Podcasts about dane county

It's Pride Month! Gov. Tony Evers was the first Wisconsin governor to raise the pride flag over the State Capitol, and he did so again for his final time earlier this month. Madison and Dane County officials also raised a pride flag at the City-County Building. While these are symbols of support, we are curious about the actual day-to-day experience of LGBTQIA+ Madisonians. Host Bianca Martin talks with Sanders Weinberg,  program coordinator at the Gender and Sexuality Center at UW-Madison, and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos, about how queer-friendly our city really is.  This episode originally aired on June 2, 2025.

Wear Orange Day, bringing together public officials, concerned citizens, and community organizations, to call for an end to gun violence. The Violence Prevention Unit at Public Health Madison & Dane County is organized the event at Centro Hispano on Saturday June, 6 2026 "Gun violence is a serious and urgent threat to public health and safety. In Dane County, someone dies from gun violence approximately every 10 days through suicides, accidents, and homicides," said Director Janel Heinrich. "These deaths are preventable. We owe it to ourselves, our neighbors, our children, and our community to practice safe gun ownership." The Wear Orange movement(external) began after the 2013 death of Hadiya Pendleton. A Chicago man shot and killed the 15-year-old girl while she hung out at the park with friends. Now, every June, communities across the country stand together to wear orange and raise awareness. In a show of support, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and County Executive Melissa Agard issued joint proclamations declaring Saturday, June 6 Gun Violence Awareness Day in Madison and Dane County. "We are committed to taking a holistic approach to preventing violence in the City of Madison. That commitment is paying off in the form of progress. In 2025, we saw a drop in violent crimes(external) in the city," said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. "But our work is not done, and this weekend, we're asking you to get involved. Wear orange to honor survivors of violence. Practice safe storage. Join us at an event and meet your neighbors. Every step towards safety makes our community better." Community action is crucial to creating and maintaining public safety. It starts with responsible gun ownership in the home. Securing firearms using trigger locks and gun safes ensures the weapon doesn't end up in the wrong hands. “Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe - at home, in our schools, in our parks, and everywhere in between. Wear Orange Day is a chance to honor lives lost to gun violence and to take that first step toward action together," said County Executive Agard.

Wear Orange Day, bringing together public officials, concerned citizens, and community organizations, to call for an end to gun violence. The Violence Prevention Unit at Public Health Madison & Dane County is organized the event at Centro Hispano on Saturday June, 6 2026 "Gun violence is a serious and urgent threat to public health and safety. In Dane County, someone dies from gun violence approximately every 10 days through suicides, accidents, and homicides," said Director Janel Heinrich. "These deaths are preventable. We owe it to ourselves, our neighbors, our children, and our community to practice safe gun ownership." The Wear Orange movement(external) began after the 2013 death of Hadiya Pendleton. A Chicago man shot and killed the 15-year-old girl while she hung out at the park with friends. Now, every June, communities across the country stand together to wear orange and raise awareness. In a show of support, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and County Executive Melissa Agard issued joint proclamations declaring Saturday, June 6 Gun Violence Awareness Day in Madison and Dane County. "We are committed to taking a holistic approach to preventing violence in the City of Madison. That commitment is paying off in the form of progress. In 2025, we saw a drop in violent crimes(external) in the city," said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. "But our work is not done, and this weekend, we're asking you to get involved. Wear orange to honor survivors of violence. Practice safe storage. Join us at an event and meet your neighbors. Every step towards safety makes our community better." Community action is crucial to creating and maintaining public safety. It starts with responsible gun ownership in the home. Securing firearms using trigger locks and gun safes ensures the weapon doesn't end up in the wrong hands. “Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe - at home, in our schools, in our parks, and everywhere in between. Wear Orange Day is a chance to honor lives lost to gun violence and to take that first step toward action together," said County Executive Agard.

The Dane County Board of Supervisors convenes in the City-County Building or another Dane County location of importance. It is a governmental comprising of 37 elected supervisors from each of the districts in the county. It establishes county ordinances, levies taxes, passes laws concerning law enforcement, and appropriates money for services.

Protecting Midwest Flyways and Local Habitats with the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance - Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today's episode, we're joined by Matt Reetz, Executive Director of the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance. Supported by Destination Madison—host of the 2026 Outdoor Writers Association of America annual conference—we're shining a spotlight on why Madison, Wisconsin, and the surrounding Dane County communities are such exceptional destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, family getaways, and nature lovers alike.Matt shares insights into the Alliance's long-standing history of bird conservation, education, and community engagement, tracing its roots back to the 1930s and detailing how it has grown into a regional leader. Discover the joy of birding, the importance of protecting our feathered friends, and the many ways the next generation is being inspired to connect with nature. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Alliance's diverse programs, wildlife sanctuaries, and educational resources—perfect for anyone planning a trip to Madison or looking to get involved in local conservation efforts.So grab your binoculars and join us as we explore the wonders of southern Wisconsin's outdoor adventures and the vital role of birds and their habitats in our communities!DISCUSSION00:00 Evolution of Madison Birding Club05:33 Making birding accessible for everyone08:52 Environmental education and outreach in Wisconsin14:07 Seeing kids excited about birds15:20 Inspiring underserved kids through nature20:17 Exploring our website resources23:41 Land conservation and wildlife sanctuaries25:04 Upcoming OWAA event plans30:21 Planning birding activities in Madison33:00 Discussing the impact on kids34:40 Getting into birdwatching39:30 Staying connectedMEDIABird declines have been significant since 1970. There are many reasons and many potential ways to help. https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/bring-birds-backhttps://www.wkow.com/news/lights-out-wisconsin-works-to-reduce-light-pollution-and-help-bird-migration/article_64420fdb-c139-4dd5-a903-931b5767aa7b.htmlhttps://www.wpr.org/nature/tips-birding-spring-matt-reetzhttps://swibirds.org/bird-nature-blog LEARN MOREWebsite: https://swibirds.org/Facebook: http://facebook.com/swibirds/Instagram: http://instagram.com/swibirds YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SWiBirdsPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3MvIS8MbZ1otvW8GRVzMLL?si=1006a356e28246b0Destination Madison: https://www.visitmadison.com/NEXT STEPSVisit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.KEYWORDSMatthew Reetz, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, SoWBA, Destination Madison, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview, OWAA#MatthewReetz #SouthernWisconsinBirdAlliance #SoWBA #DestinationMadison #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview #OWAAMy Favorite Podcast Tools:  Production by DescriptHosting BuzzsproutShow Notes by CastmagicWebsite powered by PodpageBe a Podcast Guest by PodMatchBanner Customization by Nano Banana & Canva

