La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Democratic Party Chair for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, William Garcia, stopped in studio to unpack why he believes U.S. House Rep. Derrick Van Orden is running a “desperate” re-election campaign. Garcia highlights Van Orden’s use of AI deepfake videos on social media and bringing controversial Trump cabinet officials, like RFK Jr., into the district. We also discussed state and national politics surrounding data centers — including between governor candidates David Crowley and Tom Tiffany — and the fallout from federal food safety rollbacks. Plus, we go off on a sci-fi tangent about how Dune and The Matrix reflect today’s tech and cultural conflicts. Episode Highlights: Deepfake AI Videos: Garcia calls out Van Orden for posting AI-generated “slop” videos of challenger Rebecca Cooke on social media to fool voters. RFK Jr. Photo Op: Why standing next to the Health Secretary backfires in a heavily rural, agricultural district currently dealing with widespread food recalls. The Debate Stand-Off: Garcia addresses the push to schedule a 3rd District debate and accuses Van Orden’s team of dodging negotiations to run out the clock. Data Center War: How Tom Tiffany is trying to label David Crowley as “pro-data center” in the governor’s race despite Tiffany’s own Congressional votes blocking restrictions on AI development. Scifi Meets Politics: A look at how Dune and The Matrix serve as modern allegories for AI overreach, technological dependency, and trans identity.

One homeless meeting down, another to go in La Crosse, as Mac Kiel stopped in the WIZM studio for the Rick Solem Show to help break them down, as well as preview committee week. The homeless conversation centered on a recent two-hour special meeting with a state official, in what Kiel called a “lively discussion and debate” between department heads and council members over short-term enforcement versus long-term solutions. Our chat also looked ahead to the Pathways Home update on Sept 8, where the city and county will review progress on the five-year strategy. Plus, we unpacked the fallout after the city administrator vote fell just short of a supermajority, examine a closed-session library board meeting addressing a projected $400,000 deficit next year,, dive into new life for the old north side library community plan, and look ahead to committee week (J&A and F&P meeting agendas) — including a proposed charter ordinance on department head hiring, a municipal fine hike, and buying the Girl Scout building back for $1. Episode Highlights: Kmart Project Gridlock: Details how changing developer figures and delayed city approvals are stalling the long-awaited site revival. Homelessness Boiling Point: Recounts a packed two-hour session as city departments and council members clash over short-term enforcement versus long-term plans. Library Budget Squeeze: Unpacks a closed-session board meeting addressing potential staffing cuts amid wider city deficit fears. Department Head Oversight: Explores a proposed charter ordinance that would give the city a one-year window to dismiss new hires at will. North Side Plan Approved: Highlights ECDC’s green light for a community group’s $843,000 vision to repurpose the former library. Citation Fee Hike: Examines a proposal raising municipal court fines for the first time since 2014 to offset tight city budgets. Kiel is a former La Crosse City Council member, who is an advocate for providing the public with what is happening with city government. She also serves on some city boards and works with the unsheltered population.

It’s data centers now, because it’s not Francesca Hong. That looks to be how the Wisconsin governor’s race is shaping up, and state Republican leader Ryan Huebsch stopped in studio to analyze the fight between Tom Tiffany and David Crowley. Huebsch, the GOP Vice Chair of the 3rd Congressional District, weighed in on whether early Republican attacks against Hong backfired by clearing a path for Crowley, while outlining how Tiffany's team plans to leverage Crowley’s remarks on data centers — plus how a “Double T” strategy, looking back to the GOP Gov. Tommy Thompson days, could be coming. We also talked about whether voters will get to see Derrick Van Orden and Rebecca Cooke debate, and the partisan argument for avoiding them and town halls. Additional topics included Huebsch's argument that local Assembly lines were redrawn to favor Democrats, as well as the divide over whether state parties should endorse candidates in primary races. which Republicans do and Democrats don’t in Wisconsin. Episode Highlights: The Early Ad Backfire: Concedes that early Republican attack ads during the primary may have accidentally weeded out a weaker opponent. The "Double T" Strategy: Details how Tom Tiffany is leaning into his shared initials with Tommy Thompson to build momentum across the state. Data Center Showdown: Explores why data centers unexpectedly became the biggest talking point in the governor's race. The Map Battle: Argues new legislative boundaries divide rural and urban communities to help Democrats retain key Assembly seats. Party Endorsement Pitfalls: Weighs whether official primary party endorsements actually help candidates or trigger grassroots voter backlash. Town Halls & Debates: Why candidates on both sides avoid partisan forums, and whether Van Orden and Rebecca Cooke will ever end up on a debate stage.

She’s searching for the building blocks of life in deep space, and now UW-Madison astrochemistry Ph.D. student Alejandra Lopez Holguin is bringing that search to Trempealeau. Lopez Holguin joined The Rick Solem Show to share her journey from a small town in Mexico to studying interstellar molecules — and to preview her hosting Friday’s free “Universe in the Park” event at Perrot State Park. Lopez Holguin also breaks down the science of her search for life in deep space — including whether she gets to name any new discovery something like “Lil Alejandra” — plus we had to talk space movies — her love for Interstellar and why we’re not living on Mars like in The Martian. EVENT DETAILS WHEN: Friday, Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. WHERE: Perrot State Park in Trempealeau COST: Free (No registration required, open to all ages) WHAT TO EXPECT: A 30-to-40-minute interactive talk exploring how the chemical elements inside our bodies were forged in stars, followed by guided outdoor telescope viewing (weather permitting). EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Odds of life in space: Why discovering precursor organic molecules floating around space means life could easily exist well beyond Earth. Alejandra’s Project Hail Mary: How a chemical engineer with zero astronomy background sent 100 cold emails, survived 98 rejections, and landed the single life-changing internship that launched her career. Space Detective: What it’s actually like using giant radio telescopes to hunt down hidden molecules in deep space. We’re Not Moving to Mars: Breaking down why Elon Musk’s colonization plans hit a wall when faced with real-world space environment realities.

We got the guy to blame for all the chaos in the Wisconsin primary election in studio to defend why he chose not to run for governor. Attorney General Josh Kaul played along with the bit that his decision not to run caused multiple people to drop out of the Democratic primary, before David Crowley got back in and eked  out a win over Francesca Hong. Kaul was also asked how many times he’s sued Donald Trump and, while his answer was alarming, the AG got into some of those lawsuit “wins,” (that hit home over PFAS and homelessness) along with explaining another high-profile fight over Elon Musk’s $1 million voter giveaways — and why La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke ended up taking the lead as special prosecutor on the case. Key Topics: Suing Trump & Local Impact: How federal lawsuit victories over funding freezes safeguard local projects, including housing dollars tied to La Crosse's Pathways Home initiative. The Elon Musk Lottery Case: Why the legal challenge over Musk's $1 million voter giveaways landed on the desk of La Crosse County DA Tim Gruenke as special prosecutor. PFAS & Industrial Contamination: Holding polluters like Tyco and 3M accountable in places like Marinette, and how local suits connect to the widespread cleanup on French Island. CDL Privacy & Tech Guardrails: State pushback against federal attempts to access truck driver data, local concerns over Flock license plate cameras, and the push for statewide data center standards. Following His Mom's Footsteps: Reflecting on the actual day-to-day scope of the Wisconsin DOJ and serving in the same AG role his mother held in the early 2000s.

Rick opens the show talking some headlines, including potential cuts La Crosse's library might have to face — one over the city's budget, where a special meeting Monday could see a reduction in staff, while the other comes from the feds potentially cutting internet subsidies to libraries. 

