News
Library board delays decision on reopening libraries
Madison’s library board cites concern from library staff about still not being vaccinated as its primary reason for referring a decision on reopening until its next meeting. If approved at the May 6 meeting, libraries could open in late May. Read more
Apr 2, 2021
Developer money pours into council races
Anonymous funders with deep pockets are lining up behind candidates and political groups in local Madison elections. Read more
Mar 30, 2021
Browsing will be back
Madison libraries have been closed for over a year. Plans are in the works for reopening for browsing as early as April 19. Read more
Mar 29, 2021
Thousands now vaccinated, including the mayor
The end of the pandemic feels closer as thousands are now at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19. But not everyone is eligible yet. Read more
Mar 26, 2021
The doctor will see you now
Join a doctor’s office like you join a gym? The idea is that the direct primary care model allows greater access which in turn makes healthier patients. Read more
Mar 18, 2021
“Why should this investigation be secret?”
Bill Lueders of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council says the Madison school district‘s actions suggest a cover-up. Read more
Mar 12, 2021
Repairing the republic
A new report calls for a massive investment in civics education, finding that the United States has “failed to prepare young Americans for self-government, leaving the world’s oldest constitutional democracy in grave danger.” Read more
Mar 5, 2021
11:15 AM
School district violates own policy with hidden surveillance cameras
Cameras hidden in hollowed-out smoke detectors were planted by district officials at East High School in a coach’s office in the boys’ locker room and a room where disabled students changed clothes. Read more
Feb 24, 2021
10:07 AM
Skidmore survives
Ald. Paul Skidmore, first elected in 2001, faces his toughest race in years. He finished second in Tuesday’s primary to challenger Nikki Conklin; both will move on to the April 6 general election. Read more
Feb 17, 2021
11:54 AM
A new home for Room
A Room of One’s Own has been an institution at three locations in downtown Madison. It’s time to find stability in a new home, says co-owner Gretchen Treu. Read more
Feb 15, 2021
12:05 AM
Feeding the hungry
Some diehards turned out to frigid Lake Wingra to commemorate Grillin' 4 Peace, an annual fundraiser that raises money for a free meal program, even though the official fundraiser is largely online this year. Read more
Feb 13, 2021
12:00 PM
UW Arb lands landmark status
The UW Arboretum joins the Wisconsin state Capitol and the First Unitarian Society Meeting House as a National Historic Landmark. Read more about this local gem in a special issue from the Isthmus archives. Read more
Feb 3, 2021
12:00 PM
Favorite reads
Bygone Madison menus
A year into the pandemic, our food editor finally sifts through her files to set up her home office. Some beloved old menus found in the desk detritus deserve to be shared. Read more
A swing through divided Wisconsin
President Donald Trump will likely need battleground Wisconsin to win re-election. Are voters in key swing areas of the state still backing him? Staff writer Dylan Brogan hit the road to find out. Read more
A stitch in time
Larry Schmitt is one of the few experts in nalbinding in the country. It predates knitting and crochet and dates back to 6500 B.C. Read more
After the purge
With a “Wisconsin is open for business” mantra, former Gov. Scott Walker and legislative Republicans set a course to dramatically diminish the role of science in regulating and protecting Wisconsin’s abundant natural resources. Read more
Vinyl Cave: A piece of 1970s Wisconsin musical history
Whatever the story is with these oddly-covered 1970s albums, they are all musically worthwhile. Read more