TGIF! The City Cast Madison team is here with the biggest news stories of the week. More than 75 firefighters responded to a fire at Madison-Kipp Corporation  on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Public Health Madison & Dane County and Clean Lakes Alliance are launching a pilot study to better understand E. coli in our lakes.  Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling chat about these stories. Plus Tom Farley, author of the books “Growing Up Farley” and “The Chris Farley Show” and community outreach director for recovery.com, joins the show to talk about Madison Mallard's Recovery Night on June 2. And for our Neighbors only, an update on the Ridglan beagles!  Mentioned on the show: Is Madison a Beach Town [

Here's your local news for Wednesday, May 27, 2026:We explain how you can weigh in on Madison's draft Safe Routes to School plan,Examine a proposed data center moratorium that's on the fast track in the Dane County Board,Debut a new media-focused feature,Broadcast the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves,Travel back in time to the late 1960s,And much more.

This week, the Madison Metro School District school board approved a 12-week paid parental leave policy for all district staff. Meanwhile, the interim independent police monitor found that Madison police officers violated department policy when arresting Madison School Board member Maia Pearson in December. Plus, Dane County will donate 165 acres of land to the Ho-Chunk Nation. Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos break down these stories, and in the Neighbors-only segment we talk about American Players Theatre's latest national recognition!

Here's your local news for Tuesday, May 19, 2026:We explain how you can weigh in on the development future of downtown Madison,Hear the benefits of agroforestry,Check in with Law Forward after a recent win in Dane County court,Outline the latest dairy trends as American cheesemakers scramble to compete in a difficult international market,Dispel some myths about Midwestern cuisine,Explore how certain birds hijack nests and force adoptions of their young,And much more.

Segment 1: The Fear of 13: Aftermath & Review of Such Things. Segment 2: Presenting the ripped audio from “CRAIGHEAD's SCREENING: The Matteo Pascale Cut” video with a brief addendum from its director, Steve Girard. Segment 3: Matteo Pascale talks to Scott McDonell, a Democrat elected official who currently serves as the County Clerk in Dane County, Wisconsin.Segment 4: The Unhinged Compilation of 1992Presidential Candidate Ross Perot.***Outro Rap lyrics were written and performed by @jdange23 and the beat was produced by Matteo Pascale.***All other content can be found on the website:https://www.crooklyncomedy.com/Crooklyn Comedy and Let Us Be Idiots Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66644629Social media links:Main Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatteoPascaleCrooklyn Comedy Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrooklynComedyMain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comedianmatteopascale/Crooklyn Comedy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crooklyncomedy/Let Us Be Idiots Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letusbeidiots/Matteo Pascale's Website: https://www.crooklyncomedy.com/

The Dane County Board of Supervisors convenes in the City-County Building or another Dane County location of importance. It is a governmental comprising of 37 elected supervisors from each of the districts in the county. It establishes county ordinances, levies taxes, passes laws concerning law enforcement, and appropriates money for services.

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture's development is groundbreaking in so many ways and now the staff are inspired to build a movement of excellence. Jason Fields, Chief Strategy Officer, and Janine Stephens Hale, Chief Operating Officer, talk about infusing the Black space with the potential for Black excellence  because of the empowering process and the intentionality of the space itself. Hear about the personal value of The Center and the value for the whole community. The visionary standard set by Dr. Gee has extended to the staff who experience the creative energy everyday in the Black space. As Chief Strategy Officer at The Center for Black Excellence, Jason brings nearly a decade of leadership experience in leadership, finance, nonprofit management, economic development, and organizational growth. In this role, Jason focuses on advancing the organization's mission of empowering communities and fostering cultural advancement by leveraging innovative strategies and fostering impactful collaborations. Jason's expertise in nonprofit leadership and team management allows him to effectively implement the vision and drive strategic initiatives that create lasting economic and social impact.   Previously, as President and CEO of Madison Region Economic Partnership, Jason led initiatives to strengthen regional economies by fostering business growth and cultivating talent pipelines. His commitment to financial literacy and community empowerment has been a consistent thread throughout his career, including his work at The Financial Promise Co., where he championed financial education to promote individual and community wealth-building. Janine Stephens serves as Chief Operations Officer of The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness. Her wealth of experience includes over 10 years in fund development, operations, marketing and communications, and events management. Her talents and leadership have helped grow the success of organizations in the local Madison Community including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County where she most recently served as Chief Development Officer, helping to expand the Club across three locations over her nine year tenure. Janine also served as Chief Operating Officer of Building Brave, a non-profit women's empowerment platform. Janine has served on many community committees to further the mission of agencies serving youth and families in Dane County. A Milwaukee native, Janine is an active and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the largest African American women's organization in the world. theblackcenter.org alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me Listener Community Facebook Group

