LATEST HEADLINES

What’s Happening in Wisconsin: Your View and the Badger State Buzz (April 6-12)
| April 6, 2026
Welcome to this week’s Wisconsin View and Badger State Buzz—two staples of the UpNorthNews newsletter.
Political money pours into Wisconsin’s school board elections
| April 6, 2026
Although school board elections are supposed to be nonpartisan, there's plenty of political money pouring into local campaigns ahead of the April 7 election.
We said ‘yes’ to the dress at Wisconsin’s only exclusive plus-size bridal shop—plus 4 more to know
| April 6, 2026
Get the inside scoop on Wisconsin’s only exclusive plus-size bridal shop, plus four other shops to check out.
Watch: Proof that a small town can make a big impact.
| April 3, 2026
Oconomowoc community members gathered together for the No Kings rally on March 28, with a strong message. Residents shared their concerns and frustrations with the Trump administration, addressing issues ranging from ICE, the Epstein files, and more.
Watch: If municipal clerks aren’t taken care of, who will be left to run our elections?
| April 3, 2026
Municipal clerks, the backbone of small-town elections, are reaching retirement age—and younger generations need more support and better pay to take up the often thankless job. Follow @upnorthnewswi for more.
Watch: It was a bladder. . Not a uterus.
| April 3, 2026
When an eastern Wisconsin couple entered a crisis pregnancy center, they sought information and support. Instead, they left the clinic confused, having been provided with an ultrasound image that was purported to show the early stages of pregnancy in a uterus—but actually showed a bladder. Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) are often religiously affiliated, non-medical, anti-abortion organizations that frequently use deceptive tactics—including providing false information and inaccurate ultrasounds performed by unqualified staff members—to discourage people from seeking abortion care. There are more than 2,500 CPCs in the US, compared to about 750 clinics that provide abortion services. CPCs are sometimes located near abortion clinics to deliberately mislead. In Wisconsin, there are between 50 and 70 CPCs compared to only five abortion clinics.. And some CPCs even receive indirect state funding through a so-called “Choose Life” license plate, which includes a $25 fee that benefits an anti-abortion group—bringing in more than $300,000 over the past eight years. One Wisconsin OB-GYN is speaking out about the dangers of CPCs after helping the couple who received an image of a bladder, not a uterus, while seeking medical care. ✏️: Salina Heller
Best brunch in Milwaukee? 5 underrated spots worth your attention
| April 3, 2026
Milwaukee sure loves brunch. A leisurely morning spent over indulgent dishes and a perfectly acceptable breakfast cocktail – what’s not to love?
Watch: Scammers are stealing around $1.2 billion (with a B) from Wisconsin families almost every year
| April 2, 2026
Scammers are stealing around $1.2 billion (with a B) from Wisconsin families almost every year—and many scammers targeted unsuspecting victims with social media accounts and false ads. Follow to stay informed @upnorthnewswi.
Watch: More Wisconsin parents are opting kids out of private school tests.
| April 2, 2026
If kids have to take a test in school, they usually do. But in Wisconsin’s private schools, their parents are increasingly writing notes so they don’t have to. Many students across Wisconsin are taking the state’s standardized test right now. But parents can opt their children out of the Forward Exam in both public and private schools by submitting a written request. While public schools often see higher overall testing participation, recent data shows some of the private schools getting taxpayer-funded vouchers have high opt-out rates, with some voucher students skipping the exam. ✏️: Salina Heller
Wisconsin hockey blocks out noise as it prepares for Frozen Four, Las Vegas
| April 2, 2026
Wisconsin men’s hockey team is heading to Las Vegas for the Frozen Four.
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We said ‘yes’ to the dress at Wisconsin’s only exclusive plus-size bridal shop—plus 4 more to know
| April 6, 2026
Get the inside scoop on Wisconsin’s only exclusive plus-size bridal shop, plus four other shops to check out.
14 celebrities who went to college in Wisconsin
| March 30, 2026
Find out if you share an alma mater with one these 14 celebrities who attended college in Wisconsin.
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith starts music program in Milwaukee
| March 27, 2026
Milwaukee after-school programs are getting a boost in funds and support for bringing music opportunities to kids – thanks to Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. The Chad Smith Foundation, formed by Smith in August 2025, aims to increase access for young people in underserved areas to get involved in music. The foundation’s nationwide […]
The best gift and craft shops in Wisconsin, according to readers
| March 20, 2026
From handmade barn quilts and locally made jewelry to Wisconsin-themed treats, these gift and craft shops across our state have something for everyone.
Shawano and Outagamie highway departments save lives during Wisconsin winter storm
| March 18, 2026
Amid the winter storm Wisconsin faced earlier this week, local highway crews played a life-saving role Monday morning.
This Wisconsin mom fought back against proposed data center construction in her neighborhood—and won
| March 13, 2026
Jayne Black of Greenleaf explains how she transformed her outrage into activism, and how other Wisconsinites can do it, too.
6 Wisconsin small businesses our readers love
| March 13, 2026
We asked our readers for their favorite small businesses in Wisconsin, and here’s what they said. Wisconsin has no shortage of mom-and-pop shops. According to the US Small Business Administration, there are nearly 500,000 small businesses across our state. Whether you’re looking for a new book, handmade jewelry, or a delicious kringle, our readers have […]
The biggest films all-time with Wisconsinites in prominent roles
| March 13, 2026
Kate Hudson may not be a native Milwaukeean, though she plays a real-life one well enough in “Song Sung Blue” that she’s been nominated for Best Actress in the 98th Academy Awards, taking place March 15. The movie comes a couple of years after actors Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo, both Wisconsin natives, appeared in […]
Give BIG Green Bay raises a record $3.7 million to support local nonprofits
| March 11, 2026
The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation and the Green Bay Packers Foundation came together for the ninth straight year to give back to local nonprofits with the Give BIG Green Bay fundraising event.
Wisconsin gas prices up 40 cents in a week as Iran conflict continues
| March 10, 2026
As the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran continues, the average of Wisconsin gas prices surged above $3 a gallon for the first time this year.
Roys: Wisconsin deserves a governor who fights for families—not billionaires
| March 10, 2026
Wisconsin state Sen. Kelda Roys says she’s ready to “fight for our democracy” and stand up to President Donald Trump as she campaigns for governor on lowering costs, protecting public schools, and expanding health care access. With Gov. Tony Evers stepping aside after his term ends, state Sen. Kelda Roys is making her case to […]
Meet the six women competing to be Wisconsin’s 79th Alice in Dairyland
| March 9, 2026
Meet the six women competing to be Wisconsin's 79th Alice in Dairyland.






























































