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Liam Beran

@liamberan.bsky.social
342 followers 213 following 153 posts

former isthmus staff writer. Daily Cardinal alum and UW-Madison English department grad. Avid runner, photographer and coffee-enjoyer. tips: lberan@isthmus.com | he/him | 🇬🇧🇫🇷🇳🇱

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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Dim skies in the Netherlands, where thousands are currently watching the biggest solar eclipse the country's seen in 27 years; the next comparable one is expected in 2081. Here at Utrecht's Park Lepelenburg, hundreds of people are hanging out to watch. #photography #eclipse
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Some #photography from my first few months in Utrecht/a Substack where I'll be posting some media/lit criticism, photography, and newsy odds and ends. Give it a follow! substack.com/home/post/p-...
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Some personal news: After 2 years, my last day at @isthmusmadison.bsky.social will be May 8. I'm moving to the Netherlands later this month to pursue graduate studies in literature. I'm so grateful to my colleagues, and I'll miss so much about this job — seven hour city council meetings included.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
The 37,000 square ft. Center for Black Excellence and Culture, located on West Badger Road in Madison, opens May 6. @isthmusmadison.bsky.social contributor Lauren Hafeman visited the space and chatted with performing arts coordinator Dana Pellebon about its programming. isthmus.com/arts/arts-be...
isthmus.com
'A space that feels like us, that looks like us'
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture opens on May 6, with new performing arts and gallery spaces.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Cap Times reporters form union via @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/ca...
isthmus.com
Cap Times reporters form union
The weekly publication’s reporters are forming a union in association with NewsGuild-CWA, the largest union for journalists in the country.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Pretty cool to see how well many of this year's Wisconsin Film Fest entries & showings are doing with audiences. Linda Falkenstein @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/arts/arts-be...
isthmus.com
‘Winter Hymns’ to return to Flix Brewhouse with three encore screenings
Did you miss seeing 'Winter Hymns' at the Wisconsin Film Festival? Director Nathan Deming has created a slate of Wisconsin showings, with three more screenings at Flix Brewhouse.
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Jason Joyce @jasonjoyce.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Greg Gelembiuk, data analyst for the Madison Office of the Independent Police Monitor, testified that he’s been undergoing a hunger strike to advocate for the office. "I've been fasting with only water since early yesterday afternoon..." More from @liamberan.bsky.social: isthmus.com/news/news/ma...
isthmus.com
Madison’s police monitor office threatens legal action against the city
Despite a new independent monitor, tensions are still high between Madison’s police oversight office and city hall.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
new: Madison alders' proposal to tighten regulations on its police oversight office — the first in Wisconsin — has prompted the office's leader to threaten legal action against the city. It also prompted a hunger strike by the office's data analyst. isthmus.com/news/news/ma...
isthmus.com
Madison’s police monitor office threatens legal action against the city
Despite a new independent monitor, tensions are still high between Madison’s police oversight office and city hall.
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Zenz @therealzenz.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Referral of PCOB changes to 6/17 PCOB meeting and 8/4 Council passes 16-4. Ochowicz, Tishler, Field, Figueroa Cole vote no.
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Isthmus - Madison news & culture since 1976 @isthmusmadison.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Wondering what's up with the Madison Public Market? Same here! Isthmus has tried since late December to schedule an interview with market CEO Keisha Harrison, who came on board with the market in July 2024. All interview requests have either been ignored or declined. isthmus.com/food-drink/q...
isthmus.com
Questions we have about the Madison Public Market
People have questions about the opening of the Madison Public Market, and answers are in short supply.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Centro to establish tech, workforce development hub with $3 million grant isthmus.com/news/news/ce...
isthmus.com
Centro to establish tech, workforce development hub with $3 million grant
The nonprofit has responded to the second Trump administration with a legal defense fund. But it’s also trying to build up resources to promote workforce development for the Latinx community.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
new: After selling its Bakers Place property for $37 million, Madison developer Neutral has paid some of its long overdue bills, including $54,000 it owed Milwaukee muralist Janson Rapisarda. isthmus.com/news/news/ne...
isthmus.com
Neutral sells Bakers Place for $37 million, pays mural artist
After selling its Bakers Place property, Madison developer Neutral is finally getting around to paying its bills.