Hundreds of Ridglan Farms beagles born into confinement and destined for science labs are getting a second chance at life. Two large non-profit animal welfare organizations announced Thursday, April 30th, that they inked a deal to purchase 1,500 beagles from the Dane County breeder. This week on Open Record, FOX6's Bryan Polcyn, Carl Deffenbaugh and Sara Smith discuss the extraordinary events of the past six weeks that led up to the high-stakes negotiation, what a pharmaceutical industry group says about the future of animal testing, and how the Wisconsin Humane Society plans to get 150 of the dogs ready for fostering and adoption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night's election results are in! More than 50% of registered voters in Dane County turned out to the polls, and it was a good night for most area incumbents. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling are here to break down the winners and losers of Tuesday's 2026 spring election. 

After nearly 30 years, the City of Madison is revising its pedestrian plan to make Madison safer and more walkable. Plus, UW's largest student organization, Wisconsin Hoofers, is getting a $2.7 million expansion. And the race for Branch 1 of the Dane County Circuit Court is in its final days. Host Bianca Martin chats with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about all this news. Plus, did you get got on April Fool's Day? Mentioned on the show: In person absentee voting hours (City of Madison) April election guide (City Cast Madison) Interview with Judge Lazar (

Next Tuesday, April 7 is the Spring Election in Wisconsin. On today's show, host Ali Muldrow is in conversation with two local election officials: Madison City Clerk, Lydia McComas, and Dane County Clerk, Scott McDonell. They talk about absentee and early voting, voter turnout, and the vicious environment around elections created by the Trump administration. McDonell says that Madison is the gold standard for early voting in the state. That's because the city has made early voting available at libraries even at night and on the weekends. He says that this measure has increased voting by 3-4%, especially engaging the casual voters out there. He's noticed an increase in-person early voting this year, closer to pre-pandemic levels. McComas discusses the quick turnaround between the Spring Primary in February and the Spring Election in April and all the work that her office does to make this quick transition seamless. She says that no matter how you cast your ballot, it will be counted in Madison and that she's working to rebuild trust after 193 ballots went uncounted in 2024.  They reassure listeners that our local elections are safe and secure, despite the erosion of trust in voting that the Trump administration has fostered. And they talk about efforts to help students engaged in voting, how they have been threatened at their jobs, increasing access to voting for the elderly and eligible voters in Dane County jails, and the importance of showing gratitude to poll workers. If you want to find your polling place, register to vote, or learn what's on your ballot, go to myvote.wi.gov.  Lydia McComas is Madison's City Clerk. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in political science. She holds a graduate certificate in election administration from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Her previous role was as Voter Engagement Division Manager with Hennepin County in Minnesota. Scott McDonell has served as the Dane County Clerk since he was first elected in 2013. In 2014, McDonell became the first clerk in Wisconsin to issue a same-sex marriage license, and he is the only clerk in the country to oversee two presidential recounts in 2016 and 2020. Featured image of a polling sign courtesy of WORT. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Thank Goodness for Local Election Clerks appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Here's your local news for Monday, March 30, 2026:We head to downtown Madison for this weekend's rally against the Trump regime,Talk judicial philosophy with an incumbent Dane County judge,Answer all of your burning questions about data centers,Commemorate the enactment of the Fifteenth Amendment,Teach you how to mix up a Negroni cocktail,Review two new movies,And much more.

