WPT Midweek Moment

This week, we answer numerous questions: How did Milwaukee County go from projecting a 31 million dollar surplus to a 6+ million dollar deficit in just a matter of months? How have the constitutional amendment questions turned into short sighted bickering over a long term question? What insurance premium is actually going down instead of leaping higher? All this and a Thomas Jefferson quote on gov...

This week we start by asking: Does the Olympics get called for a false start if they conduct events before the opening ceremonies? The answer is no, but we go over critical Olympics etiquette and some related holidays. We look at federal proposal was heard in committee today that would establish a first for Wisconsin and give another notable boost to our Northwoods tourism economy. We also go down...

This week we start by asking: Which annual holiday that is (probably) the most permanent holiday and causes the most regret of any other holiday in America? We reveal the answer. What is the new UW Eau Claire bachelor's degree being offered this fall at the Barron County campus? Will it be help strengthen the workforce? We investigate and let you decide. What is the latest plot twist in the saga o...

This week we look at management and how it impacts healthy or unhealthy company culture: How are things going for the Brewers, Cardinals, and Cubs? This season, the past ten years, and their longer term history as organizations. For the Brewers, it looks good. How are things looking for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections? The past year and the past ten years. For the DOC, it does not look goo...

This week we look at: Who were the authors of the Declaration of Independence and what body of government commissioned the work? We look at the priorities of the educational pollitical elite and have serious questions about whether they believe in the ideals that founded the United States of America. We look at the rocky relationships between the two main presidential candidates have with members...

This week we look at: The WI Supreme Court officially decided that sidewalks are not "pedestrian ways". Who do they blame their decision on? A widely read modern writer used a pen name to write some of the most famous books of the 20th century, and he has a birthday today. Who is it? A judge rules to help the blind and people physically incapable of filling out a ballot to have their ballot be a t...

This week we look at both sides of the government coin: politics and civics... On the politics side of the coin we look at battleground Wisconsin. We look at the most recent visits for Trump and Biden. What was conspicuously missing from both? Aside from this example, what has the "Right" continued to miss where the left hasn't? We break it down. On the civics side of the coin, we look at the foun...

This week we look at two examples of leadership and how actions speak louder than words... Last week we quoted Representative Lakeshia Meyers' harsh words of accountability for the Milwaukee Public Schools. This week, we look at the harsh words of accountability that the Wauwatosa School District had for Lakeshia when she was an employee there last year. We also look at the leadership of Governor...

This week we study (pun intended) the epic failures at Milwaukee Public Schools. The irony of how... A school district blows off its math homework! