La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Adam Hoffer, director of excise tax policy at the Tax Foundation in La Crosse, joined to discuss the threat from the MLB commissioner that the Brewers could leave Milwaukee if they don't get some $500 million in stadium funding, while Green Bay Legislators want $2 million from taxpayers for hosting NFL draft. We dove into the continuing trend of billionaire owners wanting millions in taxpayer dollars to fund stadiums, as well as whether there is an economic benefit to a city for hosting a pro team. We also discussed ways money used in Green Bay to host the NFL draft could benefit the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Central High School Spanish teacher John Havlicek in studio talking about details within the Wisconsin state budget proposal on education, manufacturing and healthcare, as well as a rally educators held in Madison last weekend. Along with that, we got Havlicek's take on some of the more national talking points when it comes to education and teachers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio discussing stealing a $500 salad, MLB threatening Brewers leaving town, Ron DeSantis presidential run. Began the show talking about a couple of nonsense stories that we just don’t have enough details about and crave more. One out of Illinois, where a man stole a backhoe to get to the airport. The other was a Georgia woman breaking into a restaurant and getting arrested after making a $500 salad. After that, stemming from an Eric from Sparta call, we discussed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis running for president. The second half of the show hovered around the politics of sports, where MLB’s commissioner, more or less, threatened the Milwaukee Brewers could leave town if they don’t get hundreds of millions in stadium funding. All that talk began when Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers preempted the GOP state Legislature on a Brewers funding proposal that has since been canned. This led to a conspiracy theory about Wisconsin Republicans and a Democratic governor in how a budget deal will never happen again. Also, with sports politics, the NFL is hosting the draft in Green Bay, and legislators there want millions to help the area prepare for the onslaught of people that come with that. Ended the show, potentially solving the mystery of the $500 salad. WOMAN ARRESTED WITH $500 SALAD: https://www.wsbradio.com/news/local/woman-arrested-after-making-salad-worth-500-closed-georgia-restaurant-police-say/GDHCICBYQJC4BEQ4IYHTDMLKJU/ ILLINOIS GUY STEALS BACKHOE TO CATCH FLIGHT: https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/05/26/watch-man-steals-backhoe-for-10-mile-drive-to-illinois-airport-to-catch-flight/ GREEN BAY NEEDS NFL DRAFT MONEY: https://wktysports.com/2023/05/25/green-bay-area-legislators-ask-finance-committee-for-2m-to-support-nfl-draft/ MLB threatens Brewers could leave Milwaukee: https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2023/05/25/brewers-ballpark-funding-draws-concerns-from-mlb-commissioner-manfred/70253613007 RON DESANTIS TWITTER CANDIDACY ANNOUNCEMENT: https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/05/25/desantis-launches-gop-presidential-campaign-in-twitter-announcement-plagued-by-glitches/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We threw a ton of food/drink questions at Gundersen dietitian Laura Birkel, in studio, including fake sugars like diet soda, fried foods contributing to depression, stupid serving sizes and the Top 5 worst things you can put in your body. Began the show on serving sizes, after seeing a loaf of bread's serving is one slice, and just how prevalent that is among things we eat. Also discussed a study that says eating fried foods — especially french fries — leads to increased anxiety and depression. The second half of the show focused on fake sugars, like in diet soda, and what they do to your body — and whether it’s better to drink regular or diet. Also got Birkel’s Top 5 worst things you can eat/drink, as state fair season approaches, and hit on little things here and there like how good/bad coffee or energy drinks are for you. FOOD ANXIETY: http://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2221097120 FAKE SUGAR: https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/15/health/who-sweeteners-weigh-loss-guideline-wellness/index.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Administrator Jane Klekamp in studio talking about some of the initiatives they're working on surrounding homelessness, road funding, skilled trades training and PFAS. We discussed some of the important things that happened at last week's monthly county board meeting, including $2 million in funding for youth skilled trades training, potential $3 million more for fixing roads, and $500k for PFAS research. We also discussed some initiatives to help homeless and prevent homelessness, including an Eviction Defense Program, bridge housing and an upcoming meeting between the city, county and others on those who are unsheltered. Another important topic discussed was potential options of converting some of the Hillview Healthcare (senior) Center. We also learned the county has a new administrative assistance in Sara Coopman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio to discussing a lot of negotiations happening — federally with the debt ceiling, statewide with the shared revenue plan and locally with road funding. Began the show on the debt ceiling talks with Republicans in charge of the the US House and the Biden Administration. After that, we get Pfaff's point of view on the back and forth between Republicans in the state Assembly and Senate, where they are in negotiating the shared revenue plan, before sending it to Gov. Tony Evers for signature or veto. We also discuss Wisconsin energy and how the state could baby step its way to being self sufficient. Ended the show talking a bit about what the state is doing with homelessness, an issue that's getting more attention in La Crosse lately.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in the WIZM studio Friday for La Crosse Talk PM discussing about the culture wars on school boards, as a teacher is fired over the song Rainbowland. We also talked about the conspiracy of banning TikTok, luring a 300-pound pig on the loose in Wisconsin and Americans smuggling Fruit Rollups. Began the show talking about a Waukesha teacher being fired over the Dolly Parton-Miley Cyrus song Rainbowland, which led to a discussion about politics infecting nonpartisan races all the way down to school boards. After that, we got Chergosky’s first impressions of Five Guys in Onalaska, before having some fun with how Taco Bell and Taco John’s are fighting over the trademark “Taco Tuesday.” Ended the show on a Fruit Rollups controversy, where a TikTok trend led to it being out of stock in Israel, therefore leading to Americans caught smuggling, what is apparently, too much Fruit Rollups into that country. And, in the midst of that conversation, we discussed the conspiracy of banning TikTok in the US — it’s already been banned in Montana. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts. 300-pound pig on loose in Wisconsin: https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/05/16/potbellied-pig-Albert-escaped-Green-Bay-Wisconsin/3511684263409/ Teacher suspended over Dolly-Miley Rainbowland https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/03/27/wisconsin-school-bans-miley-dolly-duet-from-class-concert/ Taco Tuesday duel between Taco Bell and Taco John's https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/05/19/taco-tuesday-trademark-tiff-flares-anew-between-fast-food-competitors/ Smuggling Fruit Rollups into Israel https://www.today.com/food/news/americans-smuggling-fruit-roll-ups-israel-rcna83408 Congress debate over banning TikTok https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/05/06/ban-social-media-for-kids-fed-up-parents-in-senate-say-yes/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings joins, a day after Republicans released their amended shared revenue plan that has bipartisan opposition. We discuss that, as well as the homeless issue and what is being done at the state level. Billings represents District 95, which includes the city of La Crosse, Campbell and parts of Shelby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Bikes for Little Tikes happens Saturday, and Puck from 95.7 the Rock joined to talk about its 27-year history and why they'll be riding for Emerson Smalls, a 9-year-old West Salem Elementary student. After that, County Board chair Monica Kruse joined to break down the monthly meeting, which includes the creating of a Broadband Committee, a diversity report from a consultant recently hired and the potential allocation of an extra $3 million in road funding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big news out of the Northwoods League, as co-founder Dick Radatz, Jr., joins the show with to break the news that they're working on a softball league. Before that, we talk some of the items on the La Crosse County Board's agenda Thursday, including another committee being formed and using $2.45 million for skilled trades training. We also discuss the Wisconsin GOP unveiling a dueling plan for public defender raises — which is almost identical to the governor's plan revealed three months ago. After that, though, Radatz, Jr., joins to talk about this new Northwood League Softball, where collegiate players from around the country will play over summer, much the same way a team like the La Crosse Loggers has for baseball. