Newsmakers

The Blufflands- A group consisting of regional government officials, land conservationists and recreational enthusiasts has been meeting for the past year to devise a plan to protect blufflands in the La Crosse area on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the Mississippi River for future generations. We catch up with members as they finalize the plan and prepare to take it to local governments.

Fall Election Preview- With the national political conventions over and candidates ramping up campaigns in anticipation of the November 8 election, we take the temperature of the political parties and preview elections in Wisconsin.

Senior Housing Needs- There are already waiting lists for subsidized senior housing in the Coulee Region. Learn more about some of the challenges facing an aging population now and in the future when it comes to finding different housing options.

Police Relations With The Black Community- Recent police shootings of young black men in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and St. Paul, Minnesota and the subsequent police ambush killings in Dallas, Texas and Baton Rouge highlight the past couple of years of tension with young black men being shot by police around the country. We get reaction from two members of La Crosse's African-American community and a La Crosse police officer about what's happening across the nation and how relationships are in La Crosse.

Ending Homelessness- A national consultant has been working with groups in the city of La Crosse to envision ways to put an end to homelessness. We talk with people who are working with the homeless in La Crosse and the consultant about the prospects for ending homelessness.

Year-Round School Expansion- The La Crosse School District is studying whether or not to expand a year round option for students at Lincoln Middle School. The study comes following a three year pilot program at Hamilton Elementary School that educators have deemed a success and a fourth school year begins for Hamilton students next week.

Let's Talk About Driving- We are continuing our monthly series on aging. Transportation is a common issue for seniors across the U.S. As we get older and lose the ability to drive a car or walk and bike longer distances, everyday tasks like going to the grocery store, getting to the doctor’s office and other appointments can become a challenge. On this week’s show, we address transportation and what resources are helping seniors in the Coulee Region.

The Future of the Tomah VA- Two years have gone by since the sudden death of a Marine Corps veteran at the Tomah VA Medical Center. On this week’s show, we sit down with new Acting Medical Director Vicki Brahm about what changes have been made to the facility and what the future looks like.

Disabled Community Needs- We talk with members of the Disability Action Network and the chair of La Crosse's Human Rights Commission about efforts to bring the needs of members of the disabled community to a broader audience.

Solar Energy Expansion- Two western Wisconsin power companies, Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative announced plans recently to build several separate solar projects that will double Wisconsin's solar generation by 2017.