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City Cast Madison
City Cast
300 episodes
Join the City Cast Madison team every weekday morning for can’t-miss conversations about what’s happening in Madison, with a dose of local news to keep you up to speed. Whether you’re an OG Madisonian or a newcomer, all neighbors are welcome here. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter, at madison.citycast.fm.
Episodes page 2 of 6
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Local Alzheimer's Research, Fate of Wisconsin THC, Badger Freshman Must-Knows
Genes are just one factor in your odds for developing Alzheimer’s disease. A study from the Center for Health Disparities Research at UW–Madison explores the environmental and societal factors behind the disease. It’s…
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Your Guide to September 2026 in Madison
September is here! This month will be full of bountiful harvests, neighborhood festivals, and “Is it fall yet?” vibes. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas share…
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City Council President Talks Ruiz, Men’s Shelter, Budget, and Beyond
The news has been nonstop for Madison recently. Today, Madison City Council President Sabrina Madison talks to host Bianca Martin about the biggest stories in the city right now — from new updates on the fatal police…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Is Pittsburgh’s Airport the Gold Standard? — Presented By City Cast Madison
The Madison airport definitely has a lot going for it, but what it doesn’t have is its own electrical grid, like Pittsburgh’s does. For the past few years, Pittsburgh International Airport has been generating on-site…
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Mayoral Race Heats Up, Dolly Parton's Legacy, and City Leaders' Encampment Response
The whole world is mourning country star and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who passed away earlier this week. , Although she’s gone, kids in Dane and Sauk Counties will still get their free book each month from “Aunt…
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Hot Dog Wars, Papavero Turns 20, and begonia. Arrives on Monroe
The new restaurant begonia. opens its doors to the public on Friday. But Monroe Street diners might already be familiar with the team behind begonia. Sara Anderson and her son-in-law, Chef Christopher Lund were also…
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Cinematheque Fall Season, Madison Movie Roundup, and Our Recent Faves
Did you know City Cast Madison’s Rob Thomas writes about movies on his Substack newsletter? Over on Not That Rob Thomas, Rob writes about new theatrical releases, movies currently streaming, and niche local screenings.…
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The Sterling Hall Bombing Rocked Madison
On Aug. 24, 1970, UW-Madison’s Sterling Hall was bombed in protest of the Vietnam War. The explosion killed a physics researcher, injured others, and caused millions of dollars of damages. Three of the four alleged…
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Go With the Flow: Downtown Traffic and Period Products
Do you want to help shape the future of streets downtown? District 2 Alder Will Ochowicz is hosting a public meeting Tuesday to gather input on traffic safety as part of the Downtown Area Plan. Ahead of the meeting,…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Portland Made Its River Cool — Presented By City Cast Madison
How often are you out in nature in Madison? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban setting, and city rivers get a particularly bad rap. It’s true that cities have had…
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Goodman Foundation Runs Dry, Fitchburg Looks for Flock Alternatives, and Will UW Freeze Tuition?
