What’s behind WI’s data center boom?

October 1, 2026

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Good morning!

Ellie here. Happy first day of October! It feels like September flew by.

And with Oct. 1 comes the official start of spooky season. This is my favorite time of the year. I love Halloween and everything that comes with it.

That love stems from my childhood. Halloween is a big deal in my hometown neighborhood. We have buses of kids dropped off, all the neighbors are outside handing out candy, and there are tons and tons of trick-or-treaters.

My family’s house is well known on Halloween as well. My extended family comes over to celebrate, and when trick-or-treat concludes, my neighbors join in on the fun as well. My uncle also owns a DeLorean that we park in our driveway for people to take pictures with. It’s always so fun!

Do you have any fun Halloween traditions? Let me know!

And a quick note: For tomorrows Locals Love I want to hear about your favorite supper clubs. Send me your favorites, and tell me why, to have them featured!

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

First, a few headlines from around the state:

🥩 President Donald Trump plans to bring 300,000 tons of foreign beef into the US at 25% below market value. Small Wisconsin beef farmer AJ Kangas says it threatens their livelihoods.

⚾ The Milwaukee Brewers have their first game of the National League Division Series this Saturday. Here’s what to expect from the starting lineup. (WSAU)

🗞 Gas prices have been a large topic of conversation in our state. Wisconsin has seen the largest increases in year-over-year diesel prices compared to the rest of the US. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Once again, the fall colors are in full effect in our state, and they always get prettier as the season unfolds.

This is a great view from our reader, Maureen M.

“Trout River on Manitowish water.”

Show me your Wisconsin view!

Unsolved murders and mysterious vanishings in Wisconsin’s haunting history

Police tape at a crime scene. (Daniel von Appen/Unsplash)

Now that it’s October, spooky season is officially upon us. You might not know, but our state is full of mystery.

Over its history, Wisconsin has seen its share of unsolved murders. Here are some of the haunting unsolved murders and mysterious disappearances that have happened in the Badger State.

What are data centers and why are they popping up in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin data centers have become a large issue in the upcoming general election. (Ismail Enes Ayhan / Unsplash)

Whether residents like them or not, data centers are continuing to show up across Wisconsin. But for many, questions remain, like what actually are they?

We’ve put together an explainer about what data centers do, why they’re in Wisconsin, and how they’ll impact our state’s upcoming election.

Learn more →

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Ellery Weil, Salina Heller, and Ellie Bourdo. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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