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Eight years ago, a devastating explosion at The Barr House bar in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, claimed the life of Cory Barr—a beloved volunteer firefighter and business owner—while he bravely tried to shut off a gas leak. The blast destroyed the bar and damaged nearby buildings, leaving a lasting scar on the community. Yesterday, the Sun Prairie Fire Department honored his memory with a solemn ceremon...

Apple is suing OpenAI over alleged theft of trade secrets, claiming former Apple engineers took confidential tech to build AI gadgets — a move that could derail OpenAI’s IPO and shake up how big tech protects innovation. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based o...

A heartbreaking tragedy struck McFarland, Wisconsin, when eight-year-old Braeyla Valenza was fatally struck by a vehicle while biking. Her family is urging everyone to learn from this loss—especially about the critical importance of wearing and properly securing bike helmets. Braeyla’s mom revealed her daughter was wearing a helmet, but it wasn’t buckled, underscoring that safety gear must be used...

Lake Monona’s shoreline near San Damiano Park is turning foul thanks to wind-blown trash and a booming algae bloom—smelly, but not dangerous. The Clean Lakes Alliance is rallying volunteers to tackle the trash, since nature’s cleanup takes time. One volunteer stumbled on a bag full of… cushions. Still, there’s plenty of lake to enjoy elsewhere. They’re urging everyone to pitch in—every hand helps...

Madison’s rich cultural tapestry shines through landmarks like the Royal Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Gardens—a stunning 2001 gift from Thailand that survived a near-disaster when its artisans landed in Chicago just before 9/11. Now restored with Spanish architects and weather-resistant tiles, it won an award for blending heritage with resilience. Meanwhile, the 1906 Yahara River Parkway and over 180...

The EPA just greenlit five new PFAS pesticides—known as “forever chemicals”—despite their links to cancer, obesity, and reproductive harm, sparking outrage as California alone uses 2.5 million pounds annually on crops. Critics accuse the administration of prioritizing industry over public health, citing troubling ties between regulators and chemical companies. Worse, the EPA redefined PFAS to excl...

Israel allegedly passed intelligence to Trump’s team warning of potential Iranian assassination plots against him — not a confirmed plan, but chatter from hardliners in Tehran, including new head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Ahmad Vahidi, a known US obstructionist. Trump brushed it off, calling Iran’s threats routine and even switched planes for security. The intel surfaced amid U.S. strikes on I...

Three Dead in Poplar Road Shooting | Madison News

The Milwaukee Brewers are rallying for Venezuela after devastating earthquakes, turning their July 21 game against the Mets into a massive fundraiser. Led by Venezuelan-born stars Jackson Chourio and William Contreras, the team’s initiative collects food, water, and hygiene kits through community drives. Fans can buy $20 tickets for exclusive “Unidos por Venezuela” shirts, with proceeds going dire...

Recall Alert: Rackow Family Sausage’s Rueben-flavored bratwurst is being pulled due to missing soy and egg allergen labels—don’t eat it if you’re allergic. Sold at their Juda, Wisconsin shop before July 9th. Throw it out if you have it. If you feel sick, see a doctor. Contact Jim Rackow at 608-325-4547 with questions. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discou...

Southern Wisconsin braces for a dry weekend with scattered Sunday showers fizzling out by sunset, followed by a prolonged dry spell. But don’t relax — “First Alert Days” kick in Monday through Thursday with 90-degree heat and humidity pushing the heat index into the low to mid-90s. Stay hydrated, protect the vulnerable, and enjoy the dry weather while you can — relief is on the way by Thursday/Fri...

Wisconsin’s pouring $4.4 million into a major road upgrade on WIS 113, from Lodi to Baraboo, to make it smoother and safer—especially tackling a dangerous curve near Devil’s Lake State Park. Work starts Monday, wraps by mid-October, with one section fully closed while others stay open with flaggers. DL Gasser Construction is leading the effort to realign that tricky curve for better safety, all wh...

Wisconsin’s agriculture department just issued a major alert: Rackow Family Sausage’s Rueben-flavored bratwurst contains undeclared soy and egg — a serious risk for allergy sufferers. Sold at their Juda shop before July 9, this product is being recalled. If you have soy or egg allergies, don’t eat it. If you’ve already got it in your fridge, toss it. Symptoms? Call your doctor. For questions, cont...

WIS 69 Closure Alert: New Glarus to Monroe | Madison News

Portage police arrested 39-year-old Christopher L. Miller on serious child neglect charges after a tip revealed a dangerously unsafe living situation for a child — including repeated acts of neglect causing bodily harm. Child Protective Services joined forces with law enforcement in the investigation, and Miller is set for court today. This case underscores the critical need to protect vulnerable...

This July, Wisconsin’s DNR is celebrating Disability Pride Month and the 30th anniversary of the ADA by championing universal recreation—making outdoor adventures truly accessible for everyone, year-round. From adaptive kayaks and barrier-free cabins to sensory kits and all-terrain wheelchairs, they’re reimagining public lands so all bodies, abilities, and senses can thrive in nature. Discover acc...

Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission missed a chance to revisit AI data center electricity rules — and now a petition to change them is officially denied. The original ruling created a special pricing structure to manage the massive energy demands of these facilities, which could soon surge 40% in the state thanks to just three AI centers. We Energies, already planning to double its power output...

Senate’s packed defense vote hits a snag as Mitch McConnell remains sidelined by undisclosed health issues, sparking concern and calls for resignation amid critical committee deadlines and a lack of transparency. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public...

Southeastern Missouri is reeling from a historic flood—over a foot of rain in under 24 hours, a one-in-a-thousand-year event—triggering rescues, including five missing campers now safely found. Residents in Iron County were pulled from rooftops and mobile homes as water levels rose, with boats becoming lifelines. Though rain has paused, flash flood warnings remain active, with more storms possible...

The governor’s race is heating up with new polls, bold campaign moves, and a high-impact visit from VP JD Vance—fueling national attention and local buzz. Voters and analysts reveal deep public engagement, while fresh court filings add legal complexity, making this a fast-moving, multi-layered political showdown worth watching every step of the way. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pill...

Memphis is in turmoil after two fatal shootings in rapid succession—one by a National Guardsman, the other by a Memphis Safe Task Force member—sparking outrage and demands for accountability. While supporters tout the task force’s success with over 10,000 arrests and falling crime rates, critics argue the strategy is flawed and lacks oversight. Activists liken the city to being under occupation, a...

Meet Sugarplum, a sweet two-year-old mixed breed pup who’s all about cuddles, kisses, and quiet nights—perfect for a laid-back Netflix buddy, not a marathon runner. She’s currently at the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin and needs a forever home that can match her chill vibe and love for snuggles. If you’re ready for a low-key, affectionate companion, check out their website to see if Sugarplu...

A heartbreaking tragedy struck McFarland when eight-year-old Braelya Valenza lost her life after being hit by a car while biking. In honor of her memory, a community vigil is set for Friday night at 8 PM at the accident site — the intersection of Broadhead Street and North Peninsula Way. Organized by the Village of McFarland, with support from local police and fire crews, the event will offer a sp...

Bar Flashing Turns Violent | Madison News

Want to help shape Madison’s special education programs? The Madison Metropolitan School District is seeking passionate community members to join their Special Education Advisory Council for the 2026-2027 school year. This isn’t just another meeting—it’s a real opportunity to influence how support services are delivered, with input from parents, students, staff, and diverse community voices. Selec...