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Coming soon: Yahara Flyer

Scott Gordon

Scott Gordon

— 2 min read
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A graphic shows the Yahara Flyer logo, consisting of text rendered in ASCII style, flanked by two ASCII-style depictions of sandhill cranes.
They are cranes. They are not flamingos.

Hi, I'm Scott Gordon and I'm launching a minimal monthly newsletter about Madison, Wisconsin. It's called Yahara Flyer. It will largely focus on local political commentary, at least for now. Flight 001 will be out September 1, 2026.

I've covered culture and politics in Madison as a journalist since 2006 and co-founded the independent outlet Tone Madison (2014-2026, RIP). These days I not-so-jokingly say I'm "semi-retired" from journalism. Yet I still feel pulled to it, and still feel continually bummed about Madison's lack of alternative media outlets.

What I have the capacity for in my life these days is, well, minimal, but I want to make it meaningful. (To be clear, I am not looking to re-create Tone Madison, as proud as I am of it and as much as I miss it, and frankly I'm trying to apply some hard lessons from those years of fevered workaholism.) I want to take my time with it, and I want to make room for playfulness and experimentation alongside my efforts to unpack some things I take very seriously.

Each edition of Yahara Flyer will consist of two things: A main article (1,000 words or so, again mostly commentary but perhaps also some original reporting when resources allow) and "Crane's Croak," a column of brief anecdotes, observations, and miscellany. I will distribute a print edition that consists of one sheet of letter-sized paper, front and back. A small monthly run of free print copies will be available at one or two spots around Madison, and paying subscribers can receive it via mail; stay posted for distribution locations.

For now, I'm keeping it to that. Yahara Flyer's existence (and any future expansion) will depend upon the support of paying subscribers. It may end up being short-lived, and that's also OK! Subscriber bonuses will also be rather minimal for now. I will try to expand on those as I can, and definitely would like to hold the occasional happy-hour-type event to get together with readers.

If I raise enough money from subscribers to maintain a freelance budget, I will also commission work from other writers. Hit the subscribe button at the top right to support YF.

Special thanks to Dan for creating our logo and ASCII crane art.

I look forward to croakin' at you.