🧒 Gov. Evers’ ‘Year of the Kid’

🧒 Evers Declares 2025 the ‘Year of the Kid’

• In his State of the State address Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers declared 2025 the “Year of the Kid.” He said his administration’s top priorities would be cutting child care costs, boosting child services, and expanding child mental health services.
• With his address coming two days after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Evers acknowledged a “lot of angst” about the new administration, particularly Trump’s threats to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
• Dig deeper: On the City Cast Madison podcast today, the team discusses how Trump’s immigration plans will affect Madison on the Friday news roundup. They also talk about the surprise removal of UW-Madison’s chief diversity officer, and the effects of this week’s extreme cold. Bundle up and listen! [Cap Times, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

🍜 Ahan Owners Earn James Beard Nod

• Jamie and Chuckie Brown-Soukaseume, co-owners of the southeast Asian restaurant Ahan, were recognized by the James Beard Awards for their work.
• The couple was named semifinalists for the awards, known as the “Oscars of the food world.” Ahan, known for its curry and drunken noodles, has grown from a food cart, to a small carryout restaurant to the current Willy Street location that opened in 2023. The winners of the awards will be announced June 16. [Madison Magazine, James Beard Awards]

🏢 Madison Leads Midwest in Adding New Housing

• While Madison is struggling to keep pace with an influx of new residents, a new study says the city leads the Midwest in adding housing. Strong Cafe, a company that manages storage facilities, said Madison has increased housing by 37% in the last 20 years.
• But that doesn’t mean there’s enough housing, or residents can afford it. A new city report cautions that 47% of Madison residents can’t afford their rent.
• Dig deeper: Listen to “Madison is for People” founder Will Ochowicz talk on the City Cast Madison podcast about how the city needs more housing. [WPR, Madison Magazine, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

Meet Mooshy! Mooshy is a small 8-year-old cat who enjoys sunbathing (clearly) along with feather toys, chin scratches, and early-morning birdwatching. Mooshy is a chatty cat who takes her job seriously to make sure everyone in the house starts the day at the same time she does. No need for alarm clocks in Mooshy’s house!