Spanning The State

NEW SHOW! WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey introduce themselves and their new show Point Taken 10:16 – Their first start by talking about U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration refusing to release a man from Maryland who was sent to a prison in El Salvador despite protests from the man’s family and U.S. courts. They play audio from ABC Radio and discuss. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley held a town hall recently where his constituents vented their concern about the Maryland Man. Audio from the town hall was played and Kristin and Steve discussed. Trump, Mahr and Kid Rock Walk into the White House: Real Time TV Talk Show host Bill Maher visited President Trump at the White House last week. A clip from last Friday’s show was played about his experience; Steve and Kristin weighed in and discussed talking with people one disagrees with. Tariffs were a still big issue in the country, a clip from a Chinese expert was played on how the country was ambivalent if the United States completely backed out; Steve and Kristin discussed. Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey were joined on the phone by Keith Gilkes, Executive Chairman at Platform Communications to discuss a recent poll on Wisconsin Residents with their thoughts on the state budget and the economy. Steve and Kristin were joined by WTMJ program director Mike Spaulding to talk about the rejected names for Point Taken.

Reverend Dr. Lisa Bates-Froiland a pastor for Redeemer Lutheran Church joins Kristin for Giving Tuesday. Bates-Froiland explains the harrowing story of two men struggling with mental illness that led to their new renovations to help those facing the same issues. The Pastor shares what they are doing with their new mental health clinic and kitchen, how their grand opening and ribbon cutting went and more. Later Steve Scaffidi joins Kristin to talk about his vacation and their thoughts on the Blue Origin flight featuring the first female-only crew since 1963 and what to expect on their new show. Then Kristin and Producer Rhea give their final farewell on Spanning the State.

Today on Spinning the State: Platteville: This city has been named one of the best college towns in the United States. Kaukauna: Fox Valley Kwik Trip sells Megabucks ticket worth $9.5million.

Today on the final episode of Spanning the State Kristin Brey starts the show with speaking to America Corps Reporter Madeline Heim about the role of Wetlands in our state’s ecosystem. Heim explains the value of Wetlands, what the 6 world renowned wetlands Wisconsin is home to, what inspired her to write her series on them and why they need to be drained. Then Kristin talks about a new proposal to manage how referendums are written on our ballots to make the wording less confusing. Later Milwaukee’s Sojourner Family Peace Center Chief Executive Carmen Pitre joins Kristin to discuss how federal funding and administrative directives are impacting the organization providing services for victims of Domestic Violence. Pitre shares what ramifications Sojourner and other partners have faced with federal funding cuts, what services are at risk from these cuts, what kind of funding they received before and what Wisconsin Politicians have come to help.

620 WTMJ’s News Reporter Elizabeth Lintonen joins Kristin to talk live from the MCTS Fashion show at the 3rd Street Market Hall for 414 Day. Lintonen shares all about the events going on across the city for the annual holiday and Kristin shares some of her favorite things about living in Milwaukee. Then Founder of Section Yellow John Plagmann join Kristin to talk about the sober section he has created for Packer fans at Lambeau field. Plagmann shares how this started up in Green Bay during the regular packer season, what they have instore for the upcoming NFL Draft and how he hopes to implement this for future draft and sporting events. Also Kristin and Producer Rhea compare Summerfest the world’s largest music festival to other major music festivals like Coachella.

Today on Spinning the State: Marshfield: Marshfield Clinic extends its study of Wisconsin Ticks Milwaukee: Former Milwaukee bar Victor's sells for $1million to local investor

Today on Spanning the State Kristin Brey announces the new 620am WTMJ lineup and the end of Spanning the State. Then Wisconsin Secretary of the State Sarah Godlewski joins Kristin Brey to talk about touring the state for Library Week and her first two years in office. She explains what her role as the Cahir of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands is, what libraries she has visited, as well as her thoughts on Ben Wikler stepping down and what should the democratic party do now both locally and nationally. Later Natalie Eilbert statewide mental health reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins Kristin to discuss a new study by researchers on reducing the rate of suicide in the United States. Eilbert explains what they uncovered in the study, what the zero-suicide model is and how federal funding has impacting mental health programs across the state.

