Even before the war in Iran or President Trump’s trade war tariffs or the growth of data centers, Wisconsin consumers were concerned about hikes in electric rates.
Mandela Barnes, a candidate for governor, says corporate profits and executive pay are also factors — and he says if elected he’d appoint members to the state’s Public Service Commissioner who would oppose routine rate hikes for utilities.
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.
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
Limes, black beans, and corn are a few things students can bring home from school in Arcadia.
That’s encouraging to the district’s Latino students, who feel their culture is being respected through food.
The school counselor says it's fostering a sense of pride and belonging, making them more engaged in school.
The food pantry at school is more important than ever as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—known as FoodShare in Wisconsin—cuts are expected to impact school children by reducing access to free meals, with up to 18 million children across the country potentially losing benefits.
FoodShare supports many students by addressing food insecurity, which is directly linked to improved academic performance, higher graduation rates, and better physical health.
✏️: Salina Heller
its a role some experts argue is intentional.
Follow @upnorthnewswi to see how it plays out in Wisconsin.
A new round of “No Kings” marches will take place on March 28 across Wisconsin and around the country. Here’s a look back at Eau Claire’s rally last October and a reminder of why people who love our country still have a lot to say about opposing leaders who put themselves above the Constitution.
Cell phone bans in schools are working—but districts can't address the root problem. Lawmakers and Big Tech can.
Wisconsin has already taken action with a statewide school phone ban taking effect this year.
Follow @upnorthnewswi as we keep up with the people holding tech companies accountable.
#wisconsin #wi #wisconsinnews
Not for chips or accessories, but for food their families can use to make meals.
Students in Arcadia can get free groceries at the Raider Market. A lot of kids do—not only because there’s a huge need, but because it’s normalized and a simple part of the school day.
The Feed My People Food Bank delivers food to the middle school every couple of weeks, providing consistent access to nutritious food, which reduces hunger-related distractions, boosts energy levels, and improves focus in the classroom.
To donate to the Feed My People Food Bank, go to the link in comments.
✏️/🎥: Salina Heller
“Kicked by a cow.”
A doctor in western Wisconsin says that’s what the note on his appointment calendar said. Like this one, many of the doctor’s patients are farmers in rural Dunn County.
Farmers often prioritize livestock and crops over their own health—for many reasons.
🐄They’re a one-man show, making it impossible to be away from daily chores.
🚜There’s a lot of pressure to get field work done when the weather is nice.
🚗 Especially now, they have to travel pretty far to get to a hospital.
💰Many farmers are self-employed and can’t access employer-based insurance, or their coverage is so limited that it leaves them with heavy debt.
🩺About a quarter of farmers rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace coverage for health insurance and while this month, the US House of Representatives voted to extend enhanced subsidies for three years, the future of the legislation in the Senate isn’t finalized.
✏️: Salina Heller
A grassroots public forum on proposed data centers is set for Sunday at 2 p.m. in Menomonie at the Off Broadway Banquet Center. Organizers say it’s a chance to get answers—especially about environmental impacts—and urge residents from nearby communities to attend.
