Well, we turn the page on the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair. After a start that faced days with storms and oppressive heat, the Fair ended its run with a string of five days with fantastic weather. The Wisconsin State Fair never disappoints.

But, alas, all good things must come to an end, and that includes the weekend. Monday is upon us and so are today’s Key Reads


The aforementioned Wisconsin State Fair is a great opportunity to talk to folks from all across the state. That’s exactly what one media outlet did, as they surveyed fairgoers on issues and attitudes ahead of November’s election.

Fair-goers say groceries, utilities, housing has been the biggest financial burden | Fox Business

When asked about what their biggest expense is right now, many families pointed to groceries, utilities and housing.

“[It’s] groceries, 100%. I do a little side hustle for the fun money,” one young mom told FOX Business’ Madison Alworth during a Friday “Varney & Co.” appearance before the fair’s official opening.

“Insurance, groceries, gas, I mean, you name it,” another mom said alongside her son and husband.

… “Our [utilities are] probably doubled,” the aunt added.

Our electric bill, it’s been skyrocketing this past year,” a fourth woman at the fair with her son told Alworth.


The Governor and Wisconsin’s US Senators need to step up and help resolve this dispute. Now.

Town of Lac du Flambeau says it’s run out of money to keep roads open | WPR

Leaders with the town of Lac du Flambeau say they can no longer afford to pay to maintain access to roads crossing tribal lands amid a long-standing dispute with the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

The town board voted Friday to notify the tribe in writing that they’ve run out of funds to pay a monthly permit fee that ensures residents will have access to four roads.

“We don’t have the money anymore. We’re actually in the red in the budget line item that we’ve been using,” Town Board Chair Matt Gaulke said in a special meeting.

The town’s last payment of $48,000 ensures access to the roads through Aug. 12.

In January 2023, tribal officials put up barricades on Elsie Lake Lane, Center Sugarbush Lane, East Ross Allen Lake Lane and Annie Sunn Lane. The move came after negotiations failed between the tribe, the town of Lac du Flambeau and title companies over expired easements on those roads that were never renewed.


This is interesting. It shows that the team ‘s leadership can walk and chew gum at the same time.

Brewers survey fans on future of American Family Field | WISN

The team this week sent an email survey to fans on their mailing list, asking what renovations fans want to see at American Family Field. The survey also reveals some ideas the team is considering.

…One of the ideas the Brewers are seeking opinions on is a Deer District-like zone known as the Brewers Bash. The concept would include bars, food stands and big screens even in the off-season. It would also include live entertainment.

…A reimagined Family Zone is another idea the team is asking about in their survey. There’s also something referred to as the Brew HQ Social Patio, and a semi-private seating area called a “theater box.”


In other sports news, yes it was only the first pre season game. But this could be a special year for the Packers, and we’re determined to make the most of every moment.

Game recap: 5 takeaways from Packers’ preseason win over Browns | Packers.com

Here are five takeaways from the victory:

  1. The No. 1 offense wasted no time.

Three plays, touchdown. That’s all Jordan Love & Co. needed, as Love hit receiver Dontayvion Wicks for a 65-yard touchdown on the third snap of the game, ending the first-team offense’s day early..

  1. The No. 2 offense got rolling after a slow start.

One possession ended with three straight run stops beginning with a second-and-1, but after that, backup QB Sean Clifford got that unit moving and put together three scoring drives (one TD, two FGs) spanning halftime. Running back Emanuel Wilson capped off the best drive (13 plays, 77 yards) with a 5-yard TD run….

  1. Wilson and DuBose were a big part of the offensive production.

Wilson was a preseason star last summer and looked like it again, carrying 13 times for 67 yards and the TD, including a 23-yard run when he broke free. He got a little more work than expected because rookie third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd left the game early in the third quarter with a hamstring injury…

  1. The reserve defensive units rose up in some key moments.

Cornerback Robert Rochell effectively defended a fourth-down pass from the Green Bay 23-yard line to thwart a drive, defensive lineman Colby Wooden got a third-down sack late in the first half, rookie safety Evan Williams forced a fumble on the first play of the second half (recovered by linebacker Kristian Welch), and defensive lineman Arron Mosby batted away a fourth-down pass at the Green Bay 11 early in the fourth quarter….

  1. The kickers had a productive night.

Anders Carlson made field goals from 46 and 33 yards out. Greg Joseph made one from 35. Each made an extra point, and their kickoffs all fell between the 10-yard line and the goal line (or one yard deep) as the Packers repped the modified kickoff in a game for the first time.


But again, it was only a preseason game. Still, this is a team that can sell out their stadium for a night practice, so there’s no such thing a JUST a preseason game.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more Key Reads. Now, back to the grindstone…