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Isthmus - Madison news & culture since 1976 @isthmusmadison.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
We have four stories up about Tuesday's spring election: From @liamberan.bsky.social: "In beating the conservative-backed candidate for state Supreme Court, Chris Taylor didn’t just win in reliably blue counties; she won handily in some red ones." isthmus.com/news/news/th...
isthmus.com
The Wisconsin GOP puts up little fight as Chris Taylor cruises to victory
Taylor didn’t just win in reliably blue counties; she won handily in red ones such as Jefferson and Ozaukee.
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Luke Diaz @lukediaz.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
The one conservative on the Dane County Board lost his re-election bid.
Text from the Dane County website that shows Paula Brandermeier at 57.3% and conservative Jeff Weigand at 42.6% for Dane County Supervisor District 20.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
The biggest difference for Madison’s city council from the April 7 election: one of the council's most NIMBY members was replaced by a resolute YIMBY. Two new members will join the Madison city council and both school board incumbents survived challenges. isthmus.com/news/news/tw...
isthmus.com
Two new members join Madison city council: school board incumbents survive challenges
Noah Lieberman and Ellen Zhang will join the city council; incumbents Nicki Vander Meulen and Blair Mosner Feltham will remain on the school board.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
The Wisconsin GOP puts up little fight as Chris Taylor cruises to victory @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/th...
isthmus.com
The Wisconsin GOP puts up little fight as Chris Taylor cruises to victory
Taylor didn’t just win in reliably blue counties; she won handily in red ones such as Jefferson and Ozaukee.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Hoofers' building at Memorial Union to get $2.7 million expansion via @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/ho...
isthmus.com
Hoofers' building at Memorial Union to get $2.7 million expansion
The student organization’s sailing club could get a new space soon. But it could entail removing some bike parking and impacting summer operations in 2027.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Around two years ago, Madison developer Neutral was pitching itself as a future-forward firm emphasizing sustainability and accessible investment. It’s now facing upset contractors who say they haven’t been paid for $15 million+ in work. @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/le...
isthmus.com
Legal troubles mount for real estate development firm Neutral
Neutral, a Madison-based development firm, is coming under fire for unpaid bills. One mural artist is waiting for more than $54,000 in fees.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
The Dane County clerk's response to Trump's calls to "take over the voting" in local jurisdictions: "There is no ‘nationalizing’ the elections.” Still, some local officials are worried, even given notable political and legal blockades to such an effort. isthmus.com/news/news/co...
isthmus.com
Could Trump ‘nationalize’ elections in Dane County?
President Donald Trump has called on Republicans to ‘take over the voting’ in several jurisdictions.
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Rob Chappell @robchappell365.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
This was a fun convo! Give it a listen
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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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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
new: Dane County Flock data has, per sharing agreements made by the sheriff's office, been shared with law enforcement agencies in 7 states (as far as Tennessee). That's raising concern among cybersecurity and civil liberties advocates. @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/do...
isthmus.com
Does ICE have access to Flock data?
Flock data captured in Dane County has been shared as far away as Tennessee. That raises some flags for those worried about immigration enforcement.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Hong Kong Café, Choles Floral could be demolished for 113-unit apartment building on Regent Street @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/Re...
isthmus.com
Hong Kong Café, Choles Floral could be demolished for 113-unit apartment building on Regent Street
Development continues to transform one of Madison’s busiest corridors, as Chicago-based developer Peerless Development plans to build a mixed-use apartment building on the sites of Hong Kong Café and ...
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Incumbent Dane County judge Ben Jones led last night's primary with a 17-point lead. Challenger Huma Ahsan tells me she plans to make up the difference by April 7 with grassroots campaigning: "We are the Mamdani of this whole campaign." @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/hu...
isthmus.com
Huma Ahsan vows grassroots challenge in Dane County Circuit Court race
Incumbent Dane County Circuit Court Judge Ben Jones had a sizable lead over challenger Huma Ahsan in Tuesday night’s primary.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
source request: If you or anyone you know has received an invite to the new Harry Styles album listening party in Madison, shoot me a DM!
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Wisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 12/02/2026
As opposition to data centers in Wisconsin grows, Democrats propose statewide moratorium via @henry-redman.bsky.social wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/02/12/d...
wisconsinexaminer.com
Democratic lawmakers propose data center moratorium • Wisconsin Examiner
Wisconsin Democratic lawmakers on Thursday proposed legislation that would put a moratorium on data center construction.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
College athletes’ NIL deals would be exempt from public records law under a bill supported by UW-Madison and recently introduced in Wisconsin. Universities have scrambled to keep such records private, citing "competitive interests." @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/co...
isthmus.com
College athletes’ NIL deals would be exempt from public records law under Wisconsin bill
An Assembly bill would establish regulations in Wisconsin regarding name, image and likeness deals. It would hide such deals from the public eye.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Madison mayor: paying damages for uncounted votes sets a dangerous precedent @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/ma...
isthmus.com
Madison mayor: paying damages for uncounted votes sets a dangerous precedent
Madison’s argument that leaving absentee votes uncounted does not represent a constitutional violation drew sharp backlash. In response, Madison’s mayor suggests that perhaps the state should change i...
