Madison Local Headlines

Warner dog park still closed after sudden dog death

Madison’s Warner Park off-leash dog area remains closed as city officials investigate a report that a dog became ill and died shortly after a visit earlier this month. Parks staff shut the fenced area as a precaution and locked the gates, posting signs directing owners to other dog parks while they work with veterinary and public health partners.

City parks officials say they have received multiple calls and emails from concerned residents and are awaiting more information, including toxicology results, before deciding when the popular north-side dog park can safely reopen. The broader Warner Park remains open to visitors, but dogs are not allowed in the off-leash section during the closure.

UW-Madison student accused of secretly recording in residence hall restroom

A UW-Madison student has been arrested after campus police say he is suspected of using a cell phone to secretly record people inside a residence hall restroom. According to police, several students reported a phone being slid under stall dividers with the camera pointed upward. One student grabbed the device during a repeat incident and reported it, leading officers to identify a suspect.

The 19-year-old student faces multiple counts related to disorderly conduct and capturing images of nudity without consent. Investigators believe there could be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact campus police. University officials are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity in shared bathrooms and common spaces.

Madison reflects on spring primary and looks ahead to April ballot

After Tuesday’s spring primary, Madison election officials are turning to canvassing results and preparing for the April 7 spring election. Polls across the city were open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with same-day registration available for eligible voters who brought proof of address. The primary helped narrow fields in local and nonpartisan races ahead of the higher-turnout April contest.

The City Clerk’s Office is reminding residents that unofficial results from Tuesday are followed by a formal canvass and that voter participation records can take several weeks to fully update. Voters are being urged to verify their registration status, review sample ballots, and plan ahead for April, when judicial, school, and municipal offices will be on the line.

What to watch locally

In the coming days, dog owners will be looking for updates from Madison Parks on Warner’s off-leash area and any guidance on other dog parks. On campus, students are likely to see renewed emphasis on restroom and residence hall safety as the recording case moves through the courts. Citywide, attention will shift from primary turnout to spring election campaigning, with candidates working to connect with voters before April.

Sources

• https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/02/16/warner-park-off-leash-dog-park-closed-after-dogs-sudden-death-reported/
• https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/northstar
• https://www.wbay.com/2026/02/16/uw-madison-student-accused-recording-people-residence-hall-restroom/
• https://www.cityofmadison.com/news/2026-02-17/today-is-election-day