Saturday, September 27th, 2025
Good morning, Madison. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 27th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rutabaga Paddlesports, a local sporting goods shop, will close at the end of 2025 as owner Darren Bush retires to become a chaplain after surviving a severe heart attack three years ago. He will keep his community ties by continuing the annual Canoecopia event and offering boat rentals at Olbrich Park—upholding the shop’s legacy. Wisconsin Public Radio
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Madison band Quokka released a new album called Lifer that weaves bird calls into 10 original songs to capture the sounds of local birds — including American robins and northern cardinals. Singer Aaron Grych said his birdwatching during the pandemic inspired the project. Wisconsin Public Radio
- ➤ Madison hosts the Art of Cheese Festival with many cheese events, including Cheese Fair Off the Square—a free event held today at Capitol Square at Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Cheesemakers from across Wisconsin will sell their goods while the Dane County Farmers’ Market runs at the same time. WMTV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UW-Madison’s School of Computer, Data, and Information Sciences celebrated the opening of its new building, Morgridge Hall, on Friday as part of a $267 million project privately funded by principal donors Tashia and John Morgridge—who said the event marked the start of an AI revolution. Officials including Gov. Tony Evers and Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin also spoke during the ceremony. WKOW
- ➤ Andres Jimenez of eAchieve Academy in Madison was named a 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar in Arts by the U.S. Department of Education—he is one of four Wisconsin high school seniors chosen among over 6,400 qualified candidates from 3.9 million graduates. The award honors achievements in academics, the arts, and career and technical education. WMTV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Madison closed its Dairy Drive encampment after city officials decided not to extend its contract—monthly costs of $60,000 to $70,000 were needed for a planned men's shelter. The closure forced 20 residents to leave by 8 p.m. Friday—residents now face uncertainty about where to live. WISC-TV
- ➤ A court-appointed referee recommended that former justice Michael Gableman lose his law license for three years for ethics violations during his failed 2020 election investigation — the recommendation now awaits a ruling from the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Wisconsin Public Radio
- ➤ UW-Madison is preparing for a possible federal government shutdown at 12:01 a.m. on October 1—university leaders said that ongoing federally funded research may continue while new grants and visa applications could face delays if federal agencies do not provide further guidance. WKOW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After parents, students, & the community pushed for change, Madison West allowed students with disabilities Asha Shukla and Aurelia Bergstrom to swim in an exhibition 50-yard freestyle race during a home meet against Verona. They swam in their first meet after being cut for having too many tryouts and were cheered on by families and teammates. WMTV
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THE ORCHESTRA Featuring Former ELO Members
8-9:30 PM — The Orpheum Theater — Ticket info not specified — Experience a night of symphonic rock with classic hits and dazzling performances.
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Michael Minelli Live
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Red Zone Madison — Entry cost unknown — Experience the unique soul and energy of Michael Minelli as he headlines his own tour.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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