Ellie here. Earlier this week, I asked to hear about your movie and show recommendations. Here’s what you said:

“Hacks and House of the dragon.” — Amy W.

“If you loved the movie Project Hail Mary– listen to the audiobook! It’s twice as good as the movie!!” — Kristin D.

“Odyssey is a MUST see and should be seen in the theatre! It is a cinematic masterpiece!! It is three hours well spent!!” — Tamara W.

Thank you all for sending in your recommendations! I’ve definitely added more things to my watch list.

In other news, the final Marquette Law School Poll will be released next week, ahead of the Aug. 11 partisan primary. We’ve heard there’s a need to fill the information gap between those dates, and we’re teaming up with Main Street Action and State Navigate to do so.

In the coming days, we’ll be giving you an updated look at where the candidates stand once we approach the final week of the campaign.

Stay tuned to get a first look at the poll, and subscribe to Pat Kreitlow’s Supper Club Statehouse newsletter about Wisconsin politics for more info!

One more thing: We’ve got another edition of Locals Love tomorrow, and I want to hear about your favorite farmers markets. Send in your picks, and tell me why, to have them featured!

First, a few headlines from around the state:

🗞 UpNorthNews recently co-sponsored a forum in Lake Tomahawk. Three of the Democrats running for Wisconsin governor were asked to describe their ability to work across the political aisle.

🍃 Wisconsin’s first certified “forest bathing” trail will open this summer in Vilas County. This is just one of 51 worldwide. (WPR)

🗳 The final Marquette Law School Poll was released yesterday. Francesca Hong continues to lead for Democrats, but many remain undecided. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Lake days are one of my favorite parts of summer. I spend a lot of time on the boat with friends and family in the summer months.

And it seems like that’s the case for our readers as well. Sydney H. sent in this photo of her grandson jumping into the water.

“Grandson got to my house late but had to get on the lake, regardless of the smokey sky.”

Thanks for sharing Your Wisconsin View! Send in yours to have it featured.

The Milwaukee River has plenty of spots to rent kayaks and canoes, and offers unrivaled views of Milwaukee’s downtown. (Visit Milwaukee)

One my favorite summer activities is enjoying some time on the water, whether that’s by boat, kayak, or canoe.

If you’re trying to find a place near you to get out on the water, look no further. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro, here are some kayak and canoeing spots for you to try.

An EF2 tornado forms in Charleston, Illinois, on June 17, 2026. Illinois leads the nation in tornadoes in 2026. (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 Crystal Niforos.

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