Newsmakers

We explore the issues of child abuse and domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic. Thousands of people use the YMCA in La Crosse and Onalaska to stay in shape.We check in with the organization as it begins a gradual reopening.

We talk with leaders who are working to improve diversity in the La Crosse area, and La Crosse's mayor, about protests happening in La Crosse and around the world after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis.

We talk about the last Food Drive Fridays to benefit the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse and the need for more food donations going forward as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.We discuss the status of the La Crosse Area Emergency Response Fund that started in March to help nonprofit agencies respond to the needs of people during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss new options for financial help for businesses through regional Small Business Recovery Funds.

We talk with a La Crosse police officer about what police encountered during stay-at-home orders and since the order was lifted a week ago. We also discuss what's happened during the last two months with people who are homeless. We find out how the Greater La Crosse Artist Relief Fund will help artists in La Crosse, Vernon and Winona Counties.

We hear reaction from La Crosse County Health Director Jen Rombalski to a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that strikes down Gov. Evers latest Safe-At-Home order that was scheduled to expire on Tuesday, May 26. We check in with La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat who also responds to the court's decision and find out the latest in the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also talk with University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow about how the coronavirus continues to impact the UW-L campus.

We talk about the situation in the Coulee Region for those in need of behavioral health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the popular Cameron Park Farmers Market set to open next week, we'll talk about the importance of local markets to the food supply and how people will social distance. We'll also check on how things are going for the Kane Street Community Garden, an important source of fresh produce for the region.

We talk with the director of Winona County's Health and Human Services Department about why COVID-19 cases and deaths have been more prevalent than most of the region. We learn what Trempealeau County is doing to keep immigrants safe during the pandemic. We'll also talk with former state Sen. Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, who recently announced her retirement from the legislature after a 20-year career.

We talk with members of the business community about the hardships many businesses are facing during the pandemic and what getting back to normal business could look like in the region. We also talk with two teachers in the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau school district about the adjustments that have been made to learning since schools were closed last month for the COVID-19 pandemic.

We talk about the latest efforts to deal with the coronavirus pandemic with the director of the La Crosse County Health Department. We talk about how childcare is going during the health crisis with a local provider. We mark the upcoming 50th anniversary of Earth Day with members of two environmental groups.

We talk with Couleecap's executive director about how the agency that fights poverty in the region is responding with assistance for the poor during the coronavirus pandemic. We also talk about the future forecast for spring flooding with a forecaster from the National Weather Service, and a librarian gives some book recommendations for social distancing.