La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Political science professor emeritus, Dr. Ed Miller, of UW-Stevens Point, an expert in Wisconsin's history of political maps and the state Supreme Court, joins, as Republicans on the Legislature vote to adopt a new system for drawing districts, while at the same time discussing impeaching a state Supreme Court justice that could rule and force the current maps to be redrawn. The unveiled system is touted as the "Iowa model." Miller explains the Iowa model — its advantages and flaws — and how this Wisconsin GOP plan is different. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos unveiled with a news conference Tuesday, calling for a recess in the middle of a voting sessions. He then gave the Legislature 48 hours to vote on it with no public input.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Rep. Jill Billings joins to discuss the childcare legislation Republicans will pass that isn’t going to help childcare centers, and we also talked how the Assembly leader threw a redistricting model at the Legislature with no notice, no public hearing and 48 hours to vote. Didn't waste much time getting into the childcare conversation, where the Assembly will vote on what I call "childcare factory farm" bills. Some deregulate the centers to allow 16 year olds to watch other children, while other bills just allot parents or centers to take out loans for money they don't have and can't get. After that, we talked about the Republican attempt to change the entire way Wisconsin's voting maps are drawn — thrown at the Assembly mid-session with no notice and no public hearings and 48 hours to vote — all because the conversation over the GOP impeaching a newly-elected state Supreme Court judge isn't going over so well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our, what I like to call, political blowhard, Adam Murphy, joined for the hour to dive into a couple of interesting topics, including high schools needing to be more political, YouTube rabbit holes, the Wisconsin GOP "tax cut" and new faces in politics. And that's where we began, with a "tax cut" plan that lumps people making between $18,000 and $400,000 into on group. Murphy pointed out how this will use up the $4 billion budget surplus but cost the state $2.5 billion in federal funding. We then talked about faces in politics, as a new GOP candidate from Trempealeau County is running against Democrat Tammy Baldwin in the US Senate. After that, the idea that schools need to be more political, but it's not what you're thinking and, along those lines, the YouTube rabbit hole conversation was incorporated in. Murphy is the owner of a small business in Wisconsin called Big Bang LLC. He also ran for US Senate in 2022 for the Democrats in Wisconsin, and holds degrees in economics and political science from UW-Milwaukee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio, deep diving on whether La Crosse should have a city administrator and the city's future budgetary shortfall, as the 2024 budget is being cultivated. Began the show talking a bit about the past two weekends at Riverside Park, before delving into the budgetary situation in La Crosse. Also discussed, a bit, the potential for putting a mural on the La Crosse Center and if the city should sell out naming rights for the Civic Center. The last half of the show was spent on the pros and cons for La Crosse having a city administrator.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We went off the cuff comparing action heroes and politicians with William Garcia, the Democratic Party chair of La Crosse County and the 3rd US House District. After ranting a bit about what Wisconsin Republicans are trying to pull off with impeaching a newly elected state Supreme Court justice, we dove into a real dilemma — where are the fresh faces in action heroes and politics? The conversation began after bringing up that 83-year-old Nancy Pelosi is running for re-election in the US House. And, while we seemingly have geriatric representation in our government, from the episodes of 81-year-old Mitch McConnell and 90-year-old Dianne Feinstein — not to mention who's running for president — we may have an even worse problem in the action hero department. Tom Cruise (61), Denzel Washington (68), Harrison Ford (81) — all three of these are or were starring in action movies in theaters in the last month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pair of guests joined to talk about some past and upcoming events in the La Crosse area. First, Carey Hagge, Explore La Crosse's director of tourism and events, came on to talk about the city's first-ever, not two, but three "big boat" stops at Riverside Park over the weekend, including a one-of-a-kind floating Navy museum that stormed the beaches on D-Day. After that, Coulee Region Humane Society executive director Heather Drievold joined to get the word out on the over 300 animals they're trying to get adopted, as well as some fundraisers coming up, including Rounds for Rescues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Center Board president Brent Smith joins to talk about a number of things, including the consideration of putting a War Eagle steamboat mural on the outside of the building. Smith has been on the board for over three decades. Along with the mural consideration, we talked about the changing identity of the Civic Center, a few years removed from a $42 million renovation/expansion. We also discussed the age-old question: Why aren’t there more concerts? One other thing we talked about was the decision by the board to continue having the Civic Center be run by Jay Odegaard, director of the La Crosse Parks, Recreation and Forestry department over having a private company handle day-to-day operations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Education Association president Jesse Martinez joined for the hour to discuss a host of things, including a new grading system that's being implemented now at the high school level — standards-based grading — and the positive affects of voters recently passing the operational referendum. We also talked about the political battles that happen