La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat joined, talked about the protests, more of what the city is doing to adjust to the social inequality felt after those protests. Callers asked the mayor about what is open, which is odd, because everything's been open since mid-May. Kabat addressed the situation with his wife being pepper sprayed. And we briefly discussed the budget cuts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergowsky joined for the hour. We start by breaking down the Lincoln Project, because another guest, executive director Sarah Lenti, joins a few minutes in. A new ad they have out does not mince words on Trump's actions lately. After, we talk the jobs report and end with a quick word on Mayor Kabat's wife being deemed the instigator when she was pepper sprayed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After talking about the protest in La Crosse from the day before, Libertarian Party presidential candidate Jo Jorgensen joined. We discussed everything -- and agreed on almost nothing -- from health care to billionaires, the environment, COVID-19 and social injustice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked about the protest that's happening in La Crosse and, in between that, Gundersen internal medicine Dr. Michael Nolan joined to talk about COVID-19, opening up, and what the protests might reveal in a few weeks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked with St. Paul native and musician, Robert Ellis, who was at a few of the protests in the Twin Cities, including watching when the Third Precinct in Minneapolis was burned down. Before that, Rick rants about Trump's speech, draws comparisons from Monty Python's Search for the Holy Grail and brings up Scott Walker's tweet on it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Fire Chief Ken Gilliam joined to talk about the protests happening across the country, how La Crosse is prepared. Gilliam spent a majority of his career working for the St. Paul fire department, so he has a unique perspective as to what his colleagues there have gone through the past few days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hit on a lot of stuff. First, talked about how unpredictable the COVID-19 numbers have been, for anybody trying to use those as a political argument, they always seem to be a letdown. After that, Shelly Fortner, the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse executive director, joined to update us on the Food Drive Friday finale and how they're now giving out food boxes each Friday. Lastly, we talked about Trump's "looting-shooting" tweet and the Minneapolis protests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked about the bluegreen algae bloom that can really be bad for dogs, along with a new study being down at Goose Island on the southside of La Crosse with Mississippi River Water Quality specialist at the Wisconsin DNR, Shawn Giblin, a La Crosse area native. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brought in Dr. Gary Weigel at Thompson Animal Medical Center | Veterinary Clinic, on how they're handling things pandemic, what you might need to be getting done for your pets and, best of all, we talked about Thunder, their 15-year-old paralyzed cat, they took in as a kitten that had broke its back. After that, Dr. Wayne Bottner, Medical director of the blood bank at Gundersen Health System, talked all things blood and donations.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked about quite a few things on this Memorial Day, including remembering some past veterans from Rick's family and a few callers. Also discussed how 675,000 people in Wisconsin have yet to get unemployment. Lastly, Rick stopped by Pettibone Beach just before the show. It was packed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talked a little about the daily COVID-19 tally, before bringing on Shelly Fortner with the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse. Food Drive Fridays' second last week was another good one. After that, GasBuddy.com petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan joined to talk about the Sauid v. Russia oil war and gas prices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talked meat processing plants, big v. small farms gardening and more with MOSES Organic Specialist Chuck Anderas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was supposed to be a NASCAR race but instead, La Crosse Talk PM during a rain delay. Rick and friend-of-show No. 3 both got their $1,200 checks. But how should we be better taking care of society, than these random checks? $2,000 a month to citizens? A bottom-up strategy, instead of the "trickle down" system?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talked with US Congressman Ron Kind and then about US Congressman Ron Kind. Hit on Covid-19 funding, getting people $2,000 monthly payments, the HEROES Act, the Joe Biden round-table coming up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting politics out of drawing political lines is something Wisconsin voters overwhelmingly want to do. We talk with Common Cause in Wisconsin executive director Jay Heck about that, including how Ron Kind will never have a competitive race with these district lines. We also hit on the state Supreme Court and voting by mail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussion surrounding how we get back into competitive sports (from kids to pros to weekend warriors) with Dr. ANDREW JAGIM, Dir. of Sports Medicine Research at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After ranting a bit about how to open up Wisconsin for business, La Crosse Area YMCA CEO Bill Soper joined to discuss their plans for getting people back in the building. After that, La Crosse County Board president Monica Kruse joined to talk about what issues have come through their offices today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talked with La Crosse School's superintendent Randy Nelson on a whole slew of interesting topics surrounding education. After that, Reed Galen with the Lincoln Project -- a group of former Republicans who are anti-Trump. