The fight for State Attorney General

🗳️ Tight Race for State Attorney General Ahead: Despite a November election date, Democrat Josh Kaul and Republican Eric Toney have already kicked off their campaigns for State Attorney General. Kaul is a two-time incumbent, but Toney, a Fond du Lac County district attorney, received 49% of the votes in the race four years ago. It is expected to be a close election again this year. [Isthmus]

🏫 Madison School District’s Boundary Change Underway: The district is working on early drafts of new school attendance areas, and while no schools will close, nearly every elementary school will be affected. Transportation concerns, as well as increasing housing developments and the expected new students that come along with them drove the need for the review, and the district will share first drafts this fall. [🔒 Wisconsin State Journal]

♻️ Madison Climate Plans Face Challenges: The city filed its first progress report for its 2024 Sustainability Plan, which included targets for net-zero carbon emissions for the community by 2050, and they aren’t making the progress they expected. Resistance from the state and federal governments to climate change policies has dried up funding, and the city government has had to make more with less. [The Cap Times]

Madison during the summer is full of live music and with Concerts on the Square starting it is the best time of the year to see music.

On the podcast today, City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin spoke with local entrepreneur and former Madison City Council member Scott Resnick about what to expect at this year’s Concerts on the Square. Plus they discussed what’s in MMSD’s 2026-2027 budget.

A great way to spend your summer nights is finding different ways to get down and groove to free, live music. Here are 10 of the best places to do so in Madison!

📖 Leopold's Book Bar Caffè

Leopold’s is a great place to catch some live music on Regent Street. From classical, to folk, to DJs, there are many different performers that one can see at Leopold’s.

🎺 Lakeside Street Coffee House

While it serves as a coffee shop every day of the week, Lakeside Street Coffee House becomes a great spot to catch local artists several evenings a month. They also serve drinks for people to enjoy while they listen!

🎤 Memorial Union Terrace

A classic spot to get your live music fix in Madison is the Terrace! Along with different artists performing, there are open mic nights for the public to show off their various talents.

🍺 Essen Haus

Throughout this summer, Essen Haus has live polka music every Friday and Saturday night from 8-12. Grab a stein of beer and get your polka on!

Meet Gary D’Snake! Gary is a very sweet and shy adult ball python. Gary was found in a container on Madison’s East Side earlier this month and brought to Dane County Humane Society where they were a perfect gentleman with the staff.

While Gary has been very nice to and curious about the technicians, they have been quiet in their cage. Gary would do well with a patient and loving family who will give them the environment to (metaphorically) come out of their shell.