They're two of La Crosse's best-ever basketballers but — for being Division I athletes headed overseas for Year 2 of the pros — we find out one of them is utterly terrible at bar-league sand volleyball. Jordan Davis and Lexi Donarski stopped by the studio before heading back to Europe.  We hit on everything from how bad Jordan and his twin brother Johnny are on the sand to how many free tacos they scored after Johnny’s famous Taco Bell commercial — plus Lexi’s history of locking down WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark going back to high school.  Donarski, a five-year starter at Iowa State and North Carolina, is headed to play for Cadí La Seu in Northern Spain (though she can’t quite pronounce the city name yet).  Meanwhile, Jordan — who of course played for the Wisconsin Badgers before heading to Illinois State — is weighing his options after spending last year in Belgrade, Serbia. We also dive into their chaotic experiences with the transfer portal, how they missed out on big NIL money by just a year, and what it was like playing alongside Johnny as he nearly won player of the year, to getting drafted 10th overall in the NBA draft. In this episode: Life Across the Pond: Lexi prepares for Spain after a year in Budapest, while Jordan reflects on playing in Belgrade, Serbia — navigating solo roster spots, language barriers, and long bus rides across Europe. The High School Heartbreak & College Grind: Reliving the abruptly canceled 2020 state tournament runs because of COVID to everything college hoops — from best memories to the madness of surviving the transfer portal. Family Ties & Draft Day: Jordan talks of playing with his brother Johnny during an NCAA Player of the Year run and getting drafted No. 10, to his brother's next chapter in Turkey. Plus how Jordan almost played college football instead. Guarding Caitlin Clark: Lexi breaks down her matchup history facing WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark and her defensive mindset head-to-head against elite scorers. Sand Volleyball "Legends": Both stars spent their summer playing rec sand volleyball at a local bar in La Crosse — and why Lexi carries the Davis bros on the team.

The Wisconsin governor's race has turned into who can run away from data centers the fastest — unless you really love cheese. UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio to break down the ironic data center clash between Tom Tiffany and David Crowley and the bizarre argument by Wisconsin's econ chief that hating data centers means giving up dairy. But we start the show with WIZM’s Brad Williams breaking down Tiffany’s campaign stop at a Coon Valley farm and the La Crosse Park Board’s decision to shorten operating hours at Cameron and Burns Parks. Key Topics: Cheese vs. Data Centers: Reacting to the WEDC secretary claiming that data centers take less water than making cheese — so if we want one, then we must have the other. "Data Center David Crowley" & Campaign Strategy: How Tom Tiffany is trying to brand David Crowley as "Data Center David," Crowley's local veto defense, and why moratorium talk is spreading across both parties. Data Center Backlash: Why candidates in the governor's race are scrambling to pin data centers on each other, and how national public opinion has rapidly shifted against tech infrastructure. Tom Tiffany in Coon Valley: Brad Williams recaps Tiffany’s campaign stop on a local farm to press agricultural and land preservation issues. Shortened Park Hours: Brad Williams details the La Crosse Park Board’s vote to trim closing hours at Cameron and Burns Parks.

City administrator drama, changing park hours, and clearing up budget confusion with La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey in the WIZM studio Thursday for the The Rick Solem Show. Washington-Spivey discusses the council failing to pass a city administrator ordinance again and what the path forward looks like. Plus, we discuss homelessness with two meetings coming up soon, the closure of Karuna House and park hour reductions. We also touch on the $600,000 allocation of funds for public market plans, the real story behind the city’s $8 million budget shortfall for next year, and the old north side library’s future.   Key Topics: City Administrator Reset: What now after the charter ordinance failed by one vote, the mayor’s push for a flexible operational leadership model, and how the city’s ongoing workforce study factors in. Park Hours & Public Nuisances: Adjusting operating hours at Burns and Cameron Parks to 6 a.m.–9 p.m. to curb late-night disturbances and illegal camping. Homelessness & Regional Strategy: Previews of upcoming city and county work sessions on the Pathways Home initiative, and navigating the operational fallout of Karuna House closing. Debunking the $8M Budget Deficit: Breaking down the baseline calculations from the budget parameter meeting and how state Expenditure Restraint Program (ERP) targets actually work. $600K Public Market Investment: Allocating TID funds for a comprehensive market feasibility study and broader urban renewal vision. North Side Library: Mayor offers a quick update, after one group expresses interest in the building. Listen live weekdays at 5:05 p.m. Find the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcast or here. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska) 

Ahead of Friday night's season openers, both of La Crosse's high school football coaches stopped in studio to talk about why kids don't watch games anymore, what it’s like preparing for the iconic "Ark" rivalry game between them and the evolution of the game — and the athletes. Central’s Michael Arnold and Logan’s Casey Knoble step away from the playbooks for a wide-ranging, lighthearted chat about the shifting culture of high school sports. Before diving into the gridiron, we discuss how the high school experience has evolved — from cell phone bans in school to playbooks going from VHS tapes to iPads. The coaches also break down the veteran vs. rookie dynamic between Knoble (entering his 16th season) and Arnold (entering his 1st), and how today's hyper-trained athletes compare to past generations. Topic rundown: Teaching & Tech Culture: How cell phone bans impact school life, managing student iPads, and keeping kids focused away from screens. 16 Seasons vs. Season 1: Casey Knoble’s veteran perspective leading Logan versus Michael Arnold stepping into his first year as Central's head coach. The Evolution of the Game: The shift from crowding around a TV to watch a VHS tape in the '90s to breaking down film on individual phones and iPads. Toughness & Training: Why traditional two-a-day practices disappeared, how athlete conditioning has changed, and why kids don't watch games like they used to. Modern Roster Realities: Managing 70+ player rosters, handling the physical toll on two-way starters, and navigating post-COVID athlete turnout. The Ark of Victory: The deep tradition, school culture, and lasting memories surrounding La Crosse's iconic carved wooden rivalry trophy. Coaching Beyond the Field: Drawing inspiration from Ted Lasso on connecting with players, building lasting relationships, and preparing kids for life after high school.

A $1.3 million jail redesign to better handle severe mental health challenges and the future of 111 acres of county farmland in West Salem are two of the big topics discussed with La Crosse County Board Chair Tina Tryggestad. Beyond the big policy votes, Tryggestad shares a personal connection to the old Shelby ball fields on 33rd Street as the county considers a new lease agreement. Plus, a lighthearted look at why steady, "boring" county government is usually a sign that local operations are actually working. Key Topics: $1.3 Million Jail Redesign: Why the county is drawing $1.3M from current budget savings for redesign blueprints—a project expected to cost around $10 million total—to address severe mental health challenges, safely separate inmate populations, and protect jailers. 111-Acre West Salem Farmland Review: Where things stand with 11 concept proposals (RFIs) submitted to potentially build housing on county-owned farmland, and how county leadership is partnering with the Village of West Salem on next steps. Personal Connections at Hillview Ball Fields: Tryggestad reflects on her adult kids playing Shelby youth baseball on 33rd Street as the county considers transferring the field lease to the School District of La Crosse for Central High School athletics. Sunsetting SMRT Bus Funding: The practical factors behind ending La Crosse County's financial support for Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit by December 31 due to low ridership metrics and dropped contributions from neighboring counties. $22.3M ARPA Impact Report: A recap of how federal pandemic relief funds were deployed—including $12M toward the Hillview redesign, transitional housing units, and regional childcare grants. Why "Boring" Government Works: Rick and Tina open with a lighthearted look at why steady, reliable county operations rarely generate chaotic headlines—and why consistency is the ultimate goal.

Did a CNN interview about canceling Thanksgiving actually cost Francesca Hong the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor?  UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio to break down David Crowley’s wild comeback, progressive — and GOP — strategy missteps, and how Tom Tiffany’s general election playbook changes overnight. Plus, a play-by-play of a five-hour La Crosse city council meeting that ended with no city administrator, but tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars for other priorities, with WIZM's Brad Williams and Kevin Millard helping break things down. Key Topics: The Crowley "Comeback:" Did David Crowley need to drop out of the race to pull off a razor-thin victory over Francesca Hong? The "Thanksgiving" Breakthrough: How a 2020 tweet and a viral CNN interview with Caitlin Collins became the turning point that reached casual voters. The Progressive Sitting-Out: Why Bernie Sanders and AOC opted not to endorse Hong, and what it signals about the national power struggle within the Democratic Party. GOP Primary Mind Games: Did Republicans attack Hong too early, and did seven-figure "reverse psychology" ads in Madison and Milwaukee backfire? City Administrator Denied: Brad Williams breaks down the 5-hour La Crosse City Council marathon that came up one vote short of a two-thirds majority. French Island & TIF Debates: The city's move to spend $90K fighting French Island’s incorporation, plus a $600K study for a permanent public market.

