Local Government News

No sports, no crime, no fluff.

Corrections, press releases and articles can be sent to forwardlookout@gmail.com.  Articles are added to the day they are published, however, sometimes they are added not until the following day.

Last updated April 22, 8:21 am

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

City of Madison

• Madison Common Council delays changes to independent police monitor ordinance – Madison365
• Madison Common Council elects Sabrina Madison, Carmella Glenn president, VP – Madison365
• Madison Common Council delays police oversight decisions until summer – Channel3000.com

Dane County

• Getting to know Sean Young, Marshall’s newest village trustee – Sun Prairie Star

Education

• $25 million Morgridge donation brings new engineering building closer to finish line – Daily Cardinal

Other

• Rep. Mark Pocan urges state to protect Ridglan Farms’ dogs

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

City of Madison

• “I care about solving people’s problems.” Campus-area alder Ellen Zhang prioritizes equity and affordability – Madison365
• Madison police monitor opposes proposed oversight restrictions – Channel3000.com
• Broom Street set to close starting Thursday – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison alder granted restraining order against former opponent – Channel3000.com
• Madison Metro may cancel some bus trips due to fleet issues – Channel3000.com
• Broom Street closing for John Nolen Drive reconstruction project – Channel3000.com
• Assessor duties, property assessment and review process – State Journal
• Call for performers: Make Music Madison opens registration for 14th annual event – WMTV Channel 15
• Celebrate National Library Week at Madison Public Library – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison Common Council elects new president, welcomes 2 alders – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison Metro may cancel bus trips due to fleet issues – Channel3000.com
• Madison Common Council announces new leadership – Channel3000.com

Dane County

• Henry Vilas Zoo bids farewell to red panda ‘Bandit’ – Channel3000.com
• Cambridge village board seeking applications for vacant trustee seat – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
• Dane County Board begins new term, elects officers – WKOW Channel 27
• Dane County Board of Supervisors’ 2026-28 term begins – Channel3000.com
• DATCP denies Dane County Sheriff’s Office request to inspect Ridglan Farms – WKOW Channel 27
• Fitchburg senior center to host caregiver day event in conjunction with regular support group – WKOW Channel 27
• Monona City Council approves first phase of San Damiano plan – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
• Sheriff’s office request for walk-through denied at Ridglan Farms – Channel3000.com
• DATCP denies sheriff’s office request for walk-through at Ridglan Farms – Channel3000.com
• Woods Edge Road to Timber Ridge Trail • Fitchburg, WI – City of Fitchburg
• Waunakee Village Board approves Tasting Room tobacco license – Waunakee Tribune
• E. Cheryl Parkway Temporary Closure – Between Lacy and Greenmarket • Fitchburg, WI – City of Fitchburg
• Final Pick-up 4/27 – City of Middleton
• Monona Common Council approves plan to transform San Damiano Park – WMTV Channel 15
• Last chance to see Vilas Zoo’s red panda – State Journal
• Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Fitchburg Police: Suspicious item found on Ochalla Drive identified as airsoft grenade – WMTV Channel 15
• Sun Prairie Utilities to unveil new facility – Sun Prairie Star
• Dane Co. housing market facing slower inventory growth, faster price increases than expected – WisPolitics
• Monona Common Council approves first phase of San Damiano Park redesign – Channel3000.com
• Spring Hydrant Flushing Begins April 20 – City of Monona
• Dining on Lake Monona? – Isthmus

Education

• Faculty Senate sets start of fall 2027 semester for Sept. 2 – UW-Madison
• UW-Madison plans to air condition 3 dorms, reducing total beds – Cap Times
• UW–Madison leadership seeks employee feedback on administrative services – UW-Madison
• UW-Madison Lakeshore dorms to get $79.2 million in upgrades, including A/C – State Journal
• Wisconsin Union to move forward on renovation to Hoofers’ Lake Lab – Badger Herald
• MMSD launches new podcast focused on local education issues – WKOW Channel 27
• How the Madison School District is determining new attendance boundaries – State Journal
• Madison Metro expects delays as bus fleet goes in for repairs – State Journal
• UW Madison Engineering Center receives $25 million donation – WMTV Channel 15
• Community gets deeper look at Waunakee schools’ referendum survey – Waunakee Tribune
• UW-Madison gifted $25 million for new engineering building – State Journal
• UW-Madison engineering building gets $25M boost from former Cisco president, his wife – Channel3000.com

Monday, April 20, 2026

City of Madison

• Shelter Friends raises over $1 million for first 24-hour men’s shelter – WKOW Channel 27
• Volunteers needed to monitor bacteria, water clarity at Madison area lakes – WKOW Channel 27
• Let’s Talk About Air Quality – Alder John Guequierre
• Questions we have about the Madison Public Market – Isthmus
• Weekly Highlights, Week of April 20, 2026 – Alder Barbara Harrington McKinney
• Imagination Center at Reindahl Park Staff Update, Neighborhood Grant Update, Proposed Amendments to Office of Independent Monitor Ordinances, Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of April 20, 2026 – Alder Sabrina Madison
• AAA Bike Plan, Northside discussion, and decisions on Regent – Madison Bikes
• Scheduled Burn Change (From Blackhawk to Flagstone Park) Update – Alder Joann Pritchett
• SOS: Madison ambulance bill finally zeroed out – State Journal
• Community Connection- Week of April 20th, 2026 – Alder Carmella Glenn
• Use report-a-problem for spring potholes and minor storm damage; Watch out for scammers after storms; Please comment on pedestrian and bike plans; Lots of announcements and events – Alder Regina Vidaver
• Shelter Friends of Dane County raises $1 million from fundraising efforts – WMTV Channel 15

