Ellie here. Happy Friday!

It’s official. The Milwaukee Brewers are headed to the National League Championship Series for the second straight year. The team took down the San Diego Padres 3-1 on Wednesday in Game 4 of the NL Division Series.

And oh boy, what a series it was! All four games were nail-biters, with neither team leading by more than two runs at any time throughout all four games.

If you endured the late night on Wednesday, you saw center fielder Garrett Mitchell make what ended up being a game-saving catch, robbing Manny Machado of a home run in the eighth inning.

The team will go on to, once again, face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seven-game series starting on Sunday.

Do you have any plans for the game this weekend? Or are you heading to American Family Field to watch? Let me know!

A quick programming note: There will be no newsletter on Monday as COURIER will be observing Indigenous Peoples Day. We’ll be back in your inbox on Tuesday!

There’s still time to enjoy the outdoors before Wisconsin’s cold temperatures inevitably arrive.

Here’s a great view of a beautiful place to relax outside, from our reader, Paul A.

“Lake Julia in Oneida County.”

Related: Your Wisconsin events list for this weekend

Join us for On the Ballot: UpNorthNews Live, a COURIER event presented in partnership with Tech For The People, featuring Milwaukee County Executive and gubernatorial candidate David Crowley in conversation with UpNorthNews Founding Editor Pat Kreitlow.

Expect a real, unscripted conversation that goes beyond the talking points and gives Wisconsinites a chance to hear directly from a candidate before they vote.

What Wisconsinites want answered:

💰 Cost of living: Rent, groceries, and child care are stretching Wisconsin families thin. What would a Crowley administration actually do about affordability?

🏫 Public schools: From funding fights to teacher shortages, where does he stand on the future of Wisconsin’s classrooms?

🏥 Healthcare: We’ll ask how he plans to lower costs and protect access to care across the state, from Milwaukee to rural communities.

🚺 Reproductive freedom: Reproductive rights remain on the line in Wisconsin. We’re asking directly where he stands and what he’d do as governor.

🗳 Democracy and voting rights: In one of the country’s most closely watched swing states, voters deserve to know how their next governor will protect the freedom to vote.

🎟 Admission is FREE, but space is limited. Register ASAP.

Can’t make it in person? Catch the livestream on COURIER’s YouTube channel.

Click the map to find a restaurant near you!

This week, I asked for your favorite Mexican restaurants around your community. Here’s what you had to say:

📍Casa Mexicana Grill & Cantina, Rice Lake

“Casa Mexicana is a wonderful and authentic restaurant in Rice Lake, started in 2001 by a husband and wife who serve food from the Jalisco region of Mexico. The food is delicious, the service is outstanding, the staff is friendly, and the guests are treated like returning family.” — Jerilyn B.

📍Casa Amigos Mexican Restaurant, Marshfield

“Food is always delicious and they have a great wait staff!” — Carissa O.

📍Margarita’s, Green Bay

“Everything tastes freshly made, unlike some restaurants where it seems like they just open cans and dump and heat. The seafood enchiladas with poblano cream sauce are to die for! Wash them down with an Earth margarita on the rocks. We always get good service as well.” — Kim K.

📍El Popo Tienda Mexicana, Wautoma

“Huge menu of both Mexican and American options, excellent service, bright cheery atmosphere and a small grocery store attached.” — Anne D.

📍Señor Villa, La Crosse and Onalaska

“Food is always good and they are always very friendly.” — Donna P.

📍La Taquería Mexican Restaurant, Ripon

“The carnitas dinner is the best I’ve had.” — James B.

Next week, I want to hear about your favorite Oktoberfests. Hit reply to have your pick featured.

As we’ve been mentioning throughout the week, it’s National Voter Education Week, and today’s the last day!

Election Day is only 25 days away. Here are some reminders before you head to the polls:

✔️ Check your voter registration status. This is the best way to make sure your information is up to date and you’re ready to vote. Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to check theirs, too. Oct. 14 is the last day you can register by mail or online.

🔗 Read our first-time voter guide. Whether you’re voting for the first time or have been voting for years, our guide is your one-stop spot for important dates, information, and everything you need to know before heading to the polls.

📚 Stay informed. Important local and statewide races are on the ballot. Knowing what’s at stake can help you decide.

🗳 Make a plan to vote. Early voting runs Oct. 20 through Nov. 1. Check it off your list early and avoid a last-minute scramble.

Have questions about voting? Don’t hesitate to ask!

You’re election-ready. 🙌 Now help a friend get there, too—forward this email before Nov. 3.

It’s the perfect time to visit western Wisconsin, especially if you have seasonal activities on your bucket list. (Colin + Meg/Unsplash)

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Kristine Hansen. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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