📝 How to stay cool on hot Madison days

🔎 Madison Elementary School Investigation

• A Madison elementary school is under investigation due to concerns by both parents and staff.
• The investigation includes looking into fights among students, staffing shortages, and overall poor communication. [15 WMTV]

🚲 The Naked Bike Ride Returns

• Despite efforts to get rid of the Naked Bike Ride, it returned to Madison this past Saturday.
• This bike ride is a part of a movement to endorse body positivity, and to protest greenhouse gas emissions. [MJS]

🏢 Another Apartment Building?

• Langdon Street is getting another new apartment complex. This complex could open as soon as summer of 2026.
• Jason Ilstrup, president of Downtown Madison Inc., said that complex will act more as a student housing complex. [🔒WSJ]

In classic Wisconsin fashion, we have gone from cold spring mornings right to sweltering humidity. I curated a list of places for you folks to cool off and take a break from the balmy weather. These are some of my favorite ways to beat the heat in Madison.

💦 Cool Off With a Splash

Goodman Pool

For the ultimate break from the heat, take a dip in the Goodman Pool. A great place for the whole family to take a break from the heat.

Outdoor UW Paddle Rentals

From kayaks to the eight-person stand-up paddleboard, there are plenty of rentals one can get from Outdoor UW. Set sail on Lake Mendota for the perfect way to avoid the heat!

🍹 Cool Off With a Drink

Bandit Coffee & Tacos

With huge windows, this spot allows for natural light with the luxury of air conditioning. Enjoy a margarita, or my personal favorite, their yerba juice.

Terrace at Memorial Union

Classics are classic for a reason — grab a pitcher at the terrace while enjoying the views of Lake Mendota.

Olbrich Biergarten

What is a better way to cool off than a cold beer? Olbrich Biergarten is on Madison’s lake loop, and is a great spot where you can get a beer and play cards with your friends.

🍦 Cool Off With a Sweet Treat

Monona Bait & Ice Cream Shop

Bike or drive to this wonderful ice cream spot located on Lake Monona. Featuring Babcock Hall Ice Cream, there are plenty of flavors to choose from and enjoy on their patio.

Good News Ice Cream

Located on King Street, this ice cream shop has a variety of quirky flavors that are sure to not only cool you off, but also satisfy your sweet tooth. My go to is fig & honey!

What are some ways you like to beat the heat?

Meet another furry friend for Take Me Home Tuesday! This week, the Dane County Humane Society would like to introduce you to the precious Miss Finkle.

She is an adult cat who was brought to DCHS in early May with a respiratory infection. She is now doing much better and is ready for her forever home. She is a very friendly cat and absolutely LOVES attention.

At DCHS, June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, which means reduced adoption fees for cats! These fees are $10 for adult and senior cats, $50 for young adult cats, and $100 for kittens from June 17-23.

Think Miss Finkle would be a great addition to your family? Contact DCHS at 608-838-0413, ext 145, to set up an appointment to meet her.

Must See Madison: Kettle Corn, Sandhill Cranes, and a Reuben

One of the things that makes Madison such a special city is the pride that people show when talking about their favorite places to eat, or things to do around town. Sit down with our new City Cast Madison producer Phil Surkis, who has been about town, and now is back to report on his findings, along with podcast host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling.

Get ready for our third installment of what we’re calling “Must See Madison”!