Ellie here. Happy Friday! Earlier this week, I asked to hear about what plans you had for Earth Day. Here’s what you shared:

“I recycle & every day I look at my bag of recycling & am glad all of that doesn’t go into the garbage!!!” — Diane K.

“I took a walk & picked up litter in my neighborhood.” — Mary D.

“I lead the Lions Duluth Lions Club in a soft plastic recycling project.  We called it a challenge to recycle soft plastics. Since 2020 we have recycled over 11,000 pounds of plastic such as plastic bags, bread bags, ice bags, plastic shipping envelopes, bubble wrap, pallet wrap & stretch plastic, cereal bags, etc..

In this challenge Lions have learned good habits to live in a more ecologically sustainable way.  Since the January 1st this year we have recycled over 600 pounds of soft plastic.” — Eric S.

These are such great ways to help protect our planet! Thanks for sharing.

Just because Earth Day has passed doesn’t mean it’s too late to get involved. There are plenty of events happening this weekend for you to check out.

In other news, we’ve got another edition of our Locals Love today, where we’re taking a look at your favorite candy stores from around the state. And we’ve added a little something new — we’ve a new graphic with a map so you can find a place that local’s recommend if you’re on the hunt for a spot to grab a sweet treat!

Next week, I want to hear about your favorite burger spots. Send in your favorites, and tell me why they should be featured!

“I took this photo during last Monday nights storm. I live in Waunakee and took the photo facing east. Cheers to beautiful mama earth.” (Courtesy of Tom B.)

Tom B. in Waunakee sent in this amazing photo during one of last week’s storms. What a beautiful scene! Thanks for sharing.

Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured!

Looking to get out a try something new this weekend? Check out these restaurants in our state that have gone viral.

Click the image to see the map and find a candy store near you!

This week, I asked for your favorite candy stores around your community. Here’s what you had to say:

📍Beerntsen’s Confectionary Inc, Manitowoc

“I wish I could send you pictures of my students from their field trip there many years ago so you could see the beauty of their faces and as they anticipated their exquisite ice cream sundaes. (BTW, I’m originally a Two Riverite, the birthplace of the ice cream sundae.) Anyway, we had a marvelous time watching ribbon candy made from scratch.” — Hilarie R.

📍Confections For Any Occasion, Theresa — Mary D.

📍Door County Vintage Candy, Egg Harbor

“Our kids favorite for 30yrs.” — David W.

📍Chippewa Candy Shop, Chippewa Falls

“They have almost any candy you could ever want, let you taste the merchandise before you buy, and are the kindest & friendliest hosts you could ever hope for. My elderly father-in-law had an insatiable sweet tooth, and before his passing, we took him there for his monthly stash. He would spend in excess of $100.00 each time. They loved him & made him feel so special.” — Paula D.

📍Sugar Troll, Mt. Horeb

“Sugar Troll in Mount Horeb for its nostalgic and vintage candy.” — Chara K.

📍Tremblay’s Sweet Shop, Hayward

“Hand dipped chocolates, peanut brittle, taffy are just some of the sweets. What’s special about Tremblay’s is you can watch the employees make fudge and brittle as well as hand dipping candies. Plus, free samples of fudge!!” — Jessica S.

📍Wilmar Chocolates, Neenah

“Best chocolate ever. Only been in Neenah for a short time, but doing very well.” — Susan L.

📍Hughes’ Home Maid Chocolates Shop, Oshkosh

“One of the quirkiest candy stores you will find. They have great candy, make it in the basement of a house in a regular neighborhood. You go downstairs, where they make the candy so you will see everything that goes on. It is worth stopping by just to see their operation.” — Lyn G.

Next week, I want to hear about
your favorite burger spots. Hit reply to share your pick.

Click the image to see the map of events in your area!

Protesters march towards the White House during a May Day Strong Coalition rally in Washington, DC on May 1, 2025. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

Protesters gather outside of Gov. Tony Evers’ office on April 20, demanding to speak with the governor about the release of beagles from Ridglan Farms. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Abigail Deatrick and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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