Bianca Martin and Dylan Brogan roundup the news this week with an update on Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ pledge to cut funding to the University of Wisconsin system over diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The governor is threatening to the entire state budget over the move. The Legislature is also primed to overhaul how taverns, distributors, and breweries are regulated. We also take a teeny peak at a new art installation at Hilldale. More info! “Gov. Tony Evers says he would veto state bu...
Jun 16, 2023•21 min
Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh herbs — whether in salads, drinks or just to freshen up your backyard, patio, or balcony. Jane Hawley Stevens, owner of Four Elements Organic Herbals, has been growing herbs for decades on her farm in the Baraboo hills. Her herbal products are sold locally and around the country. Lead producer Molly Stentz chats with Jane about this growing season and tips for how to grow your own herb garden. If you’d like to attend Four Elements’ open farm day on Saturday,...
Jun 15, 2023•22 min
Happy Flag Day! The North American Vexillological Association studied 312 city flags and ranked Madison’s flag as one of the best in the nation. No wonder our city flag is increasing being flown all over town. Ted Kaye, the nation’s foremost authority on flag design and author of the NAVA booklet “‘Good’ Flag, ‘Bad’ Flag,” talks with host Bianca Martin about what makes a well-designed flag, why Madison’s flag is so strong but our state flag … not so much. Check out NAVA’s survey results to see w...
Jun 14, 2023•20 min
City Cast Madison continues our series on summer entertainment with The Pursuit of Happiness Sessions at McPike Park. The first round of The Sessions kicks off Friday night, June 16 and runs through Sunday, June 18. The festival features performers from around the globe and dozens of local acts, too. Veteran Madison festival Bob Queen previews some of big acts coming to town with City Cast’s Dylan Brogan. Songs featured in this episode: Memphis Rain by Aaron Lee Tasjan Manisero by Xiomara Laugar...
Jun 13, 2023•17 min
You’d think a record $7 billion surplus would ease the partisan tension between Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers when crafting the next state budget. Nope! But Evers and the GOP-controlled Legislature have compromised on money for schools and local governments. However, funding for the University of Wisconsin system and who gets a tax cut might create another showdown between the governor and lawmakers. Dylan Brogan talks with WisPolitics Editor JR Ross about what deals have b...
Jun 12, 2023•21 min
Madison public school teachers and staff will get an 8% pay raise next year after tough negotiations with the school district. Meanwhile, the city has to figure out what to do about two failing housing developments that serve the formerly homeless. And while you might’ve heard about dirt at the Supreme Court lately, we’re here to talk about actual dirt on our Dane County courthouse. Dylan Brogan and Molly Stentz round up this week’s news in Madison. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a ...
Jun 09, 2023•20 min
Don’t blink or you’ll miss them! Strawberry season lasts for about three weeks in Madison - and it’s here. We’re heading to one of the oldest strawberry u-pick farms in the Madison area… which opens next week. Dylan Brogan catches up Cory Secher, the second-generation owner and operator of Carandale Fruit Farm in Oregon, Wisconsin. For daily updates on strawberry picking, check the Carandale website or find them on Facebook . 🍓 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from t...
Jun 08, 2023•24 min
We wait patiently all year for summer in Madison — and when it comes, there’s an explosion of festivals, music, and art. We’re here to help you not miss a minute with our summer entertainment guides. Starting Thursday, June 8th, there will be ELEVEN days of jazz happening all over Madison. From free shows at clubs across town to big acts at the Union Theater, you can hear classical vocalists, lively saxophonists and trumpeters, latin jazz bands, and hip-hop inspired acts. Dylan Brogan catches up...
Jun 07, 2023•20 min
Madison’s eastside is known for many things: great food and restaurants, politically active neighborhoods, and lots of musicians. Each summer, these things combine to bring you five iconic free concerts in the parks and streets. The season kicks off this weekend with the Marquette Waterfront Festival. Local musician and festival volunteer Tony Castañeda gives us the insider’s take. This is the first in our series on how to make the most of your summer in Madison before it goes by too, too fast. ...
Jun 06, 2023•21 min
It’s been eight years since the death of local teen Tony Robinson sparked a wave of protests in Madison. There have been several high-profile - and fatal - police shootings of unarmed Madison residents since then. Citizens demanded change. Grieving family members brought federal civil rights lawsuits. The city hired a consultant to review the entire police department. A state law was changed to require outside investigations of police shootings. The latest move? Creating an independent city agen...
