🗳️ Another day, another candidate for governor

🚗 Get a Blackout or a Butter-Yellow License Plate in 2026

• The state Department of Transportation will offer two new specialty license plates designs next year. One is a black-and-white “blackout” design that’s been popular in other states, while the other is a butter-yellow plate with “America’s Dairyland” on it to honor the state’s dairy industry.
• Officials estimate the new plates will raise $25 million in revenue over the next three years. [Civic Media]

🗳️ Another Day, Another New Candidate For Governor

• Former Wisconsin Department of Administration head Joel Brennan is joining the already-crowded field of Democrats running for governor in 2026.
• Brennan, who has also served as executive director of Discovery World, said in his announcement video that as governor he would counter “Trump’s dysfunction” and improve the lives of people across the state.” He enters a race that already included Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Sen. Kelda Roys, state Rep. Francesca Hong, former state Rep. Brett Hulsey, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and former state economic development director Missy Hughes. (And those are just the Democrats!)
• Zooming in: In Madison, District 8 Ald. MGR Govindarajan said he will not run for reelection next April. Govindarajan, who was first elected in 2023 to represent the district that covers much of the UW-Madison campus, said he is leaving to pursue professional goals. [WKOW, Badger Herald]

☕ Politicos Join Striking Starbucks Workers on the Picket Line

• U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, who is co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus, and state Rep. and gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong joined Madison Starbucks workers who went on strike last month.
• Unionized workers picketed at several Madison locations, including on State Street. Over 1,000 workers in 85 cities have joined the so-called “Red Cup Rebellion,” fighting for a union contract and decrying alleged union-busting by the company.
• 🎧 Dig deeper: The City Cast Madison team talks about the Starbucks fight on the Friday news roundup. We also get into how the early snow is affecting snowplow drivers, and the mayor’s attempt to pump the brakes on data center construction. Also, I probably talk a little too much about my recent trip to Antarctica. Pour yourself a second cup and listen in! [Daily Cardinal, 🎧City Cast Madison]

Meet Gertie and Laney! These two rescue pups separately survived extreme abuse and neglect, and now live a luxurious co-existence with each other and their two moms. These sweeties love spooning in their favorite sunny spot — from heartbreak to heartwarming naps, they’re now living their very best lives.