A new United Nations report says global warming has hit the point of no return and is set to consistently exceed the 1.5°C benchmark set with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. On today’s episode, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with Wisconsin State Climatologist Steve Vavrus about 2026’s wild weather, upcoming El Niño impacts, and the likelihood of future severe storms. On the positive side, Vavrus highlights adaptation work through the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts and the state climatology office.

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An upcoming art installation at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art has sparked some controversy due to its use of AI. On today’s podcast episode, MMoCA Director Paul Baker Prindle joins host Bianca Martin to discuss the nature of the piece and the role of contemporary art museums in the present moment. Then, Bianca talks with Chazen Art Museum Chief Curator Katherine Alcauskas about newly-open exhibits at the Museum and what museum visitors can expect when the Chazen reopens its collection galleries later this fall.

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in Madison? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measures to install and use it. From license plate readers to drone cameras, the technology is routinely rejected by the Metro Council and mayor, and locals are somewhat split on if that’s for the better. City Cast Nashville host Rachel Iacovone joins “Your City Could Be Better” to walk through all the measures that the Nashville government has reviewed and rejected, why people have reason to fear the tech, and what the city may lose by saying no to surveillance.

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This week, the Madison Finance Committee voted unanimously to deny additional funding for the Office of the Independent Police Monitor. The office sought $28,500 to pay for additional staffing and operational costs. At the same meeting, the committee approved giving $100,000 to the Williamson Street Business Stabilization Program. Meanwhile, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is facing community pushback over a new exhibit that uses generative AI. Plus, good news for snow birds! The Dane County Regional Airport is bringing back seasonal flights to warm destinations for the fall and winter. 

City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin and creative producer Jade Iseri-Ramos break down these big stories and for Neighbors’ ears only, the fates of thousands of parking tickets are unverified. WHAT?!

Mentioned on the show:

Our interview with City Council President Sabrina Madison [🎧 City Cast Madison] 

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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Madison’s first Halal Restaurant Week starts Friday, and eight local restaurants are adapting their menus to be more inclusive of Muslim diners. Executive producer Hayley Sperling breaks down the offerings with host Bianca Martin and local comedian Emily Winter. 

Plus, Wisconsin is projected to have a budget surplus of about three billion dollars. The team imagines what they would do with those excess funds. And finally, why did WalletHub rank Madison the 11th best city to retire in? Hint, it’s not the cost of living!

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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Genes are just one factor in your odds for developing Alzheimer’s disease. A study from the Center for Health Disparities Research at UW–Madison explores the environmental and societal factors behind the disease. It’s a mission that is supported by a $30.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. CHDR director Dr. Amy Kind joins host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling to explain what we now know about Alzheimer’s disease and external factors.

Then, the team discusses the uncertain future of legal hemp-derived cannabis in Wisconsin as the Nov. 11 federal ban looms. Plus, Badgers head to class today! As UW-Madison alumni, Hayley and Bianca sound off with their hot tips for new students.

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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September is here! This month will be full of bountiful harvests, neighborhood festivals, and “Is it fall yet?” vibes. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and newsletter editor Rob Thomas share their picks for things to do and eat this month. Plus, they talk about how to get ready for fall. 

⚓ This month’s guide is sponsored by Forward Theater. Their pick this month is to go see “Steady She Goes.” Check out our Instagram for a chance to win two tickets to this world premiere play. 

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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The news has been nonstop for Madison recently. Today, Madison City Council President Sabrina Madison talks to host Bianca Martin about the biggest stories in the city right now — from new updates on the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz to the opening of the new men’s shelter and the upcoming budget process. Plus, Madison’s first new library in more than two decades is opening Sept. 25!

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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The Madison airport definitely has a lot going for it, but what it doesn’t have is its own electrical grid, like Pittsburgh’s does. For the past few years, Pittsburgh International Airport has been generating on-site electricity, more than it needs even at peak operation, to fortify itself against the kind of power outages that hit airports (unsettlingly often) across the world. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris brings David into the little-known world of airport energy independence, showing how a one-time investment can bring the kind of peace of mind that both travelers and operators hope for every day.

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The whole world is mourning country star and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who passed away earlier this week. , Although she’s gone, kids in Dane and Sauk Counties will still get their free book each month from “Aunt Dolly” thanks to a partnership between Madison Reading Project and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Early literacy coordinator Sarah Burke joins the podcast to talk about Dolly’s impact on our youngest readers. 

Then, host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and contributor Scott Resnick talk about new candidates jumping into the Madison mayoral race. They also recap a three-hour Q&A on the city's response to the fatal police shooting of Cory Ruiz and the protests and encampment that resulted from it. And for Neighbors’ ears only: a group of Madison parents are pushing for stricter screen-time limits in schools.

Mentioned on the show:

Brian Bedford announces mayoral run [Madison 365]
Syed Abbas announces mayoral run [Madison 365]

Kaleem Caire will run for mayor [Wisconsin State Journal]

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 

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