News

An aerial photo shows a cluster of multi-story buildings along multiple blocks of a grid of streets next to a body of water, with tree-covered neighborhoods extending to the horizon under a hazy sky.

Wildfire smoke renews air pollution and asthma concerns in Rock County

Beloit was identified as the worst city in the nation for air pollution in 2023, but the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is not committing to expanding the monitoring system to assess air quality in the community, where asthma rates are among the highest in the state.

September 2, 2026

Charles Franklin on polling Wisconsin voters on data centers

Charles Franklin on polling Wisconsin voters on data centers

Charles Franklin on polling Wisconsin voters on data centers

Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin discusses inflation and the cost of living as the top issue in 2026 for Wisconsin voters, who also hold broad opposition to data center development.

September 1, 2026

John Miller on export markets, tariffs and importing beef

John Miller on export markets, tariffs and importing beef

John Miller on export markets, tariffs and importing beef

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO John Miller discusses exports to Canada by businesses in the state, objectives of tariffs, and a Trump administration plan to import beef.

September 1, 2026

Rich Barnhouse on debates over emerging digital technologies

Rich Barnhouse on debates over emerging digital technologies

Rich Barnhouse on debates over emerging digital technologies

Waukesha County Technical College President Rich Barnhouse discusses the expansion and acceleration of debates over new technology amid community-level controversies over data center development.

August 31, 2026

Charles Franklin on a fake poll of Wisconsin’s 2026 primary

Charles Franklin on a fake poll of Wisconsin’s 2026 primary

Charles Franklin on a fake poll of Wisconsin’s 2026 primary

Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin discusses fraudulent polling results promoted by an individual under the name "Median Strategies" and what it means for pollsters and the media.

August 31, 2026

Frederica Freyberg sits at a desk on the Here & Now set and faces a video monitor showing an image of John Miller.

Frederica Freyberg sits at a desk on the Here & Now set and faces a video monitor showing an image of John Miller.

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: John Miller, Charles Franklin, Janine Geske

Here's what guests on the Aug. 28, 2026 episode said about trade war with Canada, polling support in the governor's race, and the process of commuting prison sentences in Wisconsin.

August 31, 2026

A still image shows Charles Franklin seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Charles Franklin' and 'Marquette Law School Poll.'

A still image shows Charles Franklin seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Charles Franklin' and 'Marquette Law School Poll.'

Charles Franklin on polling voters about Crowley and Tiffany

Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin details what Wisconsin voters say about 2026 governor candidates David Crowley and Tom Tiffany along with who should control the state Legislature.

August 28, 2026

A still image shows John Miller seated in front of a brick wall, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Milwaukee,' 'CEO John Miller' and 'Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.'

A still image shows John Miller seated in front of a brick wall, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Milwaukee,' 'CEO John Miller' and 'Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.'

John Miller on how the US-Canada trade war affects Wisconsin

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO John Miller discusses how escalation of a trade war between the United States and Canada impacts consumers and businesses in the state.

August 28, 2026

A still image shows Janine Geske seated in front of a yellow wall, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Janine Geske' and 'former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice.'

A still image shows Janine Geske seated in front of a yellow wall, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Janine Geske' and 'former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice.'

Janine Geske on Wisconsin’s Commutation Advisory Board

Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske discusses the goals of restorative justice as Gov. Tony Evers restarts the state's process to commute criminal sentences of approved applicants.

August 28, 2026

Wisconsin’s economy, environment and fight over data centers

Wisconsin’s economy, environment and fight over data centers

Wisconsin’s economy, environment and fight over data centers

Development of data centers has become a major community issue across Wisconsin, with proponents pointing to supply chain jobs and the tax base while opponents point to energy use and local control.

August 27, 2026

A comic strip-style iillustration shows a person sitting in a couch looking at the smart phone with the TikTok word mark on its back that is emanating thought bubbles showing illustrations of a hamburger and house marked with $$$ as well as the words Avg. Green Bay Rent $4K!! and Wisconsin Gas Prices Over $7/Gallon! with a potted snake plant to the side and a framed image of Lambeau Field on a wall in the background.

A comic strip-style iillustration shows a person sitting in a couch looking at the smart phone with the TikTok word mark on its back that is emanating thought bubbles showing illustrations of a hamburger and house marked with $$$ as well as the words Avg. Green Bay Rent $4K!! and Wisconsin Gas Prices Over $7/Gallon! with a potted snake plant to the side and a framed image of Lambeau Field on a wall in the background.

Inside the TikTok campaign insisting Green Bay is ‘more expensive’ than New York City

A series of more than 100 videos published to TikTok that make claims about the cost of living in Green Bay in 2026 fit a pattern of influences getting paid to create and post content about political topics, often without disclosures about the funding source.

August 27, 2026

A row of law enforcement officers wearing helmets with face shields and holding transparent riot shields with the words State Patrol across their center span stands and faces multiple people, with a building with glass-block windows in the background.

A row of law enforcement officers wearing helmets with face shields and holding transparent riot shields with the words State Patrol across their center span stands and faces multiple people, with a building with glass-block windows in the background.

Wisconsin police agencies track use of force, but the numbers are hard to compare

State law requires law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin to report serious uses of force by officers, but inconsistent standards makes comparisons among departments in different places difficult to track.

August 26, 2026

Mail-in voting, commutations and crime, politics of tariffs

Mail-in voting, commutations and crime, politics of tariffs

Inside Wisconsin Politics

Mail-in voting, commutations and crime, politics of tariffs

The Trump administration proceeds with mail-in voting limits, the Commutations Advisory Board meets and tariffs reemerge as an issue — Inside Wisconsin Politics considers impacts on the 2026 vote.

