Spanning The State

Natalie Eilbert a Mental Health Reporter for the Journal Sentinel joins the show to talk about the lack of insurance coverage for people with mental health disabilities. She shares why it is so difficult for individuals to call out of work when experiencing a mental health crisis, why are treated differently from physical disabilities, and why Insurance doesn’t accept this.

Deer Program Specialist, Jeff Pritzl joins Spanning the State to discuss Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources, new approach to management deer units for Wisconsin’s hunting season.

Giving Tuesday is back! If you need a refresher Giving Tuesday is where we introduce you to Wisconsin people and organizations that are advocating for causes across the state, now sponsored by Seniors Helping Seniors of Waukesha. Today we welcome Van Evans the Owner of Seniors Helping Seniors to talk about his company and they work they do with our elderly. Tune in to Giving Tuesday every Tuesday...

Today on Spanning the State, Kristin and Brian discuss the varying amount of state funding that the universities of Wisconsin schools are getting and how uneven they are. They later speak to Chuck Andreas and Tina Hinchley to talk about the delay in the nation’s $900 billion farm bill and how that is impacting Wisconsin farming. They then spin the state to new cities before chatting about a new st...

Today on Spinning the State: Whitefish Bay - Whitefish Bay to pay $5.5 million to fix sink hole. Stella - Hunters asked to submit deer samples for PFAS. Brodhead - Guerilla Cookie making a comeback for conservation.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction from the Wisconsin Rapids Public School District, Roxanne Filtz joins the show to give more insight on the positive impacts of the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ESSER, funding and what most Wisconsin districts are facing now that this pandemic funding is ending and with-it beneficial programs.

Every five years congress writes up a farm bill. This year the bill, worth $900 billion, which can fund food stamps to conservation efforts expired at the beginning of the month. Michael Fields Agricultural Institute’s, Associate Policy Director Chuck Andreas and Wisconsin Farmers Union board member, Tina Hinchley join Kristin and Brian to further explain what is happening, why the bill is held up...

Today Brian is solo for Friday. He kicks off the show to discuss the sad end of the Brewers Postseason run. He breaks down what we should know about a new strike in Milwaukee. Molson Coors Machinists who asking for better wages, benefits and work life balance. We then have the Political Power HALF Hour with Steve Scaffidi. They recap this week’s debate, Kamala’s visit to the state and more. Later...

Today on Spinning the State: Peshtigo - Sea Lamprey treatment aims to increase Great lakes fish health. Pulaski - New Packers Polka. Milwaukee - Lakefront Brewery celebrates cheese curd day.

Steve Scaffidi joins Brian Noonan for the Political Power HALF Hour on Spanning the State. They discuss this week in news including the Vice-Presidential Debate between Senator JD Vance and Tim Walz, Kamala’s visit to major republican city Ripon and more.

Camy Matthay of Wisconsin Books for Prisoners joins Spanning the State to talk about the troubles the non-profit has experienced due to outside organizations. She shares how other impersonators have sent contraband to prisons, how they are now wanting to charge inmates and how this may also be an issue on Wisconsin’s Constitution.

Today Brian and Kristin celebrate the Brewers holding in their playoff series. They also share a heartwarming story from out Julia Fello and how Pat Murphy has a heart of gold. They then speak to Wisconsin Republican Party official, Will Martin and how the WI GOP is working to get black voters to the polls. They then Spin the State before Common Cause Wisconsin Executive Director talking to Jay He...

Today on Spinning the State: Ripon - Harris to campaign in birthplace of Republican Party. Green Bay - Registration open for Tundra tales. Milwaukee - MKE Oktoberfest this weekend.

General Manager of Experiences and Events at Old World Wisconsin, Maria Comiskey joins Spanning the State tells Brian and Kristin all about the Spooky Legends & Lore happening through the month of October.

Common Cause Wisconsin, Executive Director Jay Heck joins the show to talk about election conspiracies. Heck shares what Wisconsin voters should be aware of to make sure their vote is counted correctly without manipulation. He explains what challenges voters my face that will affecting how people vote between now and November 5th, what we’ve learned from the 2020 presidential election, and more.

Wisconsin Republican Party official and Wisconsin state director for Americans for Citizen Voting (ACV), Will Power joins in-studio to shed light on the GOP’s strategy to encourage communities of color to come and vote. They discuss what messaging has been resonating with this demographic, the diverse presence at this summer’s RNC and within the Republican Party, and how a similar transition of pa...

Today on Spanning the State Kristin and Brian begin by analyzing last night's vice-Presidential Debate. They go over the key moments they witnessed, revisit their over/under outcomes, and appreciate the civility in the event. They then speak to comedian, actor, Emmy and Peabody award winner Paul Mecurio about his upcoming "Permission to Speak Tour." They Spin the State and learn about an interesti...

Today on Spinning the State: South Milwaukee - Lions, tigers, and Carved Sasquatch? Madison - Madison Pedestrian Mall to close. Elkhorn - The best haunts can be found on Elkhorn road.

Kevin Dospoy, Deputy Director for Forward Analytics joins Spanning the State to talk about their new report “On the Brink Probing the coming Senior Care Challenges.” As seen in the report, 25% of our state’s population will be over 75 during 2030 to 2040. That statistic will put a strain on the already fragile and burnout nursing homes, dwindling hospital staff and questionable economy. Dospoy bre...

Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian & actor Paul Mecurio, joins Spanning the State to talk about his current tour “Permission to Speak”. Mercurio shares some jokes, explains his interactive comedic crowd work that he specializes, and his connection to Wisconsin.

Today on Spanning the State Kristin and Brian gear up for the Brewers and their first playoff game of the season/postseason run. They speak to both Wisconsin’s Morning New Host Vince Vitrano and Dom. They get a brief overview of one of the best places to witness Wisconsin’s fall foliage with Andy Larsen, before sharing their over/under bets for tonight’s Vice-Presidential debate. Later they spin t...

Today on Spinning the State: Oshkosh - Vietnam traveling wall coming to Oshkosh. Hayward - Hayward man sets record for paddling Wisconsin River. Nekoosa - Giant Pumpkin Fest in Nekoosa.

Rewind to 2010 and the passing of The Affordable Care Act part of that bill allowed states to expand Medicaid to cover people up to 138% of the federal poverty line or about $35,632 for a family of three. The costs of insuring more people would be paid for primarily with federal funds and a smaller state match. Wisconsin is one of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA and is consi...

Mayor of Wauwatosa Dennis McBride joins Spanning the State in studio to discuss how his city is addressing the affordable care crisis. Currently affordable housing is a national issue as well as a major talking point for both the presidential and local political races. McBride shares what type of impact this issue has had in Wauwatosa, how they plan to fix it, and the work the Tosa Common Council...

Most people associate the Wisconsin Dells as a summer only destination. However, people don’t know that the Dells during the fall has some of the best sites to witness the transition into fall. To tell Kristin and Brian more about the experience, Andy Larsen, Executive Vice President BOELTER + LINCOLN Marketing Communications joins the show.