La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

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.

La Crosse School Board candidate Deb Suchla joined to talk about her past experience on the board, as well as past, present and future referendums, student population decline and student needs. Suchla is one of eight candidates running for four seats on the board in the spring elections. We discussed the past $194.7 million new high school plan, the current $60 million operating budget referendum. We also talked about the old middle schools, as the school board already voted to close Lincoln. Suchla brought up student population decline and what that means for the district. In there as well, we talked teacher pay and about mental health — as students have been bringing that up voluntarily at board meetings. She also gave her thoughts on how to approach other students needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Murphy, our political blowhard, failed US Senate candidate and small business owner, joins, as we go all over the map from sports gambling legalization to healthcare to Fox News lawsuits and capped it off describing how Wisconsin got a $7.1 billion budget surplus. Began the show discussing the difference between Republicans and Democrats on legalizing things like sports gambling and marijuana. Also discussed Assembly Speaker Robin Vos losing another lawsuit into the 2020 election investigation -- which sort of means Wisconsin pays for another lawsuit. Before we talked the $7.1 billion budget surplus the last half of the show, we also hit on how one might better run for big time office positions -- like US Senator or even the presidency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse School Board candidate Jeff Jackson joins to talk about past and present referendums, closing Lincoln MS, and even some refereeing experience. Jackson is one of eight candidates running for four seats in the district. A lot of the discussion — building maintenance, referendum questions on the ballot, teacher pay, closing Lincoln — centered around how the board and how the district should better engage with the community. Jackson, whose family is directly impacted by the closing of Lincoln, also discussed his experience as a referee and what he thinks about the budget talks going through the state Legislature right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio, talking about the two-year budget, a new model for funding schools and municipalities, how the state is prepared for a RR disaster and what is "milk." Began the show talking about how a 98-year-old just ran a 5k and how that sets a terrible example for the rest of us, as over 150 Republicans signed onto legislation to increase the retirement age to 70. After that, deep dived into the two-year budget, and the proposals to change how the state provides funding for schools and municipalities. Ended the show talking quick about farms and how the FDA has ruled that plant-based milk can be called "milk."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky joins to talk about everything from restaurant monthly subscriptions to the Wisconsin Supreme Court race between the "liberal" and the "conservative." Began the show, in regards to monthly food subscriptions, how much you'd be willing to pay for unlimited Starbucks. After that, talked about how the Roe v. Wade decision affected both sides of the political aisle and the role it'll play in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race. Ended quickly talking about how congress reps. will talk about national issues like immigration, but ignoring the political winner of a four-day week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle joined for the hour. Hit on a lot of things, including how Wisconsin got and what it should do with $7.1 billion in budget surplus. That included talk on fixing the roads and how to go about tax breaks. After that, we of course had to work in a conversation about snow-pocalypse and how Doyle's alpacas like the snow. Then we discussed two questions on the April ballot that will change the state Constitution in terms of bail reform and whether state Legislators voting on those initiatives have a great understanding of how bail works. Lastly, discussed La Crosse County government, including the new Administrator, Jane Klekamp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Hoffer, the director of excise tax policy at the Tax Foundation joins to talk about how we get a $7.1 billion budget surplus, the proposal to give $290 million of that to the Brewers, why Wisconsin should be in the sports gambling game and how River Point District could be a game-changer for La Crosse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Emergency Management Tracy Hameau joins. We discuss Emergency Management's role when something like a train derailment or other disaster would happen in the area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She didn't right away, but we got La Crosse County clerk Ginny Dankmeyer to make a turnout prediction for Tuesday's primary election. Dankmeyer joined for a bit to break down some of the ins and outs of Wisconsin's primary. Around that conversation we talked a bit more generally about what's on the ballot for the primary and some of the questions on the April ballot, as well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor in studio talking about Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers state budget release, including giving the Milwaukee Brewers $290 million for stadium renovations and dueling tax cut policies between Republicans and the governor. That led to a discussion about how politicians troll each other with legislation and get mad if someone else takes what's perceived as their idea — essentially how politics plays its role here. Lastly, we discussed a guy stealing a trailer loaded with 200,000 Cadbury eggs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Assembly Rep. Jill Billings joins for the hour, to break down some of the two-year budget released by Gov. Tony Evers, including childcare and family initiatives and what to do about PFAS. We also discussed the dueling tax relief plans from both parties, as well as the budget process from here on out and how the public can get involved and give their opinions on what's important to them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse Outreach Coordinator Spencer Wilken — or Mrs. Photon — in studio to talk science, including things that cannot be explained, like meat raining from the sky, how Tylenol works, why curling (the sport) stones curl and where all Earth’s water came from. The meat shower