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Stein, vice president and research director for Wisconsin Policy Forum joined to help dissect some bigger topics happening statewide, including school referendums, a local government funding plan and state's shrinking $6.9 billion budget surplus. We began talking about who and what Wisconsin Policy Forum is, before delving into these topics that are all sort of intertwined. The big news of the day was how the projected budget surplus didn't go up for once. After that, we talked a bit about school referendums, as La Crosse had a failed school referendum, then passed operating referendum. That discussion kind of intertwined with the Wisconsin Legislature crafting a two-year state budget. On top of that, we talked how the state is also trying to rework how local governments are funded, through a shared revenue plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Education Association president, Jesse Martinez joined to discuss education priorities in and out of the state budget so far. We also talked about a new grading system coming to the district next year. After that, WIZM’s Brad Williams breaks down the city council meeting a bit. Ended the show talking more about that new grading system — called Standards Based Grading — and how Republicans are sending the local government state-funding plan to Gov. Tony Evers, without changing anything, after he said he’d veto itSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Garcia in studio, talking about his new role as the Democratic Party chair of the 3rd Congressional District, his main role there — unseating Republican Derrick Van Orden — and convention resolutions recently passed. We also talked about another US House representative, George Santos, being arrested and why he won’t be kicked out of Congress. That led to a discussion about Donald Trump having to pay $5 million, after a jury found him liable for sexual assault, and whether Republicans will shift to other possible Republican presidential candidates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hunger Task Force La Crosse executive director Shelly Fortner joined. While people are struggling right now with rising costs, so is the Hunger Task Force with getting donations. We talked about what the HTF does, how its distributing food, needs volunteers, and has its biggest food drive of the year this Saturday. The Post Office Food Drive on Saturday simply asks people to put donations in a bag by 8:30 a.m. and set them by your mailbox. One of the reasons behind the HTF really needing donations is because the Emergency Foodshare program ended and that kicked 700,000 people in Wisconsin off added Food Stamp benefits. Another program we discussed that is ending soon is the Badger Boxes, which not only help those in need, but also small Wisconsin farms. We also hit on a few other important dates and topics including food distribution May 19 at the Salvation Army of La Crosse County, a Remainders concert May 20 at The Main in downtown La Crosse where proceeds go to the HTF and how volunteers are needed at the Kane Street Community Gardens, which distribute 30,000 pounds of food to La Crosse each harvest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio, talking about the state’s dueling plans to fund local governments, No Mow May, new business plans, and making the city more pedestrian friendly with traffic-slowing potholes. Spent a good portion of the show talking about the state's dueling plans — between the Republican Legislature and the Democratic governor — in how to fund local governments. Began the show discussing NBA Finals predictions and better ways to have a "lawn," as we're in the midst of the city's No Mow May. Ended the show talking about business development a bit, as there is a proposal going in front of the city council to put a drive-thru coffee kiosk downtown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky joins, to break down a Wisconsin GOP local, state funding bill — one that has a traffic ticket and arrests quota — as well as legislators voting shirtless and what Scott Walker’s mad about. In regards to the GOP local state funding bill, that has begun circulating this week, we discussed a couple of the stipulations in it, such as counties, like La Crosse, not being able to put advisory referendums on the ballot. La Crosse County has asked voters’ opinions on recreational marijuana and the state’s 174-year-old abortion ban in recent elections. Another part of the GOP bill would cut local funding from the state by 15% if they didn’t hit a quota for arrests and another quota for traffic tickets. We also discuss gripes from former Wisconsin GOP Gov. Scott Walker that Kate Bush is in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame but Iron Maiden isn’t. Another topic included whether legislators can vote, essentially naked from their couch on legislation, which happened in Minnesota this week. Lastly, capped off the show discussing an odd YouGov poll asking what voters want their GOP nominees to represent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse outreach specialist Spencer Wilken in studio, on Star Wars day, talking space news and debunking moon landing conspiracies. We spent the entire second half of the show breaking down the moon landing "hoaxes," like the radiation belt, fake film, or why we haven't gone back. Before that, however, we did talk some space news, like a Barbie Black Hole and a real life lightsaber. Began the show, though, talking about Wilken's journey in getting her doctorate in Astrophysics/Astronomy, as well as her possibly being responsible for changing the University of Illinois mascot. CORRECTION: In terms of the moon landing, we did talk about why we didn't land objects on the moon before people, but the US actually did send objects first, in the mid-1960s, called the surveyor