Simply Superior

A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.

Covering a large swath of Minnesota, including Duluth and the Iron Range, the state’s 8th Congressional District is of crucial importance to the region, including neighboring Wisconsin. The competitive seat that has switched party hands four times in the past dozen years is also nationally significant, potentially among those determining the balance of power in Congress. Invited to join “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington to give their views on regional and national issues ranging from oil pipelines to abortion rights are Republican incumbent Rep. Pete Stauber and his Democratic challenger, state Rep. Jen Schultz. Also, second place isn’t bad when it’s appearing before millions on “The Voice,” as country singer Chris Kroeze of Barron did in 2018. He’s also been featured in Rolling Stone and People, and played with the Doobie Brothers, Travis Tritt and Blake Shelton, among others. Kroeze checks in with Washington to share his career and music ahead of his appearance at The West Theater in Duluth Oct. 28.

A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.

The Apostle Islands and their neighboring National Lakeshore are among Wisconsin’s most visited destinations, but are they for everybody? One of the main places to begin a day’s exploration of the famous Sea Caves and beyond is Meyer’s Beach – if you're able to traverse a 45-step outdoor stairway. Now, the National Park Service, supported by the Friends of the Apostle Islands, is putting a ramp at the site, making it accessible to wheelchair users and others. It’s among disability improvements begun in 2008, including accessible privies on some islands as well as audio and tactile information displays for those with vision and hearing challenges. Discussing the upgrades with “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington is outdoors disability activist Janet Badura and Friends of the Apostle Islands Executive Director Jeff Rennicke. Also, can a singer-songwriter from Minnesota’s bare-knuckled Iron Range be man enough to expose his sensitive side? Preston Gunderson, who hails from Virginia, Minn., is, and his latest album chronicles emotions from heartbreak to hopefulness. A Bob Dylan songwriting contest winner, Gunderson joins Washington to share his music, and also his foray on the national stage on “The Voice” and “American Idol.”

A debate with candidates for the 25th Wisconsin Senate District seat and an interview with musicians Pippi Ardenia and Daniel Leahy.

Republican Romaine Quinn and Democrat Kelly Westlund debate each other on WPR's "Simply Superior" ahead of the election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The two are vying for the 25th Senate District seat.

A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.

The Wisconsin Writers Association holds its annual conference in the area for the first time in its 74-year history. A collaboration between poets and visual artists called "The Nature of Relationship" is on display at the Out of the Woods Winery.

Rick Reyer interviews the candidates from Wisconsin’s 7th U.S. Congressional District - icumbent Tom Tiffany-R, Minocqua, and challenger Richard Ausman-D, Lac du Flambeau.

Wisconsin's 87th Assembly District race, plus a visit with acclaimed Duluth singer-songwriter-violinist and disability activist Gaelynn Lea.