Madison News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Wisconsin’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign kicks off August 19th, targeting Labor Day weekend with a fierce push to keep impaired drivers off the road—last year, nearly 5,000 crashes involved alcohol or drugs, claiming one-third of all traffic deaths. Law enforcement teams are stepping up enforcement, but the real focus is on prevention: plan ahead with a designated driver, rideshare, or taxi—and if you see someone impaired, step in. The stakes are high: fines, legal fees, lost wages, and even jail time can add up to $10,000. With 10,000 annual DUI enforcement opportunities, this year’s campaign is even more...

Residents flooded Columbia County’s board meeting to voice fierce opposition to the proposed Columbia Wind project, demanding transparency and local control over renewable energy developments that threaten property values, wildlife, and quality of life. While Alliant Energy touts economic gains for 300+ landowners, community backlash grows louder — with surveys showing overwhelming local resistance. The debate also extends to a high-voltage transmission line, sparking concerns over farmland and scenic trails. Though the board approved a resolution on the transmission line, no decision was made on a potential moratorium — leaving the future of wind and solar projects in limbo until September.

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Baraboo’s holiday season is about to get a dazzling upgrade—with a $15K campaign to build permanent, eye-catching decorations including a 24-foot tree, glowing arches, and a giant photo-worthy ornament. Designed to launch on November 6th and stretch the festive vibe beyond the parade, this new downtown light display aims to lure families shopping, strolling, and snapping pics all season long. Locals are already buzzing—especially those who live nearby and love the annual holiday traditions. With sponsorships still needed to hit the goal, the grand lighting ceremony promises to be the kickoff of a whole new community celebr...

Seattle Mariners roar back with a 7-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers after a brutal 20-0 loss, exploding for seven runs in the first two innings. Dominic Canzone, Josh Naylor, and Taylor Ward each drove in two runs, with Naylor lighting it up at the plate. Julio Rodríguez added a sacrifice fly. Joey Ortiz responded with a two-run homer and four RBIs for Milwaukee, but couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Logan Gilbert earned the win, striking out five in five innings, while Andrés Muñoz locked it down in the ninth for his 23rd save. The Marin...

Wisconsin’s rural heart is under siege as a 190-mile power line project threatens to slice through prime farmland and iconic landscapes like the Driftless region and Baraboo Bluffs. Residents in Bristol are rallying behind “No 765 Line,” demanding protection of their land, heritage, and way of life—with calls to action ranging from emails to the governor to online activism. The company behind it? Silent so far. This isn’t just about wires—it’s about preserving what makes these communities special.

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After a decade-long investigation into horrific child sexual abuse in Marquette County, authorities have finally arrested 46-year-old Jeremy McBain—linking him to multiple charges including first-degree sexual assault of a minor under 12, incest, and endangerment. With a $1 million bond set and still active probes underway, this arrest marks a long-awaited breakthrough for victims and justice seekers after years of relentless pursuit by law enforcement across state lines.

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Dodgeville School District faced a tough funding decision after a survey revealed only 47% of voters supported their original $2.5 million annual ask—too low to pass. Armed with that data, the board pivoted to a more community-friendly $1.9 million proposal, betting that lower costs could win broader approval. This strategic shift reflects the delicate balance between meeting educational needs and staying within taxpayers’ comfort zones.

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Janesville School District just launched the first-ever Adapted Sports League in Rock County, opening doors for student-athletes with physical and cognitive differences to compete year-round—soccer in fall, floor hockey in winter, wiffle ball in spring—and proudly represent their schools. With eight teams including Craig, Parker, Sun Prairie, DeForest, Middleton, Waunakee, and a Verona-Mount Horeb coop, this groundbreaking initiative breaks down barriers and celebrates inclusion, turning competition into unity.

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The Milwaukee Brewers are crushing it with the best record in MLB, but manager Pat Murphy keeps his feet on the ground—calling it a “work in progress” despite jaw-dropping wins like their 22-0 shutout. After surviving a brutal 17-day grind—including a grueling road trip—they’re still locked in for their fourth straight division title, with the Cubs hot on their heels. Resilience is the theme: players like Jake Bauers say they’ve got what it takes to bounce back and keep winning. Even without big-name acquisitions like Tarik Skubal (who went to LA), they’ve found gems in rookies...

