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Governor Evers has declared a state of emergency amid the ongoing federal shutdown and the looming lapse of FoodShare benefits.  Evers announced the order yesterday, giving the state authority to combat price-gouging and direct resources toward mitigating economic disruption.  This comes as President Trump says his administration will only fund SNAP after receiving court guidance.  Evers noted nearly 700-thousand state residents could lose access to food assistance if federal funding is not restored.

Wisconsin is now the 36th state to pass legislation limiting cell phone usage in schools.  The Wisconsin Examiner reports Governor Evers signed the bill on Friday banning cellphones during instructional time.  Evers said he acted because of concerns over phones’ impact on learning, mental health, and social skills.  School districts have until July 2026 to implement policies.  Exceptions include emergencies, educational use, and student health or special education needs.  Polls show strong support for classroom cell phone bans, with up

Authorities are investigating a deadly incident in Wisconsin Rapids.  Police say they responded early yesterday morning to an emergency room where a 34-year-old man with life-threatening injuries was pronounced dead.  Officials later found that a 56-year-old man was dead at a residence.  A suspect was arrested around noon after multiple law enforcement agencies coordinated their efforts.  No names have been released as the investigation continues.

A Madison Police K9 officer is back home after spending more than a month recovering in the hospital.  Nearly 100 first responders gathered in the hallways of the hospital to give a special send-off for Officer Ryan Kimberley yesterday.  Kimberley was hospitalized near the end of September following a tow truck crash.  He was reunited with his K9 partner, Freddie, earlier this month.  A fundraiser supporting Kimberley and his family has raised more than 100-thousand-dollars.

A University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire professor and his student researchers are featured in two documentaries spotlighting their work to find forgotten Holocaust history. Dr. Harry Jol and his team appear in BBC and National Geographic documentaries titled “The Hidden Holocaust” and “How he Holocaust Began.” The films show the university’s Holocaust Mapping Program, which uses advanced technology to locate mass burial and execution sites. The research team travels overseas to collect data using ground-penetrating radar, laser leveling and aerial drones.

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski received the Honorary American FFA Degree today during the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The Honorary American FFA Degree is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment. The award recognizes individuals who have gone beyond valuable, daily contributions to make a long-term difference in the lives of students, and to inspire confidence in a new generation of agriculturists. Members

BOO!  Happy Halloween! It’s here! For this week’s Friday Feel Good we aren’t just trick-or-treating for sweets, we unwrap a sweet story about keeping the spirit of the season alive and well!  A community in North Palm Beach, Florida went big for Halloween this year, and a four-year-old kid made it happen.  A woman named Jill Parker posted a video of her son Reef a few weeks ago, complaining there weren’t enough Halloween decorations.  Reef and his mom talk about the neighborhood

The La Crosse Wastewater Treatment Plant has finished construction of what it calls the largest public works project from the city of La Crosse in its history. The project is designed to meet low-level phosphorous compliance and reduce the biosolid footprint. It will also generate electricity from burning methane gas. La Crosse began planning the 68-million dollar project ten years ago.

Two state Head Start programs are pausing services for November amid the federal government shutdown.  The Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program will close on Monday.  Meanwhile, the Sheboygan Human Rights Association will shut down on the 14th.  This comes as the ongoing federal government shutdown enters its 31st day.  Governor Evers says the closures will leave nearly 300 children without early childhood programming.  More than 80 staff members will be without pay until federal grants are issued.

The Trump administration has denied the state’s request for hazard mitigation grant funding for six counties hit by August storms and flooding.  This follows a previous refusal of public-assistance funding for more than 26 million dollars in damage.  The decision leaves communities without federal support for rebuilding infrastructure and preparing for future disasters.  Governor Evers says he plans to appeal both decisions and that the state has 30 days to submit additional justification.