Isthmus was founded in 1976 by Vince O'Hern and Fred Milverstedt, two University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates. The idea for Isthmus came from their desire to create an alternative weekly newspaper that would cover local news, arts, and culture in Madison, Wisconsin, with a fresh and independent voice. O'Hern and Milverstedt saw a need for a publication that could bridge the gap between the university community and the broader Madison population. In 2020, facing financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Isthmus transitioned to a nonprofit model. Today, it is owned and operated by Isthmus Community Media, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving independent journalism in Madison. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Isthmus covers a wide range of local and regional topics. The publication provides in-depth reporting on Madison's politics, community issues, arts and entertainment scene, food and dining, music, and cultural events. While the primary focus is on issues and happenings within Madison and Dane County, Isthmus also includes coverage of state-level politics and news that may impact its readers. The website, isthmus.com, offers a mix of long-form journalism, opinion pieces, event listings, and multimedia content, serving as a comprehensive guide to life in Madison for both longtime residents and newcomers to the city. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of Isthmus is its role in launching the career of cartoonist Lynda Barry. Barry, who later gained national recognition for her comic strip “Ernie Pook's Comeek“ and her graphic novels, got her start at Isthmus in the late 1970s. The publication was one of the first to feature her work regularly, helping to establish her distinctive style and voice in the world of alternative comics. This connection to Barry's early career highlights Isthmus's long-standing commitment to supporting local artists and creative voices in Madison.