🧑‍🍳 Osteria Novella opens next week

⚡MG&E Wants To Up Its Solar and Battery Storage

• Madison Gas & Energy is asking the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to allow an increase of 85 megawatts of solar capacity and 18 megawatts of battery storage.
• Aiming towards a goal of net-zero carbon electricity in 2050, the company wants to purchase shares in five different solar projects. By 2030, the company will have added 40 renewable energy and battery storage projects totalling 750 megawatts of power (a single megawatt can power between 400-900 homes), reducing carbon emissions. [MG&E]

🧑‍🍳Osteria Novella To Open Nov. 20 on West Side

• A new restaurant by Giovanni Novella, the co-owner of Bar Corallini, will open Nov. 20 on University Avenue in the space formerly occupied by Novanta Pizza.
• Osteria Novella will be inspired by the cuisine of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and the menu includes sourdough pizzas, handmade pastas, and the limoncello that Bar Corallini has become famous for. There will also be a full vegan menu. [Madison Magazine, Osteria Novella]

📱Madison Schools Need To Adjust to Cell Phone Ban

• A new state law banning cell phones in the classroom will require the Madison Metropolitan School District to adjust its policies.
• Most Dane County school districts have some kind of phone ban in place, but MMSD has not updated its cell phone policy in over a decade. Currently, it’s left up to principals to decide how phones will be regulated in their schools, but the law requires a uniform district-wide policy.
• The cell phone ban will go into effect beginning in the 2026-27 school year. [Cap Times, MMSD]

You don’t have to tell us here at City Cast Madison that podcasts are a great way to connect with your city. Whether you’re driving in your car, doing the dishes or going for a run, we’ve always got our earbuds in listening to something.

UW-Madison’s Center For Campus History has used long-form documentary podcasts to explore the history behind some of the university’s most complicated issues. After looking into campus policing in its first season, the new season of “Reorientation” delves into campus housing, and how decisions made a century ago have created the expensive, competitive housing market we see today.

On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin talks to “Reorientation” co-host Kacie Lucchini Butcher about researching 150 years of campus housing history and bringing it to life.

Here are some other locally-made podcasts that are still going strong to bring Madison into your headphones.

Badger Talks

Buzz Kemper of Audio of the Arts interviews UW-Madison professors on a variety of topics, from regulating eco-anxiety to Wisconsin’s cranberry crops.

Black Oxygen

Host Angela Russell illuminates and celebrates the lives of Black residents in Wisconsin. The podcast has been on hiatus for a few months but is coming back with new episodes.

What’s Left Wisconsin

Former City Council candidate Noah Lieberman’s new podcast looks at local and state issues from a progressive perspective, featuring interviews with Madison leaders.

The Mid-West Farm Report

Pam Jahnke, aka the “Fabulous Farm Babe,” reports on the latest farm news in this daily podcast, from Wisconsin’s honey yield to the latest agriculture bills before the Legislature.

Making Progress

Therapist and CEO Myra Renee interviews people who have gone beyond their intentions and made real, positive change in their communities.

The Camp

Zach Heilprin of the Wisconsin Sports Zone Network hosts this podcast about the ins and outs of Wisconsin Badgers football. He finally had some good news on this week’s episode about the Badgers’ upset win over Washington.

The Cabin

The official podcast of Discover Wisconsin features hosts Andrea Boehlke and Megan Christian cozying up with Badger State topics, from travel tips to tales of Wisconsin history.

Philly in the Middle

Onetime City Cast Madison producer and former West Coaster Phil Surkis overcomes his midwestern culture shock by interviewing Madisonians, including our own Bianca Martin!

Meet Vincent! This Vizsla mix is 3, and can be a little nervous meeting new dogs, but once comfortable he’s friendly and playful. He’s a smart due and enjoys working on his training and going on long walks. Patience and slow introductions are the key for getting him to vibe with other pups. He’s not much for sharing his food or a treat, so he’d prefer a home where he’s the only pup, with a patient family who can provide a calm and consistent environment full of fun times and lots of love.on.