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UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in studio discussing stealing a $500 salad, MLB threatening Brewers leaving town, Ron DeSantis presidential run. Began the show talking about a couple of nonsense stories that we just don’t have enough details about and crave more. One out of Illinois, where a man stole a backhoe to get to the airport. The other was a Georgia woman breaking into a restaurant and getting arrested after making a $500 salad. After that, stemming from an Eric from Sparta call, we discussed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis running for president. The second half of the show hovered around the politics of sports, where MLB’s commissioner, more or less, threatened the Milwaukee Brewers could leave town if they don’t get hundreds of millions in stadium funding. All that talk began when Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers preempted the GOP state Legislature on a Brewers funding proposal that has since been canned. This led to a conspiracy theory about Wisconsin Republicans and a Democratic governor in how a budget deal will never happen again. Also, with sports politics, the NFL is hosting the draft in Green Bay, and legislators there want millions to help the area prepare for the onslaught of people that come with that. Ended the show, potentially solving the mystery of the $500 salad. WOMAN ARRESTED WITH $500 SALAD: https://www.wsbradio.com/news/local/woman-arrested-after-making-salad-worth-500-closed-georgia-restaurant-police-say/GDHCICBYQJC4BEQ4IYHTDMLKJU/ ILLINOIS GUY STEALS BACKHOE TO CATCH FLIGHT: https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/05/26/watch-man-steals-backhoe-for-10-mile-drive-to-illinois-airport-to-catch-flight/ GREEN BAY NEEDS NFL DRAFT MONEY: https://wktysports.com/2023/05/25/green-bay-area-legislators-ask-finance-committee-for-2m-to-support-nfl-draft/ MLB threatens Brewers could leave Milwaukee: https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2023/05/25/brewers-ballpark-funding-draws-concerns-from-mlb-commissioner-manfred/70253613007 RON DESANTIS TWITTER CANDIDACY ANNOUNCEMENT: https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/05/25/desantis-launches-gop-presidential-campaign-in-twitter-announcement-plagued-by-glitches/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We threw a ton of food/drink questions at Gundersen dietitian Laura Birkel, in studio, including fake sugars like diet soda, fried foods contributing to depression, stupid serving sizes and the Top 5 worst things you can put in your body. Began the show on serving sizes, after seeing a loaf of bread's serving is one slice, and just how prevalent that is among things we eat. Also discussed a study that says eating fried foods — especially french fries — leads to increased anxiety and depression. The second half of the show focused on fake sugars, like in diet soda, and what they do to your body — and whether it’s better to drink regular or diet. Also got Birkel’s Top 5 worst things you can eat/drink, as state fair season approaches, and hit on little things here and there like how good/bad coffee or energy drinks are for you. FOOD ANXIETY: http://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2221097120 FAKE SUGAR: https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/15/health/who-sweeteners-weigh-loss-guideline-wellness/index.html   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse County Administrator Jane Klekamp in studio talking about some of the initiatives they're working on surrounding homelessness, road funding, skilled trades training and PFAS. We discussed some of the important things that happened at last week's monthly county board meeting, including $2 million in funding for youth skilled trades training, potential $3 million more for fixing roads, and $500k for PFAS research. We also discussed some initiatives to help homeless and prevent homelessness, including an Eviction Defense Program, bridge housing and an upcoming meeting between the city, county and others on those who are unsheltered. Another important topic discussed was potential options of converting some of the Hillview Healthcare (senior) Center. We also learned the county has a new administrative assistance in Sara Coopman.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio to discussing a lot of negotiations happening — federally with the debt ceiling, statewide with the shared revenue plan and locally with road funding. Began the show on the debt ceiling talks with Republicans in charge of the the US House and the Biden Administration. After that, we get Pfaff's point of view on the back and forth between Republicans in the state Assembly and Senate, where they are in negotiating the shared revenue plan, before sending it to Gov. Tony Evers for signature or veto. We also discuss Wisconsin energy and how the state could baby step its way to being self sufficient. Ended the show talking a bit about what the state is doing with homelessness, an issue that's getting more attention in La Crosse lately. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, in the WIZM studio Friday for La Crosse Talk PM discussing about the culture wars on school boards, as a teacher is fired over the song Rainbowland. We also talked about the conspiracy of banning TikTok, luring a 300-pound pig on the loose in Wisconsin and Americans smuggling Fruit Rollups. Began the show talking about a Waukesha teacher being fired over the Dolly Parton-Miley Cyrus song Rainbowland, which led to a discussion about politics infecting nonpartisan races all the way down to school boards. After that, we got Chergosky’s first impressions of Five Guys in Onalaska, before having some fun with how Taco Bell and Taco John’s are fighting over the trademark “Taco Tuesday.” Ended the show on a Fruit Rollups controversy, where a TikTok trend led to it being out of stock in Israel, therefore leading to Americans caught smuggling, what is apparently, too much Fruit Rollups into that country. And, in the midst of that conversation, we discussed the conspiracy of banning TikTok in the US — it’s already been banned in Montana.  