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Your go-to archive of top headlines, summarized for quick and easy reading.

Note: These AI-generated summaries are based on news headlines, with neutral sources weighted more heavily to reduce bias.

Sports—Brewers Surge: Kyle Harrison struck out 11 and Milwaukee shut out the Cubs 5-0 to complete a sweep, pushing the Brewers to 14-4 in their last 18 games. MLB—Ohtani Two-Way Masterclass: Shohei Ohtani homered on the first pitch and threw five sharp innings as the Dodgers beat the Padres 4-0, lowering his ERA to 0.73. Local—Madison Housing Pressure: Madison’s growth is straining housing supply near the UW campus, where student demand and limited new approvals are squeezing options. Local—Watertown Music Controversy Turns to “Redemption”: After a board removed “Mother of a Revolution” from a band concert, the community heard the piece Wednesday with the composer Omar Thomas conducting. Milwaukee—Data Center Fight: Milwaukee is proposing rules aimed at large data centers, as the broader power-and-growth debate heats up. World—Ebola Fears in Congo: Health workers in eastern Congo say they’re underprotected as a rare Ebola outbreak spreads amid security threats. Weather—Cool, Rain-Spotty Days: Milwaukee stays around the low 50s with periodic rain chances through the week.

Tickborne Health: A Marshfield Clinic study found over half of deer ticks tested from 2024 carried Lyme bacteria—good news for early awareness, but researchers stress it doesn’t mean a 50% chance of getting Lyme from a bite. Public Safety & Justice: Former Sun Badger Solar leaders Trevor Sumber and Kristopher Sipe face criminal theft-by-contractor charges tied to deposits taken without completed work. Local Government Watch: Milwaukee police are investigating a second possible misuse of the Flock license-plate tracking system after earlier allegations against an officer. State Policy & Infrastructure: Wisconsin’s court system released a new judicial workload study to guide staffing and resource planning. Business & Community: Uline paused a planned Kenosha distribution center, pushing construction to 2027 or later. Food & Health Alerts: Sugar Foods recalled specific Kroger croutons over possible salmonella contamination.

Brewers’ First-Place Surge: Jacob Misiorowski tossed six shutout innings and Milwaukee beat the Cubs 5-2 at Wrigley, moving into sole possession of first in the NL Central as Turang homered and the offense finally backed the ace. Local Sports Buzz: The win capped a rough stretch for Chicago, which has now lost four straight and is staring at a possible sweep. Milwaukee Accountability: A whistleblower report alleges unethical, wasteful conditions at Milwaukee wastewater plants, while the city also faces fresh scrutiny after a second officer was placed under investigation for possible misuse of Flock cameras. Health & Safety: A Marinette High School principal pleaded not guilty to battery and disorderly conduct charges tied to an alleged 2022 incident. Community Notes: Sun Prairie hosted “Hits 4 Autism Game,” raising money for the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin. Business/Tech: Oklahoma passed a law aimed at protecting ratepayers from electricity-cost impacts tied to big AI data centers.

PWHL Expansion: The Professional Women’s Hockey League wrapped up its latest growth push by adding San Jose as its 12th team, giving the league a stronger Pacific footprint and a new home at the SAP Center. Madison Business Boost: U.S. Bank and WWBIC handed out equity injections through “Journey to Growth,” with three Madison-area companies—Dane County Family Acupuncture, JustVeggiez, and Nettle Witch Herbs—getting $5,000 each. Farm Relief Watch: The U.S.-China ag deal is back in focus: China plans to buy about $17B in U.S. farm goods over three years, with soybeans a key target—good news for Wisconsin growers. Health Funding Catch-Up: After delays, Wisconsin hospitals are receiving FEMA COVID-19 reimbursement, including major awards for Aurora Health Care and UW Hospitals. Public Safety: A Milwaukee man faces hit-and-run involving death after a north-side crash killed a 71-year-old pedestrian. Overdose Response: Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin launched the first-in-the-nation partnership with the Clinton Foundation to expand free Overdose Aid Kits statewide.

NBA Coaching Carousel: The New Orleans Pelicans hired former Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley, ending interim coach James Borrego’s hopes for the permanent job after Orlando fired Mosley following a tough first-round exit. Local Public Safety: Milwaukee police and sheriff’s deputies arrested a reckless SUV driver after an incident at Veterans Park, while a separate fatal motorcycle crash shut down eastbound I-794 near Van Buren. Crime & Community: Teens kicked off Milwaukee Peace Week with a “Real Talk” listening session focused on takeovers, violence, and summer safety. Sports (Wisconsin): The Milwaukee Brewers crushed the Chicago Cubs 9-3 at Wrigley—Jake Bauers homered and drove in four, and Christian Yelich went deep again as Milwaukee closed within a half-game of the NL Central lead. Statewide Connectivity: Gov. Tony Evers and the PSC announced $1.7 million in grants to improve phone, cellphone, and internet access and affordability, including help for people with disabilities. Tech in Schools: Hudson High School says its cellphone restrictions are boosting classroom focus and student-to-student interaction.

