The Madison Focal

A black stethoscope, blue pen and clipboard are arranged on a white surface.

Local

Wisconsin Black lawmakers’ birth-equity package gets no committee hearing as infant deaths remain sharply unequal

Black babies in Wisconsin died before age 1 at more than twice the rate of white babies in 2024, while seven bills aimed at improving maternal and infant health received no public hearing. The lawmakers behind the proposals say political resistance and a lack of trust in the medical system are costing families vital support.

September 11, 2026

A silhouetted traveler stands inside an airport terminal beside a rolling suitcase, holding a cup. Through the large windows, an airplane is visible above airport runways and buildings.

Local

Dane County airport launches $5.8 million plan to guide future expansion

Dane County has begun a $5.8 million master-planning effort for Dane County Regional Airport as officials prepare for rising…

September 11, 2026

Politics

April Kigeya enters Madison mayoral race with community-led government at center

Former Dane County Board Supervisor April Kigeya has launched a campaign to unseat Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, promising a city…

September 11, 2026

Local

Wisconsin orders Enbridge to pause Line 5 bypass work after Iron County spill

The Wisconsin DNR says Enbridge began building a temporary Line 5 bypass without required permits after a record 1.3…

September 11, 2026

Yellow police line tape marked “POLICE LINE—DO NOT CROSS” stretches across a paved area. Evidence markers numbered 45 and 47 are visible near a red post and dark pavement.

Local

Jackson police say Tasia Fortune’s death is being investigated as a homicide

Jackson police are treating the death of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune as a homicide while awaiting autopsy results from the…

September 11, 2026

Politics

Planned Parenthood asks Wisconsin court to recognize a constitutional right to abortion

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is challenging the state’s physician-only abortion rule and 24-hour waiting period in Dane…

September 11, 2026