Reposted by chaliZenz @therealzenz.bsky.social · 06/09/2026Shorewood 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." 192
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Today is delivery day for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social, and this time I got to shadow the campus route... 021
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 02/09/2026The 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.comThe Chazen’s ‘Pressing Issues’ showcases prints on social justiceAn exhibition of prints, mostly funded by the federal Works Progress Administration, is on view this fall at the Chazen. They’re overwhelming. 021
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 29/08/2026Very cool to be quoted in the @newyorker.com on data centers, thank you @dankaufman70.bsky.social for letting me rant about brownfields and metonymy. 🔮 0103
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 27/08/2026Previous village administrator Karl Frantz will take over as interim starting Sept. 8. 041
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 25/08/2026Brian 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.comShorewood 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. 194
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.comThe 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. 052
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 18/08/2026Data 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... 030
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 231
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026It'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.comWith race still up in the air, Hong rallies supporters before calling it a nightThe Democratic primary for governor was too close to call Tuesday night 021
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026The 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 050
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 12/08/2026Hong campaign hype man 🎶: Stayin' Alive 🕺 — for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social 000
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 07/08/2026New 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.comHot pursuitA 72-year-old driver in a Cadillac never exceeded the speed limit while being chased by Madison police officers. 020
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 04/08/2026From 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... 062
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 02/08/2026More walking around Willy Street, for @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/st...isthmus.comSt. Vinny’s reopens as encampment tests patienceSt. 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. 064
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 28/07/2026The 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.comA 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. 052
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 25/07/2026A protest led by Freedom, Inc. is marching tonight, the third day in a row protesting the Madison police killing of Corey Ruiz on Wednesday. 0137
Reposted by chaliZenz @therealzenz.bsky.social · 24/07/2026Tonight 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. 152
Reposted by chaliJim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 23/07/2026Really 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.comMadison police kill man on Willy Street, evoking outrage, deja vuVideos 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. 0187
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 23/07/2026A 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... 06335
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 19/07/2026At 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... 010
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 15/07/2026I only just now realized that today is also National Hot Dog Day. 🌭 Quite the day for cylinders, not donuts. 030
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 15/07/2026Realta 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.comIncentives drove Realta's decision to stay in MadisonNuclear 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. 022
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 10/07/2026A 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.comFormer Shorewood Hills president files legal challenge over ousterThe decision to oust Imes was “arbitrary, oppressive, and unreasonable,” according to the petition filed July 7 in Dane County court. 043
Reposted by chaliZenz @therealzenz.bsky.social · 08/07/2026John 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. 142
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 08/07/2026There 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.comPriorities differentiate Madison Dems running in Assembly primaryThere 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... 021
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 07/07/2026Madison’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. 041
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 02/07/2026Today 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. 031
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Big 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... 061
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 25/06/2026Four 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.comLakeWay art finalists in Madison for presentation and whirlwind tourFour international artists are vying for a perch on Lake Monona’s waterfront. 010
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 17/06/2026If 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-... 000
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 05/06/2026DeForest 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 020
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 04/06/2026Alonzo 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.comWhat 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. 032
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 27/05/2026NEW: 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.comDane County data center moratorium on fast trackThe 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. 061
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 16/05/2026Amid 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. 244
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 14/05/2026Will 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.comJail phone contract before the Dane County Board — againWill the Dane County Board contract again with private equity-owned ViaPath? 020
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 13/05/2026From 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. 010
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 09/05/2026From 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. 011
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 08/05/2026The 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.comAll hail the repair shopsThe 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... 042
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 02/05/2026I'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.comIsthmus hires Chali Pittman as staff writerChali Pittman is Isthmus’ new staff writer. Liam Beran is leaving the paper to move to the Netherlands. 191
Reposted by chaliIsthmus - Madison news & culture since 1976 @isthmusmadison.bsky.social · 08/04/2026And 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. 022
Reposted by chaliIsthmus - Madison news & culture since 1976 @isthmusmadison.bsky.social · 08/04/2026From @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.comTwo Dane County incumbents booted, five newcomers to step inAll 37 Dane County Board seats were on the April 7 ballot, but just a third were competitive. 131
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 29/03/2026Data 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.comData dispatch, for the week ending March 27, 2026Rock County takes center stage, and the data center bills that weren't. Plus, events and a roundup of the week's data center headlines. 131
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 06/03/2026A 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.comWhat 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... 033
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 18/10/2025The crowd in Madison, as seen from the Capitol observation deck, for #nokings @civicmedia.us 1328
chali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 16/10/2025A 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.usCranberry research needs to change in a changing environmentA changing environment is causing a shift in cranberry research. The Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station is at the forefront. 042
Reposted by chaliDan Shafer @danshafer.bsky.social · 03/07/2025While you were (probably) sleeping, Wisconsin passed a budget. Story at @civicmedia.us with @chalipittman.bsky.social: wmdxradio.com/news/2025/07...wmdxradio.comEvers signs Wisconsin budget shortly after Legislature's approval - Civic MediaLawmakers passed the two-year budget in a late-night session after hours of speeches, framing compromise as imperfect but necessary. 192