Brewers-Rays World Series opens tonight at AmFam Field (MILWAUKEE)
The eyes of Wisconsin sports fans are on Milwaukee tonight. It’s Game 1 of the 2026 Word Series between the Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field, marking the Brew Crew’s return to the Fall Classic for the first time since 1982, when the then American League Brewers lost to the Cardinals in seven games. The Rays won the AL pennant in 2008 and 2020 but fell short in the World Series both years. It’s the first Series pitting two teams that have never won since 1980, when the Phillies beat the Royals. This year’s Series also features two of MLB’s lower payroll clubs, and if goes to seven games, will end on Halloween.
Upcoming election could reshape balance of power at State Capitol (MADISON)
Wisconsin voters could determine control of state government in November. Political science professor Anthony Chergosky of UW-La Crosse says Democrats have a realistic shot at flipping the state Senate and, in a strong election year, could also win the governor’s race and the Assembly. That would give Democrats their first state government trifecta since 2010. Chergosky says a Democratic sweep could revive proposals on abortion, taxes and school funding, while a split Legislature could slow policymaking and complicate the next state budget.
Another case of bird flu in northwest Wisconsin (BARRON COUNTY)
Another bird flu case is confirmed in northwestern Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection identifies a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial poultry flock in Barron County. It’s the third in the county since mid-September, and the eighth infected flock overall in Wisconsin this year. Six cases were in commercial operations, two in backyard flocks. State and federal officials have quarantined the Barron County site and depopulated the flock to prevent further spread. According to the DATCP bird flu webpage, more than four-and-half million birds have been depopulated in the state this year. Affected birds will not enter the food supply and DATCP urges poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity measures and keep birds away from wild birds whenever possible.
WisDOT’s online hub gets national recognition (UNDATED)
WisDOT earns national recognition for its online information tool. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has received a 2026 Government Experience Award from the Center for Digital Government for its new online Projects Hub. The website serves as a one-stop source for highway and bridge project information across the state. Users can search interactive maps and access details on nearly 600 transportation projects, from planning through construction. According to WisDOT, the platform improves transparency and public access to information, and it’s expected to become the agency’s primary project information resource beginning next year.
Opening delayed for state’s second IKEA (MADISON)
Madison area residents eager for a local IKEA will have to be patient. The Swedish retailer known for furniture, home goods and meatballs is planning to open on Madison’s Far West Side. When it was announced earlier this year, the plan was for the opening to be this fall. But now IKEA says it will be late winter or spring of next year. Work continues on converting spaces at the Madison shopping center that used to house a Bed, Bath and Beyond and a Party City. The only other IKEA location in the state is in Oak Creek, in southeastern Wisconsin.
NW Wisconsin county will implement data center moratorium (BARRON)
Barron County is the latest to enact a ban on data centers. The county board voted 28 to 1 this week to approve a temporary moratorium on data centers. The ban only applies to county zoned land, not unzoned townships and municipalities. It will end January 1, 2028, or when the county approves a specific zoning land use ordinance for data centers, whichever is sooner. County officials were drafting it now and said the ordinance could be up for a vote as soon as January 2027.