missions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Havlicek, our pseudo Wisconsin state budget proposal expert, and La Crosse Central Spanish teacher joins. We, of course, dive into some of the state budget proposals when it comes to education. That included how schools are funded, "per pupil" money and how voucher schools fit — or don't — into the public education system. Republicans, who recently stripped over 500 items out of Evers' version of the budget, are in the process of crafting their own version, to be released some time in the summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio to talk about some of what Republicans have stripped out of the budget, like childcare funding and marijuana legalization. Also talked about child labor vs. a workforce shortage vs. a pay shortage. We hit on the train derailment, as well, and spent quite a bit of time on the dueling income tax cuts being proposed by Republicans (a flat tax) and Gov. Tony Evers (10% tax cut for those making $100,000 or less).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saw a "get off my lawn" rant on Facebook about kids not playing hide-n-seek, which coincided nicely with some legislation proposed in Wisconsin by Republicans. The legislation would limit social media use for kids — essentially being the parents. Before we hit on that, though, WiZM's Brad Williams joined to talk about when he met Danny DeVito. Oh, and we also talked about some proposals going through La Crosse city committees right now — a duplex on Ward and a drive-thru coffee shop. After that, we discussed more GOP legislation that would allow 14-year-olds to serve alcohol to solve what lawmakers like to call a "workforce shortage." Ended the show with a quick rant about how useless touch screens are in vehicles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wide array of topics with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, from how the GOP can appeal to young voters to McDonald's selling the Big Mac sauce. Began the show just running down the day's topics, before bringing up a Wisconsin GOP strategist saying the quiet thing out loud when it comes to college students voting. That led to a deep discussion in ways the GOP could handle young voters, and how voting should be handled in general — like mandatory voting. Another part of that conversation included who the GOP would run against Tammy Baldwin for Wisconsin's US Senate seat. In between all that, though, we had to rehash Five Guys opening in La Crosse, and now McDonald's selling Big Mac sauce and whether that's something people want. Ended the show with some oddball topics — a kid getting stuck in a claw machine, a flight attendant making a pregnant woman pick up popcorn her 5-year-old spilled and someone stealing 2 million dimes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mississippi Valley Conservancy (MVC) Executive Director Carol Abrahamzon in studio to help navigate how Wisconsin lawmakers are breaking the law, when it comes to certain land projects. Before that, though, we got into the mission of the MVC. Then we dive into the rabbit hole of how Wisconsin’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) is killing land conservancy projects that are applying for grant money with no transparency, breaking its own rules in how it should interact with the public. This misconduct has forced MVC to not apply for certain Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grants. A lot of this made news this week with the Pelican River Project in northern Wisconsin, that was denied by the JFC — a project that would have protected 56,000 acres from development, and allowed it to be utilized for outdoor recreation — anything from hiking to hunting to snowmobiling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though we buried the lead to start the show, two guests joined — Dr. Tom Schlesinger and Nick Nichols — to talk about climate change, what we can do about it, what the state could do that would save $14 billion a year to the benefit of everything and everyone. Schlesinger is a political scientist that specializes in healthcare and also has a Master’s in international environmental policy, focusing on climate change. Nichols, now retired, was the La Crosse County Sustainability Coordinator, and works in climate protection across the region. They are both part of a group called the Climate Alliance for the Common Good. A bit part of the show focused on how Wisconsin could transition to electric power, without outsourcing that power, and the benefits the state would see economically, environmentally, fiscally. Part of that discussion included green energy sources, like wind, solar. Began the show defining a bit climate change, the timeline for when society needs to transition away from the carbon-methane production that contributes to it, and how these topics shouldn’t be political — but are. We also discussed some aspects of electric vehicles, as well as what individuals and corporations can be doing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The River Point District, north of downtown La Crosse, has been decades in the making. Jason Gilman, project manager and owner of JBG Planning, LLC, joined