Health
France reports first case of new mpox variant
Mpox causes a painful rash with skin lesions that can last for two-to-four weeks, as well as other symptoms including fever, headache, aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes. Mpox clade Ib first emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a subtype of clade I, a more severe form of mpox […]


Mpox causes a painful rash with skin lesions that can last for two-to-four weeks, as well as other symptoms including fever, headache, aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
Mpox clade Ib first emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a subtype of clade I, a more severe form of mpox than clade II — the latter was behind the global outbreak in 2022.
There were more than 50,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 deaths in Africa from mpox last year.
Health
Franciscan Sisters pledge $2 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse
The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) have pledged $2 million to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse. HOLMEN, Wis. (WXOW) – The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) have pledged $2 million to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse. The investment will be distributed over the next […]

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) have pledged $2 million to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse.
HOLMEN, Wis. (WXOW) – The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) have pledged $2 million to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse.
The investment will be distributed over the next two years and is aimed at helping the organization meet the long-term needs of local youth.
Club leaders say the funds will strengthen their financial foundation and ensure continued access to critical services.
“Support like this is going to help make sure that we can sustain what’s been built, continue to grow, and continue to serve more kids in this community,” CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse Jake Erickson said. “We are just looking at what are some upcoming gaps and how can we make sure that our services are at the same level they are today—but then continue to grow as the needs of the community and as the needs of kids grow.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse serve nearly 4,500 young people annually through programs focused on mentorship, academic and athletic enrichment, food security, mental health and wellness support, and life skills training.
FSPA President Sue Ernster said the donation reflects the values both organizations share.
“They do not exclude anyone… So that there are opportunities and they can disrupt the current systems of injustice and break down some of the barriers that are inherent in our society,” Ernster said. “They meet them where they’re at. They don’t expect them to be something more.”
Club officials hope the pledge encourages others in the community to give. Donations can be made here.