3 factors driving childcare costs in WI

November 5, 2026

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Good morning!

Ellie here. Can you believe that it’s already November?

I feels like this fall has just flown by! While we’re in the depths of the fall season, here’s what’s been on my music rotation:

🎶 Good2B by Goose

🎶 Heavy on My Soul by Jungle

🎶 I Feel Hope Coming by Alabama Shakes

🎶 If I Let You by The Womack Sisters

🎶 Eminence Front by The Who

🎶 Hang It On The Shelf by Jalen Ngonda

🎶 Illusion by Leon Bridgers

What have you been listening to? Let me know! I’m always on the hunt for new music.

And one more quick note: For tomorrow’s Locals Love, I want to hear about your favorite thrift stores across the state. Send in your favorites, and tell me why, to have them featured!

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

This election season, UpNorthNews journalists were on the ground across Wisconsin. We knocked on doors, attended town halls, tracked down candidates, and worked late nights to keep you informed. From social media and newsletters to live blogs, we brought you the latest wherever you followed the news.

The election is over, but our work isn’t. We’ll keep covering the issues that matter to Wisconsinites and holding elected leaders accountable.

That work is possible because of you. Can you chip in $25, or any amount, to support the journalists behind our reporting?

Donate →

First, a few headlines from around the state:

🗞 Incase you missed it, here’s a rundown of Tuesday night’s election results in Wisconsin.

🗞 On Tuesday, Democrats flipped control of the state Senate. This is the first time the Democratic party in Wisconsin has had a trifecta in 18 years. (WPR)

🗞 There were three constitutional amendments on the ballot for Wisconsin. Voters approved two and rejected the third. (CapTimes)

The temperatures haven’t gotten too cold yet, so there’s still time to enjoy the outdoors.

Here’s a little throwback to summer before the inevitable cold arrives, from our reader Scott B.

“This photo was taken at the Middle EauClair lake boat landing in NW Wisconsin near Barnes WI.”

Show me your Wisconsin view!

5 Wisconsin BBQ spots worth a pit stop

Wisconsin barbecue restaurants worth checking out. (Sydney Sang/Pexels)

You don’t need to travel all the way to Texas to satisfy your barbecue craving—you can get it right here in Wisconsin.

While our state is more known for its dairy and beer, there’s no shortage of delicious barbecue spots to try.

From smoked meats to handcrafted sides, here are some of the best barbecue spots worth checking out, according to our readers.

Check out the full list →

3 things making childcare so expensive in Wisconsin

Daycare prices in Wisconsin reflect the current affordability crisis in America. (Getty Images/Unsplash)

Groceries, gas, and healthcare are just a few examples of things that can feel unaffordable recently. For parents, childcare is added to that list.

Depending on your child’s age and the type of provider you choose, childcare costs can range from $11,088 to $18,239 annually. Here are three contributing factors that are causing daycare costs to skyrocket.