Madison’s school board just cleared the way for One City Schools to move forward with a potential partnership, marking a major milestone for the charter network that already serves over 300 students. While not finalized, this next phase includes community input, public hearings, and deep analysis to shape a sustainable collaboration. Led by CEO Kaleem Caire, One City envisions stronger, more impactful education through alignment with MMSD — and the final decision is expected by 2028.

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Madison’s school board just gave One City Schools the green light to join the district — a historic six-to-zero vote that opens the door for a full proposal and potential integration by fall 2028. Already serving 300+ kids, One City sees this as a powerful opportunity to deepen community impact through transparent, collaborative planning with MMSD. Final approval is expected in spring 2027, setting the stage for a transformative partnership.

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Thirty years of hope and healing: The House of Mercy in Janesville celebrates a milestone serving over 9,300 women, children, and families since 1996. More than just shelter, it’s a lifeline offering housing, jobs, and childcare — born from one man’s compassion after seeing a mom and kids living out of their car. Now packed nightly, it’s proof of community need and resilience. Join them for the Charity Ball on October 10th to help cover rent, education, and daily essentials — because lifting others up is still the heartbeat of this beacon of change.

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Thousands of healthcare pros gathered at Epic’s Verona campus to geek out on AI’s game-changing role in medicine — from AI assistants helping doctors prep for patient visits to Epic’s new MyChart chatbot, Emmie, that answers your health questions using your own records. With 1.5 million doctors already using Epic’s AI monthly, the company’s rolling out updates every three months and a new outbreak-tracking site — healthcare is getting smarter, faster, and more personalized than ever.

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The 73rd Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival is in full swing, drawing thousands for a five-day celebration packed with parades, live music, carnival rides, and local eats — but the real star? Fresh sweet corn, hitting tables this Saturday and Sunday. More than just a food fest, it’s a community cornerstone that brings locals and visitors together to savor what makes Sun Prairie special.

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Madison’s city council is set to approve a $300,000 fund to help Williamson Street businesses recover after a police shooting and subsequent encampment shut down operations and left many entrepreneurs struggling — with one business alliance VP warning the road to recovery will be long and scarred.

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One City Schools is poised to become part of the Madison Metropolitan School District after the school board approved its formal application — a move that could reshape education in the city. Since 2015, this established charter serving over 400 students has operated under University of Wisconsin authorization, but now seeks full district integration to align missions and avoid competition. With their current authorization expiring in June 2027, they aim for a swift transition into the district by fall 2028. A legal hurdle remains: One City’s West Broadway location sits just outside Madison’s traditional boundaries, requiring confirmation of jurisdiction. Superintendent Joe Gothard remain...

After a years-long cross-state manhunt, 46-year-old Jeremy McBain was finally arrested in Arkansas and faces nine serious felony charges—including first-degree child sexual assault and enticement—connected to crimes dating back to 2009. Marquette County deputies, praised for their relentless pursuit, secured a $1 million bond at his first court appearance on August 7, with a key hearing scheduled for August 31. This case is a stark reminder of the long, complex journey law enforcement often undertakes to deliver justice—even when it takes a decade or more.

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Federal investigators released their findings on the small plane crash near Platteville, concluding the pilot likely flew dangerously low—no mechanical failure was found. Though the pilot survived with serious injuries, they have no memory of the crash, leaving the exact cause a mystery. The NTSB points to a critical lapse in altitude awareness as the key factor.

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Beloit’s city council just approved a temporary solution: starting September 8, the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will step in to help patrol streets amid critical staffing shortages at the local police department. This move addresses immediate safety needs while the city works on long-term fixes — including leadership, accountability, and recruiting quality officers. It’s a pragmatic bridge until Beloit’s police force can stabilize, ensuring public safety without sacrificing future readiness.

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The campaign’s official kickoff is here, with David Crowley and Tom Tiffany securing their wins amid early momentum and attack ads already flying. Democrats are uniting behind a message of cohesion, rallying voters around inflation, abortion rights, healthcare, and democracy — while data centers emerge as a new flashpoint. High primary turnout hints at Democratic enthusiasm that could fuel a November wave, even if early polls don’t yet predict a landslide.