Dane County

• Board calls for investigation into sheriff’s use of force; Ridglan Farms responds to manure citation – WKOW Channel 27
• Bandit leaving Henry Vilas Zoo – WMTV Channel 15
• Town of Blue Mounds neighbors voice safety concerns after chaotic Ridglan Farms protest – WMTV Channel 15
• Ridglan Farms’ manure moat violated law, county says – State Journal
• Law enforcement blocks Ridglan Farms operation, leading to injuries an… – WORT 89.9 FM
• Red panda Bandit departing Henry Vilas Zoo – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District named Laboratory of the Year – Channel3000.com
• County board cuts sheriff’s funding for license plate readers – Fitchburg Star
• Dane County supervisors may seek third-party review after weekend protest at Ridglan Farms – WKOW Channel 27
• Ridglan Farms cited for manure-filled trench built to stop protesters – Channel3000.com
• Frontier utility work throughout the Village – City of McFarland
• Animal rights activists hold vigil at Ridglan Farms– Badger Herald
• Dane County Board Axes Flock Camera Funding – WORT 89.9 FM
• Wisconsin authorities arrest about 25 protesters at Ridglan beagle breeding facility – WisPolitics
• It’s National Library Week! • Verona, WI – City of Verona
• Rethinking waste and building a more sustainable future – Herald-Indepdendent and McFarland Thistle

Education

• Madison College hosts ribbon cutting for solar array and energy storage system – WKOW Channel 27
• Local school district receives sustainability award – Channel3000.com
• 4.20.26 Special Board of Education Meeting in Open Session – WORKSHOP followed by Closed Session – MMSD youTube
• Regents recognize Mnookin’s service, contributions – UW-Madison
• How UW-Madison is responding to a spike in students with disabilities – Cap Times
• Sun Prairie Board of Education selects Dr. Antoine Reed as superintendent – Madison365
• Dane County pulls funding for Flock license plate cameras – Wisconsin Public Radio
• Madison College celebrates Earth Week with new project – WMTV Channel 15
• Madison Area Technical College launches solar and storage project for Earth Week – Channel3000.com

Other

• Reflecting on Tone Madison’s Legacy – WORT 89.9 FM
• JustDane’s Jazz for Justice returns April 30 at Atwood Music Hall – Madison365

Sunday, April 19, 2026

City of Madison

• Information About Proposed Amendments to Office of Independent Monitor Ordinances – Alder Derek Field
• City Meetings and Updates Week of April 20 – Alder Derek Field
• Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of April 20th – Alder Jon Duncan
• Week of April 20, 2026 – Alder Joann Pritchett
• Week of April 20, 2026 – Alder Badri Lankella
• Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of April 20, 2026 – Alder Bill Tishler
• Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of April 20, 2026 – Alder John Guequierre

Dane County

• Spring Hydrant Flushing Begins April 20 – City of Monona
• Activists no match for officers at Ridglan Farms; animal rights leader still in jail – State Journal
• Why do activists want to shut down Dane County dog breeder? – State Journal

Other

• Madison families protest UW Health’s halt of transgender youth care – WMTV Channel 15

Saturday, April 18, 2026

City of Madison

• Madison’s Independent Police Oversight Is Three Days From Being Gutted – 77 Square Miles
• City panel eyes pedal tour license, outdoor lighting work – State Journal

Dane County

• Dane County police tear-gas, arrest animal activists at Ridglan Farms – Cap Times
• Animal rights activists storm Dane County dog breeding facility– Wisconsin Public Radio
• Animal rights activists break into Ridglan Farms – Channel3000.com
• Animal activists attempt raid at beagle research facility, Ridglan Farms – WKOW Channel 27
• County residents urged to prepare for potential severe weather – Verona Press
• Animal rights activists break into Ridglan Farms ahead of scheduled protest – Channel3000.com
• Tear gas, arrests reported as more than 1,000 activists attempt break-in at Ridglan Farms – WMTV Channel 15
• Animal rights activists plan large-scale protest action at Dane County dog breeding facility – Wisconsin Public Radio

Friday, April 17, 2026

City of Madison

• Controversial Madison Department of Civil Rights leader to retire – Cap Times
• Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of April 20, 2026 – Alder Barbara Harrington McKinney
• Madison police watchdog mishandled sensitive data, police chief says – State Journal
• Madison Public Market vendors face high buildout costs, required contractors – Madison365
• Madison council member gets restraining order against constituent, former challenger – State Journal

Dane County

• Dane County Board votes to remove funding for Flock system – WMTV Channel 15
• Cambridge Fire and EMS commission concerned about what’s next – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
• City and Town of Sun Prairie work towards cooperative plan – Sun Prairie Star
• Dane County Board votes to cut funding for Flock license-plate reader cameras – Waunakee Tribune
• DeForest Windsor area sees residential, commercial, tourism growth – Sun Prairie Star
• Dane County to end Flock contract, remove license plate cameras – State Journal
• DHS Urges Caution During Storm and Flood Cleanup – Verona Press
• City asks skateboarders to help design new park – Verona Press
• Respect the runoff: City partnering with Adopt-a-Drain program – Verona Press
• Dane County Board votes to cut funding for Flock license-plate reader cameras – Sun Prairie Star
• Dane Co. Emergency Management outlines criteria for activating warning sirens – Channel3000.com
• 2 Dane County supervisors endorse break-in at beagle research facility – State Journal
• Dane County Board of Supervisors: Votes to withdraw funds for Flock license plate reader contract – WisPolitics
• Dane County Exec. Agard calls for calm ahead of planned protest at Ridglan Farms – WMTV Channel 15

Education

• MMSD shifting middle school release time next school year – Channel3000.com
• Sun Prairie selects new superintendent – Channel3000.com
• Sun Prairie picks its next school superintendent – State Journal
• Madison school district cancels all afterschool activities Friday for severe weather – Channel3000.com
• School board OKs new health insurance plan – Fitchburg Star
• Sun Prairie schools pick new superintendent after months-long search – WKOW Channel 27
• Sun Prairie Board of Education makes pick for district’s next superintendent – WMTV Channel 15

