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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

US House candidate Tara Johnson joins on a Halloween evening. She put up with the half-baked idea of having adult trick-or-treating and what that would look like, while also talking about some of the scary things about the US House of Representatives. Spent the first half of the show trying to have some fun with the holiday. The second half was more devoted to some of the revelations over the past few weeks about the current state of the House and speaking generally about those bigger issues reps in DC could tackle. Johnson was the first woman to serve as the La Crosse County Board chair — doing that nine years — where she was a member for 20 years. Before that, she was the executive director at the United Way in La Crosse.

La Crosse Loggers co-owner Dan Kapanke in studio, as the deadline approaches for the public to submit potential team names for the softball equivalent to the Loggers. We also talked about the state's $545 million plan to upgrade the Milwaukee Brewers stadium. Began the show hitting on those topics quick, as well as the situation in the Town of Campbell, where they've been on bottled water for nearly three years because of PFAS. Kapanke is the board chair. After that, we talked where we're at in naming the softball version of the Loggers, as the deadline for the public to submit to LaXSoftball.com is Nov. 3. After that, we talked Brewers, as Kapanke is both on a business group to keep the team in Milwaukee and also has a somewhat similar deal on Copeland Park worked out with the city of La Crosse. 

UW-La Crosse political scientist, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio breaking down how we can get free beer, a US map of the most bought candy in October and what that tells us about Americans, plus some politics — what it means that Mike Johnson is House Speaker, and why he was unanimous — except Derrick Van Orden wasn’t present to vote. Began the show, though, talking about a Minnesota state House Rep. announcing his candidacy to run against Joe Biden for president and if that’s news or not — because other people have also announced, but this is the first elected official. Then we got into this map that shows what candy each state has bought the most around Halloween — with Wisconsin being very dull and other states completely baffling what should be reality.  After that, we dove into the GOP electing Mike Johnson as House Speaker. We discussed how that was the guy that got all but Van Orden’s vote despite Johnson’s far-right views, and why a more moderate member didn’t get the position. Ended the show with, perhaps, the most Wisconsin of things — Kwik Trip giving out free beer. We didn’t really talk about why they did it, but we do explain what you have to do within the app to see the free beer offers — yes, plural, there are multiple free beer options.

La Crosse Schools superintendent, Dr. Aaron Engel, in studio, as we discussed potentially closing two elementary schools, how the transition to standards based grading is going and what to do as truancy is at an all-time high. Began the show, though, just talking about how kids are hopped up on Halloween candy this time of year, and also asked Engel — a Battalion Commander in the National Guard — how and the unit he commands are feeling with the continued situation in Ukraine and the escalation of war in Israel.  In the first segment, we talked about truancy and why it’s continued to be at an all-time high in La Crosse at over 40 percent of students chronically absent — missed 10% of days. This is a trend that’s continued from last school year to now.  After that, we talked about challenges for students, parents and teachers with standards based grading, which was implemented for the first time this year at the high school level.  Wrapped up the conversation with school consolidation. The district’s Facilities Advisory Committee will hold its last of eight open-to-the-public meetings. The committee has talked of potentially closing two elementary schools — either North Woods, Spence, Emerson or Hintgen. We discussed the challenges with closing each but why it needs to be done. The committee will submit its final report to the district on Nov. 2. There will be two public comment sessions on that report Nov. 27 and Nov. 29. In between that, Engel said he will discuss the report Nov. 16 on La Crosse Talk PM.

Rebecca Cooke, Democratic candidate for US House in Wisconsin’s 3rd District, stopped in studio to discuss getting to voters on both sides of the aisle, issues on farming, unions and her opponent’s absence in DC as a new Speaker is elected. Cooke is one of five Democratic candidates running in the 3rd District to take on Derrick Van Orden, who we didn’t talk about until toward the end of the show. We did get an update on Cooke’s car she puts 100,000 miles on a year to campaign that didn’t have a/c all summer and apparently no rear window — at least for a bit. We also talked about how she tries to get to voters, both in terms of policy but also physically — because of how rural parts of the district are. Some of the issues she sees as important right now are ones dealing with farmers, as the US House let the five-year farm bill expire back in September and hasn’t put forth a new plan, as well as labor issues, especially when dealing with unions. 

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region executive director, Kahya Fox, joined to discuss the state of La Crosse housing, from renting to ownership, and what needs to be done. Among the things discussed was whether the city has too many rentals, what kind of housing should be prioritized and what city and county officials can do to spur development. Habitat, this year, set a record with putting 12 families in homes, where owners have to put in 150 hours of “sweat equity,” meaning they have to spend that amount of time helping rehab their new property. The previous record for Habitat was six. Habitat is always looking for volunteers in a number of different areas. More info here.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio talking brandy old fashioned as the state drink, the fight over helping with childcare and the Senate not confirming Gov. Tony Evers’ appointees.  Began the show there, with the appointees, as Pfaff has personal experience in that he was fired as the state’s ag. secretary after 11 months on the job because Republicans didn’t like that he said the state should release funding for farmers’ mental health. After that, we hit on the ins and outs of having the brandy old fashioned as the state drink. This comes a year after we debated a state cheese. Spent the bottom half of the show, first, talking about the US House of Representatives and why Pfaff chose not to run. Then we dove into the debate in Wisconsin to subsidize child care and what Republicans in the Senate have proposed.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio Friday for La Crosse Talk PM to discuss how Wisconsin was left out of the Top 50 burgers conversation, who considers themselves midwest, US House Rep. Derrick Van Orden heads to Israel, an Oprah-Mitt ticket and Brewers funding vs. child care. Started the show with Van Orden putting out a statement that he’s gone to Israel on a “fact-finding mission.” But it comes in the midst of House Republicans trying to elect a Speaker, so it can actually do any governing, let alone help resolve the Mid-East situation. Speaking of “mideast,” the US doesn’t have one, but it does have a midwest, and there is some confusion as to who lives there. We dissect a recent poll on that. Before that, happened, though, we did talk about this upcoming book that said Oprah Winfrey floated the idea to Mitt Romney that they run for president. Later, we ripped on a Top 50 list of the best burgers in the US, that contains no burgers from Wisconsin or Iowa. There’s also a Top 25 Wisconsin burgers list, that’s very Madison-Milwaukee based, which was disappointing. After that, we spent a minute trying to hash out why the only way Dolly Parton wants to be contacted is via FAX. Ended the show on how Wisconsin’s state Legislature is prioritizing funding the Milwaukee Brewers stadium, but split on how to help with child care. Show notes: — Derrick Van Orden leaves for Israel. — Brewers stadium funding. — Who is "midwest?" — Dolly Parton via fax only. — Student thinks she's going to U of Miami, ends up in Oho. — Oprah Winfrey-Mitt Romney ticket. — Top 50 burgers in the US, but no Wisconsin.

First it was a state cheese, now it's a state cocktail. Wisconsin Assembly Rep. Jill Billings was in studio to talk about these ever important issues and the process to which we see them go through the Legislature. We also discussed the irony that a legislator would propose debating what the state cocktail should be, when issues that deal with child care, transgender rights, defunding the UW System and using $545 million to update the Milwaukee Brewers stadium are major issues right now. And we did talk a bit about the Brewers deal, as well as a couple of things Billings is involved in, including what's called Steve's Law, in regards to hunting, and whether UW-La Crosse will get a new parking ramp.

We deep dive into the La Crosse budget with city council member Mackenzie Mindel. We also had to get her take on changing speed limits on County B and if she supports new legislation to save the Kmart and Hatched (Blue) Baby. Before she joined, Hunter Elsen from La Crosse Parks and Rec. joined quick to talk about the Pettibone Haunted Mile, which happens Friday evening.

