City crime reports fell by 4.4 percent in 2009, according to the Uniform Crime Reporting data released by Madison Police Department Tuesday. MPD spokesperson Joel DeSpain cited the Blue Net Burglary Task Force, a countywide communications and criminal monitoring effort, along with community involvement as reasons for the decline. “Community… Read more »

State Street bar The Pub will soon be under new ownership, though the identity of the new owner has yet to be revealed. According to Alcohol License Review Committee Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, the new owner plans to keep The Pub — owned currently by David Schwoegler — as… Read more »

With Madison Avenue possibly changing names and reopening in January as a bowling bar and restaurant, the owner held a public information session at the University Avenue bar Thursday offering new details on the proposed establishment. Segredo will be based on a model currently operating in Brazil, Spain and Portugal.… Read more »

The Overture Center will be hosting a variety of events to celebrate its fifth anniversary this Saturday. According to the Overture Center’s website, the celebration entails performances by Madison Symphony Orchestra, VIP backstage passes, wine tasting and a children’s costume event, all accessible to the general public from 10 a.m.… Read more »

The Low-Income Bus Pass Program Subcommittee met Thursday concerning a proposal to provide cheaper bus passes for people at or below the poverty level by next year. Committee member Steven Schooler from Porchlight Inc. said, “The goal is to make (an) assessment of the low-income program … and to (consider)… Read more »

The Mifflin Street neighborhood could undergo serious changes over the next decade as planners push for new, taller buildings to replace the older homes that have given the neighborhood its character for generations of University of Wisconsin students. The last time the Mifflin Street neighborhood plan was altered was in… Read more »