Spring Elections

• Do voters show up for local races? Spring elections reveal sharp ‘roll-off’ – Daily Cardinal

Other

• Isthmus Turns 50: Judy Davidoff on Madison’s Alternative Voice – WORT 89.9 FM

Thursday, April 16, 2026

City of Madison

• Pheasant Branch project aims to prevent floods – WKOW Channel 27
• Storm Updates: Watch Out for Scammers, Storm Cleanup, and More Severe Weather Friday – Alder Derek Field
• Madison weighs short term safety changes on Park Street – WORT 89.9 FM
• Solar panels at Olbrich Gardens, other city property damaged by hail – State Journal
• West Side Alder Districts – SAVE THE DATE – May 20 – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – Alder Barbara Harrington McKinney
• Your well being – Alder Joann Pritchett
• Traffic expected around Alliant Energy Center as Midwest Horse Fair returns – WMTV Channel 15
• Madison police: Fleet of squad cars damaged by storms – Channel3000.com
• Madison updates absentee ballot process after failing to count 193 votes in 2024 – Daily Cardinal

Dane County

• Dane County Board cuts funding for controversial license plate reader system – Channel3000.com
• Dane County Board ends funding for license plate reader system – WKOW Channel 27
• Dane County Board recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month – WKOW Channel 27
• Dane County Board honors former county board supervisor – Channel3000.com
• Water main break reported in Fitchburg – Channel3000.com
• Activists respond to sheriff’s message on Ridglan Farms, county exec calls for de-escalation – Channel3000.com
• Schumann and Park Hill Circle Area • Fitchburg, WI – City of Fitchburg
• Village of Marshall to pay off Town of Sun Prairie EMS buyout early – Sun Prairie Star
• City of Fitchburg Adopts Housing Plan to Guide Future Growth • Fitchburg, WI – City of Fitchburg
• Drug Take Back Day – City of Monona
• Dane County sheriff warns activists ahead of planned beagle ‘rescue’ – State Journal
• Dane Co. commission says red light, stop sign violations doubled from last year – Channel3000.com
• Dane County sheriff draws line as activists plan second beagle operation at Ridglan Farms
   – WKOW Channel 27

Education

• Madison Metropolitan School District to change release time for middle schools starting next fall – WMTV Channel 15
• Madison school costs may increase by up to $40.5 million next year – State Journal
• Campus teaching workload policy, webpage released – UW-Madison

Other

• Dane County food pantries work together to get 20-ton beef delivery – WMTV Channel 15
• Annual electric residential services moratorium set to expire – Badger Herald

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

City of Madison

• Regent Street developer asked to add more retail space to 6-story project – State Journal
• Transportation Commission proposes new Park St. safety measures – WKOW Channel 27
• MPD internal investigations rarely lead to discipline – WORT 89.9 FM
• “A victim of its own design,” demolition plan moves ahead for Mast… – WORT 89.9 FM
• Madison Police assessing storm damage to squad car fleet – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison police: Fleet of squad car damaged by storms – Channel3000.com
• South Madison neighborhood faces ‘a lot of cleanup’ after powerful storm – State Journal
• Amtrak’s plans to restore passenger rail in Madison are on track – Cap Times
• Madison LakeWay commissioning environmentally-based artwork – Daily Cardinal
• “Old Problems, Young Solutions” provides unique opportunity for local youth to connect with Madison alders – Madison365
• New District 20 Alder: Barbara Harrington-McKinney – Alder Barbara Harrington McKinney
• Sandburg Park playground equipment, Parks Alive summer dates, Feedback from Sandburg students, Office hours updates, Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of April 13, 2026 – Alder Sabrina Madison

Dane County

• Sun Prairie to recognize May as Affordable Housing Month – Sun Prairie Star
• Hail damage at Dane County Regional Airport leaves travelers dealing with costly repairs – WMTV Channel 15
• Hail storm leaves hundreds of cars damaged at Madison airport parking lots – WKOW Channel 27
• Dane County Sheriff’s Office responds to upcoming Riglan Farms protest – WMTV Channel 15
• April 13-17 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week – Verona Press
• City approves annexation agreement with Epic Systems – Verona Press
• Hydrant Flushing – City of Middleton
• Dane County Exec Agard: Proclaims April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Dane County – WisPolitics
• DeForest residents clean up after storm uproots trees, knocks out power near Western Green Area Park – WMTV Channel 15
• Animal rights activists plan demonstration at Ridglan Farms – Channel3000.com

Education

• ‘We had to celebrate it big’: Union South celebrates 15th anniversary with student events – WMTV Channel 15
• Wisconsin Union honors 15 years of Union South – WKOW Channel 27
• Sun Prairie superintendent finalists meet the public – Sun Prairie Star
• Writing a focus of recent DeForest School District report – sun Prairie Star

Other

• Dane County food pantries receive major protein donation – Channel3000.com
• UnityPoint Health to cut 207 IT jobs, outsource functions to vendors – WKOW Channel 27

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

City of Madison

• Warner Park Community Recreation Center expansion nears completion – State Journal
• Master Hall demolition OKed: Madison building deemed so unique it can’t be saved – State Journal
• Madison planners aim to close bike path gap near West Towne Mall – Cap Times
• Week of 04/13/26: The Next Two Years and Future of the PCOB and OIM – Alder Davy Mayer
• Madison crews raced to clear storm debris before second round of severe weather hit – WKOW Channel 27
• Be Prepared for Severe Weather – Alder Sabrina Madison
• Madison prepares for heavy rain and potential flooding – Cannel3000.com
• Late Madison ballots shouldn’t be counted, Republicans argue – Cap Times
• Madison Parks asking everyone to report damage to city parks – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison officials warn about flash flooding this week from storms – Cap Times
• Bathroom art at Madison Public Market to highlight water conservation – Madison Commons

