La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Adam Murphy, who we jokingly refer to as our political blowhard, joined last week, and we got into trolling on social media, the benefit of talking to both sides of the political spectrum, new Wisconsin voting maps, the not-so-productive US House, and the economy. The conversation began with how Murphy, a Democrat, who ran for US Senate in Wisconsin, likes to get the perspective of Republicans — even meeting them at right-wing functions — and talk out issues with them. Of course, later, we got into the standards at which we should be held and our politicians should be held, which led to a conversation about trolling on social media — where Murphy does so uniquely at former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. In between that, we talked about the GOP-led US House being one of the most unproductive in US history and why that is. We also got into “the economy” vs. the experiences of working class people. Murphy has degrees in economics and political science from UW-Milwaukee. He’s also owns a small business, called Big Bang LLC in Milwaukee. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to local sporting events, things can sometimes be spoiled by just one or two fans. What can be done about it? Is it a problem that’s getting worse? Keith Jereczek has been officiating college and high school sports in the area for over a decade. He stopped in studio to talk about those interactions from an official’s perspective, while we also brought in the WIAA Assistant Director, Kate Petersen Abiad, to get her take. We looked at these situations from a couple different perspectives, including how a school handles these interactions, what to do when it’s an athlete or coach that’s unruly and, of course, the adult fans in the crowd. We also talked about how difficult it is for officials, who are often held to a higher standard when dealing with these interactions, even though oftentimes it’s an another adult who is getting out of hand. Does there need to be a change in fan culture and, if so, how does that happen?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Administrator Jane Klekamp in the WIZM studio discussing the city-county homeless plan, an expansion of the co-responder units with police and the inter-generational care center the county is starting.After rounding all that up, we talked quick about the upcoming La Crosse County Board races, where 20 of the 30 seats are contested races — but no primaries. After that, we discussed one of Thursday’s agenda items for the board’s monthly meeting, which is expanding the city of La Crosse and county’s co-responder units — which are basically a team up of mental health workers riding with a police officer. The second half of the show consisted mostly of the city-county unveiling its plan last week to end homelessness in La Crosse, called Pathways Home. Asked Klekamp what the biggest challenges in that plan would be, as the goal is to get homelessness in the city down to functional zero by 2029. Lastly, we discussed one of the ways the county’s Hillview Healthcare Center is being expanded with what’s called an inter-generational center, where both children and seniors are together in, essentially, a daycare. Earlier this month, the county sought input from providers that might be interested. It’s part of a $19.6 million renovation and expansion of what used to be a nursing home. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US House candidate, Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Katrina Shankland stopped in studio to discuss what her priorities would be in Congress, debating Derrick Van Orden and how marijuana could be handled federally. Shankland is one of three Democrats running, along with Rebecca Cooke and Eric Wilson. La Crosse native Tara Johnson dropped out of the race last week. Shankland also represents the 71st Assembly District in the Stevens Point area. And that's where we started (6:00), with Shankland talking a bit about Johnson, as the former La Crosse County Board char's absence creates a void in the county for voters to turn to. We also hit on whether Republican House Rep. Van Orden will participate in a debate this year. He refused to debate last election. Other things discussed included Shankland criticizing the lack of productivity out of the US House the past year and what her priorities would be, including passing a Farm Bill and fighting price gouging. We concluded talking about marijuana, as Republicans in Wisconsin proposed what would be the most restrictive medical marijuana bill in U.S.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, on La Crosse’s Tara Johnson dropping out of US House race, Wisconsin’s top Republican wants government-run healthcare, and feds clamping down on those “buckle-up” highway signs.Early in the show (5:35) got into a bit of a rant about winter weather drivers in La Crosse, which led to a story about the feds clamping down on those interstate highway signs that creatively tell you to “buckle up.” Are they useless? Can they better be utilized? After that, talked quick about a $5 million lawsuit against Hershey’s (15:30) because it didn’t put faces on its pumpkin Reece’s Peanut Butter cups, which just seems to be channeling comic Mitch Hedberg’s Kit-Kat take. Bottom half of the show (22:00) was a lot of interesting state and local politics, including Wisconsin Assembly Leader Robin Vos not trusting private healthcare — private business — to run medical marijuana dispensaries. It very well could open the door for any Democrat to start campaigning on private health insurance being run the same way — for profit. We then weaved that into Vos, Wisconsin’s top Republican, facing a recall — not from Democrats — but from Republicans. That led to a conversation about the deadline for submitting new maps (32:00). Did the GOP rush in at the last minute with their version, after they argued to the state Supreme Court they didn’t have enough time to draw them? Lastly, we talk La Crosse’s Johnson dropping out of the US House race (37:00), and how both Republican Derrick Van Orden and his opponents could do a better job at informing the public about what the House is doing. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City of La Crosse homeless coordinator, Brian Sampson, in studio discussing the unveiling of a city-county plan to end homelessness called "Pathways Home." Sampson talked about the situation the city is in now, some of the things he's learned in over two years as homeless coordinator, and details in the Pathways' plan for the city to get to functional zero in ending homelessness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia in studio, discussing the presidential primary that starts Monday, Hunter Biden, involvement in local elections, Wisconsin state politics and a reset in the DC Universe. Garcia is also the 3rd US House District chair. We began the show on why people might not be running in local elections. After that, some national political talk with who's left in the GOP presidential primary as the Iowa Caucus begins, Republicans in the House with Hunter Biden and what the fed government could accomplish in 2024. After that, state politics, with Republicans rolling out a government-run medical marijuana bill and Republicans trying to recall the state's most powerful GOP member, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. Lastly, we got into Aquaman 2, and how it's the last movie heading into a much needed reset of the DC Universe on the big screen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tom Schlesinger, the executive director of Climate Alliance for the Common Good in studio, discussing their upcoming small business workshop in La Crosse, and why it’s beneficial both environmentally and economically to make this transition. Climate Alliance is a La Crosse based group aimed at helping raise awareness and share solutions for individuals and organizations surrounding climate change. The small business workshop takes place noon-3 p.m. Jan. 18 at the La Crosse Center. Register here. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio, as we discussed homelessness in the area, whether he supports ranked-choice voting and reasoning behind a lack of candidates in upcoming local elections. Began the show talking a bit about the city's snow emergency and, of course, the Packers making the playoffs. After that, it was what he's learned over the last three years about homelessness. In the bottom half of the show, we hit on the state Legislature's dueling conversations over supporting or completely banning ranked-choice voting, and whether the Mayor would support that for city elections. That also led to conversations both about local government rights and upcoming school board elections, and how contentious those have become. Lastly, we talked a bit about the plan to demolish the old Macy's at the Valley View Mall for a car wash and "quick serve" restaurants, including not a Popeye's Chicken — which is an ongoing joke on the show with the mayor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in the WIZM studio Friday for La Crosse Talk PM talking about the Republican strategy in the Iowa caucuses and why there might be a lack of candidates in local races. We began the show wasting no time diving right into the race to become the Republican nominee for president, with the Iowa caucus just 10 days out. WIZM’s Brad Williams also joined in on that conversation. We also discussed how important debates are from the presidential level on down to local elections.That led to a discussion about the lack of interest in local races — not just from a voters’ perspective but from candidates, themselves. The La Crosse School Board has three open sets — incumbents chose not to seek re-election — and only two candidates will be on the ballot. La Crosse County Board has 30 seats up for election and 10 of those will be uncontested. No election on the spring ballot will have a primary. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Democratic state Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle joined to talk about the potential for new voting maps next election, work the Legislature can do in 2024 and Joe Gow being fired as chancellor at UW-La Crosse. Doyle represents District 94 in the Assembly, which is one of the only contested districts in Wisconsin — something that might not be the case in the upcoming elections. It was part of the many facets of a conversation we had on the potential for new maps. Before that, however, we began the show talking a bit about the A.I. committee he’s on, before getting into the Legislative calendar being done for the year by the end of March and how that isn’t very productive for a full-time Legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot going on at the Universities of Wisconsin, and UW-La Crosse student Janasea Hameister joined to break it all down, from Joe Gow’s firing over online videos of him having sex with his wife, to DEI being stripped by the state Legislature, plus some things you probably haven’t heard. Hameister is the managing editor at the UW-L’s Racquet Press and also a La Crosse city council member, representing District 5. Lost in the Gow firing and the DEI “negotiation,” was a fight over D&I at UW-La Crosse, that Hameister helped explain. Before that, however, we began the show chatting about a city council committee decision Tuesday to allow a real estate group to proceed with demolishing the old Macy’s at the Valley View Mall for three “quick serve” restaurants, a car wash and more parking. After that, we intertwined the three things going on within the Universities of Wisconsin, including Gow’s firing as chancellor — and his apparent fight for freedom of speech — the UW Board of Regents caving to GOP demands to strip DEI initiatives in a negotiation over already approved raises and building plans that already had bipartisan support and, lastly, Hameister’s story on the Student Association being stripped of its D&I bylaws by UW-L. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gundersen dietitian Laura Birkel joined La Crosse Talk PM on Tuesday to discuss the annoying “diet” no normal person can sustain, is “Ozempic” and “Wegovy” weight loss drugs too good to be true, dangerous supplements and making your New Year’s Resolutions stick. Birkel is in her eighth year as a dietitian — four with Gundersen Health System in Onalaska. We spent, again, quite a bit of time talking about Ozempic and Wegovy, drugs that change your brain chemistry. Also, had Birkel describe the “Mediterranean” diet, before I ripped on it for being unsustainable with most people’s lifestyle. Then we hit on new trends. In the past five years, energy drinks may have been one of those, but Birkel has been getting a lot of questions on “protein drinks.” So, we discussed the positives and negatives of protein additives and the role of protein, in general. Then we got into New Year’s resolutions, using tech to stick to your goals and we wrapped up talking about dangerous supplements out there and what to watch for. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts by searching La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings in studio to talk about the potential for new legislative maps, the odd fight over Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and 17-year-olds automatically tried as adults in the state. The last topic comes on the day a minor was arrested and in court for allegedly starting a fire at the Walmart in Sparta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, joins to give us his Top 5 political stories out of Wisconsin, another Top 5 list of federal politics stories, most importantly, the Top 5 weirdest stories we've covered on this show in 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spent the hour talking about the firing of UW-La Crosse chancellor, Dr. Joe Gow, essentially for posting videos of he and his wife having sex with adult film stars. Dr. Mike Ford, associate professor of public administration at UW-Oshkosh, joined to help dissect the multiple layers to the firing itself and the fight that Gow wants to have with the Universities of Wisconsin over what sounds like a free speech issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse teachers’ union president, Jesse Martinez, joined to talk about the district’s building consolidation plan, upcoming elections, A.I. use and abuse in schools and the upcoming school board elections. Martinez is in his second year as La Crosse Education Association (the teachers’ union) president. He’s also a seventh grade science and math teacher at Logan Middle School. This is his ninth year teaching. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Common Cause Wisconsin executive director Jay Heck joins to help explain the Wisconsin Supreme Court's Friday news dump before a Christmas weekend of the biggest news in the state, that new voting maps must be drawn. We discuss why that decision was made. We also hit on the rhetoric from Republicans being both against the decision and trying to side step the entire process. Also, Heck argued in the Christmas spirit that this is a good thing for democracy, while accusing Solem of being Ebenezer Scrooge, saying the conservative-led US Supreme Court will wreak havoc on this all and nothing will get done. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic US House candidate for Wisconsin’s 3rd District, Eric Wilson, stopped in the WIZM studio Wednesday for La Crosse Talk PM, as we discussed mental health, healthcare, climate and took a bunch of calls. Began the show talking about the half-marathon he just ran last weekend to help raise awareness for mental health. Next, we hit on how little the US House has done in its first year (9:45), and why Wilson feels he’d be more representative of the district than what’s currently in there. That led to how campaigning is going (15:30), and what folks that he’s talked to, going door to door, are most concerned about — which included healthcare, housing and climate. From there we got into a conversation about healthcare (16:30), which Wilson has a vast amount of personal and family experience in, and took quite a few calls in relation to that. And, that’s where we ended the show, talking a bit about climate change (34:30), protecting water, electric vehicle infrastructure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke in studio, discussing tracing a gun used in shootings — like south side killing of 15-year-old — the La Crosse County police oversight committee, streamlining court system, contesting tickets and the hung jury in the West Salem triple-homicide. Of course, we began the show with a bit of nonsense — what cop shows Gruenke likes to watch and how TV shows can exaggerate details cases, including a recent La Crosse murder. After that, we got into the hung jury in that West Salem triple murder (9:00), which began with a conversation about streamlining the court system and the oddity that we get 12 jurors to agree most of the time on a guilty-not guilty verdict. In the second half of the show (18:45), we talked a bit about how criminals coming through the court system are fairly damaged and how difficult it is to rehabilitate them. Then