City Cast Madison

You may not know his name, but you likely know his work. Michael Schultz forged a path at a time when there was little representation for Black directors or actors in Hollywood. His 1976 movie Car Wash was considered ahead of its time, with its social and cultural critique of the era. It was the first film by a Black director to compete for the prestigious awards at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won two awards. Its soundtrack won a Grammy. Schultz was also responsible for casting Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson in their first feature films. He’s been directing for half a century, with more than a dozen movie credits to his name. Not to mention stints directing the TV series Blackish and All American. And where did he get his start? Right here in Madison, at the University of Wisconsin. 🎥 You can see Car Wash for free at the Chazen this Sunday, February 26th. It’s part of the UW Cinematheque’s spring film series. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.

Outdoor cats. They evoke strong feelings in the neighborhood. They fight, yowl, kill birds and other wildlife… and make more cats. But what do we do about Madison’s strays? If you call the city, animal control will attempt to trap them. But if these cats can’t find a home, they’ll likely be killed. Many cat-loving Madisonians are not making that call, leaving cats to roam free. 🐈 The Madison Cat Project has an idea: round up these kitties and spay or neuter them. Then release them back outside to help curb the population. The only problem? It’s not really legal. Dr. Adam Bauknecht explains. 🐾 Check out the Dane County Humane Society’s tips for what to do if you find a lost or stray animal. 🇺🇸 And hey, it’s Election Day! Check myvote.wi.gov for info on how to vote. In Madison, we’re voting for City Council, Mayor and Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the morning newsletter from our friends at Madison Minutes.

Governor Evers has released his plan for the next state budget and the forecast is rosy: we’re sitting on the biggest surplus in state history. Evers is proposing more money for our K-12 schools, twelve weeks of paid family leave for Wisconsin workers, and a tax cut for the middle-class. But will the legislature go for it? Mitchell Schmidt, state politics reporter for The Wisconsin State Journal, joins Dylan and Bianca to unpack what’s inside the Governor’s plan. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.

“It’s fermented, cured, delicious, and often misunderstood and mispronounced.” So says Jesse Brookstein, author of A Perfect Pair: The History of Landjaeger in Green County, Wisconsin. They may look like beef jerky, but Jesse’s referring to the pairs of smoked, fermented sausages that hang in many bars around southern Wisconsin. The high-protein snack enjoyed by Swiss and German immigrants of the past century has found fans among many thirsty bar-hoppers in Madison today. Jesse’s here to tell us why this salty meat snack is showing up all over. (And yes, it’s LON-yay-grrr.) 🍖 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.

There’s an election next week, one said to carry bigger policy stakes than ANY other contest in America this year. And that’s for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The court currently has four conservative justices and three liberal justices, so the balance of power is riding on this race. The right to abortion, control of the state’s political maps and how elections are conducted could be decided by this court. There are four candidates in the running - and we’ve invited them all on the show. Today, we’re speaking with Dane County Circuit Court Judge Everett Mitchell. The primary election is Tuesday, February 21st. The top two candidates will advance to the general election on April 4th. To look up where you vote - or what you need to do to register- check out My Vote Wisconsin.

It’s Valentine’s Day… a day that can fill you with hope and excitement… or dread. And who among us hasn’t had a terribly bad date? Well, we asked - and you answered. Today, we’re listening to YOUR stories of dates gone terribly awry (and a few that went really, really right!) Hayley Sperling, co-founder of Madison Minutes and Madison dating veteran, joins us on this wild ride through Madison’s dating scene. 🗳️ And hey, vote for us! You can nominate our podcast as “Best Local Podcast” in Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison contest. And don’t forget Madison Minutes! Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.

There’s an election next week, one said to carry bigger policy stakes than ANY other contest in America this year. And that’s for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The court currently has four conservative justices and three liberal justices, so the balance of power is riding on this race. The right to abortion, control of the state’s political maps and how we run elections are at stake. There are four candidates in the running - and we’ve invited them all on the show. Today, we’re speaking with Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Janet Protasiewicz. The primary election is Tuesday, February 21st. The top two candidates will advance to the general election on April 4th. To look up where you vote - or what you need to do to register- check out My Vote Wisconsin. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.