ICE Detainer Fight: A lawsuit backed by the ACLU of Wisconsin over whether Wisconsin jails can hold immigrants for ICE detainers will stay with the Wisconsin Supreme Court after a judge rejected moving it to federal court—setting up a high-stakes state showdown over local custody rules. State Budget Fallout: The Legislature killed a $1.8B tax cut and school aid plan, with Democrats pointing to internal party fractures and Gov. Evers blaming pressure tied to the GOP governor race. Energy Pipeline Update: A judge rejected a bid to pause most of the Line 5 relocation work, keeping the project moving while opponents continue legal pressure. Local Watch: Oshkosh’s City Council took a step toward buying City Center, and Milwaukee-area storm recovery continued after Sunday’s damage. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors in Wisconsin due to possible metal fragments. Weather: Central Wisconsin faces a small overnight storm chance, with more rain possible later in the week.

Line 5 Fight: A Bayfield County judge ruled Enbridge can keep building most of its Line 5 reroute, but paused work at specific water crossings unless extra permits are secured—another setback for the Bad River Band and environmental groups challenging the project’s approvals. Tribal Courts vs. Markets: A federal judge let the Ho-Chunk Nation’s lawsuit move forward against Kalshi’s sports prediction markets, setting up an early test of whether those “event contracts” count as illegal sports betting on tribal lands. Wisconsin Politics: At the Wisconsin GOP convention, leaders urged unity after internal fights over party chair Brian Schimming, and delegates endorsed U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany for governor. Milwaukee Safety: Police investigated a stabbing near 14th and Orchard that sent one person to the hospital. Weather: Rain and storms are expected to hit Milwaukee mornings early this week before drier, steadier conditions take over.

Brewers vs. Twins: Milwaukee is one win from a sweep after edging Minnesota 2-1 Saturday, with Jackson Chourio driving the offense (solo homer, plus a key catch) and Logan Henderson striking out seven in five. Alice in Dairyland: Anastasia Poull was selected as Wisconsin’s 79th Alice in Dairyland and will start her term July 6, bringing a background in animal science and agricultural communications. Milwaukee violence: Police are investigating four separate Saturday shootings across the city, with victims ranging from 17 to 54; no suspects are named. Weather watch: Another round of storms is possible today, with stronger risk shifting into western Wisconsin and then Monday into parts of southern Wisconsin. Politics: At the GOP convention in Wisconsin Dells, Tom Tiffany’s allies warned Democrats could “turn Wisconsin into Minnesota” if they win in November. Sports beyond baseball: Wisconsin softball picked up its first NCAA Tournament win since 2022, beating Baylor 2-1 in nine innings. Fundraiser: “Casting for Kids” topped $1 million raised for pediatric cancer research.

UW-Oshkosh in Peru: UW-Oshkosh is forming a new academic partnership with Universidad Católica de Santa María in Arequipa, Peru, with plans for faculty and student exchanges and research ties, building on earlier nursing and global health work. Health & Outdoors: Wisconsin’s poison ivy season is in full swing—experts urge hikers to stay on marked trails and learn the “leaves of three” look, since the rash can last weeks. Brewers Momentum: Milwaukee edged Minnesota 2-1 as Jackson Chourio hit a go-ahead homer and made a key catch; the teams play again Sunday to finish the sweep. Wisconsin Politics: At the GOP state convention in Baraboo, leaders including U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson pushed unity heading into an open governor’s race. Weather Watch: Storms and fog are in the forecast for the Madison/Milwaukee area, with rain and possible hail at times. Local Spotlight: A Port Washington woman was named Wisconsin’s 79th Alice in Dairyland, and Madison’s Camp Randall hosted “Big Climb Wisconsin,” raising over $200,000 for blood cancer research.

Protest Spotlight: Residents in Wisconsin Rapids gathered today to protest a potential data center, with signs warning “data centers fuel climate change” and “Wisconsin Rapids deserves better.” Public Safety: Milwaukee police are investigating two shootings within 15 minutes overnight; both victims are expected to survive. Politics & War: Hours before a key congressional vote on continuing the U.S. war with Iran, Gov. candidate Tom Tiffany said it’s time to “wrap up the war.” Courts & Crime: A former “Most Wanted” man was sentenced to 30 years for a crash that killed a woman and her grandson. Weather Watch: Warm weekend weather is here, but storms return—strong to severe risk is on the table into early next week. Local Life: Marathon County’s Stratford library is hosting a free dementia overview with ADRC staff, and West Bend schools announced more than $1 million in scholarships for graduates.

