Ellie here. Happy start of a new week!

On Friday, I asked for some book recommendations to add to my summer reading list, and this is what you all shared:

“I just finished ‘The Correspondent’ by Virginia Evans. It was a rare book I couldn’t put down and finished in two days.” — Sara R.

“‘Deadline’ by Sandra Brown.” — Mary D.

“I highly recommend anything by Freida McFadden.” — Jean K.

Thank you to everyone who shared their recommendations! They’ve been added to my list. Got a book you think I should read? Let me know!

In other news, another Monday means another Badger State Buzz, where we’ve got you covered for some of the fun things happening around Wisconsin.

It’s also outdoor concert season, and we’re taking a look at the free ones you can catch this summer, along with other Wisconsin news!

And don’t forget, for this week’s Locals Love, I want to hear about the restaurants you think have the best patio in your community. Be sure to send in your favorites, and tell me why to have them featured later this week!

“Buffalo City, Wisconsin.” (Courtesy of Liz S.)

Click the graphic for a map and find an event near you!

Another Monday means another Wisconsin event roundup. Here’s what we’ve got going on in the Badger State this week:

🎬 Moonlit Movies, Oconomowoc (June 11)

Bring your chairs or blankets along to this free, family-friendly outdoor movie night featuring the film GOAT on a giant screen. Concessions will be available for purchase.

🚜 38th Annual Tri-County Thresherman’s Show, Plainfield (June 11-13)

Calling all tractor lovers! Bring your tractor or check out the antique Allis-Chalmers tractor equipment. There will also be games, pulling competitions, a flea market, and more.

🎸 Monster Hall Music Fest, Unity (June 10-13)

Enjoy a modern rock music festival featuring natural, regional, and local artists on two stages. Attendees can also camp at the event grounds. 

🏳️‍🌈 Point Pride, Stevens Point (June 12-13)

Kick off the weekend with a Pride Crawl and continue through Saturday with live entertainment, vendors, and various festivities.

🇵🇱 Polish Fest, Milwaukee (June 12-14)

Celebrate Polish culture with three days of live music, dance performances, traditional Polish food, cultural exhibits, and more.

🛶 Darlington Canoe Fest, Darlington (June 11-14)

This community festival features canoe races from Calamine to Darlington on the Pecatonica River, along with live entertainment, food trucks, and DLW Timberworks Lumberjack shows.

Join COURIER and 3.14 Action on June 11 for Facts vs. Fiction: The Fight for Science in American Democracy.

Misinformation isn’t just noise. It’s shaping policy decisions that determine who can afford care, which communities are protected, and how our government responds to real-world risks.

This live conversation will examine what’s at stake when facts are ignored and how science-informed leadership has shaped policy on healthcare, climate, agriculture, and public health. At a moment when institutions and public trust are under attack, we’ll explore what happens when decision-making is driven by evidence, what it takes to rebuild trust, and why scientific integrity is essential to democracy.

Stay tuned for more speaker announcements, and don’t miss this conversation.

Spanning a mile across downtown Appleton, the Mile of Music Festival is performed in more than 40 different locations throughout the city. (Chris Rugowski/Mile of Music Festival)

Kane Parsons, seen here directing Chiwetel Ejiofor on the set of “Backrooms,” is the youngest director in A24 history. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Erin Yarnall and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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