News Summary
Brandon Taylor has rejoined the evening news team at 27 News in Madison, WI, as of April 2023. Previously, he was a familiar face on Wake Up Wisconsin from 2014 to 2018. Alongside this news, Dane County is actively addressing the opioid crisis with upcoming settlement funds aimed at community health initiatives. The decrease in opioid-related deaths marks a hopeful trend for Wisconsin’s future.
Brandon Taylor is Back in Madison as Evening Anchor!
Madison, WI – The buzz in Madison has just gotten a whole lot more exciting! Brandon Taylor has made a friendly return to the evening news team at 27 News as of April 2023. If you remember him as the cheerful face behind the Wake Up Wisconsin desk from 2014 to 2018, you might be just as excited as we are to see him back!
Brandon, who graduated from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, got his start in broadcasting all the way back in 2007. His first gig was at a TV station in sunny Myrtle Beach, but his heart has always been here in Wisconsin. Now, he’s back where he belongs, bringing news to viewers at home. Catch him on air weeknights at 5, 6, and 10 p.m., bringing his warmth and expertise back to the living rooms of Madison residents.
Dane County Tackles Opioid Settlement Funds
In addition to the exciting news about Brandon, Dane County is taking big steps to address the opioid crisis with a fresh look at how to allocate funds from opioid settlements. On Monday, the Dane County Opioid Settlement Subcommittee held a public hearing that gathered community feedback on the best ways to use these critical dollars for public health.
Back in 2022 and 2023, the county board participated in two national opioid settlements that have resulted in a hefty sum of settlement funds. The listeners at the meeting, including concerned community members, shared their insights on the major challenges faced in tackling the opioid epidemic. Issues like sober living, re-entry support for individuals recovering from addiction, and prevention services were high on the agenda.
A Ray of Hope: Decline in Opioid Deaths
Good news is on the horizon! In 2024, Wisconsin saw a significant decrease in opioid-related deaths, marking the lowest levels since April 2020. This is a crucial moment for the state as it signals that efforts to combat the crisis are starting to make a visible impact. The decrease comes alongside substantial settlement funds received from national litigation against pharmaceutical companies, offering a much-needed boost to local efforts.
Wisconsin is set to receive an astonishing $780 million from these settlements, with a generous distribution: 30% going to the state and a whopping 70% allocated to local governments that were involved in the litigation process. Dane County, in particular, is expected to rake in approximately 8.2% of these funds, which is one of the highest percentages in the state.
As per the regulations, at least 85% of these settlement funds must be earmarked for abating the opioid crisis. This means that much of the money will go directly towards initiatives aimed at reducing the epidemic’s impact in our communities. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is also in line to receive $36 million for the fiscal year of 2025, specifically targeted toward projects like school-based prevention programs and public awareness campaigns.
Looking Forward
The Dane County Opioid Settlement Subcommittee is on the front lines, tasked with the important job of deciding how to best allocate and utilize these settlement funds. Their goal? To create effective strategies that will serve our community and help those grappling with the effects of opioid misuse.
So, as we welcome Brandon back to our screens, let’s celebrate the positive developments in Dane County. Together, we can look ahead and focus on making our community safer and healthier, ensuring that this decline in opioid deaths is just the beginning of a brighter future for everyone in Wisconsin.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WKOW: Dane County Hosts Public Hearing on Opioid Settlement Funds
- Wikipedia: Opioid Epidemic
- Channel 3000: Dane County Opioid Settlement Public Hearing Scheduled
- Google Search: Dane County Opioid Settlement
- Fox 47: Dane County Installs New Harm Reduction Vending Machines
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Addiction
- Channel 3000: Opioid Deaths Decline in Wisconsin
- Google News: Opioid Settlements
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