He went from mocking vegan videos to being arrested for carrying a rescued beagle to safety. In this episode, I sit down with vegan animal activist Pete Reimann to talk about the unexpected path that led him here, from a single video that changed his mind forever to the rescue effort that put him on the front lines at Ridglan Farms. Pete shares how he went vegan in an instant after watching one video, why he devoted his life to animal activism, and what it was like getting arrested for saving beagles from a life of testing, torture, and abuse.  He also tells the story that stayed with me most: carrying a terrified beagle to safety while the dog fought to get away, until Pete called him by the name of his childhood dog, Tracker. In that moment, the fear shifted, the dog calmed down, and what happened next is something I'll never forget.  We also talk about what really happened during the rescue, the dogs who made it out, the ones who were taken back, what activists are risking, and why people are returning on April 19. Pete also shares more about The True Cost Project, his new nonprofit aimed at exposing the financial incentives behind animal testing and pushing for real change. If this episode moves you, please share it, post it, and send it to someone who needs to hear it.  Resources + LinksSave the dogs:savethedogs.io Pete on Instagram:@for.petes.sake.official The True Cost Project:gofundme.com/f/help-launch-the-true-cost-project Donate to Help Pete save the rest of the beagles on April 19th:givesendgo.com/helppetesavethedogs Take action by contacting Dane County authorities and urging them to rescue the remaining dogs: (608) 266-4211 ismael.ozanne@da.wi.gov danecoda@da.wi.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dogs like my beagle Lily are being bred for experiments in the U.S. Kept in cages.Used. Abused. Denied sunlight, freedom, play, safety, and love. But there are a brave group of people fighting back. In this episode of Food Heals, I share what happened when Wayne Hsiung and fellow rescuers entered Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin and carried 30 beagles out of a breeding facility tied to animal testing. Some made it to safety. Eight were taken back.  As a beagle mom, this story hit me hard. What Wayne and these rescuers did took extraordinary courage. They refused to look away. They risked everything to expose the truth and bring these dogs into the light.  This episode is about cruelty.But it is also about heroes.About hope.And about how you can help. Listen to hear what happened, why this rescue matters, and what you can do for the beagles still waiting to be saved.  Accounts worth following:@kameronwaters@animalactivismcollective@waynehhsiung@thealexandrapaul@for.petes.sake.official@sexyfitvegan Resources:SaveTheDogs.ioblog.simpleheart.org  Take action by contacting Dane County authorities and urging them to rescue the remaining dogs: (608) 266-4211 ismael.ozanne@da.wi.gov danecoda@da.wi.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show, host Dana Pellebon is in conversation with District Attorney Ismael Ozanne about his office and the new community court that will help reduce racial disparities and recidivism in Dane County.  DA Ozanne has a long history in Madison, from playing soccer at UW-Madison to overseeing the report on racial disparities commissioned by Governor Doyle. He says that in a city with a growing population and growing law enforcement, there aren't enough public defenders to represent the community. His office has 30 total prosecutors, but there should be 1 prosecutor for every 10,000 residents. Many of these positions are funded by the state, but others like the Victim Witness Program and Crime Response Program are funded by the county. DA Ozanne discusses how these offices work together and how they will connect to a new initiative out of the Community Justice Council (CJC). The CJC was created in 2008 and now works to take criminal justice decisions out of the criminal courts.  The CJC is composed of major criminal justice leaders and aims to make evidence-based improvements and expand restorative courts with the goal of slashing recidivism rates, like similar programs in New York City and Chicago did. However, laws in Wisconsin mean that community courts have to take place in a courthouse, not in a more relaxed community setting. The new community court will be led by Circuit Judge Nia Trammell. District Attorney Ismael Ozanne is a lifelong resident of Madison, Wisconsin. He received his law degree from the UW Madison Law School in 1998 and was appointed as the Executive Assistant for the Department of Corrections (DOC), the largest cabinet agency in the state, by Governor Doyle in 2008. In 2010, he was appointed by Gov. Doyle to Dane County District Attorney and is the first African American District Attorney in Wisconsin's history. Featured image of District Attorney Ismael Ozanne. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post A New Community Court is Coming to Dane County appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Here's your local news for Tuesday, March 17, 2026:We find out why concerned parents flooded the public comment session at Monday's Plan Commission meeting,Meet an incumbent supervisor who says Dane County should focus on internal hiring to save money,Explain what the war in the Middle East means for the average American farmer,Consider how wage disparities contribute to the affordability crisis,Share some fun facts about the common loon,And much more.

Here's your local news for Monday, March 9, 2026:We hear how Dane County's new ballot printing vendor is speeding up election prep,Explain the debate over a bill that would codify a controversial definition of antisemitism into state law,Meet an incumbent supervisor who says Dane County has a spending problem,Share the local government's calendar for the week ahead,Mark the anniversary of the 1952 coup in Cuba,Teach you how to mix up a Peach Bellini,Review two new movies on the small screen,And much more.

