Newsmakers

For some fifty years, radio listeners in the greater La Crosse area have heard in-depth discussions on important public affairs topics on “Newsmakers,” first on UW-La Crosse’s radio station WLSU, […]

A new production at the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minnesota is bringing attention to the plight of the modern military service veteran. From Commonweal’s online description of “Ugly Lies the […]

With Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) closing both Sacred Heart (Eau Claire) and St. Joseph’s (Chippewa Falls) hospitals and Prevea health centers in Western Wisconsin also closing, business and healthcare leaders are scrambling to fill the gaps. Today on “Newsmakers,” David Minor, President and CEO of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, talks with […]

In this episode of Newsmakers, we’re talking about multiple aspects of the ongoing challenge of finding affordable housing. First, why is it so hard for many in the Driftless Area to afford a home to rent or buy? Guests from Habitat for Humanity and Extension La Crosse County are among those participating in an upcoming […]

In southwestern Wisconsin, two basketball teams are getting ready for their spring season. But the teams are not bitter rivals. In fact, many of the players are friends. And unlike the March Madness action currently occupying TV and mobile screens, these players participate in a gentler version of the sport. In this “Newsmakers” conversation, host […]

In June, the Wisconsin-based High School Racing Association will be off to the races for their fourth season. The Association allows high school students to get behind the wheel of a real stock car and race in authentic, sanctioned events at local tracks in Wisconsin and Illinois. That includes tracks in La Crosse and Tomah […]

The UniverCity alliance is a program that marshals the research capacity of UW-Madison students in service of the unique needs of cities, counties, villages, townships and others across the state of Wisconsin. The Alliance has helped some communities learn how government bodies can operate more efficiently, and others determine how to address needs like childcare […]

A new resource aimed at providing information about behavioral health is now available, following an eight-year project funded by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment. Joining us to talk about it are Diana DiazGranados, Project Director of Better Together in La Crosse County; and Catherine Kolkmeier, Executive Director of the La Crosse Medical Health Science […]

A planned addition to the Terry Errickson branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse will provide area youth access to important workforce readiness skills. The project is slated to break ground in the summer of 2024. Brian Fukuda is the Director of Workforce Readiness for the Boys and Girls Clubs of […]

The Enduring Families Project uses dramatic monologues, short films and other means to bring to life the stories of Black people who lived in the La Crosse area in the second half of the 19th century. Denise Christy is the organization’s producer and co-founder. She and her team will be depicting several characters at a […]

Langston Hughes was an American poet and activist known as a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s. Among his later works was an epic poem called “Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz.” An effort to compose musical accompaniment to the poem, following Hughes’s own written instructions, has been led […]

Members of the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council join “Newsmakers” host Ezra Wall to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy watershed. The Council says farmers, recreators and government entities all have a role to play in protecting it. They also talk about a new proposal that would decommission some of the dams […]

Today we’re talking to two Driftless Area librarians about how to find your next great read of 2024. Maggie Strittmater from Viroqua’s Mcintosh Memorial Library and Barry McKnight from the La Crosse Public Library let us know about some new releases they’re looking forward to. They also talk about how to help library guests find […]

On this episode of WPR's "Newsmakers," find out why our panel members don't recommend taking a "New Year's Resolution" approach to mental health.

Lewis Kuhlman, Environmental Planner for the City of La Crosse, joins “Newsmakers” host Ezra Wall to talk about the City’s new climate action plan and an upcoming workshop aimed at helping small businesses and organizations develop more sustainable practices. Then, violinists Ray Shows and Nancy Oliveros from the Artaria String Quartet talk about their life- […]

Lewis Kuhlman, Environmental Planner for the City of La Crosse, joins “Newsmakers” host Ezra Wall to talk about the City’s new climate action plan and an upcoming workshop aimed at helping small businesses and organizations develop more sustainable practices. Then, violinists Ray Shows and Nancy Oliveros from the Artaria String Quartet talk about their life- […]

Public Service Commission approves rate increase for Xcel Energy customers in southwestern Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is signing off on a modest increase in what Xcel Energy is allowed to charge southwestern Wisconsin customers in 2024, according to the Citizens Utility Board. CUB Executive Director Tom Content joins WPR’s Ezra Wall for this week’s “Newsmakers.”

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is signing off on a modest increase in what Xcel Energy is allowed to charge southwestern Wisconsin customers in 2024, according to the Citizens Utility Board. CUB Executive Director Tom Content joins WPR’s Ezra Wall for this week’s “Newsmakers.”