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Wisconsin’s I-39/90/94 bridge over the Wisconsin River is getting a major upgrade—northbound traffic moves to the new span Wednesday night, southbound follows Thursday night, all while keeping six lanes open. The old southbound bridge will be demolished once everyone’s switched over, though that side won’t be fully complete until fall 2028. Smooth transition, minimal disruption.

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A 94-year-old journalist named Bill Stokes stunned the world when he snuck into the 1953 MLB All-Star Game as a 21-year-old Army soldier—grabbing autographs from legends like Satchel Paige, even getting his program signed twice. Decades later, footage of that wild day surfaced in MLB videos and even “Ted Lasso,” sending his kids into a frenzy. But this was just the start: Bill went on to cover major stories for the Chicago Tribune, met presidents and celebrities, won top journalism awards, and never slowed down. Even in retirement, he’s writing novels, running a satirical blog, collaborating with his granddau...

The WIAA isn’t just about trophies—it’s a century-old powerhouse shaping student-athletes into lifelong champions. With 500+ schools, they build character, community, and grit beyond the scoreboard. Through programs like Scholar-Athlete scholarships and the Student-Athlete Leadership Team, they empower kids to excel in school, sports, and society. Last year’s launch of the WIAA Foundation expands their reach with grants, scholarships, and official training. At its heart? High school sports create memories, friendships, and life skills that last forever.

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Jerry McCoy, 58, owner of hemp brand Hemp1848 in Janesville, Wisconsin, got arrested after cops raided multiple locations—including stores in Janesville, Edgerton, Beloit, and Monroe—alleging he was trafficking illegal THC products. Facing charges for drug trafficking and manufacturing/distribution, authorities say more accusations are coming as they dig into the evidence. What started as a hemp business may now be the center of a major legal storm.

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Janesville PD just wrapped up a massive multi-agency raid targeting Hemp 1848, alleging illegal THC sales — seizing evidence across five locations and charging owner Jerry McCoy, 58, with drug trafficking and manufacturing. With backup from Rock County, Beloit, Monroe, and a DEA task force, authorities are cracking down on businesses pushing the legal limits — and more charges may be coming. McCoy’s locked up, awaiting court, as regulators tighten the screws on compliance in this fast-evolving gray area.

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Wisconsin’s birding community just hit a soaring milestone—over 500 enthusiasts raised more than $30,000 in record-breaking fundraising, fueling conservation, research, and habitat protection. This year’s “Bird of the Year,” the trumpeter swan, symbolizes recovery thanks to collective action. With youth engagement at the heart of the mission and winter migrants flocking to the Mississippi Flyway, Wisconsin proves that passion for birds can turn into powerful, lasting change.

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Nurses at ten Dean Medical Group clinics are launching a major union drive—380 strong—demanding better staffing, fairer pay, and patient safety in the face of burnout and understaffing. This follows a recent win at St. Mary’s under SSM Health, signaling a growing ripple effect across healthcare. Veteran nurses say short staffing hampers training and care, while SSM Health claims to follow industry standards—but frontline staff argue it’s about being valued, not just paid competitively.

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This Saturday, celebrate resilience and culture at Ukraine Fest — Madison’s fifth annual gathering honoring Ukrainian heritage amid ongoing conflict. Enjoy food, music, kids’ activities, and a silent auction at Olin Park Pavilion, free for all. It’s not just for Ukrainians — it’s an invitation for everyone to unite, appreciate, and stand with a community fiercely preserving its traditions.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning a surprise return to the UK later this month, eyeing a private estate just outside London and already securing British schools for their kids. King Charles was informed Sunday — a move not discussed during their July visit — and while he’s open to more personal family time, their royal status remains unchanged. They’re still private citizens, not working royals, despite returning to the UK for key events like Queen Elizabeth’s funeral and King Charles’ coronation. This marks a major shift after their 2020 exit from the U.S., citing media pressure, ra...

AI’s explosive growth is straining the nation’s power grid, forcing regulators to rush data center connections while avoiding blackouts and soaring bills. With demand outpacing infrastructure, new transmission lines are needed—but approval takes years. FERC is pushing for faster approvals, while regional operators like ISO New England race to upgrade systems by mid-next year. The challenge? Fueling the AI boom without crashing the grid or your electric bill.