at the expense of public schools and a bit on the most recent budget passed in Madison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio, to discuss the politics heating up in Wisconsin, as Republicans try to impeach the newly-elected state Supreme Court Justice before she's even heard a case. We spent most of the time discussing this fight, including the GOP using $2 million of taxpayer money to fight the lawsuit. We also hit on the 1990s concert Chergosky attended, featuring the Gin Blossoms and Sugar Ray and, of course, we had to hit on the Minnesota state fair for just a minute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two great guests Thursday on two totally unrelated topics. First, UW-La Crosse graduate Grace Koch joins to talk about a study she did on the toxic chemicals that children interact with on playgrounds that are made up of that tire "mulch." Koch's study helped lead the city to convert Crowley Park into wood chips, but many school parks remain with the rubber surface. After that, UW-La Crosse archivist Laura Godden is in studio to talk about the history of the War Eagle steamboat that remains sunk just north of Riverside Park in the Mississippi River. The La Crosse Center Board is considering a War Eagle mural on the side of the building. Is there a better option? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A couple of veterans — Rick's dad, Rod Solem and Ken Rupp — joined the show, as we preview the WWII-era LST-325 now docked at Riverside Park, about ready for tours through the weekend. Ken is an Air Force vet and tour director for the LST. Rod is a Vietnam vet that served on the Hancock Aircraft Carrier (CVA-19). Ken talks about the history of the ship and what visitors can expect. Rod tells a really interesting story about the Hancock leaving Vietnam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Kapanke, co-owner of the La Crosse Loggers, and Adam Hoffer, Tax Foundation director, joined to talk about the Milwaukee Brewers stadium funding situation. The Brewers, which lease the stadium essentially from the state, and the Wisconsin Legislature are negotiating stadium upgrades that are hovering between $290-$400 million. Kapanke is part of a coalition of business owners promoting keeping the Brewers in Milwaukee, while Hoffer taught sports business at UW-La Crosse for a decade. We discuss whether this debate is political, if tax money to renovate the stadium is good economically — or should we let the rich owners renovate the stadium? — and how the Loggers and the city of La Crosse have worked out a similar deal. The Brewers are also spending over $500,000 lobbying the Legislature to get a deal down, so we dissect what that might look like. I also threw three half-baked ideas at the two, including selling the stadium to the Brewers for $1 and building a new stadium altogether because of its awkward current location and the price tag to renovate. Wisconsin continues to sit on $4 billion in budget surplus going on 19 months. With that, one more half-baked idea I threw out there was how — with that surplus — the state missed out on buying the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks went through a similar fight back in 2015 to fund a new arena and won, but their situation is a bit different because the team owns the arena. The team just sold to the Cleveland Browns owners, who bought a 25% majority stake in the team, valued now at $3.5 billion. STORY LINKSPolitcaly motivated?https://wktysports.com/2023/03/09/wisconsin-republican-says-brewers-stadium-funding-plan-dead/ Brewers lobbying state Legislaturehttps://wktysports.com/2023/08/08/brewers-spent-600k-in-2023-lobbying-for-hundreds-of-millions-in-public-funds-for-stadium-renovations/ Owner optimistic a deal can be reachedhttps://wktysports.com/2023/08/28/brewers-principal-owner-is-optimistic-about-stadium-negotiations-wants-to-keep-team-in-milwaukee/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio to talk about a slew of things, including funding projects for both the Brewers and UW-La Crosse. We also talked his upcoming candidacy and the 90th anniversary of the Coon Creek Watershed Project. Began the show talking about how Republicans in the state haven't funded Phase II of the Prairie Springs Science Center at UW-La Crosse for the past five years. After that, Pfaff talks about the Coon Creek project, that has to do with soil erosion and washout in the area. Then we discussed the debate into funding the Brewers stadium. Another couple of topics discussed that the Legislature could take up dealt with continuing the Office of School Safety and helping childcare centers, as the state continues to sit on $4 billion in budget surplus for 19 months now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A riot of a show with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio, breaking down GOP debate in terms of being in Milwaukee, what teens from one of La Crosse’s sister cities thinks of us and another round of state fair foods — Minnesota edition. That's sort of where we began the show, and debated on whether Wisconsin or Minnesota's state fair is better, what the highlight is of each and the new foods unveiled in MN this week. After that,we discussed Donald Trump's 215 pound weight in the best fashion, before getting into students from a La Crosse sister city visiting. Ended the show just rehashing the GOP presidential nominee debate in how Wisconsin was references, being it's so important to winning the presidency and it was, of course, in Milwaukee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dietitian Laura Birkel joined La Crosse Talk PM last week to break down dairy v. plant milk, what to eat before the big game, and the new weight loss drug, Ozempec, among other things. Birkel has been a dietitian for seven years, the last three of which at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. We spent quite a bit of time trying to decipher the news surrounding the diabetes drug, like Ozempic, that more and more people are taking simply to lose weight. Do the frightening headlines people see about the drug have any basis in reality or are they just headline porn? Also, with school starting and high school and college sports getting back into full swing, we discussed some of the things people should eat before the game — whether that’s the night before, hours before or right before playing. We also talked about dairy v. plant milk, if sparkling water is good for you and how bad is cheese, really?