🦗 Giant dragonflies invade Gilman Street

🚧 Capitol Square, Top of State Street Getting Makeovers

• The red brick sidewalks that ring the Capitol building have carried decades of farmers’ market foot traffic and they’re in need of a facelift. The State Building Commission has okayed a $6.4 million renovation project to improve the deteriorating “cherry grit” paving and stormwater infrastructure. Construction is expected to begin next spring and will be completed in phases. The entire project is expected to wrap up in April 2027.
• Meanwhile, city officials have released new plans for reconstruction of the top of State Street that include a large pedestrian plaza with benches that resemble porch swings, planters that could also be used for seating, and interactive art installations.
• The plaza would begin at the former Philosopher’s Grove at the top of the square and extend down the 100 blocks of North Carroll and West Mifflin streets. Reconstruction would not start until after the new Wisconsin History Center opens in 2027. [Cap Times, 🔒 WSJ]

🚆 Packers Avenue Crossing Has a Bumpy Road to Improvement

• With ripples and bumps almost as big as softballs, the railroad crossing on Packers Avenue near Dane County Regional Airport has been an ongoing headache for motorists who use it each day.
• An estimated 30,000 motorists drive across the bumpy crossing every day. City officials say the plan is to start fixing the old crossing in two to three weeks, once they get approval from CPKC Railroad Company, which uses the crossing. [WKOW]

🍞 Get Your Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread on Regent Street!

• Stella’s Bakery, a big draw at the Dane County’s Farmers Market for its Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread, opened its new cafe at 1219 Regent St. this week.
• Stella’s closed its retail outlet on Syene Road as part of the move, because farmers’ market rules limit vendors to only one retail location. The new cafe on Regent Street will sell baked goods as well as beer, wine, and coffee.
• The cafe has a large outdoor patio that can be used for events on Badger game days. This week’s opening is a soft launch, with the grand opening scheduled for Nov. 1. [ 🔒 WSJ]

On Oct. 18, millions are expected to hit the streets for nationwide “No Kings” rallies to peacefully protest against President Donald Trump’s policies, especially his efforts to put armed military in American cities and escalating threats by federal agents against immigrant communities.

Madison’s “No Kings” protest starts at 2 p.m. Saturday at McPike Park and protesters will march to the King Street side of the Capitol for a 3 p.m. rally. An estimated 15,000 people showed up in Madison for the last “No Kings” protest in June.

On the City Cast Madison podcast today, executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Ryan Cox, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union-Wisconsin, about the do’s and don’ts of protesting peacefully.

Planning on hitting the streets this weekend? Here are a few more tips courtesy of the ACLU and Human Rights Campaign.

How To Prepare Ahead of Time

Research the area where the protest will be taking place, print out a map of where you'll be, and familiarize yourself with the available exit routes. Arrange backup travel plans in case you can’t easily get back to your vehicle or public transportation route. If you are going with friends, make plans ahead of time on where and when to reconnect if separated.

Bring water, cash, and any medications you need. Dress for the weather and wear protective clothing like long sleeves, as well as earplugs, shatterproof goggles, and/or a face mask.

Bring a phone charger or battery extender. Memorize the phone numbers of your lawyer and family members in case you get detained (don’t rely on your phone).

What To Do at the Protest

Stay aware of the environment around you. If you see something suspicious (someone acting strangely, unclaimed packages, suspicious vehicle, etc.) notify law enforcement or any protest organizers on site.

The ACLU says your rights are strongest in “traditional public forums” such as streets, sidewalks, and public parks, rather than on private property. Other public spaces, such as plazas in front of government buildings, are safe, as long as you are not blocking access to the building or interfering with its function.

Private property owners can voluntarily allow free speech on their property, and the government cannot restrict that speech if you have the property owner’s consent.

If you are lawfully present in a public space, you have the right to photograph anything in public view. As with speech, private property owners have the right to set rules for photos and video taken on their property.

⬆️ Last Week’s Photo

This is the ceiling of the new Atwood Music Hall on Winnebago Street!

🎉 Congratulations to Wait N., Caroline T., and Liz L. for being the first three (of over 50 people) to guess correctly!

⬇️ This Week’s Photo

Do you know where this mural is located? A few clues:

• It’s on the near west side of Madison
• It’s at a national chain store
• If you’re looking for a mini canvas tote or some awkward small talk with the cashier, this is the place!

This week’s Where Is It was submitted by one of our eagle-eyed readers, Vermilion O.! If you’ve got a photo that would make a good Where Is It, email it to me at [email protected]. Make sure to tell me where it’s located!