It’s rare for a political candidate to drop out of a race, endorse her opponent and somehow voters elected her anyway. This is the story for Madison City Councilwoman Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford. Rutherford joins Kristin to talk about her experience being reelected, what her first term was like, how hard the decision was to try and suspend her campaign and her decision now as she has been reelected. Kristin Shares her unique story of how she got her tattoo ahead of the tattoo convention coming to the Baird Center this weekend. Then later we recap the week with WTMJ’s Adam Roberts Week in Review before playing this week’s Grandiloquent Game Show Trivia: This Week in the News.

Today on Spinning the State: Oshkosh: Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride Oshkosh motorcycle ride returns in May. Milwaukee: South Milwaukee High School is requiring Breathalyzers for students to enter prom.

Today on Spanning the State Kristin Brey shares her remarks on the Trump administration revoking their Tariffs for 90 days except on China which have now increased to a 145% tariff on Chinese imports. She talks about how this will impact Wisconsin industries. To gain more understanding Agricultural Economist Charles “Chuck” Nicholson joins Kristin to talk about the likely impact of tariffs on the dairy industry in Wisconsin. Nicholson explains the ecosystem of trade in the dairy industry, what we import and export, how this will impact the job market as nearly 300,000 Wisconsin jobs are in agriculture or manufacturing, and his thoughts on which countries would be the most important to prioritize deals with. Later Kristin shares her Tariff shopping guide on which what goods we should buy now to avoid higher prices. Then WTMJ's Debbie Lagaza shares her information on what to do while driving in severe weather as Tornado weather creeps upon us. Also, the Republican-led House just passed the SAVE Act — a bill critics say could make it harder for millions of Americans to vote. Kristin breaks down the Save Act exactly is and how it is voter suppression.

Archivist for Circus World Museum Pete Shrake joins Kristin Brey and Steve to discuss what fascinates people about the circus, what we should know about the museum, and what guests can expect from a new collection coming this season. Then Old-World Wisconsin Beer & Brewing Historian Rob Novak joins Kristin and Steve to talk about museum's completion of their 1930s tavern. Novak shares when the tavern will be on display for guests, the cool history about the tavern, and what the process is like to renovate a 100-year-old building. Later Deb Marett Public Information Coordinator at Milwaukee County Federated Library System talks to Kristin and Steve about Trump’s executive order to cut federal funding for public libraries and museums. Marett explains what the institute of Museum and Library Service is and what their funding supports, what this cut of federal funds means for the future of our libraries, what may happen now that Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has joined 20 other states in a lawsuit and how citizens can help. Also, Kristin and Steve talk about Bruce Springsteen releasing seven new albums this June and then teaser for their new podcast episode that is NSFW.

Today on Spinning the State: Stevens Point: Wisconsin Indie Bookstores are taking a stand against Amazon Elkhorn: Elkhorn: Gateway Technical Colleges 17th annual "Celebrate Earth Day".

Jordan Buss a Wisconsin-Based grant writer and president of JBAD Solutions LLC joins Kristin to talk about revoking of federal funds to provide tornado safe rooms through FEMS’s BRIC programs. Buss shares his extensive work with rural school districts and years of work trying to provide these shelters. He explains what the BRIC program is, why the BRIC was cancelled by FEMA which has resulted in loosing between $24-30 million in funding for rural school districts in Wisconsin and what they plan to do next. Steve Scaffidi host of WTMJ's the Political Power Hour joins Kristin to talk about Trumps Tariffs and his recent announcement to hold off on most tariffs for 90 days. They ponder whether this is policy or about trade and how the outcomes of these actions are not the results that were intended. Then they discuss surging numbers in eggs prices and how producers have tripled their profits with price gouging due to the Avian flu.

Kristin Brey, the founder of As Goes Wisconsin, and longtime WTMJ host Brian Noonan are skilled at taking the complex and making it digestible. They will take you behind the headlines of the day’s biggest stories from across Wisconsin. Fans will hear the stories being told by those who live and cover those communities firsthand for the most accurate and relevant information.

