Activists Snatch Beagles, City Removes Effigy Mound Plaque, and AI Use Raises Questions in Police Monitor Report
This week, Madison’s Office of the Independent Police Monitor released a new annual report detailing staffing issues in its office and calling for officers to wear body cameras. However, after some scrutiny about AI use, the report was taken down for further review. Host Bianca Martin talks with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about the story. They also talk about the 27 animal activists who were arrested after breaking into Ridglan Farms and the removal of a marker on an Indigenous burial mound.
Mentioned on the show:
Effigy Mounds in Madison [City Cast Madison]
Actress Alexandra Paul among animal rights activists arrested [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
Our interview with police chief John Patterson [🎧City Cast Madison]
An Exit Interview with Madison’s Outgoing Police Chief [ 🎧City Cast Madison]
Madison’s Independent Police Monitor Does What Exactly? [ 🎧City Cast Madison]
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20th episode:
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
Primary Results Explained, Ruiz Laid to Rest, and Preview of Men’s Shelter
Today, the family of Corey Ruiz will hold a funeral at the Fountain of Life Church, where Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy. City...
Pour One Out for Madison’s Best Bygone Bars and Restaurants
Is there a meal in Madison you used to get all the time, but that now you can only dream of because the restaurant closed? Maybe it’s a b...
Winners and Losers of the August 2026 Primary
Yesterday, voters in Wisconsin decided on primaries across the state. On today’s show, executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter...
New Info on Ruiz Shooting, Blood Donation Shortage, and Madison Black Restaurant Week
For the second time in the organization’s history, the American Red Cross has declared an emergency after the nation's blood supply dropp...
What You Need To Know for Tomorrow’s Primary Election
Are you ready to vote in tomorrow’s primary? Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos have you covered with the logistics, compet...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Madison
As much as you love Madison, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have compl...
How the Climate Is Changing Wisconsin Fish Fry
Our beloved Friday fish fry tradition isn’t disappearing, but thanks to climate change, it is changing. In this month’s cover story for M...
Ruiz Memorial May Be Gone, But the Protest Isn't Over
The memorial encampment at the intersection of Willy Street and Baldwin was forcibly removed early Tuesday morning by police and city wor...
Madison’s Police Monitor Says MPD Is Obstructing Her Investigation
Nearly two weeks after the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, Madison’s Independent Police Monitor says she still doesn't have the evid...
Your Guide to August 2026 in Madison
How is it already August? We’re not sure, but the City Cast Madison team, along with special guest contributor Emily Winter, has your gui...