August 25, 2026

Elon Musk and Ekaterina Diestler stand and hold two ends of an oversized paper check with the words America PAC, pay to the order of Ekaterina Diestler and $1,000,000, with an illuminated screen in the background.

Elon Musk and Ekaterina Diestler stand and hold two ends of an oversized paper check with the words America PAC, pay to the order of Ekaterina Diestler and $1,000,000, with an illuminated screen in the background.

La Crosse County DA declines to pursue election bribery charges against Musk

La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke, who was appointed as a special prosecutor, says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the Wisconsin Elections Commission said the billionaire likely broke state law.

August 25, 2026

Dr. Ryan Westergaard on a push to split up the MMR vaccine

Dr. Ryan Westergaard on a push to split up the MMR vaccine

Dr. Ryan Westergaard on a push to split up the MMR vaccine

Wisconsin Department of Health Services state epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard discusses an executive order by President Donald Trump that calls to separate the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

August 24, 2026

Frederica Freyberg and Ryan Westergaard sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Frederica Freyberg and Ryan Westergaard sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Dr. Ryan Westergaard, J. Michael Collins

Here's what guests on the Aug. 21, 2026 episode said about a measles outbreak in southwest Wisconsin and student loan defaults.

August 24, 2026

A still image shows a flock camera secured to a black pole with an American flag waving behind it.

A still image shows a flock camera secured to a black pole with an American flag waving behind it.

The rise of and opposition to Flock cameras in Wisconsin

Widespread use of automated license plate readers by law enforcement agencies around the state has provoked a vocal surge of opposition at the local level to the use of these surveillance cameras.

August 21, 2026

A still image shows Dr. Ryan Westergaard seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Ryan Westergaard, M.D.' and 'Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services.'

A still image shows Dr. Ryan Westergaard seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Ryan Westergaard, M.D.' and 'Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services.'

Dr. Ryan Westergaard on measles cases in southwest Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Health Services state epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard describes a measles outbreak in southwest areas of the state and the impacts of falling childhood vaccination rates.

August 21, 2026 • Southwest Region

A still image shows J. Michael Collins seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'J. Michael Collins' and 'UW La Follette School of Public Affairs.'

A still image shows J. Michael Collins seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'J. Michael Collins' and 'UW La Follette School of Public Affairs.'

J. Michael Collins on student loan defaults and the economy

UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs professor J. Michael Collins discusses the rising number of student loan borrowers who are in default and what it indicates about the overall economy.

August 21, 2026

UW system pushes for tuition freeze in return for investment

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents announced a plan to freeze tuition for its schools in the 2027-29 budget cycle if the state Legislature agrees to invest $190 million in the system.

August 21, 2026

Two hands wearing nitrile gloves hold an agar plat with streaks of bacteria growth and an identification label.

Two hands wearing nitrile gloves hold an agar plat with streaks of bacteria growth and an identification label.

Alfalfa sprouts linked to food poisoning illnesses in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Health officials are warning consumers against eating alfalfa sprouts that are sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, with 23 people in Minnesota reported as having fallen ill and investigators identifying another 18 cases in Wisconsin caused by food poisoning.

August 21, 2026

Donald Trump speaks into a mounted microphone with an out-of-focus painting in the background.

Donald Trump speaks into a mounted microphone with an out-of-focus painting in the background.

Trump continues to tout data centers, even as they become toxic in 2026 races

President Donald Trump is voicing strong support for data centers, while candidates running in midterm elections are far less accepting as their development has become a contentious issue around the nation.

August 20, 2026

Crowley, Tiffany and why data centers are a major 2026 issue

Crowley, Tiffany and why data centers are a major 2026 issue

Inside Wisconsin Politics

Crowley, Tiffany and why data centers are a major 2026 issue

Tom Tiffany and David Crowley move to define themselves and how voters view their opponent in an opening salvo of campaign ads — Inside Wisconsin Politics digests the start of their race for governor.

August 20, 2026

A recreational vehicle with the words NorthEast Wisconsin Community Clinic, the URL www.newcc.health and different graphics is parked on the side of a road next to a sidewalk, with its open side awning providing shade to a folding table and chairs in place next to and open door, with trees and a building in the background.

A recreational vehicle with the words NorthEast Wisconsin Community Clinic, the URL www.newcc.health and different graphics is parked on the side of a road next to a sidewalk, with its open side awning providing shade to a folding table and chairs in place next to and open door, with trees and a building in the background.

A guide to homelessness resources in northeast Wisconsin

Despite limited funding, a group of regional agencies provide shelter, support and resources to homeless populations in northeast Wisconsin.

August 20, 2026 • Northeast Region

Three people walk along an asphalt-paved path toward the rear side of a corner of a building with stone masonry walls and a bronze plaque reading Lyons Park, with trees in the background and an out-of-focus plastic sandwich board sign with two illustrations of the U.S. flag and the words Vote Here / Aquí on its front face.

Three people walk along an asphalt-paved path toward the rear side of a corner of a building with stone masonry walls and a bronze plaque reading Lyons Park, with trees in the background and an out-of-focus plastic sandwich board sign with two illustrations of the U.S. flag and the words Vote Here / Aquí on its front face.

What to know about fake election poll numbers for shared and retracted by a mysterious company

A mysterious political firm named Median Strategies admitted to fabricating multiple election polls, including one purporting to evaluate support in the 2026 Democratic primary for governor in Wisconsin.

August 19, 2026

Light reflects off metal latch handles and rotary combination locks integrated into a row of metal school lockers.

Light reflects off metal latch handles and rotary combination locks integrated into a row of metal school lockers.

At ‘quasi-public’ private schools, 100% of students get tuition vouchers — there’s almost no accountability

Private schools, including those heavily dependent on taxpayer funding, often operate without the scrutiny public schools are subject to — following the money at one Milwaukee private school reveals an opaque world with little oversight.

