Reposted by Liam Beranchali @chalipittman.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Write about the gubernatorial election, they said. It'll be fun, they said. And so I got out of the house. This month's cover story from me in @isthmusmadison.bsky.social ⬇️ isthmus.com/news/cover-s...isthmus.comWisconsin guv race: high stakes, slow burnhe national spotlight has swung away from the governor’s race in Wisconsin, but cameras could return to Wisconsin closer to Election Day. In the run-up, there’ll be limited opportunity to hear the can... 021
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026"Decaan Thomas Vaessens vertrekt na bijna vijf jaar bij de Utrechtse faculteit Geesteswetenschappen...Vaessens verlaat een faculteit die nog midden in een moeizame bezuinigingsoperatie zit." Xander Bronkhorst via @dubnieuws.bsky.social dub.uu.nl/nl/nieuws/de...dub.uu.nlDecaan Geesteswetenschappen stapt opDecaan Thomas Vaessens vertrekt na bijna vijf jaar bij de Utrechtse faculteit Geesteswetenschappen. Hij wordt vanaf januari rector van de Open Universiteit. Vaessens verlaat een faculteit die nog midd... 000
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 12/08/2026Dim 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 040
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 11/08/2026Some #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-... 151
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 04/05/2026Thank you to all the sources I've interacted with along the way, and to our readers, for trusting me to tell Madison's stories. I've had the joy of covering a lot of beats and meeting so many great people who've made this work possible. As the old saying goes: To the death! 010
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 04/05/2026I''m glad to say that Isthmus couldn't have picked a better staff writer to take over — @chalipittman.bsky.social will be our new staff writer and brings passion and years of experience to the table. I'm so excited to see what she'll do in this role. 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. 140
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 04/05/2026Some 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. 140
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 01/05/2026The 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. 120
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 30/04/2026Cap Times reporters form union via @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/ca...isthmus.comCap Times reporters form unionThe weekly publication’s reporters are forming a union in association with NewsGuild-CWA, the largest union for journalists in the country. 084
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 24/04/2026Pretty 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 screeningsDid 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. 000
Reposted by Liam BeranJason Joyce @jasonjoyce.bsky.social · 22/04/2026Greg 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.comMadison’s police monitor office threatens legal action against the cityDespite a new independent monitor, tensions are still high between Madison’s police oversight office and city hall. 011
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 22/04/2026new: 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.comMadison’s police monitor office threatens legal action against the cityDespite a new independent monitor, tensions are still high between Madison’s police oversight office and city hall. 000
Reposted by Liam BeranZenz @therealzenz.bsky.social · 22/04/2026Referral of PCOB changes to 6/17 PCOB meeting and 8/4 Council passes 16-4. Ochowicz, Tishler, Field, Figueroa Cole vote no. 012
Reposted by Liam BeranIsthmus - Madison news & culture since 1976 @isthmusmadison.bsky.social · 20/04/2026Wondering 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.comQuestions we have about the Madison Public MarketPeople have questions about the opening of the Madison Public Market, and answers are in short supply. 062
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 17/04/2026Centro to establish tech, workforce development hub with $3 million grant isthmus.com/news/news/ce...isthmus.comCentro to establish tech, workforce development hub with $3 million grantThe 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. 021
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 11/04/2026new: 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.comNeutral sells Bakers Place for $37 million, pays mural artistAfter selling its Bakers Place property, Madison developer Neutral is finally getting around to paying its bills. 010
Reposted by Liam BeranIsthmus - Madison news & culture since 1976 @isthmusmadison.bsky.social · 08/04/2026We 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.comThe Wisconsin GOP puts up little fight as Chris Taylor cruises to victoryTaylor didn’t just win in reliably blue counties; she won handily in red ones such as Jefferson and Ozaukee. 173
Reposted by Liam BeranLuke Diaz @lukediaz.bsky.social · 08/04/2026The one conservative on the Dane County Board lost his re-election bid. 3224
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 08/04/2026The 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.comTwo new members join Madison city council: school board incumbents survive challengesNoah Lieberman and Ellen Zhang will join the city council; incumbents Nicki Vander Meulen and Blair Mosner Feltham will remain on the school board. 020
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 08/04/2026The Wisconsin GOP puts up little fight as Chris Taylor cruises to victory @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/th...isthmus.comThe Wisconsin GOP puts up little fight as Chris Taylor cruises to victoryTaylor didn’t just win in reliably blue counties; she won handily in red ones such as Jefferson and Ozaukee. 010
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 31/03/2026Hoofers' building at Memorial Union to get $2.7 million expansion via @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/ho...isthmus.comHoofers' building at Memorial Union to get $2.7 million expansionThe 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. 000
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 24/03/2026Around 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.comLegal troubles mount for real estate development firm NeutralNeutral, a Madison-based development firm, is coming under fire for unpaid bills. One mural artist is waiting for more than $54,000 in fees. 010
