News 8 Now

Oktoberfest USA reveals the 2026 button design!

Plans are underway for a new affordable housing development near Emplify Health by Gundersen in La Crosse.

A Viroqua High School agriculture teacher was crowned Miss Wisconsin USA and celebrated with her students at a school assembly. https://www.news8000.com/news/local-news/viroqua/viroqua-agriculture-teacher-crowned-2026-miss-wisconsin-usa/article_f21cf277-8f7d-4cf8-8b91-32404b982158.html

Pandemic-era childcare stabilization funds are ending this month. Without new permanent funding, nearly 75% of providers may raise tuition.

UWL is making way for Phase 2 of the Prairie Springs Science Center project, and began demolishing Cowley Hall this week. https://www.news8000.com/news/local-news/la-crosse/demolition-on-cowley-hall-begins/article_7ff8b977-ffd6-4f35-96d9-ff675c0e6401.html 

Community leaders and recovery advocates celebrated as Lutheran Social Services officially opened the LSS L.E. Phillips Center, bringing a vital 50-bed substance use disorder treatment facility back to the Chippewa Valley.

Active threat training exercise is underway in Galesville, Wisconsin.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visits a Wisconsin dairy farm.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Congressman Derrick Van Orden speak to reporters following a roundtable discussion at an Elk Mound dairy farm Monday.

Families in La Crosse can get free breakfast and lunch for their children this summer through the school district's meal program. Locations and times are available, with Emplify Health also offering meals. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families.

A look inside the historic La Crosse home connecting people for more than 100 years.

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during fueling Thursday night at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The rocket was being prepared for a mission expected to launch June 4. All personnel have been accounted for, according to Blue Origin. Video: SPACEFLIGHTNOW

Ho-Chunk Nation officials break ground on a new Cultural Resource Center in Black River Falls Thursday.

Wisconsin's FoodShare program faces cuts July 1st. Food banks are bracing for an influx of need. https://www.news8000.com/news/local-news/la-crosse-organizations-brace-for-increased-demand-as-snap-benefit-changes-are-coming-july-1st/article_61b63798-7930-4849-b733-51b548dc5a67.html 

Video courtesy of Nick Noe shows a car fire on Highway 35 headed toward Onalaska Thursday afternoon. No official details yet regarding the incident or any injuries involved, we'll share more on News8000.com once more information is available.

A Florida woman who was ticketed for holding a cellphone while driving had her citation dismissed after she proving she doesn't have a right hand.

Winona Area Public Schools is considering expanding its walking zone from 1 mile to 1.5 miles around each school, a change that could affect hundreds of students who currently qualify for busing.

High heat and then thunderstorms roll in. Full details here: https://www.news8000.com/weather/ 

At Maplewood Terrace in Viroqua, Rosie has become a beloved fixture among residents at the assisted living facility. https://www.news8000.com/sponsor/hometown-heroes/a-quiet-companion-how-rosie-became-family-at-maplewood-terrace/article_6caf9114-29ba-45b7-8815-8848cf77ce0b.html 

La Crosse Loggers opening day!

Kade Overton is at Copeland Park for the Northwoods League opening day! The La Crosse Loggers are kicking off their 24th season with new manager Justin Ramsey. Catch highlights later tonight!

The annual parade kicked off Monday morning in La Crosse with a slightly different route than usual.

We're underway with Day 2 of the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships! Get ready for preliminary races starting soon, with highlights coming your way at 6 PM.

A community fridge in La Crosse offering free food faced initial skepticism about food quality and community intentions https://www.news8000.com/news/local-news/la-crosse/la-crosse-community-fridge-provides-free-food-for-families-during-summer-break/article_6304b6a2-7f18-452d-8424-8f445c47baa9.html 

Will the price of gas factor into your travel plans this weekend? https://www.news8000.com/news/viewer-polls/has-the-price-of-gas-affected-your-travel-plans-for-memorial-day/poll_45366326-5667-4775-8622-3ba356ab5037.html 

La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey on Thursday officially proclaims May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month, declaring the city a 'Be Here' community.

A La Crosse mother is fighting for her life after a brutal stabbing attack. She was allegedly stabbed by her ex-boyfriend while holding her 11-month-old daughter.

