Thunderbirds Band earns statewide recognition with prestigious convention invites
After months of dedication and practice, the Thunderbirds High School Band has been selected from applicants across Wisconsin to perform as a guest ensemble at two major state conventions this January 2026. The group will showcase their talent in Eau Claire at the Wisconsin Concert Band Association Convention and in Milwaukee at the State Education Convention, performing before administrators and school board members from across the state. Photo courtesy Iola-Scandinavia School District
Around the State
MALL DEMOLISHED: Northridge Mall in Milwaukee first opened its doors in 1972, featuring major anchor stores such as Sears and J.C. Penney. Spanning two floors and covering over a million square feet, the mall enjoyed popularity throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s. After officially closing in March 2003, the property remained vacant for more than two decades until the last remnants of the building were recently demolished.
BLOW TO FACTORY FARMING: A Wisconsin appeals court has affirmed that the state’s Department of Natural Resources has the power to oversee large animal farming operations, dealing a setback to major agricultural groups who have spent years trying to reduce regulatory scrutiny. The legal challenge, initiated by the Venture Dairy Cooperative and the Wisconsin Dairy Alliance, was dismissed by a circuit court in January 2024. The Court of Appeals for District II confirmed that ruling on Aug. 27. Read the Barn Raiser story here.
ACLU SUING SHERIFFS ON ICE DETAINERS: The American Civil Liberties Union is suing five Wisconsin sheriffs over their practice of holding people in jail at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Read the Wisconsin Public Radio story here.