Dane County

• Beware of flying debris – Waunakee Tribune
• Middleton holding upcoming Sip & Stroll – Channe3000.com
• 2026 Assessment Notices to be Mailed • Fitchburg, WI – City of Fitchburg
• Local cyclists invited to participate in annual biking initiative in Fitchburg – Channel3000.com
• April 14 Village Board Meeting Postponed – City of McFarland
• We’re Hiring: Part-Time Case Manager • Verona, WI – City of Verona
• City Buildings Closing at 3 p.m., 4/14 Due to Severe Weather – City of Sun Prairie
• Deerfield to negotiate waste management, other contracts – Herald Independent and McFarland Thistle
• Cottage Grove board deadlocked on police station developer’s fee – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent

Education

• UW lab researcher arrested for reckless endangerment involving chemicals – Daily Cardinal
• MMSD cancels evening programs due to anticipated storms – Channel3000.com
• MMSD cancels evening activities amid storm threat – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison School District cancels evening programs due to severe weather – State Journal

Monday, April 13, 2026

City of Madison

• Regent Street’s Hong Kong Cafe, Choles Floral could be demolished for apartments – State Journal
• Madison launches air quality map with hourly data across city – State Journal
• Madison’s police oversight faces fresh pressure after AI slip – Cap Times
• Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of April 13, 2026 – Alder Bill Tishler
• Monday Morning Round Up 4/13/26 – Forward Lookout
• Earth Day Challenge, Brush and Yard Waste Collection, and More Updates – Alder Tag Evers
• Neighbors raise concerns over Olbrich Gardens expansion plans – Isthmus

Dane County

• Neighbors work to buy, preserve land near Lake Kegonsa to prevent development – WMTV Channel 15
• Monona City Council considering changes to San Damiano – Herald-Independent and McFarland Thistle
• Dane County prepares residents for Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week – Channel3000.com
• Sun Prairie recognizes May as Affordable Housing Month – Channel3000.com
• .Your Recycing Wrong – City of Middleton
• New managers to take over Waunakee Farmers Market – Waunakee Tribune

Education

• Madison schools ‘new approach’ to tutoring still has skeptics – Cap Times
• MMSD has 41 National Merit Scholarship finalists, the highest number of students in Wisconsin – Madison 365
• Finalists for Sun Prairie superintendent answer questions from community – WMTV Channel 15
• Sun Prairie public Q&A with 3 superintendent finalists ahead of final interviews with school board – WKOW Channel 27
• 4.13.26 Operations Work Group – MMSD Youtube

Sunday, April 12, 2026

City of Madison

• Madison City Week Ahead 4/13/26 – Forward Lookout
• Bike Wash; Regent, Park St; Amtrak to Madison? – Madison Bikes
• Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of April 13th – Alder Jon Duncan
• Week of April 13, 2026 – Alder Joann Pritchett
• City Meetings and Updates Week of April 13 – Alder Derek Field

• Community Connection- Week of April 13, 2026 – Alder Carmella Glenn
• Week of April 13, 2026 – Alder Badri Lankella
• Earth Day happenings; Amtrack info meeting Tuesday; Odana Hills Golf park survey open; LINKcat temporarily offline; Events & Announcements – Alder Regina Vidaver

Dane County

• Dane County Week Ahead 4/13/26 – Forward Lookout

Education

• none yet

Saturday, April 11, 2026

City of Madison

• Neutral sells Bakers Place for $37 million, pays mural artist – Isthmus
• Amtrak Public Meeting – Alder Mike Verveer
• Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of April 13, 2026 – Alder John Guequierre

Dane County

• City joins ‘Renew the Blue’ conservation initiative – Fitchburg Star
• Lack of international net migration tied to decline in Dane County 2025 population growth – Badger Herald

Education

• Q&A: Recent UW grad builds free housing app set to launch in September – Badger Herald

Friday, April 10, 2026

City of Madison

• Madison library catalog system will be offline next week for a major update – State Journal
• Madison drafts updated pedestrian plan for first time since 1997 – WKOW Channel 27
• Local vendors eyeing the Madison Public Market as driver of growth – Madison Commons
• Madison unveils first pedestrian safety plan update in nearly 30 years – Channel3000.com
• Rising prices drive increased demand at Madison-area food pantry – WKOW Channel 27
• Library service app LINKcat going offline next week for updates – Channel3000.com
• Madison Streets Division announces expanded hours, new location for drop-off sites – WKOW Channel 27

Dane County

• City partnering with Sustain Dane on energy efficiency – Fitchburg Star
• Cross Plains announces first annual summer concert series – WKOW Channel 27
• Middleton Art Walk set for May 16 – Channel3000.com
• Fitchburg neighbors alarmed after racist graffiti found near homes – WMTV Channel 15
• An inside look at the restorative justice process in Dane County and statewide – Madison Commons
• Property assessing and tax valuation in Fitchburg – State Journal
• Art Walk Middleton date set, artists wanted – WMTV Channel 27
• Dane County Jail outpaces state prisons in opioid medications – Cap Times
• Verona looking for public input on new skatepark design – WKOW Channel 27
• Verona joins ‘Adopt a Storm Drain’ program – Channel3000.com
• DeForest Village Board awards $11 million DeForest Yards TIF request – Sun Prairie Star
• City of Verona asks for public’s help in designing new skatepark – WMTV Channel 15
• Learn more… (Traffic Study Info Meeting, April 20) – City of Middleton
• Adopt a Storm Drain in Verona • Verona, WI – City of Verona
• Verona asks skateboarders for help designing new skatepark – Channel3000.com

