Dr. Bri Spicer, Lifestyle Program Director at the La Crosse Area YMCAs, in the WIZM studio Wednesday for La Crosse Talk PM to discuss a diabetes prevention program she’s overseeing and shame news talk hosts into getting checked out. #Sarcasm. #Kindof The La Crosse YMCA’s National Diabetes Prevention program is for those who have pre-diabetes. Spicer talks about who that is, how you would find that out and all the things that surround being part of the program. We talk about the mental and physical aspects of preventing diabetes, including stress and what Spicer called positive self talk. We also hit on some of the more easily known factors, including nutrition — plus reading food labels — as well as sleep and activity — though we did stump Spicer on sleep OR activity. Spicer said around 50% of people are pre-diabetic. Spicer also talked about a quick quiz to see how at risk for diabetes, which we had her filibuster during the show, while I took the 1 minute test. To find out more about her program at the La Crosse Area YMCAs, click here. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.

UW-La Crosse political scientist, Dr. Anthony Chergosky in studio discussing the billions Wisconsin taxpayers agreed to pay for schools, Donald Trump's "outrageous" cabinet, going viral on Wheel of Fortune, The Onion buys Infowars and words that were born the year you were. Began the show with news of President-elect's cabinet, like Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, for example, and why this makes headlines now, but didn't four years ago, when Joe Biden was coming into office. Then we got into the Time Traveler on Webster's (8:30), where you can see what words were born in each year — dating back to before the 12th Century, before talking about The Onion buying Infowars, the outlandish media venture of Alex Jones. Back to some politics, we hit on Republicans reelecting Robin Vos as Assembly Speaker in Wisconsin (20:35), despite his feuding with Trump. Then we talked how the state set a record for tax money to schools (23:30), and if residents are starting to get referendum fatigue, plus will that start to show in the state Legislature. The education secretary has requested a record for school spending for the upcoming budget. Lastly, Ryan Seacrest's first viral clip on Wheel of Fortune, how he blew it and what you should be doing on the gameshow if you want to actually win money.

La Crosse County Board chair Tina Tryggestad in studio fresh off a five-hour 2025 budget meeting the night before, so of course that was a focus of the conversation that also included homelessness and renaming facilities. We also got a bit of a civics lesson from Tryggestad in how the board gets to a final budget meeting, plus some budget details, including how American Rescue Plan Act funding is incorporated and granting certain funding requests from area groups.  We also discussed the Pathways Home plan, which is a five-year plan to end homelessness and we got into some of the details of the Hillview Healthcare Center, which Tryggestad says is not going to be renamed by selling out to a corporate sponsor — something brought up for no reason whatsoever.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings in studio fresh off an election win, where she holds onto her District 95 seat. On the  show we look at some of the numbers and how she did in a voting district that had new boundaries, plus what to expect from the state Legislature over the next two years. Billings points out there's a state Supreme Court race on the ballot just months from now, which could turn the state upside down in terms of voting. We also talk about some priorities going forward, when the Legislature reconvenes next year. 

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio to help dissect the fall election cycle, where we came to the conclusion that every level of government was its own unique situation. From Wisconsin's state Assembly and Senate races to the US House and Senate, to the presidency. Before that, however, La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds may have come up with a great name for a band, as he showed some discontent with the Judiciary and Administration Committee on the idea of creating a working group for a city administrator position.

A day after the election, Democrats Steve Doyle and Tara Johnson, who both won on Tuesday, stopped in studio to discuss whether the new makeup of Wisconsin's state Legislature means things getting done over the next two years. Doyle won by 217 votes in Assembly District 94, while Johnson  is the first Democrat to win in the 96th District since 1985. Also talked about was the money in politics, how Republican leadership framed losses in the Legislature and how to go about tackling issues this upcoming term, including the $4.7 billion budget surplus, school funding, childcare and more. 

La Crosse County and 3rd Congressional Democratic Party chair, William Garcia, in studio, working in sci-fi and politics as the fall election cycle comes to an end. Garcia was a good sport to come on and have a conversation that would remain relevant, even after Election Day is over, so there’s not a ton of predictions going on here but we do talk about impact and philosophy a bit — including Darth Vader, Dark Helmet and other sketchy leadership. So, of course, that meant bringing up my Scarlett Johansson interview this week, where I asked her “Star Wars or Star Trek?,” and while her answer was perfect, we dissected it even more when it came to Donald Trump. As for this election cycle, we got into Garcia’s role as a delegate, where he was one of about 4,000 who selected Kamala Harris to replace Joe Biden, plus all the big names that came to La Crosse County — from Harris and Trump to Tim Walz and Tammy Baldwin, or Bernie Sanders and Amy Klobuchar to Mark Cuban — and his experience with all of that. Before that, though, we hit on the importance of a party controlling the US House or the US Senate and the idea of an electoral college tie.