For the first time since taking office, President Biden visited Madison. His big visit included talking shop about the economy, calling out one of our senators about Social Security and taking selfies with the mayor. (And yes, the stop was actually DeForest, but shhhh!) Also this week, Madison Schools Superintendent Carlton Jenkins announced he’s leaving after the end of the school year. Anyone wanna run our schools? And why do we have no money for violence prevention?! The City Cast team is here to bring you the news we can’t shut up about this week. (And for the record, Bruce Springsteen campaigned in Madison for both John Kerry and Barack Obama. You’ve just gotta listen to find out more.) 🗳️ And hey, vote for us! You can nominate our podcast as “Best Local Podcast” in Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison contest. And don’t forget our friends at Madison Minutes! Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.

Friends, it is NOT too late to make a reservation for Valentine’s Day. There’s a number of swoon-worthy new restaurants that have popped up in Madison recently. Lindsay Christians of the Cap Times is here with pro tips for scoring a table – and she’s dishing on all of her new favorites, whether you’re looking for fine dining, cocktails… or butter. Lindsay recommends: Turn Key, Amara, Jardin, Prost!, Nitro Beverage Lounge, and Seven Acre Dairy (Paoli). And The Deliciouser storefront for the cook in your life. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.

This week, we’re honoring love in its many forms. We’ll offer you things to do, places to go, and advice on how to care for friends, lovers… and yourself. Looking for a gift for your special someone this Valentine’s Day? Flowers are beautiful, but you know what lasts longer? Plants! With our cold, dry midwest winters, we can use all the fresh oxygen and life we can get this time of year. But where’s a good place to start? We turned to our friends at Olbrich Botanical Garden for a little advice. Conservatory curator Colten Blackburn has ideas for good starter plants to wow your sweetie… and how to care for them. Need some other gift or date ideas? 🌸 Olbrich Botanical Gardens “Orchid Escape” runs through February 28 🌱 Wisconsin Garden Expo is February 10-12 🌳 UW Arboretum Native Plant Sale 🌿 Two Ferns Native Plant Sale Also, what should we call Madison's newest elementary school? The Madison School Board wants to hear from you! Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.

This week, we’re honoring love in its many forms. We’ll offer you things to do, places to go, and advice on how to care for friends, lovers… and yourself. Today, we’re talking about how to survive the unthinkable - when a loved one betrays and hurts you so badly, you can’t imagine how you’ll move on. And yet, you have to. Darcy Luoma had a rewarding career, a successful business, a loving family and a happy marriage. Until the day her husband was arrested for sexual assault of a minor and her life was blown apart. Darcy shares her story of how her entire life changed and how she learned to take care of herself and her family in the midst of a crisis. Darcy Luoma is the founder of Darcy Luoma Coaching and Consulting. She discussed the Ring Theory developed by Susan Silk and Barry Goldman. **** And here are free community events we mentioned on the show: ⛸️ Memorial Union Winter Carnival 🍿 Black History Movie Night at the Goodman South Library Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the morning newsletter from our friends at Madison Minutes.

It’s happening. The onslaught of pink and red in store displays... the candy hearts and chocolate sales... the pressure. Valentine’s Day is coming. Whether you love it or want to run screaming, we’ve got you. This week, we’re honoring love in its many forms. We’ll offer you things to do, places to go, and advice on how to care for friends, lovers… and yourself. Today, we’re talking about how taking time for your own pleasure can be an act of love. We talk to Sami Schalk, UW Madison professor and columnist for Tone Madison, about why celebrating joy in daily life is essential for our well-being and how finding your ‘enthusiastic yes’ can help you set better boundaries in love and life. 📚 Sami’s ideas for sharing love and book recommendations: Pleasure Activism, Rest is Resistance, The Body is Not an Apology and Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself 📸 Here Sami’s recommendation for a Madison photographer skilled at taking intimate photos 🦉 And check out date night ideas from the library (and not just books!) Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.

