Eau Claire News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

The Daily News Now!

Hosted by Corey with the Story, Eau Claire News Today is your daily source for the latest headlines and stories shaping Eau Claire and Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley.

From local government and business developments to the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, healthcare, education, public safety, economic growth, arts and culture, and community events across Eau Claire County, we bring you the news that matters most—in just a few minutes.

Whether you're a longtime resident, a student, a newcomer, or simply want to stay connected to one of Wisconsin's most vibrant and creative communities, Eau Claire News Today keeps you informed, engaged, and ready for the day ahead.

Eau Claire News Today — Local news, all in one place. Powered by AI.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed

127 episodes
Updated Today

Episodes127

Newest first

July 16 · 1 min
Altoona’s New Zero-Interest Home Loan | Eau Claire News
Altoona’s new Safe Steps Home Improvement program is rolling out next Monday, offering zero-interest loans to low-to-moderate income homeowners for essential repairs and energy upgrades — up to $7,500 for basic fixes or $12,000 for efficiency improvements — funded by $1.5 million from the River Prairie tax district closure, with the goal of keeping existing affordable housing in good shape and helping residents stay put. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/dee64acbc8647cf5
July 16 · 1 min
Tomah Health Funds Food Pantries in Monroe County | Eau Claire News
Tomah Health Community Foundation drops $2,500 to Couleecap to boost food pantries in Sparta and Norwalk, a vital lifeline as USDA deliveries of milk, cheese, eggs, and meat were canceled—helping nearly 500 low-income families in Monroe County stay nourished while underscoring the foundation’s commitment to community well-being beyond healthcare. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/40d38b428a863d2e
July 16 · 1 min
Bloomer Man Pleads No Contest in Assault Case | Eau Claire News
A Bloomer man, Christopher McLaughlin, faced serious allegations of sexual assault spanning from when a girl was ten to fourteen, allegedly occurring in multiple locations including a home, his car, and a cemetery. Prosecutors recently reduced charges to third and fourth-degree sexual assault, and McLaughlin entered a no-contest plea. He received a four-day jail sentence for one charge, while the second is on hold — potentially dismissible if he stays trouble-free for two years, completes a sex offender risk assessment and recommended treatment, and remains enrolled in school or working full-time. His future hinges on meeting these conditions. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/8aa9591223a0049f
July 15 · 1 min
Wisconsin Gets $275K from 23andMe Data Breach Settlement | Eau Claire News
Wisconsin’s getting $275,000 from a $150 million settlement over a massive 23andMe data breach that exposed genetic info of nearly 7 million people — a wake-up call for companies handling sensitive data. Forty-one states, including Wisconsin, are part of the deal, but only $18 million is available now due to bankruptcy complications. Investigators found 23andMe failed basic security like password checks and MFA, ignored warning signs like login spikes, and ignored known vulnerabilities — all revealed after they filed for bankruptcy in March 2025. Their assets, including customer data, were sold to a nonprofit with strict security rules — exactly what the states wanted. Plus, 23andMe faces another $46.75 million class-action settlement for U.S. customers. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/ca0b9fd9246e9b95
July 15 · 1 min
Eau Claire's $305M Infrastructure Boost | Eau Claire News
Eau Claire’s city council just approved a $305 million five-year capital plan — a major leap for infrastructure — with $26.3 million going straight to sewer upgrades and $100K set aside to study the future of the aging Hobbs Ice Arena. Meanwhile, $1 million in 2027 funds will fix and light up the downtown Gibson Street ramp — now delayed until 2030 with $5 million allocated for demolition and $12 million for a new parking deck in 2031. City Manager Dave Solberg also revealed plans for discounted street parking permits for local business staff, noting the ramp’s structural ties to surrounding buildings will require careful demolition planning. The plan passed unanimously — setting the stage for sweeping changes across the city. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/944867911552e2c0
July 15 · 57 sec
City Hall Parking Just Got Paid | Eau Claire News