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse School Superintendent Dr. Aaron Engel joined and we got right into it with school starting next week, teacher raises, truancy on the rise, selling Lincoln Middle School and consolidating elementaries. Began the show talking about truancy, as it was higher than it had ever been last year, and what the district planned over the summer to bring that number down. After that, we discussed the new state budget and how that affected the district. Part of the budget was an increase of $325 per student for the next 400 years, put in place through the governor’s veto pen. There was a lot of outrage over that funding but it sounds like it still isn’t enough. We also talked quick about where the district is with school meal debt, before getting into some of the building situations its dealing with. We talked about the process of elementary school consolidation through the Facilities Advisory Committee, which is a little over halfway done with its studies. We then discussed the sale process for Lincoln Middle School and how the district wasn’t happy about it getting a historic designation, just as it was being listed for sale. SHOW LINKS: Facilities Advisory Committeehttps://www.lacrosseschools.org/facilities-advisory-committee/ Lincoln Middle School historic designationhttps://www.wizmnews.com/2023/07/13/historic-status-for-lincoln-middle-school-upheld-appeal-by-la-crosse-school-district-denied/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marquette University political science professor, Dr. Philip Rocco, joined, as we deep dived into Wisconsin politics, including the governor controlling messaging and how that might be bad for the state and why things like childcare and mental health are divisive. Began the show on the broader range of politics Rocco studies, which includes demographics, the census and how population and politics relate. We ended the show kind of on the same note, as Wisconsin hosts the first GOP presidential debate, the Republican National Convention, and putting so much emphasis into a state that’s predetermined to be “swing” but why. In between that, we rehashed the state’s shared revenue deal, how that came to be and how it might be undone under certain aspects because its unconstitutional. And then got into the upcoming special session Gov. Tony Evers called, which Rocco says Republicans will ignore (again) and the reasoning behind that — justified or not — leading, again, into that whole "Who should control the messaging?" in Wisconsin politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County administrator Jane Klekamp joins to discuss the 2024 budget, as well as some recent county board actions, including child card grant funding just approved. Began the show, though, with a little civics lesson on just how something makes it to the La Crosse County agenda. After that, we discussed recent board actions, including the $500,000 child care grant funding, a pilot housing program called "Family Keys" for welfare-engaged families, as well as some added road use for ATVs and pulling weeds in Lake Onalaska. After that, we discussed the 2024 budget, which should be around $200 million and just how that process works. Ended the show talking about the recent broadband committee and where the DEI consultant is at with her county study. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A couple of weird political stories both out of Wisconsin and nationally, as UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, joins in studio. The first of those is Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley battling with others on updating her Wikipedia page. She's, apparently, trying to keep controversial things she's said in the past off that page. Also, with the Republican presidential debate coming up in Milwaukee on Wednesday, we talk about some of the leaked strategies the nominees are looking to use on stage, including some very strange ones from Ron DeSantis. Also, back to the state Supreme Court, we chat about Republicans already floating impeachment of Justice Janet Protasiewicz, the same month she began her term, after being elected last April. In between there, we took a break from politics — sort of — to chat about what if a "regular Joe" took part in each Olympic event, as that seemed to happen in a 100-meter race at the World University Games. Show links: Donald Trump skipping GOP debate in Milwaukee:https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/08/20/trump-says-he-will-skip-gop-presidential-primary-debates-in-milwaukee/ Supreme Court Rebecca Bradley fights edits on Wikipedia https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2023/08/15/dozens-reverse-justice-rebecca-bradleys-edits-to-her-wikipedia-page/70591791007/ Wisconsin Supreme Court impeachment talk:https://www.wpr.org/assembly-speaker-robin-vos-calls-justice-janet-protasiewicz-recuse-cases World University Games nepotismhttps://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/sports-official-suspended-for-nepotism-after-painfully-slow-athlete-finishes-last-in-100m-race/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Began the show talking about a potential mural for the side of the La Crosse Center before being joined by two guests on two very different topics. William Garcia, the La Crosse County Democratic Party chair, led things off, talking a bit about President Joe Biden’s visit to Milwaukee and then the upcoming GOP presidential debate next week. After that, Lyndsey Langer from the Junior Chamber International – La Crosse (the La Crosse Jaycees) came on to discuss a big need they have for running the Toys for Tots program. They’re about to lose their storage facility and are looking for a new home. You can get a hold of Langer through Facebook here or on their website here. Before that, however, ranted about the story that there could be a giant mural on the side of the La Crosse Center of the War Eagle and, of course, we had to propose some other, ridiculous ideas for potential “art.