Our political blowhard Adam Murphy joined to talk about a concept we've brought up on multiple shows recently, the shrugging our shoulders at political extremism, which is happening in real time at DC and Madison. We got into Republicans unable, again, to vote on a House Speaker, after taking a long weekend off. We also dove into the Wisconsin GOP admitting in court filings their firing of the election administrator wasn't legal, but they did it anyway because "symbolism." And we got into using $545 million in taxpayer money to fund the Milwaukee Brewers stadium. For some reason, however, we started the show rehashing Murphy's failed campaign to go against Ron Johnson in the US Senate and why Democrats, in general, lost that race. Murphy is a small business owner of Big Bang LLC in Milwaukee. He holds degrees in economics and political science from UW-Milwaukee.

Believe it or not, those Nigerian Prince email scams are still out there. They're just better and use A.I. now. That was one of the things we discussed with Jay Haapala, who runs the AARP fraud awareness program in Minnesota. He joined to talk scams and fraud, as a bit of a preview to an event they'll host next week in La Crosse. We also talked about Facebook Marketplace frauds, the lack of law enforcement to go after these groups and just who is it that's getting taken advantage of — because it's not who you think. The LaX Scam Jam event, which is free, runs from 8:30 a.m.-noon Oct. 24 at the Radisson downtown and will include expert speakers and local resources. It also includes free breakfast, but you must register at the AARP website.

Bring back Kmart. That was the theme Friday with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio, in discussing the delay the city council gave developers of the Kmart lot and how we need to save the building. Three-Sixty Real Estate Solutions is getting another 18 months to bring their development plan online. But, if that doesn't happen, we began talks of a grassroots movement needing to start building its base now to save the building. Also dropped another big story within that conversation in how we could work Hatched Baby, the 9-foot statue of a blue baby's head coming out of an egg, into this movement. Ended the show talking about how Wisconsin state politicians are falling over themselves to be responsible using $600 million in public money to update the Milwaukee Brewers stadium. Began the show talking about two Congressmen embroiled in controversy and how they don't get thrown out of the US House or Senate because of thin margins. But, one of those controversial figures is also the Senator of New Jersey, where one of the last two Kmarts exists, so we talked of how he may be important to this Kmart movement.

La Crosse County Democratic Party chair William Garcia in studio discussing a Wisconsin GOP anti-trans bill, reports of another Derrick Van Orden outburst. We also talked evil Star Wars and hell houses. After that, Meagan Waddell talks about recreating Thriller video in La Crescent. Began the show simply talking about William's role — he's also the 3rd US House District Dem chair — but that led into a meeting he's hosting about Republicans test running autocracies in the state. And then we got into some Star Wars, with Ahsoka just concluding. After the break, we talk about the Wisconsin GOP anti-trans bills in regards to sports. The second half of the show was a bit about reports of Derrick Van Orden's latest outburst during a White House press briefing. And, we ended talking with Waddell's fifth annual Thriller remake in La Crescent, which anyone can participate. Just search Thriller Parade on Facebook. It all culminates Oct. 29.

La Crosse city council member Barb Janssen joined the show to talk about the ongoing budget talks, where the library has already stated its closing the south side branch, police and fire are seeing cuts, and a pool could be on the block in a few years. Janssen is in her seventh year on the council and represents District 3. She talks about some of the reasons for why this is happening and what the city might have to do for a few years going forward. 

La Crosse Central High School Spanish teacher John Havlicek joins to discuss proposed teaching bills, how per pupil state funding is way behind — despite Gov. Tony Evers 400-year plan — standards based grading and sharks giving new meaning to water hazard on golf courses. Began the show running down the eight bills proposed in Madison by the state teacher's union and then discussed the school district's transition to standards based grading. After that, we talked about how per pupil funding has lagged in the state for over a decade and will continue to do so, despite Gov. Tony Evers' veto trick to boost it for the next 402 years. Ended talking about sharks on a golf course and touching on each of the aforementioned (and below) teacher bills.