Just hours after she left La Crosse with her husband, Gwen Walz called back into La Crosse Talk PM. The wife of Tim Walz joined to talk about education, her husband and his advocacy for women and the underprivileged. And, we did ask her if Tim's getting anxious — not because of the election stuff — but because there's no deer hunting in Washington, DC., despite the deer population thriving and the need to reduce that population. 

Two prominent Republicans, fed up with Donald Trump, stop in the WIZM studio Friday for La Crosse Talk PM to discuss why they’re touring the country to campaign for Kamala Harris.  Ex-Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan of Georgia and former Mike Pence national security advisor Olivia Troye deep dive into why they feel this is such a crucial time for democracy, and the Republican Party, to vote for Harris and end Trump’s run in politics. Adding to the discussion, UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, who helps analyze the political spectrum of this election Before starting that deep dive, though, we, of course, had to hit on Duncan’s baseball past — a standout pitcher at Georgia Tech and drafted by the Florida Marlins. We talked how he played around the same time Alex Rodriguez was with the Appleton Foxes. And we unlocked a core memory for Duncan, who used to be called “The Vulture” — as he somehow amassed 10 wins and 13 saves one season — and may now be called Vulture again, come the end of this election. Politically, we discussed Trump flooding the media with outrageous rhetoric, and brought up two things he said just this week, including in Green Bay. At a rally there Trump said he’s going to protect all women and “I’m going to do it whether the women like it or not.” We also discussed the “whisper caucus,” which is a group of conservatives done with the Republican Party under Trump and what that means for the future of the GOP. In terms of National Security, we got into Trump sidling up to dictators and how the rest of the world is watching and worrying about the potential outcome of the election with a second Trump term.  And we got into empathy, one the themes from Duncan’s book, “GOP 2.0: How the 2020 Election Can Lead to a Better Way Forward for America's Conservative Party. To wrap up (33:20), Chergosky gave his takes on the unique position that Duncan and Troye have put themselves in, going to multiple swing states, campaigning for Republicans to make that choice of Harris this election.

Ben Wikler, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair, in studio, right before he sent his kids off to either go door knocking or trick-or-treating. On the show with Wikler (3:15), we took a top-down approach to the fall elections, starting with Kamala Harris v. Donald Trump and then moving on to the US Senate race and then state Legislature battles.  We also discussed some of the policies each race features, like Harris' proposals for first-time homebuyers, first-time parents and new small business owners. And what it would take in Congress to get those passed. We also hit on Wisconsin's $4 billion budget surplus and what should be done with that funding. Republicans have been sitting on it for nearly two years with no negotiations between them and Democrats as to how to move that money.   Began the show talking quick about Halloween. what politicians might be the most popular this season, and if it was possible for someone to put on more bronzer than Trump.

Three guests and three different topics including the Mid-West Family, Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Radiothon raising $118,000. Plus, the La Crosse County clerk predicts a huge turnout, but now who or when we’ll have a president. And, the La Crosse teachers union co-president says more awareness is needed for the $53.5 million referendum. Started things off with Abby Ryan, a specialist with the  Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals, talking about the Mid-West Family team-up Radiothon seeing the community bring in so much in donations, and what that money — which stays local — will go toward. After that (5:50), Ginny Dankmeyer is the La Crosse County clerk, and she discussed what their office will be doing on election night, the matter of election security and some predictions on voter turnout and on the presidential race. Lastly (18:35), Jesse Martinez, the La Crosse Education Association co-president, discusses the referendum to building a new elementary school at the Hogan Administrative site, and update State Road Elementary, while consolidating three other schools in the district. But, we also discussed La Crosse requesting from the state that school start earlier, and what kind of input teachers had in that school board decision. La Crosse Talk PM airs weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.

We did the weave on Halloween and politics with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio with our traditional trick-or-treat preview. Among some of the topics was, of course, best and worst candy, but also some good poll questions surrounding the holiday: What age is too old to trick-or-treat — and do you have to tell your kids to stop?  Have you ever dressed as a political figure for Halloween? How often do you have nightmares after watching a horror film? At what age should you stop dressing up for Halloween? In the political world, we discussed the onslaught of nationally known Democrats that have descended to La Crosse and Wisconsin but, aside from Donald Trump, where are the Republicans — and who are the Republicans? We also talked quick about Elon Musk's $1 million giveaway. And the last topic came from a caller: What happens if you vote early, but your candidate dies? It's actually happened.

