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Hello Madison! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Championship series showdown, Wisconsin’s first Topgolf, and kid-friendly Pokémon card show + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Madison help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Championship series showdown: Madison won Game 1 of the championship series 3-1 on Monday, taking a 1-0 lead. Game two is tonight in Madison, and Wausau must win two straight to stay alive -- read the full update.
A new golf destination debuts: Topgolf Madison, Wisconsin’s first, will open Aug. 14 eight miles east of the city, with 72 climate-controlled bays, a full bar and restaurant, 12 game-day suites, and a giveaway -- see what’s planned inside.
Inclusive tech community gathering: DevFest WI will take place at Tripp Commons in Memorial Union on August 19, spotlighting inclusivity with inspiring talks, a skill workshop, and networking from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm -- see what’s on deck.
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,500 this year. Case in point: Shopping around could cut your premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Scoop-worthy this week: Madison-made since 1962, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co. churns super-premium, award-winning flavors with real Wisconsin dairy and all-natural sugars, which explains why a single scoop turns into a full-on moment of zen. Swing by for something classic or delightfully wild, then savor it like you meant to share but absolutely won’t.
Fresh cut, happier pup: Serenity Pet Spa East | Dog Grooming Madison delivers award-winning grooming with a calm, low-stress vibe, from squeaky-clean baths to tidy-ups and puppy cuts that actually grow out nicely. If the fur tumbleweeds are winning at home, book your buddy here and enjoy fewer tangles this week.
Pro nail restock alert: Madison Nail Supply is the local go-to for high-quality gels, acrylics, dip powder, pedicure kits, and the tools that keep sets clean and clients happy, all at competitive prices. Brands like DND, La Palm, and Bare Soak are carried, so refresh your kit this week.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
One plug-in drives bugs out of your home, no spray required: For every bug you see along the baseboards, more are nesting out of sight, and traps and poison only reach so far. This one works differently: patented pulse technology runs through your home's wiring to make the whole place uncomfortable for insects and mice, so they clear out on their own. No fumes, nothing on the floor near the kids or pets, just plug it in. Over 3.5 million sold, it's silent, and there is a money-back guarantee. *Get yours 40% off →
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year. It's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🦁 Science Thursday: "Animals" @ Wingra Boats | Thursday (8/6) at 5:00 PM – Science Thursday at Wingra Boats means one thing, Henry Vilas Zoo is rolling in with critter know-how and kid-approved chaos. It’s free, family-friendly, and lakeside, with hands-on learning, simple crafts, and snacks, so you can call it education, not bribery. Donations appreciated.
🎣 Learn to Fish @ Lake Farm County Park | Friday (8/7) at 9:00 AM – Down by the water, your kid learns to fish without you wrestling hooks. For $15, beginners ages 5 to 12 get gear, casting basics, and catch-and-release help, while you chaperone for free, one adult per five kids, and call it quality time.
🥁 Kid's in the Rotunda Summer Sessions @ Memorial Union Terrace | Friday (8/7) at 11:00 AM – Toco Beach Steelpan is turning the Rotunda into a mini island, with vocals, steelpans, flute, and marimba that make kids dance and parents forget the to-do list. It is free, fun for all ages, and perfect for ages 0 to 9, no passport required.
🔬 Preschool Science @ Westside Community Market | Saturday (8/8) at 9:00 AM – Take the littles to Westside Community Market where Preschool Science turns a kiddie pool of corn into serious research, trucks included. UHP brings sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and hands-on activities, you snag produce and coffee, and everyone leaves tired, sticky, and happy.
🎴 PokeConnect Card Show @ East Towne Mall | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats wandering East Towne Mall with a coffee, your kid's binder of Pokémon cards, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. PokeConnect Card Show is free, with rare finds, sealed goodies, and plenty of trading, perfect for reliving recess and teaching smart bartering.
🍳 Breakfast on the Bay @ Brittingham Boats | Sunday (8/9) at 7:00 AM – Feel like earning your pancakes the civilized way? Paddle your kayak or rent a boat to the floating breakfast cafe, then tuck into a proper stack with coffee, juice, and all the toppings, plus glassy lake views, conversation, and blessedly zero brunch lines.
👨 Family Day @ The Melting Pot | Sunday (8/9) at 12:00 PM – Sunday calls for easy wins, so kids 12 and under get a free kid's entrée with each adult entrée, one-to-one, a $15 value. Easiest parenting win since nap time. Just know it is not combinable with other offers, specials, or holidays, and everyone leaves happy.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Skip credit card interest until nearly 2028You know the feeling: you make your credit card payment, check the balance, and it's barely moved. That's interest quietly eating most of what you pay. Here's a rare chance to stop it. This card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, so for over a year every dollar you pay goes straight to what you owe, not the bank's cut. And you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. The rewards are where it gets even better. Every purchase earns you at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories climbing as high as 5%, so the card pays you back on the spending you're already doing. Put a little on it early and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting. Between the break on interest, the cash back, and no annual fee, it's a lot of card for nothing to hold. *Take a look → |
07 — Madison report Weather forecastToday — High: 75°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 45%
Patchy fog and a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then patchy fog and a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7am and 8am, then patchy fog and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 79°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 13%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. North wind around 0 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. South wind around 0 mph. This house is wildThis Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired mid-century home, once the personal residence of Hiawatha Circle developer Tom McGovern, delivers true one-story living with walls of windows and a light-filled, open feel. Original mahogany woodwork, hardwood floors, flagstone accents, and fireplaces add rich character, while the double lot, screened porch, brick patio, native gardens, and fruit trees bring the outdoors in.
Take a peek inside → |
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