Fresh off a wild, razor-thin Democratic primary for governor, Wisconsin State Assembly Rep. Jill Billings (D-La Crosse) stopped in studio to unpack what just went down — and where state politics go from here. Plus, we dive into new state safety funding for UW-La Crosse dorms, policy realities on property taxes and marijuana, and a deeply personal story about a "Star Trek" clinical trial that saved her mom. In this episode: Primary Fallout & Strategy: We break down David Crowley’s dramatic primary victory over Francesca Hong, how key endorsements shifted momentum late, and what messaging actually broke through to nonpolitical voters as Democrats turn their focus to Tom Tiffany. Reaching the Unaligned Voter: A candid look at voter instincts on the ground, how past communications can haunt candidates, and what the primary results signal about the state of the party. Policy Realities & Revenue: The debate over legalizing marijuana, and the hard math behind funding universal childcare without a New Mexico-style oil boom. Local Action & UW-La Crosse: Securing state funding for new fire sprinklers and alarms in UW-La Crosse dorms, local development updates, and her mom's "Star Trek" cancer trial.

What’s the biggest competitor to movie theaters today? It’s not streaming — it’s the little screen in everyone’s hand. Clara and Jon Gelatt, co-owners of La Crosse’s historic Rivoli Theatre, in studio to help us take a break from politics on primary day and chat about our favorite bad movies — including a 1980s Wisconsin-based horror flick playing Friday at the Riv — the need to keep physical media, plus kids and screen addiction. In this episode: Screen Time Battles: Both being parents, we talk navigating kids on phones, attention span fatigue, and the house rule against "dual screening." Wisconsin B-Movie Horror: Jon breaks down his obsession with Blood Hook (1985) — a cult slasher about a killer fisherman shot in Hayward, WI — playing at 10 p.m. Friday, plus the upcoming screening of the regional horror film Dead Media with the director stopping at the Rivoli. Our Favorite Good-Bad Movies: Rick defends Vin Diesel’s sci-fi epic The Chronicles of Riddick, while Clara makes the case for the sheer chaos of Jurassic World Dominion. Taste of the Movies & Local Events: How pairing catered meals with films (and hosting community screenings like the International Owl Center's documentary) fills the theater. The Death of Digital Ownership: Why digital platforms deleting purchased movies help inspire the Rivoli’s new second-floor Video Rental Closet and monthly "Video Lounge" happy hours. Theater Perks: Late-night screenings, Mario Kart on the big screen, and community event programming. Check out upcoming showtimes, special event tickets, and membership details at Rivoli.net.

A committee meeting gets hacked, the ongoing debate over a City Administrator, a $600,000 push for a public market, and millions going toward the old Kmart and Shopko sites — those are just a couple of topics we hit on with La Crosse City Council president Tamra Dickinson in studio, ahead of Thursday's monthly meeting. The council meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall, where members could face a crucial vote on creating a city administrator position. It’s a debate that’s been building for over three years, but one of many interesting things happening at council Thursday. Topics covered in this episode: Zoom Hijacking Investigation: What happened during last week's committee meeting, how quick IT action shut it down, and where things stand with Zoom and local police. City Administrator Debate: The amount of public outreach on creating the position, how much we've covered it on the show, and what needs to happen before a final vote. Public Market Push: Allocating $600,000 to update a 2017 feasibility study and partner with the RDA on pre-development plans. Kmart & Shopko Site Funding: Redirecting up to $3 million in TID 11 funds toward critical underground utility infrastructure to support new developments at Bridgeview Plaza and the former Kmart lot. Healthcare Committee Referendum: A petition drive with around 5,000 valid signatures puts a new Citizens Advisory Healthcare Action Committee on the November ballot. North Side Railroad Crossings Saved: How local pushback forced the DOT to abandon plans to dead-end Avon and St. Cloud streets. 18-Month Data Center Moratorium: Why the city is pausing new data center builds to align with county policy while studying future land use. Bird City Designation: Why La Crosse is reapplying for Bird City status—and how local stray cat policies keep it off the "high-flying" list. Check out the full Thursday City Council meeting agenda and details on the La Crosse Legistar Page.

Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster in studio, after touring La Crosse and local infrastructure projects across Western Wisconsin — plus we hit him with drivers' real dilemmas like orange-cone gridlock, bike lanes and roundabout madness. KEY TOPICS: The Lansing Bridge Lifeline: Why McMaster says the Mississippi River ferry might be retired sooner than expected, and what contractors are doing to accelerate the new bridge opening. The Federal Stance on Bike Lanes: Where federal taxpayer dollars are going, why motor vehicles are getting top priority under USDOT, and where that leaves city bike projects. "Turbo Roundabouts" & Traffic Lights: From multi-lane intersections to cutting 12 months off environmental reviews, McMaster breaks down how D.C. plans to fix everyday traffic. First Impressions of La Crosse: Why McMaster called La Crosse a "great little town"—and the one traffic light he made a mental note to report back on. From Corporate Executive to Federal Highways: What brought the former Boeing and HNTB leader back into government, and what his wife really complains about when they hit the road.

What issues are facing young people right now? We got the answers from three La Crosse residents who represent different factions of the Young Democrats. Jake Williams (State Chair of the Young Democrats of Wisconsin), Hannah Dull (Chair of the La Crosse Young Democrats), and Grant Mathu (Vice Chair of the La Crosse Young Democrats & La Crosse County Board Supervisor) stopped by the studio to break down the political and economic landscape for people in their 20s. SHOW TOPICS: The Affordability Grind: Why rent, groceries (frozen pizzas) and healthcare make saving for a home feel impossible — and what government is (not) doing about it. Data Centers & 160-Acre Pickleball Courts: Mathu breaks down the La Crosse County Board's 28-2 vote to pass a data center moratorium, why the issue is uniting voters across party lines, and what happens to these massive facilities in 20 years. The Governor’s Race & Primary Politics: Navigating the Dem Party's primary neutrality, candidate dropouts, ranked-choice voting, and Francesca Hong’s viral stance on data centers. Local Headlines & Pop Culture: Reacting to a bizarre Zoom-hacking incident at a La Crosse Finance & Personnel meeting, local road and pool closures, and why Real Steel and Oblivion hold the answers to modern politics.

Data centers, the Wisconsin governor's race, and how a failed private insurance policy turned him into a defender of BadgerCare — Republican candidate for Assembly District 95, Cedric Schnitzler, stopped in studio to talk about those topics and more. Running against Democratic incumbent Jill Billings, Schnitzler — the Monroe County Board chair — broke down why Monroe paused data center developments, slammed lawmakers in Madison for walking away from the $2.3 billion state budget surplus deal, and called for cutting red tape to aid rural childcare providers. Key Topics Data Centers: Discusses the state's role in regulating data centers as Monroe County enacts an 18-month moratorium to study local impacts. Healthcare: Explains why he supports BadgerCare based on personal family experience and calls for more cost transparency in the system. State Budget Surplus: Shares his perspective on the failed $2.3B surplus package and why lawmakers need to stay in Madison to fund special education and property tax relief. Childcare: Addresses rural childcare shortages and advocates for regulatory relief for local providers. Governor’s Race: Weighs in on potential Francesca Hong vs. Tom Tiffany matchup and advocates for a return to middle-ground governance. Schnitzler has served on the Monroe County Board for nearly 30 years — including a decade as chair — and spent 30 years as an organic dairy farmer before transitioning to beef cattle. Beyond county government, he serves on the Wisconsin Counties Association Board of Directors and acts as a caregiver at home for disabled children. Read more on his campaign page or on Facebook.

