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Wisconsin State Fair Kicks Off with Iconic Cream Puff Tradition

Wisconsin State Fair Kicks Off with Iconic Cream Puff Tradition

The Wisconsin State Fair has commenced, featuring its iconic cream puffs, a staple since 1924. This year, the fair is expected to see the consumption of approximately 400,000 cream puffs over its 11-day duration. The tradition began when Governor John Blaine tasked a state food inspector to create a product that would highlight Wisconsin's dairy industry. The cream puffs, made with 800 pounds of shortening and one ton of whipping cream, have become a symbol of the fair. The event, held at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, is known for its unique foods, including entries in the 'Sporkies' food competition, and attractions like the Giant Slide and the largest dairy cattle show in the country.
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Wisconsin State Fair 2026: A Guide to Events and Attractions

Wisconsin State Fair 2026: A Guide to Events and Attractions

Wisconsin State Fair 2026: A Guide to Events and Attractions
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Midwest Machinery Manufacturing Faces Economic Challenges Amid Export Decline

Midwest Machinery Manufacturing Faces Economic Challenges Amid Export Decline

Midwest Machinery Manufacturing Faces Economic Challenges Amid Export Decline
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Wisconsin Pilot Lands Helicopter at Cabela's, Draws Unexpected Attention

Wisconsin Pilot Lands Helicopter at Cabela's, Draws Unexpected Attention

Dennis Pipping, a seasoned pilot and business owner from Rosendale, Wisconsin, recently landed his helicopter in the parking lot of a Cabela's store in Richfield to purchase bowhunting supplies. The incident, which occurred on a Saturday evening, attracted the attention of local law enforcement after a call was made to the Washington County Sheriff's office about a helicopter landing in the store's parking lot. Pipping, who has decades of flying experience, had contacted the store prior to his flight and ensured the parking lot was clear before landing. Despite the unusual nature of the event, Pipping was not cited or ticketed as his pilot's license was in order. He expressed surprise at the attention the landing received, noting that he chose to fly because it was more convenient than driving.
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Heavy Rainfall and Storms Expected Along and South of I-90

Heavy Rainfall and Storms Expected Along and South of I-90

A frontal boundary is expected to bring periods of showers and thunderstorms to parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota over the coming days. On Thursday, sunny skies and seasonable temperatures in the low to mid-80s (27-29°C) are forecasted. However, by Friday, humidity levels will rise as dewpoints increase into the mid to upper 60s (18-20°C). A narrow line of showers and thunderstorms is predicted to develop along a southward-moving frontal boundary, affecting areas near Eau Claire and north of I-90 in the afternoon and evening. The boundary will continue to influence weather patterns through Monday, with heavy rainfall possible along and south of I-90. Cooler conditions are expected to return by Tuesday, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s (25-28°C). [Source time: not specified]
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Chippewa Falls Fire Department Addresses Elevator Outage at Northern Apartments

Chippewa Falls Fire Department Addresses Elevator Outage at Northern Apartments

In Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, the Northern Apartments have been facing a significant issue as the building's only elevator has been out of service for over ten days. This has left many residents, particularly those with mobility issues, stranded across the five floors of the building. The Chippewa Falls Fire Chief, Brian Tonnancour, has expressed serious concern over the situation, highlighting it as a potential violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) since the building receives funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The fire department, along with local organization Agnes Table, has been assisting residents by providing meals and other necessities. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority is set to conduct an inspection to address the compliance issues.
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Wisconsin Cancer Survivor Faces $20K Health Insurance Cost Increase

Wisconsin Cancer Survivor Faces $20K Health Insurance Cost Increase

A colon cancer survivor in Wisconsin is facing a $20,000 increase in health insurance costs due to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The survivor, who relies on the ACA for coverage, has seen monthly premiums rise significantly, impacting financial stability. This situation highlights the broader issue of rising healthcare costs and the challenges faced by individuals who depend on ACA subsidies. The expiration of these subsidies has led to increased premiums for many, prompting calls for legislative action to address healthcare affordability.
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Tornado Damage Reported in Eastern Wisconsin Following EF-2 Storm

Tornado Damage Reported in Eastern Wisconsin Following EF-2 Storm

An EF-2 tornado struck parts of eastern Wisconsin on July 27, causing significant damage to infrastructure and property. Dashcam footage captured the moment power lines were toppled onto a car, highlighting the storm's intensity. Drone footage also revealed widespread destruction in the affected areas, including downed trees and damaged buildings. No fatalities or injuries were immediately reported, but the storm left residents surveying the aftermath and assessing the extent of the damage. The tornado is part of a larger storm system that has impacted the Midwest region recently. (Source: BBC, published August 5, 2026)
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Rockford, Illinois Offers Access to Nearby State Parks for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Rockford, Illinois Offers Access to Nearby State Parks for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Rockford, Illinois Offers Access to Nearby State Parks for Outdoor Enthusiasts
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Wisconsin Governor Race: Key Candidates and Their Platforms

Wisconsin Governor Race: Key Candidates and Their Platforms

As the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary approaches, voters are evaluating candidates from both major parties. On the Democratic side, candidates include Francesca Hong, David Crowley, Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan. Each candidate presents distinct policy proposals, such as Hong's focus on legalizing marijuana to fund rural broadband and Crowley's emphasis on making Wisconsin the healthiest state in the Midwest. On the Republican side, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany is a leading candidate, advocating for reduced regulations and opposing certain educational and social policies. The primary is set for August 11, with significant voter indecision reported in recent polls.
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Heavy Rain Threat Raises Flash Flood Risk in Midwest

Heavy Rain Threat Raises Flash Flood Risk in Midwest

A slow-moving cold front will bring repeated rounds of heavy rain to the Midwest through Tuesday and Wednesday, raising the risk of flash flooding. Rainfall rates could reach 1–2 inches per hour, with the greatest threat expected Wednesday night into early Thursday across southern Iowa, northern Missouri, northern Illinois—including Chicago—and southern Wisconsin. Urban areas such as Chicago and Des Moines face an increased risk of localized flooding as storms repeatedly track over the same locations.
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Tragic Discovery: Bodies of Missing Illinois Kayakers Found in Wisconsin

Tragic Discovery: Bodies of Missing Illinois Kayakers Found in Wisconsin

The bodies of two Illinois kayakers, David Thalman and Francesa Warick, both 20 years old, were found in Door County, Wisconsin, after they went missing over the weekend. The pair disappeared while kayaking near Washington Island. Authorities discovered their bodies on Monday morning, but the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation. The incident has drawn attention to the potential dangers of kayaking in the area, especially under adverse weather conditions.