Two semi trucks crashed on Interstate 43 west of Milwaukee Thursday morning, scattering hundreds of beer cans and kegs across the roadway. The crash caused major traffic delays, but no immediate injuries were reported. Video: WISN via CNN Newsource

The family of Michaela Clancy speaking out, following a May 15 attack that left her in the hospital. https://www.news8000.com/news/local-news/la-crosse-woman-continues-recovery-after-ex-boyfriend-allegedly-stabbed-her/article_d30f5b2e-bd42-49aa-a965-58a3b03377ac.html 

A local program helping those with disabilities may be ending critical services due to state and federal funding cuts. Tonight at 6, how an upcoming fundraiser is hoping to bridge the gap and keep these efforts alive. #lacrosse #apecialneeds #aptiv #missremarkable

Joe Vitcenda, a devoted coach in the Royall School District for 58 years, was recently honored by having the baseball field dedicated in his name, recognizing his enduring legacy and impact on generations of athletes.

A local program helping those with disabilities may be ending critical services due to state and federal funding cuts. Wednesday at 6, how an upcoming fundraiser is hoping to bridge the gap and keep these efforts alive. #lacrosse #apecialneeds #aptiv #missremarkable

Voters are heading to the polls today to decide if Campbell will become the Village of French Island. We'll have results tonight.

A high capacity transmission line in Vernon county could pave the way for a controversial data center or other project. With no township zoning, one property sale could bring major change. Tonight at 6, News 8 investigates. #vernoncounty #news8now #datacenter #powerline

The Town of Campbell votes Tuesday on whether to incorporate and become the new Village of French Island.

[5/18/2026, 1:30 pm] Severe weather risk remains for areas south of La Crosse along I-90 and a marginal risk north towards Ladysmith. Damaging winds up to 50 mph, large hail, and even a tornado or two are still possible between 10 PM and 2 AM. https://www.news8000.com/weather/ 

Swatch stores faced Black Friday-level chaos over the weekend as crowds rushed to buy the new Royal Pop collection, a collaboration between Swatch and luxury brand Audemars Piguet. Credit: @tru_sneaks

A high capacity transmission line in Vernon county could pave the way for a controversial data center or other project. With no township zoning, one property sale could bring major change. Monday at 6, News 8 investigates. #vernoncounty #news8now #datacenter #powerline

A high capacity transmission line in Vernon county could pave the way for a controversial data center or other project. With no township zoning, one property sale could bring major change. Monday at 6, News 8 investigates. #vernoncounty #news8now #datacenter #powerline

From a little girl born on the frontier to a national icon, loved by millions, her books & shows inspired generations. Tonight at 6, we visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Pepin. Celebrating America 250 #lauraingalls #lauraingallswilder #america250 #lacrosse #pepin

A high capacity transmission line in Vernon county could pave the way for a controversial data center or other project. With no township zoning, one property sale could bring major change. Monday at 6, News 8 investigates. #vernoncounty #news8now #datacenter #powerline

Overtime costs in the La Crosse city budget are soaring — three years in a row of almost double the amount budgeted. Tonight at 6 on News 8, we investigate why this is happening and who is paying the price. #lacrosse #budget #overtime #whopays

From a little girl born on the frontier to a national icon, loved by millions, her books & shows inspired generations. Friday at 6, we visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Pepin. Celebrating America 250 #lauraingalls #lauraingallswilder #america250 #lacrosse #pepin

From a little girl born on the frontier to a national icon, loved by millions, her books & shows inspired generations. Friday at 6, we visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Pepin. Celebrating America 250 #lauraingalls #lauraingallswilder #america250 #lacrosse #pepin

Prairie du Chien police are asking residents for help identifying a suspect caught on video during a burglary early Tuesday morning. https://www.news8000.com/news/crime/police-seek-help-identifying-burglary-suspect-in-prairie-du-chien/article_b9d83f71-dc7d-4171-a480-977334f6af08.html 

Overtime costs in the La Crosse city budget are soaring — three years in a row of almost double the amount budgeted. Thursday at 6 on News 8, we investigate why this is happening and who is paying the price. #lacrosse #budget #overtime #whopays

At nearly 90 years old, this La Crosse man continues to prove that age is just a number through his unwavering commitment to fitness.

The cost of the Iran war is climbing. Initial estimates were $25 billion, but updated figures show it's closer to $29 billion due to equipment repairs and ongoing operations.

