Good morning, Waukesha.

The Rotary Club of Oconomowoc reversed its decision to ban political activity from the upcoming Fourth of July parade after community backlash and will issue a formal retraction when the Board approves the change— the event will now allow political figures who were initially excluded.

The Food Pantry of Waukesha County served nearly 9,000 people last year and now sees an 11% increase in clients, even as two federal programs that supply food have been cut—reducing support by about $75,000.

Leaders worry that these funding cuts will lead to fewer meat donations and less help during slow summer months.

On June 9 at 3:15 p.m., a crash involving three vehicles at the Highway 164 and Lawnsdale Road intersection in the Village of Waukesha killed a driver aged 91 & her passenger aged 92 when their turning vehicle hit a semi truck, and the sheriff's office said the intersection remained closed while investigators worked the scene.

Aldi will open its first Delafield store on June 19 at the remodeled OfficeMax site at 2840 Heritage Drive—shoppers are promised savings from mostly exclusive products and a special gift bag for the first 100 customers.

The store will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On June 5, a Waukesha woman named Tara Felten pleaded no contest to charges of operating while intoxicated and hit-and-run causing injury after her car critically injured a 63-year-old man near Hartwell and White Rock, and she received a sentence of two years in prison with three years extended supervision, a nine-month jail term, a fine, and 50 hours of community service—police reported she oddly asked, 'A person? A vehicle? A squirrel?' when questioned about the incident.

On Friday, June 10, downtown Waukesha came alive with music at the first Friday Night Live of the season.

The event featured 10 stages—and will run weekly from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. through August except on July 4.

Elmbrook School Board leadership will pay fines of $50 and $25 after an appeals court ruled that email votes used in a 2020 meeting broke the open meetings law—attorney Brandy Henderson will also receive over $13,000 in fees for filing the complaint.

Jazz @ Cutler Park

7-9 p.m. — Cutler Park — Enjoy concessions — Jazz enthusiasts gather for a lineup of live music under the stars.

Waukesha July 4th Fireworks

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Lowell Park — Free entry — Enjoy a festive evening with food trucks, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Independence Day Parade

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Downtown Transit Center — Free entry — Celebrate the Fourth of July with a festive parade that journeys through Downtown Waukesha with the theme 'Through the Decades!'.

Waukesha Farmers' Market

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Waukesha Farmers Market — Free entry — Explore over 70 local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, and handmade goods in a vibrant downtown setting.