Jane Powell, president of the League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area, plus voter services chair, Chris Haskell, in studio talking about all the things the League is doing to inform the public this election cycle. We began the show, though, with La Crosse city clerk Nikki Elsen, talking about early in-person voting and how Day 1 went Tuesday.  After that (10:45), with Haskell and Powell, we started the conversation in 1920 — this radical idea of letting women vote — then moved to 2024 and how the League has evolved. We then hit on some of the efforts specifically the La Crosse chapter has done, including the school district’s $53.5 million referendum, taking a stance on the Constitutional Amendment question and, also, how they remain nonpartisan in an ever polarized environment.

Fun, informative and kind of hilarious conversation, talking science with Spencer Wilken, who thinks Earth’s new moon is clickbait but Jupiter’s favorite moon is actually news, plus why we keep seeing the Northern Lights. We also gave Wilken some homework: watch Armageddon.  Wilken is a Ph.D. student at the University of Illinois. She believes it’s big news that NASA is sending the Europa Clipper to the Jupiter moon in hopes of finding water and life. Meanwhile, in Earth’s orbit, an asteroid that really isn’t a moon — though we have spoken in the past about Earth’s actual dwarf moon. Then we got into a conversation about the Northern Lights and stumped Wilken on the matter.  Lastly, two funny things: 1. Scientists discovering a 46,000-year-old female microscopic worm in the Siberian permafrost and bringing it back to life. Plus, in there somewhere — perhaps about the worm — Wilken brought “Will this kill us,” but said it so fast it sounded like “Willis kill us” and brought us full circle to the movie Armageddon again, starring Bruce Willis. 

La Crosse School Board president, Dr. Juan Jimenez, in studio discussing some jaw dropping numbers to a population study, the district trying to start school earlier, based on its burden to private schools and the $53.5 million referendum. Began the show with a bit of an overview, but quickly got into the numbers presented to the school board Monday from a population study that shows enrollment shrinking. After that, we discussed why the school district wants to start school earlier. It’s state law to start on or after Sept. 1, but only for public schools. Those districts, however, are required to bus private school students, which often start school earlier — as they don’t have to adhere to the same laws. Lastly, we discussed the referendum, and some of the fallout that might happen if it doesn’t pass, plus what comes next regardless of what happens — which could be dealing with the middle schools.

The one and only debate for US Senate in Wisconsin, between Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger, Eric Hovde, took place on Oct. 18, 2024.

This is the Wisconsin state Senate District 32 debate between Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) and Republican challenger Stacey Klein of Trempealeau. It took place Oct. 16, 2024 at UW-La Crosse. 

Not long after the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce named Beth Davis its first female CEO since 1868, Tiffany Rice brought in studio two of their panelists for Thursday’s Women’s Leadership Summit. Those panelists are Gundersen Medical Foundation vice president Lindsay Preston and La Crosse Community Foundation CEO Jamie Schloegel. The summit happens from noon-4 p.m. at the UW-La Crosse Bluffs Ballroom, though there may be an even bigger woman in leadership crashing campus that same day. On the show, we breakdown what the summit is all about and actually get into some of the topics that will be brought up to the panel, including misperceptions of women in leadership, expectations of women and finding support. Chamber of Commerce panel at the Women's Leadership Summit Buffet Lunch as guests arrive. Intros: New CEO, Beth Franklin Welcome by Rep Jill Billings Panel of three local women (2 of them will be present at the studio) Dessert/Coffee Bar with Networking Time and Time to visit Exhibitors Keynote Door Prizes (provided by exhibitors) Summit highlights: 20 local small women-owned businesses that will be present as exhibitors promoting their small businesses.  Attendees will have time to visit with them and learn about their businesses and also enter to win door prizes.   Keynote speaker is Gina Glover. Website: GinaConnects - Career Coach and Speaker Her topic is:  Dial Up Your Influence: Specific Strategies that Stick:  We all have an influence on those around us, whether we consider ourselves an influencer or not.  John Maxwell quipped "Leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less." This talk delves into the specific strategies you can use to dial up your influence – with your colleagues, your customers, and your community. Partnered with Downtown Mainstreet and its Taste of Downtown that evening. Tickets can be purchased for that event in combination with Women's Leadership Summit at a discounted rate.   One table will be for seven Guests of Honor, which includes local women doing extraordinary things in the community.  

