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June 12, 2026

City Anticipates Budget Cuts, Madison’s Election Trust Crisis, and Free Meals for Local Kids

City Cast Madison

City Anticipates Budget Cuts, Madison’s Election Trust Crisis, and Free Meals for Local Kids

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This week, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway told city agencies to be prepared to cut 2% from their budgets amid inflation and higher fuel costs. She also called for state-level reform to lessen the financial burden on Madison taxpayers. On today’s show, host Bianca Martin talks about this news with executive producer Hayley Sperling and Angela Russell, creator of the Black Oxygen podcast and founder of The Undercurrent. 


We also talk about the global and national mistrust in institutions and how that has played out locally. Plus, Madison schools are offering free summer meals to all students and a free summer Metro bus pass for students entering 6th grade and older. And, for City Cast Madison Neighbors only, we react to Forbes magazine naming Wisconsin’s Diane Hendricks and Judy Faulkner among the country’s top three wealthiest self-made women.

👋 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!

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