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Runchey from Alliance to Heal joined to educate us a bit about drug stigmas, the problem with fentanyl and where/how people can seek help. Runchey is the coordinator at Alliance to Heal and a health educator with the La Crosse County Health Department. On the show we talked about quite a bit about fentanyl in a couple of different ways, including what it is, how it's a problem for those on drugs, but also some misconceptions we hear for those who might come into contact with it. We also discussed overdoses, how they've been rising the past few years in La Crosse County and what to do if you encounter someone overdosing (after calling 911). For those who need help. Runchey talked about ways to do that in the community and the challenges groups that do help are having right now. Alliance to Heal and the Coulee Recovery Center are hosting a couple of events this month, as Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). Those include: Aug. 22: Coulee Recovery Center— Bridging the Gap event: Treatment Service Resource fairAug. 30: Coulee Recovery Center— Candlelight Vigil serviceAug. 31: Proclamation by Mayor Mitch Reynolds on IOAD.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Common Cause executive director, Jay Heck, joins to talk about a plethora of things, including a new voting lines lawsuit in the state, how Republicans want to impeach the newest Justice over that lawsuit and a La Crosse County lawsuit against college voters. Common Cause Wisconsin is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that’s been working to hold “power” accountable through lobbying, litigation, and grassroots organizing. After doing a brief rundown of what we tried to fit into one show, we dove into the redistricting lawsuit in Wisconsin, that could force the state to redraw voting maps and put every legislator on the ballot in 2024 — instead of just half the state Senate, along with the Assembly. That led to a conversation about Assembly Speaker Robin Vos wanting to impeach the newly elected Justice Janet Protasiewicz, because she voiced her opinion on what the consensus is in that Wisconsin’s voting lines are gerrymandered to favor Republicans. After that, how voting rights in the state have changed, restricting types of voter IDs and getting rid of ballot drop boxes, which led into a conversation about a La Crosse County lawsuit over the Democrat winning the sheriff’s election, and how college students participated in that election. Lastly, we talked about the Wisconsin Election Commission administrator, Meagan Wolfe, who Republicans are not trying to oust her essentially because they didn’t like the 2020 election results. Wolfe was unanimously appointed to the position, after the GOP fired the last administrator for investigating former Gov. Scott Walker. What we didn’t get into was Wolfe doesn’t have to leave the job, because Republican DNR board member Fred Prehn didn’t leave his position after his six-year term ended, and the conservative-leaning Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled he didn’t have to unless he died, resigned or was removed for cause by the governor and a successor is named.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremy Novak with Three-Sixty Real Estate Solutions joined the show to discuss the Copper Rocks development, which is the former Kmart lot next to one of La Crosse's busiest intersections. Last time Novak joined, he talked about plans to tear the Kmart down. That hasn't happened, so we ask why, and what's in store for that lot. We also discussed some other properties Three-Sixty has developed in the Coulee Region. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking science with Spencer Wilken, including the US government revealing they have “aliens,” a big “question mark” found by the James Webb telescope and our recurring segment of breaking news from decades ago — a headless chicken lived 18 months. Began the show, though talking quick about the Perseids meteor shower that happened over the weekend, before getting into the government revelations on aliens, but mostly we rip on the terminology — UAPs, biologics and unknown unknowns — and technology, as we spend nearly a trillion dollars on the military but can’t get cameras to take quality video of any UAPs. We transitioned that talk into Russia about to land back on the moon for the first time since the 1970s, but they, too, sent peculiar photos from space showing both the earth and moon in a shot. And, speaking of space photos, that led to a conversation about the James Webb telescope finding a literal question mark in space. Wrapped up the show with Mike the Chicken — a headless chicken that lived for 18 months and toured the nation. SHOW LINKS James Webb question mark:https://www.livescience.com/space/james-webb-telescope-discovers-giant-question-mark-galaxy-in-deep-space Mike the (headless) Chicken:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_the_Headless_Chicken Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon:https://www.nasa.gov/feature/faq-unidentified-aerial-phenomena-uapsufos See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rollercoaster Friday of a show with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, from deep diving about what Republicans should run on, to the outrageous regulations in the Irishfest mashed potato eating contest and an amazing story about toddlers destroying a Waukeshau park. Began the show talking about how Republicans stick with ideas like the election was stolen, while two weeks ago the national talking point for the GOP just switched to promoting early voting. That turned into a conversation into why Republicans take non-political issues and make them political and, in doing so, lose young voters when, perhaps, they don’t have to. After that, we lightened it way up, talking about the Irishfest mashed potato eating contest, it’s set of rules and regulations, its many