School is about to start again and the La Crosse teachers' union president stopped in studio to talk about touring the old Trane building donated to the district. La Crosse Education Association president Jill Schams also discussed where the union stands politically in the Wisconsin governor's race, private school voucher funding, and the Act 10 lawsuit. Here's what we covered: Inside the Trane Building: What Schams saw during her walk-through, why the space is brighter and more usable than it looks from the outside, and how the district could roll it out in phases for teacher training, higher-ed partnerships, and sports facilities. Starting School on Aug. 20: How applying for a DPI waiver saves the district roughly $200,000 by aligning busing schedules with local private schools—and why teachers and parents prefer structured mid-year breaks. The Act 10 Lawsuit Heading to the State Supreme Court: What a potential reversal would mean for local teachers looking to regain full collective bargaining rights over class sizes, workday hours, and working conditions. Voucher School Funding & Political Endorsements: Why the state union is backing candidate Kelda Roys in the primary, plus the push to itemize private voucher school costs directly on local property tax bills, and how over $2 million leaves La Crosse public schools annually. Elementary Consolidation & Teacher Layoffs: How the merger of State Road into Pamel Creek and upcoming building closures will impact staffing, and why natural retirements should prevent major teacher layoffs.

It’s committee week in the City of La Crosse, where the creation of an administrator position is back on the agenda, along with new movement on a potential public market. Mac Kiel stopped in studio to help break down the key items up for discussion across Judiciary & Administration (J&A) and Finance & Personnel (F&P). We talk about how a 4,500+ signature petition could lead to a new committee, TID funds slotted for the old Kmart and Shopko sites, and a proposed pause on data center developments. Plus, Kiel helps break down the city’s projected $8 million budget shortfall for next year and how that compares to this time last year, when La Crosse was facing a $5 million shortfall at this time. Just to note, the J&A committee meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday (agenda) due to National Night Out, while the F&P (agenda) meets at its regularly scheduled 6 p.m. Thursday time. Topics moving through committee: Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan: Key updates and greenway adjustments Public Market: $600,000 in TID funds proposed to update feasibility studies Capital Improvement Project: Reviewing the $60 million CIP budget Downtown Parking: $187,000 assessment for properties in the downtown district Town of Campbell Incorporation: $90,000 allocation to support the city's legal appeal Legal Settlement: $75,000 city payout for a vehicle accident claim Public Safety & Environment: Police department SAFE camera donation and filing to reinstate La Crosse as a official "Bird City" Kiel is a former La Crosse City Council member, who is an advocate for providing the public with what is happening with city government. She also serves on some city boards and works with the unsheltered population.

It’s been a wild 24 hours — and an even wilder three weeks — in Wisconsin politics. Just as the latest Marquette Law School Poll wrapped up, another major candidate dropped out of the Democratic primary for governor. So, who better to help explain that than the premier pollster in the state? Dr. Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, joins alongside UW-L political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky. Together, they break down the latest polling data, unpack the chaos of a rapidly shifting candidate field — including Franklin’s story about hearing Mandela Barnes dropped out right after putting out a new poll and nearly driving into a ditch — and look under the hood at how modern polling actually works in a high-stakes swing state. MAIN TOPICS: The Primary Moving Target: Dr. Franklin shares his real-time reaction to major candidate exits (including Barnes dropping out right after polling completed) and explains how pollsters re-allocate "second choice" votes and "leaners." The Rise of Francesca Hong: A breakdown of candidate trajectories — how Hong built steady, organic momentum among younger and very liberal voters while other campaigns remained flat or stalled out. How Polling Actually Works Today: Busting the myth of random digit landline calling. Dr. Franklin explains Marquette's modern hybrid methodology using voter lists, text/email links, online panels, and how they filter out low-attention or "trash" responses. MAGA, Socialist & Political Buzzwords: A look at Marquette's polling experiment on "Democratic Socialism" vs. "DSA" — and a discussion on how labels like "MAGA," "Socialist," and "Fascist" are weaponized on the campaign trail and whether overusing them dilutes their impact. The Limited Power of Endorsements: Why 89% of state Democrats approve of Gov. Tony Evers, yet his endorsement of David Crowley hasn't automatically translated into primary vote totals — plus why primary voters consistently make up their minds in the final days.

From the business community's perspective, La Crosse needs a city administrator. La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Sam Scinta and government relations director Allyson Fergot in studio explaining why 99% of their members support the move — and why they believe operating without one is costing the city more in the long run. HIGHLIGHTS: Overwhelming business support: Why 99% of the Chamber's 540-plus members—from small shops to non-profits and healthcare—back the position. Streamlining development: Why local non-profits told the Chamber they would rather have a city administrator than a new zoning code to cut through red tape. Managing a $74 million operation: Why treating city government like a complex enterprise requires consistent, professional management alongside elected policy makers. Predictability for local business: How a central administrator creates clear processes and stable leadership that outlasts political turnover. Next week the city council begins again its debate on creating the charter ordinance position, beginning with the Judiciary and Administrative Committee (agenda) at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The council did get the same ordinance through by a 7-6 vote back in February, but it needed a supermajority. NOTE: This interview was recorded prior to Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey releasing a video opposing the proposed charter ordinance. The mayor argued the specific legislation takes statutory power away from elected leadership and removes the voice of the people from City Hall. Watch and read more about the mayor's response here.

A day after the first and only televised debate, UW-La Crosse professor emeritus, Dr. Joe Heim, joined to give his thoughts on the Wisconsin governor's race.  Most of the focus was on the race in general, though all five Democratic candidates debated the night before.  Heim talks about Francesca Hong running as a Democratic Socialist and Tom Tiffany being a far-right candidate and how that might play out in a purple state, where a lot of elections are decided by just a few percentage points. We also discussed the saga over Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropping out, David Crowley getting back in the race and Gov. Tony Evers endorsing him — over his Mandela Barnes, his old lieutenant governor. 

We caught up with Emily Berge on the campaign trail for the U.S. House in Wisconsin's 3rd District, getting her thoughts on financial disclosure extensions granted to her opponent. Also, Brad Williams joins us to break down two cases going through the courts — the Cody Alland murder trial and the case of a 61-year-old driver who hit 27-year-old Tarianna Thompson with his pickup after failing to stop at an intersection. Thompson, who was riding her bike, died nine days later, and an inquest jury on Monday recommended charges be brought against the driver, Richard Myron. In the second half of the show, with the Aug. 11 primary just weeks away, Berge discusses her growing momentum in the district. In this segment: Gaining Ground: Berge reacts to political analysts pointing to her grassroots momentum and shares how volunteer numbers are building across the district. Voter Priorities: Key issues voters and young adults are raising on the trail, including healthcare, housing, data centers, and getting money out of politics. Campaign Finance & Transparency: Berge highlights the importance of compliance following Sarah Rodriguez dropping out of the governor's race over campaign finance errors, and addresses why opponent Rebecca Cooke’s delayed personal financial disclosure is a concern for primary voters. Federal Policy & Foreign Affairs: Her take on Congressional stock trading bans, campaign finance reforms, and voter frustration over military spending versus domestic needs like healthcare.

He's worked with the city of La Crosse on many projects. A popular one right now is redeveloping the old Kmart lot. Marvin Wanders, CEO of Three-Sixty Real Estate Solutions, stopped in studio to talk about his experience working with La Crosse and other municipalities in the region, and how he feels about the need for a city administrator position. City administrator is back in front of council during the August cycle, beginning next week with the Judiciary & Administrative Committee. It could be on the City Plan Commission agenda, as well. That one isn't up yet. IN THIS INTERVIEW: Why a City Administrator? How professional management, clear structure, and department alignment impact city growth and $80M budget efficiency. Old Kmart Site Update & Timeline: Where the Copper Rocks project currently stands with the city, what needs to happen with the development agreement, and the timeline for when demolition and site work could potentially start next spring. New Local Housing Projects: A look at the newly openedCNC Residences near Mayo and the ORI studio micro-apartments at Badger West near UW-La Crosse. La Crosse Housing Trends: Meeting the demand for one- and two-person households and shifting demographics in the region.