August 18, 2026 • Southeast Region

Different poultry cuts and other meat products packaged in trays and encased in plastic wrap sit stacked in three adjacent open-topped coolers, with a cardboard container filled with a bakery product standing next to one, with an out-of-focus open-sided cooler displaying different food products in the background.

Different poultry cuts and other meat products packaged in trays and encased in plastic wrap sit stacked in three adjacent open-topped coolers, with a cardboard container filled with a bakery product standing next to one, with an out-of-focus open-sided cooler displaying different food products in the background.

How to use an inflation calculator

With prices continuing to rise for groceries, gas and other consumer products, free online inflation tracking tools can compare changes in costs over time and show how much income is keeping up.

August 17, 2026

Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross sit next to each other and across from Zac Schultz at a desk on the Here & Now set.

Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross sit next to each other and across from Zac Schultz at a desk on the Here & Now set.

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Bill McCoshen & Scot Ross, Alexander Shur

Here's what guests on the Aug. 14, 2026 episode said about David Crowley's and Tom Tiffany's fundraising in the race for governor and Milwaukee's late-night ballot reporting in the primary election.

August 17, 2026

Three people, with two visibly holding paper ballots, stand in a line next to a double row of temporary voting booths with metal legs, plastic trays and cardboard privacy screens with graphics of the U.S. flag and the word Vote on each side, in which several people are facing, in a room with a tile floor and row of wood-trimmed windows and glass doors marked by three illuminated EXIT signs.

Three people, with two visibly holding paper ballots, stand in a line next to a double row of temporary voting booths with metal legs, plastic trays and cardboard privacy screens with graphics of the U.S. flag and the word Vote on each side, in which several people are facing, in a room with a tile floor and row of wood-trimmed windows and glass doors marked by three illuminated EXIT signs.

Democratic primary turnout soars in Wisconsin, other states in 2026

Democratic voters are turning out for 2026 primaries at levels not seen in more than 20 years, with Michigan and Wisconsin seeing midterm records, along with large numbers in Minnesota, Texas and Georgia, though turnout in primary elections is an imperfect predictor of general election results.

August 16, 2026

A still image shows Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling.

A still image shows Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling.

McCoshen & Ross on Wisconsin’s 2026 partisan primary winners

"Here & Now" political panelists Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross discuss the outcome of Wisconsin's 2026 primary election deciding Democratic and Republican nominees for governor and seats in Congress.

August 14, 2026

A still image shows Alexander Shur standing in front of a bookcase with an ivy plant on top.

A still image shows Alexander Shur standing in front of a bookcase with an ivy plant on top.

Alexander Shur on vote tabulation and reporting in Wisconsin

Votebeat reporter Alexander Shur discusses a delay in Milwaukee's vote tally for Wisconsin's 2026 primary election and ongoing conspiracy theories over how local officials process and report ballots.

August 14, 2026 • Southeast Region

Recapping Wisconsin’s 2026 primary election for governor

Recapping Wisconsin’s 2026 primary election for governor

Recapping Wisconsin’s 2026 primary election for governor

David Crowley and Tom Tiffany — the Democratic and Republican nominees for governor of Wisconsin in 2026 — started their general election campaigns for the open seat after a tumultuous primary race.

August 14, 2026

A still image shows Rev. Al Sharpton giving a eulogy at a podium at Corey Ruiz's funeral, with Ben Crump behind him applauding.

A still image shows Rev. Al Sharpton giving a eulogy at a podium at Corey Ruiz's funeral, with Ben Crump behind him applauding.

Rev. Al Sharpton, Ben Crump attend Corey Ruiz’s funeral

Rev. Al Sharpton and civil rights attorney Ben Crump attend a funeral at Fountain of Life Church for Corey Ruiz, who was shot and killed by a Madison police officer during an arrest in July.

August 14, 2026 • South Central Region

How Crowley won Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor

How Crowley won Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor

Inside Wisconsin Politics

How Crowley won Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor

Democratic candidate for governor David Crowley pulled off a comeback win in the primary and will face Republican Tom Tiffany — Inside Wisconsin Politics looks ahead to the 2026 general election race.

August 13, 2026

Michael Alfonso on his 2026 campaign for Congress and Trump

Michael Alfonso on his 2026 campaign for Congress and Trump

Michael Alfonso on his 2026 campaign for Congress and Trump

Michael Alfonso, who won the 2026 Republican primary for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District race, offers thanks to his supporters and to President Donald Trump for making a campaign endorsement.

August 13, 2026 • Northern Region

Torey Dolan on costs of the Lac du Flambeau Band’s lawsuits

Torey Dolan on costs of the Lac du Flambeau Band’s lawsuits

Torey Dolan on costs of the Lac du Flambeau Band’s lawsuits

University of Wisconsin Law School professor Torey Dolan considers how land ownership patterns and costs of lawsuits affect efforts by the Lac du Flambeau Band tribal government to assert sovereignty.

August 13, 2026 • Northern Region

David Crowley on running in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor race

David Crowley on running in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor race

David Crowley on running in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor race

David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, shares his message to voters upon winning the 2026 Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin and heading into the general election facing Tom Tiffany.

August 12, 2026

US Rep. Bryan Steil on the 2026 race for Wisconsin governor

US Rep. Bryan Steil on the 2026 race for Wisconsin governor

US Rep. Bryan Steil on the 2026 race for Wisconsin governor

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-1st Congressional District, discusses the 2026 Democratic primary race for governor of Wisconsin and the potential influence of President Donald Trump in the general election.

August 12, 2026

Francesca Hong on her 2026 campaign for Wisconsin governor

Francesca Hong on her 2026 campaign for Wisconsin governor

Francesca Hong on her 2026 campaign for Wisconsin governor

Francesca Hong, the state representative for Wisconsin's 76th Assembly District, shares her thoughts on running in the 2026 Democratic primary for governor and seeking to mobilize the state's voters.