Brewers-Twins Drama: Aaron Ashby became the majors’ first eight-game winner as Milwaukee edged Minnesota 3-2, with a pivotal interference call on Royce Lewis that let the tying run score in the eighth and a go-ahead RBI double from Jake Bauers. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of southeast Wisconsin until 5 a.m., with the main threats gusty winds and hail. Local Sports & School Sports: UW-Whitewater opened its NCAA regional with a 13-4 win over Macalester, while Ripon High made lasting memories at American Family Field despite a 7-6 loss. Milwaukee Nightlife: The Jazz Estate is set to close for good, and Dukes on Water is also shutting down—both owners citing rising costs and changing customer habits. Madison Public Market: After years of delays, the grand opening is now slated for July 23. Community & Culture: A beach-cleaning robot (“Mister Sifter”) is helping volunteers pull microplastics from Lake Michigan at Klode Park.

Wildfire Alert: Wisconsin DNR issued a Red Flag Warning for 11 northern counties Friday noon–9 p.m., suspending burn permits in 26 counties as gusty, dry conditions raise the odds of fast-moving fires. High-Speed Chase: A Fond du Lac County pursuit ended with a car going airborne over another vehicle before landing in a field; suspect Dewayne Stokes was arrested after a short foot chase. Milwaukee Politics: The Common Council voted to challenge We Energies’ proposed 14% residential electric rate hike. Local Development: A Wisconsin Center District committee recommended making a 650-room convention hotel a long-term priority, but some board members called the study a waste. State Watch: Wisconsin ranked 36th for financial reporting transparency, scoring 67/100. Sports & Culture: Badgers softball opens NCAA regional play Friday vs. Baylor; and Schlitz beer production ends after 175 years.

UWM Campus Fight: UW-Milwaukee has revised its plan to consolidate eight student centers into one hub after student backlash, but students say the new version still feels too similar to the original and won’t win their support. Freshwater Sciences Boost: The school also landed a $10 million gift to expand the UWM School of Freshwater Sciences. Capitol Clash: Wisconsin’s Senate rejected a bipartisan $1.8 billion tax relief and school funding deal, leaving districts warning about staffing and programming cuts. Election Tensions: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley escalated his criticism of the FBI after agents visited a county election official’s home, calling it intimidation. Consumer Protection: A new Wisconsin law targets crypto kiosk scams with a $1,000 daily transaction limit and required scam warning signs. Sports: The Brewers rolled past the Padres 7-1 behind Luis Rengifo’s three RBIs and Kyle Harrison’s seven strikeouts.

Viral hepatitis push: Wisconsin DHS rolled out a viral hepatitis elimination plan aimed at wiping out A, B and C by 2030, plus a new public dashboard to track testing, vaccination and treatment progress. State politics: A bipartisan $1.8B surplus tax-and-school deal collapsed in the Senate, with disability and school groups warning the failure could squeeze services later. Public trust fight: Gov. Evers signed an executive order barring state workers from using nonpublic info to profit on prediction markets, while Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson blasted an FBI visit to the elections director’s home. Milwaukee crime: Three men were charged in a $1M international theft ring, a Kenosha Correctional Center escapee was recaptured, and prosecutors charged two men in a fatal southwest-side shooting outside a birthday party. Local wins: UWM got a $10M gift for freshwater sciences, and Wisconsin ranked No. 1 again for Drug Take Back medication collection.

Capitol Clash: Wisconsin’s $1.8 billion tax relief and school funding deal is dead after the Senate voted it down 15-18, even though the Assembly passed it—leaving rebate checks, property tax relief, and big K-12 boosts in limbo. Elections Probe: The FBI visited Milwaukee County elections director Michelle Hawley’s home, leaving a business card as officials say agents sought contact tied to 2020 absentee ballots. Public Safety: A judge refused to restrict a jail inmate’s access to phones/tablets despite allegations he called a victim 600 times and made threats. Milwaukee Water & Wastewater: UW-Madison research links early-life city filtration to longer lifespans, while a second whistleblower accuses Veolia/MMSD of wastewater mismanagement. Sports: The Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski left early with quad cramping, and the Padres’ Gavin Sheets hit a 3-run ninth to win 3-1. Community Notes: Milwaukee backed off a leaf-bagging requirement after pushback, and flags will fly at half-staff Thursday for Hmong-Lao Veterans Day.