divisions and how the outcome of the contest itself is determined. Then we went off the rails after a tweet out of Waukesha that police had to stop toddlers from destroying a park — with their overflowing poop diapers. We ended the show talking quick about Culvers being upset about delivery apps, and just whether or not you should do takeout from there. SHOW LINKS: Poop-tastrophe:https://twitter.com/WaukeshaAlerts/status/1689774133872062465?s=20 Republicans appealing to voters strategy: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2023/08/09/wisconsin-republicans-seek-inroads-with-youth-voters-ahead-of-first-2024-presidential-debate/70499563007/ Culvers delivery:https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2023/08/09/culvers-wants-regulations-for-food-delivery-services/70549967007/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We often talk about the doom and gloom of climate change, and we did today, with Dr. Tom Schlesinger, the executive director of La Crosse's Climate Alliance for the Common Good. But also discussed, was how we, the "little guy," can help make an impact to slow climate change. We hit on a little bit of everything from the oceans to El Nino (happening now) vs La Nina (happening next), to greenhouse gases. We even hit on how the big corporations are converting to more sustainable practices, not just out of the goodness of their hearts, but because it's better business. We capped that discussion off with how everyone else can get involved, and that's where the Climate Alliance has put out a Small Business Toolkit, which we break down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings joined to discuss the news that Gov. Tony Evers is calling a special session for a number of things, including a funding plan for child care centers. Billings was also invited to the White House to discuss the same matter. So, we asked her if she's talked with US House Rep. Derrick Van Orden about getting federal legislation passed in terms of childcare. Meanwhile, Wisconsin is still sitting on a $4 billion budget surplus, going on 18 months now. How should that money be spent? In those same regards, we talked about UW-Oshkosh being $18 million in debt and where UW-La Crosse sits. UW funding was also part of Evers special session. But will Republicans actually debate or gavel in and out in seconds like they've done 11 other times? Other topics including what the state should be doing in terms of gun reform. Should there be laws on ghost guns? Oh, and Billings also let us know if she'll be running again in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds joined to discuss a couple of different topics that are all intertwined. Reynolds noted the city's biggest priority is housing, so we talk about some of the development projects going on, what the city's role is with promoting housing and how more homes will help the homeless. We also got an update on the city-county initiative to create a 5-year plan to bring homelessness to functional zero. In the midst the conversation, we also discussed Wisconsin being on an island in terms of legal marijuana, while Republicans in the state are perhaps starting to move in that direction — maybe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Cherosky in studio discussing weird state fair foods — including a million-dollar idea — a taco bell lawsuit that could bring down fast food and political messaging that deters young voters. Began the show talking about how literal kittens are working at the hardware store in Houston, Minn., which led to Chergosky breaking down Wisconsin’s latest jobs report. After that, we got into the list of foods at the Wisconsin state fair, and whether these vendors are trying to sell great food or weird us out. Then we got into the oddity that no Republican wants to run against US Sen. Tammy Baldwin in the state, despite Ron Johnson just winning that same seat last election. That led into a conversation about young voters, how much they pay attention to politics and whether they’re turned off by political messaging. Lastly, we discuss the Taco Bell lawsuit dealing with the picture you see versus the food you get, and Chergosky’s money making idea he may just implement at the La Crosse County corn roast in West Salem on Aug. 30. SHOW LINKS: Wisconsin state fair foods:https://wistatefair.com/fair/Food-Category/new-foods/ Taco Bell lawsuit:https://www.cbsnews.com/news/taco-bell-lawsuit-beef-ingredients-mexican-pizza-crunchwrap/ No Republicans offering to run against Tammy Baldwinhttps://www.wizmnews.com/2023/08/01/still-no-republicans-running-against-sen-tammy-baldwin-in-wisconsin-after-rep-tom-tiffany-pulls-out/ US jobs report:https://apnews.com/article/economy-jobs-inflation-federal-reserve-def1e5500e2852bf8ec3621b7270cd61 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We pick La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke's his brain on a few things surrounding weed possession — now legal in Minnesota — and where did the gun come from in something like the mass shooting that happened in the city last month. We began the show, though, getting an update on a dead body found along the Bud Hendrickson Trail. After that,we spent a few talking about some of the terms floating around having to do with former President Donald Trump, including "grand jury" and "Indictment." Then we got into a couple different things surrounding marijuana, including how authorities determine whether your under the influence and how long that stays in your system — a bit different than alcohol. Also, the city of La Crosse has a $1 fine system for those caught with less than 25 grams of weed. But what if you're caught every day with that amount? After that, we talked guns, and some of the cases recently involving guns, including that drive-by shooting where the assailant threw the gun onto a roof, and downtown killing, where the killer made what's called a ghost gun, from scratch, by buying all the parts online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Minnesota legalizing recreational marijuana, it's likely that it will make its way to La Crosse, where driving under the influence could increase. So, La Crosse Police Sgt. Danny Mandujano joined to discuss how police determine DWI (driving while intoxicated), and if it's harder to recognize if someone's under the influence of drugs versus alcohol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Mathy, Milwaukee County's housing administrator joins to discuss, what he calls a homeless crisis in La Crosse. We talk about what Milwaukee has done over the past decade to bring their homeless population down. We also get Mathy's opinion on what La Crosse has done so far and what it might consider to help get people off the streets and into housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in the WIZM studio, discussing everything from the Derrick Van Orden outburst, and whether he's going to run for US House, to childcare and healthcare costs, to his wanting to buy an old Ford Ranchero or Chevy El Camino. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio discussing the fallout from Derrick Van Orden’s teen tirade, an $870 billion defense bill and Chick-Fil-A conveyor drive-thrus. Began the show, however, talking quick about Minnesota legalizing recreational marijuana, before we got into the Van Orden discussion. For those who don’t know, Van Orden cursed at Senate interns for taking pics of the US Capitol on their last day of work. After that, we hit on the defense bill that both Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson — the world’s most opposite politicians, who just happen to be from the same state, voting together on the same bill — signed on. We took a political break and talked a couple of food stories, including Subway offering free subs for anyone that changes their name to Subway,” French’s and Skittles teaming up for some disgusting promotion, and the whole Chick-Fil-A conveyor idea. Lastly, picked Chergosky’s brain about Third Party candidates in the presidential race and how they could spoil it for either Democrats or Republicans. This stems from an argument with La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia saying the No Labels Party is simply created to put Donald Trump back into office. STORY LINKS:DERRICK VAN ORDEN: https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/07/27/us-house-rep-van-orden-curses-out-high-school-aged-pages-for-taking-pictures-of-rotunda-says-they-treated-us-capitol-like-frat-house/ https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/07/28/while-derrick-van-orden-swears-at-teenage-senate-pages-for-taking-pics-at-capitol-state-rep-steve-doyle-loves-their-interest-his-daughter-was-a-page/ Skittles and French's team up https://abc7chicago.com/mustard-skittles-frenchs-candy/13550617/ Free Subway sandwiches for naming self "Subway" https://www.wfla.com/news/national/subway-to-give-free-sandwiches-for-life-to-one-person-who-agrees-to-legally-change-name-to-subway/ Chick-Fil-A conveyors https://www.instagram.com/p/CvOMLqVtsTB/ $886 billion defense bill passage https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/07/27/gop-sen-ron-johnson-signs-886-billion-defense-bill-despite-concerns-of-militarys-radical-left-social-agenda-and-wokeness/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Rep. Steve Doyle joins to discuss his golden retriever pups, the Derrick Van Orden incident cursing at teens and the amount of time the Legislature takes off. We also discussed some of the negotiations going on in Madison with tax cuts, childcare funding and we gave Doyle an idea in resolving the Brewers stadium funding. Began the show talking about the work the Legislature does while it's out of session, and whether or not it's actual work. After that, a bit about the breaking story that Van Orden was yelling at high school-aged Senate pages for taking pics, as Doyle has multiple experiences in this regard. Also talked about his five-week old golden retriever puppies — there's one left. After that, we got into how the work in both Madison and Washington is more about headlines and less about working out deals between parties. Part of that issue in Wisconsin is gerrymandered maps, so we also discussed the state Supreme Court flipping to a progressive majority and how that might solve some of these issues. Lastly, we talked specifics in terms of tax cuts, childcare and senior care funding and how to use the state's $3.5 billion budget surplus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coulee Region Wildlife rehabber Kathy KasaKaitas joins to talk about the work she's been doing with countless animals over summer. From opossums to ducklings to bunnies and owlets, KasaKaitas' work at the the rehab facility never slows. Among those animals, included an owlet that lost an eye and a punctured wing and opossum babies whose mother was hit by a car. The wildlife center's Amazon wishlist can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/4BS0FP9CY27Q The center's donation page is found here: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/crhswildlifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crescent Mayor Mike Poellinger joins to discuss Minnesota legalizing recreational marijuana and just how that will affect the city. We also talked about bike paths in every direction out of La Crescent, and the city's upcoming 75th Applefest celebration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County administrator Jane Klekamp joined to talk about the ambitious plans for the Hillview Health Care campus. The facility would go from, basically a nursing home, to an expansive center that includes a daycare, alternative senior living, bridge housing for adults and crisis stabilization. Klekamp also talked about fixing the roads.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, joins. We toy around with how the state might now spend — or not spend — it's $3.5 billion budget surplus. We also talked about Gov. Tony Evers joining La Crosse Talk PM and using the phrase "When donkeys fly." Also, we had about four Ron Johnson stories this week, including the Republican US Senator diving into all the conspiracy theories during a YouTube interview.