to break down just what to expect and when to expect those acres along the Black and Mississippi rivers to be developed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kahya Fox, the executive director of Habitat For Humanity La Crosse Area, joins to talk about housing dilemmas in the area and possible solutions. The big problems here, with La Crosse being landlocked, is the number of homes available, but the incredibly skyrocketing prices of these homes that’s affecting not just low income people anymore, but middle class. Prices of homes, rising mortgage rates, number of rentals are some of the things we discussed. Habitat is also hosting a Neighbors Day this weekend, to help elderly and disabled people — read more and sign up here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, joins to discuss Five Guys in Onalaska opening and how restaurants could really benefit customers, the Brewers needing more bank on beer sales, plus teaching politics. Began the show, though, talking a bit about US Sen. Tammy Baldwin announcing she's running for reelection and the differences in strategy between Baldwin and her counterpart, Sen. Ron Johnson. Then we got into teaching politics, as Chergosky is at a political science convention in Chicago. Ended the show talking about Five Guys opening, their strategy of throwing the fries in the bag. That led to a discussion about what's best: chips and salsa, free bread sticks or a pile of fries? And how more restaurants should be doing one of the three. And we ended with the Brewers, Twins and other teams extending beer sales because "the game isn't long enough." Yes, sure, that's the reason. Also discussed how politicians are flip-flopping on the idea of public funds to help the Brewers renovate American Family Field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Havlicek joins to talk about details in the upcoming Wisconsin budget, including his public comments and medicaid expansion. Havlicek has been a Central High School teacher for 25 years and we like to use him on the show as one of our "political blowhard." He was at a Joint Finance Committee public budget hearing in the Dells, discussing education. We also talked about Wisconsin not accepting Medicaid expansion for the past dozen years and the ramifications from that. Ended the show quick talking about the La Crosse School District transitioning to standards-based grading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia in studio, talking about Tammy Baldwin's re-election, the hypothetical Ron Johnson v. Tammy Baldwin matchup, the potential impeaching political opponents in Wisconsin and guns in Wisconsin schools. Cover the Tammy Baldwin running for reelection news in a couple different ways, including what Republicans might go against her -- like Scott Walker -- but also the what if of Ron Johnson and her on the same ballot. Also hit on the Tennessee lawmakers being reinstated after getting expelled by Republicans for peacefully protesting gun violence in the wake of three students being killed in the state. Republicans in Wisconsin now have a Senate supermajority, and we discussed the possible expelling of Democrats in the state. Touched on the Democratic National Convention coming to Chicago a month after the RNC is in Milwaukee. Ended the show talking a bit about a GOP proposal to allow guns in Wisconsin schools. Oh, and we also hit on his daughter getting Taylor Swift tickets and why dad isn't invited.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two guest Tuesday, beginning with Happy Plants owner Stephanie Perry, who's shop near TJ Maxx in La Crosse will have a grand opening celebration this weekend — though the boutique is open now. After that, Michael Quam with the Salvation Army joins to talk about the homeless situation in La Crosse, a few weeks after Houska Park evicted campers. Quam talks about how many are staying at the SA currently, some of the ways they go about getting people back on their feet and the group's Canteen, which provides lunches seven days a week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio, discussing the city potentially cutting services, his demands for action from the Wisconsin Legislature in regards to the state budget, Delta bailing on La Crosse and bringing back “Blue Baby." Spent a lot of time on what the state needs to do to help fund municipalities like La Crosse in the upcoming two-year budget, as the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee is holding hearings this week on those plans. Also hit on Delta Airlines leaving the La Crosse Airport and the impact there. Spent a couple minutes discussing a UW-La Crosse student's campaign to bring back the Hatched (Blue) Baby artwork that was destroyed from vandalism. But began and ended talking NBA playoffs, of course. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been gone a year and a half now, but one UW-La Crosse student is taking it upon herself to try and bring back "Blue Baby." Ashlyn Neader joined to talk about her petition to bring back a piece of art in the city of La Crosse called Hatched Baby. If you don't know, Hatched Baby was a 9-foot tall statue of a blue baby's head coming out of an egg. It was created by Wolfgang Auer, a German artist from La Crosse's sister city of Friedberg, Germany, and donated to the city. It was vandalized in September of 2021, and deemed irreparable, thus removed from its perch in front of the city's police headquarters. Neader's main reasoning behind the campaign is because she feels Hatched Baby's destruction is not representative of who the people of La Crosse are. She hopes to get the statue fixed by Auer and put back on display. Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/bring-back-blue-babySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio. A whirlwind of a show that dealt with everything from the election recap to the government banning participation trophies to the best MLB mascots to the ongoing politics in Wisconsin's legislature. Began the show with a bit of a recap on Tuesday's election results. From there we talked about a poll of MLB's best mascots — Bernie Brewer is not happy — before discussing the politics of cancelling student loan debt. After that, we hit on a state banning participation trophies, before ending with the work — or lack thereof — Wisconsin's legislature is doing and baseball's new sped-up game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings in studio to discuss the how the public comments in the budget process, La Crosse building projects and the $7.1 billion budget surplus. Spent the first half of the show going back and forth between the building funding/projects the La Crosse School District has and UW-La Crosse. After that, we discussed her hosting an upcoming public comment session on the state budget, happening Monday (April 10) at the Main Street Library in La Crosse, and some of the details people might want to know in how to participate. Lastly, we talked about the recent election, some of the things the Wisconsin Supreme Court might take up and voter turnout in La Crosse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School District of La Crosse superintendent Dr. Aaron Engel joins. We discussed the passing of the operating referendum, student walkout on gun violence, future middle school classes being cut, elementary building consolidation. We began with a bit of a sigh of relief from Engel as Tuesday's election saw La Crosse voters turn out 65% in favor of the district's six-year, $60-million operating budget request. We discussed what that means and then moved on to a Logan student walking due, in part, to the Tennessee school shooting and no action against gun violence. After that, we discussed the district's situation with now over $100 million in building deferred maintenance. Ended the show discussing the plan going forward — after closing Lincoln MS — to cut one period of classes and make class time longer, as well as the next stages of building consolidation, which could include elementary schools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Education Association president Jesse Martinez joined. With the spring election cycle ending Tuesday, we spent quite a bit of time on the district's six-year, $60-million operating budget referendum on the ballot and the school board race. We also talked about cellphones in classrooms and how the schools and teachers deal with those. And, in the midst of the school board conversation, as well as having a Wisconsin Supreme Court race on the ballot, we asked Martinez the process the teachers' union goes through to make endorsements. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio talking about culture wars of woke and CRT, the Donald Trump indictment, the arrest of Ulysses S. Grant, and dueling checkouts — self checkout vs. chatty checkout. Started the show talking about culture wars, how nobody can define things like woke and Critical Race Theory and how, when governments take on these battles, nothing legislatively gets done. After that we talked about the Trump indictment and how he isn't the first president to be arrested — there may still be a warrant out for Ulysses S. Grant. Also took some calls on who has the power: government or corporations, and ended the show on Kwik Trip's new checkout policy vs. the opposite kind of checkout in Finland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse School Board candidate Trevor Sprague joins. The big topics with Sprague were transparency from the district, the operating budget referendum and the tough decisions the board will have to make in the future. Sprague is a lifelong La Crosse resident, who currently is a visiting professor of rhetoric and composition at UW-Eau Claire. The Central High School graduate has three young kids, the oldest currently going to Emerson Elementary. Getting back to transparency, another part of that conversation was public trust — something most of the candidates have brought up — and how the school board, the district can restore that. We also discussed the responsibility Wisconsin state government has in public schools, as it’s going through a budget-writing process with a $7.1 billion surplus to play with. Another topic we spent some time on was endorsements — not just the groups that are supporting Sprague but one group in particular that is endorsing