Education

• Madison School District, United Way sunsetting Schools of Hope tutoring program – State Journal
• Kristin Eschenfelder tapped as interim L&S Dean – Daily Cardinal
• Sun Prairie School District names 3 superintendent finalists – State Journal
• Three finalists named in Sun Prairie superintendent search – WMTV Channel 15
• Sun Prairie superintendent search narrowed to three finalists – Sun Prairie Star
• Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District honored for sustainability efforts – Channel3000.com
• Committee delays vote on 10 Board of Regents nominees – WisPolitics
• Universities of Wisconsin regents defend firing of former system president Jay Rothman – Channel3000.com
• 3 finalists selected for Sun Prairie superintendent – Channel3000.com
• Sun Prairie schools narrow superintendent search to 3 finalists, public to meet candidates April 13 – WKOW Channel 27

Spring Elections

• Heads or tails? Coin flip decides village trustee race – Channel3000.com
• Can Madison count ballots delivered after an 8 p.m. deadline? – Cap Times

Other

• Isthmus celebrates 50 years as Madison’s media staple – Channel3000.com

Thursday, April 9, 2026

City of Madison

• Lane closure on University Avenue, near Hawthorne Court, for water work – WMTV Channel 15
• Madison seeks feedback on draft pedestrian plan – WORT 89.9 FM
• University Avenue eastbound reduced to one lane this weekend – Channel3000.com
• University Avenue to go down to one lane starting on Friday – WMTV Channel 15
• Meetings next week for study on South Side Beltline overpass – State Journal
• Madison proposes first update to city pedestrian plans in 30 years – Cap Times
• Urban Forestry Planting 1,400 Trees in Spring 2026 – City of Madison
• City plans to buy East Madison Little League fields from private owner – State Journal

Dane County

• Monona Library Updates – City of Monona
• Program gets Monona seniors riding the bus – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
• Handling Sewer Back-ups – City of Middleton
• Community Invited to Provide Input on Skatepark Concept Designs • Verona, WI – City of Verona
• Village planning bike/pedestrian study – Fitchburg Star
• New Century to host Earth Day Celebration April 20 – Verona Press
• Madison zoo continues state’s conservation education. Henry Vilas Zoo. – Daily Cardinal
• Earth Month events and Earth Day in Sun Prairie – State Journal

Education

• Kristin Eschenfelder named interim dean of UW College of Letters & Science – Badger Herald
• UW regents break silence on Rothman’s ouster – WORT 89.9 FM
• University of Wisconsin regents defend firing of former system president Jay Rothman – Channel3000.com
• Universities of Wisconsin regents cite disputes over AI and other topics in president’s firing – Channel3000.com
• Edgewood University balances student privacy laws with calls for transparency after March arrest – WKOW Channel 27
• UW Regents reveal rifts behind UW system president’s firing – State Journal
• UW regent says former system president Rothman ‘knows the truth’ about his firing – WKOW Channel 27
• UW regent calls fired president Rothman’s statements ‘deliberately one-sided’ – Wisconsin Public Radio
• Fired Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman tells AP he was ‘blindsided’ by his ouster – WisPolitics
• Zahner to continue as Nursing interim dean – UW-Madison
• Eschenfelder named L&S interim dean – UW-Madison

Spring Elections

• Arata-Fratta re-elected as Fitchburg mayor; Dantzler Jr., Lepper retain Alder seats – Fitchburg Star

Other

• State energy moratorium ends April 15 – Herald Independent and McFarland Thistle

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

City of Madison

• Thank You for Voting, Provisional Voting Reminder – City of Madison
• Food Scraps Recycling Drop-off Returns April 11, 2026, with “Towering” New Weight Goal – City of Madison
• Madison election officials report smooth spring election after 2024 ballot issues – WMTV Channel 15
• New Porchlight shelter on Madison’s east side set to open this summer – WMTV Channel 15
• Madison Arts Commission Seeks Artist-in-Residence for Thurber Studio – City of Madison
• Celebrate National Library Week April 19-25 at Madison Public Library – City of Madison

Dane County

• Park shelter rentals in Monona – State Journal
• Brush Collection Begins March 30th – City of Monona
• Learn more… (Construction Projects) – City of Middleton
• Dept. of Transportation: Public meeting scheduled for US 151 in Dane County – WisPolitics

Education

• Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents fires President Jay Rothman – Wisconsin Public Radio
• UW System Board of Regents moves to oust President Jay Rothman – WORT 89.9 FM
• UW–Madison ranked No. 1 producer of Peace Corps volunteers – UW Madison
• Fired UW system President Jay Rothman says he was ‘blindsided’ by ouster – State Journal
• Fired Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman says he was ‘blindsided’ by ouster – Channel3000.com
• Brian Fraley: The firing squad: Why the UW Board of Regents ousted Jay Rothman – WisPolitics
• Madison College launches fast-track, one-year barber certification program – Madison365

Spring Elections

• Gouaux wins reelection to Pleasant Springs Town Board seat 3, defeating Helland – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
• Voters send Cook, Miller back to Monona Grove School Board; McRae replaces Howery on McFarland School Board – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
• Cambridge elects new village board members – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
• Q&A with Fitchburg Alder Donald Dantzler Jr. – Fitchburg Star
• David Boetcher wins Waunakee Dane County Board seat – Waunakee Tribune
• Ensign and Thornburg run unopposed to secure seats on Waunakee School Board – Waunakee Tribune
• Taylor wins Supreme Court race, incumbents in Waunakee – Waunakee Tribune
• Williams, Little and Bartholf win in DeForest Village Board election – Waunakee Tribune
• Wisconsin voters decide statewide, local races in spring election – Badger Herald
• Spring Election Results – City of Monona
• Julia Arata-Fratta re-elected as Fitchburg mayor – Madison365
• Union-Endorsed Candidates Win Big – WORT 89.9 FM
• Coin flip decides Marshall Village Board three-vote tie – Sun Prairie Star
• Two Dane County incumbents booted, five newcomers to step in – Isthmus
• Williams, Little and Bartholf win in DeForest Village Board election. – Sun Prairie Star
• Voters approve majority of school referendums in 2026 Spring Election – WisPolitics
• Ellen Zhang wins District 8 election, champions affordability, public transit – Daily Cardinal
• Two new members join Madison city council: school board incumbents survive challenges – Isthmus
• Huma campaign: Huma for judge campaign: What I learned from my judicial campaign – WisPolitics
• Sun Prairie votes no on $4M public safety referendum – WKOW Channel 27