After donating $67 million to causes across Madison over the last 15 years, the Goodman Foundation is dissolving at the end of the month. The charitable organization provided funding for community resources like the…
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Ukraine Fest, Queer Dance Floors, and a Trip to the Public Market
Madison’s fifth annual Ukraine Fest is happening this Saturday, Aug. 22 in Olin Park. The event comes at a time when 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. are awaiting a decision by the Trump administration on whether…
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Track F-35 Noise in Real Time
Have you been hearing F-35 jets flying overhead late into the night? For the last two weeks, the Wisconsin Air National Guard has been conducting night training. Many of us in the flight path have been experiencing the…
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FTC Investigates Epic, Willy St. Businesses Struggle, and Madison Reddit Solves a Mystery
Are you struggling to make a dinner reservation at a restaurant this week? You’re probably experiencing the influx of people who are in Madison for Epic Systems’ annual conference, known as UGM. On today’s show, host…
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Indigenous Art Across Madison, Wonder Bar’s Future, and Your Hot Takes
The new Teejop Community Art Project is a citywide series of temporary art installations by seven Indigenous artists honoring Madison’s Indigenous community and cultural history. Artist, educator, and founding…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Dane County’s Trash is Big Business
Ever want to know how many mattresses Madison throws away? It’s a lot, but Dane County officials hope that, someday, the bulk of it can be recycled — and that all starts with the construction of the “sustainability…
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Primary Results Explained, Ruiz Laid to Rest, and Preview of Men’s Shelter
Today, the family of Corey Ruiz will hold a funeral at the Fountain of Life Church, where Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with newsletter editor Rob…
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Pour One Out for Madison’s Best Bygone Bars and Restaurants
Is there a meal in Madison you used to get all the time, but that now you can only dream of because the restaurant closed? Maybe it’s a burrito filled with tater tots from Burrito Drive or a sandwich from Radical Rye.…
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Winners and Losers of the August 2026 Primary
Yesterday, voters in Wisconsin decided on primaries across the state. On today’s show, executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas break down the winners and losers in this election and what…
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New Info on Ruiz Shooting, Blood Donation Shortage, and Madison Black Restaurant Week
For the second time in the organization’s history, the American Red Cross has declared an emergency after the nation's blood supply dropped 25% in June. Red Cross Southwest Wisconsin Chapter executive director Kyle…
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What You Need To Know for Tomorrow’s Primary Election
Are you ready to vote in tomorrow’s primary? Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos have you covered with the logistics, competitive races, and a reminder of who is vying for the governorship. Polls open at 7…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Madison
As much as you love Madison, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have complaints, questions, and quandaries. On today’s very first call-in episode, City…
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How the Climate Is Changing Wisconsin Fish Fry
Our beloved Friday fish fry tradition isn’t disappearing, but thanks to climate change, it is changing. In this month’s cover story for Madison Magazine, writer Jeff Oloizia explores how ecology, economics, invasive…
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Ruiz Memorial May Be Gone, But the Protest Isn't Over
The memorial encampment at the intersection of Willy Street and Baldwin was forcibly removed early Tuesday morning by police and city workers. On today’s show, host Bianca Martin speaks with Alder Davy Mayer, who…
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Madison’s Police Monitor Says MPD Is Obstructing Her Investigation
Nearly two weeks after the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, Madison’s Independent Police Monitor says she still doesn't have the evidence needed to conduct an independent investigation. City Cast Madison host…
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Your Guide to August 2026 in Madison
How is it already August? We’re not sure, but the City Cast Madison team, along with special guest contributor Emily Winter, has your guide to the month. From Black Restaurant Week to Magic Pride Festival, there are so…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Madison
Do you know how zoning laws affect Madison’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it physically impossible to build tall buildings downtown, even for housing — that…
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UW Law Professor Weighs In on Corey Ruiz Case. Plus, What’s Next for Act 10?
Madison continues to grapple with the aftermath of a fatal police shooting. Today, Ion Meyn, an associate professor of law at UW-Madison who specializes in civil rights and criminal procedure, joins host Bianca Martin…
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Where To Find Coffee and Community in Madison
While we grapple with heavy news in Madison, we have been thinking about how we engage with each other and gather in community. Luckily for us, Madison has many coffee shops to meet and find connections. Plus the…
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Milwaukee County Exec. David Crowley's Bid for Wisconsin Governor
The Aug. 11 primary is less than two weeks away! Today, we continue our election coverage as host Bianca Martin sits down with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. The two dig into his vision for Wisconsin, his…
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Corey Ruiz Shooting Updates, and the Human Toll of Protesting
