Ben Wikler, the Democratic Party chair of Wisconsin, talking only good things about Republicans heading into their state convention this weekend. Among topics, we discussed the Republican candidates for governor, Ron Johnson and Great Replacement theory. After that, WIZM's Brad Williams joined to discuss replacing the Hiawatha statue, as well as some history of the GOP endorsing governor candidates. Williams is also directing a Beatles musical in La Crescent that runs June 17-19 & 24-26.

Ben Wikler, the Democratic Party chair of Wisconsin, talking only good things about Republicans heading into their state convention this weekend. Among topics, we discussed the Republican candidates for governor, Ron Johnson and Great Replacement theory. After that, WIZM's Brad Williams joined to discuss replacing the Hiawatha statue, as well as some history of the GOP endorsing governor candidates. Williams is also directing a Beatles musical in La Crescent that runs June 17-19 &amp; 24-26.

Listener conversations about the days events in and around the La Crosse area.  Weekdays from 5-6pm on WIZM 1410AM and 92.3FM

La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Rick Solem talks about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5:07-6pm on 1410 WIZM

Rick Solem talks about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5:07-6pm on 1410 WIZM

WIZM - La Crosse

Wisconsin Dem. Party chair Ben Wikler; Should parties endorse primary candidates?

State Assembly Rep. Tara Johnson in studio discussing whether Wisconsin should get into the gerrymandering wars, ways to better communicate with constituents and some of the dilemmas she’s hearing from those in her district.

We started the show discussing outreach — holding office hours, hosting town halls and other ways to reach constituents. That conversation started because Johnson has put 70,000 miles on her car, including hosting town halls throughout the state on her proposal for a BadgerCare public option.

After that, we got into some of the issues she’s hearing, including one that’s a big off the radar but relatable to the housing crisis happening everywhere — outside entities are coming into Wisconsin, buying up mobile home parks and jacking up the rent and utilities. 

The second half of the show dealt a bit with the gerrymandering wars, as Republican states are changing their voting maps and stopping elections in the middle of voting, while Democratic states are going to the polls and asking voters if they want to change their maps. An issue started by Donald Trump telling Texas Republicans to change their voting maps. 

Johnson was asked multiple times if she would be in favor of changing voting maps if things kept getting worse for Democrats.

In Wisconsin, politicians who control the Legislature decide how the maps are drawn but Gov. Tony Evers called a special election a month ago to change this process to a nonpartisan voting commission. Though Republicans have gaveled in and immediately out of all 13 prior Evers’ special elections, this one remains open. And Johnson talks about where she stands on the issue. 

State Assembly Rep. Tara Johnson in studio discussing whether Wisconsin should get into the gerrymandering wars, ways to better communicate with constituents and some of the dilemmas she&rsquo;s hearing from those in her district.
We started the show discussing outreach &mdash; holding office hours, hosting town halls and other ways to reach constituents. That conversation started because Johnson has put 70,000 miles on her car, including hosting town halls throughout the state on her proposal for a BadgerCare public option.
After that, we got into some of the issues she&rsquo;s hearing, including one that&rsquo;s a big off the radar but relatable to the housing crisis happening everywhere &mdash; outside entities are coming into Wisconsin, buying up mobile home parks and jacking up the rent and utilities.&nbsp;
The second half of the show dealt a bit with the gerrymandering wars, as Republican states are changing their voting maps and stopping elections in the middle of voting, while Democratic states are going to the polls and asking voters if they want to change their maps. An issue started by Donald Trump telling Texas Republicans to change their voting maps.&nbsp;
Johnson was asked multiple times if she would be in favor of changing voting maps if things kept getting worse for Democrats.
In Wisconsin, politicians who control the Legislature decide how the maps are drawn but Gov. Tony Evers called a special election a month ago to change this process to a nonpartisan voting commission. Though Republicans have gaveled in and immediately out of all 13 prior Evers&rsquo; special elections, this one remains open. And Johnson talks about where she stands on the issue.&nbsp;

Wisconsin Rep. Tara Johnson on gerrymandering wars, public outreach

One of the biggest events that happens in La Crosse every year is going to remain a staple of the city through the year 2034.

The WIAA and UW-L worked out its longest deal ever, eight years, to keep the state track and field meet here.

La Crosse is always looking to expand the types of events it can host but state track has been a staple since the early 1990s. But, recently we've seen the addition of the WIAA state team wrestling meet in town, as well as other regional and national events.