Jun 05, 2023•15 min
It’s the Friday News Roundup and this week Molly Stentz and Dylan Brogan dig into problems behind the scenes at Madison schools after complaints come to light. Also, how Epic Systems' worker contracts affect our larger tech economy - and what the feds might do about it. And did you know we have our very own Australian Football League team right here in Madison? The Wisconsin Wombats are here and they’re playing in Reindahl Park this weekend. And unlike the Brewers, the Packers, and Forward Madis...
Jun 02, 2023•22 min
Karben 4 Brewing, tucked away by the airport on Madison’s northside, is one of the largest craft brewers in the area. Earlier this spring, they began brewing Hopalicious, a beloved hoppy pale ale and summer staple in Madison, after Ale Asylum abruptly closed. Now, they’re bringing back other classics. Ryan Koga, one of the founders of Karben 4 Brewing , fills us in on their plans. 🍺 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesem...
Jun 01, 2023•21 min
Something as small as a lost parking ticket can set off a chain reaction. If you don’t pay it, your license could get suspended. Get pulled over while driving on a suspended license? Now you’re in legal trouble. If you lose your car, how do you get to work? Without a job, how do you pay the rent? LIFT Wisconsin saw that Madisonians needed an easier way to deal with legal problems that were haunting them, keeping them in poverty. The non-profit legal organization built a website to help you ident...
May 31, 2023•16 min
Sam Li’s photographs are your best chance of feeling like a bird in Madison. His videos swoop across the lakes, circle the capitol, race along the bike path and generally take you for a joyride. They’re full of exuberance and awe — and he started out doing them out of sheer love for our city. Now, he’s making an official video for Madison and he wants YOU to be in it. Bianca Martin catches up with Madison drone photographer and cinematographer Sam Li . Mentioned on the show: 🎥 See Sam’s work on...
May 30, 2023•19 min
On this week’s roundup, workers at the former CUNA Mutual group (now called TruStage) launch the biggest strike Madison’s seen in a decade. St. Vinnie’s now offers more than just old couches; you can get a loan ! And Madison’s restaurant community mourns one of their own, Hot Lunch co-owner Roger Barts . Plus, the World Naked Bike Ride is headed our way soon. Now you know. Rounding up the news today are City Cast Madison’s Bianca Martin and Molly Stentz. Mentioned on the show: 🏥 Online fundrais...
May 26, 2023•22 min
Each May, we Wisconsinites scour the woods for a seasonal delicacy: the morel mushroom. Discovering a flush of them can feel like finding hidden treasure. They can fetch $50 per pound at your local farmers’ market, but are free to pick in state parks and forests - if you can find them. So where do you look? “Everywhere and nowhere,” according to Melissa Klotka , President of the Wisconsin Mycological Society. But don’t worry, she’s got tips for you. Check out their upcoming mushroom-hunting fora...
May 25, 2023•22 min
Starting June 11th, the Madison Metro bus system, as you know it, will change. Metro bus routes, bus stops and bus numbers will be different. It’s all part of the plan to move people across town faster and make way for the new Bus Rapid Transit system. Madison hopes new express buses in dedicated lanes will make transit easier, faster, and more reliable. That’s coming next year. But first, they’re redesigning all of the regular bus routes. We talk to City of Madison transit planner Mike Chechval...
May 24, 2023•21 min
You may know Rev. Dr. Alex Gee as the pastor of Fountain of Life Church, the founder and CEO of Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development, the host of the Black Like Me podcast, or as the author of the viral Justified Anger editorial taking Madison to task for failing its Black residents. And if you don’t know Alex Gee yet, you should. He’s a visionary force for change in Madison. His next act? Building the Center for Black Excellence and Culture , a brand-new multimillion dollar building...
May 23, 2023•30 min
Public schools are paid for by us, the public. And we the people are entitled to oversight. But what happens when a public entity does not live up to the law? And leaves frustrated parents hanging, waiting months on end for basic info? When delays force citizens to sue to get answers? That’s what’s happening at the Madison Metropolitan School District. Public interest lawyers say it’s THE worst government body in the entire state of Wisconsin for transparency. What’s going on? We dig in with Tom...
May 22, 2023•18 min
The City Cast Madison team is here to round up the news in our fair city. A new women’s pro soccer team could come to Madison, but they have a price. Parents of an autistic teenager fight a local healthcare co-op for treatment. And we chase the Wienermobile outta town after they rebrand it. First they closed the factory, now they take the Wienermobile away from us?! Bianca Martin, Dylan Brogan and Molly Stentz wrangle it all up for ya. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 6...
