Opinion
GOP’s power trip is bad for Wisconsin
The smashmouth style of politics practiced by Republicans in Wisconsin is not in anybody’s interest. It’s a function of having too much power and too little accountability. Read more
Feb 6, 2024
Mayor Rhodes-Conway clears up some misconceptions about Madison’s city budget
The annual budget crunches that confront the city are the result of two basic dynamics, neither of them within the control of city government: a rapidly growing city and harsh restrictions on revenue enacted by the state Legislature. Read more
Jan 15, 2024
It was a year of mounting threats to democracy. Brace yourself for 2024.
It seemed as if it could not get worse. Now, we have the leading Republican candidate borrowing talking points from Adolph Hitler. Read more
Jan 5, 2024
Mark Fraire: The arts help drive Madison’s economy
The arts in Dane County generated $346.7 million in economic activity during 2022, according to a survey released by Americans for the Arts. That supported 4,677 jobs, provided $189.9 million in salaries and generated $60.4 million in tax revenue. Read more
Dec 10, 2023
Soglin: Madison faces ‘unprecedented fiscal crisis’
The economic crisis facing the city of Madison is not a result of the pandemic. It’s the result of a series of financial decisions made over the past five years. Read more
Nov 30, 2023
Looking for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, then and now
By the time I was 18 I had met Palestinians, learned a lot, and I wasn’t going to be part of the Israeli military machine. I prepared to go to prison for six months for refusing the draft. Read more
Nov 3, 2023
Madison police records shed light on cop complaints
The Madison Police Department released records relating to personnel matters six months after the author sued the department, which had said it would be 10 to 14 months before the records could be provided. Read more
Nov 3, 2023
9:00 AM
Smoke on the rocks?
I wait tables at a local restaurant that kept its large and popular patio open when the air quality was at its worst in Madison. There were paying customers who chose to take on the health risks of smoke exposure — a choice I didn’t have. Read more
Oct 8, 2023
8:00 AM
Don’t delay on police records
Under the state’s open records law, state and local officials are required to respond to records requests ‘as soon as practicable and without delay.’ Read more
Aug 9, 2023
2:00 PM
Let the market overbuild
The Madison city council's rejection of a 12-story student housing project is an exception to an overall positive change in the council to fight for lower housing prices by simply approving more housing. Read more
Jul 8, 2023
8:00 AM
When ambitious is a dirty word
The ongoing debate over Godlewski’s appointment as secretary of state and her vision for that office demonstrates, once again, what women are in for when they make the big decision to run and serve: they cannot win, even when they do. Read more
Jun 2, 2023
8:00 AM
Wrongful delays shield Madison police records from public view
The police department is statutorily required to provide requested records 'as soon as practicable and without delay.' While the law is imprecise, a 14-month wait is, a 14-month wait is, however you slice it, delay. Read more
May 8, 2023
12:00 PM
In the March issue
A crime of compassion?
In 2017 three animal rights activists removed three beagles from a dog breeding facility outside of Mount Horeb. The defendants face felony burglary and felony theft charges and are set to go on trial in Dane County court on March 18-22. Read more
Chakari Daezhare is finding her voice
Chakari Daezhare has been creating songs at a blistering rate. Last year, she released two EPs as well as a couple of singles. Then, in early January, she dropped her first full album. Read more
‘Rent down’ effect squeezes Madison tenants
The new owner of the Royal Arms apartment complex on Madison’s west side isn’t budging on large rent hikes despite tenant protests. Read more
A viewing cheat-sheet for the ‘Top Chef’ visit to Wisconsin
Madison, Milwaukee and other Wisconsin locations will be featured on the upcoming 21st season of Top Chef, a culinary reality show that sets itself apart by showcasing and celebrating a different region of the country each season. Read more
Behind the Isthmus cover: March 2024
Self-taught photographer Allison Gallipeau walks every morning, camera in tow, no matter the weather, and takes photos along the way. Her cover shot was taken along the bike path on John Nolen Drive. Read more