Today on Spanning the State Kristin Brey has a sporty show and shares her success with winning her family pool's March Madness Bracket. Then Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Higher Education Reporter, Kelly Meyerhofer joins Kristin to talk about a recent announcement by the Trump Administration revoking student visas of 13 current or former Universities of UW-Madison students. They discuss why the administration made this decision, what we know about the 13 students, what happens when a student’s visa is terminated and if they have any grounds to counter this decision in the court. Later for Giving Tuesday Third year student at UW-Eau Claire the student director with the Student Office of Sustainability Kristen O’Brien joins Kristin to talk about her initiative seeking to reduce food insecurity at the university. She shares what she and her fellow students are experiencing, how she is making a difference with her initiative and why students are facing these challenges. Then 94.5 ESPN Milwaukee's Ben Brust host of KBN and Badger Basketball Alumni joins Kristin to talk all things Badger Basketball and the upcoming "Made 'Em Believe 2015 Wisconsin Basketball Reunion" that he will be hosting this summer.

Today is Living Donor Day and Kristin talks to living donor Sean Hiles and Pediatric Heptaologist at UW Health Kids about the success liver transplant Hiles gave to his adopted daughter Ellie. They explain how the procedure went, why their blood match was important for the transplant, how they are doing now, and the other work UW Health does with liver and kidney donors and recipients. Also, Wisconsinites are making headlines. Kristin shares recent stories on popular Wisconsinites like Carrie Coon and Bon Iver. Kristin celebrates Wisconsin Native KK Arnold Winning the NCAA Women's National Championship Game and Kristin goes down memory lane with her mom Debbie on how she won a state championship in school and the the recently uncovered yearbook to prove it. Today is also National Beer Day and Kristin shares the history on how it was created.

Today on Spinning the State: Madison: A light winter led to fewer un-shoveled sidewalk violations. Cudahy: Cudahy Health Department adds a new furry employee.

Today on Spanning the State Kristin Brey talks about the events over the weekend including a fake tweet that swayed the stock market and the thousands of protests that took place across the country on Saturday. Then Emily Tseffos the Chair of the Democratic Party of Outagamie County in northeastern Wisconsin, 2024 State Assembly candidate, and former statewide organizer for Indivisible joins Kristin to talk about her recent town hall regarding Medicaid. Tseffos explains how she organized it, the purpose of organizing events like this, and her thoughts on the difference between protests and round tables to talk about issues. Later, Green Bay based Filmmaker Paige Mckenna joins Kristin to talk about her new documentary “GOLD”. The film focuses on a strip club named “The Gold Nugget” in unincorporated town “Spread Eagle”. Mckenna shares why she was inspired to make the film, the story of the owner Miss Dusty, how her mind perspective changed on the industry and what the reception was like when showing the film at the Beloit International Film Festival. Kristin also discusses another film project, one that is closer to home “Brady Street: Portrait of a Neighborhood”. A documentary airing at the Milwaukee Film Festival that tells the story of Brady Street and it’s ties to 150 years of immigration and change.

The NFL draft is 20 days away from being held in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Executive Director of Continuing Education & Workforce Training at UW-Green Bay Jess Lambrecht joins Kristin and Steve to discuss a new online course titled "The Packers & The Draft”. Lambrecht shares what topics will be covered in the class, who will be the instructor, their previous online course based on the history of the Packers, and how the city and university are feeling about the major event. Then Kristin talks to Steve about his experience being at an NFL draft before and what he is looking forward to when attending this year’s draft. Later look at all the news from the past week with WTMJ’s Adam Robert’s Week in Review. Later they end the week with the Grandiloquent Game Show: Tribond Challenge Trivia.

Today on Spinning the State: Wisconsin Dells: Noah’s Ark is adding heated pools and attractions for the 2025 season. Wisconsin: Menards is holding a pet supply drive for humane association.

Today on Spanning the State with Kristn Brey and guest co-host Steve Scaffidi they are joined by Executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Nick Ramos to talk about the outcome of Wisconsinites and the Supreme Court Election this past Tuesday. They discuss Wisconsinites standing up to being “bought” by billionaires for their vote, Ramos’ thoughts on the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, what this means for campaign finance laws and the difference between 2015 and now, and what citizens can do now to reform campaign finances. Then Kristin and Steve discuss the fallout from President Donald Trump’s tariffs. They share their thoughts on Wisconsin leaders dividing over party support for Trump’s tariffs, the reactions of former Trump supporters like Dave Portnoy and Ben Shapiro and the panic over retirement savings. They also discuss Musk’s decision to continue spending on politics following Brad Schimel’s loss. As well as their thoughts on Ann Walsh Bradley being elected to lead Wisconsin’s Supreme Court.