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. 300-pound pig on loose in Wisconsin:  https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/05/16/potbellied-pig-Albert-escaped-Green-Bay-Wisconsin/3511684263409/ Teacher suspended over Dolly-Miley Rainbowland https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/03/27/wisconsin-school-bans-miley-dolly-duet-from-class-concert/ Taco Tuesday duel between Taco Bell and Taco John's https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/05/19/taco-tuesday-trademark-tiff-flares-anew-between-fast-food-competitors/ Smuggling Fruit Rollups into Israel https://www.today.com/food/news/americans-smuggling-fruit-roll-ups-israel-rcna83408 Congress debate over banning TikTok https://www.wizmnews.com/2023/05/06/ban-social-media-for-kids-fed-up-parents-in-senate-say-yes/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse state Assembly Rep. Jill Billings joins, a day after Republicans released their amended shared revenue plan that has bipartisan opposition. We discuss that, as well as the homeless issue and what is being done at the state level. Billings represents District 95, which includes the city of La Crosse, Campbell and parts of Shelby. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Bikes for Little Tikes happens Saturday, and Puck from 95.7 the Rock joined to talk about its 27-year history and why they'll be riding for Emerson Smalls, a 9-year-old West Salem Elementary student. After that, County Board chair Monica Kruse joined to break down the monthly meeting, which includes the creating of a Broadband Committee, a diversity report from a consultant recently hired and the potential allocation of an extra $3 million in road funding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big news out of the Northwoods League, as co-founder Dick Radatz, Jr., joins the show with to break the news that they're working on a softball league. Before that, we talk some of the items on the La Crosse County Board's agenda Thursday, including another committee being formed and using $2.45 million for skilled trades training. We also discuss the Wisconsin GOP unveiling a dueling plan for public defender raises — which is almost identical to the governor's plan revealed three months ago. After that, though, Radatz, Jr., joins to talk about this new Northwood League Softball, where collegiate players from around the country will play over summer, much the same way a team like the La Crosse Loggers has for baseball.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Stein, vice president and research director for Wisconsin Policy Forum joined to help dissect some bigger topics happening statewide, including school referendums, a local government funding plan and state's shrinking $6.9 billion budget surplus. We began talking about who and what Wisconsin Policy Forum is, before delving into these topics that are all sort of intertwined. The big news of the day was how the projected budget surplus didn't go up for once. After that, we talked a bit about school referendums, as La Crosse had a failed school referendum, then passed operating referendum. That discussion kind of intertwined with the Wisconsin Legislature crafting a two-year state budget. On top of that, we talked how the state is also trying to rework how local governments are funded, through a shared revenue plan.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Education Association president, Jesse Martinez joined to discuss education priorities in and out of the state budget so far. We also talked about a new grading system coming to the district next year. After that, WIZM’s Brad Williams breaks down the city council meeting a bit. Ended the show talking more about that new grading system — called Standards Based Grading — and how Republicans are sending the local government state-funding plan to Gov. Tony Evers, without changing anything, after he said he’d veto it See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Garcia in studio, talking about his new role as the Democratic Party chair of the 3rd Congressional District, his main role there — unseating Republican Derrick Van Orden — and convention resolutions recently passed. We also talked about another US House representative, George Santos, being arrested and why he won’t be kicked out of Congress. That led to a discussion about Donald Trump having to pay $5 million, after a jury found him liable for sexual assault, and whether Republicans will shift to other possible Republican presidential candidates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hunger Task Force La Crosse executive director Shelly Fortner joined. While people are struggling right now with rising costs, so is the Hunger Task Force with getting donations. We talked about what the HTF does, how its distributing food, needs volunteers, and has its biggest food drive of the year this Saturday. The Post Office Food Drive on Saturday simply asks people to put donations in a bag by 8:30 a.m. and set them by your mailbox. One of the reasons behind the HTF really needing donations is because the Emergency Foodshare program ended and that kicked 700,000 people in Wisconsin off added Food Stamp benefits. Another program we discussed that is ending soon is the Badger Boxes, which not only help those in need, but also small Wisconsin farms. We also hit on a few other important dates and topics including food distribution May 19 at the Salvation Army of La Crosse County, a Remainders concert May 20 at The Main in downtown La Crosse where proceeds go to the HTF and how volunteers are needed at the Kane Street Community Gardens, which distribute 30,000 pounds of food to La Crosse each harvest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio, talking about the state’s dueling plans to fund local governments, No Mow May, new business plans, and making the city more pedestrian friendly with traffic-slowing potholes. Spent a good portion of the show talking about the state's dueling plans — between the Republican Legislature and the Democratic governor — in