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Captain Leslie Westmont with the 115th Fighter Wing talks about the four F-16s flying over La Crosse, as part of training and a tribute to health care/essential workers. Also, May is National Stroke Month, and Dr. Jeff Wiswell of Mayo in La Crosse talks with us about strokes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right off the bat, we asked La Crosse Mayor the most pressing question: '86 Celtics or '97 Bulls? After that, we discuss the city's $6 million budget shortfall this year, what kinds of ways to make that money up, why the mayor's dogs were barking and Gov. Tony Evers' loosening some of the "safe at home" restrictions for businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Drive Fridays was again a success. We talked with Hunger Task Force of La Crosse exec. director Shelly Fortner how what that means looking ahead. Also asked about acquiring dairy and meat, as processing is slowed and we're seeing milk dumped and animals euthanized and discarded. After that, Freedom Honor Flight president Dave Larsen, as they were supposed to have the 25th flight May 9. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MURDER HORNETS, what are they? We talk with Viterbo's chair of biology, Ted Wilson about that. He's an expert in entomology — the study of bugs. After that, Firefighters Credit Union president Bruce "the money man" Zmolek, with some news dealing with Food Drive Fridays and a big matching donation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kicked off the show talking how the Packers fans have been ranked No. 1. After that, we discussed some specifics now the Wisconsin GOP has revealed to re-open the state. After that, Dr. Jennifer Brumm, a Mayo pediatrician, on the challenged parents and kids are having hovering around the virus pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant and Rick discussed some of the rollbacks at the DMV, including no more road tests to get your drivers license. After that, Andrea Schnick, La Crosse's economic development planner, joined and talked about the city's Small Business Relief grant program, along with Riverpointe District.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opened — and closed — talking about the 79-year-old who died from injuries sustained during a fight with a 50-year-old over parking at Menards in La Crosse. In between that, we also had a long discussion on hospitals re-opening — and why did they have to close to begin with? — with Mayo's Dr. Fitzgerald, who's in Family Medicine and the Chair for Outpatient Practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talked with Hunger Task Force La Crosse director Shelly Fortner about food drives, food shortages. Opened the show talking about factory farms unable to get animals "processed." Capped off the show with what Grant and Rick are binging. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Tim Kabat joined right off the bat to talk about RIverfest cancelling in La Crosse. We also discussed other fests, like Oktoberfest's plans in September. After that, La Crosse Fire Chief Ken Gilliam on all kinds of topics from saving cats in trees to how a firefighters' life has changed amid a global pandemic. Lastly, Grant and Rick talk about the Moon Tunes virtual concert that was going on as we spoke.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking at COVID-19 through a unique model designed by Viterbo University history professor Eric Weinberg. Here's the link to the map: http://balefire.info/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Started the show on the idea of having to label someone Democrat or Republican, before you even know what they stand for — whether that's a new politician or a talk show host. Then discussed Donald Trump's executive order to keep meat "plants" open, as well as Mike Pence's actions at Mayo in Rochester. Lastly, we grill La Crosse County Health director Jen Rombalski on the Covid-19.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After we talked about Grant Bilse's trip up nort', former Wisconsin state ag. secretary Brad Pfaff joined, to discuss his running for the 32nd District in the Senate. After that, we rant about the partisan politics that's plaguing Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kicked off the show talking about the Packers first-round pick. Shelly Fortner from Hunger Task Force La Crosse then joined to talk about Food Drive Fridays. After that, we got some calls from the protest in Madison, and we listened to Trump's comment Thursday about cleaning our bodies from the virus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Viterbo political science professor, Dr. Keith Knutson, we covered everything from the fight between the Wisconsin GOP vs. Tony Evers' shutdown order going to the Supreme Court, to tech companies tracking our movements to gauge the virus to buying Mexico. Yes, we discussed buying Mexico, after a caller said the US should.