The champion of the 2025 March Mammal Madness has been crowned. Kristin, Steve and Producer Rhea discuss the results. Then award winning journalist and author of "Wisconsin Idols: 100 Heroes Who Changed the State, the World, and Me" Dean Robbins joins Kristin and Steve to discuss his new book that centers around the true tales of legends and trailblazers with Wisconsin ties. Robbins shares how he found these stories, the inspiration behind writing this book and how he decided who to talk about. Later Kristin and Steve discuss the messy, possibly toxic and very public relationship between congressmen Derek Van Orden and Mark Pocan.

Spinning the State: La Crosse: The city makes history with its newly elected mayor. Paddock Lake: The Second Annual Holi Party.

Today on Spanning the State Kristin Brey is joined by guest co-host Steve Scaffidi. They speak Canadian Economist Todd Hirsch further discuss President Donald Trump enacting his tariff plan. Hirsch explains if there is a better way to have executed Trump’s “Liberation Day” where it benefits our economy, and how this now affects the United States standing in the international community. Then Wisconsin Filmmakers Suzanne Jurva and Nathan Deming join Kristin and Steve to talk about new updates for Action! Wisconsin. Action Wisconsin is a statewide coalition of filmmakers and producers who advocate to bring back tax incentives for film productions. Jurva and Deming share what progress they’ve made with new legislation and the state budget proposal, how these tax incentives will impact our economy, how their conversations have gone with the Joint Finance Committee and what can people do to get this moved along faster. Later social media app TikTok is approaching its deadline to sell the app or go ahead with the ban form the US. Kristin explains which new bidders for the app have arisen since January, a new leasing option on the table, and how the world will react as they face the deadline once again.

Today is April Fool's Day and Kristin Brey shares more about the article she wrote for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on how she wishes the massive amount of money being spent on the supreme court race could actually go towards resources the state desperately needs. Then creator of Dive Bars of Wisconsin Scott Small is back a year later to talk to Kristin about the 5th annual 2025 Tournament of the Taverns. Small explains what the tournament is, how the tournament is conducted. why Wisconsin stands out for it's dive bar culture and which new Wisconsin dive bars we should know about.

Today on Spinning the State: Rice Lake: A Firearms Manufacturer is bringing more jobs to Northwestern Wisconsin Port Washington: Kopp's Frozen Custard adds "Mr. Baseball" flavor to honor Bob Uecker

Today on Spanning the State Kristin Brey shares information on spring primaries today and what Wisconsin voters should know ahead of going to the polls. She also goes over the timeline over the weekend regarding Elon Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race and Attorney General Josh Kaul’s filing a lawsuit against Musk to stop his event Sunday as well as the court of appeals and supreme court rejecting the lawsuit. Staff Attorney with the State Democracy Research Initiative at the University of Wisconsin Law School Bryna Godar joins Kristin Brey to further explain what we should know about Wisconsin courts dealing with Kaul's law, where the ruling now stands on the legality of what Musk is doing, how the Hatch act plays a role in this and if Musk could still be charged. Later Mandy Lewis Founder and President to the Board of Directors for Albert's Dog Lounge joins Kristin Brey for Giving Tuesday. Albert's Dog Lounge is a foster-based rescue that focuses on providing loving homes for seniors, special needs and hospice dogs. Lewis shares how her own experience with her senior dog led to the Dog lounge, how she is informed of dogs that need help, what it's like to find homes for foster dogs, and information for those who want to help or get involved or dogs who are currently ready to be adopted. Then Kristin Brey shares some of the history of On Milwaukee's annual April Fool's Day jokes they post. As well as an April Fool's Day joke she wishes would be true.

Kristin, Brian, and Producer Rhea are back to share their results from the Sweet Sixteen round of March Mammal Madness. They share their unbelievable upsets, a real-life mammal battle they found, and what underdog is destroying all their brackets. Text “Mammal” to the talk and text line (855-616-1620) for more information, check out our brackets and even print your own to play along. Then in honor of MLB and opening day Brian and Kristin share a retelling of the story “Casey at the Bat” created by WTMJ’s host of “What’s on Tap" Sandy Maxx. Then they end the week with the Grandiloquent Game Show: Milwaukee Brewers Trivia.