we hit on the southside killing of 15-year-old (22:10) and the investigation around how these teenagers — and with shootings in general — got these guns, and is there a better way to track the weapons. Next, we talked about a unique scenario a friend had in getting a ticket (28:00), which they thought was unfair, and what a person's right is to fight that ticket in court. Lastly, (37:10) we talked about the ongoing discussing in creating a La Crosse County police oversight (my name for it) committee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We got Kwik Trip on to talk about its $151 million expansion but, more importantly, Ben Leibl from the company joins (18:00) to explain to us if these plans mean that they will be building more stores right next to each other. Leibl works public relations with Kwik Trip, where it was announced the company was awarded an additional $15 million in state tax credits if it hits expansion and hiring marks. We also threw Leibl some other half-baked ideas (25:55) we've hashed out in the past on the show that Kwik Trip should be doing in La Crosse. Before that, however, La Crosse County Board chair Monica Kruse joined (00:00) to discuss the upcoming elections, this week's monthly meeting and an interesting five-year plan they're working on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse entomologist, Dr. Barrett Klein, stops in the WIZM studio for La Crosse Talk PM to have some fun discussions about bugs, from his childhood ant sandwich to how grumpy bees need a nap or they won’t twerk just right. Klein, who has an infectious laugh that shows up often, has been at UW-L for 11 years in entomology — the study of insects. We began the show just bouncing around on different ways people think about insects and insect things happening — like the cicadas about to hatch in the area. Then talked a bit about bugs as food, which led to Klein’s ant sandwich story. Over the summer he was in New York studying, not just bees, but bees’ sleep, so we spent quite a bit of time on them. We also discussed eating bugs and what ones are tastier fresh vs. canned. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small business owner, economist, and La Crosse Talk PM’s official political blowhard Adam Murphy joined, as we discussed ranked-choice voting in Wisconsin, and how Republicans want to ban it, state taxes and electric vehicles. Began the show, however, ranting about how people continue to drive down, what’s called the bike track on Second Street, even though the road is literally green and painted with bicycles. After that, Murphy joined (2:10) to discuss the Wisconsin Senate getting a committee hearing on ranked-choice voting, what that would mean for those who go to the polls and how Republicans are trying to ban it for some reason. After that (26:40), we got into a conversation about cutting income taxes in the state, as Wisconsin’s governor vetoed another GOP plan that greatly benefits the rich. And, we ended the show (30:00) discussing some issues with EVs that nobody seems to be talking about.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economist Adam Hoffer joined to talk about some big issues locally, including the La Crosse schools building plan, and the city council tackling short-term rentals, ADUs. But first, we talked about Wisconsin having billions in budget surplus for two years now, and how Shohei Ohtani gets a $700 million MLB contract while the state of Wisconsin pays $500 million to update the Milwaukee Brewers stadium. Hoffer is the director of excise tax policy at the nonprofit, Tax Foundation. He also talk sports economics at UW-La Crosse for a decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff joins to discuss the fight between Republicans and UW over DEI, should the state have ranked-choice voting and a year in review, plus what still needs to be done. Of course, we began the show talking about Taylor Swift? But in regards to whether the Time Person of the Year would be able to have a concert at the soon-to-be renovated Milwaukee Brewers stadium for half-a-billion dollars. After that, we got into the DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) fight that Republicans have taken with the University of Wisconsin System / Board of Regents. Pfaff gives his take on the negotiation and wonders why they’re even happening. The negotiation, which is apparently over as of Tuesday, but Republicans wanted to: Cut DEI positions Create a “conservative thought” position(s) Create “student success” positions Drop an affirmative action hiring program Eliminate statements supporting diversity on student applications Meanwhile, Democrats — as strange as it is to make this the partisan fight — want: Approved the UW-Madison engineering building Approve the raises to UW employees that were already promised in the GOP-created state budget that Gov. Tony Evers signed Not part of the negotiation is the Phase II of the UW-La Crosse Prairie Spring Science Center, which has been on hold by Republicans for five years. After that, we talked about some of the legislative wins that were accomplished in Wisconsin and Pfaff discussed what still needs to be done, also expressing his dissatisfaction that the Legislature only meets in session from January to mid-April in 2024, before calling it wraps and hitting the campaign trail. Part of those legislative wins included an alcohol bill and agricultural road improvement program. What Pfaff said still needs to get done is something on child care, as well as PFAFs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds joins to discuss his trip to Dubai for the UN climate summit, tearing down the old Macy’s at the mall, council decisions on “ADUs” and short-term rentals. Began the show, as we usually