What is Wisconsin’s most iconic food?  That’s a question we could spend all day debating, and for good reason: Badgerland is a food lovers’ paradise.  Since joining the US as the 30th state in 1848, America’s Dairyland has brought to the table a cuisine strongly influenced by its German and Scandinavian heritage. In other words: You’re welcome. Here are four of our most iconic inventions: Beer Cheese Soup While this hearty soup’s roots trace back to Medieval Europe, it became popular in America by way of Wisconsin. Many of the state’s first settlers opened taverns and filled their m ..read more

Most people plan to tip at the usual suspects – restaurants, salons, ride-shares – but nowadays, it feels like customers are being prompted to tip just about everywhere – from convenience store counters to checkout kiosks at airports.  Here’s the deal: You don’t have to tip everywhere. There are still a few scenarios where etiquette experts say it’s OK to leave nothing. Here are four: Counter Service: As a blanket rule, anyone working at a counter is earning a liveable, hourly wage (while those delivering food, either to your table or your home, rely on tips as a major part of their incom ..read more

When the sun’s out, everyone wants to be outside drinking and dining — including dogs! But not all establishments allow four-legged, furry visitors. Read on to learn about the best places to enjoy a drink or meal alongside your dog this spring, summer, and fall in Eau Claire. The Oxbow Hotel Even if you’re not an overnight guest at this 30-room downtown hotel — which Grammy-winning singer and Eau Claire native Justin Vernon opened in 2016 — you can still hang on the patio at courtyard and patio with your pooch. A cocktail menu, sharable bites (such as a Koldtbord, a Scandinavian-style and fire ..read more

Gov. Tony Evers and US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm are spreading the message that this will be a “Summer of Rebates” for Wisconsinites, thanks to President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and its historic investments in energy upgrades for homes, vehicles, businesses, and more. Volunteers from Wisconsin Conservation Voters have already started canvassing around the state to let people know of the rebates and tax credits that are coming for a wide range of products and renovations—from appliances to solar panels to electric-powered vehicles. @upnorthnews SUMMER OF REBATES☀️ ? Gov. To ..read more

In February, when the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are legally children, a precedent was set—putting at risk every American’s access to the fertility treatments that could help them start a family. Here’s why one Wisconsin mom is grateful for IVF, from UpNorthNews Correspondent @markpochow: @upnorthnews In February, when the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are legally children, a precedent was set—putting at risk every American’s access to the fertility treatments that could help them start a family. Here's why one Wisconsin mom is grateful for IVF, from UpNo ..read more

Cleaner, greener energy sources aren?t limited to new, expensive homes, now that Wisconsin is getting $62 million in energy grants from the Biden-Harris Inflation Reduction Act. Gov. Tony Evers and Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) made the formal announcement Wednesday that the funds that will be used to make low- and moderate-income households less reliant on fossil fuel sources of electricity. Neubauer said current and future investments from the Inflation Reduction Act will create jobs and reduce disparities in how families of all incomes can be part of the solution to a ..read more

Medical debt—a financial burden for tens of millions of Americans facing hundreds of billions of dollars in health care costs—affects everyone, since those unpaid bills can lead to higher prices for everyone else. And yet, even with advances in health insurance coverage, there are still things hospitals and elected officials could do, including in Wisconsin, to reduce that weight on household finances and the national economy. What is medical debt? The medical community has traditionally used the term “uncompensated health care” to describe one of two things: “charity care,” also known as comm ..read more

A massive funding increase for Wisconsin’s voucher schools in 2023 has led to a growth in private schools getting taxpayer dollars—with a total price tag now exceeding $700 million, according to the Wisconsin Public Education Network, citing figures from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. According to the Department of Public Instruction, there are now 394 private schools participating in the Wisconsin, Milwaukee, or Racine Parental Choice Program, up from 339 last school year.  This is likely due to the fact that the state’s current budget included the largest financial expansion to private ..read more

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