Democratic Vice Presidential nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joins to discuss showing up for rural voters, getting legislation passed for working class and if he's mad Saturday Night Live got it wrong. Began the show, though, selfishly talking quick about Winona — where I was a sports writer — and Mankato West football, where Walz coached. Then we got into connecting with rural voters, as Walz did, when he was the US House Rep. in Minnesota's Republican-leaning 1st District, just over the Mississippi River from La Crosse. Sandwiched in there is a quick question about SNL having comedian Jim Gaffigan playing Walz and how the skit about the Menards rebate was wrong.    We also got into some of the priorities Democrats passed the last two years in the Minnesota Legislature — free school meals, paid family leave, free college for working-class families — and if any of those could be done federally.  Lastly, Walz was asked, 'Who does fall better, Wisconsin or Minnesota?' but he side-stepped the question and offered up another nugget about his recent visit to Wisconsin.

Nothing like breaking down the 2025 and 2028 elections with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, 24 days before the November election cycle ends. We also recapped with WIZM's Brad Williams the vote by the city council not to vote on hiring a city administrator.  Lastly, highlighted some of the "Wisconsin Confessions," on Reddit, like "I don't like brats," and "Culver's cheese curds aren't good."

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio discussing reelection, potential vote on city administrator, veto on Pump House request for more funding and La Crosse Center accounting change. Spent a lot of time going over, in different ways, the upcoming, potential vote Thursday by La Crosse’s city council on hiring a city administrator position. Reynolds talked about the cost of the position versus savings it would do with city, how the 2012 referendum that voted down the proposal was an outlier and what he expects the city council to do at the meeting. Also talked about Shaundel Washington-Spivey’s announcement to run for mayor and brought up multiple times — and almost got Reynolds to reveal — if he was seeking reelection.  Next month the 2025 budget will be finalized and one thing that may have help with that is some changes in accounting at the La Crosse Center, which Reynolds breaks down.  Lastly, we hit on his veto last month of a request from the Pump House Regional Arts Center, downtown, for more funding, which the council could override Thursday. The Pump House is a city-owned building that just did over $300,000 in renovations, but ended up asking the city for an additional $13,290.03 — which Reynolds vetoed and he explains why.

We're back! UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, back in studio to talk the $110 million of outside money in WIsconsin's US Senate race, the second TP shortage of the 2020s, Kamala Harris campaigns at the GOP's birthplace in Ripon, plus going 90 mph down Lang Drive. Chergosky also paid a bit of a tribune to La Crosse Talk host Mike Hayes, who is battling pancreatic cancer.  We also hit on the Brewers blowing Game 3 of the wildcard to the Mets and how it's that stupid mascot Grimace's fault, as well as just being back on La Crosse Talk PM, with WIZM shuffling some in the absence of Hayes. The two big political stories we got into included outside money in the US Senate race in Wisconsin, where $57 million is being spent on Democrat Tammy Baldwin and $53 million on Eric Hovde — on top of Baldwin spending $42 million on her own campaign, and Hovde spending $20 million.  Then we hit on Harris campaigning with Republican Liz Cheaney in Ripon, Wisconsin, where the GOP Party was birthed. The toilet paper shortage stems from people freaking out about the longshoremen's strike, which will not be the "October surprise," as they've delayed it until January. And, lastly, La Crosse police arrested this week a 19-year-old driving 90 mph down Lang Drive near Menards during "rush hour." 

Jill Schams and Jesse Martinez, the co-presidents of the La Crosse Education Association (LEA) — or the teachers’ union — in studio, discussing the district’s $53.5 million referendum on the November ballot, school funding in general and how a cellphone ban in schools has worked. Schams is a K-5 music teacher at Southern Bluffs Elementary School, while Martinez teaches 7th grade math and social studies — and Spanish emersion — at Logan Middle School. We began the show with a quick overview, but also getting to know Schams a bit, as she's never been on before and she teaches music, which is fascinating to some talk show hosts.  After that (8:20), we got into the La Crosse School District's $53.5 million referendum and whether LEA supports it. The overview of that plan would be to: Create eight new classrooms and a new gym at State Road Elem. Tear down the Hogan Administrative site. Close Emerson and Spence elementaries and move those students to a new school, built on the Hogan Administrative site. Close Hintgen, consolidate most of those students to State Road's school. We also talked about school funding in general interweaved into that conversation. Lastly (33:15), we discussed the cellphone ban that Logan MS had last year, how that went. The school, along with Logan High School have cellphone bans this year.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio discussing the possible addition of a city administrator, potential parking deregulation and getting the 2025 operating budget passed.  The city administrator (6:30) conversation kind of intertwined with the passing the 2025 operating budget, which took up most of the show. But meetings about adding the city admin position could happen as soon as next week.  We ended the show (26:45) discussing parking deregulation in the city, which had a committee meeting last week through the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee.