Electability in the Wisconsin governor's race has taken center stage as state Sen. Kelda Roys stopped in studio to discuss her bid to lead the state. With the race reshaped, we talk to Roys about candidate electability and how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label plays into the strategy to win next month, and in November. Roys also breaks down her proposal to end private school voucher funding and her priorities for lowering living costs and reforming classroom technology. UW-La Crosse political scientist Dr. Anthony Chergosky was also in studio helping decode the high percentage of undecided voters and break down the race for Wisconsin's 3rd US House District. We analyze how Republican incumbent Derek Van Orden is posturing against Democratic primary candidates Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge, including financial disclosure extensions and debate challenges. Key Topics: The Democratic Primary: Sen. Kelda Roys on campaign finance, debate strategy, and navigating a shifting candidate field. Voucher School Reform: Inside Roys' plan to phase out tax-funded private school vouchers and re-invest in public education. Electability & Strategy: Dr. Anthony Chergosky breaks down how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label and outside ad spending impact primary voters vs. the general electorate. 3rd Congressional District: A look at financial disclosure extensions, debate challenges, and general election strategies involving Derek Van Orden, Rebecca Cook, and Emily Berge.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in studio, following his dramatic re-entry into the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor. Crowley breaks down the whirlwind timeline of stepping back into the race, after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out. That includes his post-late-night decision with his wife and how it came about getting the endorsement from Gov. Tony Evers — and if the governor used any of his key phrases during that phone call. Crowley also addressed recent reporting regarding a decade-old shared Twitter handle, disavowing crude posts made under the account and emphasizing his record of public service. We did reel the conversation in, turning to La Crosse’s $8 million budget shortfall for next year and a proposal to hire a city administrator. That discussion highlighted Wisconsin’s broken shared revenue system — noting how state lawmakers rushed to approve $500 million for the Milwaukee Brewers stadium, while local schools and municipalities face deficits — and examined how Crowley would address the funding gap. We also got Crowley's clear thoughts on AI data centers — the giant one operational now and what regulations he wants to see for them in the future. We began, though, with the recent police killing in Madison and potential reform policies. Topics covered in this show: Re-Entering the Primary: The full story behind jumping back into the race, dealing with campaign chaos, and receiving Gov. Tony Evers' endorsement. The Twitter Controversy: Addressing the "Dirt McGirk" handle, explaining the shared account access, and condemning the offensive posts. Contrasting Against Tom Tiffany: Calling out "MAGA" Tom Tiffany’s 100% alignment with Donald Trump, reproductive rights, and setting up the general election matchup. Public Safety & Madison Shooting: Balancing initial reactions with official investigations, state funding for body cameras, and investing in community violence interrupters. Shared Revenue & Budget Surplus: Why local municipalities like La Crosse are struggling with budget shortfalls, and how the state surplus should ease local property taxes. Regulating Data Centers: Requiring tech companies to pay for 100% of their clean energy infrastructure and subsidizing ratepayer costs. Milwaukee Bucks Landscape: Local fallout after Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure and rebuilding around hometown star Tyler Herro.

Ahead of his upcoming appearance at the Cappella Performing Arts Center with Ben Wikler, political commentator Todd Allbaugh stopped by The Rick Solem Show to break down an unprecedented stretch in Wisconsin politics. Allbaugh will be in La Crosse with Ben Wiklker, the former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, for an event Sunday (details below). Allbaugh — a former Republican legislative chief of staff turned independent — gives his insider perspective on the rapid twists in the governor primary, how campaigns inoculate candidates before a general election, and why local voters in Western Wisconsin could shape the entire fall election. IN THIS INTERVIEW: Unprecedented Democratic Primary Chaos: Allbaugh breaks down the historic nature of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s sudden campaign exit, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entering the race after suspending his run, and how Madison Rep. Francesca Hong emerged as the frontrunner. The "Inoculation" Strategy of Tom Tiffany: Why Tiffany’s campaign spent months running warm, rural-focused TV ads across Wisconsin, and how it sets up his general election strategy. Voter Suppression & The SAVE Act: Drawing on his time inside the state Capitol during the 2011 voter ID debates, Allbaugh outlines how election law changes disproportionately impact voters and local clerks. Western Wisconsin 3rd District Battle: Why Republican strategists are keeping a close eye on the 3rd District primary between Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge following a dramatic local straw poll shift in La Crosse County. IF YOU GO What: Ben Wikler book tour stop for This Is The Plan, hosted by Todd Allbaugh When: Sunday, July 26 | Doors open at 11:30 a.m. | Live conversation & Q&A at 12:30 p.m. Where: Cappella Performing Arts Center (721 King St., La Crosse) Details: Free admission (register here). Books available for purchase on-site through Pearl Street Books.

As the La Crosse City Council prepares to vote once again on creating a city administrator position, Dr. Mike Ford joins to help break down what the role actually is, why cities have them, and whether La Crosse truly needs one. Dr. Ford, a professor of public administration at UW-Oshkosh and Director of the Whitburn Center for Governance and Policy Research, is one of the state's leading experts on municipal governance. He offering clear insight into the practical mechanics of local government—explaining how administrators manage multi-million dollar budgets, navigate council dynamics, and why La Crosse remains an outlier among Wisconsin cities of its size. With La Crosse facing a projected $8 million budget shortfall, rising healthcare costs, and major long-term decisions ahead, the conversation centers on what having a professional manager actually means for how the city runs on a day-to-day basis. Key Points Covered in the Episode: Politics Decides, Administration Does: How the city administrator role originated during the Progressive Era to separate day-to-day operations from political bickering. Why La Crosse is in the Minority: Why more than 100 Wisconsin cities already rely on a professional manager or administrator to handle multi-million-dollar budgets. The Cost vs. Savings Debate: Can hiring a high-level administrator actually save the city money in the long run through operational efficiencies and long-term planning? Charter Ordinance vs. Simple Ordinance: The procedural differences, supermajority requirements, and how city residents hold the legal power to trigger a referendum on the decision. Tackling the $8 Million Deficit: How an independent administrator presents objective budget-cutting options to the city council without a political agenda.

Ben Wikler went from The Daily Show stage with Jon Stewart straight to The Rick Solem Show the next day to help make sense of the wild week in Wisconsin politics. The former chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, who will be in La Crosse on Sunday, gives his take on the recent shakeup in the Democratic primary for governor — from Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropping out to David Crowley re-entering the race — and why Wikler argues this primary shuffle gives voters genuine options rather than a pre-packaged Republican ticket. Wikler points out Tom Tiffany's extreme voting record in Congress, while detailing why the state party maintains strict primary neutrality and how a surging turnout will carry the eventual Democratic nominee. The discussion centers on Wikler’s new book, This Is The Plan, which maps out how Democrats successfully unrigged Wisconsin's GOP gerrymander and offers a playbook for national political reform. That conversation will continue in La Crosse this Sunday at the Cappella Performing Arts Center, where he'll join  political analyst Todd Allbaugh for a live Q&A and book signing. In this interview: Governor's Race Shakeup: How Wikler—and his dog Ross—reacted to a wild week in state politics, plus why party bosses no longer handpick primary candidates for Democrats. Local Issues & 3rd District: Van Orden’s starring role as a character in This Is The Plan, and the strategy for beating Tom Tiffany in November. "Gotham City" Corruption: Campaign finance, Supreme Court ethics, and the playbook for fixing legalized corruption. Behind the Scenes at The Daily Show: What it was really like going back-and-forth with Jon Stewart (and competing with his rolling chair). IF YOU GO What: Ben Wikler book tour stop for This Is The Plan: How To End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy When:12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 26 (Doors open at 11:30 a.m.) Where: Cappella Performing Arts Center (map) Details: Free to attend, but registration is required online via Eventbrite. The conversation will feature Wikler joined by political analyst Todd Allbaugh, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. Books will be available for purchase on-site through Pearl Street Books.