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Murphy, owner of the small business, Big Bang, LLC, joins and explains taxes for us a bit — in terms of the how we got a budget surplus, what to do with it and how a small businesses is affected by taxes. Before that, however, we talked about his showing in the World Series of Poker that just wrapped up in Las Vegas a few days ago. We also talked a bit about Wisconsin's US Senators, Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson, and what it takes now to run for those bigger political offices — and it's not just a ton of money, though news just came out that the Wisconsin state Supreme Court race cost over $54 million. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Cooke joins. She's running for a US House seat in the 3rd District here. We talked about her new job, waitressing, as she also runs a campaign. That led to a conversation about minimum wage. We also found out her favorite spots when she’s in La Crosse and discussed lived experiences that make her a good person to represent the area. On top of the new job, Cooke runs a nonprofit that helps women start up business. She was also a small business owner in downtown Eau Claire and grew up on a farm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers join to talk about child care funding in the state. In between that, we asked the governor if the La Crosse area is his favorite part of the state, as he's been to Western Wisconsin 30 times this year already. We also get him to define what it means when someone says they're going "Up north." After that, La Crosse city council member Dr. Mark Neumann joins to continue the conversation about childcare, as the council just passed $400,000 in ARPA funding to help there. We also asked Neumann about the legislation passed last week that better defines camping — or no camping — in the city, as there have been complaints about homeless people in parks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo economist, Dr. John Robinson joins, to discuss inflation, a national minimum wage vs. a local minimum wage and an all-time low unemployment rate. Spent quite a bit of time on the minimum wage in various ways, including Robinson's take that the US doesn't even really have a minimum wage right now. Also talked about inflation — or when that becomes deflation — as well as Wisconsin's recent income tax plan, that the governor partially vetoed. Robinson is the interim Associate Dean of the College of Business Leadership Ethics and Education at Viterbo. The Central High School graduate and got his doctorate in finance from Arizona State. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio to break down Barbenheimer, Burger King’s 20-slice meatless cheese(burger) and the number of people that will run against Derrick Van Orden. Began the show, though talking about Waukesha’s school board firing a first-grade teacher over he outcries about the board banning the song Miley Cyrus-Dolly Parton song, Rainbowland. After that, had some fun talking about the phenomenon that people are going to see the new movie Barbie and Oppenheimer as a double feature. What kind of combo is that and how much popcorn can one person eat? That led to a discussion about original movies or sequels — and what movies are untouchable. One of the movies brought up, along the lines of Oppenheimer, is Dr. Strangelove, who actually came into the studio to tell the audience they can never remake that 1964 classic. We then got into some other politics, with Rebecca Cooke announcing her candidacy to run as a Democrat in the 3rd US House District currently held by Van Orden — and how many people might run. A big factor there, money, which eventually led us into a discussion about the North Dakota governor — running for president — offering $20 gift cards for $1 donations so he can buy his way to the Milwaukee GOP presidential debate stage. Lastly, we talked about this 20-slice Burger King monstrosity. SHOW LINKS: 20 cheese slice Burger King "burger": https://people.com/burger-king-thailand-meatless-burger-with-20-slices-of-cheese-7559683 Barbenheimer: https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/07/14/the-story-behind-barbenheimer-the-summers-most-online-movie-showdown/ Rebecca Cooke running against Van Orden: https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/07/10/rebecca-cooke-challenges-rep-van-orden-in-wisconsins-3rd-district-as-her-party-seeks-to-flip-house/ $20 gift cards for a $1 donation: https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/11/politics/2024-fundraising-strategy-burgum/index.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Steve Hofstetter joins a week before his coming to La Crosse. A comic who dabbles in politics, we threw Hofstetter some of the headlines coming out of Wisconsin and let him work his comedic magic. Also joining in studio, former Riverfest board member Brad Pitel. Along with talking comedy, Pitel discussed bringing big acts to the fest, and how he big timed one country music star — which may or may not have led to his no longer being on the Riverfest board #Sarcasm. Some of the topics we threw at Hofstetter included Minnesota legalizing recreational marijuana and a first-grade teacher being banned over the Dolly Parton-Miley Cyrus song Rainbowland. Hofstetter also had some funny analogies on the Constitution, as well as some of his Canadian experiences, as he wraps up a tour there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Country Boom co-founder Jon Holthaus joins La Crosse Talk PM to talk about this weekend's event at the Maple Grove Venues in West Salem, Wis., featuring some of the biggest country stars today. We talk about the lineup, how they also like to feature local musicians, and a bit of the history of Country Boom — including booking some of the singers a year in advance, before they're really "big time," and by the time Boom rolls around, they've got a top hit on the charts. Holthaus also talked some of the history of the event, now in its fifth year, including his casually saying they had to move the entire stage that first year, because 19,000 people showed up. LINEUPThursday July 13The Pat Watters Band - 6–7 PMBlue Collar 40 - 7:30–8:30 PMJo Dee Messina - 9–10:30 PM Friday July 14Anderson Daniels - 