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Jim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
A Dec. Tom Tiffany campaign ad contains irregularities that “point toward an AI-generated video,” an AI expert told @liamberan.bsky.social of @isthmusmadison.bsky.social. But it contains no disclaimer that generative AI was used, as is required by Wisconsin law. isthmus.com/news/news/di...
isthmus.com
Disclaimer missing on likely AI-generated Tom Tiffany campaign ad
Though a campaign ad for gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany contains irregularities that ‘point toward an AI-generated video,’ the ad contains no disclaimer, as is required by Wisconsin state law.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
SCOOP: An ad for Tom Tiffany's gov campaign contains anomalies that "point to an AI-generated video," per a UW expert. But the ad doesn't contain a disclaimer required by state law. Tiffany's campaign didn't respond to a request for comment. @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/di...
isthmus.com
Disclaimer missing on likely AI-generated Tom Tiffany campaign ad
Though a campaign ad for gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany contains irregularities that ‘point toward an AI-generated video,’ the ad contains no disclaimer, as is required by Wisconsin state law.
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Jim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
NEWS: DeForest says it will drop controversial $12 billion data center plan. The village president had said the board had known about the project for only weeks, but @tomkertschernews.bsky.social obtained records showing it had been discussed for months. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/defo...
wisconsinwatch.org
DeForest announces it won’t move forward with controversial $12 billion data center
The village president had said the board had only known about the project for weeks, but records obtained by Wisconsin Watch showed it had been discussed by staff for months.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
What is the Madison doing to prepare for ICE? One option the mayor's office is currently examining: "Options for restricting the use of city-owned property for federal enforcement purposes available within local, state and federal law." @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/wh...
isthmus.com
What is Madison doing to prepare for ICE?
There is no indication that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is currently planning operations in Madison. City officials are preparing for what they’d do if such a situation arose.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
The College Republicans of Wisconsin began the July filing period with $3,100 in the bank. They headed into 2026 with $1 million, thanks to two $500k donations from conservative megadonors and Illinois residents Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein. isthmus.com/news/news/co...
isthmus.com
College Republicans of Wisconsin receives $1 million in Uihlein money
The group began July with just $3,100 in the bank, but will head into election season with much more.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Enjoyed this piece by Brittany Carloni via @wisconsinwatch.org about the WisEye shutdown and how neighboring state legislatures handle recording/archiving floor and committee proceedings. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
wisconsinwatch.org
Why has WisconsinEye gone dark and what can be done about it?
Other states continue to broadcast legislative sessions and committees while Wisconsin’s service seeks public and private funding to continue.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
There's a lot of talk around what to do with data centers in WI. Here's a piece overviewing different proposals in the statehouse and the moratorium that was just enacted here in Madison. @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/sh...
isthmus.com
Should Wisconsin stop — at least temporarily — or regulate large data centers?
Madison just placed a one-year moratorium on data centers. Dueling state bills are seeking to regulate them statewide. And one gubernatorial candidate is proposing a statewide moratorium.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
inbox: Madison's city council is launching a newsletter on "topics being considered by the Common Council, opportunities to engage with alders, and other timely updates." Will summarize introduction items and give info from city staff on current legislative discussions.
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Isthmus - Madison news & culture since 1976 @isthmusmadison.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
There's an election on April 7 in Madison, with a primary on Feb. 17. Here's who's running for what, by @liamberan.bsky.social: isthmus.com/news/news/wh...
isthmus.com
Who’s running for office in Madison this spring?
The April 7 election includes races for state Supreme Court, the Madison city council, Dane County board and Madison school board.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
scoop: Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says new federal guidelines may make a widely-supported breast cancer screening bill unnecessary, telling @isthmusmadison.bsky.social he's "looking into whether or not Wisconsin has to do it." Advocates for the bill disagree. isthmus.com/news/news/vo...
isthmus.com
New federal mandates may make breast cancer screening bill unnecessary, says Vos
A bill requiring insurance coverage for advanced breast cancer screenings easily passed the state Senate in October. But Speaker Robin Vos has refused to advance it in the Assembly.