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore La Crosse executive director joined first to talk about the state of La Crosse's economy as its impacted by COVID-19. ... After, UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky helps break down our political divide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Health director Jen Rombalski joined us to talk about some stuff we discussed before her call -- the accuracy of those who are now reported to have the virus and got it from in-person voting in Milwaukee. Also, if you maybe had the virus, but didn't get tested, is there a test now to determine that?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussion today hovered around re-opening the economy, while meat processing plants are shutting down because workers are getting the virus like crazy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We brought on Pat Corran from the La Crosse Fire Dept. and grilled him on all things fire pits and burn bans and tickets for such things. Also talked about the stay at home order and tried to get into some unemployment talk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo political science professor, Dr. Keith Knutson joined. We talked about the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, how lame duck Justice Dan Kelly will un-recuse himself now from the voter purge. Also hit on third-party candidates and if Mark Cuban -- another TV show host -- would make a splash. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After breaking down some COVID-19 numbers, US Congressman Ron Kind talked about a slew of things from paid sick leave to farming struggles. After that, La Crosse County Health Dept. director Jen Rombalski talked about how the area is dealing with COVID-19. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talked about the plummeting gas prices and how the US now needs to get involved with OPEC to RAISE gas prices because we're the No. 1 oil/gas producer.  The Wisconsin Assembly voted virtually on some COVID-19 legislation aid. We talked with state Rep. Steve Doyle, who represents most of La Crosse County that isn't La Crosse/French Island. Lastly, Rick's theory on how Republicans will now take their own lawsuit decision from the Wisconsin Supreme Court and send it to the US Supreme Court, now that liberal Jill Karofsky has won over conservative Dan Kelly. The Republicans now hope all those absentee ballots that didn't get in by Tuesday would be accepted six days later -- as a federal judge had decided to extend the deadline, before being overruled by Republicans and the state Supreme Court the night before the election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should it be federal, state or county that decides when to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic? Aside from that conversation, we got some election results and took some calls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan Kaaze joins us to talks about taking a nursing job in New York City, the new heart of the global pandemic known as COVID-19. Before that, we talked about a new push to restock food pantries in La Crosse County. Social worker Lindsey Schwarz-Nichols joined to explain how the county's health dept. and Hunger Task Force La Crosse have teamed up to start Food Drive Fridays. After that, Grant and Rick discussed re-starting baseball — because Fridays need some sports talk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo political science professor Dr. Keith Knutson joins, talking the Wisconsin election debacle, mail-in elections, moving elections, gerrymandering, Bernie Sanders dropping out and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talked with La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat on Wisconsin's election debacle (though not so much in our area), some COVID-19 news, how the city may help small businesses, traffic lights, fixing the roads and what his dog keeps barking at in the background.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Anthony Chergosky joined to talk about the bleep show that has been the Wisconsin election. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minutes before we go to air, the state Supreme Court in Wisconsin overruled Gov. Tony Evers earlier order to cancel in-person elections. La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke joined to talk about all the court stuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid-19 updates, Eric from Sparta tries to sell Grant a guitar, voting and what's on your watch list to binge this weekend?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keith Knutson joins to talk about State Sen. Jennifer Shilling announcing she's not running for re-election, as well as polls being reduced from 13 to eight in La Crosse, as the mayor declared a state of emergency in the city. Also hit on the Democratic Presidential nomination process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot covered. First, La Crosse County Health Dept. director Jen Rombalski on the investigation that happens after a confirmed COVID-19 case. After that, the Mendota Heights PD had an interesting social distancing post. Plus, the Marquette Law School poll, which had some surprising numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are you gonna spend that $1,200 government aid check? Should you even be getting a check? Is the check too much, too little? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before quaran-thoughts, we brought in Gundersen Infection Specialist Megan Meller and asked a bunch of questions. Then, along with WKTY's Grant Bilse, we talked about some of the weirdest things people have been thinking while home on quarantine. Since there are no sports, Bilse will be in here with Rick. Actually, he's in studio. Rick is locked up in a closet somewhere, isolating.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.