Good morning, Wausau.

Local newspapers have been in crisis as more than 3,200 print papers vanished since 2005—newsroom jobs dropped by 60% since 2000 with two papers closing each week.

Public media is also struggling after funding cuts—raising concerns over the loss of local voices.

Gas prices in Wausau jumped from below $2.50 per gallon to over $2.90 after a refinery fire near Gary, Indiana reduced output from the region’s largest facility.

Analysts say prices should begin to drop in November — if the refinery resumes full operations.

A white-tail shooting preserve at Big E Outfitters in Plover was quarantined after a 3-year-old buck tested positive for chronic wasting disease earlier this month—quarantine will last five years and restrict live deer movement among roughly 270 animals while hunters face extra bio-security measures during hunting season.

Crews working on over 1 mile of Schofield Avenue from Normandy Street to Birch Street in Weston say they will finish repaving, installing new pedestrian signals and adding storm inlets by mid-November.

The $6.6 million project has caused traffic delays—crews managed these changes over six months of work.

Gov. Tony Evers warned that if the federal government shutdown continues, Wisconsin’s FoodShare program will run out of funding in 10 days — nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites risk losing SNAP benefits.

The state is also monitoring WIC funding, which remains available for eligible residents.

Dr. Cecilia Stroede, a breast surgeon at Aspirus Health, advises women to check for changes in shape, texture, and symmetry—signs that can indicate breast cancer beyond a simple lump.

The hospital also recommends a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise—steps that help lower risk and prompt a doctor’s visit if changes are noticed.

Marathon County's median home listing price dropped to $371,700 in September — down from $384,900 in August — based on Realtor.com data.

Homes average 2,177 square feet at $163 per square foot and spent a median of 38 days on the market, showing brisk activity in the housing market.

Marshfield native Daulton Varsho drove in the first run for the Blue Jays in Game 7 of the ALCS, helping secure a 4-3 win that sent the team to the World Series for the first time in over 30 years (he may become the first from north central Wisconsin to win a ring) as they prepare to face the Dodgers in Game 1 on October 24 at 7:00 p.m. (the series is best-of-seven).

On Tuesday the boys’ soccer playoffs began as D.C.

Everest beat Appleton West 5-1, Wausau East beat Menomonie 2-0, and Northland Lutheran beat Newman 3-1 — all three teams advanced to the next round. D.C. Everest will face De Pere on Saturday and Wausau East will take on River Falls on Saturday while Northland Lutheran travels to play Washburn on Thursday — setting up their next matches.

Live Music at Bull Falls Brewing Co.

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Bull Falls Brewing Co. — Free entry — Catch OPEN TAB playing live and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere at this local brewery.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 60th Anniversary Blood Drive Part 2

6 p.m. — Lazy Acres Manufactured Home Community — Free — Celebrate community spirit and help save lives by donating blood.

Mosaic Holiday Portrait Sessions

3:20-7 p.m. — Rise Up Central Wisconsin — $35 minimum donation — Capture cherished family moments in festive holiday portraits and support a great cause.