Politics, Prom & Plushies

This week, the team is back from a much-needed break and ready to break down the big news in Madison and across Wisconsin.

🧑‍⚖️ Local Elections Are Here (April 1!)

• The gang discusses the impact of local elections, including the upcoming Madison Common Council races and the statewide constitutional amendment on voter ID.

• Confusion around election dates? We break down what’s real and what’s political misdirection.

• Rob and Stephanie unpack why these “small” elections actually matter—local government = big consequences.

Interview: Joanne Pritchett

• We hear from the challenger for District 9 Alder, on her motivation to run, her advocacy style, and environmental concerns in Madison’s west side.

Most Influential Native American List

• Rob highlights Madison365’s sixth annual list celebrating influential Native American leaders statewide.

• The team reflects on how the list has grown and the importance of representation across professions—judges, teachers, CDFI leaders, and more.

Encore Prom & Wisconsin’s Aging Population

• Want to relive prom with purpose? Verona’s Encore Prom is back—this year’s event supports older adult programming amid Wisconsin’s aging demographic surge.

• Read more here.

Nerd Bugs Makes the INC. 500 List!

• Madison’s own Dr. Ronak Mehta lands on Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 500 for her educational plushie startup, Nerd Bugs.

• Omar shares how the company began as a children’s book idea and turned into a national health education tool—with cute, anatomically-correct organs.

• Read the story here.

⚽ Soccer, Shots, and Showdowns

• Forward Madison advances in the U.S. Open Cup and prepares to host a second-divi