Morning Update

All of the (Northern) lights

Did you catch the Northern lights earlier this week?

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Photo courtesy of Jamie Seidel

Good morning, Madison!

Did you catch the Northern Lights earlier this week?

The aurora borealis danced through Madison skies in a rare showing Sunday night.

People gathered at various locations across town, from the shores of Lake Mendota to Observatory Hill and beyond to catch a glimpse of the light show.

If you (like me) had no idea this event was happening and don't want to miss out on future sightings, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a forecasting map to track the location and intensity of the trippy phenomenon.

— Hayley

*Photo via The Biergarten at Olbrich Park*

🍻 It's Biergarten season.

Gather all your friends for an evening beer, brat, and cheese adventure — the Biergarten at Olbrich Park is now open for the 2023 season.
Pro-tip: The biergarten allows outside food, making it a great spot for a cheap date or party.
Keep in mind: There's major construction happening on Atwood Avenue right now, but this won’t affect the biergarten’s hours.

✈️ The F-35s are here.

After years of controversy, the first of 20 F-35 fighter jets will land at Madison's Truax Field today.
The jets' arrival in Madison has sparked massive backlash from community members, despite initially having support from politicians on both sides of the aisle, including Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin and former Republican Gov. Scott Walker.
What are the concerns? A 2019 report from the Air Force found the presence of the F-35s will increase takeoffs from Truax and expose more than 1,000 homes to daily noise levels not meant for residential areas. Opposers of the jets also say their activity will have major impacts on the climate.
Related: F-35 Military Jets are Coming to Madison. Now what? (City Cast)
Dive deeper: Flight Path: When resistance takes off (Tone Madison)

🏈 Aaron Rodgers' time in Green Bay has come to an end.

The veteran quarterback has been traded to the New York Jets.
The Packers have reportedly agreed to trade Rodgers to the Jets for multiple picks, according to ESPN.
"He’ll always be a Packer and be one of the best to ever do it around here. He’ll be missed," Packers’ general manager said at a press conference. "Just a lot of appreciation for him."

🐶 Happy Take Me Home Tuesday! Meet: Byron.

From the Dane County Humane Society: This 8-year-old pup was transferred to DCHS earlier this month from an overcrowded shelter in Alabama. Byron is a bit nervous with new surroundings, but once he adjusts, he leans in for pets and snuggles. He also gives kisses.

Byron is looking for a home where he can be the only pup getting spoiled with all the attention and affection.

Is this cutie the newest member of your family? Click here to learn more.

🏋️ A look at the new recreational facility at UW.

After years of construction, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's new Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center opened this week.
The new facility on the west side of campus includes a pool, ice rink, climbing and bouldering wall, sports simulators, multipurpose studios, an indoor jogging track, a rooftop fitness area, and over 29,000 square feet of fitness space. Both students and members of the Madison community can get memberships to use the facility.
Some context: The facility replaces the former Natatorium on the campus' west side. The project cost more than $113 million and is named for lead donors Jim and Sue Bakke.
See more: Tour the new Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center at UW-Madison (Cap Times)

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🎙️ Today on City Cast Madison

Madison Welder Picks Up Pieces After Life-Changing Fire

Artist Erika Koivunen is no stranger to tragedy. Just eighteen months after losing her husband, Aaron Howard, a massive fire torched her entire S. Park Street workshop. Acme Ironworks, the shop that she and her husband shared as metalworkers, burned to the ground after a thunderstorm. The fire caused millions in damages and destroyed several businesses on the block.

You’ve probably seen Erika’s work all over Madison: the thirty-foot tall metal tree that greets you on Willy Street, the metal flowers in front of Madison Sourdough, the benches at B.B. Clarke beach, the huge bird sculptures on S. Patterson Street.

Now after decades of making art for the Madison community, Erika’s learning to let the community support her. Friends have started a GoFundMe campaign. But how do you pick up and carry on when your world changes overnight?

Listen now