☀️ Good morning!
It’s Sunday, February 1, 2026
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🗓️ A lot of us were disappointed to see that a change from 2025 to 2026 did not bring any relief from the ongoing cycle of <wild arm gesture> EVERYTHING. Maybe going from January to February will bring some relief.
🪧 But more importantly, it is encouraging to see how many people — especially in the Twin Cities — aren’t simply wishing and hoping for better news. They’re making their voices heard, their presence felt, and their defiance known.
They recognize there is nothing normal about a federal government engaged in targeted military occupations of cities that are being chosen, not because of a high number of undocumented immigrants, but solely for political/bullying purposes.
They understand the ongoing chaos being intentionally sown by a group that was once known as a law enforcement agency but has been perversely twisted into the president’s private militia.
They deserve our gratitude and ongoing encouragement to perpetuate a peaceful show of defiance until the people in charge understand Americans want real immigration reform, not race-based roundups — and this ain’t the way to move our country forward.
💪🏼 Stay strong. Have a great week — and remember to stay up to date with our social media posts.
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Pat Kreitlow
Founding Editor
UpNorthNews
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🔌 PS – Be sure to scroll down for our Question of the Week about a new nuclear power plant proposed for Wisconsin and your answers to last week’s question about data centers — and our newly expanded “Do Something!” calendar of events.
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Florida man endorsed by Trump for Wisconsin congressional race up north
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President Donald Trump has endorsed Michael Alfonso in the Republican primary election for the 7th Congressional District seat, praising the 25-year-old son-in-law of Transportation Secretary and former Congressman Sean Duffy despite a scant resume and lobbyist-heavy donations.
Alfonso has an active voter record in Florida and cast a ballot there in the 2024 presidential election, according to a conservative news site. He also reportedly has an inactive registration in Madison from his college days — and an active registration record in Hayward, tied to the home of his wife’s parents, though he has not apparently voted there.
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At least two or three other Republicans are expected to run for the seat being vacated by incumbent US Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is running for governor. But Duffy aggressively sought Trump’s endorsement to the consternation of White House staff.
Click the image below to read the full story on our website.
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Alfonso campaign Facebook post
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1️⃣ The Republican primary for governor isn’t scheduled until Aug. 11, but GOP voters likely won’t have to bother showing up now that President Trump has endorsed US Rep. Tom Tiffany, which led the only other Republican candidate, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, to pull out of the race.
“Tom Tiffany has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Wisconsin — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump posted to his social media site.
CLICK HERE to read the full story on our website.
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2️⃣ Republicans running the Legislature indicate they will start their self-imposed 9-month paid vacation without giving Democrats the courtesy of a public hearing to consider bills that would make election participation easier and safer for qualified voters. The bills include one that would let absentee ballots be processed the day before Election Day.
CLICK HERE to watch reaction from Rep. Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton).
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3️⃣ The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports 22,000 fewer people in Wisconsin have signed up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace compared to this time last year. While some may have found health insurance coverage through their jobs, many others are simply taking a risk — and small business owners don’t like the increased instability of a workforce that isn’t covered thanks to sharply higher premiums. They want the US Senate to pass a House bill renewing those health insurance premium tax credits for three years.
CLICK HERE to read the full story and reaction from a Wisconsin manufacturer.
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⏮️ Last Week: Data Centers
There seems to be a lot of pessimism right now when it comes to how Wisconsin will handle the explosive growth of data-center construction. Whether it’s a need for tougher state standards or strong local negotiations, people want to see more preparation and protection before allowing a new surge of facilities that could drain water supplies and drive up costs for electric ratepayers.
🄰 Only 4% think Wisconsin will get an A for how it handled the issue 10 years from now.
🄱 There were 18% of respondents who gave a grade of B, mostly good outcomes.
🄲 A 28% response for a grade of C, a mixed bag of data center impacts.
🄳 And 50% of our responses think Wisconsin will earn a D or an F for allowing too much environmental harm and big hikes in electricity rates.
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Cathi: “These data centers have been allowed to happen so fast and seemingly without due public process and discussion. I fear we’ve shot ourselves in the foot – again!!”
Sherm: “States must work together to establish mandatory best practices and requirements that data centers must be held accountable. Severe penalties must be in place if data centers fail to comply. A well run/managed system could be a great benefit to our economy, states, and communities.”
Jean: “Data centers will go the way of the dog tracks. How many of those do you still see around the state??!!”
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⏭️ This Week: New nuclear power plant
☢️ EnergySolutions is seeking permission to build a new nuclear power plant at its Kewaunee location, with hopes to finish construction and begin generation by 2038. The company says the plan is in response to rising demand, in part from new data center projects. Whatever the reason, what are your thoughts on a new nuclear generator in eastern Wisconsin?
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Click the blue box (below) containing this week’s response options and you’ll be taken to a page on our website where you can press the specific option for your answer.
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Do Something!
An Action Calendar for 2026
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Here is a sample of the kinds of events, activities, groups, and campaigns that might motivate you to increase your civic engagement. Don’t hesitate to send us your events, suggestions, and questions.
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Wednesday [Feb 4]
Vilas County Democrats: Meet Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez & Ginger Murray
714 Elm Street, Woodruff (2:00pm)
Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez will talk about her campaign for governor. Ginger Murray will talk about her campaign for Congress in the 7th District.
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Thursday [Feb 5]
No Kings: Eyes on ICE
Virtual (8:00pm)
Exercising our Constitutional right to document and record ICE and other federal agents is more important than ever. Learn the tools to exercise your rights. We will talk through rights when documenting and recording law enforcement encounters, and how you can continue to take action.
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Saturday [Feb 7]
Winnebago County Democrats: Coffee & Conversations Oshkosh
480 N. Main Street (10:00am)
Do you feel overwhelmed by the political environment and not sure what to do? Join us to learn more about how you can get involved locally!
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📱 Remember, you can stay up to date all day with all of our team’s work through our social media feeds, including Instagram and TikTok.
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🏁 Thanks for reading our update.
Have a great week!
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Pat Kreitlow. UpNorthNews is happily free to read for everyone. Your financial support means a lot to us.
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