Rural State
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Bird flu found for first time in Wisconsin after Dodge County dairy herd tests positive
Since the first cases of bird flu were confirmed in dairy herds in Texas and Kansas in March 2024, Wisconsin had been among a handful of states where dairy cattle had managed to escape the virus. That is, until this weekend when the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected in a dairy herd in…
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What to know about ice dams, how to prevent them in snowy Wisconsin winter
Tis’ the season for ice dams, Wisconsin. When icicles hang from the edge of your home’s roof after snowfall, it’s a sign this fickle, recurring winter concern might be plotting a leak into your home.
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WI diversified, specialty farmers could be slighted in federal aid
Policy experts predict small, specialty farms will be on the losing end of the latest federal agricultural bailout meant to offset farmers’ losses from rising production costs and the market disruptions from new tariff policies.
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How to support conservation efforts across Wisconsin
Conservation organizations are making a difference for Wisconsin’s land. Here’s how to help. One thing about Wisconsinites is we take pride in our land. Whether it’s the winding rivers that span the state or a family-owned farm, the Wisconsin landscapes are what make the state special. Across the Badger State, neighbors, volunteers, and local organizations…
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What’s Happening in Wisconsin: Your View and the Badger State Buzz (Dec. 10–14)
Welcome to this week’s Wisconsin View and Badger State Buzz—two staples of the UpNorthNews newsletter. If you want to see the Badger State Buzz as soon as it drops each week, make sure you’re subscribed. And if you’d like your photo featured, like reader Barbara B. here showing the Cold Moon setting behind an island…
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Wisconsin unveils blackout, retro yellow license plates
It was a long road to bring blackout license plates to Wisconsin. First, a constituent who saw the black-and-white design explode in popularity in Iowa alerted a lawmaker. Two years in a row, he introduced a bill and got public hearings, but momentum seemed to stop there. Then, last summer, a section in the bipartisan…
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Rural resilience runs deep but crisis looms for WI schools
Wisconsin educators are shedding light on the unique dilemma rural school districts face as they work to meet a large portion of the state’s student needs despite significant funding and resource uncertainty.
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Wisconsin wellness tips: Staying safe this winter
How to stay safe and warm this winter in Wisconsin.
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8 ordinary Wisconsinites who performed extraordinary acts of kindness in 2025
These eight Wisconsinites went above and beyond to spread kindness in their communities this year.
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Facing Medicaid cuts, Wisconsin families stockpile medical supplies
In July, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, bringing cuts of around $1 trillion to federal Medicaid spending from 2025 through 2034. The cuts are predicted to result in a loss of the health insurance coverage affecting around 80 million lower-income Americans, including children and people with disabilities.