City Hall Parking Just Got Paid | Eau Claire News
July 15 · 2 min
Blood Test May Predict Alzheimer's Decades Early | Eau Claire News
A breakthrough blood test measuring p-tau217 protein could revolutionize Alzheimer’s detection—spotting disease markers up to decades before symptoms strike. While not a diagnostic tool for healthy individuals, it may soon act as an early warning system for those with cognitive decline, helping doctors identify when amyloid buildup and tau changes trigger disease progression. Still in early stages, the test must be used alongside other assessments and isn’t ready for widespread use yet—but it’s a major step toward personalized, accessible Alzheimer’s risk screening. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/2466e0880faa3466
July 15 · 1 min
Camp Nawakwa Celebrates 90 Years | Eau Claire News
Camp Nawakwa turns 90 this Sunday, inviting everyone to celebrate its legacy as a place where young women have built character through nature and community. Originally gifted by philanthropist L.E. Phillips to the Girl Scouts of St. Croix in the 1940s, the camp still proudly displays its history in carved troop names and original buildings. Now refreshed for the milestone, it’s hosting a free open house with boating, hiking, crafts, and sweet treats — a joyful tribute to generations shaped by its woods. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/2a8bed5fbd987dbe
July 15 · 1 min
Wisconsin Champions of Victims' Rights | Eau Claire News
Eau Claire County’s crime victim champions—District Attorney Peter Rindal, Victim Witness Coordinator Jessica Bryan, and Bronson Stein from Bolton Refuge House—were honored for their tireless work under Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, a landmark initiative they helped pass in 2020. Rindal emphasized victim advocacy as a team effort, accepting the award on behalf of his office and law enforcement partners. Their dedication reflects a growing national movement, with Marsy’s Law already enacted in over a dozen states, proving that victims’ rights are becoming a nationwide priority. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/ef89ceb342b8bc1e
July 15 · 1 min
Menomonie Water Crisis Hits Hard | Eau Claire News
Menomonie’s water crisis is hitting hard—citywide irrigation bans are now in effect as extreme heat and overuse drain pressure from aging towers, leaving some homes without water and firefighting at risk. With fines up to $150 per day for repeat offenders and no clear timeline for recovery, residents are being urged to conserve or face consequences. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/2955dbcf4b3bfa1a
July 15 · 1 min
Tragic Family Deaths in Hawkins Township | Eau Claire News
Three adults found dead in a Hawkins Township home during a welfare check—Rocky Griffith, 76; Lona Kelley, 80; and their son Chad Griffith, 45—have sparked a chilling investigation into what may have been a double homicide followed by a suicide, as all three bore gunshot wounds and authorities scramble to piece together the tragic final moments of this family. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/6ac654b243f1783d
July 14 · 1 min
Pulitzer-Winning Local News in Wisconsin | Eau Claire News
Discover the Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire’s historic daily newspaper since 1914, Pulitzer Prize winner and powerhouse of local journalism with a 30,000-copy daily circulation. Under Gannett since 1995, it’s proudly printed locally, AP and Wisconsin Newspaper Association member, and a vital voice for the Chippewa Valley—where quality reporting isn’t just a goal, it’s a legacy. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/300e450106603326
July 14 · 1 min
Man With Warrants Fires Gun in Eau Claire | Eau Claire News
A 29-year-old man in Eau Claire, Raymond Ramirez, faces 13 charges—including felony gun possession as an out-of-state felon, reckless endangerment, and straw purchasing—after allegedly pointing a gun at a dog under a bridge and firing a shot near a Dollar General that struck the store’s wall. Witnesses say he shot at JD, who had thrown soda cans; Ramirez claims he feared for his life and didn’t aim to harm. Police caught him after a chase, found a loaded handgun nearby, and noted he smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes. He admitted to drinking and said his meds intensified the effects. Ramirez has prior warrants in Arizona and California, though not extraditable. The case underscores dangerous gaps in gun access and public safety when individuals with criminal histories and active warrants are still able to acquire firearms. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/c85949ba78f0ea21
July 14 · 1 min