In the days following the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, the city mobilized in protest in various ways. From shutting down events like Concerts on the Square to blocking traffic on Willy Street and East…
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Andy 'Just a Guy' Manske’s Bid for Wisconsin Governor
With just over two weeks until the Aug. 11 primary, we’re continuing our election coverage. Today, host Bianca Martin sits down with Andy Manske, a medical services technician and candidate in the Republican primary.…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Madison
It’s not a given that every individual will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer Taylor Lahey about how functional incentives could be the missing link in…
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MPD Shooting Updates, New Marquette Poll Findings, and Long Awaited Openings
On Wednesday, a man was fatally shot by a Madison police officer on Willy Street. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas talk through what we know about the shooting,…
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Community Rallies after Fatal Police Shooting
On Wednesday July 22, Madison Police fatally shot a man in the Marquette neighborhood. Following the shooting, dozens of community members rallied at the site of the incident. They made their way to the steps of the…
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Former Cabinet Official Joel Brennan's Bid for Wisconsin Governor
Wisconsin’s primary election is less than three weeks away. On Aug. 11, voters will decide which Republican and Democrat candidates will face off against each other in the race for Wisconsin governor. As we continue…
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Crowley’s Bid For Governor, City Budget Time, and Movie Theaters Revival
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has gotten back in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin Governor. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling chat about what might have inspired his reentry to…
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Bombshell News in Gov. Race, Union Fight, and World Cup Fever
The race for Wisconsin governor continues to heat up. On Friday, after questions regarding her campaign financial reporting surfaced, current Lt. Gov Sara Rodriguez dropped out of the governor’s race. Host Bianca…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Are Chattanoogans ‘Doing It Their Damn Selves’? — Presented By City Cast Madison
Sometimes it can feel like the Madison government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee. What Chattanoogans don’t have, they make up for in…
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Summer Buggin’, Mayoral Announcement, and Parasites in Produce
On top of the heat and the smoke, Madison had been pretty buggy this summer. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling chat with Wisconsin’s Bug Guy extraordinaire PJ Liesch, director of the Insect…
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Bookstore (And Bar!) Reopens Downtown, Plus Cool Treats to Beat the Heat
Downtown Madison will have a new third space by the end of this week! Lake City Books is moving across Capitol Square to Carroll Street and leveling up the store in the process. Bookstore owner Molly Fish comes on the…
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Wisconsin’s Socialism Debate, AI Dispatchers, and Saving the East Side Birds
Democratic socialism is coming for Wisconsin! Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling sit down to talk about why and how this is playing into the race for Wisconsin governor and beyond. Plus, Dane…
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State Rep. Francesca Hong’s Bid for Wisconsin Governor
Wisconsin’s primary election is just four weeks away. On Aug. 11, voters will decide which Republican and Democrat candidates will face off against each other in the race for Wisconsin governor. Today, host Bianca…
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Where To Find Madison’s Best Hiking Trails
The sun is shining and it’s time to lace up those hiking boots and get outside! From the Lakeshore Nature Preserve to the UW-Madison Arboretum, there’s no shortage of places to explore around the isthmus. On today’s…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Does Madison Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? — Presented By City Cast Madison
There’s lots to love about Madison, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livability. Accommodating, accessible, and affordable local airports are a specific…
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The Mic Drops For Mad Lit, Plus Guv Race Shakeups, and County Jail Troubles
There’s a lot going on in Madison this summer. But not Mad Lit. The popular concert series that has brought thousands to State Street each summer is dark in 2026 due to funding issues. Hip-hop artist Rob Dz and Urban…
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Opera in the Park and What To Do in Madison This Weekend
The 25th anniversary of Opera in the Park is happening Saturday, July 18 in Garner Park. The free concert will include an extensive repertoire, the fan favorite glowstick number, and a picnic contest on Instagram!…
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WI Daycare Woes, RIP Campus Flock Cams, Your Stinky Lake Questions Answered!
The state program that continued pandemic-era state subsidies to child care providers ended last week. Where does that leave Wisconsin families and their daycares? Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley…
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State Sen. Kelda Roys’s Bid for Wisconsin Governor
The primary election for the next Wisconsin governor is just five weeks away! Host Bianca Martin continues our election coverage with our first gubernatorial candidate interview. Wisconsin State Sen. Kelda Roys joins…
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Madison’s Duck Pond Is a Diamond in the Rough
Things are heating up at the Duck Pond this summer! The Madison Mallards have clinched the Great Lakes West first-half title, and the Madison Night Mares have a 17-1 record! Executive producer Hayley Sperling and…
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