Just three proposed AI data centers in Wisconsin are projected to use more electricity than all 2.3 million homes in the state combined. In fact, the one facility in Mount Pleasant alone will pull as much power as 1 million homes — becoming one of the largest “cities” of energy consumption in the state without a single person living there. Amy Barrilleaux, communications director at Clean Wisconsin, joined the Rick Solem Show on Monday to help break down the massive, under-the-radar impact hyperscale AI data centers could have on Wisconsin’s energy grid, local water supplies and your monthly utility bills.   In this episode: The Energy Surge: Why the Public Service Commission (PSC) projects a 40% jump in state energy demand over six years — and why 72% of that increase comes from just three data centers. Your Pocketbook: How multi-billion-dollar utility buildouts for tech giants like Microsoft and Oracle could shift massive financial risks onto everyday Wisconsin ratepayers. Local Moratoriums: Why La Crosse County and municipalities state-wide are putting pauses in place to evaluate land use, grid strain, tax implications, local health impacts and more. Land & Water Impacts: The stark difference between temporary solar farm leases and permanent concrete slabs that erase family farmland forever — plus the off-site water drain from fossil fuel power generation. A Century of Infrastructure in 10 Years: Why rebuilding our entire energy system in a decade for a handful of tech companies requires a statewide pause and a real plan. Take Action: Clean Wisconsin has launched a statewide petition calling for a pause on unchecked AI data center development until proper regulations are in place. You can learn more and sign the petition here. Listen live weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Find the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcast or here. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska)

A look at bicycles, safety, best places to ride, La Crosse’s infrastructure and what’s next for the city with Robbie Young and Andrew Ericson. Robbie Young, owner of Coulee Bicycle Co. in Onalaska, and Andrew Ericson both serve on the city’s Bike-Pedestrian Committee. They stopped in the WIZM studio this past week for the Rick Solem Show to discuss two public comment “open house” coming up on the city’s Bike-Ped Master Plan. Along with that, we discussed practical advice surrounding e-bikes, where to ride, effective bike locks and why you shouldn’t buy a helmet on Temu. In this episode: The Master Plan Living Document: Why the city is introducing a few minor edits to the long-term network vision, including adding the forgotten Goose Green Trail footprint back onto the map. The U-Lock vs. “String” Dilemma: Why cheap cable locks are basically pieces of string to a thief with bolt cutters, and how to properly secure a frame and front wheel to a robust street rack. Navigating the Blue Bridges: The real rules of riding the sidewalk versus taking the road shoulder when commuting between Minnesota and downtown La Crosse. The King Street Greenway Idea: Rick shares a near-biff on a dark, pouring night—highlighting the absolute necessity of rechargeable front and rear bike lights around modern traffic calming circles. No Mini Bikes on the Cycle Track: The growing issue of kids riding high-powered, pedal-less electric motorcycles that bypass standard Class 1-3 definitions, presenting a tricky enforcement issue for local police and parents. The 3-Class E-Bike Breakdown: A quick explainer from Robbie on Class 1 (pedal-assist), Class 2 (throttle up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph), and why Class 1 is the ideal choice for youth mobility. Upcoming Events: Thursday, July 23 (2:30- 4:30 p.m.) — Myrick Park Bike Rodeo: Hosted alongside the county’s Safe Routes to School team, this free event is packed with skill-building activities, safety checks, and an introduction to traffic laws to help youth riders build independent skills. Tuesday, July 28 (Noon-1 p.m. & 5-6 p.m.) — Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Amendment Open Houses: Held at the La Crosse Public Library Main Branch. Residents are invited to review updated maps and provide direct input on potential changes to the city’s connectivity network to help ensure robust implementation and flexibility moving forward. Listen live weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Find the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcast or here. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska)

With Sara Rodriguez abruptly suspending her campaign for Wisconsin governor, does that make self-described Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong the leading candidate? The Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor was completely upended, and UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, joins the Rick Solem Show to help break down the fallout. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez is out of the race, a candidate who dropped out announced online mid-show he’s coming back and retiring Gov. Tony Evers might endorse now, of all times. We also talk about Rodriguez’s reasoning politically and actually for dropping out — all dealing with campaign money in one way or another — and how the other candidates look financially. Other things we discussed: The “Scott Walker Loophole:” How Tiffany is sitting back flush with millions in cash from just a couple mega-donors while the Democrats are in total disarray. Pour One Out for the Marquette Poll: Why polling director Dr. Charles Franklin apparently halted phone calls mid-survey because the race changed overnight. The New York vs. Wisconsin Reality: Why the “Median Voter Theory” means what works for progressives in big cities faces a completely different hurdle in a statewide purple race.

La Crosse School Board president Trevor Sprague in the WIZM studio for the Rick Solem Show on Thursday, discussing what comes next with the old Trane headquarters that was recently donated to the district. The 41.5-acre, 210,000-square-foot building on the south side was once the centerpiece of the school district’s failed $194-million plan to combine Logan and Central high schools. Sprague puts the high school consolidation notion to bed fairly quickly, before getting into immediate and future uses of the property. Sprague also addresses the argument regarding the property coming off the tax rolls instead of being developed into something like affordable housing. Additionally, he shares the story of how the Blank family initiated the massive donation, and explains how the district plans to protect and honor a Ho-Chunk heritage site located on the northeast corner of the property. While a permanent, long-term plan for the massive facility could take up to five years of community feedback to finalize, Sprague outlines some of the immediate, low-cost uses the district is eyeing — including soccer fields, warehousing, and professional development spaces. Also on the show, Sprague talked about a couple of groups that are meeting to discuss school matters (unofficial names): Countywide School Board Collaboration (unofficial title): Board presidents and vice presidents from districts like Holmen, Onalaska, and West Salem are teaming up to lobby the county to put voucher school dollars directly on local tax bills for transparency, following the lead of Eau Claire and Green Bay. The Tech Advisory Committee (TAC): A diverse group of teachers, parents, and experts discussing how to balance screen time in classrooms, including the potential for “no-tech” days, and how the district currently handles cell phone policies. Indoor Aquatics Center committee (unofficial title): Sprague explains why the school board is hitting pause on a proposed indoor aquatics facility after lukewarm community survey support, and why they are looking for partners. Listen live weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Find the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcast or here. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska)

Wisconsin governor candidate Joel Brennan joins to discuss the fallout from opponent Sara Rodriguez firing her campaign manager over massive campaign finance discrepancies, his take on AI data centers, and his firsthand role in renegotiating the Foxconn deal. Over the weekend, Lt. Gov. Rodriguez — one of five Democrats in the governor primary — announced she let her manager go over hundreds of thousands of dollars in mismanaged funds. Brennan reacts to the news, explaining why he views it as a failure of "competence 101." He details how his own campaign handles its books to ensure accountability before Wednesday's filing deadline, and discusses the political impact on the primary now that a "coronation" has been disrupted. Later, we dive into Brennan's role as Department of Administration Secretary in helping renegotiate the failed $2.85 billion Foxconn contract under Tony Evers. A deal originally put in place by former Republican Gov. Scott Walker and touted as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" by President Donald Trump during his first term. Lastly, we tackle the wild west of AI data centers in Wisconsin. With La Crosse County and its 18 municipalities fending for themselves to pass local moratoriums, Brennan reacts to the state legislature "hanging local government out to dry" on regulation. He breaks down his four-part plan to establish guardrails — including utilizing union labor, implementing strict green standards, banning non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that keep locals in the dark, and ensuring residential ratepayers aren't stuck subsidizing massive corporate energy bills. Plus, he explains why he supports a targeted, 90-day statewide pause on approvals to write these rules into law, rather than an arbitrary, year-long ban. Though all that would have to wait until after the November election, since the GOP-controlled state Legislature hasn't been in session since April and won't resume work until January of 2027.