Today on Spinning the State: Slinger: Village enforces then walks back political yard sign rule. Milwaukee: MKE Brewing Co. is bringing back its “all-you-can-drink” tour for Milwaukee Day.

Today on Spanning the State Kristin Brey and Brian Noonan are fired up about Elon Musk and his relentless involvement in Wisconsin’s Spring Primary Supreme Court Race. Last night Musk announced in a now deleted tweet that he would be giving out $1 Million dollars at a rally this weekend for voters. Kristin and Brian discuss why they believe this is morally corrupt, and what this says about Schimel as a candidate. Kristin and Brian continue the conversation with Staff Attorney with the State Democracy Research Initiative at the University of Wisconsin Law School Bryna Godar to further discuss the legality of Musk’s financial incentives around this election. They discuss what may happen with the man who just won $1 Million in Green bay from Musk, what happened to the legal challenges on Musk’s incentives during the 2024 presidential election, and Trump’s recent executive order that mandates citizens to provide "documentary, government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship" on voter registration forms and bans clerks from counting absentee ballots received after Election Day, among other measures and what this means for our upcoming election. Steve Scaffidi joins Kristin and Brian for the Political Power HALF Hour. Today they recap their thoughts on the National Security Scandal involving messaging app Signal. They also share breaking news and get Steve's thoughts on the Wisconsin DOJ taking legal action to stop Elon Musk from interfering with the election with these financial incentives. He also shares his thoughts on this Trump administration and their battles with the legal system, as well as if these antics are helping the public image of Musk and the trump administration and Representative Elise Marie Stefanik and her devotion to the administration and role in Congress.

Kristin, Brian, and Producer Rhea are back with March Mammal Madness today they discuss how their brackets faired in round two, who they have going to the sweet sixteen round and which mammals are really mammals on this bracket. Later Dr. Joe Pierre Psychiatrist Author of "False: How Mistrust, Disinformation, and Motivated Reasoning Make Us Believe Things That Aren't True" joins Kristin and Brian to discuss normalizing disinformation. Dr. Pierre shares where we are seeing "hypernormalization" in our everyday lives, what drives an individual to hold on to false information, the difference between disinformation and disinformation and why are brains allow us to believe and not believe certain things. Also, Kristin ponders what or who she should track down for her Home Opener Milwaukee Brewers Scavenger hunt.

Today on Spinning the State: Racine: Racine and Kenosha at risk for measles outbreaks. Green Bay: Taste of the Draft Gala will feature 20 Wisconsin Supper Clubs.

1:14- Elon Musk has now broken the record on the amount of money spent by an outside group campaigning for a U.S. Judicial Race in the United States. Kristin and Brian speak to President of American Bridge 21st Century and leading expert in opposition research and political strategy, Pat Dennis to understand why billionaires care so much about state supreme courts. Dennis shares, if this amount of spending really helps secures elections, if the spending impacts turnout, what role do congressional maps play for the candidates and backers and if there is a return to normalcy when electing non-political roles like supreme court seats. 1:41 - Last year Kristin and Brian interviewed participants of The Wisconsin 14 a 3-day “solution Session” where 14 different Wisconsinites gathered to find common ground on abortion and recommend policy solutions that everyone could agree on. Through this experiment two contributors formed a friendship and a new group, "Builders Movement". They join the show to talk about their collaborative event discussing Gun Control. Builders Movement Communications Lead Tori Larned and Clinical Mental Health Counselor Bria Halama share what their event will be like, what inspired them to create the event, if there has been movement form the policies the Wisconsin 14 developed and their work with Builders Movement.

Author of "Digital Girlhood" Dr. Kate Phelps joins Kristin and Brian to discuss the absence of girls in the conversation/articles/opinions on adolescent girls online. Dr. Phelps shares why she decided to study "tween girls", why she thinks society's view on girls and social media is too simplistic, what positives she took from these conversations and her biggest takeaways. Then Public Investigator Reporter Gina Lee Castro and Data Reporter Eva Wen of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel join Kristin and Brian to talk about their reporting on Sheriffs throughout the state of Wisconsin and their stances on ICE. Then Kristin and Brian give more of their thoughts on the Signal National Security Scandal.

Today on Spinning the State: Madison: A tailgate celebration for Wisconsin's best spellers. Oshkosh: Ed Gein the Musical to debut in Oshkosh.

