Good morning, Wisconsin!

Ellie here. Happy first week of May!

Today is the start of Teacher Appreciation Week, which hits especially close to home for me with a 5th grade teacher for a mom. This week honors educators’ essential role in students’ academic growth and success. Be sure to thank a teacher this week!

In other news, keep your eyes peeled this week, as we’re starting a new video series called What’s Brewing in Wisconsin, where we’ll be highlighting bars, breweries, and cafes from around the state. (Do you have a favorite you’d like to see me check out? Email me!)

Our first episode comes out this week on our social media platforms, so be sure to follow our Instagram and Facebook to get a first look!

We’ve got another edition of the Badger State Buzz today, where we keep you up to date on fun event happening around our state, along with other Wisconsin news!

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

“Picture was taken at Fonferek Glen just outside of Green Bay, WI. Walking along the trail next to the waterfall and stumbled upon this cute chipmunk having a snack!” (Courtesy of Alex R.)

Alex R. sent in this awesome photo of a cute little chipmunk in Green Bay. What an impressive picture, thanks for sharing!

Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured!

Looking for something to do as the weather gets warmer? Check out these farms in Wisconsin where you can spend the night and experience agritourism.

Share your Wisconsin view

What’s happening in Wisconsin this week

Click the image to see the map and find an event near you!

Another Monday means another Wisconsin event roundup. Here’s what we’ve got going on in the Badger State this week:

🎶 5 de Mayo Celebration + Mariachi, Two Rivers (May 5)

Commemorate the holiday with food and drink specials, including a raffle entry with a margarita pitcher purchase, while enjoying live mariachi-style music.

🍹 Cinco de Mayo – Margarita Workshop, Waukesha (May 5)

This Cinco de Mayo celebration features margarita mixology, taste tests, and a drink flight. Pair it with tapas, including tacos, burritos, and Mexican corn.

🎉 Fiesta Latina, Darlington (May 9)

Celebrate the cultures of Latin America with authentic cuisines, sports tournaments, and a live mariachi band.

🌼 River Prairie Festival, Altoona (May 9)

This arts celebration features local vendors, live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages, including yoga, a rubber duck race, and a scavenger hunt.

🌸 May Festival, New London (May 8-10)

Enjoy a day of community fun with carnival rides, games, craft vendors, food, drinks, and live music.

⌛ The Past Passed Here, Chippewa Falls (May 8-10)

Explore the late 1700s and early 1800s with an immersive, family-friendly experience that educates guests about Chippewa County’s history through historic reenactments, music, food, and hands-on activities.

Have an event to share?

8 restaurants in Milwaukee where kids can eat for free

A mom and daughter enjoy burgers at a restuarant. (Fellipe Ditadi/Unsplash)

By Holly Garcia

Dining out with kids can be its own special kind of challenge (parents everywhere, IYKYK). Like when you go to your favorite restaurant and your kids are starving one minute, but as soon as their food arrives, they decide—meh, maybe I wasn’t that hungry after all. And while your favorite Wisconsin restaurants can’t guarantee your kid will eventually eat that food, they do run offers to help ease the pain a little—yes, we’re talking about meal deals that let kids eat free.

There are quite a few restaurants in Milwaukee (and the surrounding Greater Milwaukee area) that run kids-eat-free discounts on select days of the week, which feels like a victory all around! When kids eat free, everyone wins—kids get meals they enjoy, and parents end up saving a bit on their bill.

Check out the full list!

What to know about the popular monarch butterfly

Monarch butterflies gathering on their annual migration. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

With their relatively large 3- to 4-inch wingspan and bold orange-and-black coloration, monarch butterflies are one of the most identifiable insects in Wisconsin.

Arguably one of the most popular, too.

But like many insects, monarchs have undergone a population decline in recent decades. In December 2024 the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposed rule to list the monarch as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The status of the proposal, including a special species assessment, is listed as “pending” and a decision isn’t expected soon.

Learn more

Would you recommend this newsletter to your neighbor?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Holly Garcia and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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