candidates but doesn’t seem to have their support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse School Board candidate Scott Neumeister joined. We discussed an unwanted endorsement, how he feels the district isn’t giving all the info on a new operating referendum and the tough decisions about consolidation. Neumeister was born and raised in La Crosse and is a small business owner on the north side, as well as a real estate agent. Like he did, Neumeister’s three kids all went through the La Crosse public school system. A unique part of the conversation was about a PAC endorsing Neumeister, called the 1776 Project putting out flyers on his behalf — something he says he didn’t not ask for and does not support some of the PAC’s views. We also talked about the six-year, $60-million operating budget referendum question on the spring ballot and how he believes the figures the district is putting out there aren’t painting the entire picture in how they would affect taxes. Neumeister also talked about building consolidation and how he would like to see the future of the high school(s) in La Crosse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Administrator Jane Klekamp in studio, a few months into the new job. We discussed a slew of things from what is a county admin., to bridge housing to a diversity, equity and inclusion consultant. La Crosse County Administrator Jane Klekamp in studio, a few months into the new job. We discussed a slew of things from what is a county admin., to bridge housing to a diversity, equity and inclusion consultant. Klekamp has worked within La Crosse County since 1989. She took over for Steve O’Malley mid-January, after he retired after 19 years as the county’s first-ever administrator. A big part of the conversation was about bridge housing for families and how the county is doing in that regard. Also spent some time on “fix the damn roads,” free jail phone calls, and declaring racism a public health crisis. The county hiring a recently hired a diversity, equity and inclusion consultant to help deal with that. Lastly we hit on some of the programs that were expanded during COVID that are coming to an end, a new south side meal site and potentially a fifth one in West Salem through the Aging-Disability Resource Center and using American Rescue Plan Act funding for solar panels on county buildings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio discussing a lot of different farming topics, including anti-plant milk legislation (he would call this pro-milk legislation) transitioning farms, farm pollution and ways to fund fixing the roads. Had Pfaff try to explain the dilemma small dairy farmers have and what could be done about that, like transitioning to other crops, hydroponics and whether the state helps with that switch. Also talked about farm pollution, like runoff, and if the state could be better regulating that. Pfaff has legislation to not allow plant-based drinks to call themselves “milk,” so we had to hit on that topic again. Lastly, brought up La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds’ post about being charged by the state $75 basically for owning a hybrid/electric vehicle. Why does that exist? Also asked if if there is a better way to simply fund fixing the roads. Ended the show quick that Pfaff and state Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle will hold a Wisconsin budget listening session from 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 3 at the West Salem Public Library. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky joined. We got into a what's on the ballot, how the legislature manipulates and ignores ballot questions and what we should really be voting on — like state dipping sauce. Began the show talking about how these spring, "nonpartisan" elections are vastly more important than a presidential election in terms of effecting your every day life, but the turnout is like 60 percent less. That led to some of the referendum questions on the ballot and how some are posed to encourage certain voter turnout and other nonbinding questions are just ignored by the legislature — like redistricting solutions, legalizing marijuana. And, speaking of redistricting, we discussed the Wisconsin Supreme Court race and what kind of things they might take up with a new member on the court. Lastly, we talked about Republicans mad the governor appointed a new secretary of state, when they want a special election, and some Scott Walker news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse School Board candidate Kathi Blanchard joined. She discussed some of the things she sees through her kids withing the district, talked how the board needs to build trust and expressed her views on consolidation. Blanchard is one of eight candidates running for school board with four open seats. She was born and raised in La Crosse, went through the public school system and currently has a freshman attending Logan and a fifth grader at Northside. Some of the things we talked about were the upcoming six-year, $60-million operating budget referendum, how she felt about the closing of Lincoln Middle School and teacher pay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke joined to help make sense of the bail reform questions on the spring ballot that could change the Wisconsin constitution, as well as other legislation happening, and a racial equity study that was recently reviewed. Spent most of the show on bail reform, as lawmakers earlier in the day tried to better identify violent crime, even as voters are already casting ballots on the measure. We also discussed a racial equity study by the Center for Effective Public Policy that the county's Criminal Justice Management Council reviewed recently. Spent the rest of the show with quick hitters on the other legislation going through Madison, including harsher riot penalties, harsher reckless driving penalties and parole transparency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse School Board candidate Tim Alberts joined to discuss what he thinks his role should be, public trust, the referendum, and the importance of listening to a diverse group of people. Alberts is born and raised in La Crosse, graduated from Central and has two freshmen currently with the River Hawks. Alberts discussed the importance of passing the six-year, $60 million operating referendum that's on the current ballot, though he saddles that to a transparency issue within the district. We also discussed the consolidation plan to build a new high school that failed last election and what the plan should be with the district's many buildings and declining student population.Lastly, Alberts stressed the importance he sees with listening to the public, teachers and, most importantly, students.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse Outreach Specialist Spencer Wilken in studio with another segment of breaking news from decades ago -- this time about living with a dolphin -- as well as whether the Romans had potholes and her very popular Reddit thread on the moon landing. First, however, Wilken listened intently as Solem unwound from being off a week, and the news of Wisconsin Secretary of State resigning. Then we got into roundabout-construction season-pothole talk and how the Romans may have solved that dilemma. After that, some very weird news from the 1960s about dolphin research, taking what must have been a lot of LSD and subjecting a woman and a dolphin to living together in some kind of apartment. Lastly, we brought up Wilken's Reddit thread on the moon landing, as she prepares to get her doctorate in astrophysics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio to discuss the controversial release of Ranch Dressing ice cream, as well as Wisconsin politics in regards to dueling political tax plans and Legislature salaries and qualifications. Depending on your preference, either Chergosky or Solem had an extreme opinion on Ranch Dressing. Politically, the the tax cut plan discussion hovered around a new report was not favorable for either Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers or the GOP-led state Legislature proposals. And, in terms of the Legislature, we discussed how long they're in session, their ability to have a side-hustle, and the amount they get paid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse School Board candidate Jerry Wacek joined the show, discussing the old and new referendums in the district and some of his priorities when it comes to schools, including keeping the arts. Wacek is a field tech for an engineering company and he has two children in the district now — third grader and a sophomore. Eight are running for four open seats on the board, with the spring election cycle ending April 4. Before Wacek joined, 95.7 the Rock's Jean Taylor began the show to talk about the world's shortest race, the St. Patty's Day .01k happening March 17 in on Pearl Street, downtown. Proceeds from the 32.8-foot race go to the Hunger Task Force.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minnesota House Rep. Gene Pelowski of Winona joins the show to talk about some of the initiatives the state is discussing and putting forward with a $17 billion budget surplus, including free school meals, public school funding and legalizing marijuana/sports gambling. Minnesota flipped to full Democratic control this past election and Pelowski noted that there are now over 2,700 bills going through the part-time Legislature that has until May to siphon threw them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio discussing how how the state could change funding cities, the homeless situation in Houska Park, and some development news both near Pettibone Park, as well as the River Point District — the old Mobil Oil site. But, began the show, for some reason, with the hot topic of shoveling your sidewalks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We bring in the political science professor, UW-L's Dr. Anthony Chergosky to break down some politics, yes, but also what Wisconsin's state aroma should be. A lot of listeners chimed in with good examples, as well. In terms of politics, we discussed the state budget fight, the $7.1 billion budget surplus fight, and a US House Rep. from Wisconsin reneging on his promise of a self-imposed term limit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.