Newsmakers

A discussion about the Upper Mississippi River Restoration program

A referendum to build a new high school in La Crosse is discussed.

Ezra Wall hosts conversations about independent bookstores and an all-ages concert venue. This show is a repeat from the spring.

Newsmakers talks about how you can get involved in climate change activism in the La Crosse area.

Ezra Wall talks with author John Armbruster about his book "Taiilspin."

Two Republicans are on the show before the Aug. 9 primary. The founder of a youth development organization speaks with Ezra Wall.

This week on Newsmakers, we hear from Habitat for Humanity of the La Crosse Area. They’re looking for the next new Habitat homeowners. Find out how you can apply. Then, two southwestern Wisconsin Democrats are running for their party’s nomination in the 96th State Assembly district. We’ll hear from Jayne Swiggum and Mark Fritsche.

WPR hosts a debate between Democratic Party primary candidates Rebecca Cooke, Deb McGrath, Mark A. Neumann and Brad Pfaff.

(Encore) We discuss the large-scale hog farm planned for Crawford County on today’s “Newsmakers” program, after it was recently approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Host Ezra Wall speaks with Howard “AV” Roth, owner of Roth Feeder Pig, Inc., on this plan to build a second concentrated animal feeding operation, or CAFO, that will house 8,160 swine. The facility will generate around 9.4 million gallons of manure and wastewater each year. Wall is also joined by Forest Jahnke of the Crawford Stewardship Project, who talks about the concerns of many that the CAFO will negatively affect air quality, groundwater and waters within the Kickapoo River Watershed. We then hear from Peter Cameron, Managing Editor of The Badger Project, who discusses a report on Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District since completion of redistricting in the state. With the upcoming retirement of Democratic Congressman Ron Kind, who held the district for 25 years, Cameron shares the current outlook as the election approaches.

Today on “Newsmakers,” we learn about the advocacy services of New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers in La Crosse and Trempealeau County. Host Ezra Wall speaks with Executive Director Ann Kappauf about the troubling statistics of abuse, accessing help when needed, and how the organization is highlighting support of the LGBTQ+ community during pride month. Next, we continue our new ‘Meet the Mayor’ series as Wall is joined by Sparta Mayor Kevin Riley. Riley shares many interesting aspects that make the small town unique, including having the oldest ‘rails to trails’ path in the country with the 32+ mile Elroy-Sparta State Trail. We then hear from members of the La Crosse Juneteenth Planning Committee ahead of this year’s celebration taking place Saturday, June 18, at Riverside Park. Wall speaks with Shaundel Spivey of Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge and Mia Davis of Black Student Leaders about the history of Juneteenth and what to expect at this year’s celebration.