August 12, 2026

Tom Tiffany on his message in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor race

Tom Tiffany on his message in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor race

Tom Tiffany on his message in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor race

Tom Tiffany, the U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District and the 2026 Republican nominee for governor, shares his general election campaign stance on the state budget to voters.

August 12, 2026

David Crowley smiles while facing a two people who are facing him, one of whom is holding a smart phone in her left hand to record him, with other people standing in the background watching and taking photographs with cameras.

David Crowley smiles while facing a two people who are facing him, one of whom is holding a smart phone in her left hand to record him, with other people standing in the background watching and taking photographs with cameras.

Crowley’s victory sets up a general election match with Tiffany in Wisconsin’s 2026 race for governor

David Crowley’s razor-thin win over Francesca Hong in the 2026 Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin sets up a general election match against Tom Tiffany, a congressman who has voted with President Donald Trump 100% of the time.

August 12, 2026

Torey Dolan on non-Native people owning land in reservations

Torey Dolan on non-Native people owning land in reservations

Torey Dolan on non-Native people owning land in reservations

University of Wisconsin Law School professor Torey Dolan describes how an 1887 law known as the Dawes Act established the practice of allotment in which tribal lands were sold to non-Native owners.

August 12, 2026

David Crowley speaks while standing in a room with out-of-focus political campaign signs on a wall in the background.

David Crowley speaks while standing in a room with out-of-focus political campaign signs on a wall in the background.

Crowley wins Wisconsin’s 2026 Democratic primary for governor in a photo finish

David Crowley, who reentered the 2026 race for governor of Wisconsin after securing the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers, won the state's Democratic primary election by a narrow margin over Francesca Hong.

August 12, 2026

Three plastic wall panels of two voting booths are marked with Illustrations of the U.S. flag and the word Vote, with one obscured by the adjacent booth.

Three plastic wall panels of two voting booths are marked with Illustrations of the U.S. flag and the word Vote, with one obscured by the adjacent booth.

Crowley and Hong locked in a tight race as results are reported

Supporters of David Crowley and Francesca Hong were waiting on final voting results to be reported in the very close 2026 Democratic race for governor as the Aug. 11 primary election ended, with the winner to face Republican Tom Tiffany.

August 12, 2026

Torey Dolan on treaties, tribal sovereignty and the courts

Torey Dolan on treaties, tribal sovereignty and the courts

Torey Dolan on treaties, tribal sovereignty and the courts

University of Wisconsin Law School professor Torey Dolan discusses the relevance of ceded territory to tribal sovereignty and the role of federal courts in disputes over tribes setting regulations.

August 11, 2026 • Northern Region

A sandwich board sign with an illustration of a U.S. flag and the words Vote Here stands on a polished vinyl floor reflecting light from windows and doors, with out-of-focus industrial doormats near an entrance in the background.

A sandwich board sign with an illustration of a U.S. flag and the words Vote Here stands on a polished vinyl floor reflecting light from windows and doors, with out-of-focus industrial doormats near an entrance in the background.

Wisconsin’s 2026 primary election arrives with high-profile races for governor, two congressional seats

The winners of Wisconsin's prominent 2026 primaries for governor, the 7th Congressional District and 3rd Congressional District on Aug. 11 will advance to the general election in November when control of state government and Congress will be on the line.

August 11, 2026

A multi-color partly cloudy sky casts shadows over a landscape of multiple low, large buildings surrounded by roads, retention ponds, power line poles and fields.

A multi-color partly cloudy sky casts shadows over a landscape of multiple low, large buildings surrounded by roads, retention ponds, power line poles and fields.

Mount Pleasant data center contract retains power plant provision struck down by Wisconsin regulators

A contract between We Energies and Microsoft states power plants serving the tech company's data center in Mount Pleasant must be located in eastern Wisconsin or Michigan's Upper Peninsula, even though the state Public Service Commission rejected the requirement.

August 10, 2026

Francesca Hong smiles while standing and facing an out-of-focus person in the foreground who is speaking to her, with to more out-of-focus people on either side in the foreground and more out-of-focus people standing in the background.

Francesca Hong smiles while standing and facing an out-of-focus person in the foreground who is speaking to her, with to more out-of-focus people on either side in the foreground and more out-of-focus people standing in the background.

Wisconsin and Minnesota primaries next to feature clashes between progressive and establishment Democrats

Democratic candidates for governor in Wisconsin and U.S. Senate in Minnesota are making their final pushes ahead of the Aug. 11 primary election, a week after a divisive and costly U.S. Senate primary in Michigan.

August 10, 2026

Veronica Ruiz holds her face in her hands and Sheila Stubbs holds Ruiz's left arm, next to a wood podium with multiple microphones with the flags of different media organizations affixed to its surface, in a room with wood wainscoting and toile wallpaper.

Veronica Ruiz holds her face in her hands and Sheila Stubbs holds Ruiz's left arm, next to a wood podium with multiple microphones with the flags of different media organizations affixed to its surface, in a room with wood wainscoting and toile wallpaper.

Investigators release name of Madison police officer who fatally shot Corey Ruiz

The Wisconsin Department of Justice has released the name of the Madison police officer who shot and killed Corey Ruiz on July 22 on the city's east side — all four officers who interacted with Ruiz that day have been placed on paid administrative leave while the state investigates the shooting.

August 10, 2026 • South Central Region

In Focus with Noble Wray: Tech and the future of policing

In Focus with Noble Wray: Tech and the future of policing

In Focus with Noble Wray: Tech and the future of policing

Murv Seymour talks with former Madison Police Chief Noble Wray at the Black Business Hub about impacts of technology — from body cameras to AI to drones to license plate readers — on law enforcement.