It’s Friday and we’re talking about the stories that we’ve been thinking about all week. The whole City Cast Madison team’s here to talk about the city’s need for new housing and the fights over where it should go. Is the Filene House historic and worth saving? And Madison has big plans to remake the Lake Monona waterfront. Plus, what’s happening with the new Police Civilian Oversight Board? And yes, there was some snickering this week around a particular sculpture hanging in the Madison Parks office… which resembles human anatomy. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-31-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the daily email from our friends at Madison Minutes.

Back in early 1970s Madison, there was no farm-to-table movement. There was no farmers market downtown. The Capitol Square was a ghost town at night. There were no standards for organic, much less anything else. None of that dissuaded Odessa Piper. The pioneering chef cut her teeth at Ovens of Brittany, creating the famous gooey, caramelly Morning Bun pastries (waay before the cronut was a twinkle in anyone’s eye, a heavenly mix of cinnamon roll and croissant was born). She went on to start L’Etoile restaurant, attracting national attention with her James Beard awards and showcase of the freshest food Madison had to offer. She was an early supporter of the Dane County Farmers Market, now one of the largest in the country. And she’s never stopped dreaming of a more delicious future. Every Thursday, we’re talking about food and all of the flavors that make Madison. And who better to start with than the woman who helped start it all… Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the email newsletter from our friends at Madison Minutes .

While most of us are sleeping, plow drivers across the city are at work. Like choreographed dancers, they all set about their routes, often working up to 16-hour days in some of the worst conditions, all to clear the way for us. So life can go on as usual. Meet Margaret Kraege, the first female snow plow driver for the City of Madison. Also on the show: 🚜 Name these plows! You have until Friday, February 3rd. 💌 Share your story of finding love in Madison... be it funny, weird, outrageous or just plain sweet! Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367. We may include it in our Valentine's Day episode. Wanna talk to us about an episode? We’re at [email protected]. Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

She’s been called the “not-so-secret weapon” of “one of the most accomplished Wisconsin bands of the 21st century”. We sit down with Monica Martin… singer, songwriter, and former lead singer of the local indie band PHOX. She’s now working as a solo artist in Los Angeles, where’s she’s a rising star. We learn about the Madison roots that launched her career… and what it’s REALLY like to be Bianca Martin’s big sister. Find Monica Martin’s new music and tour dates. Other things we mentioned on today’s show: UW Madison Public History Project Badger Rock Pop-Up Sale Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

There have been many things said about Madison. Our own mayor once proposed “77 Square Miles Surrounded By Reality” as our official motto. A flamingo is our official city bird, due to a college prank decades ago. But much like our families, you only get to talk smack when you’re on the inside. To the rest of the world, we are fiercely loyal and proud. We are so much more than freezing cold, cheese-eating drunkards. On today’s episode, Bianca Martin and Molly Stentz defend Madison’s honor and place in history to their big boss, City Cast CEO David Plotz. Here's what else we mentioned on the show: 🏖️ Want to check out the design ideas for redoing Madison's waterfront? Here are the sketches. Tell the city what you think of 'em. 🗳️ Tuesday's Madison Mayoral Forum Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

What if we told you lions would be roaming State Street, devouring heads of lettuce and licking the doors of local businesses? Another day in the life in Madison? Yes, and it’s all part of the celebration of Lunar New Year, happening around the world from January 22 to February 5. In Madison, we’re celebrating on State Street with the Lion Dancers of the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association. We caught up with owner and lead instructor Nelson Ferreira for a sneak peek. 🦁 See the Lion Dance at Lisa Link Peace Park 🦁 See the Lion Dance at the Madison Children’s Museum Other events we mentioned on the show: 📸 Book a Family Portrait Session at the Madison Public Library 💘 Send us your best or worst date story! Online dates, blind dates, accidental dates… we want to hear your stories for our special Valentine’s Day edition. Leave us a voicemail: 608-318-3367 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