UWL Theatre department stages "The Wolves."

Author Nick Nichols talks about his forthcoming book, "Pollinator Parade."

White House advisor Tom Perez talks about funding to improve rural internet access in southwestern Wisconsin.

Nearly $15 million will go a long way toward securing high-speed internet access in rural southwestern Wisconsin, according to White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Tom Perez. The former Secretary of Labor was at Dairyland Power Cooperative in La Crosse to promote the Biden administration’s Internet for All initiative. Perez spoke with WPR’s Ezra Wall.

Coulee Region author, Nick Nichols, talk to WPR’s “Newsmakers” about his forthcoming children’s book, “Pollinator Parade.” Nichols says a $15 thousand grant from Roz Schnick Consulting will enable him and Driftless Area illustrator, Pete Hodapp to complete the work in anticipation of an Earth Day 2024 release.

Actor Anna Mongtomery and director Mary Trotter discuss the UW-La Crosse Department of Theatre and Dance production of Sarah DeLappe’s “The Wolves.” The Pulitzer Prize-nominated play tells the story of a high school girls soccer team. Trotter and Montgomery share their experiences putting together the coming-of-age story and collaborating with the UWL soccer team for […]

Nearly $15 million will go a long way toward securing high-speed internet access in rural southwestern Wisconsin, according to White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Tom Perez. The former Secretary of Labor was at Dairyland Power Cooperative in La Crosse to promote the Biden administration’s Internet for All initiative. Perez spoke with WPR’s Ezra Wall.

Coulee Region author, Nick Nichols, talk to WPR’s “Newsmakers” about his forthcoming children’s book, “Pollinator Parade.” Nichols says a $15 thousand grant from Roz Schnick Consulting will enable him and Driftless Area illustrator, Pete Hodapp to complete the work in anticipation of an Earth Day 2024 release.

Actor Anna Mongtomery and director Mary Trotter discuss the UW-La Crosse Department of Theatre and Dance production of Sarah DeLappe’s “The Wolves.” The Pulitzer Prize-nominated play tells the story of a high school girls soccer team. Trotter and Montgomery share their experiences putting together the coming-of-age story and collaborating with the UWL soccer team for […]

La Crosse School District Superintendent Aaron Engel updates listeners about new facility recommendations.

Superintendent Aaron Engel joins host Ezra Wall for a discussion about the School District of La Crosse’s future plans. Which facilities could close and why? How can members of the public weigh-in? Dr. Engel talks about the official recommendations of the Facilities Advisory Committee, which recommends the closure of two La Crosse elementary schools. He […]

Ezra Wall welcomes Tom Manus and Kristi Flick Manus, authors of "Secret Wisconsin: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure," for an audio road trip.

Local advocates join to talk about Banned Books Week.

The American Library Association estimates that there have been more than a thousand challenges to books so far in 2023. That marks a 20% increase over the same period last year. Joining us to talk about Banned Books Week, how bookstores and libraries decide what to carry, and how it all relates to constitutional rights […]

Tom Schlesinger from the La Crosse-based Climate Alliance for the Common Good talks with Ezra Wall about the new Small Business Sustainability Toolkit

Sustainability is a growing concern for business leaders in the Driftless Area. The region’s largest employers often employ professional sustainability experts to help guide their organizations to solutions that can benefit the environment and the bottom line. But what about small businesses that can’t afford another full-time salary? The Climate Alliance for the Common Good […]

The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra is celebrating 125 years of music in the Coulee Region and beyond. Maestro Alexander Platt joins "Newsmakers."

For 125 years the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra has delighted audiences of the Driftless Area. The Orchestra’s musical director, Maestro Alexander Platt, joins “Newsmakers” to talk about what is planned for this magical season.

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is considering a requested rate increase by Xcel Energy in southwestern Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is considering a requested rate increase by Xcel Energy in southwestern Wisconsin.The Citizens Utility Board was among those submitting comments on the proposed rate hike. Joining us on “Newsmakers” was Tom Content, Executive Director of the Citizens Utility Board. WPR contacted Xcel Energy, inviting them to participate in the discussion. […]

La Crosse native and New York-based jazz pianist Dave Marck returns home for his annual free concert at Viterbo University.

Mr. Blink, a La Crosse band with more than 30 years behind them, has won a WAMI award for their new album, "Shine."

Nonprofit Hope Restores, honored by National Education Association