The Madison police chief and fire chief oriented new alders on the ins and outs of their new job Monday night. Police Chief Noble Wray and Fire Chief Debra Amesqua instructed new alders on how to work with Madison police and fire staff to best serve their districts in regards… Read more »

A presentation at Electric Earth Caf� Friday showed how the Mifflin Street Block Party has changed significantly since its beginnings on May 1, 1969, moving from a political protest to an apolitical drinking event. Madison activist David Williams celebrated May Day with a presentation of the political and social climate… Read more »

The Board of Estimates passed a proposal Monday night to form a committee that would create a reduced bus fare program for low-income community members. The Low-Income Bus Pass Committee would allow low-income community members affected by the recent increase in Madison Metro bus fares to continue riding the… Read more »

The Landmarks Com-mission voted against a development and restoration project for the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood in Madison Monday night, citing concerns about the loss of old buildings and the size of their replacements. The plan would restore eight historical buildings along East Gorham Street and replace 11 buildings along East Johnson… Read more »

Parking will soon cost more in Madison, as city officials approved an increase in meter fees Monday night that will go into effect June 1. The Board of Estimates voted to increase on-street parking meter rates from 50 cents to 75 cents per hour and from $1.50 to $1.75… Read more »

Two Dane County Circuit Court judges recently announced their retirements, which now brings four new judges into office this year. Circuit Court judges Diane Nicks and James Martin sent Gov. Jim Doyle their letters of resignation on March 31, joining their colleagues Judge Steven Ebert and Judge Michael Nowakowski, according… Read more »

Thousands of volunteers are heading to the sides of Wisconsin highways this month to be part of the Wisconsin Adopt-A-Highway program that aims to keep roads safe and well-preserved. Adopt-A-Highway is a Department of Transportation program that organizes approximately 3,000 groups of volunteers who want to keep their state’s… Read more »

The Joint Southeast Campus Area Committee approved plans for the new Union South Monday night, expressing satisfaction with the project’s green efforts and welcoming design. According to project manager Julie Groves, the new Union South surpasses Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. In addition, the new Union… Read more »

The Plan Commission passed new regulations for a Monroe Street bar Monday night after the establishment received criticism for not complying with city policy. According to Madison City Division Director Brad Murphy, the Madison County Planning and Zoning Commission fears the Stadium Sports Bar and Eatery exceeds its holding capacity… Read more »

The Madison Plan Commission unanimously approved a new development to be built in the Bassett Neighborhood Monday, which will include a health center and apartment complex. According to architect David Ferch of Ferch Architecture, who designed the project, the new building to be located at 425 W. Washington Ave. will… Read more »

The Madison Repertory Theater closed its doors Friday due to insurmountable debt, preventing it from refunding previously purchased tickets. According to producing artistic director Trevin Gay, the theater’s board of directors made the decision to dissolve the 40-year-old theater company Feb. 19 because of an approximately $500,000 budget deficit.… Read more »

The Henry Vilas Zoo introduced a plethora of upcoming projects Friday to the Henry Vilas Zoo Commission, including an arctic passage exhibit, an already under construction primate area, a new conservation center and a children’s zoo barn. According to Henry Vilas Zoo Director Jim Hubing, the zoo received money… Read more »

Despite the current changes in operation, the Madison Cultural Arts District Budget and Audit Committee was told Monday the city of Madison will continue to provide financial support for the Overture Center. According to Rob Chappell, spokesperson for the Overture Center, the Center will also change its operating calendar from… Read more »

Students and community members called Friday for an alliance to combat racism still prevalent on campus and in society. About 30 people participated in “What is Anti-racism?”, a panel to discuss topics in racism hosted at Memorial Union by the Wisconsin Union Directorate Society and Politics Committee, and co-sponsored… Read more »

Madison officials discussed ways Monday to take advantage of the recently passed federal stimulus package, which includes grants for education and fighting homelessness. Officials discussed the contents of the $787 billion American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009 that was passed by the U.S. Senate last Friday and will be… Read more »

The Madison city clerk’s office sent an unknown number of absentee ballot letters with incorrect information regarding Tuesday’s primary election, sparking confusion among voters. According to Deputy City Clerk Adam Gallagher, a “handful” of correct ballots were sent out with a letter that listed the wrong deadline to return… Read more »

