Data Center Debate, Spring Election Preview, and Badgers Go To the Olympics

Earlier this week, the village board in DeForest denied a petition from residents' to require a referendum before annexing the land of a future data center. Virginia-based company QTS has proposed a $12 billion data center on farmland just outside of town, and are negotiating with DeForest officials to bring utilities to the property. Host Bianca Martin breaks down the news with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas. Plus, who’s going to be on the 2026 spring election ballot, and why are there so many Badgers on the USA Olympic women’s hockey team? Mentioned on the show: Himal Chuli closed on New Years [Cap Times]Madison’s first woman’s sports bar [City Cast Madison] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [e-mail]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes 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! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.