🚨 What will Madison police do if ICE comes?

❄️ As the Temps Drop, Heating Bills Are Rising

• If your utility bill this month caused your blood to boil, you’re not alone. Both Alliant Energy and Madison Gas & Electric raised their rates for natural gas and electricity starting Jan. 1, and some residents can expect to pay as much as $100 more for heat over the winter season.
• The hike is a combination of the rising cost of natural gas and the rising demand during an especially cold weather. Nationwide, the average household will pay just under $1,000 to heat their homes this winter, a 9.2% increase from last year.
• Energy assistance is available for those who need help, and we have some household tips on stretching your energy dollar. [News 3, Dane County, Madison Minutes]
• Editor’s note: Madison Gas & Electric is a sponsor of City Cast Madison.

🚨 What Would Madison Police Do if ICE Came to Town?

• As Gov. Tony Evers says the state is already preparing for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to expand operations in Wisconsin, local law enforcement is spelling out how it would respond to their presence in Dane County.
• UW-Madison police say they will not detain an individual solely on the basis of an immigration violation. Madison police say they will not enter into any operational agreements with the Department of Homeland Security and would only cooperate with ICE in limited circumstances, such as when a suspect “poses a serious threat to public safety.”
• The Dane County Sheriff’s Department also keeps cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to a minimum. The department has not entered into an operational agreement with DHS, unlike a dozen other sheriff’s departments in Wisconsin. [Cap Times, Madison Police]

🥯 Barrett’s Bagels Opening in Sunset Yarn Location

• Soon, you won’t have to wait in line at the Monroe Street Farmers’ Market for a Barrett’s bagel. The popular bagels, currently made at Pasture & Plenty, will soon have a permanent home at 3742 Speedway Blvd.
• That space is currently home for Sunset Yarn, but owner Lynette Tucker is retiring after five years. [ 🔒 WSJ]

Whether it’s a hastily-made PB&J on the go or an elegantly-constructed hero, sometimes nothing hits like a great sandwich. In Madison, we’re blessed with many great spots that provide several slices of heaven between two pieces of bread.

On the City Cast Madison podcast today, Madison Magazine’s Emma Waldinger talks about some of the city’s signature sandwiches, from Fromagination’s Signature Sandwich to Casetta’s iconic Paradigm. She also gives her thoughts on what an Ultimate Madison Sandwich would look like.

We also put out the call to our Madison Minutes readers – what are your favorite sandwiches in town, whether something fancy you get in a restaurant or your own creation? Here are some of your answers. (And no, a hot dog is NOT a sandwich.)

Ted C. submitted a whole menu of great local sandwiches! “The ham and cheese picnic sandwich from Bloom (Bake Shop) is so simple and SO incredibly yummy.” Also, “the spicy fried cauliflower sandwich from Zippy Lube is amazing . . . dollop some of their amazing mac and cheese on top and it’s even better.”

Ted also shouted out the Reuben at Stalzy’s, although he says it’s diminished somewhat now that Stalzy’s is takeout only. Also, Ted and his partner love Casetta so much that they’ll bring to-go sandwiches with them when they travel rather than settling for mediocre airport food.

Raleigh J. shouted out the Drew at Madison Sourdough and has a suggestion for how to enjoy it. “Fresh Italian bread, Italian sausage, over-easy egg, slice of cheddar, and the divine spread that is maple and Calabrian chile aioli. Side salad comes with.

“You can eat in, but I recommend ordering ahead as takeout so you can skip the line and go three short blocks to a lakefront park to enjoy at a picnic table. Best way to start a slow Sunday.”

Cold weather got you down? Warm your insides with good vibes from our City Cast Madison Neighbors! Our members get the chance to share Neighborhood Shoutouts, highlighting something that makes the city a little better, whether it’s a nonprofit doing good work, a locally-owned business bringing the community together, or just a darn cool thing.

📣 Sheila K. wants to shout out the Madison Chocolate Company location on Odana Road! "Fantastic chocolates and coffee. Nice place to meet for coffee. Staff that goes out of their way to be helpful."

📣 Dan F. is a fan of Mercado Marimar! "Madison has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Mexican food and, specifically, tacos. That is why Marimar on South Park is so deserving of a shoutout.

“The tortillas are incredible, the filling (I typically get chicken) is moist, flavorful, and delicious, and the salsas and sides are all yummy. Add to that, they have a full menu of other Mexican specialties and it's inside an incredibly well-stocked Mexican grocer and you have a can't miss winner. Go. Eat. Tacos.”

📣 Kim I. wanted to send out a broad shoutout to Madison’s holiday decorations! “A few years back, neighbors on Monroe Street started the glorious tradition of giant, inflatable Santas. You can't help but smile as you go by. It's now spreading to other areas.

“In addition to the Santas, neighbors on Regent Street apparently said, ‘hold my egg nog’ and started their own tradition of giant inflatable snowmen. (And one giant gingerbread man.) It was a rough season with cold temps and high winds. More than one Santa went down, but bravely stood up again. It made me smile, and I really appreciated it. Thanks, neighbors!”

We also want to welcome our newest City Cast Madison Neighbor, Jeffrey S.! We’re looking forward to getting a Neighborhood Shoutout from you, Jeffrey!

If you want to send in your own Neighborhood Shoutout, join Jeffrey and become a City Cast Madison Neighbor! We’d love to hear from you!