Other

• Urban Triage CEO pleads guilty to disorderly conduct, referred to First Offender Program – WKOW Channel 27
• Urban Triage CEO pleads guilty to 3 misdemeanors – WKOW Channel 15
• Urban Triage CEO Brandi Grayson pleads guilty to 3 misdemeanors – State Journal

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

City of Madison

• South Broom Street closure to disrupt access to John Nolen Drive – State Journal
• Farmers’ Market means street closings in Downtown Madison – State Journal
• Madison Night Market returns – Channel3000.com
• Street Closures for Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Square – City of Madison
• Applications for next Madison Youth Poet Laureate now open – Madison365
• Madison police offer free training to prepare people for active shooter events – City of Madison
• Madison police offering active shooter training for residents – Channel3000.com
• Spring Yard Waste: – City of Middleton
• New men’s shelter in Madison delayed indefinitely – Channel3000.com

Dane County

• Notice of Herbicide Application – City of McFarland
• Dane County population growth slows amid immigration policy shift – Cap Times
• Sun Prairie Police Department welcomes milestone 63rd sworn officer – Sun Prairie Star
• April 2026 community updates for Sun Prairie – State Journal
• Materials management services in Sun Prairie – State Journal
• Monona Memorial Day parade route and schedule – State Journal
• Area libraries will undergo system upgrade April 12-16 – Waunakee Tribune
• Westport enacts data center moratorium – Waunakee Tribune
• Area libraries will undergo system upgrade April 12-16 – Herald Independent and McFarland Thistle
• Utility Repair on Exchange Street on Wednesday, April 8 – City of McFarland
• Dane County Sheriff’s Office adds dozen new deputies – State Journal

Education

• Most recent U.S. News Graduate program rankings, by department – UW – Madison
• UW–Madison graduate programs ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News – UW – Madison
• Regents oust Jay Rothman as UW system president over his objections – Cap Times
• Regents vote unanimously to oust Rothman – Daily Cardinal
• UW Board of Regents fires Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman – State Journal
• UW Board of Regents announces transition plan after firing of system president – WKOW Channel 27
• Waunakee School District survey seeks input on high school project, extending operational referendum funding – Waunakee Tribune
• University of Wisconsin system regents set to meet behind closed doors to consider firing president – WKOW Channel 27
• 19 key moments of Jay Rothman’s tenure as UW system president – State Journal
• UW-Madison: School of Medicine and Public Health MD program ranked Tier 1 for primary care – WisPolitics
• Madison College publishes its ‘Decarbonization Plan’ – The Clarion
• Celebrating National Library Week – The Clarion
• University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents votes to fire president Jay Rothman – Badger Herald
• Universities of Wisconsin board votes to fire system president – Wisconsin Watch
• UW Regents fire Rothman – WisPolitics
• Universities of Wisconsin board will vote on whether to fire system president who refused to quit – WMTV Channel 15

Spring Elections

• What to know before you head to the polls for spring election day – WKOW Channel 27
• Wisconsin’s spring election is today. Here’s what you need to know – State Journal
• Spring Election: 6 questions today’s vote will answer in Dane County – Cap Times
• Madison and Dane County Spring Election results – Cap Times
• Mosner Feltham, Vander Meulen win 2026 Madison School Board elections – Cap Times
• Sung, Stephan win in Sun Prairie School Board race; unopposed candidates in DeForest, Marshall retain spots – Sun Prairie Star
• City of Sun Prairie operational referendum fails – Sun Prairie Star
• Middleton, Monroe elect new mayors, incumbent wins another term in Fitchburg – WKOW Channel 27
• Ben Jones wins election as Dane County circuit court judge – WKOW Channel 27
• 2 Madison School Board members likely to be re-elected – State Journal
• Incumbent Ben Jones fends off challenge for Dane County Circuit Court seat – State Journal
• Sun Prairie voters reject tax levy referendum for additional firefighters, police officer – WKOW Channel 27
• Sun Prairie voters reject city’s $3.95 million referendum – State Journal
• Incumbents rule the day in Madison City Council, Dane County Board elections – State Journal
• Owens, Rosas and Batterman win in Sun Prairie City Council election – Sun Prairie Star
• One incumbent and two new candidates to serve on Cottage Grove village board – Herald Independent and McFarland Thistle
• Goodwill Chekwube Obieze unseats Rick Rose on Dane County Board – Madison365
• Polls close for Wisconsin Spring Election at 8 p.m. – WMTV Channel 15
• Complete Dane County-area election results – State Journal
• $3.95 million Sun Prairie referendum fails – WMTV Channel 15
• Alder candidate Bobby Gronert apologizes for ‘overbearing and unintentionally creepy’ messages to women – Daily Cardinal
• Voters in 2 cities receive multiple absentee ballots – WisPolitics
• What to know about the spring election – Channel3000.com
• Spring Election: DMV Extending Hours – Channel3000.com
• Wisconsin DMV extends hours for voter ID ahead of spring election – Channel3000.com
• Today is Election Day – City of Madison