UWL welcomed officials Friday morning as the university launched the second phase of its Prairie Springs Science Center project. We'll have more details on News 8 Now and at News8000.com 

A community member in Chippewa Falls advocates for changes to sex offender laws https://www.news8000.com/news/originals/chippewa-falls-mother-inspires-city-to-update-sex-offender-ordinance/article_5fd9136b-0609-48c1-bbbf-7211c7594f8c.html 

Vote for the Play of the Week: https://www.news8000.com/sports/play-of-the-week/play-of-the-week-nominees-for-may-6/article_1cb2d079-1468-4eba-aaea-f8628bd37149.html 

Living with Parkinson's is a profound challenge, difficult to articulate even for those who understand. But remarkable progress, like Justin Putman's ability to move freely after DBS treatment, offers immense hope.

Organizations that depend on vehicles to serve the vulnerable are feeling the pinch as gas prices continue to climb. https://www.news8000.com/news/local-news/la-crosse/rising-gas-prices-strain-local-organizations-serving-vulnerable-populations/article_bf21aae9-fa0a-49f1-ad58-b5e9d54ca066.html 

LACROSSE IN LA CROSSE For Josh VandeBerg of the Ho-Chunk Nation, lacrosse is more than a game; it's a connection to history. #LacrosseHistory #HoChunkNation #SportsTradition #America250

Over 200 residents signed a petition for safer Cameron and Burns Parks, urging city leaders for consistent rule enforcement, increased patrols, and proactive safety measures.

Video shows a clearer view of the crash that shut down I-90 East Wednesday morning. No official details of injuries yet. Video Courtesy of Allison Karper. Updates on News8000.com

Crews on scene of a crash on I-90 East involving a school bus. Official details of that crash are not yet available. We'll have updates at https://www.news8000.com/news/local-news/travel-alert-crash-blocks-i-90-eastbound-in-la-crosse-county/article_a394a7ed-4852-4f47-8c18-18db6f9c406e.html

The Packers' kicker carousel continues. From rookie Carlson to veteran McManus, and now a high draft pick, the search for consistency is relentless. Can this rookie change the narrative? #Packers #NFL #Kicker #Football #Draft #GreenBay #Sports #NFLDraft

New law criminalizes grooming behaviors against children. Following a report of hundreds of allegations, grooming is now a felony with escalating penalties. #ChildProtection #SchoolSafety #WisconsinLaw #GroomingPrevention

Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst discusses his approach to the second and third rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft after passing on first-round picks. He explains why trading back into the first round wasn't worth the cost, especially compared to securing players like Micah Parsons.

Parkinson's changed everything. From a simple task becoming impossible to a diagnosis at a young age. Now, hope for relief through deep brain stimulation. #ParkinsonsAwareness #DBS #YoungOnsetParkinsons #HopeForACure #Neurology #MedicalJourney #Inspiration #CommunitySupport

Kids from First Lutheran Church's kindergarten class planted a honey locust tree in Myrick Park Friday as part of La Crosse's 37th annual Arbor Day celebration.

Vote here: https://www.news8000.com/sports/play-of-the-week/ 

A funnel cloud was spotted in Buffalo County near Montana, WI at around 3:30 p.m. Friday afternoon as officials in the area are reporting severe storm damage.

News 8 is on the scene of a property near Blair, Wisconsin that suffered severe storm damage to multiple structures and vehicles Friday afternoon.

WOAH! A tornado was spotted touching down southeast of Rochester, Minnesota at 2:30 p.m. Friday afternoon. Video courtesy of Mike Myre.

[April 17, 2026 10 a.m.] Severe thunderstorms are heading towards the Twin Cities and Eau Claire, with an alert day from noon to late evening. Expect damaging winds, large hail, possible tornadoes, and flooding. https://www.news8000.com/weather/ 

Severe storms cause widespread damage, but finding a reliable contractor is a major challenge. Beware of 'storm chasers' who offer quick fixes with poor quality work.

UWL cuts the ribbon on its brand new 550-spot parking ramp on the south end of campus. https://www.news8000.com/news/local-news/la-crosse/uw-la-crosse-opens-new-parking-ramp-thursday/article_947d2902-3c79-4dea-b7c8-9392eacdd0aa.html 

Details: https://www.news8000.com/news/local-news/west-salem/coulee-christian-school-celebrates-new-5-7-million-athletic-complex/article_7cbd502e-5896-4fb1-9508-34d1f969de16.html