There are many worries the come to mind when you get behind the wheel, especially when crossing paths with someone driving under the influence. With the legalization of cannabis around the country and the legal access to Delta 8 and Delta 9 products in Wisconsin, this has been a bigger concern. Scientists have been studying the affects of delta products in a new pilot study. Heather Barkholtz is an assistant professor in the School of Pharmacy at the UW-Madison joins Spanning the State to share what they have uncovered, what the goal of their research is, and how they have been conducing their research.

Of all the distilleries in the country you would think there would be a Native American owned, especially in Wisconsin. But that was not the case up until now! Curt Basina Owner of the Copper Crow Distillery joins Kristin and Brian to talk about this major achievement. He shares how they decided to open the distillery, the significance of the name, why they play music to their barrels, and what you can expect from their taproom.

About 12% of American businesses make it past their 25th anniversary. The percentage drops even lower for those that go further. Owner of Kegel, a German Austrian heritage food and culture store, Julian Kegel joins Spanning the State. He talks about how their business has lasted so long, how they evolved from a prohibition-era store to what they are now, and how they plan to celebrate 100 years next month.

Today Kristin and Brian check if Wisconsin Schools “made the grade” for their annual report card. They speak to Quinton Klabon, from the Institute for Reforming Government to understand what these grades mean. Then they speak to Laura Lyons, comedian, and host of “Iconically Ill”. She shares her harrowing story of recovery and the lingering effects of long covid. Later they spin the state and reminisce on an old shock jock joke that left parents frazzled for a certain Christmas must-have gift. Then they speak to Journal Sentinel Food Critic, Rachel Bernhard about the ins and outs of her job, her upcoming event, and more!

Today on Spinning the State:

Hallie - Solar array in Hallie adds clean energy to Chippewa Valley.

Racine - Racine school district expanding mental health access.

Sussex - woman featured on Food Network Cookie Challenge.

Journal Sentinel Food Critic, Rachel Bernhard joins Kristin and Brian to chat about her latest event “Inside the Journal Sentinel”. She shares how she began her career as a food critic, why life on the job is like when dining out now, her favorite dishes, how she thinks Milwaukee did as the host of the latest season of Top Chef and more!

Laura Lyons, Comedian, and host of “Living Iconically Ill” joins Kristin and Brian to share her journey recovering from Covid after it left her in a comma for almost 4 months and now chronically ill. She shares how she has found comfort and growth through her podcast and comedy shows, as well as how her experience has led to sharing more stories from those who also suffer from a chronic illness.

School Report cards on Wisconsin schools were released this week. In the report 84% of WI schools met or exceeded expectations. This year assessment scores were also updated to accommodate for DPI changes to the Forward Exam, PreACT, and ACT tests. Quinton Klabon, Senior Research Director for Institute for Reforming Government joins the show to further explain why these report cards are important, why they chose four specific focus areas to measure their gradings, and what this means for the future.

Kristin Brey and Brian Noonan give a update on local politicians; a complaint filed against Supreme court Justice Michael Gableman, Eric Hovde’s ranking after conceding to Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Congressman Sean Duffy being selected to be the head of the Department of Transportation for President-Elect Trumps cabinet. Later they speak to Heidi Gould of the Jewish Community Pantry for Giving Tuesday. Then they chat a little about Broadway before Spinning the State. Then Wisconsin Workforce Unions have been making the rounds in headlines, they discuss what changes have been happening and what companies have been unionizing lately. Then they close the show with a unique Guinness World Record holder and Wisconsinite.

Today on Spinning the State:

Watertown - School District shifts to more restrictive policies for transgender students.

Brookfield - Oscars Frozen custard destroyed by fire.

Kenosha - Kenosha United students kick off charity week.