comes from a phenomenon that happened March 3, 1876, where it literally rained meat and nobody knows why. Science also can't explain how Tylenol works, or why those stones you throw down the ice curve in that matter. We also discussed the melting of the Doomsday Glacier, or Thwaite’s Glacier — named after a UW geologist — climate change in general, and the discovery of a 350-pound, Shaq-sized penguin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Bizarro World on this Valentine's Day with a Wisconsin Republican proposal being floated that Rick agrees with, while Gov. Tony Evers is looking to throw $290 million to a millionaire. Before that, however, we talk with WIZM's Brad Williams about some interesting episodes happening in court, already, this week, including a guy who spit at officers and threatened their lives. Then we got into the Republican proposal to help those requesting open records — legislation that would directly clash with what conservatives on the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled on last year, to help stall requests, which costs individuals getting those records money in lawyer fees. On the other side of Bizarro World, Evers wants to give the Brewers $290 million to fix a stadium that cost $392 million, in exchange that they agree to stay in Wisconsin for another 20 years. Wrapped up talking about the origins of Valentine's Day, which had to do with sacrificing goats and dogs and whipping women with those hides, apparently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jillian Olson joins to discuss some of the big plans and potential plans for the Outdoor Recreation Alliance. The group is looking to purchase 277 acres of land on La Crosse’s southside. Olson, ORA’s operations director, talks about what they intend to do with that and how La Crosse County might help. Olson also discusses what ORA does in general and some of the other big projects they have ongoing, including two in La Crosse — one’s a treehouse — and another in West Salem. After that, I talk quick about an Ohio train derailment that looks to have a huge environmental impact spanning multiple states. Hoping to have, later this week, someone with the county discuss the situation and how that might get handled in La Crosse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science prof. Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio. Spent a big part of the show breaking down some very important stories over someone stealing $1.5 million with of chicken wings from a school district, how one Chick-fil-A restaurant had to be torn down because it was too busy and a 22-year-old coach impersonating their 13-year-old JV player and dominating in a game. We also got Chergosky’s take on Gov. Tony Ever’s State of the State address and whether political parties need credit for the proposals put out there by the governor. We also talked about decorum within the State of the Union address by Joe Biden and the heckling Republicans — and how the back-and-forth could be good for government. Wrapped up talking about an attack on a US House Rep. from Minnesota and the increase of these incidents since Jan. 6, 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Common Cause Wisconsin executive director Jay Heck joins to discuss the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race and how that could affect Wisconsin voting lines that were just drawn last year. The state Supreme Court ruled on those redrawn lines and could do so again when a new justice is elected — one that could potentially swing the court from, basically, Republican to Democrat. Wisconsin is often referred to as having the most rigged voting districts in the country. We also talked, quick about the same dilemma in Illinois, only the gerrymander is rigged the other way, as well as the solution to all this coming out of Iowa — a state that is completely controlled by Republicans. Common Cause Wisconsin is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to "been working to "hold power accountable through lobbying, litigation, and grassroots organizing." Before that conversation, however, WIZM’s Brad Williams pops in to talk quick about some of the things happening in La Crosse city and county government — including added funding for EV busses and inclusive coordinator hires — or potential hires.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Havlicek in studio, to talk about what's at stake in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. With the balance of the state Supreme Court on the line, Havlicek talks about how issues that could come before it may be ruled on more politically — like redistricting or the 174-year-old abortion ban in Wisconsin. Havlicek is a longtime Central High School Spanish teacher, and we began the show talking about students' attention spans now versus, essentially, before cellphones. One other topic that did come up was standard based grading, that Havlicek gave his opinion on, as the La Crosse School District discusses that change from letter grading. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Sheriff John Siegel joined for the hour. Spent a big part of the show talking about the Memphis police killing of Tyre Nichols and how that resonates within his department. That also played into a conversation about the county's police study committee. Another county initiative we discussed, was free phone calls for jail inmates, and where we're at with that being enacted. Capped off the show talking about drug overdose deaths in the county and how the Sheriff's Office is dealing with those drugs on multiple fronts. Opened things up, though, talking about Siegel's first month on the job and how his three children are doing — one playing DI college football, another shooting 3s in the Special Olympics and a third at UW-Green Bay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds joins for the hour. Spent a big part of the show going through some of the ins and outs of homelessness and how it's being handled in La Crosse and what might be coming in the near future — and distant future — to help. Opened the show discussing what exactly is a "supper club," as the library hosted a documentary called "Old Fashioned." Bottom half of the show was about Gov. Tony Evers' visit to the city, updates on the $65 million wastewater treatment plan and how it might power the city with poop, and on some new hires in the parks department and on a major project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Murphy, our political blowhard, filling in on a Friday, as the nation is consumed with a balloon, apparently from China. So, we hit on that a bit, but more along the lines of how the U.S. government talks about China to the public. Before that, however, we spent a lot of time talking about how media, in general — like TV vs. streaming — is changing, and what we say is the most popular — like Fox News — doesn't even compare to what is actually being watched (TikTok videos). All that conversation, though, started because of a viral MrBeast video on getting 1,000 people eye surgery, which of course led to a universal healthcare discussion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse outreach coordinator, Spencer Wilken, or "Mrs. Photon," in studio talking about using incredible Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT) in everyday ways, the unexpected effects of salting our roads — which, apparently, are butterfly steroids and, of course, Puxatony Phil and Groundhog’s Day. That did beg the question, ‘What would La Crosse’s groundhog-like mascot be?’ Wrapped up with some exciting upcoming programs at UW-L, as well as a weird radioactive news out of Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gundersen registered dietitian Laura Birkel joined to break down some of myths out there in the food world, how to navigate protein as a vegan, those pre-made dinners we see everywhere and some discrepancies with the new food compass — plus much more. Some of those food myths included whether things like eggs or coffee are healthy. We also talked about some sports myths, like drinking pickle juice to stave off cramps and if protein powder is a good supplement. A big thing today, since we have no time to cook as a society, we see these pre-made dinners, which look like they've replaced frozen dinners. We bet Birkel's take on whether they are actually healthy? Birkel works out of the Onalaska clinic at Gundersen Health System. We began the show talking a bit about what she does and who could/should go see her or her colleagues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Education Association — otherwise known as the teachers' union — president Jesse Martinez joined for the hour. Among the many things covered were the February and April elections with the La Crosse School Board on the ballot, as well as a $60 million operating budget referendum question. Martinez, who teachers Middle School at Logan, also discussed Lincoln Middle School closing. We hit on the teacher shortage and some ideas on using Wisconsin’s $7.1 billion budget surplus in education. Throughout the show, we also talked about some of the ups and downs that teachers go through, and whether students should have homework.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The primary for the spring elections is just weeks away. Chris Haskell from the League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area joins to discuss some of the things we might see on the ballot. After that, a bit of a rant on how these elections are nonpartisan by name only and how politicians play with the ballot with their partisanship, even though the issues at hand are very much defined by voters already — like abortion, marijuana and gerrymandering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chegosky in studio. Kicked off the show with another guest, La Crosse Airport director Ian Turner, to continue our ongoing saga of "What's going through TSA today?" And we recapped that saga of duct-taping passengers, carry-on frozen chickens and he emotional support boa constrictor named Bartholomew. After that, we talked about a 29-year-old woman posing as a high school student for four days and 7,600 people getting fake nursing degrees. Also spent time on how A.I. affects education. Ended the show with some Wisconsin politics, including how many millions in Wisconsin taxpayer funds the 2020 presidential election investigation cost and how Republicans and Gov. Tony Evers are fighting over the two-year budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political blowhard, small business owner and failed US Senate candidate out of Wisconsin, Adam Murphy is back. It wasn't part of the agenda, but we spent some time on the rise of Artificial Intelligence and just what movie best represents the fall of man. We also discussed Chevron's record profits and $75 billion in stock buybacks, as well as what to do with Wisconsin's now $7.1 billion budget surplus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo economist John Robinson joins. Spent a lot of the time around the idea from some members of the US House to get rid of federal income tax and to replace that with a 23-30% sales tax on just about everything. Along with that discussion, we talked about filing taxes and who it might help if we did get rid of some of tax systems — like farmers or Hollywood actors. Robinson is a La Crosse native and also Viterbo's Interim Associate Dean and associate professor of business. We kicked off the show talking a bit about the La Crosse School District's building consolidation plan, as the Lincoln Middle School will close this year. Lastly, in there somewhere, we talked about egg price gouging in comparison with the Taylor Swift-Ticketmaster dilemma, as Robinson is a huge Swiftie (or is it Swifty?) and also loves cooking with eggs, apparently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse School District superintendent, Dr. Aaron Engel joined to discuss the decision by the School Board on a $60 million operating referendum and closing Lincoln Middle School. The referendum question will go on the April ballot and would encompass six years. Closing the middle school is part of the district's consolidation plan, after a referendum to build a new $194.7 million high school fell through last fall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio. After breaking down the history of 4x4s a week after a big snowstorm we got into some Madison business. Pfaff recently voted with Republicans on a bail reform question headed to the ballot that will change the state constitution. Pfaff also voted to add a welfare question to the ballot. We discussed the reasoning for his votes, while Republicans who control the Legislature didn't put an abortion question on the ballot, as the state has a 174-year-old law that bans abortion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio. Hit on a slew of topics like the southern border, abortion, gerrymandering and the Wisconsin Supreme Court and how they are used politically, versus how the general public feels about such issues. Ended the show with a quick Friday news dump on Wisconsin's 82-year-old Secretary of State doing a thing, as well as our ongoing saga of things going through TSA checkpoints. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.