Helping bring those events to the region is Explore La Crosse. Jeremiah Burish is the sports sales director there. He joined to help discuss getting the state track deal done, what other events could be in the works — like potential bids for state gymnastics or cross country — and some of the high-profile competitions coming to the area.

That includes a massive showcase later this month, as UW-La Crosse prepares to host the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field National Championships at Roger Harring Stadium from May 21–23, and the La Crosse Center will host the DIII wrestling championships next year.

One of the biggest events that happens in La Crosse every year is going to remain a staple of the city through the year 2034.
The WIAA and UW-L worked out its longest deal ever, eight years, to keep the state track and field meet here.
La Crosse is always looking to expand the types of events it can host but state track has been a staple since the early 1990s. But, recently we've seen the addition of the WIAA state team wrestling meet in town, as well as other regional and national events.
Helping bring those events to the region is Explore La Crosse. Jeremiah Burish is the sports sales director there. He joined to help discuss getting the state track deal done, what other events could be in the works &mdash; like potential bids for state gymnastics or cross country &mdash; and some of the high-profile competitions coming to the area.
That includes a massive showcase later this month, as UW-La Crosse prepares to host the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track &amp; Field National Championships at Roger Harring Stadium from May 21&ndash;23, and the La Crosse Center will host the DIII wrestling championships next year.

Explore La Crosse's Burish on bringing big events to the region

From A New Hope to The Mandalorian, it's a Star Wars day on this May the 4th with Rivoli Theatre co-owners Jon and Clara Gelatt in studio.

What's your first Star Wars memory? Did mom also throw all your toys away? Are the old movies still the best? Is the Star Wars universe oversaturated thanks to Disney? 

The Rivoli is playing A New Hope at 5 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. with discounts for those who dress up or bring their lightsabers. The night will feature specialty drinks — perhaps some blue milk — and preshow trivia. A New Hope will also play through Thursday.

Aside from Star Wars, we wrapped up the show looking ahead to a massive month at the Rivoli including:

May 9 — The Greatest Showman: Sing and Dance Along!

May 12 — Civics and Cinema Presents: All the President's Men, that will include a discussion following the movie led by political scientist Dr. Sam Scinta and Viterbo's Dr. Rick Kyte.

March 18 — Kings of Kubb: about the Nordic lawn game. The night will feature documentary Upper Midwest Emmy Award filmmakers B.J. Hollars and Steve Dayton for a brief Q&A following the showing.

From A New Hope to The Mandalorian, it's a Star Wars day on this May the 4th with Rivoli Theatre co-owners Jon and Clara Gelatt in studio.
What's your first Star Wars memory? Did mom also throw all your toys away? Are the old movies still the best? Is the Star Wars universe oversaturated thanks to Disney?&nbsp;
The Rivoli is playing <a href="https://tickets.rivoli.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=1006669~e3c66030-62d8-4282-9886-16d09f1887f2&amp;amp;epguid=ede1d7b6-59fe-438b-acc4-d87fc3880065&amp;amp;mdy=5/4/2026&amp;amp;">A New Hope</a> at 5 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. with discounts for those who dress up or bring their lightsabers. The night will feature specialty drinks &mdash; perhaps some blue milk &mdash; and preshow trivia. A New Hope will also play through Thursday.
Aside from Star Wars, we wrapped up the show looking ahead to a massive month at the Rivoli including:
May 9 &mdash; <a href="https://tickets.rivoli.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=1005850~e3c66030-62d8-4282-9886-16d09f1887f2&amp;amp;epguid=ede1d7b6-59fe-438b-acc4-d87fc3880065&amp;amp;mdy=5/9/2026&amp;amp;">The Greatest Showman</a>: Sing and Dance Along!
May 12 &mdash; <a href="https://tickets.rivoli.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=1001701~e3c66030-62d8-4282-9886-16d09f1887f2&amp;epguid=ede1d7b6-59fe-438b-acc4-d87fc3880065&amp;mdy=5/12/2026&amp;">Civics and Cinema Presents: All the President's Men</a>, that will include a discussion following the movie led by political scientist Dr. Sam Scinta and Viterbo's Dr. Rick Kyte.
March 18 &mdash; <a href="https://www.rivoli.net/custom-posts/kings-of-kubb/">Kings of Kubb</a>: about the Nordic lawn game. The night will feature documentary Upper Midwest Emmy Award filmmakers B.J. Hollars and Steve Dayton for a brief Q&amp;A following the showing.

Wisconsin Dem. Party chair Ben Wikler; Should parties endorse primary candidates?

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