WAOW-TV (Wausau, WI)

(Feature Impact) In an era when machines can generate ideas in seconds, hands-on learning and creativity may be more important for today’s children than ever. In fact, due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), 73% of parents believe creativity is an essential trait for their children to develop. This finding comes from a survey commissioned by Crayola and conducted by Talker Research of 2,000 U.S. parents of children ages 8-12, along with children in that same age range.

(Feature Impact) Relationships and plumbing have something in common: they can both benefit from practicing smarter bathroom habits. Whether you’re sharing a household with your family, a partner or roommates, good etiquette in these frequently shared spaces can save everyone’s sanity – just like rethinking your flushing routines can save your pipes.

(WXPR) - Eau Claire Artist Don Gaber created The Iron Hodag sculpture with metal pieces donated by Rhinelander area businesses and people. “I just made kind of a skeleton first, and then I came back to Rhinelander several times and gathered parts from people,” said Gaber, explaining his process. “Then I go back and I combine them and I fit them and I see what works, what doesn't work.

(WXPR) - An accidental discharge while ammunition was being reloaded apparently caused a fire that burned one person and destroyed a duplex in Arbor Vitae. Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue says the call for help came in just after noon Saturday for a fire at a duplex on White Pine Lane. Multiple requests went out for extra help from other departments through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. One part of the duplex was fully involved when firefighters arrived on scene.

STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — The Portage County man accused of killing his parents last summer is now competent for trial. Court records show John Shulfer was found competent during a court appearance last week, nine and a half months after he was deemed not competent for trial. The case will now proceed to a preliminary hearing later today. The 36-year-old is accused of shooting his parents, Paula and Dale Shulfer, during an argument last July.

WAUSAU, Wis. — The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood. A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need.

The heat is on, and it will stick around for most of the week. It will be most humid early in the week, then slightly better in the second half. Not much rain is expected until Friday or Saturday. Hot high pressure is over the area now. It looks like sunny weather through Wednesday. The hottest weather today will be in the Northwoods, where high temps will be in the mid 90s. Around central Wisconsin, high temps will be in the low 90s. Tomorrow the situation will be reversed.

The U.S. aerospace and defense industry needs a skilled workforce, supply chain resilience and continual innovation to remain competitive on the global stage. • A new white paper from the Washington Post Creative Group and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) examined four key pillars of today's defense and aerospace sector: workforce development, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and innovation.

(Feature Impact) Young or old, all can benefit from giving the brain a healthy boost. Emerging nutritional science makes it clear that good cognitive function goes beyond mental exercises as food can help shape memory, mood and cognitive health.

(Feature Impact) If you’re planning on firing up the grill for an upcoming summer gathering, you might be trying to brainstorm options beyond the traditional burgers and dogs. Luckily, there are recipes that let you keep things interesting without becoming too complicated. These Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops might just make you the favorite grill master in the neighborhood.