William Garcia, the La Crosse County and 3rd CD Democratic Party chair, in studio discussing everything from the policies of Kamala Harris, to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's old Sega Dreamcast to Star Wars The Acolyte being cancelled. We began the show, though, talking about whether Garcia would be continuing his duel roles with the local Democratic parties. Then we got into some of the policies surrounding Harris, before taking a break to talk about science fiction and Walz's Dreamcast. Ended the show taking some texts, which mostly hovered around the economy, "Bidenomics," and Harris.

La Crosse city council member Barb Janssen joins to discuss committee legislation Thursday to use $270,000 for cleanup and security on city property, plus why the council didn’t appoint a District 5 replacement. Janssen, who has been on the council seven years, including serving as president, also serves on the Finance and Personnel Committee, which meets at 6 p.m. Thursday. One of the items the F&P committee will debate is spending $270,000 for cleanup of the La Crosse River marsh, Cameron and Burns parks, plus two parking ramps. That money would also be used for added security at Burns and Cameron parks. This comes a week after La Crosse began enforcing a no camping ban on city property and performed extensive cleanup around the marsh trail area. We also discussed the Pump House Regional Arts Center asking for additional funds of around $13,000 for renovations of the building, which is owned by the city. Lastly, we discussed the council not voting to appoint a District 5 replacement on the council after a resignation. A replacement now won’t be voted for until the April 2025 election. 

Wisconsin Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio back on Aug. 26 discussing the lack of vaping legislation in the state, where are we with PFAS help, and having a debate with his opponent. The vaping discussing evolved from the La Crosse School District putting vape detectors in some bathrooms. Federal law is 21 years to buy those products, but Wisconsin's Legislature won't update state law, and it's led to vaping numbers increasing among young people. We also talked about the PFAS debate in the state, where Republicans and Democrats won't negotiate on details of releasing over $120 million in relief money — as the Town of Campbell continues to use bottled water for over three years now. And, we discussed the Donald Trump town hall, the idea of town halls versus debates and Pfaff having a debate with Republican opponent Stacey Klein.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio, and we hit on a number of things, but the best is where a presidential candidate should stop in La Crosse. If getting in and out for a rally isn't local enough, where, or what business, in the area should the candidate spend some time that people would love? We began the show discussing some intricacies of Donald Trump's La Crosse town hall, including the ex-president not knowing it was a town hall, or who it was for, and why down-ballot Republicans weren't at all part of any of it — and barely made note of it on social media.  We got into the visiting La Crosse conversation (18:10) with what we might ask Donald Trump during the show, and how it wouldn't be about policy, it would be his thoughts on something local. That morphed into the candidates should visit the area more versus just holding a rally. Before that, for a few, with school starting back up, Chergosky discussed (6:50) how he has some exchange students who are very curious in learning about US politics, and he has a class teaching Wisconsin politics. Ended the show (28:30) trying to coin the phrase DINO, like Republicans have coined RINO (Republican In Name Only), and where Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., fit in that world. Plus, a recent YouGov poll on the popularity of some of Kamala Harris and Trump proposals. 

La Crosse began clearing the marsh trails and other city properties on Wednesday due to homeless encampments, as council members Mackenzie Mindel and Mac Kiel joined La Crosse Talk Pm to discuss some details surrounding the dilemma. Kiel goes out weekly with the homeless outreach team and updates us, in the second half of the show (17:45), on the council’s decision earlier this month to ban camping, and dilemma now for homeless people with nowhere to go. Both Kiel and Mindel are on the Judiciary and Administration Committee, which meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday. We discuss some of the things on that agenda (4:10), which indirectly have to do with homelessness, including three rezoning decisions that all deal with housing — the old Lincoln Middle School, the Washburn Community garden area and the county’s Hillview Healthcare Center.

Two guests on a Tuesday, included Jeff Tripp, the La Crosse airport’s new director, as he prepares for Donald Trump’s visit Thursday, plus Robbie Young, on the bike-ped committee on making the city better for bicyclists. Tripp joined first (2:00) and we got to know a bit about his responsibilities as the La Crosse Regional Airport director, and what he’s going through, as the Secret Service gets the area ready for Trump’s town hall at the La Crosse Center. After that (18:00), Robbie Young, on the city’s bike-pedestrian advisory committee and owner of the Coulee Bicycle Co. in Onalaska, talks a bit about how e-bikes are changing. We also discuss the difficulties bicyclists have getting from one end of town to the other, and some of the Wisconsin DOT’s plans for Third and Fourth streets downtown, which include protected bike lanes. Began the show with a bit of an update on the Trump town hall, where doors will now open at 2 p.m., plus we learned who the moderator will be.

