson Family Restaurant has limited hours these days, but it's worth fitting this unusual sammie into your schedule. Read more
Jan 12, 2023
8:00 AM
Old enough
Raising a child to be a good human being can seem deceptively straightforward when they’re little. Things get complicated fast. Read more
Jan 12, 2023
8:00 AM
What to do in Madison this weekend: Madfest, Bob the Drag Queen and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for Jan. 12-15 features concerts from heavy (Flying Fuzz, Zipper and friends at Mickey's) to hip (jazz from Rempis-Johnson-Heinemann-Cunningham at Bur Oak); stand-up by David Spade. Read more
Jan 12, 2023
5:03 AM
Earth to Clark continues as a twosome
Adam and Ari Gasser are the two current members of the Beloit-based Earth to Clark, following the death of longtime drummer Mark Atkinson in March. Read more
Jan 11, 2023
8:00 AM
Madison East’s wrestling team is poised for a special season
Led by coaches who are alumni, Madison East’s wrestling team is winning big, and more popular than ever. Read more
Jan 11, 2023
8:00 AM
In the paper
Guilty until proven innocent
Keith Findley not only pioneered Wisconsin’s Innocence Project, but helped cofound and for several years head the Innocence Network, a worldwide coalition of some 70 innocence projects. Read more
Wisconsin Supreme Court race is all about ideology
In the coming year, the high court could rule on a 1849 criminal abortion statute, gerrymandering and election rules. Read more
Madison restaurants in 2022 had tight focus — and sometimes, limited hours
Every opening is an adventure, but it was a year without a debut as ambitious as The Harvey House in 2021. The more anticipated openings of 2022 came from restaurateurs already established with other Madison-area eateries. Read more
The art of conversation
Samantha Crownover and Oscar Mireles are the organizers behind the Art Party Happy Hour. These monthly gatherings, held at various venues around the city, provide an opportunity for artists to come together for conversation and support. Read more
Behind the Isthmus cover: January 2023
Illustrator Kate Thomfohrda acknowledges a cherished Midwest tradition: a stroll on a frozen lake. Read more
Frozen Assets Week
Clean Lakes Alliance events (leading up to festival on 2/4-5), 1/28-2/3, Edgewater Hotel. Many events require RSVP: click through for schedule and links. Read more
Feb 1, 2023
4:00 PM
Daniel Grabois & Christopher Taylor
UW Mead Witter School of Music faculty concert. $15. Read more
Feb 1, 2023
7:30 PM
Feb 1, 2023
7:30 PM