Wisconsin's dairy industry is thriving and always changing. Looking for the "next big thing". Some dairy sheep owners in western Wisconsin hope the next big thing is vodka. From sheep whey. Ben Jarboe gets the story from Scott Kring, Co-owner of Birch Point Distillery in Westby. Thanks to a grant from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), Birch Point Distillery is producing vodka made from sheep whey. Co-owner Scott Cream said the idea came after connecting with Hidden Springs Creamery, a local sheep dairy cheese producer. Traditional distilling uses grains for fermentation, while whey distillation relies on lactose from leftover whey. The whey is first ultrafiltered to remove proteins and fats, leaving a lactose solution. That solution is then concentrated because the natural sugar levels are too low for fermentation. Lactase is added to break lactose into sugars the yeast can ferment. The DBIA grant helped pay for specialized equipment, including a filtration skid not typically used by traditional distillers. Demand for the sheep-whey vodka has grown enough that the distillery now sources whey from more than one sheep dairy. Rain gauges start coming into play beginning today with light showers. Stu Muck says the more measureable amounts will come in Friday's forecast, but temperatures remain above average.Data centers remain in the news for many rural communities in Wisconsin. Sunday, the community of Potosi will act as the gathering spot to learn more about a potential data center in nearby Cassville. Next Tuesday, citizens are asked to join the informational confirmation in Juneau about the progress of a data center in Beaver Dam. This trend is not likely to stop according to Jason Valerius, executive director, Capital Area Regional Planning Commission. He tells Stephanie Hoff that the tools most communities have in place to battle proposed data centers are weak. With population surges in areas like Dane County, the Fox Valley, Eau Claire, LaCrosse and SE WI, land is the critical element of the equation. Farms want to hang on to it, but can't fight the high prices that data centers are offering. Valerius says once that land is dedicated to a data center - it'll always be an urban form. Some communities have been able to fight back.Dairy markets are anxious like the rest of commodities over the US-Israel-Iran war. Jan Prins, dairy analyst with EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to highlight what products are moving where. The constriction in transportation has forced some buyers to bring product forward for delivery. Will that create a vacuum in the marketplace later this year?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As cities like Madison, or counties like Dane, expand at record rates, we’re faced with a puzzle: how do we house a booming population without paving over the farmland that defines our state? Capital Area Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Jason Valerius tells Stephanie Hoff that his job is to focus on water quality and land use, which come together to require conversations about the relationship between ag and urban areas. It starts with a look at how the population is changing in Dane County. He has statistics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts: Rob Chappell, Stephanie Díaz de León, Omar Waheed Dee Star's big moment: Three major milestones for Dee Star, host of the OuttaDeeBox podcast: February 3 has been declared Dee Star Day in Sun Prairie; the Out of Dee Box podcast will be the first podcast enshrined at the Wisconsin History Museum and the Sun Prairie Historical Society; and he's receiving a legislative citation for community impact. Omar caught up with him about what it all means. Hip-hop in the classroom: Omar visited Kennedy Elementary to check out a hip-hop artist residency featuring Lex, a clean hip-hop artist, author, poet, DJ and educator. Lex spent two weeks visiting 16 MMSD schools, performing and helping kids process emotions through music — and it was anything but a corny after-school special. School funding crunch: MMSD is already laying groundwork for next year's budget, and the outlook isn't great. The hosts dig into why: a state legislature that funds only about 5% of school district budgets (compared to 60-70% in Minnesota), federal special education cuts, and a new lawsuit challenging Wisconsin's funding model as unconstitutional. Dane County's $31 million problem: Rob obtained a budget memo showing the county faces a roughly $31 million deficit heading into 2027, as post-COVID surpluses dry up and health insurance and employee costs climb. Balancing the budget could mean cutting around 241 full-time positions. Only one county supervisor responded to Rob's request for comment. County contracting review: County Executive Melissa Agard has ordered a comprehensive review of county contracting practices. Rob spoke with Agard, Human Services Director Josh Luter, and several nonprofit leaders. The recurring theme: a need for greater transparency in bidding, scoring and feedback — plus structural issues like one-year contracts for five-year projects with no built-in cost-of-living increases. On the radar: Stephanie flags the November 3 election, which will include a Republican-backed constitutional amendment that would prohibit DEI policies at any state government entity, including UW. Also coming up: spring county board elections with a few competitive races. Question of the week: How big would a worm have to be before you'd tell somebody about it? We're hiring!  

Fri, Feb 27 3:58 AM → 4:25 AM Police chase dane county 022626 Radio Systems: - DANECOM

Here's your local news for Thursday, February 26, 2026:We find out why construction on the jail consolidation project is running behind schedule,Meet an incumbent county supervisor who says NIMBYism should have consequences,Run through some transparency bills that are stuck in legislative limbo,Tell you the best spots to cast your fishing line,Get an update on Forward Madison FC's roster rebuild,And much more.

National FFA Week highlights the blue and gold for a week. It's up to Emma Slavens, National FFA Alumni & Supporter to help keep that enthusiasm bubbling year round. She visits with Jill Welke at the WI FFA Alumni's State Convention about how growing that supporter base has changed, and what messages they're offering in 2026. Warmer weather for the southern portion of Wisconsin today, while north of highway 29 can expect snow. Stu Muck says the snow will become more widespread by the weekend. Farmer led watershed groups now dot the state from corner to corner. One of the earliest groups formed was the Yahara Pride Farms watershed in south central Wisconsin. Jeff Endres is a Waunakee dairy operator and the chair of the Yahara Pride Farms group. He tells Stephanie Hoff that he's proud of how they've grown their on-farm demonstrations from 10-12 farms, to now involving close to 80 in real-world demonstrations of how conservation plans work. One troubling issue for this particular group is how big an influence the non-farm surrounding community plays in their nutrient planning. Endres acknowledges that as the population in Dane County grows, finding measurable results from their on farm practicies gets skewed. Cheese and butter prices continue to climb in Chicago, and there are a few motivators that may keep that trend in place. Pam Jahnke is joined by Matt Tranel, dairy analyst from EverAg to discuss how federal purchases through USDA, as well as a robust export market are keeping cheese and butter opportunities bright.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the government shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, something has changed in the national conversation about the Trump Administration's immigration policies. And the primary reason it's happening is not a brilliant PR campaign, Pulitzer-winning journalism, or organized political strategy. It's because of regular folks with camera phones documenting what's actually happening on the streets of Minneapolis and other cities that have been occupied by ICE. By simply recording and sharing, they have publicly and irrefutably contradicted the Trump Administration's blatant lies. And now, many people who did not want to pay attention to the issue are paying attention. Some folks who supported the aggressive immigration enforcement now don't. And citizens who were not comfortable questioning the administration's lies... question them now. Whether you want to call them “Legal Observers,” “Constitutional Observers,” or "regular folks" who record what's happening, the impact is profound. So in this episode, we discuss why these brave Minnesotans with camera phones are such a potent force in the current political environment with Scott Libin, a Senior Fellow at the University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism. And, we speak with a former law enforcement leader in the Midwest who says more people need to pick up their smartphones and serve as "legal observers." Dave Mahoney served as Dane County, Wisconsin Sheriff from 2007 to 2021, and shared an interesting encounter with Dusty in 2011 that cemented both of their appreciations for the First Amendment right to document the government's actions. For those who are interested in serving as legal observers, Libin and Mahoney will even lay out some steps for enhancing your effectiveness and bolstering your safety. Because every American has a role to play in protecting our constitutional rights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, 13% of registered voters in Dane County cast their ballots in the spring primary election, and the City Cast Madison team is here with the results. Plus, local officials to work together to address safety issues on South Park Street following a fatal crash. Host Bianca Martin is joined by executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas to talk about the news of the week, including the closing of Porta Bella and the opening of Baked Lab.     Mentioned on the show: Closed restaurants that we loved [City Cast Madison]I'mProv ==> You'reProv Show [Big Honey] Your City Could Be Better podcast [City Cast]

