🦅 Meet MG&E’s falcon chicks

The Latest on the Wisconsin Governor’s Race

🍺 Outspoken Brewer Short on Signatures: Minocqua Brewing Company founder and liberal activist Kirk Bangstad failed to submit enough valid signatures to get on the ballot for the Aug. 11 Democratic primary in the governor’s race. Bangstad had submitted 1,504 valid signatures, short of the 2,000 signature threshold.

• Forty pages of submitted signatures were ruled invalid because Bangstad incorrectly listed Aug. 11 as the general election day, not the primary election day. Some signers also failed to include necessary information, such as where they live. Bangstad said he plans to appeal and submit corrected signatures. [WPR, WisPolitics]

🗳️ And Then There Were 11: Overall, eight Democrats, two Republicans, and one Independent filed paperwork this week to run for Wisconsin governor. The Wisconsin Elections Commission will certify the full list of candidates on June 9 for the August 11 primary.

• On the Democrat side, candidates include: former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, former DOA Secretary Joel Brennan, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Rep. Francesca Hong, former WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, and state Sen. Kelda Roys.
• The Republicans on the ballot are U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany — who has the endorsement of President Donald Trump and the state Republican party — and medical services technician Andy Manske. Milwaukee Pastor David King is running as an independent, however he also fell short of the 2,000 signatures needed to qualify for the ballot. [WPR, WisPolitics]

💻 Hong Supports Data Center Pause: Six of the candidates for the Democratic governor met at a forum focused on workers’ issues at First United Methodist Church in Madison on Tuesday. State Rep. Francesca Hong was the only one of the six to support a one-year (or longer) moratorium on data center construction. Watch the full forum here. [OPEIU]

💸 Hong Sued Over $30K in Credit Card Debt: Capital One filed a lawsuit against state Rep. Francesca Hong in Dane County Circuit Court on May 26 over nearly $30,000 in credit card debt.

• Hong has emerged as a top candidate in the Democratic primary, focusing her campaign on affordability and income inequality. As governor, Hong would oversee the state’s finances, including building the budget. Her spokesperson said the debt has been paid in full. [Wisconsin Examiner]

🐶 Ridglan Farms Releasing 135 More Beagles: Following the release of 1,500 dogs last month, Ridglan Farms breeding and research facility near Blue Mounds has agreed to release another 135 of the 650 remaining beagles. Dane County Humane Society will take 10 of the dogs to treat them and get them ready for adoption.

• Meanwhile, members of UW-Madison’s Animal Advocacy student group said they’re being unfairly targeted by the administration for spreading flyers on campus about an April protest at Ridglan Farms. [News 3, WORT]

🏫 Meet the New Lori Mann Carey Elementary School: The elementary school on East Badger Road formerly known as Southside Elementary was officially renamed Lori Mann Carey Elementary Tuesday. Carey was a longtime education advocate who grew up on Madison’s south side. [WKOW]

🍔 Hawk’s on State Street Is For Sale: Hawk Sullivan, who has owned and operated the namesake Hawk’s Bar & Grill on State Street for 24 years, is putting the restaurant up for sale. The asking price? $200,000. [ 🔒WSJ]

☀️ Summer Fun in the Park Is Free This Weekend: All Madison and Dane County parks will be free June 6 and 7, so you won’t need a permit or pay a fee to take your dog, play disc golf, or access the lakes. [City of Madison]

🦅 Meet Honey and Monarch! The peregrine falcons chicks that hatched at Madison Gas & Electric’s officially have names. Watch their adorable antics on the Falcon Cam when you’re supposed to be working. [WMTV, MG&E]

🎭 American Players is Getting a Tony: The Tony Awards are June 7, and among the honorees will be Spring Green’s famous American Players Theatre.

On the City Cast Madison podcast today, Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians talks to host Bianca Martin about the honor and APT’s new season, which kicks off June 6. Plus, here’s some tips on how to get there, what to wear and what to eat. [APT, 🎧City Cast Madison, Cap Times]

One of the cool things about being a City Cast Madison Neighbor is the chance to send out a Neighborhood Shoutout, singing the praises of a nonprofit, a business, a place or something else in Madison that makes the city just a little better!

📣 Ben R. wanted to shout out Big Honey! “The improv comedy team is pushing the fun and the limits of what indie improv teams can do in town!”

📣 Allison B. wanted to praise the MSCR Pontoon Program! “(It’s) one of my favorite ways to experience Madison, although I'm biased because I volunteer for the program. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from now until the end of Sept, they offer 90-minute drop-in cruises around Lake Monona or Mendota that are just $5. City residents can get free tickets at the public libraries if the $5 is a burden!”

Have you got something that you think Madison ought to celebrate? Become a City Cast Madison Neighbor and we’ll share it on the newsletter and the podcast!