August 10, 2026

Zac Schultz and Howard Schweber sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Zac Schultz and Howard Schweber sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Howard Schweber

Here's what guests on the Aug. 7, 2026 episode said about First Amendment rights and a protest encampment in Madison.

August 10, 2026

A still image shows a lone fisherman on a boat on a lake, with tree branches flanking both sides of the image.

A still image shows a lone fisherman on a boat on a lake, with tree branches flanking both sides of the image.

Tribal sovereignty is at issue in Lac du Flambeau’s lawsuits

Federal laws addressing tribal sovereignty and efforts in Indigenous communities to assert these rights are central to lawsuits over the Lac du Flambeau Band's moves to limit road and fishing access.

August 7, 2026 • Northern Region

A still image shows a group of Madison police officers wearing high visibility vests walking toward the encampment at the intersection of Baldwin and Williamson Street.

A still image shows a group of Madison police officers wearing high visibility vests walking toward the encampment at the intersection of Baldwin and Williamson Street.

What’s next for Madison after the Ruiz shooting encampment?

The city of Madison cleared a protest encampment 13 days after Corey Ruiz was shot and killed, as activists and local officials acknowledge relationships between police and the community need repair.

August 7, 2026 • South Central Region

Howard Schweber on First Amendment rights and encampments

Howard Schweber on First Amendment rights and encampments

Howard Schweber on First Amendment rights and encampments

UW-Madison political science professor emeritus Howard Schweber considers protest encampments in Madison and responses by authorities given the breadth of and limits to freedom of speech and assembly.

August 7, 2026

A fight over the Democratic Party’s future shifts to Wisconsin

Wisconsin is the latest state where the battle over the direction of the Democratic Party will play out, with front-runners in the state's 2026 primary for governor featuring a democratic socialist against a candidate endorsed by Gov. Tony Evers.

August 7, 2026

National attention turns to Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race

National attention turns to Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race

Inside Wisconsin Politics

National attention turns to Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race

A nationwide showdown among establishment and insurgent candidates is defining the Democratic Party in 2026 — Inside Wisconsin Politics explores how this clash is playing out in the race for governor.

August 6, 2026

Wisconsin’s 2026 primary for governor hits the home stretch

Wisconsin’s 2026 primary for governor hits the home stretch

Wisconsin’s 2026 primary for governor hits the home stretch

Four Democratic candidates — Francesca Hong, David Crowley, Joel Brennan and Kelda Roys — remain in the 2026 primary for governor, all vying to face Republican Tom Tiffany in the general election.

August 5, 2026

Violet LaClair attaches a blood pressure monitor cuff to the arm of a person seated in a high-backed exam chair, in a room with medical exam tables and cabinets along a wall in front of windows with light streaming through blinds.

Violet LaClair attaches a blood pressure monitor cuff to the arm of a person seated in a high-backed exam chair, in a room with medical exam tables and cabinets along a wall in front of windows with light streaming through blinds.

UW Health moves to expand its health apprenticeships model around the nation

To fill openings for nurses, surgical techs and more, UW Health pays staff to train for new health careers, on the clock — as other states struggle to find enough health workers, the company has launched WorkForward to show how it's done.

August 4, 2026

Salah Sarsour holds the index finger of his left hand in the air while speaking into a wireless microphone held in his right hand while standing behind a wood podium with a laptop computer on its surface and multiple microphones with the flags of different media organizations affixed to its top, with out-of-focus children standing in the foreground to his side and out-of-focus adults standing behind him in a room with painted concrete block walls.

Salah Sarsour holds the index finger of his left hand in the air while speaking into a wireless microphone held in his right hand while standing behind a wood podium with a laptop computer on its surface and multiple microphones with the flags of different media organizations affixed to its top, with out-of-focus children standing in the foreground to his side and out-of-focus adults standing behind him in a room with painted concrete block walls.

Witness testifies that US efforts to deport Salah Sarsour rely on coerced confessions

A former attorney says Israeli authorities coerced Salah Sarsour, the leader of Wisconsin's largest mosque, into confessing to crimes in the 1980s and '90s, and that the U.S. is wrongfully relying on those convictions in a move to deport him.

August 4, 2026 • Southeast Region

A stack of different sets of absentee ballots bound with rubber bands sits on a table, with out-of-focus people and a tray with absentee ballots arranged on their side in the background.

A stack of different sets of absentee ballots bound with rubber bands sits on a table, with out-of-focus people and a tray with absentee ballots arranged on their side in the background.

Dane County judge rules paper absentee ballots violate rights of disabled voters

Dane County Circuit Judge Everett Mitchell ruled that absentee voting practices in Wisconsin discriminates against disabled voters, setting up a trial in which groups are seeking to require elections officials to allow for electronic ballots.

August 4, 2026

David Crowley speaks into a microphone mounted to the top of a podium with both of his hands holding papers on its surface, with a teleprompter mirror facing him and an out-of-focus projector screen in the background.

David Crowley speaks into a microphone mounted to the top of a podium with both of his hands holding papers on its surface, with a teleprompter mirror facing him and an out-of-focus projector screen in the background.

Mainstream Democrats pin hopes on David Crowley’s reboot campaign for governor

David Crowley suspended his campaign and then jumped back into the 2026 race for governor, receiving the backing of Gov. Tony Evers but with little time remaining to win over Democratic primary voters.

August 4, 2026

Donald Trump sits in a high-backed leather chair with out-of-focus torso of people standing behind him in the background.

Donald Trump sits in a high-backed leather chair with out-of-focus torso of people standing behind him in the background.

Wisconsin, two dozen other states sue over Trump’s Section 301 tariffs

Wisconsin and 24 other states sued the Trump administration on Aug. 3 over double-digit tariffs issued under Section 301 of a 1974 law, calling them a pretext for replacing import taxes that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in February.

