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July 19, 2024

RNC Dispatch, City Budget Qs, and RIP Sparky

City Cast Madison

RNC Dispatch, City Budget Qs, and RIP Sparky

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All eyes have been fixed on Milwaukee this week as the Republican National Convention has taken over Wisconsin’s biggest city. Host Bianca Martin caught up with Wisconsin Public Radio political reporter Anya van Wagtendonk to get an inside look at the convention and what folks in Madison should be watching. Meanwhile in Madison, executive producer Hayley Sperling joins Bianca to talk about the city’s continued budget questions, why a group of West siders are suing the city over a housing development, and a sad goodbye at Henry Vilas Zoo.

Mentioned on the show

Reporting from the RNC, Chevron and Wisconsin, Women BBQ brawlers [WPR]

Madison mayor urges City Council to consider property tax referendum [Cap Times]

Raising Taxes or Cutting Services: Madison’s Budget Dilemma [City Cast Madison]

Your City Budget Questions Answered [City Cast Madison]

Library Fundraiser

Maple Bluff eyes property tax referendum to close budget gap [Wisconsin State Journal]

Neighbors sue over Old Sauk Road development but lose Plan Commission appeal [WisconsinState Journal]

Goodbye, Sparky [Henry Vilas Zoo/Facebook]

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

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