Wisconsin
The 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Sporkies & Drinkies finalists are here!
There are only 49 more days until the kick-off of the Wisconsin State Fair, which takes place July 31- August 10. And the list of State Fair Foods is already heating up thanks to the release of the 2025 Sporkies and Drinkies Finalists.
This year, eight Sporkies finalists have been selected from a pool of 35 entries, with four Drinkies making the cut from 17 entries. That list will be pared down even further on Tuesday, July 29 when a panel of local celebrity judges will choose the winners (based on appearance, presentation, creativity, originality and taste) for the Golden Spork and Golden Cup awards.
All Sporkies and Drinkies items will be available for purchase during the 11 glorious days of the Wisconsin State Fair. A massive 13-foot Spork or Drinkie statue will be displayed at all finalists’ locations. All vendors who entered either competition will display a sticker at their State Fair location(s).
Here are this year’s contenders:
Carnival Cooler
Submitted by: Tropics at the Fair
The Carnival Cooler is a bright pink drink that tickles the tastebuds with a mix of watermelon, pickle juice, and lemonade. Add zesty lime, Tajín, and the sweet heat of hot honey to create a bold mix of sweet, salty, tangy, and heat. Finish the drink off with a lime wedge on a carousel pick and fun straw for summer in a cup. Plus, this drink can be made alcoholic for Fairgoers 21+.
Dirty Pancakes
Submitted by: Buzzy Badger
The Dirty Pancakes is a playful take on a dirty soda that tastes like breakfast in a cup! Root beer is mixed with vanilla creamer and maple pancake syrup, brown sugar popping boba, and then topped with whipped cream. Plus, breakfast lovers will rejoice as the straw is lined with mini pancakes for an on-the-go snack.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie
Submitted by: Caribbean Smoothees
The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie is a decadent blend of fruity, nutty, and rich dessert flavors in one strikingly beautiful drink. A refreshing strawberry smoothie is layered inside a cup swirled with pistachio butter and chocolate topping, then garnished with shredded Kataifi and extra chocolate drizzle. This Insta-worthy twist on the viral Dubai chocolate trend is a can’t miss treat!
Purple Rain Refresher
Submitted by: Rock and Roll Beer Garden
Inspired by the glam and grit of rock legends, the Purple Rain Refresher is a show-stopping drink that captures the magic of a live show. This mix of Concord grape juice, tart lemonade, and grapefruit soda is topped with edible glitter and pop rocks that shimmer and crackle like the crowd at a headliner set. Plus, this drink changes color with each sip of shimmering blue and silver edible glitter!
A Hunk A Hunk Elvis Donut Ice Cream Sandwich
Submitted by: Badger Bites
A sweet and savory donut ice cream sandwich that would make The King proud. Enjoy a Grebe’s Bismark donut stuffed with a heaping scoop of Fat Elvis Ice Cream (banana ice cream swirled with salty peanut butter ripple and rich chocolate chips) and pressed for warm, gooey perfection. It’s topped with chocolate and peanut butter sauce, crispy bacon, and powdered sugar for the ultimate indulgence.
Blueberry Breakfast Bratwurst
Submitted by: Milwaukee Brat House
Blueberry Breakfast Bratwurst is a morning-meets-Wisconsin creation wrapped in fluffy pancake perfection. Usinger’s Blueberry-infused brat is nestled inside a flapjack and pairs perfectly with sweet and smoky house-made bourbon bacon jam. No matter what time of day, this is a breakfast lover’s dream!
Brat Rangoon
Submitted by: WürstBar
Brat Rangoon are a crave-worthy fusion of Wisconsin comfort and Asian street food. This unique German-Asian dish features crisp wonton wrappers filled with bratwurst, cream cheese, green onion, and melted cheese, deep-fried, and drizzle with house-made sweet and sour sauce. Topped with Nori Komi Furikake seasoning, these savory bites pack flavors together in every crispy crunch.
Gochujang Smashburger with Kimchi Bacon Jam
Submitted by: Blue Moon Tavern at the Park
Gochujang Smashburger with Kimchi Bacon Jam is a mouthwatering Korean-inspired burger bursting with heat, umami, and crunch. It features double smash patties layered with melty gouda, tangy gochujang sauce, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet-spicy kimchi bacon jam – all on a toasted brioche bun. Finished with fresh cilantro, it’s an unforgettable fusion of comfort food and global flavor!
Mexican Street Corn Pizza
Submitted by: Charlie’s Pizza
Mexican Street Corn Pizza is a flavor fiesta inspired by the beloved flavors of elote. This bold and cheesy pizza features sweet corn, mozzarella, cotija cheese, spicey mayo, and fresh lime on a crispy, golden pizza crust. Topped with a lime, each slice is served hot and ready for tangy, creamy, and savory bites.
Pretzaroni Pizza Brat
Submitted by: Gertrude’s Pretzels
Pretzaroni Pizza Brat is the delicious fusion of a pretzel, a pizza, and a bratwurst. A St. Joe’s Garlic Parmesan brat is wrapped in pretzel dough lined with pepperoni, baked to golden perfection, and finished off with homemade garlic parm topping. Served with a side of marinara, it’s cheesy, meaty, and totally Wisconsin.
S’mores Churro Fries
Submitted by: Saz’s BBQ
S’mores Churro Fries turns your favorite campfire treat into a crispy, shareable dessert. Cinnamon-sugar churro fries are topped with gooey marshmallow creme, rich chocolate sauce, and crushed graham crackers. It’s a sweet, crunchy, and nostalgic treat that everyone will love.
Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia
Submitted by: Lumpia City
Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia puts a twist on a traditional favorite sweet lumpia flavor called Turon. This Filipino-American dessert mashes up deep cultural roots and modern flavor made with caramelized bananas, syrup-soaked French toast, and rich purple ube butter, then deep-fried until golden and dusted with powdered sugar.
See a full list of The Sporkies and Drinkies items here.
Wisconsin
25 beagles from controversial Wisconsin research breeder coming to PAWS Chicago
After a Wisconsin breeding and animal research facility that housed thousands of beagles agreed to sell most of their animals, some of the dogs will be headed to the Chicago area.
After weeks of protests over their treatment of the dogs, Ridglan Farms agreed to sell 1,500 of the facility’s roughly 2,000 beagles.
Activists who have accused Ridglan of mistreating the dogs broke into the facility last month in an effort to remove beagles that were being bred for laboratory testing.
About a month later, hundreds of activists and protesters returned, clashing with police, leading some to be tear gassed and pepper sprayed.
On Thursday, organizations separate from the activist groups reached a deal with Ridglan Farms to purchase 1,500 of the estimated 2,000 beagles housed there, and transfer them to rescue organizations around the country
“Today is about doing what is right for the beagles,” said Lauree Simmons, founder and president of Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
“This is really part of a larger effort to move our nation away from beagle testing, primate testing, and other forms of animal testing,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Center for a Humane Economy.
In a statement, Ridglan farms denied mistreating the beagles, saying they are “happy, healthy and well cared for,” adding “publicly available USDA documentation shows this has been the case for many years.”
Ridglan said they’re in the midst of finalizing arrangements for the remaining 500 dogs.
At PAWS Chicago, the city’s largest no-kill animal shelter, preparations are being made for the arrival of 25 of the beagles purchased from Ridglan Farms.
“I’m so very happy for them to start their next chapter,” said PAWS Chicago head of program operations Celene Mielcarek.
PAWS expects to receive the beagles from Ridglan Farms on Saturday, but it will take some time for them to undergo medical evaluations and adjust before they’re ready for adoption.
“We are going to be spending so much time allowing them to decompress; they’ll arrive at our medical center, they’ll get their initial veterinary exam, and we’re going to get to know each of them,” Mielcarek said.
The dogs will then adapt to home life with foster care before being made available to find permanent families and start their new life, like so many dogs that have come through PAWS before them.
“We want to be nimble and respond to the crisis at hand. Right now, the crisis is helping these beagles learn how to be dogs and find their homes with their families,” Mielcarek said.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin secures 11th commitment from three-star defensive lineman
The Wisconsin Badgers seemingly can’t miss as they just landed their 11th commitment in the class of 2027.
After missing out on a three-star defensive lineman yesterday, Luke Fickell secured a priority target as Connecticut native Will Zaccagnino officially committed to the Badgers.
“I have been looking forward to this moment for a while,” Zaccagnino wrote. “First I thank God for the opportunities and my family, coaches and teammates for their support.
He continued, “I’m also grateful to every program and coach that recruited me through this amazing process. I am very excited to announce my commitment to the University of Wisconsin! I’m home!!!”
247Sports lists Zaccagnino as the No. 3 player in his state. Overall, he hovers around the top 100 defensive lineman when it comes to players in the class of 2027.
May 29 marks Zaccagnino’s official visit with the Badgers. Currently, he still has visits lined up through June 19 with Syracuse, UConn, Missouri, and Michigan State.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for April 29, 2026
Manuel Franco claims his $768 million Powerball jackpot
Manuel Franco, 24, of West Allis was revealed Tuesday as the winner of the $768.4 million Powerball jackpot.
Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Wisconsin Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 29, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from April 29 drawing
03-19-35-51-67, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 29 drawing
Midday: 7-7-2
Evening: 0-3-1
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 29 drawing
Midday: 0-0-4-6
Evening: 7-8-8-8
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning All or Nothing numbers from April 29 drawing
Midday: 02-03-06-10-11-12-14-16-17-18-19
Evening: 02-04-08-09-10-13-14-18-19-20-21
Check All or Nothing payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Badger 5 numbers from April 29 drawing
03-22-23-25-27
Check Badger 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning SuperCash numbers from April 29 drawing
02-03-04-11-13-38, Doubler: N
Check SuperCash payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Megabucks numbers from April 29 drawing
02-03-27-29-31-41
Check Megabucks payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
- Prizes up to $599: Can be claimed at any Wisconsin Lottery retailer.
- Prizes from $600 to $199,999: Can be claimed in person at a Lottery Office. By mail, send the signed ticket and a completed claim form available on the Wisconsin Lottery claim page to: Prizes, PO Box 777 Madison, WI 53774.
- Prizes of $200,000 or more: Must be claimed in person at the Madison Lottery office. Call the Lottery office prior to your visit: 608-261-4916.
Can Wisconsin lottery winners remain anonymous?
No, according to the Wisconsin Lottery. Due to the state’s open records laws, the lottery must, upon request, release the name and city of the winner. Other information about the winner is released only with the winner’s consent.
When are the Wisconsin Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Super Cash: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
- All or Nothing (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
- All or Nothing (Evening): 9 p.m. CT daily.
- Megabucks: 9:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Badger 5: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
That lucky feeling: Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
Feeling lucky? WI man wins $768 million Powerball jackpot **
WI Lottery history: Top 10 Powerball and Mega Million jackpots
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Wisconsin editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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