how to fund local governments. Began the show discussing NBA Finals predictions and better ways to have a "lawn," as we're in the midst of the city's No Mow May. Ended the show talking about business development a bit, as there is a proposal going in front of the city council to put a drive-thru coffee kiosk downtown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky joins, to break down a Wisconsin GOP local, state funding bill — one that has a traffic ticket and arrests quota — as well as legislators voting shirtless and what Scott Walker’s mad about. In regards to the GOP local state funding bill, that has begun circulating this week, we discussed a couple of the stipulations in it, such as counties, like La Crosse, not being able to put advisory referendums on the ballot. La Crosse County has asked voters’ opinions on recreational marijuana and the state’s 174-year-old abortion ban in recent elections. Another part of the GOP bill would cut local funding from the state by 15% if they didn’t hit a quota for arrests and another quota for traffic tickets. We also discuss gripes from former Wisconsin GOP Gov. Scott Walker that Kate Bush is in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame but Iron Maiden isn’t. Another topic included whether legislators can vote, essentially naked from their couch on legislation, which happened in Minnesota this week. Lastly, capped off the show discussing an odd YouGov poll asking what voters want their GOP nominees to represent.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW-La Crosse outreach specialist Spencer Wilken in studio, on Star Wars day, talking space news and debunking moon landing conspiracies. We spent the entire second half of the show breaking down the moon landing "hoaxes," like the radiation belt, fake film, or why we haven't gone back. Before that, however, we did talk some space news, like a Barbie Black Hole and a real life lightsaber. Began the show, though, talking about Wilken's journey in getting her doctorate in Astrophysics/Astronomy, as well as her possibly being responsible for changing the University of Illinois mascot. CORRECTION: In terms of the moon landing, we did talk about why we didn't land objects on the moon before people, but the US actually did send objects first, in the mid-1960s, called the surveyor missions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Havlicek, our pseudo Wisconsin state budget proposal expert, and La Crosse Central Spanish teacher joins. We, of course, dive into some of the state budget proposals when it comes to education. That included how schools are funded, "per pupil" money and how voucher schools fit — or don't — into the public education system. Republicans, who recently stripped over 500 items out of Evers' version of the budget, are in the process of crafting their own version, to be released some time in the summer.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio to talk about some of what Republicans have stripped out of the budget, like childcare funding and marijuana legalization. Also talked about child labor vs. a workforce shortage vs. a pay shortage. We hit on the train derailment, as well, and spent quite a bit of time on the dueling income tax cuts being proposed by Republicans (a flat tax) and Gov. Tony Evers (10% tax cut for those making $100,000 or less). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saw a "get off my lawn" rant on Facebook about kids not playing hide-n-seek, which coincided nicely with some legislation proposed in Wisconsin by Republicans. The legislation would limit social media use for kids — essentially being the parents. Before we hit on that, though, WiZM's Brad Williams joined to talk about when he met Danny DeVito. Oh, and we also talked about some proposals going through La Crosse city committees right now — a duplex on Ward and a drive-thru coffee shop. After that, we discussed more GOP legislation that would allow 14-year-olds to serve alcohol to solve what lawmakers like to call a "workforce shortage." Ended the show with a quick rant about how useless touch screens are in vehicles.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wide array of topics with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky, from how the GOP can appeal to young voters to McDonald's selling the Big Mac sauce. Began the show just running down the day's topics, before bringing up a Wisconsin GOP strategist saying the quiet thing out loud when it comes to college students voting. That led to a deep discussion in ways the GOP could handle young voters, and how voting should be handled in general — like mandatory voting. Another part of that conversation included who the GOP would run against Tammy Baldwin for Wisconsin's US Senate seat. In between all that, though, we had to rehash Five Guys opening in La Crosse, and now McDonald's selling Big Mac sauce and whether that's something people want. Ended the show with some oddball topics — a kid getting stuck in a claw machine, a flight attendant making a pregnant woman pick up popcorn her 5-year-old spilled and someone stealing 2 million dimes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mississippi Valley Conservancy (MVC) Executive Director Carol Abrahamzon in studio to help navigate how Wisconsin lawmakers are breaking the law, when it comes to certain land projects. Before that, though, we got into the mission of the MVC. Then we dive into the rabbit hole of how Wisconsin’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) is killing land conservancy projects that are applying for grant money with no transparency, breaking its own rules in how it should interact with the public. This misconduct has forced MVC to not apply for certain Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grants. A lot of this made news this week with the Pelican River Project in northern Wisconsin, that was denied by the JFC — a project that would have protected 56,000 acres from development, and allowed it to be utilized for outdoor recreation — anything from hiking to hunting to snowmobiling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.