Plus, AI museum exhibit draws controversy ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Tuesday, September 1 

Your Daily Guide

Good morning, Madison! Believe it or not, it’s September! But before you officially become Mr. Autumn Man, check out today’s City Cast Madison podcast, where host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and myself chat about what we want to see, do, and eat this month. We also give our suggestions for how to dive into fall like it was a pile of freshly-raked leaves 🍂

And be sure to check your inbox this afternoon for our special bonus newsletter devoted to everything that’s happening in September and how you can make the most of it!

PODCAST

Your Guide to September 2026 in Madison

What Madison's Talking About

An AI-generated image of multi-colored orbs in clear, stacked boxes.

Diffuse Control by Wisconsin digital artist Beeple is being criticized for its use of AI-powered technology. (Madison Museum of Contemporary Art)

🧑‍🎨 AI-Powered Art Comes to MMoCA: An upcoming exhibit at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Diffuse Control by Wisconsin digital artist Beeple, will use generative art technology to turn artwork from the museum’s permanent collection into an endless stream of imagery.

🏫 Schools Revisiting Discipline Policy: The Madison School Board is creating a new committee to reassess the district’s 2014 student discipline policy. While the policy was intended to minimize suspensions and reduce disparities, 2024-25 district records show that two out of 10 students with disabilities and three out of 10 Black students received suspensions, compared to one out of 10 students in general. [Cap Times]

🇬🇧 Epic Builds Across the Pond: Epic Systems is building a new campus near Bristol, England, but it won’t have all the quirky amenities of its Verona flagship. The campus in Long Ashton will feature two buildings and a training center, and its architecture will fit in with the character of rural England, Epic officials said. No word on whether or not that means more or less Hogwarts-inspired spaces. [🔒WSJ, Facebook]

🍎 What’s at the Core of Orchard Shortages? Wisconsin orchards have fewer apples on hand this season, which is leading to higher prices for apples and cider.

  • An unexpected spring freeze, including a four-night run of freezing temperatures in April, wiped out half the apple crop at Door Creek Orchard in Cottage Grove. The owner of Fitchburg’s Eplegaarden says it wasn’t as hard hit, but some trees did not produce many apples this year. [WKOW, Door Creek Orchard, Eplegaarden]

🩸 UW Defends Blood Drive Title: The “We Give Blood” drive hosted by Abbott and the Big 10 is taking place through Sept. 2 at the Nicholas Recreation Center on Dayton Street. Last year, UW-Madison got a $1 million grant from Abbott for receiving the most donations. The timing couldn’t be better since the nation is currently facing a blood shortage. [WKOW, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

🪂 ‘Why Not Do It Naked?’ Skydiving? I can think of several reasons why not... [News 3]

Display ad for Madison Gas & Electric

Your home's fall syllabus is here ✏️

Class is in session, and your home just got a syllabus. Lesson one: seal the drafts. Lesson two: set the thermostat and forget it. Lesson three: cold-water laundry, LED bulbs, unplugged chargers. MGE's back-to-school energy tips break it all down into simple, cozy-home lessons for fall. Read the full list and help your home graduate to a comfier season.

Take Me Home Tuesday

A brown dog sits on grass and looks up, smiling.

Gee, I wonder why they call him Smiley . . . (Dane County Humane Society)

Meet Smiley! This 45-pound young adult has a lot of happiness to share! He is friendly, snuggly, and loves being around people. He leans in for pets and may even lay at your feet just to stay close. Smiley is food motivated and loves receiving treats (who doesn’t?), and is a big fan of playing and running around the yard.

When it comes to meeting other dogs, Smiley can be a little nervous, so he’s looking for a patient family who will help him build confidence and continue working on his positive reinforcement training. With time, encouragement, and lots of love, Smiley is ready to keep learning and thriving!

😃 Bring Smiley home!
City Cast newsletter ad image

What To Do

Tuesday, Sep. 1

Wednesday, Sep. 2

More Madison Events

📰 Extra! Extra! Classes start Wednesday on the UW-Madison campus, and students will immediately face their first big test – Coke or Pepsi? Take the Pepsi Challenge outside Union South from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and judge which carbonated drink is the best 🥤

– Rob Thomas

mailtoyoutubeinstagramtiktok