Mayor Mitch Reynolds joined La Crosse Talk PM on Monday to discuss city’s budget process and what looks to be cuts in regards to police, fire, libraries and pools. We also talked about how he’s involved in protecting the Mississippi River from piping water to the west. Before we got into any of that, however, we did open with sports, including UW-La Crosse beating UW-Whitewater for the first time since 2005. In regards to the compact (10:50), Reynolds is co-chair of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) and one of the talking points we hit on was this notion of a water pipeline to water-starved Arizona. After that, we talked about Monday’s Board of Estimates meeting (21:00) and how the city will have to make some sacrifices, including possibly closing the South Branch Public Library, potentially closing a swimming pool down the road, and some cost-saving measures within the police and fire departments, including leaving open positions unfilled.

An emotional support alligator at a Phillies game has become more shocking than Donald Trump sharing nuclear submarine secrets with some foreign billionaire. That about sums up the show with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky. Just how society can shrug off the unprecedented things happening politically — the US House Speaker ousted or a former president on trial. We also discussed the Wisconsin GOP bill to give $614 million of public money to fund the Milwaukee Brewers stadium upgrades. 

Talked about a lot of things with Wisconsin Farmers Union president and organic dairy farmer, Darin Von Ruden. The conversation ranged from the fight in Congress to get a farm bill passed, which should have been done last weekend, to how much money goes to the farmer when we buy products off the store shelves. The farm bill talk ranged from milk pricing going back to 1937 — can you say $10 gallons of milk — to having a freshman member of the US House in Derrick Van Orden on the ag committee, and where the priorities in Congress lie — as the House Speaker was just ousted. We also hit on the monopolization of parts of the farming industry and the incentives to using land for farming vs. solar.

UW-La Crosse baseball coach Chris Schwarz joined to talk about the MLB debut of Caleb Boushley. The 29-year-old Boushley, a Hortonville, Wis., native, played for Schwarz back from 2015-2017. This is the second-consecutive year Schwarz has seen one of his former players get to the Majors. Last year, it was Holmen native Taylor Kohlwey. Boushley debuted for the Brewers last Friday, entering in the eighth inning with a one-run lead against the Cubs. Schwarz tells the story, as he and about 400 other friends and family of Boushley's, including "the whole town of Hortonville," were in the stands. Before that conversation, though, we had to rant about Giannis Antetokounmpo living over a decade in Wisconsin and never having a bratwurst, plus Katrina Shankland enters the race for US House in the 3rd District, to unseat Republican Derrick Van Orden.

It's committee week in the city of La Crosse, and council member Chris Woodard joined for a bit to talk about some agenda items he's going to be seeing, including a delay request on construction of the old Kmart on State Road. We also discussed a mental health clinic wanting to open on Jackson Street. After that, did a Rick's comment on Scott's Comment about Oktoberfest and then talked about some teaching bills that the Wisconsin state Legislature could look at.

La Crosse County administrator Jane Klekamp in studio to talk about the inner workings of county government, the $19-million Hillview project and the upcoming 2024 budget. The conversation hovering around government came up a couple of different times, including how the county and the city work and some of the work the county board does in bringing things to the table. One of those things is the Hillview Healthcare Center remake, which passed the board. We talk about how that came to be and what Hillview might look like when its all done. We also hit on the 2024 budget and how that's shaping up

A couple of Oktoberfest legends, Dave Ring, Brad Quarberg, joined to talk about the year La Crosse's Oktoberfest didn't sell beer. Yes, that was a thing, and it was part of a Top 5 list Quarberg deemed, "Five things you didn't know about La Crosse's Oktoberfest." Others included the time the Oktoberfest medallion was held hostage and that year there wasn't a Festmaster. Ring was the 2013 Festmaster, while Quarberg is our unofficial Oktoberfest historian and was the 2016 parade marshal. He was chief editor of the book The Fest of Times — a history of La Crosse Oktoberfest’s first 50 years.

Covered a lot of topics with Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff, from banning politicians from parades to a bill he introduced capping insulin costs at $35 in Wisconsin. We also hit some of the layers to Republicans looking to impeach both a state Supreme Court justice that was just elected to the Wisconsin Election Commission administrator. After that, we hit on solar farms vs farmland in Wisconsin, and whether he agrees with the $700 million for Milwaukee Brewers stadium upgrades.