do, talking a bit about the Packers, before getting into Reynolds’ recent trip to COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where he was one of 30 mayors from the US to be invited. Reynolds was representing the Mississippi Rivers, Cities and Towns Initiative, in which he’s the co-chair. After that, we talked about some city legislation, coming out of the “committee week” and heading into Thursday’s monthly council meeting. That discussion included some potential deregulation for what’s called “Accessory Dwelling Units” (ADUs), where residential properties could make unattached buildings living spaces. We also talked about the dueling legislation dealing with short-term rentals in the city. And, we wrapped up discussing the city’s role in a business group’s plan to tear down the old Macy’s at the Valley View Mall to add 100 parking spaces, fast food joints and a car wash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A look at the ridiculous list of Top 10 holiday movies by state, the punishment for throwing your burrito bowl at the Chipotle cashier, how confident are men in landing a passenger airline, plus some politics with Wisconsin’s the fake electors lawsuit and how campaign ads and the electoral college go together. UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Cherogksy, joins, as we finally start out light, with the top holiday movies by state, the Chipotle fiasco and a poll on landing a passenger airline — where one sex is extremely confident they can handle it. After that, we get Chergosky’s take on if it was surprising that the civil lawsuit into the Wisconsin fake electors scheme was settled, and where that plot goes now. Then we combined two not-so-related political topics, as Chergosky shows how dangerously related they are in the prediction that $16 billion in campaign ads will be spent for 2024 and how that relates to the electoral college.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katrina Shankland is running for the US House of Representatives in Wisconsin’s 3rd District. The Democrat stopped in the WIZM studio to talk about how her 11 years of experience as a Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. is what’s needed to represent the district. We went back and forth on why she’s running, as well as what’s going on in Wisconsin government — and how some of the issues she’s dealing with in the state are also things that matter across the country. Shankland is one of four Democrats running in the primary, along with Tara Johnson, Rebecca Cooke and Eric Wilson. The winner of the primary will likely face Republican Derrick Van Orden, unless he is overtaken by a GOP challenger in a primary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s an important election coming in 2024 and, no, it isn’t the one with two senior citizens on the ballot. Hannah Dull and Grant Mathu of the La Crosse Young Dems were in studio to discuss how important the spring elections are when it comes to local issues like closing schools and rent costs. Began the show just talking generally about the group, before laying out how people shouldn’t get too sucked into the 2024 presidential election, before really paying attention to the county board, city council and school board elections coming up in the spring. The La Crosse Young Dems is a new group that welcomes anyone from about the 18-40 age range but they really aren’t that picky. They meet at 6:30 p.m. the last Wednesdays of the month at the La Crosse County Democratic Party headquarters on State Road. Email them here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the housing situation and some key legislation going currently through city committees on short-term rentals and "ADUs" with Kahya Fox, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region. It's committee week in La Crosse and the city is looking at regulations on short-term rentals and whether to allow what's called Accessory Dwelling Units. We also couldn't come up with a better name for "ADUs," though Fox called them "Mother In-Law homes." We also discussed the crunch the city is in for housing stock, and how the city's population could drop below a key threshold which would make it ineligible for government funding. The city of La Crosse saw the biggest per capita drop in population across Wisconsin in 2023. We began the show talking about a Habitat program that allows homeowners to get help working on projects around their property, and we ended the show discussing how Habitat set a record for rebuilding and rehabbing homes, and how it's in the midst of a statewide public voting competition for a $15,000 award. To vote for Habitat La Crosse, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse City Council members Erin Goggin and Mark Neumann in studio to help explain and preview one of the city's biggest committees, Finance and Personnel. We discuss some of the budget items, like short-term rentals, what the F&P committee represents and how the public can get involved. Other agenda items we discussed broadly was the fire chief saving the city $800,000, a couple of lease agreements, and "public way vacations." In regards to short-term rentals we dissected, a bit, how both of the city's big committees work somewhat in unison on legislation, such as short-term rentals. The F&P committee meets at 6 p.m. Thursday at city hall and online. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio Friday for La Crosse Talk PM to discuss how penguins nap thousands of times a day, a development plan to tear down the old Macy’s for fast food and parking, and how we’ve already started the 2025 campaign season. Began the show talking about the Valley View Mall, and a proposal discussed Thursday on La Crosse Talk PM to tear down the Macy’s to build a Panda Express, a Raising Cane’s, a carwash and more parking. After that, an interesting story on demographics, where the city of La Crosse has seen the largest population decrease in Wisconsin. Where are those people going? North. Just a bit north. Then we had a great call from Karen — not THAT kind of Karen — on WIZM’s Operation Poinsettia and how that brings joy to a lot of seniors like her around this time of year. She also suggested WIZM should bring animal rescues to them, as well. We still need a name for that, though, because “Operation Cat-Dog” doesn’t quite work. Karen also brought up a funny story on penguins, which we had to get into, in how these animals take thousands of four-second naps a day. We also took a couple of our own “penguin naps.” After that, we had to ask Chergosky if it’s ridiculous that former Republican Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel has announced he’s running for state Supreme Court … in 2025. So, bypassing that little 2024 election. That led to a discussion about “The Permanent Campaign," as the Wisconsin state Legislature — a full-time body — is out of session until mid-January and only working 3.5 months in all of 2024, before they hit the campaign trail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the Mac and Mack hour of La Crosse Talk PM, with city council members Mackenzie Mindel and Mac Kiel in studio to discuss legislation to demolish the old Macy's at the Valley View Mall and replace it with other businesses and look at multiple housing items, including an ordinance in regards to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Both Mindel and Kiel are on the city's Judiciary and Administration (J&A) Committee. With that we talked about how J&A, which meets the first Tuesday of the month, and the Personnel and Finance Committee, which meets the following Thursday, are the city's most powerful committees and how these are the meetings in which the public should be highly involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Farmers Union president, Darin Von Ruden, joined to discuss the federal Farm Bill that got kicked down the road and what small farm supporters should now be lobbying Congress to include. That led to talk about factory farms v small farms. We also hit on Wisconsin legislation on grass fed farms, as well as internet access.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County administrator Jane Klekamp in studio discussing potential county board strategic plan makeup, county priorities — like fixing roads — county vs. city governments, transparency, the DEI consultant's upcoming report and current survey and housing project grants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle joined to discuss the governor using a fake email, how much is too much to fix La Crosse County roads, whether he’s running again in 2024 — as we make fun of his age multiple times — and the blasphemes question of whether legislators should get a raise. We also talked with Doyle, a Democrat out of Onalaska, about the A.I. committee he's on and some things the state might need to do in various forms of education — in regards to A.I. and "fake news." Began things talking about the holidays and, while Wisconsin doesn’t have a higher minimum wage, should the state make double-time pay mandatory for people who have to work on a holiday, like Thanksgiving. From there we talked (7:00) about the county using $14 million next year to “fix the roads,” and whether that’s too much. After that, we asked if he’s running in 2024 (10:30), before discussing the story that Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers using an alias email to conduct government business (13:05), and if the Legislature should pass some rules against doing that. Concluded the show talking about my ludicrous idea of giving the state Legislature a pay raise or making it a part-time entity (23:30) and ended things discussing his work on the state A.I. committee, if a 65-year-old is the right man for the job in that regard (32:10) and what kind of education the state might need — with A.I. and fake news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The architect of the Marquette University Law School polls, Dr. Charles Franklin joined, to talk about his creation, how its evolved and some of its latest findings, including the 2024 presidential election and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Franklin is a Professor of Law and Public Policy, as well as the Director of Marquette Law School Poll. We were also joined by UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky. Chergosky began the show talking a bit about the latest Marquette Law poll and how polls have changed. That conversation, of course, continued with Franklin throughout the show — how the questions are created and how the information is gathered from the public — phone and online. Franklin told an interesting story on how the poll began in 2012, and how it may not have become as popular as it has, if the politics at that time had not been the way they were. We then got into a conversation about the 2024 presidential election — and what the poll numbers show a year away from the election. We also asked Franklin questions on poll results affecting Wisconsin, including how the state Legislature is perceived, how the lawsuit on district lines is received, Wisconsin’s two US Senators through the last election (Ron Johnson) and this upcoming one (Tammy Baldwin), and how the public feels about the Wisconsin Supreme Court expressing its personal opinions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keeping and attracting teachers to Wisconsin was a big part of this show with Christina Brey, the public affairs manager for the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC). We