7/10/2026

N. WISCONSIN - Childcare costs are rising across Wisconsin, and the end of state Child Care Bridge Payments is expected to put added financial pressure on families and providers in Ashland and Bayfield counties. The Ashland Daily Press reports the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association says higher operating costs are forcing providers to raise tuition, while many families are already struggling to afford care. Local providers could lose thousands of dollars a month in funding, with surveys showing about 41% plan to increase tuition and roughly one in four may consider closing.

7/10/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to report wild turkey sightings through Aug. 31 as part of its annual turkey brood survey.

The community science project helps biologists track turkey reproduction and monitor the health of the state’s wild turkey population. Participants are asked to report the location, date, and number of hens, poults, and male turkeys they see. Since the survey began in 2023, volunteers have submitted more than 17,000 observations, providing valuable data to help guide future wildlife management.

7/10/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for your help tracking an elusive species of fox.  The DNR has partnered with Northern Michigan University, and a number of U.P. Indian Tribes to conduct a research project on both red and gray foxes. Some results from the study suggest that gray foxes may be much rarer in Michigan than previously believed. If you’ve seen a gray fox at any point in Michigan, the DNR wants to hear from you. The release says photographs are especially helpful because researchers can confirm sightings and gain more clarity on where gray foxes are living in Michigan today.