State Budget Showdown: Wisconsin lawmakers are in a special session over LRB-6707/1, a deal that spends most of the state’s temporary $2.3B surplus on tax rebates and reshapes K-12 funding—while critics warn it favors higher-income households and could leave a multi-billion deficit. School Funding Fight: Democrats say the plan is a “lame duck” bargain that doesn’t fix long-term school problems, and the bill’s fate in the Senate is uncertain. Local Government Pressure: Milwaukee leaders are also moving money to address vacancies and neighborhood needs, including a $22M King Park housing investment proposal tied to downtown TIF dollars. Health Care Politics: Rep. Derrick Van Orden is facing fresh backlash after reporting claims he denied Medicaid cuts while constituents protested. Legal Culture War: A conservative law firm filed a federal lawsuit to overturn Wisconsin’s conversion therapy ban. Business & Community: The Wisconsin Technology Council opened its Launch Wisconsin business plan contest, with entries due June 15.

NBA/Local Sports: The NBA wrapped up its probe into the Bucks’ handling of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s knee return and says no further action is needed, after the league heard conflicting accounts about whether he was medically cleared and whether he declined return-to-play scrimmages. Brewers: Milwaukee kept rolling—Joey Ortiz hit his first homer in nearly 10 months and the Brewers beat the Padres 6-4 for a fifth straight win. Public Safety: Milwaukee police are still hunting the driver in a Monday hit-and-run that killed a 71-year-old pedestrian; the suspect car—a black 2010-2015 Camaro with no plates—has been found. Courts: In Ozaukee County, a man convicted in a fatal wrong-way crash that killed an Oostburg couple was sentenced to 30 years plus 25 years of extended supervision. Statehouse/Education: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced a bipartisan education-and-tax deal, including higher special education reimbursement, while Milwaukee Public Schools leaders say they still need clearer numbers before they can plan. Community/Weather: Brown Deer residents say drivers are cutting through a senior community parking lot as a construction detour, and the forecast points to warmer temps with rain chances building into the weekend.

UW Athletics Search: UW–Madison has formally kicked off its hunt for a new director of athletics, with interim chancellor Eric Wilcots leading and a nine-person committee chaired by faculty rep Lauren Bishop; Colts GM Chris Ballard and former Badgers star Michael Finley are on the panel, and one internal candidate, deputy AD Mitchell Pinta, has already stepped back. Education & Politics: A $1.8B bipartisan tax-and-school deal is colliding with GOP governor hopeful Tom Tiffany, who says he won’t vote for it, while Democrats criticize the plan’s tradeoffs. Milwaukee Schools: Milwaukee Public Schools is investigating a child abuse complaint after a student says an employee “slammed” him to the ground; charges are being referred to the DA. Environment & Roads: WIS 47/Richmond Street over I-41 in Appleton is set to close May 19 through fall for a diverging diamond rebuild. Business & Jobs: Microsoft says it has hired about 375 workers for its Mount Pleasant data center, with more expected as the second site ramps up. Public Safety: A Green Bay woman was arrested for OWI with minors in the vehicle and THC possession. Health & Community: Tomah Health and Versiti are hosting a blood drive May 13-14 with a “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” coupon.

NBA Draft & Bucks Future: The Milwaukee Bucks landed the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft—first lottery selection in a decade—prompting mock drafts to circle Tennessee forward Nate Ament as the early favorite. Brewers’ Momentum: Blake Perkins delivered an emotional Mother’s Day performance, sparking Milwaukee to a 4-3 win over the Yankees and a sweep—Milwaukee’s first since 1989. Sports Injuries & AL Struggles: Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero is sidelined with a finger injury, while a broader American League slide has many teams under .500 early. Wisconsin Politics & Taxes: Gov. Tony Evers and GOP leaders announced a bipartisan surplus plan: $600M for schools (including special education reimbursement up to 50%), $850M+ in tax refunds, property tax relief, and eliminating Wisconsin income tax on tips and overtime. Public Safety: A Boone County man died after fleeing police and crashing into a utility pole; and Wisconsin DOJ is investigating officer-involved shootings in Superior and Oshkosh. Health Watch: Tick-related ER visits are trending higher earlier this spring, and officials urge prevention.

Education & Taxes Deal: Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislative leaders announced a bipartisan package using part of Wisconsin’s surplus: $600M+ for K-12, including a special education reimbursement rate rising to 50%, plus property tax relief and eliminating state income tax on tips and overtime—with direct payments also included for working families. Bucks in Court: Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wesley Edens is tied to a federal $1B+ sextortion/blackmail case, with prosecutors alleging demands far beyond a reported $6.5M settlement attempt; Edens is expected to testify. Sports: The Brewers swept the Yankees for the first time since 1989, capped by Brice Turang’s walk-off. NCAA Spotlight: Wisconsin softball earned an NCAA Tournament bid and will face Baylor in Austin. Business/Jobs: Cell.Plus will close all Wisconsin retail locations, laying off 66 employees by July 31. Travel & Costs: AAA says Memorial Day travel is still strong, but higher fuel prices are nudging some Wisconsinites to shorten trips.

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