Madison Daily Local Brief: School investigation, drug arrest, and city updates

Top story: School incident under investigation

Madison police say detectives are investigating a report that a nonverbal student with autism at Madison East High School was fed dog food during the school day. The student’s family says the incident happened Feb. 13 and was reported to police Feb. 24. The school district has said the staff member involved was removed from duties while the review continues, and community leaders have called for clear accountability as the investigation moves forward.

Public safety: Large drug and weapons seizure tied to federal warrant

Authorities say a Dane County drug task force arrested a Madison man on Feb. 26 after a federal arrest warrant was issued. Police reported recovering large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine, along with firearms that included a pistol and an AR-15 style weapon with an obliterated serial number. Investigators also reported finding a stolen vehicle. The suspect is expected to face additional drug and weapons charges.

City hall: Housing help approved, plus a key corridor squeeze

City leaders approved more than $6 million in funding to support affordable homeownership programs and new owner-occupied homes, with plans that include down payment and closing-cost help, minor home repairs and homebuyer education. The package is also aimed at putting city-owned lots in the Owl Creek neighborhood back into use, with 29 new owner-occupied homes planned across selected projects.

Drivers should also plan for a lane reduction on University Avenue starting Monday, March 2, as construction begins on Hawthorne Court. The city says the corridor will be reduced to two westbound travel lanes starting at Bassett Street, with restricted access to Hawthorne Court during the first phase.

Parking and weather: New evening options, snow on the way

The city has also opened limited paid public parking at the Wilson Lot near East Wilson Street during evenings and weekends. Officials say 12 spaces are available after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday, with a three-hour limit and payment by card or app.

Looking ahead to Saturday, city crews said snow is expected to return in the morning and continue through the day, with plows focusing on salt routes. Alternate-side parking rules remain in effect through March 15.

Sources

https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/02/28/mother-seeking-answers-after-she-says-son-with-autism-was-fed-dog-food-madison-east-high-school/
https://www.cbs58.com/news/staff-member-fired-after-giving-dog-food-to-madison-east-student-with-autism
https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/02/27/dane-co-task-force-arrests-person-after-madison-drug-operation/
https://www.cityofmadison.com/news/2026-02-26/common-council-approves-investments-into-affordable-homeownership
https://www.cityofmadison.com/news/2026-02-25/lane-reduction-on-university-avenue-starting-monday-march-2
https://www.cityofmadison.com/news/2026-02-27/paid-public-parking-now-available-at-wilson-lot-evenings-and-weekends
https://www.cityofmadison.com/