Good morning, Wausau.

U.S. News & World Report released its Best Places to Live list, placing Wausau at number 125 along with eight other Wisconsin cities—this ranking is based on quality of life, job market, cost of living, migration, and community desire.

The list highlights important factors that define a great place to live.

Construction at Kennedy Park in Weston will begin in a few weeks with two new baseball fields despite disagreements over funding for the $15 million project.

Friends of Kennedy Park have raised $26,000 + received a $500,000 donation and plan to add a walking path, lights and fan stands as donations come in.

On Monday, the Wausau Law Enforcement Torch Run began at noon at Kwik Trip on Central Bridge Street and ran down 5th Street, ending with a short ceremony at the 400 block on N 3rd Street—organizers said the event inspired athletes and officers ahead of the Special Olympics Summer Games at UW-Whitewater.

A Wausau mother—Jessica Pagenkopf, 26—has been charged with the fatal death of her 2-year-old daughter after investigators linked a lethal amount of oxycodone pills to the child's overdose and scheduled a preliminary hearing for June 11.

The Grand Theater announced its 2025/26 season featuring 39 shows from August to May.

Season subscription orders will begin today at 5:30 p.m. at its Downtown Wausau venue + buyers will receive priority seating when general tickets go on sale on July 8.

The Grand Theater unveiled its 2025/26 season lineup Monday night with Broadway hits and music from all genres—featuring family-friendly shows like The Addams Family and Mrs. Doubtfire, musicals such as TINA-The Tina Turner Musical and Kinky Boots, and live acts including The Oak Ridge Boys and The Righteous Brothers. Tickets are available through subscription today and single-show tickets will be on sale from July 8.

On Monday, residents in a Wausau neighborhood saw crews use a crane to remove ash trees hurt by the Emerald Ash Borer.

City Forester John Kahon said the city used a nearly $500,000 grant—helping to lower costs—and invites more homeowners to apply for tree removal.

Wausau Ignite vs. Madison Night Mares

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Athletic Park — Ticket sales benefit a cause — Enjoy a thrilling softball game while supporting a great cause.

Wausau Ignite vs. Madison Night Mares

1:05 – 2:35 PM — Athletic Park — Ticket proceeds support a local cause — Watch a thrilling softball matchup while helping the community.

Wausau Ignite vs. La Crosse Steam

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Athletic Park — Tickets available through a resale marketplace — Enjoy a thrilling softball match while supporting a charitable cause.

Wausau Ignite vs. Minot Honeybees

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Athletic Park — Tickets available — Enjoy an exciting game of softball while supporting a great cause.

Wausau Woodchucks vs. Fond Du Lac Dock Spiders

1:05 – 2:35 PM — Athletic Park — Free tickets for members — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game with complimentary food and drinks in a scenic location.

Manga Drawing Workshop

9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. — Marathon County Public Library - Wausau Headquarters — Free entry — Unleash your creativity by drawing your own manga characters with provided materials.

Clay Creations for Kids

3-4 p.m. — Marathon County Public Library — Free entry — School-aged children can unleash their creativity by sculpting mini masterpieces with air-dry clay.

Wings Over Wausau Airshow

4-10 p.m. — Wausau Downtown Airport — Free entry — Experience thrilling day and night airshows along with fireworks and family-friendly activities.

Wausau Woodchucks vs. Green Bay Rockers

3:05 – 4:35 PM — Athletic Park — Ticket includes hot dog, soda, and reserved box seat — Cheer on the Woodchucks in this exciting baseball matchup.

Kenosha Kingfish vs. Wausau Woodchucks

1:05-2:35 p.m. — Wausau Woodchucks — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup at Athletic Park with local teams battling it out.