Peggy Manson joined La Crosse Talk PM on Thursday, just a few hours after she, her daughter and their dog Roscoe found the Oktoberfest medallion. It's something of a family tradition for them, and the second time doing so in the past 16 years.

Peggy Manson kicks off the show, leaking to the world just how you find an Oktoberfest medallion. After that, La Crosse County and 3rd CD Democratic Party chair William Garcia on everything from Madison to DC in politics.

Tara Johnson, candidate for US House of Representatives here in Wisconsin’s 3rd District, joined La Crosse Talk PM on Wednesday to discuss, of course, why she’s running. We also may have come up with a campaign slogan, plus we talked choice and some local issues to take to DC. A big part of the conversation was about healthcare and, in there, we may have the pitch every candidate should be using on the issue: “You Don’t Have To Think About It Healthcare.” Johnson, the first-ever female chair of the La Crosse County Board, told a personal story about how her family was struck with medical emergencies, and how someone in a different health insurance position may not have had the same outcome. We also talked about choice, where she told another story how that’s affected her and her family, as overturning Roe v Wade sent Wisconsin back to the 1800s, where a 174-year-old abortion ban law went back into effect until just recently. Before we got into all that, though, we did spend some time on the state of the House right now and how local issues here could and should be tackled in D.C. Along with being the first-ever board chair — doing that nine years — Johnson served on the La Crosse County Board for 20 years. Before that, she was the executive director at the United Way in La Crosse. Johnson is one of three Democrats, so far, running in Wisconsin's 3rd CD, along with Rebecca Cooke and Aaron Nytes.  The seat is currently held by first-term Republican Derrick Van Orden.

Wisconsin Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle joins, tells a very interesting story from last week’s voting session. We also talked about the state of politics in Madison, the game of impeachment and rigged maps. Doyle began the show talking about last Thursday’s voting session, where he had COVID and Republicans almost had an Assembly supermajority, which would allow them to veto override just about everything Gov. Tony Evers has managed to accomplish. This is where the harmonic "groan," comes into play. After that, we discussed the continuing fight over a $4 billion budget surplus and how nobody is legitimately negotiating. Ended the show discussing the multifaceted game of impeaching a newly-elected state Supreme Court justice, using bias retired justices to justify that action and throwing an entire new system of drawing maps into the mix, with no public hearings and 48 hours for the Assembly to vote on it.

A three-subject show today, including a conversation about abortions with the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. Also talked about the F-35 that went missing somewhere in South Carolina and the Wisconsin GOP plan to give the Brewers $614 million for stadium renovations. After a bit about the F-35, Tanya Atkinson, the aforementioned CEO, joined to discuss PP resuming abortion care after a judge ruled Wisconsin's 174-year-old abortion ban, essentially, isn't legit. We discussed why they made the decision and what women in the state have to go through in Wisconsin based on a harsh 1985 law that's taken effect. After that, talked more about this missing F-35 jet, which cost about $80 million. But that's a drop in the bucket compared to what Republicans want to give the near-billionaire owner of the Milwaukee Brewers to fix up the stadium.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio to help try and break down some of headliners coming out of Madison, with the GOP trying to backpedal on impeaching a newly-elected justice. We also chatted about when your boss sends "that" email. Didn't waste a ton of time getting into Wisconsin Republicans' plans all surrounding the idea that they could lose some power by the 2024 elections. The GOP is simultaneously trying to impeach the newly-elected liberal state Supreme Court justice, create a system to redraw voting maps to subvert that impeachment and getting at least one bias opinion from a retired judge on how to move forward ridding Justice Janet Protasiewicz. In between that, we discussed the nerve-wracking email you'll get from your boss saying "we need to meet," and the etiquette in how that communication should happen. We also spoke briefly about Hunter Biden and US House member Derrick Van Orden's statements on impeaching Hunter's dad.

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