May 19, 2023•23 min
Madison is known for the Dane County Farmers’ Market , one of the oldest and largest markets in the country. But what if we told you… there was a farmers’ market somewhere in the Madison area every day of the week?! Markets that have what you need, minus all the tourists. Madison’s home to several neighborhood markets, which tend to be less crowded, more accessible, and have their own spirit. Lindsay Christians of The Cap Times is here to bring us the goods. 🥬 Check out the farmers’ market in y...
May 18, 2023•27 min
Childcare in Madison can cost more than college tuition. Parents are spending thousands a month, and childcare centers are feeling the squeeze of rising costs. They can’t pay enough to compete with other employers in a tight labor market — and can’t hire fast enough to meet demand. The result is parents, often women, dropping out of the workforce. Governor Evers has proposed helping parents pay for the cost. But will it make it through the meat-grinder that is our state budget process? State law...
May 17, 2023•22 min
The Madison Police Department is one of the largest local law enforcement agencies in the country that hasn’t embraced body-worn cameras. Chief Shon Barnes calls body cams a “must” for the department and has been working on a 90-day pilot program to test out the technology. Eventually, Barnes hopes body cams are standard issue for Madison police officers. Event on May 19: Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony . Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or emai...
May 16, 2023•22 min
The Wisconsin State Polka Festival is this weekend, y’all. So bring your oompahs and yooodelaydeewhoos. Polka is our state dance, after all. Now if you’re thinking, uh… polka ? We challenge you not to enjoy Madison’s very own polka DJ Stacy Harbaugh . Also known as DJ Shotski, host of Polka Time on WVMO, Stacy can be found spinning records at events around town and spreading the love of this bit of Wisconsin culture. Festivals this weekend: Wisconsin Polka Festival in Richfield Stoughton’s Sytte...
May 15, 2023•19 min
It’s your weekly roundup of the news in the Madison area. The search for a new County leader continues amid controversy . Monona wants to know if they should save the Frank Allis House in San Damiano Park : the lakefront mansion once owned by monks is now a public park. And we examine the struggle for better bathrooms across Madison. Bianca Martin, Dylan Brogan and Molly Stentz wrangle the the news and put it in context. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or ...
May 12, 2023•22 min
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14th. If you’re looking for a brunch recommendation, it’s tough out there. With UW graduation happening the same weekend, most restaurants are full up. But dear listener, all hope is not lost. We’ve got a few ideas up our sleeves. Bianca Martin, Dylan Brogan and Molly Stentz share some of their DIY tips for honoring your mama. 💐 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers. 🥐 Here are The Cap ...
May 11, 2023•21 min
Tucked away inside Vel Phillips Memorial High School is the Madison area’s only planetarium . Not only does it inspire awe in schoolkids from all over, anyone can go. You don’t have to be a kid — or have a kid in the school district — to visit. And for a couple bucks, you’re in for a show. Dylan Brogan caught up with Planetarium Director Ben Senson to learn what’s in the skies. 🔭 Learn the stars of summer at the Planetarium’s last public event for the summer. There are two shows each on May 22 ...
May 10, 2023•20 min
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, protestors in Madison gathered day after day at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Amid calls for more diverse representation at the Capitol, a statue of Hans Christian Heg was torn down and tossed in the lake. And then, an idea was born: Wisconsin should create a statue memorializing civil rights pioneer Vel Phillips. She was the first woman judge in the state and first African American woman elected to statewide office, among many other firsts. Now that ...
May 09, 2023•17 min
It’s not every day you look out your living room window and see a big ‘ole black bear. Especially in Madison. But that’s exactly what happened to Chris Juzwik in his suburban Fitchburg neighborhood. He gives us the low down. Also on the show: Euchre tournament in New Glarus Midwest Vintage Flea Market at Garver Feed Mill Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm . We’re also on Twitter and Instagram ! Want more Madison news delivered rig...
May 08, 2023•17 min
UW Madison is wrapping up its semester with a bang. Students are demanding action from the chancellor after a racist video surfaces online. Meanwhile, state lawmakers propose cutting diversity programs from the entire UW system. And UW adds maternity leave! For horses. What a week. Bianca Martin, Dylan Brogan and Molly Stentz are here to rein it all in. PS - Have you seen the BEAR roaming around Madison? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm . We’re also on Twitter an...
May 05, 2023•24 min