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Jim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
If you're wondering why Wisconsin Supreme Court elections are breaking national records for campaign spending, watch our new video explainer. wisconsinwatch.org/2025/12/wisc...
wisconsinwatch.org
Watch: Why Wisconsin Supreme Court elections are breaking national records
Watch a video explaining why Wisconsin’s Supreme Court elections are so expensive and what can be done about it.
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Jim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Always read @mirandadunlap.bsky.social, who has a particular knack for finding and telling stories about people who are building community. wisconsinwatch.org/2025/12/wisc...
wisconsinwatch.org
Green Bay podcasters dig up long-buried tales in their own neighborhood
Residents of Green Bay’s Astor neighborhood produce a podcast uncovering forgotten — and sometimes spooky — tales tied to Astor’s historic homes. They hope to create a sense of wonder and pride amo…
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Jim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
"So far, no current or former residents have returned to jail or prison. And two women once estranged from their families have been reunited with them since leaving the house." isthmus.com/news/news/ex... (via @liamberan.bsky.social)
isthmus.com
Madison nonprofit EXPO moves into housing to address recidivism
Madison nonprofit EXPO has opened two housing projects within the last two years. So far, no residents have returned to prison.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
NEWS: Madison's mayor and 10 alders are proposing a one-year moratorium on data center construction at the city council tonight. If enacted, it would make the city one of the largest in the U.S. to adopt such a ban. @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/ma...
isthmus.com
Madison mayor to propose one-year moratorium on data center construction
The city council and mayor are moving to place a one-year moratorium on zoning certificates for data centers while the city develops changes to its zoning code to address such uses.
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Jim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Wisconsin Supreme Court elections have drawn an ‘obscene’ amount of spending. Here’s why & what can be done about it. Loose campaign finance laws, lax recusal rules, a purple electorate and the spring election cycle help explain record spending on these races. wisconsinwatch.org/2025/12/wisc...
wisconsinwatch.org
Wisconsin Supreme Court elections have drawn an ‘obscene’ amount of spending. Here’s why and what can be done about it.
Loose campaign finance laws, lax recusal rules, a purple electorate and even the spring election cycle all help explain why high court races have become so expensive.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Happy #GivingNewsDay! Please consider a contribution to @isthmusmadison.bsky.social to support in-depth coverage on topics important to Madison and Wisconsin; donations through Dec. 31 will be matched twice. We appreciate your support. isthmus.com/news/news/gi...
isthmus.com
On Giving Newsday, help Isthmus pay a printing bill
On this annual day of global giving, help Isthmus cover printing costs.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Imperial Garden to remain after property owner scraps apartment plans @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/im...
isthmus.com
Imperial Garden to remain after property owner scraps apartment plans
The restaurant will ‘continue serving excellent Chinese food as usual’ after a proposed redevelopment faced criticism in Middleton’s city government.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
Also in this story: news about a meeting tomorrow calling for the village board president’s resignation. “What concerns me most is the broader tone this has taken on. The rising level of personal attacks and mistrust is not reflective of how Shorewood Hills has traditionally governed,” he says.
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Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
There’s tension in Shorewood Hills at present, including resident backlash to two proposed single family homes. “We do not want to destroy the character of this village. Anything that is done under the old ordinance will lead to that.” @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/sh...
isthmus.com
Shorewood Hills residents organize against two new single-family homes
A Madison-area developer is looking to build two single-family homes in Shorewood Hills. The projects have proven contentious.
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Jason Joyce @jasonjoyce.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
I could add "local" to this. It's NewsMatch season, which means donations to lots of nonprofit news orgs will be matched. isthmus.com/support
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Isthmus - Madison news & culture since 1976 @isthmusmadison.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Meeting Wednesday night in a room holding the radio station’s vast vinyl record collection, WORT-FM’s board of directors heard heated feedback from volunteers upset at the loss of two longtime staffers and other decisions made without consulting or informing them. isthmus.com/news/wort-ra...
isthmus.com
WORT radio volunteers sound off on layoffs, finances
A heated feedback session followed the layoffs last week of two staffers and other changes.
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Jim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
"Vos did not respond to multiple requests for comment." isthmus.com/news/news/ad... (via @liamberan.bsky.social)
isthmus.com
Vos is blocking breast cancer screening bill, advocates say
The bill would require insurance companies in Wisconsin to cover supplemental diagnostic examinations for women with dense breast tissue.
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