The fifth and final installment of the East Washington Avenue reconstruction effort began Monday morning and will be completed by spring 2010. According to Madison Deputy Engineer Rob Phillips, the reconstruction project began in 2004 in an effort to make the avenue more functional and appealing. “The main reason… Read more »

A group of Dane County officials told about 30 students the importance of students’ rights and what they’re doing to improve them at a panel sponsored by University of Wisconsin College Democrats Friday night. In collaboration with Student Progressive Dane, Ald. Eli Judge, District 8; Dane County Supervisor Wyndham… Read more »

Jim Meier, co-owner of Badger Bus, said Monday night he plans to use the new Union South as a bus pickup, replacing the current Madison Badger Bus Depot. In a meeting with Capitol Neighborhoods Inc., Meier, who plans to demolish the depot and redevelop the site, said about 80 percent… Read more »

The Madison Police Department and Madison Fire Department are investigating for possible arson in the cases of two suspicious and costly vehicle fires that occurred Friday. Lori Wirth, public information officer for the MFD, said witnesses reported two separate incidents of vehicle fires on the northeast side of Madison early… Read more »

The Madison Cultural Arts District Board approved a smaller budget for the Overture Center Thursday that cuts 15 full-time staff positions and some programs and scales back administrative costs. The Overture’s announcement comes on the heels of last week’s decision by the Madison Repertory Theater, a resident organization of the… Read more »

Liberal education may be the key to keeping students competitive in the 21st century and revitalizing the U.S. economy, said Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton at a University of Wisconsin System conference Friday. Lawton stressed the importance of promoting liberal education in preparing students to adapt to the rapidly changing economic… Read more »

After seeing gas prices peak above $4 per gallon this summer, consumers are starting to feel relief at the pump with prices dropping below $2. About 15 gas stations in the Madison area reported regular, unleaded gas prices just under $2 per gallon by Sunday. Diesel fuel prices were all… Read more »

After a strict departure from Madison’s traditional Halloween celebrations, city officials, police and event organizers were delivered a “hat-trick” through increased attendance and decreased arrests Friday and Saturday night. “There are a lot of people out here having a good time,” Madison police officer David Dasorf said Saturday night. “[There… Read more »

A Wisconsin law meant to protect residents from having their utilities cut off during the coldest months of the year won’t help the increasing number of Madison residents already without light and heat after failing to pay their utility bills. Madison Gas and Electric has about 600 customers whose service… Read more »

A former Overture Center for the Arts receptionist is filing a lawsuit against the city of Madison for allegedly “allowing” her supervisor to sexually harass her for more than 15 years. Monica Everson is suing the city of Madison, several city officials and the Madison Cultural Arts District Board for… Read more »

Anti-war and civil rights groups gathered for a rally at the State Capitol Sunday afternoon to demand reformed immigration policies in the United States and to end the war in Iraq. A Mariachi band, a hip-hop group, poets, protesters and speakers gathered at the first annual celebration of Indigenous People’s… Read more »

An enthusiastic crowd gathered under “Smoke ‘em Bucky” banners for the 38th annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival in downtown Madison last weekend to protest the prohibition of marijuana and foster solidarity among fellow dissenters.� The three-day-long festival began Friday night with a benefit concert at the Cardinal Bar… Read more »

A controversial beer pong display at a local Walgreens came down over the weekend after leaders said it promoted binge drinking. The display in the Walgreens in the new University Square complex featured ping-pong balls and red plastic cups. Although there were no connections to alcohol in the display itself,… Read more »

City officials hope to make parks safer for Madison residents through a new initiative sponsored by the Madison Parks Division and the Madison Police Department. People for Parks launched the Madison Parks Watch program earlier this month by training community members to react appropriately to local threats and problems. Madison… Read more »

Thousands of athletes ran, swam and biked across Madison Sunday, competing in the seventh annual Ford Ironman Wisconsin competition. The top finisher was Australian Chris McDonald, who set a new course record by finishing the feat in 8 hours, 43 minutes and 29 seconds. Hillary Biscay of Tucson, Ariz. won… Read more »