We rank the Top 10 most important La Crosse city committees, discuss what happens next with another city administrator vote and recap last week’s monthly city council meeting with Mac Kiel.   First up, we tackled city administrator, which is back on the agenda for August. We announce that we’ll be working with the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce on the show, over the next four weeks, to discuss all things city administrator ahead of the vote. The chamber has endorsed the idea of La Crosse having a city administrator. This was last on the agenda in February and we discuss how it didn’t pass a super majority and that nothing has really been done by the city or the council since — despite a lot of conversations to do so. After that, we highlight key moments from last week’s city council meeting, including:  Using $1.8 million in TID 14 money for affordable housing in a way that has no time restrictions Creating two other TID districts Zoning approval for the Bridgeview housing complex Regarding the Bridgeview housing, we discuss how this zoning shift isn’t an approval of the final build plan, and why the discussion hovered around the vast amount of parking developers have allotted. We also relate that to the Cowboy Jack’s restaurant proposal going through council in the Riverpoint District — and just how much riverfront parking is planned there. Lastly, Kiel ranks the Top 10 city committees — in which there are over 50 in total. Before legislation ever hits the full council, it gets hashed out in committees where the public can learn and provide input. Not only do we go through the rankings, but we also discuss how some of the most powerful committees — like the Board of Public Works or the Library Board — don’t require council approval to act. We started the show, though hitting on some things that happened over the past week, including The school district receiving the old Trane headquarters building as a donation David Crowley leaving leaving the Wisconsin governor’s race and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s campaign manager being fired Lindsey Graham — not Mitch McConnell — passing away Kiel is a former La Crosse City Council member, who is an advocate for providing the public with what is happening with city government. She also serves on some city boards and works with the unsheltered population. Listen live weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Find the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcast or here. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska)

La Crosse City Council Representative Aron Newberry joined the show in studio to discuss the city's projected $8 million budget shortfall, the recent 18-month moratorium on AI data centers, and how La Crosse's public pools and libraries compare to other municipalities across Wisconsin. The $8 Million Budget Gap: The budget conversation came just a few days after a Budget Parameter Committee meeting that consisted of Finance and Personnel members, along with Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey. Pools vs. Libraries: We broke down a recent post by Newberry comparing La Crosse’s current infrastructure—two public pools and one public library—against similar-sized cities across Wisconsin. AI Data Center Moratoriums: We also discussed what needs to be done about data centers, just a few weeks after La Crosse County passed both a study committee and an 18-month moratorium on the structures. While the county passed a resolution, it isn’t sweeping. Other counties are currently trying to pass their own bans or considering allowing them to be built. Newberry is urging residents to support a petition for legislators to pass a statewide moratorium and utility rate cap.

La Crosse County Administrator Jane Klekamp in studio helping decide how much money it would take to get a radio show host to move here and become part of the tax base. Klekamp said it's something the county has looked into in the past — and is currently underway in Fond du Lac — as we discussed Wisconsin’s declining population and ways to get people to move here. We also dove into the possibility of universal childcare as the county waits on the state to approve its intergenerational daycare plan, and the recent passing of an 18-month data center moratorium — along with the new data center study committee. One other topic, we broke down is the critical work the county and city are doing on the homeless situation, highlighting the Homes for 100 plan that launched last month as part of La Crosse's Pathways Home plan.

La Crosse’s household survival budget. The bare minimum it takes for a person, a family, to get by. It’s called the ALICE report. It was just released by the Great Rivers United Way and executive director Mary Kay Wolf stopped in the WIZM studio for the Rick Solem Show to discuss it. ALICE stands for (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). It comes out every two years and looks at households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county.  Wolf talks about the report, where La Crosse stands and how we can improve our situation — whether that’s through talking with elected representatives, helping groups in the area that work in these fields or donating.  Listen live weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Find the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcast or here. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska)

How much would it take for you to move to Fond du Lac? That's one of the many topics discussed with Adam Murphy on Friday's The Rick Solem Show. Murphy is a small business owner, economist and — as we learn — handyman. Before we get into moving to Fond du Lac and the political landscape of Wisconsin's governor's race — and whether they should just run on an anti-AI data center platform — we talk about Murphy remodeling his cottage and how that lost handyman art needs to be passed down to the next generation. That segwayed nicely to Fond du Lac County trying to pay people to move there. Murphy basically said there's not enough money in the world, but he did point out the dilemma for the area and the state in general with an aging and declining population, cities need more residents to stay alive. But is Fond du Lac County's incentive package worth it? We also looked at the governor's race, why Mandela Barnes gets unfair flak for his past Senate run, and what a lieutenant governor actually does all day. Finally, we dig into the infrastructure drain of AI data centers and how it should be used in campaigns. Murphy uses his IT background to explain why these massive hubs redline the power grid while providing almost zero long-term local jobs, leading into a debate on why universal childcare is a much smarter economic investment for the state's aging population. Murphy is the owner of a small business in Milwaukee called Big Bang LLC, he also ran for US Senate for the Democrats in Wisconsin, and holds degrees in economics and political science from UW-Milwaukee.

Brad Pitel in studio helping us preview the four-day July 4 celebration at Riverside Park. Riverfest kicks off Thursday afternoon and ends with a firework show on the 4th of July. Pitel, who is on the Riverfest board, talks about the wide array of acts from national country star Mitchell Tenpenny to the RCCW pro wrestling events, where they bring a ring to Riverside. Pitel also talks about how Misty Lown's reign the Riverfest Commodore. Lown, owner of Misty's Dance Unlimited in Onalaska, is the first woman Commodore ever since Riverfest began in 1983. Check out the full schedule for each day of Riverfest here.

Why are we so obsessed with algae in a D.C. wading pool, or a U.S. Senate candidate’s scandals in Maine of all places over what’s happening in our own backyard? As we fixate on national sideshows like those, UW-Madison professor Dr. Mike Wagner joins to decipher why our focus shifts away from critical local decisions — like an upcoming La Crosse city budget public hearing. Wagner talks about how our media consumption is so backwards and why local news is the a place people can trust to keep us grounded.   We look at the strategic “flood the zone” tactics used by Donald Trump, and similarities between the president’s defenders and those backing Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner — how there’s an excuse to every scandal. We also dive into how social media algorithms manipulate our feeds, and why bad news is always what gets the clicks. Lastly, Wagner breaks down why shows like this one — that intentionally focus on local stories, leaders and decisions shaping the La Crosse area — are exactly what’s needed to fight back against that national cycle. About the guest: Dr. Michael W. Wagner is the William T. Evjue Distinguished Chair for the Wisconsin Idea and Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at UW-Madison. He serves as the Director of the Center for Communication and Civic Renewal (CCCR). He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University and is a past winner of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award. Before entering academia, he spent years behind the mic working as an AM radio news reporter and anchor Listen live weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Find the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcast or here. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska)

If you've spent any time in local coffee shops or boutiques, you know that naming your business after "The Driftless" carries a certain amount of outdoorsy eco-prestige.  But, according to UW-Madison geologist Dr. Eric Carson, if that business is across the river in Minnesota or Iowa — they are living a lie. For the past 18 years, Dr. Carson has been mapping The Driftless. He joins ahead of his Badger Talk at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sparta Free Library to tell us just exactly what that means and why it's taken two decades.  Carson talks about going county-by-county — a job we assume involves a leather notebook, a magnifying glass, and a horse with no name. Carson humors us on the tech front (turns out they use airplanes with lasers called LiDAR and drill 100-foot soil cores instead), but he breaks down the mind-blowing reality of our backyard — why the ice sheets missed us, why Lake Superior is actually a giant billion-year-old tear in the earth, and how a local river used to flow east, toward Canada, instead of west into the Mississippi River. Plus, we look at why the U.S. is facing a massive shortage of rock-nerds and why geology is actually a high-security, high-demand career. Check out the preview, and bring your questions for Carson Thursday at the Sparta Library. Any school, group or organization that would like to host a Badger Talk, either in person or online, email here or request a speaker online at badgertalks.wisc.edu.