discussed some legislation WEAC has proposed, why rural schools are hurting worse for teachers and some ways the state could change to create better jobs for educators. We also talked about a lawsuit over taxpayer funded voucher students that could possibly end that system in Wisconsin. With that, we discussed the double standard public and private schools have in the state and how much extra private schools cost taxpayers in the area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings in studio, discussing ribbon cuttings for roundabouts, the end of the November legislative session, healthcare, smoking age and what it’s like at Thanksgiving dinner for a legislator. Began the show talking quick about a busy Monday for Billings, who was at a ribbon cutting for roundabouts that aren't done yet and a few healthcare meetings. That led to a conversation about civics and how legislators need to get up to speed on issues that aren't familiar to them. After that, we spent a minute on the Wisconsin Supreme Court beginning hearings on the "rigged maps" lawsuit. After that, we discussed the smoking age, should vaping be legal indoors and if we could ban smoking indoors in today's political atmosphere. In the second half of the we talked about the November legislative session, in what I like to call "cram" sessions. We also hit on healthcare/health insurance as open enrollment is underway and why not every politician isn't trying to make that a campaign issue. We also discussed how an extraordinary amount of Democratic bills had a floor vote — TWO out of 71 bills were Democratic, or 2.8%. That's nearly a 1% jump from last year, when only 1.9% of bills were from Democrats. Ended the show talking about the Thanksgiving dinner and politics at the household of a state legislator.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kristie Tweed, from the group Citizen Action of Wisconsin, joined to discuss healthcare in Wisconsin, including legislation out there for a public option. Tweed, who is the Driftless Region organizer, also talked a bit about some climate solutions that Citizen Action is working on. Before that, however, we talked about Citizen Action represents and wants to accomplish. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio discussing, if you had to pick only one Thanksgiving food, third-party presidential spoilers and how Americans are divided on politics and self checkouts. Began the show in holiday tradition, discussing all the best and worst things on the table during Thanksgiving — but like avoiding politics with family at the table, we avoided the divide on green bean casserole, as well. After that, got into Wisconsin politics a bit on Republicans passing another “tax cut,” while a divided government got a $500 million Brewers stadium done. The bottom half of the show dealt with an ethics report on US House Rep. George Santos and why he’s not kicked out of Congress yesterday, and how the parties should have a backbone to dismiss members that are breaking rules. Then we got into former US House Rep. Ron Kind’s comments on the “No Labels Party” coming in as potential spoilers in the 2024 presidential election. But would their moderate candidate spoil it for Democrats or Republicans? Lastly, self checkouts, are you for them or against them? The country, there too, is divided.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School District of La Crosse Superintendent, Dr. Aaron Engel, joined to discuss a committee's final report into the potential closing of two elementary schools — North Woods and Hintgen — why that decision came about and the next steps in the process. This week, a community compiled Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC) released its final report on school consolidation, after eight-plus months of work. Engel discussed the factors the district is facing in needing to consolidate, as well as the factors the FAC took into account in coming to its final conclusion. We also talked about the next steps, which include public comment sessions on Nov. 27 (online) and Nov. 29, at the Hogan Administrative Center (map), as well as what the La Crosse School Board has in store over the next few months leading up to a potential decision to close the two elementary schools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A two-guest Wednesday, as Lisa David Olson dropped by the studio to talk about talking and her upcoming book release. After that, city councilman Mark Neumann joins to discuss the passage of the La Crosse 2024 budget, that includes a tax increase. With Olson in studio, we discuss, of course, the book, called, “From the Spotlight to Real Life,” and how the Nov. 25 launch isn’t just some boring book signing — it’s an improv show from 2-4 p.m. at the Pump House in downtown La Crosse. Olson has built a public speaking career on how to speak — but not just to the public or in public, but in every day life, too. After that, La Crosse city councilman Mark Neumann joins to talk about the 2024 budget that passed Monday at a public hearing that saw just one person from the public talk. We discuss some of the details in and out of the budget and why taxes are going up about 8% — up around $105 per $150,000 of property tax value.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The accomplishments for the UW-La Crosse football team have piled up, and Eagles coach Matt Janus took a few minutes off from watching game film ahead of the first home playoff game since 2006 to tell us about this team. UW-L is ranked fourth in the country, 9-1 overall and one of four top seeds in the playoffs, led by his dual-threat quarterback, what we learn is "The Alien" at wide receiver, and "The Joker," the guy with the funny hair, that leads this defense. We also discuss beating UW-Whitewater for the first time in 19 seasons and what's scary both about UW-L and its upcoming opponent, Minnesota-Morris (7-3).