August 3, 2026

Jazzman Brown on homelessness and the killing of Corey Ruiz

Jazzman Brown on homelessness and the killing of Corey Ruiz

Jazzman Brown on homelessness and the killing of Corey Ruiz

Jazzman Brown, an organizer of a memorial to Corey Ruiz, describes how his experiences being homeless inform how activists are seeking to provide aid and services to others who are seeking community.

August 3, 2026 • South Central Region

Lorien Carter on maintaining a street memorial to Corey Ruiz

Lorien Carter on maintaining a street memorial to Corey Ruiz

Lorien Carter on maintaining a street memorial to Corey Ruiz

Lorien Carter, an organizer of a memorial to Corey Ruiz, describes the goals of a protest encampment at the intersection of two streets in Madison where he was shot and killed by a police officer.

August 3, 2026 • South Central Region

Francesca Hong holds a phone up in her right hand and takes a selfie photo with two people standing behind her, with other people standing in the background of a room with an arched ceiling and a stage at one end with multiple overhead lights.

Francesca Hong holds a phone up in her right hand and takes a selfie photo with two people standing behind her, with other people standing in the background of a room with an arched ceiling and a stage at one end with multiple overhead lights.

Francesca Hong has defined Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor

Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old chef, bartender, state lawmaker and democratic socialist, has campaigned in the 2026 Democratic primary for governor on her own terms, and polling suggests her approach might just work.

August 3, 2026

Frederica Freyberg sits at a desk on the Here & Now set and faces a video monitor showing an image of Anthony Chergosky.

Frederica Freyberg sits at a desk on the Here & Now set and faces a video monitor showing an image of Anthony Chergosky.

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Anthony Chergosky, Austin Hammond, Ann Jacobs

Here's what guests on the July 31, 2026 episode said about another shake-up in the race for governor, tornado recovery efforts in Menasha, and the illegality of putting a wager on election outcomes when voting.

August 3, 2026

Janesville becomes an AI data center battleground

Janesville becomes an AI data center battleground

Janesville becomes an AI data center battleground

Artificial intelligence is fueling stock market highs, economic growth and a construction boom across the country, but it is also igniting fierce local debates about the benefits, the costs and whether data centers that power AI should be built at all.

August 2, 2026 • South Central Region

A still image shows a young man speaking into a bull horn in the middle of a crowd of people at Corey Ruiz's memorial in Madison.

A still image shows a young man speaking into a bull horn in the middle of a crowd of people at Corey Ruiz's memorial in Madison.

A Corey Ruiz street memorial expresses outrage, solidarity

In the wake of a police officer shooting and killing Corey Ruiz, activists in Madison gather around a makeshift memorial to offer condolences, seek accountability and help others who are down and out.

July 31, 2026 • South Central Region

A still image shows Anthony Chergosky seated in front of brown bookshelves lined with books with a graphic at bottom reading 'La Crosse,' 'Anthony Chergosky' and 'UW-La Crosse Dept. of Political Science.'

A still image shows Anthony Chergosky seated in front of brown bookshelves lined with books with a graphic at bottom reading 'La Crosse,' 'Anthony Chergosky' and 'UW-La Crosse Dept. of Political Science.'

Anthony Chergosky on Wisconsin 2026 governor primary tumult

UW-La Crosse political science professor Anthony Chergosky considers the state of Wisconsin's 2026 Democratic primary race for governor as Mandela Barnes drops out and Francesca Hong leads in polls.

July 31, 2026

Ann Jacobs on prediction markets and Wisconsin election law

Ann Jacobs on prediction markets and Wisconsin election law

Ann Jacobs on prediction markets and Wisconsin election law

Wisconsin Elections Commission member Ann Jacobs discusses an agency advisory that buying and selling prediction market contracts on election outcomes violates state law on making bets and voting.

July 31, 2026

A still image shows Austin Hammond seated in front of a white wall with a brick wall to his left, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Menasha,' 'Austin Hammond' and 'Menasha Mayor.'

A still image shows Austin Hammond seated in front of a white wall with a brick wall to his left, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Menasha,' 'Austin Hammond' and 'Menasha Mayor.'

Mayor Austin Hammond on damage by a tornado hitting Menasha

Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond describes impacts of a tornado that struck multiple communities in Outagamie and Winnebago counties along with post-storm efforts to assess damage and provide resources.

July 31, 2026 • Northeast Region

Wisconsin’s 2026 primary for governor gets shaken up again

Wisconsin’s 2026 primary for governor gets shaken up again

Inside Wisconsin Politics

Wisconsin’s 2026 primary for governor gets shaken up again

Four candidates remain in the topsy-turvy 2026 Democratic primary for governor as Mandela Barnes ends his campaign — Inside Wisconsin Politics considers the state of the race in its closing days.

July 30, 2026

Mandela Barnes speaks into a microphone mounted to the top of a podium, with the shadows of multiple people in the foreground.

Mandela Barnes speaks into a microphone mounted to the top of a podium, with the shadows of multiple people in the foreground.

Barnes drops out of Wisconsin’s 2026 Democratic governor primary

Mandela Barnes, a former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin, dropped out of the 2026 Democratic primary for governor, leaving four candidates remaining in the race for the party's nomination with less than two weeks before Election Day.

July 30, 2026

Joel Brennan gestures with his left hand and holds a microphone in his right hand while standing in a room with a brick wall and stage curtain in the background.

Joel Brennan gestures with his left hand and holds a microphone in his right hand while standing in a room with a brick wall and stage curtain in the background.

Democrat Joel Brennan says he can win the governor’s race — if voters get to know him

Joel Brennan, who served as secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Administration under Gov. Tony Evers, has plenty of experience in state government but is making his first run for office in the 2026 Democratic primary for governor.

