7/28/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - About 17 fire departments competed Saturday in the 131st annual U.P. Volunteer Firefighters Tournament in Gaastra. The competition, hosted by the Caspian Gaastra Fire Department, had teams showcasing and testing their skills in five events, including a ladder climb and hose launch. Firefighters say the competition is about teamwork, camaraderie, and having fun. Organizers also say the tournament highlights the need for more volunteers across the Upper Peninsula and what it means to serve one's community as a firefighter.

7/28/2026

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Storms that hit us yesterday morning strengthen as they pushed across Wisconsin yesterday.  Locally minor to moderate damage was reported, mostly uprooted trees and minor property damage in Ontonagon, Eastern Gogebic and in Vilas Counties.  The same storm system resulted in a tornado in northeastern Wisconsin, causing widespread damage and power outages. Cities including Appleton and Menasha reported severe impacts, with roofs ripped off homes and vehicles flipped over.  Despite the destruction, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities. Emergency officials are still assessing the damage and searching the stricken area. The storm knocked out power to over 30,000 people, and authorities have opened a shelter for those displaced.

7/28/2026

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Early in-person voting is beginning in swing state Wisconsin’s chaotic Democratic primary for governor. Democrats are hoping to retain control of the governor’s office and flip both chambers of the Legislature to earn full control of Wisconsin state government for the first time since 2010. But they have failed to coalesce around one candidate in the tumultuous primary for governor.