Different items fill a vending machine with a scratched transparent surface and a sign on the side reading Free and Narcan and safe use kits.

Health

How opioid settlement funds are being used around Wisconsin

State records illustrate how different counties and municipalities around Wisconsin are spending around $160 million in opioid settlement funds, as well as where millions remain unspent.

July 20, 2026

Zac Schultz and Frederica Freyberg sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.
Zac Schultz and Frederica Freyberg sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Zac Schultz, Kieran Furlong

Here's what guests on the July 17, 2026 episode said about a Democratic candidate for governor dropping out of the race and a nuclear fusion research facility planned for Madison.

July 20, 2026

A map showing state boarders and names of different municipalities in Wisconsin and areas of Minnesota and Iowa shows air quality levels coded with four different colors: yellow, orange, red and purple.
A map showing state boarders and names of different municipalities in Wisconsin and areas of Minnesota and Iowa shows air quality levels coded with four different colors: yellow, orange, red and purple.

Health

How to keep the air inside the home cleaner when wildfire smoke is thick

When the air is smoky from burning wildfires, health experts say to stay indoors, but there are steps to keep the air clean inside of homes.

July 19, 2026

David Crowley smiles while holding a microphone in front of him, with out-of-focus people cheering in the background.
David Crowley smiles while holding a microphone in front of him, with out-of-focus people cheering in the background.

Elections

Crowley restarts 2026 bid for Wisconsin governor after Rodriguez quits race

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley plans to reenter the 2026 Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, after previously dropping out and endorsing Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who ended her campaign in the wake of campaign finance accounting issues.

July 18, 2026

A still image shows a graphic of the five Republican candidates for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district, from left to right Kevin Hermening, Michael Alfonso, Jessi Ebben, Niina Baum and Don Raihala.
A still image shows a graphic of the five Republican candidates for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district, from left to right Kevin Hermening, Michael Alfonso, Jessi Ebben, Niina Baum and Don Raihala.

Elections

It’s a crowded Republican race for Wisconsin’s 7th in 2026

Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District is deep red, and its 2026 Republican candidates – Michael Alfonso, Niina Baum, Jessi Ebben, Kevin Hermening and Don Raihala — are making their cases to voters.

July 17, 2026 • Northern Region

A still image shows Frederica Freyberg seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling.
A still image shows Frederica Freyberg seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling.

Elections

Wisconsin 7th District Democratic candidates make their case

Three Democratic candidates running in the race for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District seat — Chris Armstrong, Fred Clark and Ginger Murray — make their case in a debate before the 2026 primary.

July 17, 2026 • Northern Region

Zac Schultz on Rodriguez ending her 2026 run for governor
Zac Schultz on Rodriguez ending her 2026 run for governor

Elections

Zac Schultz on Rodriguez ending her 2026 run for governor

"Here & Now" senior political reporter Zac Schultz discusses what Sara Rodriguez dropping out of the 2026 race for governor means for remaining Democratic primary candidates and the general election.

July 17, 2026

A still image shows a graphic featuring portraits of the five candidates for governor with the amount of money they raised for their campaign below them.
A still image shows a graphic featuring portraits of the five candidates for governor with the amount of money they raised for their campaign below them.

Elections

2026 candidates for governor release midyear finance reports

Primary candidates in Wisconsin's 2026 race for governor release campaign funding reports, with Democrats each raising hundreds of thousands of dollars and Republican Tom Tiffany raising $8.7 million.

July 17, 2026

A still image shows Kieran Furlong seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Kieran Furlong' and 'Realta Fusion.'
A still image shows Kieran Furlong seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Kieran Furlong' and 'Realta Fusion.'

Economy

Kieran Furlong on Realta Fusion’s energy R&D deal in Madison

Realta Fusion CEO Kieran Furlong discusses the company's plans to establish a research and development facility focusing on nuclear power technologies at the long-vacant Oscar Mayer plant in Madison.

July 17, 2026 • South Central Region

A still image shows a bridge covered in a thick layer of fog behind a line of trees.
A still image shows a bridge covered in a thick layer of fog behind a line of trees.

Environment

Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota smothers Wisconsin

Smoke from wildfires raging in northern Minnesota and western Ontario in Canada shrouded Wisconsin, leading to the issuing of air quality advisories at the highest alert category of "hazardous."

July 17, 2026