July 29, 2026

Mindy Lohff poses for a portrait while standing in a storage room with wood shelves filled with cases of toilet paper, facial tissue, sanitary napkins, soaps, shampoos and other personal toiletry items, with stacks of canned and dry food items in the foreground.

Mindy Lohff poses for a portrait while standing in a storage room with wood shelves filled with cases of toilet paper, facial tissue, sanitary napkins, soaps, shampoos and other personal toiletry items, with stacks of canned and dry food items in the foreground.

Newcap closure leaves northeast Wisconsin scrambling to prevent more homelessness

The closure of the anti-poverty nonprofit Newcap reveals how the loss of a single agency can have a staggering effect, especially in rural areas where resources for the unhoused are limited.

July 28, 2026 • Northeast Region

Kelda Roys gestures with both hands while speaking into a microphone mounted to the top of a lectern in a room with a wood door in the background and the out-of-focus heads of people facing her in the foreground.

Kelda Roys gestures with both hands while speaking into a microphone mounted to the top of a lectern in a room with a wood door in the background and the out-of-focus heads of people facing her in the foreground.

Kelda Roys leans on experience, attention to detail in second bid for governor

In a crowded, chaotic 2026 Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin, state Sen. Kelda Roys emphasizes the detail in her policy plans and says she's best equipped to work in the office on day one.

July 28, 2026

Bill Mihalski pointes with his right index finger toward a King piece on a wood chess board on a laminated wood table, with more than a half-dozen children seated around it in a room with a whiteboard with the letters ELA mounted on a painted concrete-block wall.

Bill Mihalski pointes with his right index finger toward a King piece on a wood chess board on a laminated wood table, with more than a half-dozen children seated around it in a room with a whiteboard with the letters ELA mounted on a painted concrete-block wall.

Pulaski tried to make summer school fun — 2,600 of the district’s kids showed up

The Pulaski Community School District's summer school offerings provide academic help to students who need it, but they also cater to student interests, including horsemanship, cooking and swimming.

July 27, 2026 • Northeast Region

Siding, wall studs and other types of wood debris sits in piles on the ground among trees stripped of leaves and small branches and in front of a damaged two-story house with no roof, with other damaged houses in the background.

Siding, wall studs and other types of wood debris sits in piles on the ground among trees stripped of leaves and small branches and in front of a damaged two-story house with no roof, with other damaged houses in the background.

Widespread damage in Menasha and Appleton area after tornado

The National Weather Service reported a "confirmed tornado" over Lake Winnebago, as storms on July 27 caused widespread damage to homes and buildings in Appleton and neighboring Menasha.

July 27, 2026 • Northeast Region

Tom Tiffany speaks to a person facing him with two other people to his side while standing outside in front of other people standing and walking in front of a building with wood siding, multiple levels of corrugated metal roofs and a sign reading Tom Tiffany Governor.

Tom Tiffany speaks to a person facing him with two other people to his side while standing outside in front of other people standing and walking in front of a building with wood siding, multiple levels of corrugated metal roofs and a sign reading Tom Tiffany Governor.

As the Democratic primary heats up, Republican Tom Tiffany has campaigned for governor on his own terms

Republican candidate for governor Tom Tiffany has portrayed himself as a folksy everyman while campaigning around Wisconsin, while downplaying his partisan voting record and his ties to President Donald Trump.

July 27, 2026

Bryna Godar and Frederica Freyberg sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Bryna Godar and Frederica Freyberg sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Charles Franklin, Bryna Godar, Ryan Graham

Here's what guests on the July 24, 2026 episode said about the polling on the Democratic primary race for Wisconsin governor, ongoing legal fights over how absentee ballots are handled when candidates drop out, and maintaining services for people experiencing homelessness.

July 27, 2026

A group of protestors march along a street at night while holding a fabric banner on two poles with the words Justice for Corey Ruiz, with buildings and trees on either side, and with an illuminated theater marquee sign reading New Orpheum and an illuminated dome of Beaux-Arts style building topped by a gilt statue in the background.

A group of protestors march along a street at night while holding a fabric banner on two poles with the words Justice for Corey Ruiz, with buildings and trees on either side, and with an illuminated theater marquee sign reading New Orpheum and an illuminated dome of Beaux-Arts style building topped by a gilt statue in the background.

Madison grapples with Ruiz shooting as signature city events get canceled

The fatal shooting of Corey Ruiz by a Madison police officer has sparked renewed calls for policing reforms and is forcing the city to once again reckon with calls from community members to address racial justice.

July 26, 2026 • South Central Region

Ben Crump speaks and gestures with his right hand while standing behind a wood podium with multiple microphones with the flags of different media organizations affixed to its surface, with Veronica Ruiz standing to his side holding her face in her hands and Sheila Stubbs holding Ruiz's left arm, in a room with a carved fireplace lintel, the Wisconsin flag, an electric wall sconce and toile wallpaper.

Ben Crump speaks and gestures with his right hand while standing behind a wood podium with multiple microphones with the flags of different media organizations affixed to its surface, with Veronica Ruiz standing to his side holding her face in her hands and Sheila Stubbs holding Ruiz's left arm, in a room with a carved fireplace lintel, the Wisconsin flag, an electric wall sconce and toile wallpaper.

Attorney for the Ruiz family says Madison police officer should be criminally charged

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who appeared with the family of Corey Ruiz at a news conference at the Wisconsin State Capitol, says a Madison police officer should face criminal charges after shooting and killing the 38-year-old man during a struggle with four officers on a busy city street.

July 26, 2026 • South Central Region

A still image shows a crowd of people marching on the steps of the state Capitol, with a woman wearing a black graphic t-shirt in the foreground holding a sign that reads 'Justice for COREY!!!

