Ellie here. We’ve got a lot to cover today in Wisconsin, so let’s jump in!

First and foremost, gas prices are still on the rise. As of May 19, the state average is at $4.50 per gallon, according to AAA. This is a 13-cent increase compared to a week ago, and a 77-cent increase from a month ago.

The national average is at $4.53 per gallon as of May 19, a three-cent increase from last week.

Last week, I asked to hear what you’ve noticed about gas prices, and this is what you shared:

“They are definitely going up and close to $5 a gallon at some stations.” — Pam J.

“Gas prices in Appleton on 5/12/26 are $4.69.” — Laurie K.

“Went up 30 cents in Stevens Point on May 12!” — Dawn K.

What kind of changes have you noticed at the pump? Send us selfies of you at the pump, or photos of gas prices, so we can let drivers know what to expect as they travel to your part of the state this Memorial Day weekend.

In other news, today, we’ve got a roundup of all the candidates in Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District race. Next week, we’ll switch gears and take a look at the candidates running for our state’s 3rd Congressional District.

“Moonrise over Pelican Lake.” (Courtesy of Todd J.)

Local government can feel like a maze because it’s structured in layers, each managing a different part of daily life in our state. The right contact often depends on the issue.

Here’s a quick breakdown of who handles what:

County government: Your region

A county government provides larger-scale services that affect residents across a region, as counties cover multiple municipalities. Some of these services include:

➡️ Infrastructure: County roads (highways and freeways), bridges, and public transit system.

➡️ Human/social services: Housing support, family services, veterans, and disability programs.

➡️ Parks: Pollution and conservation efforts.

➡️ Public safety: Sheriff’s department, jails, or emergency management.

➡️ Records and elections: Register of Deeds, property records, and election administration.

Municipal government: Your neighborhood

City, town, and village governments handle services and regulations that affect day-to-day life closer to home. These include:

➡️ Public safety: Local police and fire departments.

➡️ Basic services: Garbage and recycling collection, local parks and recreation.

➡️ Neighborhood issues: Noise complaints, nuisance properties, zoning questions, and local code enforcement.

➡️ Community life: Local events, festivals, permits, and community programs.

Knowing the difference can help you figure out where to start, who to contact, and how to get a local issue in front of the right people.

If you value reporting that makes Wisconsin politics and government easier to understand, support our work today.

US Capitol building. (Shutterstock)

WI Democrats have floated a $1.3 billion school funding proposal. (Courtesy of Rep. Chrisitian Phelp)

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from Salina Heller. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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