💰 How Trump’s job cuts are hitting Madison

💰 Trump-Musk Firings Hit VA Hospital, Dairy Industry

• The massive layoffs of federal employees orchestrated by President Donald Trump and his billionaire advisor, Elon Musk, are hitting federal agencies in Madison.
• A worker fired from the Dairy Forage Research Center in Wisconsin estimated that about a quarter of the staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture facility were laid off. The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Shorewood Hills confirmed that a small number of probationary employees were laid off, but a spokesperson said the workforce reductions would not affect the quality of care.
• 🎧 Dig deeper: Find out on the City Cast Madison podcast how Wisconsin Republicans are pushing an agenda that mirrors what Trump is doing in Washington, D.C. [Cap Times, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

🏫 Proposed Trades-Centric Charter School Withdraws Applications

• A proposed Madison charter school has withdrawn its application to the Madison Metropolitan School District ahead of a vote Monday night by the Madison School Board.
• The McKenzie Foundation, in cooperation with Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, planned Forward Academy as a place to ready students for high-demand trade jobs. Dozens of community members spoke out at a board meeting in favor of the charter, but board members expressed skepticism that the school would offer opportunities that the district didn’t already provide. [Madison365]

🎧 Mayor Talks Housing Crisis and Potential Solutions

• On the City Cast Madison podcast today, we’ve got a big guest. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway joined host Bianca Martin for an in-depth discussion of Madison’s housing woes and what the city wants to do to address them.
• The city has set an ambitious goal of building 15,000 new homes by 2030, a quarter of them affordable. There’s also a new Housing Tracker online tool that will let every Madisonian monitor the city’s progress toward that goal. [ 🎧 City Cast Madison, City of Madison]

Meet Sirius! This adult mastiff mix can be shy at first, but releases his inner goofball once comfortable, becoming wiggly, sweet, and lovable. He loves pets and snuggles, and will offer up his belly for rubs. He’s smart and knows how to sit, and responds well to treats. Sirius is looking for an energetic family who will spoil him with lots of activities and treats while working with him on his training. He would do best in a home without cats or small children, and would benefit from a slow introduction to another dog.

Maybe you’re visiting Madison and want to buy a souvenir to take home. Maybe you moved to Madison and want something to celebrate your new home. Or maybe you’re traveling and want to represent your home base wherever you go.

Whatever the reason, Madison swag is big business. Here’s some places where you can buy merch to celebrate your love of Madison, be it sporty, quirky, or outdoorsy.

University Book Store

I mean, obviously. Both the State Street and Hilldale locations are packed with University of Wisconsin swag for literally every fashion sense, plus Madison-focused gear, and other Wisconsin sports teams.

Anthology

This cozy State Street spot is full of cutesy and clever Madison-themed arts and crafts, including a lot of stickers, greeting cards, and witty posters, like an astrological chart for “Madison Wisconstellations.” It’s also the place to get progressive-themed merch for the #resistance-minded friend on your list.

Orange Tree Imports

This gourmet and specialty store on Monroe Street is a Madison institution. It has a bunch of gifts celebrating Madison that are made locally, including tree ornaments, dish towels featuring Madison zip codes, and candles decorated with sand scooped up from Madison’s lakes.

Fromagination

If you’re visiting Wisconsin, you’re coming home with some cheese. Not only does this shop offer a wide variety of top-flight Wisconsin cheese (and fresh cheese curds), but you can take home some Badger State merch as well, including cheese boards shaped like the state and Madison-themed iced cookies.