Good morning, Wisconsin!

Ellie here. We’ve got a lot going on in our state. Let’s get into it!

To start, we’re still keeping an eye on the gas prices around Wisconsin. As of April 28, the state average is at $3.933 per gallon, according to AAA. This is 23 cents higher than last week’s average.

The national average is at $4.176 per gallon as of April 28, a 15 cent increase from last week.

Have you noticed any changes in gas prices near you? Let me know!

In other news, today we’ve got another edition of Meet the Candidates, where we’re taking a look at Fred Clark’s campaign for US Congress. We’ve also got another Civic Check-In and other Wisconsin news.

A quick note: I want your feedback. Is there anything you want to see covered in our Civic Check-In? Send me your suggestions!

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

“Cave of the Mounds on Earth Day!” (Courtesy of Jane S.)

Jane S. sent in this great photo from Cave of the Mounds. What a great way to spend Earth Day, thanks for sharing!

Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured.

Want to see more iconic Wisconsin landmarks like this one? Check out some of Wisconsin’s coolest natural wonders.

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Show up where local decisions are made

Local government is where decisions that impact your day-to-day life are made. That’s why it’s important to stay in the know about what’s happening at a local level and share your thoughts with municipal leaders. Here’s how:

Find a meeting: Check your city or village website for upcoming city council, school board, or committee meetings.

Check out the agenda: Before the meeting, skim the posted agenda. Look for anything that affects your daily life. This could be housing, schools, development projects, or anything that you deem important.

Attend the meeting: Whether it’s in person or online (many Wisconsin municipalities offer a livestream option), be sure to show up.

Speak up: Take notes and speak up during a public comment about a topic or issue that is important to you.

When residents show up and speak out, it lets municipal leaders know what the community is paying attention to and what matters.

If you want more reporting that centers democracy, chip in today.

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Fred Clark’s campaign for US Congress

Fred Clark, candidate for Congress in Wisconsin’s 7th District, as seen in the introductory video from his campaign.

Fred Clark is a Democratic candidate for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District. He is a former state Assembly Rep. from 2011-2015, and is a longtime forester and ecologist.

On his campaign website, Clark lists his top priorities as rebuilding Wisconsin’s rural economy, healthcare for all, affordability, a future for farms and forests, and more.

“I spent a good part of this summer with some friends just traveling the seventh congressional district. And as most of your listeners know, it’s a huge district.” Clark said in an interview with UpNorthNews’ Founding Editor, Pat Kreitlow.

“We learned a lot from those trips and and it really helped me, after a lot of thought, make a decision that I think the time is right to stand up and make the case for new representation in Congress in northern Wisconsin.”

Clark’s campaign for US Congress →

This Western WI lawmaker has missed a quarter of his meetings

Wisconsin State Representative Shannon Zimmerman of River Falls reportedly missed 225 votes during the 2025-26 legislative session. Photo: Wisconsin State Legislature

By Salina Heller

“Red flags go up for me,” Wisconsin State Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) said when talking about State Rep. Shannon Zimmerman (R-River Falls), who’s come under scrutiny for being absent for floor sessions.

Zimmerman was gone for more than 25% of Wisconsin Assembly floor sessions during the 2025-26 legislative session. A report from the Milwaukee-based research group, A Better Wisconsin Together shows that of the 24 Wisconsin Assembly meetings over the two-year 2025-26 legislative session that just wrapped up in February, Zimmerman missed six.