From potholes and speeders to construction in your neighborhood, local government can make your life easier… or it can infuriate. Who do you want making choices on your behalf? All 20 members of the Madison Common Council are up for election soon… with some interesting twists in some neighborhoods. Producer Dylan Brogan gives us the scoop on who’s on your ballot. Read all about the candidates in Dylan’s article: How the Madison City Council Races are Shaking Out. To register to vote, change your address or find your polling place, check MyVote.WI.Gov. And if you wanna practice voting, check out the City Snow Plow Naming Contest. Yes, they’re letting us pick the names. Don’t let us down. In other news, learn about those really old canoes pulled out of Lake Mendota. And do you have an exceptionally bad (or good!) date story that you can share? We’re collecting YOUR stories for our Valentine’s Day episode. Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Keep ‘em short! And first names are fine, no need to burn it all down. Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. You can also say hi on Twitter and Instagram!

Madison has no shortage of talented musicians. But how do you discover and find great new bands? The folks at Tone Madison listened to hundreds of new releases and highlighted some of the best new local songs and albums from 2022. We caught up with publisher Scott Gordon to hear a few of his favorite picks. Check them out for yourself: Here’s Tone Madison’s top songs of 2022, pt. I pt. II pt. III and Tone Madison’s top 20 records of 2022. Also, Madison’s musical odds and ends of 2022 And here’s a link to the Dump the Hate online dumpling-making class we mentioned. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

The Dane County Jail has problems. Originally built in 1953, officials say it’s outdated, dangerous, and inhumane. It has lead pipes and asbestos. Locks get stuck shut. It has no medical beds or room for rehabilitative programs. County officials have been trying for years to find a plan — and the cash — to build a new jail, so they can finally close down the oldest units on the top floors of the City-County building. The county says they need an additional $14 million to seal the deal and build a six-floor, 825-bed building next to the County Courthouse in downtown Madison. Will taxpayers go for it? Costs are escalating by the minute. Meanwhile, the sheriff is shipping inmates to other counties, sometimes hours away, until a safer jail is built. We talk to Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett about the controversial jail project — which, at a price tag of $167 million so far, is the most expensive in county history. Also, here’s a link to the Taking Control of Your Student Loan Debt webinar we mentioned! Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

Stella’s Hot and Spicy Cheese Bread has long been a staple of the Dane County Farmers’ Market. The huge loaves are stuffed with gooey hot cheese, flecked with red pepper and are best eaten by tearing off a huge hunk as you stroll around contemplating eating more vegetables. And now, Brian Winzenried of the famed Stella’s family is taking the cheese bread to Panama. What began as a pandemic trip has blossomed into a new business venture, opening this spring. Not only can you enjoy a taste of home while on vacation, but you can learn to bake alongside Brian in his new kitchen, Gamboa Baking Co. And here‘s how you can celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend: “I Have A Dream” Scholarship Ball at Monona Terrace on Saturday Ecumenical Service at First Unitarian on Sunday Youth Call to Service at Central Library on Monday Madison-Dane County celebration at Overture on Monday State of Wisconsin celebration at the State Capitol on Monday Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

Winter… it divides us into lovers and haters. Whether you’re Team Snow-filled Wonderland or Team Bitter Chill, living in the Midwest, there’s a whole bunch of things you need to know to survive. Come for the biggest alternate side parking hack we know, stay for the great salt debate. We talk to former Cap Times reporter Abby Becker, who wrote a guide on How to survive and thrive in a Madison winter for Madison Minutes. Want to learn more about alternate side parking? Find out more and sign up for daily reminder texts here. Sign up for Metro Transit text updates here. Find out more about the new salt use ordinance here. Looking for more winter resources from the city? Here’s a great place to start. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