Today on Spanning the State Kristin Brey and Brian Noonan take on the major story of the day. Top national security officials for President Donald Trump, including his defense secretary, texted plans for upcoming military strikes in Yemen to a group chat in a secure messaging app that included the editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic. Kristin and Brian discuss how this mistake is a major risk to national security as well as their thoughts on how the online community has reacted to it with humor and if this is a correct reaction. Then CEO and President of Pearls for Girls Tiffany Tardy joins Kristin Brey and Brian Noonan for Giving Tuesday. Tardy explains how Pearls for Girls, an organization that served over 12,000 girls in Milwaukee by empowering them with self-development tools, guidance and support to strive better for brighter futures for over 30 years. Tardy shares the history of the program, more details on how the program works and the qualifications to join as well as their "Inspired to Lead" event in April. Also, actor and Comedian Patton Oswald is coming to Milwaukee for the 20th Annual Milwaukee Comedy Festival.

A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel column by James Causey addressed "crappy manners" regarding picking up dog poop and how it gets discarded. Brian chimes in with his thoughts and the current state of manners and if society still has basic etiquette. Then President of One Fair Wage Saru Jayaraman joins Brian to talk about subminimum wage. They discuss the work of One Fair Wage, what will happen if the tax on tipped wages ends, how did subminimum wage begin, and what is the 25 by 250 campaign. Also, as we approach opening day for the Milwaukee Brewers, Brian shares what new foods are coming to American Family Insurance field this season.

Today on Spinning the State: Milwaukee: Lego Milwaukee Art Museum won’t become an official set. Racine: City approves 1:00 a.m. close time for food trucks. Trempealeau: Raptor project launches bald eagle webcam.

Today on Spanning the State Brian is solo. Brian discusses President Donald Trump public ally endorsed Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Brad Schimel. Brian poses the question/ ponders what is driving Wisconsin voters to the polls now that this election has taken a more national stance. He also makes a point that this election may be solely based on turnout. Then Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Legal Studies at the Universities of Wisconsin-Madison Howard Schweber joins Brian Noonan about the relevancy of judges and the court judicial system in this current Trump Administration. Schweber shares a refresher on what is the judicial branch and how it works, what the Alien Enemies Act and how it’s being fought by federal judges, and if we are facing a constitutional crisis and what that means for Americans.

Migration to Wisconsin has reached its highest level in the last two decades. However, the uptick hasn't come from citizens from other states but from other countries. Kristin and Steve share their thoughts on this new record and how it may change now based on the crackdown on immigration. They also compare this to the dwindling number of people not having children. Then Kristin and Steve discuss the growing loneliness epidemic sweeping younger generations and across the country. However, according to a survey by The Pulse states on the Northern half of the country are don't suffer as much from loneliness. Later Kristin and Steve also plug their new podcast "You Need to Listen" which can be found on all streaming services. Also, they plat the Grandiloquent Game Show w/ Steve Scaffidi: NCAA Tournament Trivia.

Today on Spinning the State: Egg Harbor: “Overwhelming” response to call for extras in Door County for feature film. Stevens Point: UW-Stevens Point to host “World’s Largest Trivia Contest”.

Today on Spanning the State Kristin Brey is joined by guest co-host Steve Scaffidi. Steve shares his expertise as the former mayor of Oak Creek with Kristin to explain the controversy surrounding the potential opening of the chain gas station Buc-ee's. They also discuss the obsession with gas stations and if being a creature of habit is a good or bad thing. Then on the Political Power HALF Hour with Steve Scaffidi, Steve and Kristin Brey chat about looming supreme court decisions to limit presidential powers as the Trump Administration has tested the limits during his second term. They discuss President Trump's radical deportation measures that are affecting immigrants and legal citizens. Steve also shares insights from his interviews with Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford.

Kristin, Brian, and producer Rhea kick-off March Mammal Madness on Spanning the State. Today they share what the mammal-forward NCAA-esq tournament is, how it started and how they plan to play along. Text “Mammal” to the talk and text line (855)616-1620 for more information, check out our brackets and even print your own to play along. Then just days after early voting opened for Wisconsin Clerks received a record number of absentee ballots for the April Supreme Court Election. Kristin and Brian discuss how this number vastly different from the numbers we witnessed two years ago, what three counties are leading the rest of the state in returned absentee ballots, and what listeners should know about the voter ID referendum on the ballot. Later Minneapolis rock band Semisonic, known for their hit “Closing Time” is protesting the White House using their popular song in a video showing a handcuffed deportee on social media. Kristin and Brian discuss this and several other music artists who have stopped President Trump from using their music along with those who also said no to Democratic parties.

