All articles tagged with #madison
Ikea announced plans to open a 54,000-square-foot Madison store at Prairie Towne Center in the former Bed Bath & Beyond, featuring fully furnished room settings with over 5,000 products and a Swedish deli, with a fall opening.
Madison’s Office of the Independent Police Monitor signals it may sue the city to protect its independence as councilors consider an ordinance tightening oversight; City Attorney says a city agency cannot sue another city agency, complicating the threat. The proposal would clarify when the monitor can hire outside counsel and require adherence to city administrative policies, prompting sharp public backlash and a referral to further edits. The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between the monitor/oversight board and city leadership over governance and transparency.
The Wisconsin Union moved the Memorial Union Terrace chair party earlier—from 3 p.m. to 1–3 p.m.—due to a severe weather threat, with a DJ, lawn games, and $1 snacks; UW students, faculty and staff with Wiscard can get a free brat while supplies last. The Lakeview Lounge fish fry is still on for 4–8 p.m., and a Free Art Friday event runs 5–8 p.m. at Memorial Union. Madison is expected to see more heavy rain, possible hail and a tornado, so locals are urged to stay updated via weather alerts.
Public Health Madison and Dane County confirmed a second measles case in Dane County linked to an out-of-state traveler who stayed at a Madison hotel on Feb. 6. Exposed, unvaccinated individuals are asked to quarantine through Feb. 27, and PHMDC offers free vaccines to uninsured. The case is not connected to a prior UW–Madison student case; Wisconsin’s first 2026 case was in Milwaukee County.
The James Beard Foundation announced its 2026 restaurant and chef semifinalists, highlighting three Madison names: Public Parking Bar (Best New Bar), Hastings Cameron of Imaginary Factory (Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service), and Mint Mark Executive Chef Kasey Lee Cooke (Best Chef: Midwest). Finalists will be named March 31 and winners announced June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Marie’s Soul Food on Madison's Monroe Street is set to reopen on Wednesday after a closure caused by the owners being stuck in another country; the six-year-old restaurant is known for home-style cooking and a welcoming, family-like atmosphere.
Madison plans to connect two major bike routes, Cannonball and Wingra Creek Paths, by creating a median-separated lane along Fish Hatchery Road to improve safety and connectivity for cyclists, with approval expected soon and construction possibly starting in summer 2026.
Over 100 Starbucks locations across the U.S., including five in Wisconsin and one in Madison, have been closed as part of a strategic review by Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, citing the need to improve the physical environment for customers and partners.
A report from Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District revealed that approximately 6 million gallons of wastewater spilled into the environment due to a sewer pipe crack, likely starting on August 13, with the spill detected on August 22, prompting emergency response and ongoing environmental monitoring.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission investigated Madison Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl for neglecting her duties during a crisis involving 193 uncounted ballots, while she was on vacation and hosting a cookie event, raising concerns about election oversight and accountability.
Brat Fest in Madison, Wisconsin, has moved most of its activities indoors to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum due to potential strong storms. The festival will feature free live music with limited seating and food available on Willow Island, weather permitting. The Community-wide Worship Service will be held in the Exhibition Hall. More details are available on Brat Fest’s social media.
Numerous roads in Madison are closed due to downed trees and storm debris following strong storms, with street crews working to clear the blockages.
The National Weather Service confirmed the first February tornado in Wisconsin near Evansville and Edgerton, with reports of power poles snapped, trees down, and roof damage. No deaths or injuries were reported, but significant damage occurred, and about 1,500 customers were without power in southeastern Wisconsin. The storm system also brought hail, strong winds, and lightning to the Milwaukee area before moving out over Lake Michigan. The weather service will assess damage and investigate the severity level of the tornado.
Jules Tougna Tamen, 59, of Madison, turned himself in and was charged with hit-and-run resulting in death after allegedly striking and killing a woman running in the middle of the Beltline near Fish Hatchery Road. The incident occurred on Jan. 26, and Tougna Tamen left the scene, parking at his home about a mile away. His blue 2005 Lexus was found at his home, and he now faces up to 25 years in prison for the charges.
Wintry weather conditions have led to road closures across the metro area in Mississippi, with the City of Jackson and Madison taking measures to address extremely slick conditions by sanding and salting the streets. The Mississippi Department of Transportation reported ice on roads and bridges in 40 counties, urging people to stay weather-aware and only drive if absolutely necessary, while encouraging them to stay cozy at home.