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chali

@chalipittman.bsky.social
390 followers 533 following 62 posts

sifting // winnowing for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social. formerly: @civicmedia.us, @wortnews.bsky.social 📻

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Reposted by chali
Zenz @therealzenz.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Shorewood Hills Admin Assistant quit Friday, told off Board of Trustees in long resignation letter. "The problem ... is the environment that has been created, in large part, by the actions and behavior of certain members of the Board of Trustees toward Village staff."
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Today is delivery day for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social, and this time I got to shadow the campus route...
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The people depicted in these works are groaning or menacing, in despair, in pain or in terror, or they’re dead, or about to die. You should go see them anyway. (a little arts writing for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social) isthmus.com/arts/chazen-...
isthmus.com
The Chazen’s ‘Pressing Issues’ showcases prints on social justice
An exhibition of prints, mostly funded by the federal Works Progress Administration, is on view this fall at the Chazen. They’re overwhelming.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Very cool to be quoted in the @newyorker.com on data centers, thank you @dankaufman70.bsky.social for letting me rant about brownfields and metonymy. 🔮
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Previous village administrator Karl Frantz will take over as interim starting Sept. 8.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Brian Mooney, the village administrator of Shorewood Hills, has resigned. He says he can no longer tolerate "perpetual turmoil" alongside "constant personal attacks." Eight others admin staff have resigned in the last year. — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/sh...
isthmus.com
Shorewood Hills village administrator resigns amid ‘perpetual turmoil’
Shorewood Hills village administrator Brian Mooney has resigned, making it the ninth staff resignation from the village in the last year.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
"Robert Crumb, the underground comics artist, once described drawing the various transformers he saw while being driven around Sacramento. 'You can’t make up this crap. It’s too complicated.'" Such a good article from @nytimes.com www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/m...
nytimes.com
The Blackout That Could Devastate America (Gift Article)
The power grid relies on thousands of aging, hand-built transformers. If enough fail, the blackout could last years.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Data center prospector Cloverleaf "has an interest in developing data centers in Madison Gas and Electric Company territory," according to a recent filing at the PSC. New from me for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/da...
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
“If Hollywood scriptwriters came up with this plot, it would get thrown out as too unbelievable." @achergosky.bsky.social is clutch with the day-after quotes. — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social read: isthmus.com/news/news/a-...
isthmus.com
‘A political comeback for the ages’
Crowley bests Hong in primary, but will need her supporters for a November win
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
It's been a long, chaotic night after a long, chaotic Democratic primary for governor. Here's a dispatch from @francescahongwi.bsky.social's watch party, for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social. isthmus.com/news/news/wi...
isthmus.com
With race still up in the air, Hong rallies supporters before calling it a night
The Democratic primary for governor was too close to call Tuesday night
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
The crowd when Hong's percentage flipped to exactly 40.1%, matching her dead even with Crowley. "Le freak, c'est chic" is playing in the background and there are some stressed reporters above — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Hong campaign hype man 🎶: Stayin' Alive 🕺 — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
New from me: A 72-year-old driver in a Cadillac never exceeded the speed limit while being chased by Madison police officers last fall. — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/ho...
isthmus.com
Hot pursuit
A 72-year-old driver in a Cadillac never exceeded the speed limit while being chased by Madison police officers.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
From this morning, when the city cleared the Corey Ruiz encampment. The operation involved several police agencies, and some were arrested. Personal items and some memorials to Ruiz have been moved to Demetral Park. More for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/Ma...
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
This morning at the CRAZE / Wily St encampment.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
More walking around Willy Street, for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/st...
isthmus.com
St. Vinny’s reopens as encampment tests patience
St. Vinny’s thrift store on Williamson Street reopened 10 days after shutting down when Corey Ruiz was fatally shot by a Madison police officer at the nearby intersection of South Baldwin Street.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
The intersection where Corey Durell Ruiz was killed by Madison police has ‘become sacred,' as protesters push for a long list of desired changes. The latest in a very hard week, for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social. isthmus.com/news/news/a-...
isthmus.com
A community hub on what’s now dubbed ‘Corey Street’
The CRAZE — the Corey Ruiz Autonomous Zone Encampment at Williamson and Baldwin streets — is the site of mourning and activism, as protesters push for a long list of desired changes.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
A protest led by Freedom, Inc. is marching tonight, the third day in a row protesting the Madison police killing of Corey Ruiz on Wednesday.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Scenes from today's vigil.
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Reposted by chali
Zenz @therealzenz.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Tonight at Madison's Police Civilian Oversight Board. A discussion of a motion to place proposed restrictions to Board on file with prejudice, asking Council to start again. Freedom Inc calls for OIM/PCOB to have independent consul, a budget 5% of the police budget, and to direct MPD policy.