The Madison School Board has voted: High school students can continue to take dedicated honors classes for core courses like English, math and science. But the district will also expand a program called Earned Honors, where students in regular classes can opt for more rigorous work and get honors credit. But some teachers are frustrated by the current system of sorting kids by achievements, pointing out that it’s become racially segregated. Deidre Jarecki teaches tenth grade English at LaFollette High School in Madison and she’s irked by the slow progress toward helping all students succeed. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

Happy New Year! And that means it’s resolution season. We asked you for what you wanted to see in Madison in 2023, and you delivered. Plus, the team— Bianca, Molly, and Dylan— share their hopes for the city. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

It’s cozy season and we’ve invited one of our favorite bartenders to show us some fancy winter cocktails we can make at home. They’re perfect for whipping up at your holiday gathering or enjoying cozied up in front of the fireplace. Jeremy Bazely, bartender at the Muskellounge, shares his recipes for Mulled Cider, A Very Blitzened Bianca and Cranberry Ginger Soda. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

The holidays can be stressful and overwhelming enough, without adding in memory loss and other joys of getting older. We may notice our parents and grandparents aging, and wonder how to talk with them about it. Mary Wyman, a clinical psychologist at the Madison VA Hospital, has ideas for how to start those difficult conversations with family who may be showing signs of dementia. And we get tips for making the holidays more enjoyable for everyone. Mary’s resources: AARP: Is It Time for Your Loved One to Retire From Driving? National Institute on Aging: Driving Safety and Alzheimer's Disease Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

For many of us, the holidays mean family gatherings... and movies. Yet with two more movie theaters closing in Madison this year, it feels like there are fewer options than ever. Will streaming pick up the slack? We ask Rob Thomas, the Cap Times Features Editor, for his picks of what to watch. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

The Madison School District wants to cut high schools honors courses over concerns they've become segregated. The district fails students of color at an alarming rate. Honors classes are disproportionately white. They’re rolling out a plan to drop standalone honors courses, in favor of “Earned Honors”, where all students take the same classes, but can opt for additional work and gain an honors credit on their transcript. Some students and staff say that the current Earned Honors program isn’t rigorous enough. Some parents fear their kids will miss out if honors classes go away. Will parents of high-achievers yank their kids from the district and send them to nearby suburban schools instead, destabilizing Madison schools? That’s the fear. But is the status quo working? The Madison School Board is set to vote on the plan on December 19th. We speak to School Board President Ali Muldrow about her concerns and how the Board might vote on this big policy shift. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is officially nonpartisan, but it has increasingly been at the center of political battles from abortion to voting rights. Liberals have their first shot at taking back control of the court in nearly 15 years. With political control of our swing state at stake, we look at why this race is heating up. Jeff Mayers, president of WisPolitics, brings us the latest. The primary election is February 21st. Currently running are Waukesha County Judge Jennifer Dorow, former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly, Dane County Judge Everett Mitchell and Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

When Governor Evers won re-election, he declared, “We’re going to polka tonight and work tomorrow.” It is our official state dance, after all. Stacy Harbaugh, aka DJ Shotski, agrees wholeheartedly. We talk to Madison’s polka DJ about the state of polka in the capital city. Also in the show: Learn more about the Adult Swim Holiday Craftacular. And the City of Madison’s meeting about Amtrak. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

It’s election season… again?! If you want to run for local office in Madison, the clock’s ticking. You’ve got this month to apply. We talk to Madison’s newest alder to learn what it takes to be part of City Hall. Sabrina Madison represents the far east side of Madison and was appointed in October. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

Madison is home to the first-ever electric fire truck in use in the United States. The truck has saved 60,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in its first year of operation. And Madison firefighters are helping design the next generation of electric vehicles for the country, as cities look to transition their fleet away from diesel-guzzlers. We catch up with Scott Bavery, Dan Belovarac and Josh Balli from the Madison Fire Department to learn how they did it. Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!

Introducing City Cast Madison — your guide to Wisconsin’s quirkiest city. We’ll introduce you to some of our favorite people, places, and things— and talk about how we make this city better for everyone. Start your weekday with us… and come meet your neighbors. Beginning November 29th.