Good morning, Waukesha.

A Waukesha mother's Facebook post sparked a grassroots drive to help families who may lose SNAP benefits because of the federal shutdown—neighbors quickly donated food and money.

Rachel Hartberg is driving around the county to collect donations while about 15 families ask for help.

Pet World will close its East Moreland Blvd store after its building was sold to FUNWAUK RE LLC — a decision marked by closing signs posted on Oct.

8 with no set closing date, according to a store representative contacted on Oct. 23.

Students in the Oconomowoc Area School District improved test scores on spring exams released by the state—English scores rose to 18.3% and math to 22.1%, and Oconomowoc High School earned its highest composite ACT score in five years with a 21.2 rating.

Superintendent Mike Sereno credited the district's steady efforts and community support for these gains.

Waukesha County school districts are taking a measured approach to using artificial intelligence in classrooms.

Hamilton School District emailed parents guidelines on using Gemini for grades 5 through 12 and Waukesha updated its academic honesty policy while Arrowhead is training teachers to use AI responsibly—steps designed to keep student data safe and promote ethical learning.

Karen and Eric Strelitzer from New Berlin are filming an independent movie called One With Nature, which draws from Karen’s stomach cancer journey to raise awareness about early testing.

The film is shooting in a southeastern Wisconsin state forest — it will premiere in November during Stomach Cancer Awareness Month.

Waukesha teen Raghav Vijayapal turned his grandmother’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis into a fundraising drive that raised nearly $35,000 in 2½ years by organizing local golf tournaments for the Alzheimer's Association’s chapter—he says overcoming poor weather did not stop his efforts to support families facing similar challenges.

Downtown Waukesha Trick or Treating

1-3 p.m. — Downtown Transit Center — Free — A delightful community event for families to enjoy trick or treating in a festive atmosphere.

Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books

4-8 p.m. — Carroll University — Celebrate literature with discussions, readings, and signings from over 50 authors.

Holiday Folk Fair International 2025

2-9 p.m. — Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center — Parking fees may apply — Celebrate multicultural heritage with music, dance, and traditional foods over this three-day festival.