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Where does ‘up north’ actually start in Wisconsin?

April 14, 2026

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Good morning!

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

To start, UW-Madison Athletic Director, Chris McIntosh, announced on Sunday that he is stepping down from his role and taking a job at the Big Ten. He was hired in 2021 to replace the well-known AD, Barry Alvarez. Learn more about what the future holds for Wisconsin athletics here.

Also in sports news, Doc Rivers is leaving the state, as he announced his departure from the Milwaukee Bucks yesterday. We’ll be taking a closer look at what he had to say about his time in Milwaukee today.

Also today, we’re asking the age-old question, where is ‘up north’ actually located in Wisconsin? I know this might ruffle some feathers, so let me know what you think, and read more below!

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

“From Long Lake in Shawano County.” (Courtesy of Jeff G.)

Our reader Jeff G. in Shawano County sent in this beautiful photo of a sunset over Long Lake. What an awesome view, thanks for sharing!

Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured.

Want to try out a new place for brunch? Check out these underrated spots worth your attention.

Show me your Wisconsin view!

Black Maternal Health Week in Wisconsin

Created by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Black Maternal Health Week brings people together to raise awareness and inspire action, while centering and uplifting the voices and lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing people.

This week highlights disparities in maternal health outcomes. Here’s what to know, and how to learn more in Wisconsin.

Learn more →

Where does ‘up north’ begin in Wisconsin?

Does “up north” begin in Hayward or someplace else? (Photo courtesy of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame)

UpNorthNews’ Founding Editor, Pat Kreitlow, recently asked in his weekly political newsletter: Where does ‘up north’ begin in Wisconsin?

We admit we’re biased: We cover all of Wisconsin because all of Wisconsin is America’s “up north.” We’re such a swing state that we know America looks up north for news about the political winds in our country. But when it comes to “up north” as an actual getaway — or even just a state of mind — where’s the boundary in Wisconsin?

We want to hear your thoughts and answer the poll on our site!

Where do you think ‘up north’ begins? →

Doc Rivers steps down as Bucks head coach

Dec 11, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Glenn “Doc” Rivers has stepped down from coaching, the Bucks announced April 13. The Bucks went 32-50 on the season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16.

“It has been an honor to have Doc as our coach and as a leader in our organization and community,” Bucks owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan said in a statement released by the team Monday morning “In addition to his impact on the court, we’re thankful for Doc’s class and professionalism during his tenure in Milwaukee.”

Rivers had one additional year worth about $11 million remaining on the four-year deal he signed when he was hired on Jan. 26, 2024.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Pat Kreitlow and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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