La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 FranklinWelcome by Rep Jill BillingsPanel of three local women (2 of them will be present at the studio)Dessert/Coffee Bar with Networking Time and Time to visit ExhibitorsKeynoteDoor 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.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.