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 11/03/2026The 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.comCould Trump ‘nationalize’ elections in Dane County?President Donald Trump has called on Republicans to ‘take over the voting’ in several jurisdictions. 011
Reposted by Liam BeranRob Chappell @robchappell365.bsky.social · 10/03/2026This was a fun convo! Give it a listen 021
Reposted by Liam Beranchali @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
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 06/03/2026new: 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.comDoes 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. 040
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 20/02/2026Hong Kong Café, Choles Floral could be demolished for 113-unit apartment building on Regent Street @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/Re...isthmus.comHong Kong Café, Choles Floral could be demolished for 113-unit apartment building on Regent StreetDevelopment 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 ... 000
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 18/02/2026There were also three Dane County board primaries. Each incumbent took the lead, including interim District 15 supervisor Amy Larson. The race between Sean Burke and Otis Harris Jr., both challenging incumbent Tommy Rylander, came down to 11 votes; Burke came out on top. 100
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 18/02/2026In an interview Tuesday night, Jones says he plans to "get out and meet as many voters as I can" to secure the victory. “Nothing about my message changes. I'm as fair, as impartial as I was before tonight, as I'm going to be tomorrow.” 100
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 18/02/2026Ahsan notes that she would be the first Muslim-American judge in Wisconsin and one of the few Asian judges. She says "so much of our court system, particularly in Dane County, has been controlled by the powerful and the elite.” 100
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 18/02/2026Incumbent 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.comHuma Ahsan vows grassroots challenge in Dane County Circuit Court raceIncumbent Dane County Circuit Court Judge Ben Jones had a sizable lead over challenger Huma Ahsan in Tuesday night’s primary. 120
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 17/02/2026source 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! 010
Reposted by Liam BeranWisconsin Examiner @wisconsinexaminer.com · 12/02/2026As opposition to data centers in Wisconsin grows, Democrats propose statewide moratorium via @henry-redman.bsky.social wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/02/12/d...wisconsinexaminer.comDemocratic lawmakers propose data center moratorium • Wisconsin ExaminerWisconsin Democratic lawmakers on Thursday proposed legislation that would put a moratorium on data center construction. 03414
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 12/02/2026College 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.comCollege athletes’ NIL deals would be exempt from public records law under Wisconsin billAn Assembly bill would establish regulations in Wisconsin regarding name, image and likeness deals. It would hide such deals from the public eye. 011
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 11/02/2026Madison mayor: paying damages for uncounted votes sets a dangerous precedent @isthmusmadison.bsky.social isthmus.com/news/news/ma...isthmus.comMadison mayor: paying damages for uncounted votes sets a dangerous precedentMadison’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... 000
Reposted by Liam BeranJim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 29/01/2026A 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.comDisclaimer missing on likely AI-generated Tom Tiffany campaign adThough 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. 042
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 29/01/2026SCOOP: 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.comDisclaimer missing on likely AI-generated Tom Tiffany campaign adThough 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. 020
Reposted by Liam BeranJim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 28/01/2026NEWS: 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.orgDeForest announces it won’t move forward with controversial $12 billion data centerThe 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. 033
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 28/01/2026What 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.comWhat 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. 0102
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 19/01/2026The 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.comCollege Republicans of Wisconsin receives $1 million in Uihlein moneyThe group began July with just $3,100 in the bank, but will head into election season with much more. 010
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 19/01/2026Enjoyed 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.orgWhy 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. 001
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 16/01/2026Have questions or thoughts on data centers, what to do about them, etc.? Let me know — we'll almost certainly be revisiting the topic in the near future. 000
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 16/01/2026There'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.comShould 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. 110
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 12/01/2026inbox: 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. 041
Reposted by Liam BeranIsthmus - Madison news & culture since 1976 @isthmusmadison.bsky.social · 09/01/2026There'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.comWho’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. 042
Liam Beran @liamberan.bsky.social · 09/01/2026scoop: 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.comNew federal mandates may make breast cancer screening bill unnecessary, says VosA 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. 022
Reposted by Liam BeranJim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 17/12/2025If 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.orgWatch: Why Wisconsin Supreme Court elections are breaking national recordsWatch a video explaining why Wisconsin’s Supreme Court elections are so expensive and what can be done about it. 032
Reposted by Liam BeranJim Malewitz @jmalewitz.bsky.social · 12/12/2025Always 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.orgGreen Bay podcasters dig up long-buried tales in their own neighborhoodResidents 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… 121