Covered a lot with La Crosse County Board chair Tina Tryggestad, including passing both a DEI and strategic plan, accepting bids on the Hillview Healthcare Center plus an update on the Pathways Home initiative. Got into the board recently passing a consultant's year-long Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan (6:10) that was pushed back a month, and morphed that conversation (14:15) into the five-year strategic plan. In the second half of the show (18:50) we discussed the city-county Pathways Home project to endhomelessness, including its recent successes, the dilemma with the city banning overnight camping and where the plan is at now. Ended the show (22:50) discussing the Hillview Healthcare Center, after the board accepted bids for the multi-faceted facility that will include an intergenerational care center, bridge housing, crisis beds and more.

Mark Abraham, better known as “Abe,” in the WIZM studio Wednesday for La Crosse Talk PM. The La Crescent High School cross country coach talked about multiple aspects of doing the job for the past 49 years — 41 as La Crescent High School's coach.  Last spring, Abraham, now 71, retired as the Lancers track and field coach but says he’ll stay on as cross country coach as long as he feels good doing it.  Abraham, who said he runs about 10-12 miles a week with the team, talks about how the sport has changed, some philosophies when it comes to coaching and what it’s like having the kids of past athletes now running through the program. Abraham is a member of the Minnesota Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame, the Houston High School Hall of Fame and the La Crescent Wall of Excellence. 

Viterbo director of the Ethics Institute, Dr. Rick Kyte, joined to discuss his book called, "Finding Your Third Place." While the Olympics just wrapped up, this conversation we quickly learned wasn't about any bronze metal, it was more about where both children and adults find space when they're not home and not at work. In some communities, that space is dwindling. It's also a space that's gone virtual, as well, and Kyte didn't see that as a positive. The book can be found at Pearl Street Books in downtown La Crosse.

Wisconsin Democratic state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings in studio discussing the "knocking doors" world of campaigning, Legislature still holding up funding for PFAS, childcare and more, plus will UW-La Crosse’s science center ever get built. Began the show talking about campaigning, is it realistic to know on all the doors and if things will get nasty between Billings and her GOP opponent, Cedric Schnitzler, for the 95th District seat in the Assembly. From there, we moved on to some of the funding for state initiatives (16:10) that have been held up by the GOP-led Joint Finance Committee on PFAS funding, hospital closure response, childcare and K-12 literacy. We then went back to Billings new district lines (21:00), plus a bit of an overview of the Democratic National Convention.  Ended the show (31:20) discussing how Republicans have now for about six years blocked funding for phase II of UW-La Crosse's Prairie Springs Science Center, which went from $87 million to build to $187 million last year. No price on what it would cost next year yet.  

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio breaking down the August primary, the relatively huge turnout, Republicans losing on the constitutional amendments and Rebecca Cooke winning in the UW House race.  Began the show on voter turnout, which wasn’t huge, but also was at a 60-year high.  We then took a sidebar (9:30) from election recap, first talking about how Chergosky nearly got hit by a bicyclists on the sidewalk — across the road from the 2nd Street bike track — and what looks good to eat at the Minnesota State Fair coming up. Next (14:40) we got back into the failed GOP constitutional amendments and if turnout had anything to do with that, and how another amendment — basically culture war nonsense from the GOP — coming on the November ballot.  Lastly (23:55), we got into the 3rd District race for US House in Wisconsin that saw Cooke kind of easily win over the two other Democrats and what the results say about moving on to face Republican Derrick Van Orden.

La Crosse School Board president, and Western Tech associate dean, Dr. Juan Jimenez, in studio discussing new class terms at the college and the school district's $53.5 million referendum question on the November ballot.  Began the show, though, talking a bit about school getting ready to start and rule from the state that it can’t begin before Sept. 1, because the tourism industry needs child labor through the summer months, and if that rule should or could change with a different state Legislature. Then we got into how Western Technical College (7:05) is getting set to implement, full time, new class term lengths and why it made that decision. WTC slow rolled that out over summer and is now doing seven-week- long classes full time.  Lastly (20:35), we hit on the School District of La Crosse's $53.5 million referendum question for the fall election that will do these things:  — Create eight new classrooms, new gym at State Road Elementary — Tear down the Hogan Administrative site. — Consolidate students from Emerson and Spence into new elementary at the Hogan site.  — Close Hintgen and consolidate those students to State Road.

