Coffee in hand, Madison? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to 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: Why did the burglar wear blue gloves? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Madison schools block AI tools like Google Gemini on student computers (captimes.com) — Madison public school students will find AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini blocked on their district Chromebooks again this year, as leaders review overall technology use and screen time. The district has paused adding new ed-tech platforms, tightened social media and YouTube access, and plans public meetings this fall before the School Board votes on a new tech policy in spring.
2. Men face trial in alleged Madison pier sexual assault (fox47.com) — Two Fitchburg men have pleaded not guilty and were bound over for trial after a transgender woman reported being attacked at Goodspeed Family Pier near Memorial Union in Madison on August 29. Police say UW–Madison surveillance video allegedly captured the incident, and the woman told investigators she believes she was targeted because of her gender identity.
3. Photos: Madison East, West boy's soccer face off in Big Eight battle (madison.com) — Madison soccer fans can relive Tuesday night's Big Eight showdown between Madison East and Madison West through a full photo gallery from Breese Stevens Field. The images capture goals, celebrations, and key plays from local student athletes representing both East and West high schools.
4. See photos of Wisconsin statewide debates through the years (jsonline.com) — Statewide political debates have repeatedly brought major candidates and media attention to Madison, including the 2024 U.S. Senate debate at WMTV's studios. A new photo collection looks back at that event and other high-profile gubernatorial and Supreme Court debates that helped shape Wisconsin politics over the years.
5. Takeaways from Josh Kaul on Flock cameras, abortion, mail-in ballots (jsonline.com) — Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is urging lawmakers, who return to Madison in January, to set statewide rules for Flock traffic cameras and consider broader access to abortion. He also backed body-camera requirements in tactical situations, an issue spotlighted by a recent Madison police shooting where officers lacked cameras, and pushed back on federal efforts to tighten mail-in voting rules.
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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: So he wouldn't get caught red handed. (Thank you Vicki B. for sending it in!)
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