Hey there, Madison! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Oktoberfest 2026 at Working Draft Beer Company and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What happened to the pregnant cat that ate yarn? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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• Madison teen wins gold at physics contest: 'off-the-charts incredible' (captimes.com) — A Madison West High School junior just brought home a gold medal and top overall honors from the European Physics Olympiad in Sweden, standing out among nearly 200 students from 41 countries. His self-driven physics study, success in national science and math contests, and accomplishments in piano and violin have impressed teachers and family, who see his curiosity taking him far beyond Madison.
• Chloride Monitoring in Starkweather Creek: Madison, Wisconsin's Largest Urban Waterway (fondriest.com) — Starkweather Creek, Madison's largest urban waterway, is now closely monitored for chloride pollution that threatens local lakes and groundwater. Capital Area Regional Planning Commission staff and volunteers are deploying continuous sensors, sharing data publicly, and involving schools, UW–Madison, and neighborhood groups so residents can help reduce road-salt runoff and protect this east-side creek's wildlife and recreation value.
• Jim Zirbel's quest for 'innovation, service through leadership and spreading joy' (madison.com) — Madison readers meet Jim Zirbel, a downtown 100state regular whose ventures span workforce development, facility management education at Madison College, and creative projects like a poetry band and Holibirthdays.com. He also works with Cardinal Heating and Rotary, aiming to connect Wisconsin students with trades careers and celebrate overlooked people in the community.
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Ok Madison! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: She had mittens! (Thank you April M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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