Here's your local news for Thursday, February 19, 2026:We outline the Dane County Regional Airport's economic benefits and environmental drawbacks,Look forward to a software glow-up coming soon to the library system,Commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,Explore the complex politics of so-called "rare earth" elements,Meet a pair of artists that are using their craft to memorialize their friendship,And much more.

In Dane County, we have a thriving farmers market scene. We have local co-ops and community gardens. We boast about our farm-to-table restaurants. And we also have food insecurity rates as high as 15%. Parts of our food system appear to be running well, but when you dig below the surface, there are issues preventing it from being equitable and resilient. REAP Food Group, in collaboration with a number of local stakeholders, is trying to get to the root of the problems with the Dane County Food Action Plan. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with REAP Food Group interim executive director Noah Bloedorn about what is currently threatening the food system, and how it can be fixed.

Madison doesn't have a deal with surveillance technology company Flock Safety. But that doesn't mean surveillance isn't a concern in our city. There are dozens of Flock cameras installed around Dane County and yes, even some in Madison. So what's the deal here? Today, host Bianca Martin speaks with ACLU Wisconsin policy analyst Jon McCray Jones about Flock usage (and misuse) by law enforcement, and what folks can do to protect their privacy.  Mentioned on the show Police Surveillance is Ripe for Abuse [ACLU WI] Analysis of Flock use by Wisconsin cops reveals trends, raises questions [Wisconsin Examiner] Find Flock cameras in your area [Deflock]

On today's show, host Dana Pellebon is in conversation with SkyeGia Garcia and DaMontae January who work for OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center. They discuss their work and the larger issue of housing in Dane County, especially for disenfranchised youth.  OutReach works for the equity and quality of life for all LGBTQ+ people through community building, health and human services, and economic, social, and racial justice advocacy. Garcia and January work for the program, Everstrong, that provides resources for 17-24 year olds who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. January says that the program empowers young folks to find stable housing and jobs, sign up for insurance, and take on other adult responsibilities with confidence. Young people in the program should be given a second chance and they just want to be heard, says January. In addition to the Everstrong program, they talk about OutReach's food pantry, meditation sessions, and anti-colonial yoga classes where folks can “get back in touch with their sovereignty and autonomy,” says Garcia. She says that the LGBTQ+ community has a strong culture of taking care of people and has consistently led with compassion, empathy, and support.  SkyeGia Garcia has been a community organizer since 2016. Her work has focused on anti-colonial awareness that connects to Indigenous struggles and liberation. SkyeGia currently works at OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center for a project that focuses on youth empowerment and housing justice. DaMontae January comes from a background of social work and counseling and has been working for housing justice since 2020. Currently January works as Program Director for EverStrong at OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center and has been there since 2023. Featured image: of DaMonte January, Dana Pellebon, and SkyeGia Garcia. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Everstrong Housing Program Sets Up Youth for Success appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

In September, Dane County sought proposals to renovate the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at  Alliant Energy Center. They received a single response. It's from local concert giant FPC Live, which started as a small business running the box office at the Coliseum and now is largely owned by Live Nation, the world's biggest live entertainment company.  In a piece for Tone Madison, Nick Pjevach, chair of the Madison Arts Commission, wrote “Dane County should apply strict scrutiny of its partnership proposal with FPC Live.” Host Bianca Martin chats with Nick about why he thinks the county should be careful when planning out the future of the publicly owned Coliseum. 

A Dane County village plans to reverse its decision to remove fluoride from its water. That's after one of the policy's advocates lost his seat in a recall election. we'll hear from our politics team on a busy week at the state Capitol. And, in his first year back in office, President Trump has shaken up America's education system. His push to end diversity initiatives has won praise from many conservatives in Wisconsin.

Here's your local news for Wednesday, January 21, 2026:We find out how a city initiative is defining Madison's "regional music brand,"Hear a Midwest professor's warning about the Trump regime's escalating authoritarian tactics,Check in with Dane4Dogs after their latest legal victory over Ridglan Farms,Examine UW-Madison's evolving anti-hazing policies,Broadcast the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves,Travel back in time to 1965,And much more.

Here's your local news for Tuesday, January 20, 2026:We get Congressman Mark Pocan's take on escalating ICE activity, the impending government shutdown, and efforts to redraw Wisconsin's congressional maps,Outline the partisan debate over rising energy costs,Share an excerpt from the keynote speech at Dane County and Madison's 41st Annual MLK Day Observance,Explain why most of the American ag industry is running in the red,Celebrate the legacy of Mother Fool's Coffeehouse,Offer a novel idea to support the Dane County Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center,And much more.

