😮‍💨 Why Madison’s air quality sucks today

😷 Madison’s Air Quality Is Looking Rough

• It has been a hot week so far in Madison, and while the temperatures are expected to be a bit cooler today, the air quality is worse. Wildfires in Canada and Northern Minnesota have resulted in smoke that is now blanketing the entire state of Wisconsin and creating unhealthy conditions.
• You can check the air quality index and find interactive maps at airnow.gov.
• Hot tip: You don’t have to spend a lot of money for an air purifier. We’ve got instructions on how to make one yourself! [News 3, 🔒Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, U.S. Air Quality Index, City Cast Madison]

⚡ Nuclear Fusion Research Company Stays in Madison

• Madison-based Realta Fusion has chosen the former Oscar Mayer plant as the location for its new research facility. But there’s still a lot of expensive work to be done. The company expects facility improvement to cost tens of millions of dollars while the equipment costs are estimated at more than $500 million.
• To support the expansion, Realta has secured $55 million in incentives from both the state of Wisconsin and the city of Madison in the form of tax increment financing from the city, and state tax exemptions and credits.
• Realta plans to create a new nuclear fusion prototype called the “Hammir,” and they hope to develop the technology for future fusion power plants. Realta employs about 45 people and intends to expand to about 600. [Cap Times, WPR, Isthmus]

🏐 UW Volleyball Alum Returns To Madison

• Great news for Madison volleyball fans: former Badger allstar Mimi Colyer will play for League One Volleyball Madison in the upcoming season. Colyer is returning to Madison after playing for Major League Volleyball’s Dallas Pulse. LOVB and MLV are the country's only full-season professional volleyball leagues.
• Colyer joins other Badger alumni on the team including Carter Booth, Caroline Crawford, Temi Thomas-Ailara, and founding player Lauren Carlini.
• Hear more: City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin spoke with Carlini and former head coach Matt Fuerbringer last year about the league and the growing support of professional women’s volleyball. [🔒Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

📖 The Next Chapter For a Downtown Bookstore

• Lake City Books is hosting a grand re-opening at their new location this Friday. The bookstore, which was previously on North Hamilton Street, is moving to 120 S. Carroll St.
• Owner Molly Fish is on the City Cast Madison podcast today with a preview of the new space which will include a patio and wine bar. Plus, Cap Times Food and Culture Editor Lindsay Christians joins the conversation with a popsicle roundup to get you through these hot hot summer days. [🎧 City Cast Madison]

One of the perks of being a City Cast Madison Neighbor is the opportunity to shout out your favorite things! This week, we’re got a great variety of shoutouts.

📣 Emmett N. loves Curry in the Box. “Great Thai food, and the owners are lovely people.”

📣 Shahayra M. says, “we are so fortunate to have Middleton Jewelers in town. They do so much to support the local community — including donating a $3k diamond necklace and a $7,500 custom jewelry package at the Boys & Girls Club White Party. Grateful for these folks with hearts of GOLD!”

You too can shout out your favorite businesses, events, and people by becoming a City Cast Madison Neighbor today!