La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

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.

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.