A lot going on in La Crosse this weekend on both ends of the spectrum, as Jean Taylor and Josh Hertel both join to talk about two big events. First (7:15), Taylor breaks down this new two-day party called Big River Rally on Friday and Saturday at the downtown Oktoberfest grounds and beyond. Then Hertel joins (18:50) to talk about Coulee Con, this gaming extravaganza, happening Friday-Sunday at the La Crosse Center.  Began the show, though, with a bit of a recap from the August primary, with the two Republican-written constitutional amendments being voted down, Tara Johnson and Rebecca Cooke winning Democratic primaries for state Assembly and US House. Big River Rally features a pair of concerts — Buckcherry on Friday and Jackyl on Saturday — stunt shows, a bike show, vendors, a veterans breakfast and a pair of rides through the Coulee Region, including one featuring WKTY's Bill Michaels and Jackyl's Jesse James Dupree. For more info and tickets, click here. And, at the La Crosse Center, the 10th annual and possibly last Coulee Con — a tabletop gaming convention that's put on by Hertel, who is also the president of Coulee Gaming Inc. Get tickets for Coulee Con by clicking here. One of the cool aspects that we discussed was how Hertel gets sent never-before-played games, sets up tournaments with them and the winner takes home the game, which may be one of a kind or the next big thing. Hertel says this will be the last Coulee Con — for now. 

It doesn't start off the show, but Adam Murphy and I discuss a new Microsoft data center going up in Wisconsin in the Foxconn plant area, which is going to be a major energy suck. Something that Donald Trump recently spoke about, and we all might agree with him that the government needs to do something. Before that, though, we started off with Hunger Task Force (HTF) of La Crosse executive director Shelly Fortner on food scarcity.  Among the things we talked to Fortner about included the need for volunteers at the HTF, plus how the food bank, pantries and food programs are struggling, and might have to consolidate a bit as to not duplicate services.  The HTF is the only food bank between Madison and Rochester, distributing goods to 120 meal sites, food pantries, youth and backpack programs in the region. After that (15:30), Murphy, who we call our political blowhard, discusses A.I., data centers and the massive amounts of energy they need to exist. But we started that interview with Donald Trump talking about this in a more simplistic fashion. Trump's comments came at a Bitcoin conference at the end of July. Ended the show (32:40) with a quick rant on the August primary coming to an end Tuesday, and how ridiculous it is Republicans put two Wisconsin constitutional amendments on a ballot that will see a ridiculously low turnout. 

Cashton native Gabe Anderson in studio to tell the story of how he created his e-sports streaming company, LobbyUp!, while he was stationed overseas in the Marines. Anderson’s streams, which feature mainly Madden and now College Football, have featured Green Bay Packers defensive end Preston Smith, former NFL quarterback Michael Vick and former Badgers running back and Super Bowl champ Corey Clement.  Anderson explains just what LobbyUp! is, how he got started and what to expect in the future, including another tournament with the Packers Smith and Mayz on the call. 

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in the WIZM studio Friday for La Crosse Talk PM discussing the impact of two Wisconsin constitutional amendments on Tuesday's a low voter turnout ballot, recapping the city council’s homeless ban and Snoop Dogg at the Olympics. Diving into politics (9:00), we discussed the two constitutional amendments Republicans put on the August primary ballot, how difficult they are to interpret and how they are also hidden on the ballot.  After that, WIZM’s Brad Williams joined (22:00), a day after he covered Thursday’s city council meeting, where they voted 7-5 to essentially ban homeless people from existing on city property. We also talked about how the city’s resources are finite and some on the council have called on the state or federal government to do something about the crisis. Wisconsin’s state Legislature hasn’t passed a bill on homelessness in at least six years, according to Republican Assembly Rep. Loren Oldenburg (Viroqua). Ended the show (35:40), where we began, talking about the Olympics. Started with the break dancing competitions and finished on how Snoop Dogg has been paid $500,000 a day to be a cheerleader at the Olympics. 

She authored the bill that helped get Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz the vice presidential nomination. Now, Minnesota state Rep. Sydney Jordan (D-Hennepin) didn’t take credit for the bill Thursday on La Crosse Talk PM, but she did tell the story of that day — Walz surrounded by students, signing the bill in Jordan's district (you can see her crying in the background), giving free school meals to students across the state, followed by fist bumps and hugs. Jordan was asked about three weeks ago to join the show and talk about an immensely important plastics bill that she got through the Legislature and to Walz’s desk. Then something happened earlier this week that also seemed important — Walz getting the vice presidential nomination from Kamala Harris. Along with the free school meals and plastics bill, Jordan also talks about Republicans pinning "Tampon Tim" on Walz, and how Democrats love it, because it's due to their legislation to provide free menstrual products in public school bathrooms across the state.  One other thing Jordan talked about was Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who — if Harris and Walz win the election — would become the first Native American governor in US history and the first female governor in Minnesota. Flanagan is already is the highest-ranking Native American ever elected to office. Jordan was elected right before 2020 during a special election and has experienced being the only state in the country with a split Legislature, before then being a part of Democrats taking full control of state government and passing incredibly dynamic legislation that has helped boost Walz’s profile for Democrats as the VP candidate.