Monday, April 6, 2026

City of Madison

• REMINDER: Yard Waste Collection Set-Out Dates for Spring 2026 Now Available; Spring Collection Begins Soon – City of Madison
• Streets Division Drop-off Sites Hours Expand Starting April 11, 2026; Quann-Olin Drop-off Site Opens – City of Madison
• Former North Transfer Point near Oscar Mayer could give way to apartments – City of Madison
• Historic Breese Stevens Field set to turn 100 years old in May – Madison365
• City of Madison residents, officials impacted by nationwide planning, zoning phishing scam – Badger Herald
• City News and Events – Pedestrian Plan – Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole
• After November 2024 ballot failure, Madison’s new clerk says changes are in place – WKOW Channel 27
• Local Air Quality Information Now Available at Love My Air Wisconsin – City of Madison
• Madison spring yard waste collection dates set – State Journal
• Week of April 6th – Alder Sean O’Brien
• New street closure in John Nolen Drive reconstruction project – WKOW Channel 27

Dane County

• Middleton Library week offers new family programs – Channel3000.com
• Village of Waunakee opens 2040 Comprehensive Plan Phase 2 survey – Waunakee Tribune
• Annual Dane County ‘Spring Roll Challenge’ is on – Fitchburg Star
• Dane County Sheriff’s Office swears in 12 new deputies – Waunakee Tribune
• County plans April traffic enforcement – Fitchburg Star
• Adopt a Storm Drain – City of Madison

Education

• Regents to discuss Rothman’s termination Tuesday – Daily Cardinal
• Madison Metropolitan School District to host opioid awareness and drug overdose prevention presentation – WMTV Channel 15
• Madison Metropolitan School District, United Way of Dane County to transition from AmeriCorp Tutor Program – WMTV Channel 15
• MMSD asks for input on changes within school district – Channel3000.com
• 4.6.26 Instruction Work Group – MMSD YouTube
• UW Board of Regents to meet Tuesday on firing UW system president – State Journal
• UW Board of Regents to consider firing President Jay Rothman at Tuesday meeting – Wisconsin Public Radio
• Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents meeting on President Rothman’s future – Channel3000.com

Spring Elections

• Union Cab of Madison offering free rides to, from polls on Election Day – Channel3000.com
• Q&A with Fitchburg Alder Jake Lepper – Fitchburg Star
• What’s on the April 7 ballot – Fitchburg Star
• Madison cab company offering free rides to the polls Tuesday – State Journal
• DeForest trustee candidates host meet and greet – Sun Prairie Star

Sunday, April 5, 2026

City of Madison

• Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of April 6, 2026 – Alder Bill Tishler
• Tuesday is election day! Public meeting on pedestrian plan. Brush set out dates available. New John Nolen Drive traffic pattern. Events & Announcements galore! – Alder Regina Vidaver
• Church opens doors to early voters on Easter – WKOW Channel 27
• Adult Bike Ed,  Perry Street Reconnection, Ped Plan, West Towne Path – Madison Bikes
• Week of April 6, 2026 – Alder Joann Pritchett
• City Meetings and Updates Week of April 6 – Alder Derek Field
• Week of April 6, 2026 – Alder Badri Lankella
• Disenfranchised Madison voters feel burned and ignored, but are divided over lawsuit – State Journal

Dane County

• Madison F-35 fighter jets to conduct evening training flights this week – State Journal
• Heads up: Wisconsin Air National Guard conducting training flights this week – Channel3000.com
• Sun Prairie reopens Slow Mow-Let It Grow registration – Sun Prairie Star
• Notice of Herbicide Application – E.D. Locke Public Library – City of McFarland

Spring Elections

• Reminder: Spring election is Tuesday, April 7 – State Journal

Other

• Goodwill hosting free electronics recycling drive at Hilldale for Earth Day – Channel3000.com
• Madison Area Community Land Trust facilitates affordable homeownership… – WORT 89.9 FM

Saturday, April 4, 2026

City of Madison

• Downtown Plan Open House and Survey – Alder Mike Verveer
• Madison dog parks get spring cleaning with help from community volunteer – WKOW Channel 27
• Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of April 6, 2026 – Alder John Guequierre
• City of Madison and FBI warn about criminals impersonating city officials – WMTV Channel 15
• Community Connection – Week of April 6th, 2026 – Alder Carmella Glenn

Spring Elections

• Recent election and political stories – State Journal
• 2026 Spring Election Guide: Meet the Candidates – WORT 89.9 FM

Friday, April 3, 2026

City of Madison

• City of Madison, FBI warn of fraud schemes – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison hosting second round of meetings for Perry Street study – Channel3000.com
• Madison agencies increasing traffic enforcement this month – Channel3000.com
• Madison water rates to rise May 1 after Wisconsin PSC approval – WMTV Channel 15
• City to Host Second Round of Public Meetings for Perry Street Study – City of Madison
• Junction ahead: A Madison train stop is possible but nothing like the hi-speed rail plans of 16 years ago – Wisconsin Public Radio
• Madison CARES team says new vans help crisis intervention – Cap Times
• Email Phishing Scam Involving Planning and Zoning Applications and Permits – City of Madison

Dane County

• MPD, Dane County Sheriff’s Office to conduct extra patrols – WMTV Channel 15
• (Spring Leaf Pickup) Begins April 6 – City of Middleton
• Harvest Corners: Developer breaks ground on new McFarland housing project – Herald Independent and McFarland Thistle
• Road Closure Notice: Rita Ave. • Verona, WI – City of Verona
• We’re Hiring: Summer Positions • Verona, WI – City of Verona

Education

• Meet the Sun Prairie School District superintendent finalists – Sun Prairie Star
• Priced out: Why UW students choose alternative housing – Daily Cardinal
• MMSD taking suggestions on what to rename Elvehjem and Lindbergh Elementary Schools – Madison 365
• UW leaders looking to oust system president who refuses to quit – WisPolitics
• Madison College Spring Powwow returns April 25 – Madison365
• Fight over University of Wisconsin system president’s future draws heat from Republican leader – Channel3000.com
• Madison teacher’s texts to student highlight school policy gaps – Cap Times

