🚌 Trump cuts can’t kill bus rapid transit

⚖️ Judge Dugan Suspended by Wisconsin Supreme Court

• The Wisconsin Supreme Court temporarily suspended Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan after she was arrested on charges that she helped an undocumented immigrant evade arrest by federal agents.
• The two-page order by the state’s highest court said that because of the pending federal charges, it was in the public’s best interest to temporarily relieve her of her duties while the case plays out.
• Dugan, who is next scheduled to appear in court on May 15, has assembled an all-star legal team, including a former U.S. Solicitor General, to defend her.
• Dig deeper: Dugan’s arrest sparked protests and raised critical questions about the role of the judiciary. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling dug into the case with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Daniel Bice. [News 3, 🔒 MJS, 🎧City Cast Madison]

🚌 City Says Second BRT Line Is Still on Track

• A second north-south bus rapid transit line is still in the works and scheduled to begin in 2028, despite the Trump administration’s severe cutbacks in federal dollars, including for mass transit, Madison officials said.
• Under the Biden administration, the Federal Transit Authority budgeted $118 million for the project. Mike Cechvala, Metro’s capital projects manager, told the city’s Transportation Commission last week that FTA officials have said that money is still in the pipeline.
• Even if that funding were cut, Cechvala said the city is already exploring other creative ways to complete the project, although those alternatives may change or scale back what a north-south BRT line would look like. [ 🔒WSJ]

🏠 Madison Legislators Go To Bat For ‘Granny Flats’

• Two Madison-area legislators have introduced a bill that would stop cities from banning accessory dwelling units, also known as “granny flats,” which supporters see as an important tool in solving the housing crisis.
• Such units, like garages, can be converted into additional housing for renters, often friends or families, reducing the burden on larger apartment developments. The city of Madison recently passed changes to the city’s zoning ordinances aimed at reducing barriers to ADUs, and the proposed bill will essentially expand that approach statewide. [Cap Times, City of Madison]

It’s May! A time of transition in Madison, as the warm weather is enticing people to hang out outside, and as graduating UW-Madison students transition into their post-college lives. On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin, producer Jade Iseri-Ramos, and I talked about the things we’re most looking forward to doing, seeing, and eating this month.

Here’s some more fun stuff to do in Madison this month.

Drinks are a Breese

Breese Stevens Field is hosting two events for imbibers this month. First off is Uncork Me Wisconsin, a May 10 event that celebrates the best wines, meads and ciders made right here in the Badger State. A $65-$75 ticket gets you several hours of unlimited samples from over 30 Wisconsin wineries and cider houses, and there’s live music, a drag show, and food trucks as well.

And May 31 brings the return of Distill America, sponsored by the Madison Malt Society. An $75-$90 ticket gives you the chance to sample spirits from 90 different producers from across the United States, including some bottles that haven’t even been publicly released yet.

Wide World of Madison Sports

Speaking of Breese Stevens, it is an athletic field, after all, and sports are coming back in May. The Madison Radicals start their 13th season as the city’s Ultimate team on May 17 with a match hosting the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds.

And the Madison Mallards will kick off their 25th anniversary season on Memorial Day at the Warner Park Duck Pond with a game against Fond du Lac. The Mallards revel in special promotions, giveaways, and other goodies, so expect them to pull out all the stops for their Silver Anniversary.

When you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor, you’ll get all the new perks of our expanded membership program like the chance to shout out a local business, nonprofit, or some other cool Madison thing in our newsletter. Here are a few things our Neighbors are celebrating this week.

📣 Jinger S. shouted out Children’s Theater of Madison, where “kids can go from being in the audience to being on stage. Bravo CTM!”

📣 Ruth K. gave her shoutout to “all public libraries.” Having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card!

📣 Bird R. wanted to tell all female-identifying visual artists in Dane County that applications for Women Artists Forward Fund’s $10,000 Forward Art Prize opened today.

Got something or somebody you want to shout out? Become a City Cast Madison Neighbor today!