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Fog blankets river valleys in southwestern Wisconsin tonight—watch visibility before sunrise. Thursday brings showers and storms, especially west, but no major flooding expected. Clear skies return Friday with warm temps in the 70s-80s. Weekend and early next week stay dry, with a small chance of light rain early next week.

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The U.S. national debt just shattered the $40 trillion mark, climbing rapidly from $39T just five months ago — and experts warn this ballooning debt is already squeezing everyday Americans by driving up borrowing costs, stifling business investment, and threatening long-term economic stability. While the White House pushes for waste reduction and economic growth to ease the debt-to-GDP ratio, looming fiscal cliffs and global comparisons paint a troubling picture as Congress braces for another debt limit showdown by late 2027.

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After 15 years of quietly transforming Madison, the Goodman Foundation is closing its doors on August 31 — but not without leaving a legacy etched in every park, pool, and library they funded. With over $67 million poured into the community, their impact is everywhere. The shutdown was part of a long-planned exit, made possible by early windfall gains that allowed them to give generously without hesitation. Known for their humble, family-driven philanthropy, Bob and Irwin Goodman treated giving as core to their business, empowering local organizations with a decade-long transition plan. Now, as they step aside, they’re hopeful others will rise to c...

The Eugene Hotel in downtown Monroe just turned 101—and it’s more dazzling than ever. After a major renovation, the historic landmark reopened with fanfare, speeches, ribbon-cutting, and tours, blending its century-old charm with modern upgrades. Originally opened on August 19, 1925, the hotel has stood as a pillar of Monroe’s history—and now, it’s stepping boldly into its next 100 years.

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Trump says he’s planning a potential fourth summit with Kim Jong Un later this year, betting his personal rapport with the North Korean leader can steer diplomacy—even as Pyongyang continues expanding its nuclear arsenal. Despite past summits yielding little progress on denuclearization, Trump insists his unique understanding of Kim is the key to stability, blaming prior presidents for the current stalemate and claiming he knows Kim better than any predecessor. The White House is eyeing an Asia trip in November as a possible window for renewed talks, while also scaling back joint military drills with South Korea to s...

SSM Health just unveiled a massive 37,000-square-foot outpatient center in Verona packed with 38 appointment rooms and a full suite of services—from family medicine and dermatology to physical therapy and imaging. Priced at $36 million, the facility boasts eco-friendly design, big windows, and patient-centric touches like Gary Drostle’s art installations and intuitive kiosks. A standout feature? A state-of-the-art physical therapy space. Plans are already underway to expand offerings based on community needs, all while turning a sterile healthcare experience into something warmer, more welcoming—with even a wooden sculpture inspired by the Sugar River in the lobby.

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A 23-year-old motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in a crash on County Highway TW near Kekoskee after allegedly speeding through a stop sign in foggy conditions—prompting a major emergency response and ongoing investigation as authorities withhold his name pending family notification.

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In a major crackdown in Montfort, Iowa, authorities executed a search warrant that led to multiple arrests—including a 19-year-old for running a drug house and intent to deliver THC, a 72-year-old facing drug possession and bail jumping charges, and a 44-year-old accused of cocaine possession. Separately, a 21-year-old was arrested for sending explicit images to a minor via social media. These cases are unrelated to the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old last fall. Law enforcement agencies collaborated across jurisdictions to dismantle criminal operations in the area.

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Gio’s Garden just opened its second location in Sun Prairie, expanding its vital respite care for young kids with developmental and physical delays — a much-needed lifeline for families in the Madison area. With capacity to grow and a mission centered on empowering children through one-on-one attention and joyful play, this new hub is transforming lives, strengthening families, and helping parents find the support they desperately need.

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Air Force Major Jason Watson, the outspoken veteran arrested on Capitol steps for criticizing President Trump, is now facing pretrial confinement amid new allegations of misconduct — though details remain sealed. His recent CNN interview, where he accused the president of constitutional violations and corruption, may have triggered this escalation. Though rare for active-duty service members, Watson has long stood by his right to speak out, even accepting consequences for his stance. The Air Force insists his views don’t reflect the department’s position and affirms his presumption of innocence. This case underscores the growing tension between military duty and po...