4:30–5:15 PMMegan Moroney - 5:45–6:30 PMWarren Zeiders - 7–8 PMDylan Scott - 8:30–9:45 PMKip Moore - 10–11:45 PM Saturday July 15Lauren Watkins - 4:30-5:15 PMJackson Dean - 5:45–6:30 PMLarry Fleet - 7-8 PMChris Cagle - 8:30–9:45 PMDustin Lynch - 10:15–11:45 PM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse City Planner Tim Acklin joined to talk about the debate over Lincoln Middle School getting historic designation, but before that, Country Boom co-founder Jon Holthaus talks about the huge event in West Salem this weekend. Some of the interesting things we talked with Holthaus included booking guests a year in advance, and by the time Boom arrives, they're gigantic stars. Also, he casually mentioned having the move the entire stage the first year, because 19,000 people showed up. After that, Acklin, who sort of manages the Heritage Preservation Commission, breaks down how a debate will happen before the city council decides if Lincoln Middle should retain historical status. We also talked about why Lincoln got that designation in the first place. After that, Acklin talked more about the commissions Top 10 most endangered buildings, we threw him some new ideas for ranked lists, and we got his Top 3 most untouchable buildings in La Crosse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Garcia in studio to talk about movie sequels, how Gov. Evers took the power of funding public schools from the GOP in Wisconsin, the tax cut plan that wasn't and Rebecca Cooke's bid to unseat Derrick Van Orden in the US House. Garcia is the La Crosse County and 3rd US House District Democratic Party chair. We began the show talking about how there are multiple sequels in theaters right now — Mission Impossible, Spider-Man, Indiana Jones and whatever garbage the Transformers is putting out — and then got into whether you should watch a subbed or dubbed movie. After that, we talked about Cooke for Congress, details in how that race might turn out in the 3rd Congressional and Wisconsin's gerrymandered maps. We then dove into Gov. Evers' veto pen powers in funding public education for the next 402 years, cutting up the tax cut plan (mostly for the rich) and how the state could better spend its $7 billion budget surplus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-L outreach specialist Spencer Wilken in studio, breaking 1960s news again — this time about nefarious experiments on twins. She also delivered some space news, including finding the largest diamond and NASA’s biodome experiment for living on Mars. Began the show recapping past “Major Breaking” shows from decades-old news, including the 1876 Kentucky meat shower and the 1950s Great Beaver Drop. That was a precursor to two other 1960s experiments — one about twins and triplets separated as infants — without consent — and then studied for years. Data that’s still being fought over by these subjects today. The other about creating a mouse utopia. We also discussed a similar telescope to James Webb launching Saturday from Europe — and why the James Webb owns some sweet real estate above Earth, and we capped off the show talking about the Earth’s upper atmosphere is cooling, which apparently isn’t great news. SHOW LINKS:Mars biodome: https://futurism.com/the-byte/nasa-test-subjects-simulated-mars-base James Webb pal: https://phys.org/news/2023-06-europe-space-telescope-universe-dark.html Earth's atmosphere: https://www.wired.com/story/the-upper-atmosphere-is-cooling-prompting-new-climate-concerns/ Triplet experiment: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/twofold/202110/the-controversial-study-twins-and-triplets-adopted-and-reared-apart Mouse utopia: https://www.livescience.com/58257-milgram-experiment-poland-obey-authority.html Largest-ever diamond: https://www.livescience.com/space/cosmology/this-collapsed-star-is-turning-into-an-gigantic-diamond-before-our-eyes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio discussing whether government should legislate based on the Facebook comment sections, traffic shaming as an alternative to tickets, “Indiana Jones, really?” and the US Supreme Court. The show began talking about movie remakes, like the new Indiana Jones movie that just came out, but that somehow led to a discussion about social media. In the past week, guests on La Crosse Talk PM have mentioned the comment section in regards to certain issues in the city, so we talked about whether that’s how governments should be taking the pulse of a community — and are public comments before city, county meetings just an older version of the comment section. After that, we discussed a strategy in Washington where they’re public shaming bad drivers through letters and texts, but we honed it down to be more effective — including an idea from a caller. We also talked about the recent US Supreme Court decisions, and threw Chergosky three different questions. One in how the court works — like how many hours a week are they putting in? Also, if the decisions are political winners or losers and we rehashed my conspiracy theory on the court can increase its dwindled popularity. Lastly, we hit on Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers upcoming options on the state budget, which passed the Legislature this week. TOPIC LINKS: Supreme Court rulings Affirmative action in college admissions https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/06/29/divided-supreme-court-outlaws-affirmative-action-in-college-admissions-says-race-cant-be-used/ Wedding websites for gay couples https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/06/30/the-supreme-court-rules-for-a-designer-who-doesnt-want-to-make-wedding-websites-for-gay-couples/ Student loans https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/06/30/the-supreme-court-rejects-bidens-plan-to-wipe-away-400-billion-in-student-loan-debt/ Washington driver shaming: https://dcist.com/story/23/06/23/dc-text-messages-letters-dangerous-drivers/ Wisconsin state budget: https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/06/29/wisconsin-republicans-send-budget-state-to-democratic-gov-evers-after-assembly-passage-thursday/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.