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Reposted by chali
Jim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Really excellent, context-rich coverage — on a quick deadline — by @chalipittman.bsky.social and @jasonjoyce.bsky.social for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social. isthmus.com/news/news/fa...
isthmus.com
Madison police kill man on Willy Street, evoking outrage, deja vu
Videos circulating on social media show three officers restraining the man as a fourth appears to produce a taser. The man begins to fall. Then three gunshots ring out.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A memorial reads "He Should Be Alive," at the intersection of Willy and Baldwin, where this afternoon Madison police shot and killed a 30-year-old man on a bike. For many, today evoked a feeling of deja vu. Team coverage from @isthmusmadison.bsky.social is now online. isthmus.com/news/news/fa...
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
At a gubernatorial forum on child care, hosted by the Wisconsin Head Start Association, the nametag for David Crowley is a different font. Perhaps because it was printed at a different time...
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
I only just now realized that today is also National Hot Dog Day. 🌭 Quite the day for cylinders, not donuts.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Realta will stay in Madison for its next phase as the fusion energy start-up works to develop the "future of energy for humanity." They'll be moving to OM Station, the former Oscar Mayer plant. Follow-up for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/in...
isthmus.com
Incentives drove Realta's decision to stay in Madison
Nuclear fusion start-up Realta will stay in Madison to build “The Forge,” their R&D facility where they’ll house a new prototype at the former Oscar Mayer site.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
A vote to oust John Imes from the Shorewood Hills Village Board in May was “arbitrary, oppressive, and unreasonable,” according to a petition he filed Tuesday in Dane County court seeking to be reinstated. — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/fo...
isthmus.com
Former Shorewood Hills president files legal challenge over ouster
The decision to oust Imes was “arbitrary, oppressive, and unreasonable,” according to the petition filed July 7 in Dane County court.
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Reposted by chali
Zenz @therealzenz.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
John Imes is fighting his removal as Shorewood Hills president, asking Dane County Circuit Court to review it. In other news, Trustee Utschig has so far refused to provide me texts he stated existed during Imes' removal hearing.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
There are five Democrats running for Assembly District 76, the state Assembly seat occupied by Francesca Hong. While their policies overlap, what they say they’d tackle first could be a useful yardstick. — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/wh...
isthmus.com
Priorities differentiate Madison Dems running in Assembly primary
There are five Democrats running for Assembly District 76, the state Assembly seat occupied by Francesca Hong. While their policies overlap, what they say they’d tackle first could be a useful yardsti...
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Madison’s Realta Fusion is among a select group racing to turn plasma into clean energy. Will they continue to make Madison their home? They're expected to make a decision in mid-July. — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social read it online: isthmus.com/news/news/go... ...OR IN PRINT! Out now.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Today is another @isthmusmadison.bsky.social delivery day, and our July edition has a cool, complicated, I-Spy cover for America's 250th. And inside: stories on policing, nuclear fusion, and a local death shop from yours truly.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Big pipe leak means campus bleak week: today, UW Cinematheque announced its summer series has been cancelled. The ordeal is upending events, moving classes online, and challenging university functions. My latest for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social ➡️ isthmus.com/news/news/uw...
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Four artists from outside Madison are finalists in the LakeWay project, vying for a perch on Lake Monona’s waterfront. This week they were in Madison for a whirlwind tour and community meet-and-greet. — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/la...
isthmus.com
LakeWay art finalists in Madison for presentation and whirlwind tour
Four international artists are vying for a perch on Lake Monona’s waterfront.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
If you live in this green zone, then you live in AD76, which has a big field of Dem. candidates in the August primary now that @francescahong.bsky.social is running for governor. A forum tonight at Garver Feed Mill may help you decide. Social hour at 5, forum 6-8. More: isthmus.com/events/76th-...
A map of Assembly District 76, which stretches from Proudfit St. to Stoughton Rd, and north along Northport Drive.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
DeForest community organizer Winona Storms, testifying Thursday night in support of a county moratorium on hyperscale data centers. The Dane County Board agreed, and approved it unanimously. Many more details from last night here: isthmus.com/news/news/da... — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Alonzo Anderson, a World War II veteran, lived in Madison 70 years, but not when he died in February. Complications over his burial have prompted a tweak to city ordinance. — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/wh...
isthmus.com
What does it take for a veteran to get buried at Forest Hill?
