Ellie here. I hope everyone’s been having a good week so far!

Earlier this month, Forbes released America’s Best Employers By State. This is the eighth annual list.

Forbes partnered with Statista and surveyed over 245,000 employees across the nation working for a US company of at least 500 people. Survey respondents were asked to rank on a scale of zero to 10 how likely they were to recommend their employer.

The most notable Wisconsin companies that made the list were Harley-Davidson, Kwik Trip/Kwik Star, Lands’ End, and University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Want to know if your employer made the list? Check it out to learn more!

First, a few headlines from around the state:

🐱 There’s a unique new world record that’s been set in our state. A Maine Coon kitten from Wisconsin has a record breaking 29 toes for the most toes on a cat. (The Guardian)

🐝 According to the Dept. of Natural Resources, a new species of bumble bee has been observed in Wisconsin for the first time. (DNR)

🌲 A new nature preserve is open to the public. In Marathon County, visitors will now have access to a 30-acre protected stretch of trout stream, forest, and wetlands. (WPR)

There’s nothing better than spending some time relaxing by the lake. And there are plenty of places in our state to do so.

Here’s a great view of just that, from our reader Kristin G.

“Peaceful solitude on Wheeler lake.”

Thanks for sharing Your Wisconsin View! Send in yours to have it featured.

Seven miles from the tip of the Door Peninsula, Washington Island is filled with fun activities for a day trip. (John Neinhuis/Destination Door County)

From left, runner-up Alex Palou, winner Christian Rasmussen, and third-place finisher Scott McLaughlin celebrate on the podium after the 2025 Snap-on Milwaukee Mile. They’re all drivers to watch in a doubleheader this year. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Erin Yarnall and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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