Justice Dept Targets NYT Reporters | Eau Claire News
The Justice Department has subpoenaed five New York Times reporters over their investigation into a controversial $400 million Air Force One upgrade — a jet gifted by Qatar that reportedly lacked critical security features, prompting Secret Service pressure to use an older plane. Trump dismissed the report on social media, but media watchdogs see this as part of a broader pattern of government intimidation against the press. Subpoenas were delivered directly to reporters’ homes, sparking outrage from the Committee to Protect Journalists and others who warn this is an unprecedented assault on press freedom. The Times is fiercely defending its journalists, asserting legal protections and preparing to fight in court — as the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan seeks their testimony before a grand jury this week. This showdown underscores a deepening conflict between the administration and the press, with the Times standing firm on the public’s right to know. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/444584e4f048dd6a
July 14 · 1 min
West Nile Virus Alert in Wisconsin | Eau Claire News
West Nile virus is showing up in Wisconsin — mosquitoes in Milwaukee and a bird in Bayfield have tested positive, marking the first cases this year. No human infections yet, but health officials are urging caution: the virus spreads from birds to mosquitoes, not between people. Most infected show no symptoms, but some may experience fever, headaches, or even paralysis — especially in older adults and immunocompromised individuals. Wisconsin averages 19 cases annually, peaking in summer and lingering until frost. Stay safe: eliminate standing water, use bug spray with DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves during dawn and dusk, and keep screens intact. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/dd8d6da67941c0a0
July 14 · 1 min
Lincoln Memorial Pool Drain Mystery | Eau Claire News
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is drained and under wraps after a controversial “American flag blue” paint job, amid claims of massive vandalism and algae blooms — despite a $14 million renovation. Officials say vandals caused gashes up to 300 yards long, though evidence is hard to verify with fencing up and the pool exposed. Some have even been charged for allegedly stealing paint. Crews are racing to seal it and refill it — all while the public watches the saga unfold. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/abf69232d0497f59
July 14 · 2 min
Wisconsin Smoke Advisory Extended | Eau Claire News
Wisconsin’s air is turning hazardous as wildfire smoke from Minnesota and Ontario blankets the state—starting in the north and pushing south, hitting areas from Eau Claire to Janesville by Thursday. Northwest Wisconsin, especially near Lake Superior, faces the worst conditions, with AQI levels soaring into “Very Unhealthy” and even “Hazardous.” Everyone should limit outdoor activity, but sensitive groups—kids, seniors, asthma or heart patients—must stay indoors. Officials will reassess Thursday morning, and the advisory may extend beyond Thursday noon. If you’re feeling symptoms, call your doctor. This isn’t just smoky—it’s serious. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/daf122adf10eb8d2
July 14 · 1 min
Legacy of a Skyborne Hero | Eau Claire News
A retired Wisconsin Air National Guard lieutenant colonel with nearly 17,000 flight hours, including 500 combat missions, tragically died in a plane crash in Oklahoma. Bruce “Skip” Fischer, a lifelong aviation enthusiast and former American Airlines pilot, built a legacy of service — from his F-16 days to mentoring the next generation, including his two sons in uniform. Known for his leadership in aviation groups and his iconic callsign “Skip,” Fischer’s life was a soaring tribute to duty, passion, and sacrifice — now honored with a final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/83c65484b03f90dd
July 14 · 1 min
Michael Hurlburt Skips Hearing | Eau Claire News
Michael Hurlburt skipped his preliminary hearing, paving the way for trial in the shocking case of his mother’s murder. Charged with first-degree intentional homicide, Hurlburt allegedly stabbed Lisa Bragg-Hurlburt — a beloved library director — and called 911, claiming he was being stalked by U.S. and Chinese governments. Now held in jail with a $1 million bond, the case is heating up as the legal process moves forward. 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 reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/c2a58dd32bbd63ab
July 14 · 51 sec
Missing Man in Clark County | Eau Claire News
Missing Man in Clark County | Eau Claire News