A still image shows a crowd of people marching on the steps of the state Capitol, with a woman wearing a black graphic t-shirt in the foreground holding a sign that reads 'Justice for COREY!!!

Fallout from fatal Madison police shooting of Corey Ruiz

A Madison police officer fatally shot Corey Ruiz, a 38-year-old Black man, on July 22, prompting a series of protests and vigils while reopening old wounds from previous police shootings in the city.

July 24, 2026 • South Central Region

A still image shows Charles Franklin seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Charles Franklin' and 'Marquette Law School Poll.'

A still image shows Charles Franklin seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Charles Franklin' and 'Marquette Law School Poll.'

Charles Franklin on 2026 Wisconsin governor primary matchups

Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin discusses 2026 primary races for Wisconsin governor, from progressives supporting Francesca Hong to Democratic matchups with Republican Tom Tiffany.

July 24, 2026

A still image shows Bryna Godar seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Bryna Godar' and 'State Democracy Research Initiative.'

A still image shows Bryna Godar seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Bryna Godar' and 'State Democracy Research Initiative.'

Bryna Godar on WEC’s ruling on ‘spoiling’ absentee ballots

University of Wisconsin Law School State Democracy Research Initiative attorney Bryna Godar discusses the state Elections Commission barring requests for new absentee ballots if a candidate drops out.

July 24, 2026

A still image shows Ryan Graham in front of a blurred background, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Ryan Graham' and 'Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care.'

A still image shows Ryan Graham in front of a blurred background, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Ryan Graham' and 'Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care.'

Ryan Graham on northeast Wisconsin’s homeless resources

Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care homeless systems manager Ryan Graham discusses filling a gap left by a nonprofit's closure as a summer statewide Point-in-Time homelessness count is held.

July 24, 2026 • Northeast Region

A sedan with a driver raising their left arm in a fist out the window and an open driver-side rear door as two people sit on its roof and hold a U.S. flag in the air drives along one side of a boulevard, with a large group of people walking behind across multiple lanes of the street, with trees and multi-story buildings on either side, and the a Beaux-Arts style building with a dome at the top of a low hill in the background.

A sedan with a driver raising their left arm in a fist out the window and an open driver-side rear door as two people sit on its roof and hold a U.S. flag in the air drives along one side of a boulevard, with a large group of people walking behind across multiple lanes of the street, with trees and multi-story buildings on either side, and the a Beaux-Arts style building with a dome at the top of a low hill in the background.

Fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz roils Madison, sparking protests in the city

The police shooting death of Corey Ruiz has roiled Madison and prompted protests and calls for justice, with local officials issuing calls for transparency and accountability while 2026 candidates for governor of Wisconsin weigh in on the turmoil.

July 24, 2026 • South Central Region

Chaos in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary race for governor

Chaos in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary race for governor

Inside Wisconsin Politics

Chaos in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary race for governor

David Crowley re-entered the 2026 Democratic primary for governor and received an endorsement by Gov. Tony Evers — Inside Wisconsin Politics examines shifts in the campaign and what polls are showing.

July 23, 2026

A bus and other vehicles drive along a city street through and past an intersection where traffic lights are illuminated yellow, with brick buildings on either side of the street, with trees and utility poles and traffic signs along the sidewalks.

A bus and other vehicles drive along a city street through and past an intersection where traffic lights are illuminated yellow, with brick buildings on either side of the street, with trees and utility poles and traffic signs along the sidewalks.

Madison police officer shoots and kills a man in a street on the city’s east side

A Madison police officer shot and killed a man at the intersection of Williamson and Baldwin streets on the city's east side, with the department's chief saying the man injured the officer with a knife while resisting arrest — cellphone video of the shooting circulated on social media shortly later.

July 22, 2026 • South Central Region

A $20 bill, $10 bill and $1 bill folded in half sit on top of two student loan repayment plan application forms.

A $20 bill, $10 bill and $1 bill folded in half sit on top of two student loan repayment plan application forms.

Student loan defaults surge in Wisconsin, US after federal payment pause ends

Wisconsin student loan borrowers are struggling to repay after a pandemic-related grace period ended along with the most generous repayment plan — those who attended for-profit colleges in the state are twice as likely to be delinquent on making payments on loans.

July 22, 2026

Wisconsin’s 7th District Republican candidates on Congress

Wisconsin’s 7th District Republican candidates on Congress

Wisconsin’s 7th District Republican candidates on Congress

Jessi Ebben, Kevin Hermening, Michael Alfonso, Niina Baum and Don Raihala, running in the 2026 Republican race for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, discuss the midterms and control of Congress.

July 21, 2026 • Northern Region

Rows of envelopes sit in.a plastic box, with the out-of-focus hair and shoulders of a person to the side in the foreground, and the out-of-focus hand of a another person to the other side in the background.

Rows of envelopes sit in.a plastic box, with the out-of-focus hair and shoulders of a person to the side in the foreground, and the out-of-focus hand of a another person to the other side in the background.

Wisconsin’s Democratic Party wants to allow voters to cast a new absentee ballot in the 2026 primary

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is urging the state elections commission to allow people who have already voted in the 2026 primary to cast a new absentee ballot, a request that is likely to result in a lawsuit when 80,000 ballots have been returned three weeks before the Aug. 11 primary.

July 21, 2026

John Short poses for a portrait while standin on a lawn in front areas of garden with different plants surrounded by mulch, with trees and a building in the background.

John Short poses for a portrait while standin on a lawn in front areas of garden with different plants surrounded by mulch, with trees and a building in the background.

The SAIL village in Dane County community helped pioneer a movement for older adults

One of the country's earliest village organizations, SAIL has inspired a movement that helps older adults support one another while aging independently within their communities, connecting them with volunteers, services and social activities.

July 21, 2026 • South Central Region

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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