Crosson wins Dem primary to face Wied in 8th CD (GREEN BAY)
A U.S. Army veteran will face the first term incumbent in Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. Rick Crosson finished ahead of Mark Scheffler and Katrina deVille and will now take on Republican incumbent U.S. Representative Tony Wied in the November election. Crosson, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, entered the congressional race in 2025 after previously serving on the Green Bay Area Public School District Board of Education. When announcing his campaign, Crosson said he wanted an extended campaign to give him time to connect with voters. He has also touted his experience running businesses and said that background taught him how to bring people together to accomplish measurable goals.
AI powered scams surging in Wisconsin (UNDATED)
AI-powered scams are surging in Wisconsin and costing victims far more money. The Better Business Bureau reports that from January through July, reports of AI-related scams jumped 238% compared to the same period last year. The average loss climbed from about $778 to more than $5500. The BBB says scammers are using AI tools like voice cloning, deepfake videos and fake investment platforms to appear legitimate. Officials urge consumers to verify claims independently and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unexpected contacts.
UW System could make new investments in state workforce (UNDATED)
The UW System could make new investments to boost Wisconsin’s workforce and business growth. The Tech for Tomorrow and Accelerate Wisconsin initiatives are part of the Universities of Wisconsin proposed 2027-29 budget. The plan would help create 300,000 career-ready workers, upskill one million employees, and support the launch of 2,500 new businesses over the next decade. Leaders say the proposals would speed new technologies from campus research labs to the marketplace while helping entrepreneurs expand their businesses. The UW Board of Regents is expected to vote on the full budget proposal next week.
Final batch of Ridglan Farms beagles are free (BLUE MOUNDS)
It was a day of freedom for the final dogs rescued from Ridglan Farms. 150 beagles, most of them puppies, were transported Wednesday from the breeding facility in Blue Mounds to a staging area near Madison. Animal advocates cheered as the dogs stepped onto grass for what some experienced for the first time. Florida-based Big Dog Ranch Rescue is now taking custody of the animals for medical and behavioral evaluations before they’re made available for adoption. Ridglan Farms surrendered its breeding license earlier this summer.
JJ Watt ready for NFL spotlight in CBS Sports booth (UNDATED)
A Wisconsin Badgers alum says he’s ready for NFL prime time. Posting to X on Tuesday, former Badgers all-star JJ Watt said he’s excited to join CBS Sports main NFL crew this fall. Watt is tasked to fill in for Tony Romo after Romo was cited for first offense drunk driving in Milwaukee last month. Romo’s been on leave from CBS since then. Watt’s first game will be the Packers vs the Vikings in Minnesota in Week One of the regular season. Watt said while it’s not the circumstances he was hoping for, he is looking forward to working with Jim Nantz and the rest of the CBS Sports team.