City Cast Madison
š®š¶ Kidnapped journalist with Madison ties speaks out
April 27, 2026 Ā· ā Rob Thomas
Good morning, Madison! Wow! We asked our readers and listeners for their support by becoming City Cast Madison Neighbors and, boy, you answered the call! On Friday we had more new members sign up than on any other day in CCM history. Thank you so much!
Hereās why Leah K. became a member: "I love having an accessible way to stay informed on local issues/ politics and the events and food scene in Madison. Traditional news outlets have become so overwhelming that it is so nice to have media to consume that allows you to stay involved and focus more on what you can change/ impact. I really value this type of media and am happy to become a neighbor! Wish I had found you all sooner!ā
If you didnāt join Leah and sign up last week ā hereās the truth. We still need you. We didnāt meet our goal, but we are so close! We need just a handful more of you to become members. Can you help us out?
For $10/month, youāll not only invest directly in this locally-made newsletter, youāll get a bunch of perks. Perks like a weekly curated events email put together by me, invites to members-only events, and access to our new members-only podcast segments. I think thatās worth $10 a month, donāt you?
And this just in: We have a few more of our City Cast Madison pennants to give out as welcome gifts. Donāt let this last chance to snag one slip away!
What's CITY Talking About
š SeƱor Machetes Owner Back Home After ICE Detainment
- Noel Quintana, who owns SeƱor Machetes restaurant on Main Street, is back home in Madison after spending 85 days being detained in Indiana by federal immigration agents.
- Quintana, who legally immigrated to the United States from Mexico in 1993, was detained by ICE agents when he arrived at OāHare Airport in Chicago after returning from a trip. The detainment stemmed from a 20-year-old conviction for felony possession of cocaine. The conviction was set aside after Quintana completed his sentence of three years of probation, and Gov. Tony Evers formally pardoned him on Feb. 13 of this year.
- Quintana is a permanent resident of the United States. Ald. Mike Verveer, who met with Quntana after his release, said he plans to apply for citizenship. [šWSJ]
š®š¶ Journalist With Local Roots Writes of Being Kidnapped in Iraq
- Shelly Kittleson, who grew up in Mount Horeb and has reported in the Middle East for 20 years, wrote in an article in The Atlantic about being kidnapped in Iraq and held captive for eight days.
- In the article, titled āIf I Tried to Escape, I Would Be Killed,ā Kittleson wrote about being taken off the streets of Baghdad by two men, who put her in the back of a vehicle, zip-tied her wrists and ankles, and blindfolded her.
- Kittlesonās kidnapping occurred a month after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin put part of the blame on the Trump administration. Kittleson was released to Iraqi government forces on April 8, and was flown to Europe for medical treatment. [šMJS, šThe Atlantic]
Why, I asked these men in Arabic, had they taken me? Why were they hurting me? What purpose did this serve?
šŗMadison Dance Troupe Performs on āAmericaās Got Talentā
- Dancers from Barrio Dance Studio went to Los Angeles last month to wow judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel on the popular NBC competition show āAmericaās Got Talent.ā
- Founder AJ Juarez told Madison365 that he assumed it was a scam when got an email from show producers following the pre-professional troupeās performance at Chicagoās World of Dance competition last November.
- But it was real, and 29 members of the team performed to the music of Queen before the judges and a live audience. How did they go? Juarez is sworn to secrecy until their audition airs on June 2. [Madison365]
Sponsored Content
Be There for John DeMainās Farewell Concert
Thank you, John DeMain. For 32 years, you have thrilled and moved us. The Madison Symphony Orchestra and Chorus present Voices Eternal, the final subscription concerts of John DeMainās 32 years at the helm. Featuring works of Bernstein, Bruckner and Wagner, tickets start at just $22. Charge yours today at madisonsymphony.org or call 608-258-4141.
The Centennial season continues this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Overture Hall with John DeMain and your Madison Symphony Orchestra.
What To Do
Monday, April 27
- š§ All Levels Yoga with Brad at Goodman Community Center
- š“ Band of Horses at The Sylvee
- šæļø Curious Critters Storytime at Aldo Leopold Nature Center
- šļø Lego Night at Working Draft Beer Company
- š¹ Piano Fondue's Monday Happy Hour Singalong at Garver Feed Mill
- š¤ Return To Dust at High Noon Saloon
- š©° Storytime with Madison Ballet at Middleton Public Library
Sponsored Content
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
At Journey Mental Health Center, May is about showing up - for real conversations, connection, and community. Weāve got a mix of events this month, from thoughtful panels to fun nights out. See the full event line-up and join us!
š° Extra! Extra! Iāve got a LOT of new City Cast Madison Neighbors to welcome and thank! Thanks to Ryan L., Shahayra M., Isla E., Megan R., Dan B., JJ M., Alyssa L., Jason G., Sandy F., Annie B., Jessica M., Robert R., Connor K., Brooke W., Mary K., Zorba P., Jupiter R., Gayle G., Stefanie N., Francie D., Casey O., Beth V., Susan N., Jan F., Sara M., Leah K., Mike C., Molly F. and Emily F.!
Weāre sending one of our new City Cast Madison pennants out to each and every one of you! If you want one too (and I donāt blame you), thereās still time to join City Cast Madison Neighbors and wave the flag!
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