Newsmakers

We speak with area health professionals for a COVID update this week on “Newsmakers.” Guests from La Crosse, Winona and Vernon counties share their perspectives on the recent rise in cases, along with the impact of the delta variant, masking and vaccinations. Later in the program, we talk with folks from La Crosse’s Great River Folk Fest, which takes place later this month at Riverside Park.

This week on “Newsmakers,” we discuss an upcoming racial justice workshop taking place in La Crosse later this month. Host Ezra Wall speaks with event coordinators from area organizations including La Crosse’s YWCA and the Ho-Chunk Nation. We then turn to a memorial dedication in honor of longtime public radio colleague Gene Purcell, who passed away recently from a motor vehicle accident. Purcell began his decades long public media career in La Crosse at UWL and worked for many years at WLSU radio. He went on to become WPR’s La Crosse Regional Manager, eventually relocating to Madison and held the position of Director of Wisconsin Public Media at the time of his passing. We speak with longtime WPR Senior Regional Manager Dean Kallenbach who knew and worked with Purcell over several decades.

Our topic of discussion today centers on a new Wisconsin community solar bill being introduced by republicans and supported by a coalition of renewable energy groups. Proponents claim this would provide beneficial options to homeowners and renters who currently do not have access to solar, and also offer business opportunities and promote competition. On this episode of "Newsmakers," host Ezra Wall speaks with representatives supporting the initiative, and then hears from the opposing viewpoint.

Today on “Newsmakers,” we discuss a new crisis response program collaboration between the La Crosse Police Dept and La Crosse County. Our guests include representatives from both organizations, including the police chief and crisis response professionals from the county human services dept. We then hear about an upcoming racial justice workshop from the African American Mutual Assistance Network based in La Crosse.

This week on "Newsmakers,” we’re oiling up the chains and pumping up the tires for this year’s Ride Across Wisconsin. We talk to the folks from Wisconsin Bike Fed about their work and about the 200+ mile ride from La Crosse to Green Bay. Then we discuss local bicycle advocacy with Matthew Christen from La Crosse’s Wrench & Roll Collective.

On "Newsmakers", we’re hearing about the important role Hmong farmers play in our local community. We’ll talk to Bao Xiong about her work with For Independent Hmong Farmers Corporation and her limited series video podcast, “Cooking with Bao.” Then, stay tuned for a conversation all about the power of storytelling and some information about the La Crosse Storytelling Festival.

This week on "Newsmakers" we’re talking about housing. Houses for sale are being snapped up as quickly as they come on the market, with many going for more than the asking price. Rentals are hard to come by, too, in many cases. Listen as Ezra Wall talks with professionals from real estate and property management, as well as advocates who work on behalf of tenants in the Coulee Region.

Today on “Newsmakers,” we discuss the difficulties related to suicide, including information on resources and tools for help, grief and survivor support, and signs to pay attention to. We speak with area healthcare professionals, a representative from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and one survivor who shares her personal story and how it has led to a new path.

We speak with guests about area school facility plans, and the return of Shakespeare this summer on this episode of “Newsmakers.” First, we talk to the La Crosse school district superintendent on long-range school facility planning and opportunities for community input. Next, it’s a conversation with the executive director of the Great River Shakespeare Festival about its return to Winona this season.

This week on “Newsmakers,” we take a look at regional transit planning for La Crosse County and beyond. Our discussion involves guests taking part in the planning efforts, including representatives from the consulting firm brought in to lead the process. We then speak with individuals coordinating the upcoming Juneteenth celebration events in La Crosse.