Snapshot
Cold water therapy
Cold plunging, the practice of immersing oneself in very cold water, isn’t new. But it is trending.
Apr 5, 2025
‘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.
Jan 7, 2025
Sign of the times
A creative, interactive yard sign is counting down the days until the election and getting attention in an east-side neighborhood.
Oct 11, 2024
Heard it through the Greenbush grapevine
Before the city of Madison razed the old Greenbush, Italian families salvaged their grapevines, some of which are believed to have been brought from Sicily.
Aug 5, 2024
Raising the bar
The vibrant mural was inspired by the women of the Ndebele tribe of South Africa, who cover the exterior walls of their homes with brilliant murals and ornate designs all done by hand.
Jun 5, 2024
Working 9-5
All of the members of Ability Ambassadors have an intellectual or developmental disability, and some have more than one. All are employed and all live independently.
Apr 10, 2024
LC Cunningham is Madison's Nextdoor hero
The newcomer's posts inspire thoughtful exchanges and build connections
Jan 7, 2024
9:00 AM
The Madison chapter of The Saber Legion perfects its craft
The Madison chapter of The Saber Legion, a global community, meets weekly to practice and perfect the art of sword and saber combat.
Nov 4, 2023
9:00 AM
A group of their own
Daniel Morales, founder of the Madison Dad Group, designed the group to meet twice a month, once with kids and once without. ‘I know a lot of dads feel — I know I did as a stay-at-home parent — intimidated by mom groups.’
Oct 8, 2023
9:00 AM
'We don’t need to be afraid'
Madison celebrated LGBTQ+ pride amid recent intolerance and hostility
Sep 9, 2023
10:00 AM
Barbies and Ken
Fans from all over southern Wisconsin have come out for the Barbie Blowout Party at Marcus Palace Cinema in Sun Prairie, including five members of the Madison Area Doll Club — a 22-member group of women.
Aug 5, 2023
7:00 AM
In the June issue
SummerTimes 2025
Don’t squander it! Isthmus wants you to enjoy your summer, because what else is summer for? South central Wisconsin is beckoning.
Pressure mounts on UW animal research
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are claiming victory in forcing UW-Madison’s Food Research Institute to create a separate fund for corporate donors that don’t want to support research that uses animals.
The cheese tour
You are in Green County — cheese country. You’ll find a surprising variety of cheese for sale as well as beer, pastries, meat sticks and clever gift-ables in homage to cows, cheese and Wisconsin.
All the state’s a stage
Wisconsinites don’t have much time to enjoy their summer, so it makes sense that theater, like dining, moves outdoors. Here’s a roundup of plays presented al fresco throughout the state.
Lavender farms thrive near Madison, and midsummer’s the best time to visit
Visiting a lavender farm means vibrant color, soothing aromas, scenic beauty and maybe even a lavender latte.