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Went down multiple rabbit holes Friday with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in regards to Joe Biden being on the 2024 ballot, the Marquette U poll being trusted and how to stay nonpartisan. The first rabbit hole was about Green Party candidate Jill Stein announcing a 2024 presidential run, where she’s been for the past seven years and where a candidate needs to start to run for office. It stems from Eric Wilson, on La Crosse Talk PM the day before, running for US House in the 3rd District with no prior experience. After that we talked about the Wisconsin state Legislature’s, what I like to call cram session, where a hundred bills get passed and the public can’t keep up. But we contrasted that with the very public way the $517 million Milwaukee Brewers stadium deal is being handled in the public’s eye. After that, we discussed how Chergosky has to walk the line of non-partisanship. That conversation began with polls, including the Marquette University Law School poll — how it’s one of the most trusted — and how else we could get the public’s take on issues — like polling the Joe Rogan podcast audience. Also, we discussed polling on the 2024 presidential race and — at the end of the show — whether we should be voting for judges. The poll conversation included how Nikki Haley beats Biden by a landslide but can’t beat Donald Trump, and whether it’s productive to believe someone with name recognition will run against Biden in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Wilson in studio to tell us what his passions are in running for the US House of Representatives in Wisconsin's 3rd District. We scratched the surface getting to know the Democrat, which led to a giant discussion on a need to change healthcare in the country. Not only did he suffer a giant health issue, his father is also battling cancer. We also talked about traversing the 3rd District and how he gets his name out there and his message heard. Wilson is an Eau Claire native, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in economics, who played in the UW Marching Band. He works in digital product management, as well as mortgage loan rejuvenation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio discussing voter turnout and re-election, as well as housing, including short-term rentals, and the 2024 budget process. Began the show talking a bit reminiscing about the first-term mayor’s election and the low — but typical — voter turnout and what his thoughts are on re-election. That included how college students — or any group — could sway a local election with a larger turnout. After that, we got into the city’s budget process a bit, rising property taxes and differences between how the city and county budgets are funded. We also talked about if that system needs to be changed, as the city has been discussing cuts to services. Also discussed housing, as Reynolds has said over and over that a lack of housing is the city’s biggest dilemma. The council is looking at regulating short-term rentals, like Airbnbs, but we talked about how the state limits a local government’s ability to do much. Lastly, we hit on where the city is at allocating it’s estimated $22 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, as a couple of groups have asked the council for additional money, including the city’s Arts Board.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County administrator Jane Klekamp in studio to talk about the 2024 budget, including spending $14.6 million on roads and the upcoming public comment session. We also discussed the difference between the county's and the city of La Crosse's budget makeup. Wrapped up talking about what the county is doing to help with childcare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky joins to talk about dismissing the facts you don't like, the A.I. we consume unknowingly and how we should fine people for bad parenting in public. Began the show, though, talking about more impeachment talk by Republicans in Wisconsin and how it's just this perpetuation of 2020 election lies to retain power in the state. After that, we talked quick how this would have been the first year of permanent Daylight Saving, which led into the weird workings of the US Senate, also retaining power, like how Republican Tommy Tuberville is holding up hundreds of military promotions. After that, we have "Certified Organic" stickers — or we used to — but do we need "Certified A.I." stickers on things we consume online? Wisconsin is working on some regulation there, but is it enough? Lastly, we talked about this Georgia restaurant that fines people who are being bad parents. So, we break down just how that would work in regards to the mishap, the age of the kid and the amount a fine should be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Farmers Union president Darin Von Ruden in studio discussing the expired farm bill, big farms v. small farms, the giant loss farmers see in consumer spending and how much you pay a kid now to pick rocks. The farm bill expired in September and Congress has yet to pass a new one or some kind of continuing resolution to keep the status quo. Von Ruden noted it doesn’t appear to change much but would love to see huge changes to it. We also got into how for every consumer dollar spent, a farmers’ piece of that has gone from $.44 in the 80s to $.14 now, and why that is. Von Ruden is a third-generation farmer and now produces organic dairy. He has been the union president for 12 years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.