If you’ve ever seen something light up in the sky and wondered what it could be, there’s a chance it’s a UFO, especially if you’re in Wisconsin. The state is a hotbed for UFO (unidentified flying object) sightings — with eyewitness reports dating back nearly a century, and more modern phenomena, captured on camera within the past few years. While some might be fearful of these sightings, other communities throughout the state have taken it in pride, and find the opportunity to celebrate local sightings at UFO festivals, like at UFO Days in Elmwood, Wisc., or the similarly-named UFO Daze, near ..read more

From the shores of Lake Michigan to the rustic beauty of the Northwoods, Wisconsin is teeming with unforgettable destinations where you can relax, make memories with your family, or take in the natural wonders of the Badger State. But how can you embark on such an adventure while keeping your finances in check?  In an effort to spotlight the top destinations that won’t break the bank, we’re reaching out to you. Your insights and personal experiences can help fellow travelers decide where to spend their next getaway. From hidden gems to popular spots offering exceptional value, this poll ..read more

The Biden administration announced a new rule Tuesday to expand overtime pay for around 4 million lower-paid salaried employees nationwide. The regulation will increase salary thresholds required to make workers exempt from overtime pay laws.  In other words, salaried employees who work more than 40 hours per week and make under a certain amount annually—at a higher threshold than before—will be required to receive overtime pay from their employers. The new rule does not change standards for hourly employees, who are already protected by overtime regulations.  The present annual thre ..read more

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted on Tuesday to ban noncompete agreements—those pesky clauses that employers often force their workers to sign which effectively bar them from starting their own business or finding a new job in the same field within a certain area or timeframe after leaving their current job. An estimated 30 million American workers are currently affected by noncompete clauses—that’s roughly 18% of the US workforce. These clauses have been shown to lower workers’ pay and restrict their opportunity and mobility.  The final rule agreed upon on Tuesday bans new noncomp ..read more

Whether you’re an alum, current student, or member of the community, enjoy these eight fun facts about UW-La Crosse.  Whether you know it as UW-Lax or UW-L, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is one of 13 University of Wisconsin campuses. Ranked as a top regional university by US News and World Report, it has an incredible track record of small class sizes, a great athletics department, and a commitment to every student’s experience.  Did you know the university motto is Mens Corpusque, which is Latin for “mind and body?” UW-La Crosse’s approach to students’ holistic wellness ..read more

In this op-ed, Milwaukee resident Terry Hansen reflects on the events that took place on January 6, the response from Trump and other GOP members, and the threats to our democracy.  “What I saw was just a war scene. … There were officers on the ground. … They were bleeding. They were throwing up. …   I was slipping in people’s blood. … It was carnage.  It was chaos.  It was just hours of hand-to-hand combat.”  — Police Officer Caroline Edwards, describing the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. There were more than 100 injuries to police officers on January 6, and a ..read more

Looking for family-friendly activities in West Allis? UpNorthNews’ new correspondent JMatt (@jmattmke) has you covered! He’s highlighting three iconic locations, Reunion Restaurant (@reunionwestallis), Cream City Clay (@creamcityclay), and Icredi-Roll (@incredirollskate), and sharing what’s special about each. Trust us, these activities are fun for kids of all ages—and they might even help you embrace your inner child, too. @upnorthnews Looking for family-friendly activities in West Allis? UpNorthNews’ new correspondent JMatt (@jmattmke) has you covered! He’s highlighting three iconic location ..read more

In an appearance before the North American Agricultural Journalists last week, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack said that “pretty radical” budget proposals from far-right Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee were halting progress on passing a now-overdue five-year farm bill.  The 2018 farm bill expired in September of 2023, but has been extended to cover the 2024 crop year while Congress struggles to pass a bipartisan replacement bill. Here in Wisconsin, where over a quarter of the nation’s dairy farms are located, the delayed farm bill leaves ..read more

Under the new rules, state officials and law enforcement cannot obtain medical records related to lawful reproductive health care with the goal of pursuing legal action.  The Biden administration announced new regulations Monday to strengthen privacy protections for abortion patients and health care providers.  The updated rules, supported by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), promise to bolster patient-provider confidentiality regulations under the Health Insurance Portability Act of 1996 Privacy Rule (HIPAA). The modified code ..read more

In this opinion piece, Wisconsin resident Mary Vitcenda urges voters to vote in line with their values and “look for the helpers” as they cast their ballot. Fred Rogers often told this story about when he was a boy and would see scary things on the news: “My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”  Fred Rogers, of course, was Mr. Rogers, the host of a beloved children’s show on PBS. I thought of his words recently as I compared the records and plans of President Biden and Donald Trump for governing (or not governing). I’m focusing on t ..read more