Alonzo Anderson, a World War II veteran, lived in Madison 70 years, but not when he died in February. Complications over his burial have prompted a tweak to city ordinance.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
NEW: A moratorium on data centers in Dane County is on the fast track. It was introduced last week, got committee approval last night, and is headed to the county board next week. — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/da...
isthmus.com
Dane County data center moratorium on fast track
The county’s moratorium would insulate most towns, but not cities and villages. It would also give planners, and an advisory committee, time to unwind complicated land use issues.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Amid the drama of Shorewood Hills ousting its village president this week, there's a parallel crisis: six staffers have resigned since October, and the administrator says they're "somewhat lost at sea." isthmus.com/news/news/a-...
isthmus.com
‘A little bit of a circus’
The ordeal stems from a now-nixed proposal for a new village hall along with public records disputes. Meanwhile, staff are jumping ship.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Will the Dane County Board pursue a contract with private equity-owned ViaPath, or seek other communication options for the Dane County Jail? It's headed to a vote tomorrow. — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/ja...
isthmus.com
Jail phone contract before the Dane County Board — again
Will the Dane County Board contract again with private equity-owned ViaPath?
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
From the @isthmusmadison.bsky.social editor: Judy Davidoff knows how to give a very warm welcome. isthmus.com/opinion/from...
isthmus.com
‘The story is always better when you show up’
There’s a changing of the guard at Isthmus. Chali Pittman has joined as staff writer and Liam Beran is heading to the Netherlands.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
From last week, in the Village of Maple Bluff: At least three entrances have this same sign, which was put out following complaints from residents, according to a village clerk. The permit comes with a $25 fee.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
The hail stopped falling weeks ago, but the businesses helping residents recover are still buried. I talked with workers for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social. isthmus.com/news/news/al...
isthmus.com
All hail the repair shops
The hail stopped falling weeks ago, but the businesses helping residents recover are still buried and the supply chain is showing strain. Isthmus talks with the workers helping residents get back to n...
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
I'm beyond excited to say I've joined @isthmusmadison.bsky.social as their next staff writer. @liamberan.bsky.social leaves big shoes to fill! isthmus.com/news/news/is...
isthmus.com
Isthmus hires Chali Pittman as staff writer
Chali Pittman is Isthmus’ new staff writer. Liam Beran is leaving the paper to move to the Netherlands.
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Reposted by chali
Isthmus - Madison news & culture since 1976 @isthmusmadison.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
And also from @chalipittman.bsky.social: "Huma Ahsan loses to incumbent Ben Jones for Dane County judge, but brings a cohort of people new to politics into the process." isthmus.com/news/news/ho...
isthmus.com
‘How the next generation is gonna win’
Huma Ahsan loses to incumbent Dane County Judge Ben Jones. But she takes comfort in bringing people of color into the political process.
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Reposted by chali
Isthmus - Madison news & culture since 1976 @isthmusmadison.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
From @chalipittman.bsky.social: "Eight Dane County Board incumbents held on and two more were ousted, including one of the county's most controversial figures." isthmus.com/news/news/tw...
isthmus.com
Two Dane County incumbents booted, five newcomers to step in
All 37 Dane County Board seats were on the April 7 ballot, but just a third were competitive.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
Data center news is everywhere, but the speed and the scale across Wisconsin is overwhelming. I'm soft-launching a newsletter with original reporting, resources, an events section, and a news-in-brief. New updates every Friday. This week, in Rock County: open.substack.com/pub/wisconsi...
open.substack.com
Data dispatch, for the week ending March 27, 2026
Rock County takes center stage, and the data center bills that weren't. Plus, events and a roundup of the week's data center headlines.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
A new committee is looking to get ahead of data centers in Dane County. They're trying to make a roadmap for local communities, and their work will continue through 2026. New from me in your favorite local newspaper, @isthmusmadison.bsky.social! isthmus.com/news/news/wh...
isthmus.com
What to do if a large data center comes knocking?
A Dane County committee has been tasked with ‘impartial fact-finding, researching, analyzing, and recommending the implications of data center development in Dane County.’ Their work will last through...
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
The crowd in Madison, as seen from the Capitol observation deck, for #nokings @civicmedia.us
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
A changing environment is causing a shift in cranberry research. The Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station, in Black River Falls, is at the forefront. — @wfhr.com's Melissa Kaye for @civicmedia.us . civicmedia.us/news/2025/10...
civicmedia.us
Cranberry research needs to change in a changing environment
A changing environment is causing a shift in cranberry research. The Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station is at the forefront.
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chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
cranes just want to crane
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Reposted by chali
Dan Shafer @danshafer.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
While you were (probably) sleeping, Wisconsin passed a budget. Story at @civicmedia.us with @chalipittman.bsky.social: wmdxradio.com/news/2025/07...
wmdxradio.com
Evers signs Wisconsin budget shortly after Legislature's approval - Civic Media
Lawmakers passed the two-year budget in a late-night session after hours of speeches, framing compromise as imperfect but necessary.
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