
City Cast Madison
🚨Nonprofit Will Pay for Police Body Cams
September 25, 2026 · — Elizabeth Kauma
Good morning, Madison! Cheese fanatic and City Cast Rover Elizabeth Kauma here! The fourth annual Cheese Fair off the Square is tomorrow, and there will be 18 Wisconsin cheese, butter, ice cream and dairy companies featured! My stomach is growling just thinking about it!

What's CITY Talking About

🚌 What Madison School District’s Success Means for the Local Economy: In a panel at the Cap Times Idea Fest Tuesday, education leaders in Madison discussed the challenges and opportunities facing their school district. Several members highlighted how good schools can drive the economy, encouraging high earners and companies to choose to settle in the city. [Cap Times]
🚨Nonprofit Will Pay for Police Body Cams: The Madison Community Foundation is giving the city $350,000 to implement body-worn cameras by the end of 2027. The money will cover initial operating costs, including the hiring of three employees, with the police department absorbing the rest of the costs. [WMTV]
⛪️ Madison Church Wants To Build Affordable Housing: Dale Heights Presbyterian Church has proposed a redevelopment plan that would demolish its current west side building to make a new sanctuary alongside 110 rent-restricted housing units for residents making 30% below the area median income. While a member of the church's governing board told the Cap Times he is hopeful this will help with the housing crisis, the city still needs to approve the plan. [Cap Times]
👩💼 New Empowerment Organization For Women Opens: The international business community, eWomenNetwork, launched a Madison chapter this week. The goal of the organization is to help a million women entrepreneurs grow their businesses to reach $1 million in annual revenue. [Madison365]
⚖️ Medical Nonprofit Sues City of Madison: The Madison-based charity Wisconsin Medical Project is suing the city, claiming it should have received more notice, moving help and financial assistance after the city purchased its longtime space in the former Centro Hispano building on Badger Road. The nonprofit, which sends donated medical supplies around the world, was told in October of 2023 that their lease would not be renewed and that they needed to vacate their building before 2024. [WMTV]
🚔 Group Calls For Officer Who Shot Corey Ruiz To Be Fired: The organization Blacks for Political and Social Action of Dane County Inc. filed a complaint with the Madison Police and Fire Commission against Madison Police Officer Kiel Baitinger-Peterson, who fatally shot Ruiz in July. The complaint says that Baitinger-Peterson violated multiple work orders in shooting Ruiz and should be fired.
On today’s episode of City Cast Madison, Host Bianca Martin talks with City Cast Madison Creative Producer Rob Thomas and the executive editor of Madison365, Rob Chappell, about the police union’s argument for why the complaint should be thrown out. [🔒WSJ, 🎧City Cast Madison]
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Friday Floof

This cuddlebug is perfectly named for his friendly nature! Buddy just wants to spend time with people whether that be laying on their lap and giving them the motivation to win at board games or finish their jigsaw puzzle or comforting someone who is injured or sick. He is 17 years young and loves treats, and I love him!

What To Do
Friday, Sep. 25
- 🏺 Opening Reception for 23rd Annual Ceramics Invitational at Abel Contemporary Gallery
- 🎻 AJ Lee & Blue Summit at Stoughton Opera House
- 💃 Ballroom Basics for Balance™ at Central Library
- 🕯️ Candlelight Concerts at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
- 🤠 Chaparelle at High Noon Saloon
- 😭 Cry Baby at UW-Madison Cinematheque
- 🎥 Edie Arnold is a Loser at The Barrymore Theatre
- 📚 Emily St. John Mandel at Capitol Theater
- 🤘 Evening Elephants at Majestic Theatre
- 🛍️ Fashion Finds Sale at Attic Angel Association Building
- 🍴 Food Truck Friday at Working Draft Beer Company
- 📚 Imagination Center Grand Opening at Reindahl Park (through Sept. 26)
Saturday, Sep. 26
- 🎨 Regent Neighborhood Art Walk at Regent Neighborhood
- 🎷 Afro Cuban Jazz Project at North Street Cabaret
- 💃 Dancing with the ARTS at Century School Park in Verona
- 🪩 The Disco Biscuits at The Sylvee
- 🎭 Ferdinand at Wil-Mar Center
- 🛶 Full Moon Paddle at Wingra Boats
- 🎶 Granny Shot at Atwood Music Hall
- 🚲 Lake Wingra Community Bike Ride at Vilas Park Shelter
- 🛍️ Madison Makers Summer Market at multiple venues
- 🍻 Madison Oktoberfest bar crawl at multiple bars
- 🍽️ Madison Vegan Fest at William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park
- 🧑🍳 Monona's 43rd Chili Cook-Off at Ahuska Park in Monona
- 🎉 Monroe Street Festival on Monroe Street
- 🦆 Nature Lovers: Singles Birding Hike (30s &40s) at UW-Madison Arboretum
- 🤖 Robot Combat: Southern Wisconsin Robot League at The Kickback Bar in Middleton
- 🤘 Stabbing Westward at Majestic Theatre
📰 Extra! Extra! Trying to get to Chiba Hut this weekend? You are going to have to find a new route. The 400 block of West Gilman Street will be closed from University Ave. and Frances St. from Friday through Sunday.
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