On today's show host, Dana Pellebon is joined in the studio with long-time Madison leader, Anthony Cooper Sr. the CEO and Founder of Focused Interruption which provides community violence intervention and prevention in Dane County. Their work includes mentorship, trauma-informed care, and direct support to survivors of violence and individuals seeking a fresh start.  Cooper discusses how his experience of incarceration paved the way for the work that he's doing now with Focused Interruption and how he draws on his prior experience working for Nehemiah. He says that crisis intervention is important for everyone in the community, in addition to the victim and the perpetrator.  With Focused Interruption, Cooper works to address gun violence in a preventative way, though much of their work includes working with perpetrators of violence, navigating law enforcement and investigations, and community needs. This means pointing out challenges and moving toward repair in situations where “trauma is stacked on top of violence,” says Cooper. Community members are partners in this work, in helping the folks at Focused Interruption identify situations before they escalate.  They also discuss how important it is to show up in your community spaces in order to make a positive impact, what it would look like to have community rather than community policing, and how Focused Interruption takes care of its workers. Anthony Cooper Sr. is a dedicated and visionary leader, serving as the CEO and Founder of Focused Interruption, a pioneering organization specializing in community violence intervention and prevention in Dane County. His leadership is defined by a deep commitment to creating safer, more inclusive communities through innovative and compassionate approaches. Featured image of Anthony Cooper Sr. and Dana Pellebon in the WORT studio. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Anthony Cooper Sr. Paves the Way for Local Violence Intervention appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

This week, Kent and C.J. are back at it again! This week, they talk about Hannah Dugan's resignation, protests against the shooting by ICE, Dane County's coming population boom, and the prevalence of stranded assets in the State of Wisconsin.

Today is the deadline for candidate filings in the state of Wisconsin. To break down the races in this busy election year, host Dana Pellebon speaks with three powerhouse local journalists, Christina Lieffring, Enjoyiana Nururdin, and Faye Parks.  There was a general sense of surprise and excitement at the number of contested races. Nururdin says that she's noticed more people wanting to be active at the local level, including with the school board and Dane County Board. And Parks has noticed people getting engaged on topics like housing, school referendums, and other issues that affect their daily lives. Lieffring says that when things are going well, people tend to ignore local government, but things aren't going well right now.  Change is on the horizon in the city of Madison as a number of Common Council seats are up for grabs as the city adjusts to its new staggered terms. And in Dane County there are more unopposed races. Nururdin wants to see more debate and constituent feedback about Dane County Board positions, but this is challenging because newsrooms struggle to devote a lot of time and energy to smaller races, says Lieffring. The Governor's race may be the hottest line on the ballot with a large primary field of Democratic candidates but only two Republican contenders. Nururdin says that people want to see candidates who are active in the community, not just at press opportunities. And Lieffring wants to see the candidates go beyond political slogans.  Christina Lieffring is Tone Madison's Managing Editor, a free-wheelin' freelancer, and lifelong Midwesterner. Enjoyiana Nururdin is a Madisonian and the local government reporter at the Cap Times Newspaper where she covers the ins and outs of City Hall and politics in Dane County. A graduate of UW-Madison’s School of Journalism and Columbia University in New York, Enjoyiana brings experience covering homelessness, government transparency and uplifting community voices in her work. Faye Parks is the Producer of WORT’s 6pm Local News. Featured image of a person voting via Pexels. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Local Journalists Weigh-In on Upcoming 2026 Elections appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

In 2025, a record $60 billion was invested in building AI data centers around the world, many of them in the US and Canada. Proposals for data centers are popping up across Wisconsin, in Mount Pleasant, Menominee, Beaver Dam, Dane County and beyond. These “hyperscale” complexes use anywhere between 5-50 megawatts of power and take up hundreds of acres of land. To talk about the growing opposition to AI data centers across the nation, host Douglas Haynes is joined by three guests: Michael Greif of Midwest Environmental Advocates, Mitch Jones of Food & Water Watch, and Ed Morganroth, Jr. of the group, No Data Center DeForest. People are increasingly concerned about data centers’ energy and water consumption, land use, noise pollution, and e-waste as well as the societal impacts of AI products like deep fakes. To educate legislators about the growing opposition, Food & Water Watch organized a letter to Congress calling for the halt of construction of data centers. Jones says that the fight is happening in every state and their letter creates a national umbrella for these groups to unify their message. So far over 250 organizations have signed on.  Many are concerned that the financial benefits of these data centers are flowing to Silicon Valley and out of local communities. And the public is largely being kept in the dark about how much electricity and water these data centers would eat up. This fall, Midwest Environmental Advocates took legal action to get the city of Racine to respond to Milwaukee Riverkeepers’s record recquest for the projected water consumption of a Mount Pleasant data center.  They were at first told that water use is a “trade secret.” To date, the public doesn't know how much electricity will be used at the data center that Alliant Energy and Meta are building in Beaver Dam. Morganroth says that at a time when Wisconsin is losing agricultural land, his group would rather see new housing and job-creating business in his community rather than a data center. Our guests also talk about the active role that electric companies are playing in the construction of data centers, the tax breaks that these companies are getting from the state of Wisconsin, and the AI bubble.  Michael Greif is a Legal Fellow at Midwest Environmental Advocates, where his work has focused on legal pathways to safeguard Wisconsin's air, water, and climate, including advocating for public disclosure of the water and energy use of hyperscale data centers. Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and lives in Madison. Mitch Jones is the Managing Director of Policy and Litigation at Food & Water Watch. He has worked on federal policy for over 20 years. He leads the organization's work on federal and state policy as well as their sibling organization’s political program. Ed Morganroth, Jr. is a resident of DeForest, WI and member of the No Data Center DeForest group. Featured image: aerial view of the Google Data Center in Council Bluffs, IA via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0). Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Who Bears the True Cost of So-Called Artificial Intelligence? appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