Today on Spinning the State: Madison: Bill inspired by Kenosha County Sheriff’s police dog passes State Assembly. Ellsworth: Wisconsin Festival placed in the Top 10 of USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Today on Spanning the State, based on yesterday’s conversation over the lack of debate between Department of Instruction candidates Dr. Jill Underly and Brittany Kinser, Kristin Brey and Brian Noonan found on further research that the candidates had a 90-minute zoom forum hosted by the Wisconsin Public Education Network the NAACP Wisconsin State Council of Branches, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed. Kristin and Brian discuss what was said during the forum, major talking points they missed and their thoughts on school testing. Then Ashley Luthern of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins Kristin and Brian to discuss open records and the Sunshine Week. Sunshine week is a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government. Luthern further explains the importance of this week, the sunshine fest held in Washington D.C. happening this week and how common citizens are not utilizing the benefits of open records and how to access them. Later Kristin and Brian discuss a viral video of an American influencer and wildlife biologist from Montana is setting the internet a blaze after they were filmed snatching a baby wombat from its mother in Australia. The incident has resulted in an investigation by immigration authorities and a mass petition calling for her deportation.

Amongst the Trump Administration continuing its rigorous deportation efforts they also listed the country of Loas as “Uncooperative” when it didn’t receive its deportees. One victim of this has been Ma Yang, a 37-year-old Hmong Milwaukee woman who was deported to Loas. Sophie Carson a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel who has been covering this story, joins Kristin and Brian to further discuss the details of this bizarre story, the grounds for why she was deported, new updates, the questionable legal advice she received and what will happen next. Then Kristin and Brian discuss the lack of a debate between Department of Public Instruction candidates Dr. Jill Underly and Brittany Kinser. They share why the debate was canceled, why they wish the debate would happen and the biggest issue on the line, "Public School vs. School Choice". Later there is a debate online and specifically all over TikTok on the proper way to wash your laundry and the proper way to stack dishes in the dishwasher. Brian and Kristin share what they think is the right way.

Today on Spinning the State: DePere: St. Norbert’s College begins terminating faculty and programming. Madison: Violations for over slating sidewalks rose in Madison, but still no fines.

Today on Spanning the State Kristin Brey and Brian Noonan discuss the importance of endorsements and admonishments in newspapers. They share their thoughts on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel new editorial commenting on Elon Musk’s troublesome political group that is manufacturing a disinformation campaign against Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Susan Crawford. Also, today is National Laugh Day. Kristin and Brian lighten the rainy day with some of their best jokes and share stats on what laughter does for the health along with the other benefits of laughing. Then Assistant Professor of Public Affairs and Expert on Violence Against Women, Mariel Barnes joins Kristin and Brian to discuss the “Manosphere”. Barnes explains new research on online ecosystem dubbed as the “Manosphere” consisting of men between the ages of 18 and 29 hold a major influence in national politics. Barnes shares when this group started popping up, how content creators are profiting off of this group, how it’s manifesting offline and the implications it has on society.

On the heels of the Milwaukee's oldest and one of the nation's oldest LGBTQ bars This Is It! There is a new need for a LGBTQ-friendly third space. Operator of pop-up concept "Mother's" Chef Vanessa Rose joins Kristin and Brian to discuss a campaign to open House of Bridges in the old Company Brewing building. Rose explains her vision for House of Bridges, why they are fundraising through crowdfunding versus seeing a loan or grants, and upcoming fundraising event EAT! Author of "Funny Because It's True: How the Onion Created Modern American News Satire" and original staff writer for the Onion, Christine Wec joins Kristin and Brian to talk their book and experience working on the publication. Wec shares why it was like at the start of The Onion, transitioning The Onion to online, her inspiration for writing the book and how The Onion is keeping up with the modern era.

Today on Spinning the State: Oshkosh: Local newsroom wins six journalism awards. Lake Mills: Local woman wins gold at Special Olympics Winter Games in Italy.