Spring Elections

• The big issues on your April 7 ballot in Madison – Isthmus

Other

• Gas and electric bills to rise in 2027 – WMTV Channel 15

Thursday, April 2, 2026

City of Madison

• Disenfranchised Madison voters sound off on city, lawsuit – Wisconsin Watch
• Madison rezoning proposal aims to speed up home project permits – Cap Times
• Average price for round of golf on Madison courses up $4 from last year – State Journal
• Ride the Drive 2026 set for Aug. 9 – Madison365
• Madison’s Mounted Horse Patrol returns to streets for riding season – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison Water Utility customers to see nearly $5 monthly increase as utility seeks infrastructure funding – WKOW Channel 27
• Breese Stevens Field celebrating 100th anniversary with debut of Rally Madison FC – Channel3000.com
• Ride The Drive 2026 – City of Madison
• Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) Provides Decisions on Madison Water Utility’s Rate Case – City of Madison

Dane County

• RoundTrip encourages Dane County to carpool with annual Spring Roll challenge – Waunkaee Tribune
• McKee Road lane closures in Fitchburg will last until May – State Journal
• The facts on e‑Scooters and e‑Motos – Verona Press
• Fitchburg recognized as Tree City of the World for third year – WKOW Channel 27
• Miracle League of Dane County plans all-inclusive playground at Cottage Grove park – WMTV Channel 15
• Fitchburg Continues to Grow as a Tree City Leader • Fitchburg, WI – City of Fitchburg
• City partnering with Sustain Dane on energy efficiency – City of Fitchburg
• DOT launches I-39/90/94 Corridor Project website – Waunakee Tribune
• City adds four more Bicycle Friendly Businesses – Fitchburg Star
• Revised DeForest Yards concept plan now includes a hotel – Sun Prairie Star

Education

• Student-run EMS at UW-Madison? Fire, police leaders not sold yet – Cap Times
• ‘Growing rift’ cited as Regents push UW system president to leave – State Journal
• Student EMTs may soon respond to calls on UW–Madison campus under new proposal – WKOW Channel 27
• UW system President Jay Rothman was told to quit or be fired, refuses to leave – State Journal
• Former Monona Grove schools staffer charged with stealing from district – State Journal
• Samer Alatout: The quiet criminalization of student speech – WisPolitics
• Madison School District taking suggestions on what to rename Lindbergh, Elvehjem – State Journal
• Universities of Wisconsin president refuses to leave after being told to resign or be fired – Wisconsin Watch

Spring Elections

• Q&A with Fitchburg mayoral candidate Victoria LaBrosse – Fitchburg Star
• Q&A with Fitchburg Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta – Fitchburg Star
• Q&A with Oregon school board candidate Caleb Bush – Fitchburg Star
• April 7 is election day – Fitchburg Star
• Q&A with Oregon school board candidate Josh Kaurich – Fitchburg Star

Other

• Opinion: How poverty’s gravity pulls workers under – Wisconsin Watch
• 50 Moments in 50 years – Isthmus
• 50 years and counting – Isthmus

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

City of Madison

• Madison plans to buy East Side Salvation Army property for $3.3 million – State Journal
• Madison Fire Now Hiring for Firefighter/EMT Positions – City of Madison News
• Madison athletic fields closed due to wet conditions – Channel3000.com
• Madison parks, fields and diamonds closed due to wet conditions – WMTV Channel 15
• Plan Commission analyzes 2025 housing progress, looks to the future – WORT 89.9 FM
• Madison police, fire departments to hold training exercises on Mayer Avenue – WKOW Channel 27
• MPD, MFD alert community to intermittent training sessions on Madison’s east side – WMTV Channel 15
• More road closures to take place during John Nolen Drive construction – WMTV Channel 15
• New John Nolen Drive closures announced as construction continues – Channel3000.com
• New Traffic Pattern for John Nolen Drive Construction – City of Madison

Dane County

• City of Sun Prairie receives award for excellence in financial reporting – Sun Prairie Star
• Dane County challenges residents to drive less in April – WKOW Channel 27
• Drone used by Dane County Sheriff’s Office to arrest fleeing driver – WMTV Channel 15
• Agard proclaims April as Earth Month in Dane County – Verona Press
• DOT Hwy. 18/151 construction update – Verona Press
• Madison, Dane County Clerks Tout Speedier Ballot Printing Process – WORT 89.9 FM
• Municipalities to consider what’s next for the Cambridge Fire and EMS commission – Herald Independent and McFarland Thistle
• 2026 Leaf Collection, Yard Waste Site, and Brush Collection – City of Stoughton
• Curbside Brush Pick Up • Verona, WI – City of Verona

Education

• Madison school boundary review generates hundreds of comments – Cap Times
• UW System puts money over morals, student activists say – WORT 89.9 FM
• Thoreau Elementary staff member accused of taking naked photo of student with autism – Channel3000.com
• Affidavit: Madison School District employee fed autistic student dog food, thought it was bean dip – State Journal
• Deerfield school board tables vote on whether to add an outdoor patio to school – Herald Independent and McFarland Thistle
• Shoemaker expected to stay on as Sun Prairie West principal – Sun Prairie Star

Spring Elections

• 15 Dane County Board candidates share why they’re running – Cap Times
• Thank Goodness for Local Election Clerks – WORT 89.9 FM
• What to know before the spring election – Channel3000.com

Other

• Midwest food distribution program with over a hundred locations closes abruptly, citing financial struggles – WKOW Channel 27
• Higher diesel prices in Wisconsin will likely trickle down to consumers – WPR
• Isthmus celebrates 50 years in print! – Isthmus

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