WXCO News

The episode dives into the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension by ABC, under pressure from the Trump administration, highlighting concerns over free speech and media censorship. The hosts argue that conservative pressures are silencing dissenting voices, labeling it fascism. Meanwhile, Fox News faces no consequence for incendiary remarks. They also discuss the ongoing cancel culture war and emphasize the need for balanced responsibility in media. On a lighter note, upcoming high school football games and local theater productions are featured, along with promotions for civic media’s contests and entertainment events.

We are joined by Carol Lukens and Jean Abreu of the Wausau Sustainability, Energy and Environment Committee to discuss the reasons you should not remove the autumn leaves from your lawns. They highlight the crucial role leaves play in recycling nutrients and supporting insect populations, which are in decline globally. Insects are vital for pollination, pest control, and as a food source for birds, whose numbers have plummeted by nearly 3 billion due to habitat loss. Learn how ditching the rake can protect pollinators and help sustain biodiversity—plus save you time and effort!

Learn more about the issues discussed by checking out the following:

Bring the 3 billion birds lost back

Chad Holmes says “enough” of the right-wing attacks, calls for resignations, and calls for firings of anyone who doesn’t toe their line when it comes to discussion of the murder of Charlie Kirk. Now conservative Wausau residents are trying to run District 10 Alder Lou Larson out of office for comments on Kirk.

Tickets are going fast for this weekend’s Wausau Community Theatre production of “Home, My Darling” with Sunday’s matinee sold out. Get tickets for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening’s performance before they are gone.

Also a remembrance of screen legend Robert Redford, who died overnight at the age of 89. We remember some of our favorite Redford movies like “All The President’s Men” and “The Natural” plus his activism and founding of the Sundance Film Festival.

Chanel Volpel and Paula Hawkins, cast members of the Wausau Community Theatre production of “Home, I’m Darling” join us to discuss the play, their roles and more. The show runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening and a matinee on Sunday (however, Sunday’s show is already sold out!) Tickets for Thursday, Friday and Saturday’s performances are available at Tickets available at www.purplepass.com/wcthomeimdarling

Also, the Trump Administraton cancels a program that provides nearly $11 million dollars to serve children with vision and hearing loss plus others receiving special education services because the programs “reflect the prior administration’s priorities and policy preferences and conflict with those of the current administration.”  What? Outrageous and we say it loudly.

Ian returns and we get a report on his trip to Chicago to see the Doobie Brothers in concert. We discuss the removal of the head of the Wausau River District for a social media post about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Paul Michlig joins us to talk Wisconsin sports including the Packers win over Washington last night, the Badgers trip to Alabama tomorrow and the Brewers struggles this week.

We are joined by Sean Wright, Executive Director of the Grand Theater and Wausau Performing Arts Foundation to talk about what’s happening and who’s coming to the Grand Theater over the next couple of weeks. Plus, it’s the anniversary of 9/11/01. Thoughts on the Charlie Kirk assassination.

Today we talk about Ian’s trip to Chicago tonight to see the Doobie Brothers in concert. Plus, discuss Mayor Doug Diny’s appointment of former Mayor Katie Rosenberg to the Wausau Police and Fire Commission as a bipartisan move that does mean something. Attorney General Josh Kaul visits Kronenwetter to discuss sextortion along with the mother of Bradyn Bohn and the DC Everest school superintendent. Plus another example of AI gone wrong.

We talk to new 98.9 WXCO news reporter Isabela Nieto about her background and perspective on covering the news in central Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers made a visit to Wausau East High School yesterday and we report on what we saw during the visit.

To contact Isabela Nieto with any news stories/tips/ideas e-mail at [email protected]

We talk a great sports weekend for the Packers, Badgers and Brewers. It was Artrageous Weekend in Wausau with great activities all over the place. Tensions continue with the Mayor and City Attorney and an update on the complaint made by the City Attorney Jacobson. Finally some AI talk. Leadership is needed before it’s too late.