The city of La Crosse has a lot going on right now — from transforming the now-closed library and tearing down the Kmart, to rezoning for housing by the old Shopko at Bridgeview Plaza and establishing new TIDs on the causeway and by Black River Beach. To help explain all that, Mac Kiel joins, as we break down the process for what comes next with the old north library and recap her mayor district forum from Monday night — a district that contains both the old Kmart and new elementary school. To help explain all of it, Mac Kiel stops in studio, as we break down the process for what comes next with the old north side library and recap the mayor district forum from Monday night — a district that contains both the old Kmart and the new elementary school. Kiel, who is on the Library Board, also walks us through the choices they had that led to the north side library closing. The building has now gone through the RFEI (Request for Expression of Interest) process, and we talk about the formal and informal proposals that were reported by WIZM on Monday. Plus, Kiel explains the next steps — the RFP (Request for Proposal) process — which happen Wednesday at the Economic and Community Development Commission (ECDC).  We walk through some of the six-page document on the ECDC agenda that lays out what the city might want from those submitting RFPs. Before we got to that, though, Kiel went to the mayor’s District 7 forum, which was also led by city council member Gary Padesky. She talked about what the 30 or so attendees brought up, including the old Kmart coming down— possibly this summer — and the new elementary school going up. Lastly, we ended with next week’s Finance and Personnel Committee meeting discussing TIDs (Tax Incremental Districts) — one in the Gundersen area, plus others in the Black River Beach area and on the pike headed to La Crescent. Kiel does her best — again — to help explain a TID.  We began the show, though, sulking over Giannis Antetokounmpo getting traded. Kiel is a former La Crosse City Council member, who is an advocate for providing the public with what is happening with city government. She also serves on some city boards and works with the unsheltered population.

La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Sam Scinta on his “Lord of the Rings”-length meeting with the mayor, the business climate in the community right now, and that port initiative announced last week. We began though with just a quick “What does the Chamber do?” as Scinta has been leading it now for the past nine months. Next, we talked about — what is more of a long game — the new Northern Grain Belts Ports Initiative and what it means for leveraging local waterways. After that, we spent the final half of the show deep diving into La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey’s three-hour meeting with Chamber members last week. We break down what the meeting entailed and the "homework" to come out of it — like the push for a city administrator, a business concierge, zoning changes, and historic preservation reform. We wrap up looking at how La Crosse is faring right now when it comes to the overall business climate, why our unique transit hub gives us a leg up on Madison, and the Chamber's possible future plans for a quarterly "La Crosse is Open for Business" series.

La Crosse County Democratic Party chair Wyatt Molling was in studio last week for the Rick Solem Show discussing the friction between the state and local party over reaching rural voters. We recapped the state convention and why everyday voters don't look like convention diehards, plus the split over Gov. Tony Evers' budget surplus deal. And, we closed with some rapid-fire over everything from data centers to Trump and the World Cup. We start though talking about Molling getting into politics and taking over role as chair in January. After, we dive into the three Assembly seats defining La Crosse County, looking closely at the different rural landscapes facing Steve Doyle, Jill Billings and Tara Johnson. Molling airs some frustration with the state party on reaching voters in these districts that have all been redrawn. From there, we discuss the state Democratic convention. Molling is asked about the WisPolitics governor's race straw poll that had heads turning. He explains the mindset of convention-goers versus regular voters in regards to the poll and we get into the resolutions the party comes up with at the convention. We also hit the optics surrounding Evers’ multi-billion-dollar budget surplus package and why local Democrats split on the final vote. To wrap up, we put Molling through a lightning-round of national and local headlines, including data center moratoriums — which the La Crosse County Board has passed — as well as the controversial $300 billion Iran memorandum, gas prices and why Donald Trump hoisting the FIFA World Cup trophy could get incredibly awkward.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio to help weave a discussion about the La Crosse pool poll, the Democratic convention governor straw poll and the Packers fighting with one Wisconsin US House member. We did start the show, though, talking quick about not being a sports fan but being excited about something like the World Cup — plus the Loggers having Catbirds throwback night. The poll conversation stems partly from the results from a survey of La Crosse residents about building a new indoor aquatics center, where about 52 percent were in favor — with 14% of those asked responding. Another aspect came from a straw poll last weekend at the Wisconsin Democratic Party convention that had Mandela Barnes sixth out of seven governor candidates. We break down how these polls could be written and conducted — perhaps to gain favorability for a specific outcome — and how much stock we should take in the results. We also discuss how some polls — like the pool survey — might be sent out partly to inform people a thing is happening that they didn’t know about — and therefore the wording of those questions comes back into play. We also look at how Wisconsin Republicans put Constitutional Amendments on the ballot that are often seen as confusing and steering the voting population into getting the results the GOP wants. Lastly, we talked about the Packers pushing back against how US House Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Clyman) is looking into the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, and this idea that TV deals have isolated Packers fans who need to subscribe to networks to watch certain games. Or — throwing this conspiracy at Chergosky — is this a deep political ploy to prop up fellow GOP US House Reps. Derrick Van Orden (R-Prairie du Chien) and Bryan Steil (R-Janesville), who have sided with the Packers saying what Fitzgerald is doing would hurt the team.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio discussing A.I. data centers, the budget surplus deal and — with Alabama and Megadeath coming to La Crosse — ticket prices and third-party sellers. Pfaff also came in hyped that June is dairy month and will be hosting a dairy breakfast from 6-11 a.m. at Creamery Creek Farms in Bangor. When it comes to legislation, though, the state did nothing the last two years with data centers, as multiple counties in Pfaff’s district debate moratoriums and study committees to address the issue. Democrats and Republicans had data center proposals, but neither passed the Legislature, which has now been out of session since March. Pfaff also talked about voting against the budget surplus deal that was negotiated in private between Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislators, Robin Vos and Devin LeMahieu. The deal included no tax on tips/overtime, $300 checks and one year of special education funding and property tax relief. It was introduced to the public Monday and the Legislature voted on it two days later. After that, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau came out with a report that the deal would have put Wisconsin in a structural budget deficit.  Before the data center conversation, we did talk about the Tank Creek Bridge that an arsonist burned down last year — part of the Great River Trail in La Crosse County. We had some fun to begin the show, first asking what Pfaff was doing the last time Alabama came to the La Crosse Center in 1984. He revealed his first-ever concert was at the La Crosse Center but a year later — Huey Lewis and the News.  With Alabama in town Sept. 10 — tickets just went on sale — and Megadeth at the Oktobefest Grounds on July 31, Pfaff also discussed whether the state needs to look into third-party ticket sellers and if there needs to be some laws created to protect concert goers. Viterbo University brought this issue up in the past, where these third-parties rip people off on ticket prices.

The logrolling champion of the world, seven years running, La Crosse’s own Livi Pappadopoulos, in studio to hype up Saturday’s La Crosse Open and give us the inside scoop on how she dominates the sport. Pappadopoulos owns Coulee Region Logrolling, and it’s hosting the 25th annual La Crosse Open, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Pettibone Lagoon. She tells us what to expect during the event, who might give her fits on the water, and some insider tips on what she sees on the log to get her opponent to fall. Pappadopoulos also talks about Coulee Region Logrolling and invites anybody to get involved here.

What happens next now that the north side library is officially closed? La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey in studio Monday to break down the city's next steps, explaining the upcoming request for proposals (RFP) process and addressing the transparency questions surrounding the three groups that have already expressed interest in the building. Before that, though, we discussed the narrative that the city is “on (the) attack” against the North Side regarding the pool and library closures — with the Northside Neighborhood Center expressing its frustration on the library sale. We then shifted to why the city council stripped Emerson Elementary School of its historic designation. We ended the show, circling back to what the mayor would like to see get done, which included bringing a public market to La Crosse — and what that would look like for him. The hour also highlighted Washington-Spivey's excitement for celebrating Juneteenth on Saturday in Riverside Park.