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Tommy Washbush
Madison nonprofit EXPO moves into housing to address recidivism
Madison nonprofit EXPO has opened two housing projects within the last two years. So far, no residents have returned to prison.
What's New
Beth Skogen Photography
What to do in Madison this weekend: Jordan Klepper, Madison Ballet's 'Nutcracker' and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for Dec. 11-14 also includes the return of 'The Hello Girls' by Four Seasons Theatre; Spectaculous celebrates the release of their self-titled debut album with a set opening for Dessa.
Dec 11, 2025
Carol singing with the Unitarians
‘My own singing voice is not strong, yet I sing as loudly as I can. “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Joy to the World.” I still know the words, though I tend to ignore their meanings now that I understand them.’
Dec 10, 2025
Courtesy Of Linsey Callejo
Madison couple who fled Venezuela win asylum, but ICE detention continues — for now
An immigration court judge granted asylum to Dailin Pacheco-Acosta and Diego Ugarte-Arenas. But they remain jailed — hundreds of miles apart — as Trump administration officials defend a policy blocking most immigrants from seeking bond.
Dec 10, 2025
Onkar Singh
Prolific ‘Pink Pants’ popster Bluejacket has big plans
Bluejacket, aka Isaiah Hasman, is fully tapped into today’s musical trigger points.
Dec 10, 2025
Dylan Brogan
It’s not a spoon —it’s an introduction to wood
“When I started, there was no demand for the class beyond the art department,” says UW-Madison woodworking department head Katie Hudnall.
Dec 9, 2025
Maddie Marie Media
Madison’s cycling studios hit the mat
Fitness enthusiasts can look forward to new workout options as cycling studios expand their options
Dec 9, 2025
Support local news — just don’t call it journalism
A large scale study of people’s views on local news has some surprising findings.
Dec 8, 2025
Lizzy Larson
Ice cover and other fun facts about Lake Mendota
Lake Mendota is one of the most studied lakes in the world. So what’s happening there?
Dec 8, 2025
Four-month redistricting fight looms over Wisconsin's U.S. House districts
The state Supreme Court on Nov 25 created two judicial panels to review Wisconsin’s Republican-drawn congressional districts.
Dec 8, 2025
Andrew Arthur
What to do in Madison this week: Leslie Odom Jr., Amy Shea and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for Dec. 8-11 also includes the return of 'The Hello Girls' from Four Seasons Theatre; the documentary 'Baristas vs. Billionaires' at the Barrymore.
Dec 8, 2025
Robin Shepard
Giant Jones develops a barrel-aging program with State Line barrels
A chance to create something new and different with John Mleziva, founder of nearby State Line Distillery, prompted Giant Jones’ entry into barrel-aging.
Dec 7, 2025
Shari Gasper
Bringing Broadway to State Street
Extensive behind-the-scenes work by Overture staff brings Broadway to Madison, season after season.
Dec 6, 2025
Tommy Washbush
Madison nonprofit EXPO moves into housing to address recidivism
Madison nonprofit EXPO has opened two housing projects within the last two years. So far, no residents have returned to prison.
Dec 5, 2025
12:00 PM
Colin Droster
‘We need these stories’
Women share their stories of struggle and empowerment at ¡Yo Quiero Dinero! Our Stories Have Value, an annual storytelling event hosted by Midwest Mujeres.
Dec 5, 2025
11:30 AM
Joe Timmerman / Wisconsin Watch
Sick of those state Supreme Court campaign ads, Wisconsin? Here’s how other states avoid them.
Polls show Wisconsin prefers to elect justices, but the timing, term limits and vetting of candidates could be different.
Dec 5, 2025
10:45 AM
Joe Timmerman / Wisconsin Watch
Unlimited donations, weak recusal rules led to record Wisconsin Supreme Court spending
Democrats seek to revive public financing of Supreme Court elections after previous attempts failed
Dec 4, 2025
7:00 AM
Nick Spanos
What to do in Madison this weekend: Holiday Express, Margaret Cho and more Isthmus Picks
Picks for Dec. 4-7 also includes a pair of receptions for the Madison Public Library's '150 Artists x 150 Years' exhibition; release parties for new jazz albums by Wisconsin-based composers and pianists Tim Whalen and Johannes Wallmann.
Dec 4, 2025
5:03 AM
John Touscany / iStock
The field for the Wisconsin governor’s race…as of now
Gov. Tony Evers announced in July he would not seek office again. There are now several candidates vying to be Wisconsin's next governor.
Dec 3, 2025
4:00 PM
Freepik assets
The assisted living industry is not ready for the tsunami
Assisted living facilities, unlike nursing homes, have never been regulated by the federal government.
Dec 3, 2025
9:00 AM
Elena Delzer
Courting Cash
More than $140 million was spent on a Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Loose campaign finance laws, lax recusal rules, a purple electorate, and even the spring election cycle all help explain why high court races have become so expensive.
Dec 3, 2025
7:00 AM
Forward Theater Company
Forward Theater casts noteworthy Madisonians in 'Gutenberg! The Musical!'
Secret guest stars ‘added such a sense of liveness’ to the well-received production from Madison’s professional theater company.
Dec 2, 2025
4:00 PM
Jason Joyce
On Giving Newsday, help Isthmus pay a printing bill
On this annual day of global giving, help Isthmus cover printing costs.
Dec 2, 2025
12:30 AM
givingtuesday.org
Who is participating in GivingTuesday Madison 2025?
Tuesday Dec. 2, 2025, is a global day of community collaboration and financial giving to nonprofits.
Dec 1, 2025
11:08 AM
Mark Clear
Imperial Garden to remain after property owner scraps apartment plans
The restaurant will ‘continue serving excellent Chinese food as usual’ after a proposed redevelopment faced criticism in Middleton’s city government.
Dec 1, 2025
9:00 AM
In the December issue
Courting Cash
More than $140 million was spent on a Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Loose campaign finance laws, lax recusal rules, a purple electorate, and even the spring election cycle all help explain why high court races have become so expensive.
Support local news — just don’t call it journalism
A large scale study of people’s views on local news has some surprising findings.
‘We need these stories’
Women share their stories of struggle and empowerment at ¡Yo Quiero Dinero! Our Stories Have Value, an annual storytelling event hosted by Midwest Mujeres.
Ice cover and other fun facts about Lake Mendota
Lake Mendota is one of the most studied lakes in the world. So what’s happening there?
Bringing Broadway to State Street
Extensive behind-the-scenes work by Overture staff brings Broadway to Madison, season after season.
Holiday Express
Annual flower & model train show, 10 am-4 pm, 12/6-31, Olbrich Gardens. Closed at 2 pm, 12/24 & all day 12/25. $10 ($6 ages 6-12). Advance tickets are timed entry; admission at the door will only be available if space allows.
Dec 11, 2025
10:00 AM4:00 PM
Zoo Lights
Holiday light displays & activities, timed entry 5:30-7:30 pm Fridays-Sundays, 11/22-12/14, Vilas Zoo, plus 12/10-11 and 16-23. $12 (free ages 3 & under). Advance tickets only.
Dec 11, 2025
5:30 PM7:30 PM
Baristas vs. Billionaires
The Progressive and South Central Federation of Labor screening of documentary about unionization efforts at Starbucks, 7 pm, 12/10-11, with co-producer Glenn Silber in attendance. $15.
Dec 11, 2025
7:00 PM
The Secret Agent
This political thriller captured awards for actor and director at Cannes. R, 2025. Free.
Dec 11, 2025
7:00 PM
