Jesse Rogers fills in for Silvy as he and Waddle break down the first few hours of the NCAA Tournament. They also discuss random colelges in the tournament and some Cubs overreactions.

Live from Potawatomi Sportsbook for the NCAA Tournament. Ben thought he was a single-season record holder for over a decade, only to find out he is not. The Badgers take care of business versus #14 Montana in the first round. Becoming Relevant. Over/Under.

Kristin, Brian, and producer Rhea kick-off March Mammal Madness on Spanning the State. Today they share what the mammal-forward NCAA-esq tournament is, how it started and how they plan to play along. Text “Mammal” to the talk and text line (855)616-1620 for more information, check out our brackets and even print your own to play along. Then just days after early voting opened for Wisconsin Clerks received a record number of absentee ballots for the April Supreme Court Election. Kristin and Brian discuss how this number vastly different from the numbers we witnessed two years ago, what three counties are leading the rest of the state in returned absentee ballots, and what listeners should know about the voter ID referendum on the ballot. Later Minneapolis rock band Semisonic, known for their hit “Closing Time” is protesting the White House using their popular song in a video showing a handcuffed deportee on social media. Kristin and Brian discuss this and several other music artists who have stopped President Trump from using their music along with those who also said no to Democratic parties.

Today on Spinning the State:

Madison: Bill inspired by Kenosha County Sheriff’s police dog passes State Assembly.

Ellsworth: Wisconsin Festival placed in the Top 10 of USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Today on Spanning the State, based on yesterday’s conversation over the lack of debate between Department of Instruction candidates Dr. Jill Underly and Brittany Kinser, Kristin Brey and Brian Noonan found on further research that the candidates had a 90-minute zoom forum hosted by the Wisconsin Public Education Network the NAACP Wisconsin State Council of Branches, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed. Kristin and Brian discuss what was said during the forum, major talking points they missed and their thoughts on school testing. Then Ashley Luthern of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins Kristin and Brian to discuss open records and the Sunshine Week. Sunshine week is a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government. Luthern further explains the importance of this week, the sunshine fest held in Washington D.C. happening this week and how common citizens are not utilizing the benefits of open records and how to access them. Later Kristin and Brian discuss a viral video of an American influencer and wildlife biologist from Montana is setting the internet a blaze after they were filmed snatching a baby wombat from its mother in Australia. The incident has resulted in an investigation by immigration authorities and a mass petition calling for her deportation.

Amongst the Trump Administration continuing its rigorous deportation efforts they also listed the country of Loas as “Uncooperative” when it didn’t receive its deportees. One victim of this has been Ma Yang, a 37-year-old Hmong Milwaukee woman who was deported to Loas. Sophie Carson a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel who has been covering this story, joins Kristin and Brian to further discuss the details of this bizarre story, the grounds for why she was deported, new updates, the questionable legal advice she received and what will happen next. Then Kristin and Brian discuss the lack of a debate between Department of Public Instruction candidates Dr. Jill Underly and Brittany Kinser. They share why the debate was canceled, why they wish the debate would happen and the biggest issue on the line, "Public School vs. School Choice". Later there is a debate online and specifically all over TikTok on the proper way to wash your laundry and the proper way to stack dishes in the dishwasher. Brian and Kristin share what they think is the right way.

Today on Spinning the State:

DePere: St. Norbert’s College begins terminating faculty and programming.

Madison: Violations for over slating sidewalks rose in Madison, but still no fines.

Today on Spanning the State Kristin Brey and Brian Noonan discuss the importance of endorsements and admonishments in newspapers. They share their thoughts on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel new editorial commenting on Elon Musk’s troublesome political group that is manufacturing a disinformation campaign against Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Susan Crawford. Also, today is National Laugh Day. Kristin and Brian lighten the rainy day with some of their best jokes and share stats on what laughter does for the health along with the other benefits of laughing. Then Assistant Professor of Public Affairs and Expert on Violence Against Women, Mariel Barnes joins Kristin and Brian to discuss the “Manosphere”. Barnes explains new research on online ecosystem dubbed as the “Manosphere” consisting of men between the ages of 18 and 29 hold a major influence in national politics. Barnes shares when this group started popping up, how content creators are profiting off of this group, how it’s manifesting offline and the implications it has on society.

On the heels of the Milwaukee's oldest and one of the nation's oldest LGBTQ bars This Is It! There is a new need for a LGBTQ-friendly third space. Operator of pop-up concept "Mother's" Chef Vanessa Rose joins Kristin and Brian to discuss a campaign to open House of Bridges in the old Company Brewing building. Rose explains her vision for House of Bridges, why they are fundraising through crowdfunding versus seeing a loan or grants, and upcoming fundraising event EAT! Author of "Funny Because It's True: How the Onion Created Modern American News Satire" and original staff writer for the Onion, Christine Wec joins Kristin and Brian to talk their book and experience working on the publication. Wec shares why it was like at the start of The Onion, transitioning The Onion to online, her inspiration for writing the book and how The Onion is keeping up with the modern era.

Today on Spinning the State:

Oshkosh: Local newsroom wins six journalism awards.

Lake Mills: Local woman wins gold at Special Olympics Winter Games in Italy.