Ryan Huebsch, who's running for Wisconsin state Assembly in the 94th District, in the WIZM studio discussing the fight over PFAS legislation, his view on the two constitutional amendments on the primary ballot, why he's in the race, and how he was an infant when he attended his first political fundraiser — which was for his dad, Mike Huebsch, who was once the state rep. in District 94.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has the "hot hand" says La Crosse Talk PM guest and "political blowhard," Adam Murphy, who joins on a veepstakes Tuesday, along with longtime MN state Rep. Gene Pelowski who, in Olympic fashion, ends the interview about Walz and Democrats with a Perfect 10 backflip.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio discussing homelessness, housing, taxes, city services and parking. After talking old cars and Olympics to begin the show, we got into how the city council has multiple special meetings on homelessness, right before Thursday's monthly meeting. To start the second half of the show (17:00) Reynolds brought up the city's pool situation and how one could potentially need to be closed. That led to a discussion about the balancing act the city council needs to maneuver between maintaining city services, increasing city revenue or raising taxes. After that (25:00), we discussed housing as a way to raise revenue, including having FEMA remap the city's floodplain. Lastly (29:50), we discussed  La Crosse's parking situation, as the parking utility is running at a deficit. 

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio discussing "weird" Republicans, Democrats meme culture, the strategy behind a VP pick and La Crosse building Starbucks on top of Starbucks and carwashes across from carwashes. Spent most of the show talking the presidential race, memes taking over the Democratic party — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers "brat summer" tweet — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz starting the "weird Republicans" trend, JD Vance hates cat ladies and Chergosky's rankings for Kamala Harris' VP pick. But, ended the show (33:00) with news that more Starbucks and more carwashes are coming to La Crosse — right where there are already more than enough Starbucks and a carwash already on the way. 

Eric Wilson in studio discussing why he's the Democrat in the 3rd District capable of beating Republican Derrick Van Orden. On the show, we talk about how his experience outside government makes him the best rep, including in housing and tech. We talk about the housing crisis and why it's become unaffordable to many, plus how he separates himself from Democratic opponents, Rebecca Cooke and Katrina Shankland. 

A look at past and upcoming elections with Dr. Ed Miller, professor emeritus at UW-Steven Point, who began teaching in the 1960s. He brings that historical perspective to President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 race and Kamala Harris stepping in, similar to what happened during the Vietnam War in the 1968 election. We also look at the 3rd US House District race between Republican Derrick Van Orden and three Democrats — Rebecca Cooke, Katrina Shankland and Eric Wilson — and the US Senate race in Wisconsin between Tammy Baldwin and Eric Hovde.

La Crosse County and 3rd US House District Democratic Party chair William Garcia — who is also a delegate — in the WIZM studio Friday for La Crosse Talk PM discussing the process of now making Kamala Harris the nominee, could Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz be the VP, as he defends cat ladies from Republican VP candidate JD Vance. We also discuss what Democrats should be running on, which included how Supreme Court reform could be dangerous but abortion access is realistic. And, in between all that, we went off on a sci-fi sidebar with talk about the Deadpool & Wolverine movie, plus book-to-screen adaptations on Dune, The Foundation and Lord of the Rings.

Cedric Schnitzler, the Republican candidate for state Assembly in Wisconsin's 95th District, in studio discussing the budget surplus, public education, childcare, broadband and why his experience makes him right for the job. Schnitzler has been the Monroe County Board chair the past eight years and part of the board, on and off, since 1996. Schnitzler discusses how there's a need for the state to help communities with expanding broadband, how there should be a difference in funding capital and operating expenses in public schools, and where the state's $3.5 billion budget surplus fits into the mix. Schnitzler is running against Democratic incumbent Jill Billings in the fall election.

Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle in studio discussing the Joe Biden departure, how governments are dealing with homelessness, the constitutional amendments on the August ballot and the Legislature's inability to talk across the isle. We began with Republicans trying to change the state constitution, to pull decision-making power from the governor in times of emergencies. A thing the GOP didn't have a problem with when Scott Walker was governor, but he didn't go through a pandemic. So, floated Doyle the idea of defining those emergencies, which could be done in the Legislature -- and not by wordy, confusing constitutional amendments. That, however led to a conversation (10:00) about how the Legislature doesn't communicate across the aisle, let alone work together.  After that (19:20), we discussed the homeless issue in La Crosse and across the state, as Doyle is also on the La Crosse County Board. After that, (25:00) we finished off the show diving into Biden dropping out of the presidential race and some of the talking points surrounding that, like Republicans saying he then isn't fit to be president now or that Democrats are subverting democracy by selecting his replacement, after the primary. Doyle is a Democrat in the 94th District. Republican Ryan Huebsch is running against him.