On today's show, host Dana Pellebon is joined by Dane County Human Services Director, John Schlueter, to help listeners understand the breadth of the largest department in our county. Schlueter is a long-time Madison resident whose service to the community began with volunteering at Centro Guadelupe and the Dane County Humane Society. After graduating with a degree in social work, he worked in human services and the Social Security Administration before taking his new position with Dane County. He says that he sees his new role as an opportunity to give back to the community and guide the department through challenges posed by the federal government. This year, departments across Dane County faced structural deficits requiring reductions across the board. The Human Services budget looms at over $300 million and funds housing, mental health services, and so much more. Schlueter praises the work of the Needs Network and Sunshine Place and the spirit of volunteerism that they foster.  However, the uncertainty created by funding cuts by the federal government is causing real problems for local leaders. It becomes difficult to anticipate or brace for changes, as with the recent back-and-forth over SNAP benefits. Schlueter is bracing for the new federal Medicaid requirements that will roll out in 2027, which he says will make it even more difficult for people to qualify for healthcare. Despite the hardships that so many across the county are facing, the Human Services Department is able to keep serving the diverse needs of its constituents because it is currently not required to strike DEI language from its programs. John Schlueter is the recently appointed head of the Dane County Department of Human Services. He brings his experience running large organizations, commitment to volunteerism, and service to drive compassionate and responsive service delivery. Dane County Human Services provides a vast array of programs that help our community thrive from children living with disabilities, or those in foster care, to young people finding a way forward on the path to meet their own goals, to employee training, job support, and housing, and those working through behavioral health or substance abuse, to the residents at our county-run nursing home who have some of the most complex care needs for the aging population, and so much more. It takes the entire community to do this work in the best of times.  As we face challenges in the years to come, John invites the entire community to get involved, join him and the expert team, partners, and clients working daily toward a community where each person is thriving. Featured image of the Dane County Human Services logo.  Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post What Does the County's Human Services Department Do? appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

When new Dane County Executive Melissa Agard campaigned for office last year, she had big plans for how she'd lead the county. But after winning the election in 2024, Agard was faced with a new reality — Dane County is facing down the cliff of a $30 million budgetary deficit, and her big plans would have to take a backseat. It's no secret that this was a tough budget season for the county, and at the end of the day, Agard is proud of the work that the county has accomplished. But this isn't the budget she wanted. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Agard about what she's learned from this process and digs into why no one talked about this massive deficit until now.  For more on the county budget process, listen to our conversation with Dane County Supervisor Yogesh Chawla. 

Last week, Dane County finalized and approved its 2026 budget, which includes $825.6 million in operating funds and $90.5 million in capital investments. The county was looking to cut back on spending as it's projected to face a $30 million deficit in 2027. But how did we get here? And what does the county fund anyway? City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Dane County supervisor Yogesh Chawla about the recently passed budget and the contentious items within it. 

What happens when birth becomes a full-circle moment? From being born at home yourself to bringing your own baby earthside in the same spirit of trust and peace? In today's episode, we sit down with Kasiah, a second-generation home birther, to hear her beautiful journey through loss, faith, and ultimately a redemptive and calm home birth with her third son. Kasiah opens up about: Navigating two back-to-back miscarriages and finding healing Choosing home birth again after loss Her husband's transformation from skeptic to home birth advocate The role of faith, prayer, and sisterhood in her pregnancy The moment she surrendered completely and birthed in total peace Her story is a powerful reminder that healing can follow heartbreak, and that calm, joyful birth is possible. Links From The Episode: Madison Area Midwives - Midwife Directory in Dane County: www.madisonmidwives.com Kasiah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasiahterp/ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Dr. Wholeness and Blood Vitality: https://drwholeness.myshopify.com/products/blood-vitality-1?variant=31396528062517 - use the code DIAH15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript: rmad.ac/AIAe081This week's podcast guest is Annie Heathcote. Annie is a multi-business owner, social media influencer, author, Christian and lifelong disability advocate whose life and work embody the belief that disability does not mean inability. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at just 13 months old, Annie has spent her life breaking barriers, championing accessibility, and inspiring others with her message of resilience and faith. She was crowned Miss Wheelchair Wisconsin in 2023. Using her platform, Caring is Caregiving to reach more than 100,000 people through schools, conferences, organizations, and media appearances across the state.Her advocacy took her to the Miss Wheelchair America national competition where she placed in the top five, earning second runner up and the best speech award. She has since been recognized as a woman of the year for Dane County for her leadership and community impact beyond advocacy. Annie is the founder of Annie Designs and Annie Speaks LLC, where she works as a freelance web and graphic designer and transformational speaker. She also brings creativity and joy into her everyday life through travel, art, music, and her past achievements as an elite athlete in the adaptive sport of power soccer. Annie's mission is simple but powerful. Love, serve God and others, work hard and never give up. Connect with Annie: Annie Speaks | Disability. Dignity. Destiny.Annie's Portfolio – Intentional. Impactful. Invigorating.Annie Speaks | FacebookAnnie Heathcote I Disability Advocate & Speaker (@annieheathcote) • Instagram photos and videosConnect with the Rocky Mountain ADA Center at RockyMountainADA.org or find us on social media. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your podcasts!