Good morning!

Ellie here. Yesterday, I asked what you’ve got going on for the Fourth of July weekend. Here’s what one of readers had to say:

“Spending the weekend with friends at their camp ground. Eating, watching fire works, playing games and putting together puzzles. Maybe a craft project or 2.” — Arlan B.

Sounds like a great way to spend your weekend. What do you have planned? Let me know!

Hopefully, this crazy heat wave lets up by then. I hope everyone’s been staying cool in the extreme heat.

Today, we’ll have some tips to keep yourself safe in this weather, along with cooling centers available to the public across our state, and other Wisconsin news!

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

“The Whale Back Ship at Barkers Island WI, located in Douglas County Superior WI.” (Courtesy of Keith A.)

Our reader, Keith A., sent in this spectacular photo of a sunset over the Whale Back Ship in Superior. What an awesome view. Thanks for sharing!

Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured!

Don’t forget, Wisconsin is going all out for America’s 250th. Here are the 8 best events across our state.

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How to stay cool during Wisconsin’s heat wave

Wisconsin prepares for extreme heat this week. (Immo Wegmann / Unsplash)

By Ellie Bourdo

This week, Wisconsinites are under an extreme heat warning, with temperatures in the mid to high 90s and a heat index of over 100 degrees.

This kind of excessive heat can pose serious health risks. Here are some ways you can stay cool and safe over the next few days.

Learn more →

Which Wisconsin Dells hotel is right for you?

Just three miles from Kalahari Resorts and its waterpark in Wisconsin Dells are treehouse accommodations designed by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet’s “Treehouse Masters.” (Courtesy of Kalahari)

By Kristine Hansen

In one of Wisconsin’s most popular vacation destinations, there is literally a hotel for every type of traveler. Planning to destress and chill with the girls? You might check into a resort with a spa and don a robe for the entire weekend, all in the name of relaxation. But if you’re traveling with little kids, there must be a waterpark nearby.

With so many hotels opening within the last year—including one immersed in a medieval theme—the Waterpark Capital of the Year has proven it is more than just a family-friendly destination. Adults are coming here too and one major reason is the fun hotels. Below are six hotel choices to help guide your decision.

Find your perfect fit →

Wisconsin’s 6 most iconic, enduring local companies around today

Leidy Pulido, 42, from Cúcuta Colombia, takes a selfie with motorcycles during the Harley Davidson Homecoming Festival at the Harley Davidson Museum on July 10, 2025. (Photo by Carol Coronado/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

Wisconsin is home to businesses and brands with devoted followings—in some cases customers who buy the same motorcycle for years, or regularly stop at a convenience store that’s today’s town square.

Some companies with Badger State roots are instantly recognizable—the roar of a Harley or the American Family Insurance jingle—with a lasting national or international presence. Others have passionate local followings that drove steady regional growth.

Check out the full list →

Are you enjoying this Wisconsin newsletter?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Kristine Hansen and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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