Simply Superior

We hear from guests today on “Simply Superior” about a proposed $700 million gas power plant planned for Superior. This would be a needed pathway away from more polluting oil and coal, say project proponents. Yet, critics counter, the facility would still contribute to greenhouse gasses and climate change and allow power companies an unnecessary delay in the inevitable switch to renewable energy. In a rebroadcast from last fall, program host Robin Washington hears both sides of that argument with Sierra Club activists Jenna Yeakle and Jadine Sonoda, followed by gas plant company partners Josh Skelton of Minnesota Power and John Carr of Dairyland Power Cooperative. Also, WPR reporter Danielle Kaeding updates the project’s status as of this spring. Plus, she hit the country charts in the 90s as Molly and the Heymakers. Now, she’s fronting Molly and the Danger Band – and we’ll let her explain the name. Washington catches up with Hayward’s own Molly Otis.

This week on “Simply Superior,” we honor the 75th anniversary of the rides that helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement, April 9-23, 1947. A courageous group of interracial activists boarded Southern buses and trains to challenge local segregation laws – 14 years before the more famous Freedom Rides of 1961. They sought to force the Southern states to abide by a Supreme Court ruling the year before that had outlawed segregation in interstate transportation – only to be met with arrests, a physical attack, and ultimately, 30 days on a chain gang. Their story has become the lifework of show host Robin Washington, who nearly 50 years later brought the survivors together for a reunion retracing their trip, filmed for the acclaimed PBS television documentary, "You Don't Have to Ride Jim Crow!" Adapted for radio last summer to mark the anniversary of the Court’s decision, it’s presented again today on our program. Also, could Broadway be the next stop? Twin Ports song and stage favorites Gabe Mayfield, Dante Pirtle and Ryan Frane presented a black-box theatrical performance of three show tunes created from the documentary score several years ago, reimagining the story as historical and inspiring entertainment.

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

What can local residents do to help humanitarian efforts in Ukraine? The proprietors of Superior’s Earth Rider Brewery answered that question by hosting a benefit concert in their Cedar Lounge for the nonprofit medical group Doctors Without Borders. A dozen acts quickly signed on, and an excerpt of the show is featured this week on “Simply Superior.” Host Robin Washington speaks with Earth Rider’s Tim Nelson about the concert and how listeners can help. Also, earlier this year, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board voted to weaken the standard for PFAS in drinking water, resulting in a limit more than triple the amount recommended by health officials. WPR’s Rick Reyer speaks with Steve Elmore, the DNR’s director of drinking water and groundwater, and Wisconsin Department of Health Services toxicologist Dr. Sarah Yang about just what PFAS are, their potential health risks to humans, and possible solutions to limit that harm.

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

There’ll be a new sheriff (or three) in town. What makes a good one? In an unusual confluence of events, three open sheriff positions will be on the ballot this fall in three near-contiguous counties: Douglas and Ashland in Wisconsin and neighboring St. Louis in Minnesota. “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington speaks with Cedric Alexander, a former director of public safety, police chief and Homeland Security official, on what makes a good sheriff, and why it’s an elected position. We also hear from Dr. Robert Weidner, professor of criminology at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Also, as the turmoil in Ukraine rages, another Eastern European country shares a peaceful and inspiring note – literally. Earlier this month, the University of Wisconsin-Superior Music Department performed the world premiere of “Stella Teegarden,” a work for choir and percussion by Estonian composer Urmas Sisask. Percussionist and professor Brent Jones and student Eliana Lammi, who sang alto, tell Washington of the significance of the work, which is presented on the program in full.

This week on “Simply Superior,” we discuss homeless encampments in the Twin Ports, and ways to address them. With homelessness on the rise, it has also become more visible with colorful tents in encampments that have emerged as de facto alternatives to emergency shelters for those unable to meet the rising cost of housing. Joining “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington to explain the causes behind the increase are John Cole, executive director of CHUM, the Twin Ports largest food shelf and emergency shelter provider, and Harvard University postdoctoral fellow and UCLA Sociology Professor Chris Herring. They also identify some solutions, such as tiny homes, as well as the challenges of getting government entities to fully engage with the issue. (encore) We then hear from Twin Ports’ musician Sarah Krueger (pictured) about her recent super group and recording. Krueger joined musicians from Low, Trampled by Turtles, Bon Iver and Taylor Swift’s drummer to create LANUE, a project and album with a distinct sound. Krueger shares selections from their album. (encore)

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

This week on “Simply Superior,” host Robin Washington speaks with several local Ukrainians on the impact of war. The discussion includes how family members have been directly impacted by the fighting that started just over two weeks ago when Russian troops crossed the border to reclaim the former Soviet republic. Also, her music has been described as smooth country heartbreak and foot-stomping Americana blues, with subject matter ranging from horses to strippers to whiskey. Part Lucinda Williams and part Charlie Parr, she’s all Colleen Myhre - and she shares her music with Washington on the eve of her performance at Duluth’s Sacred Heart Music Center.

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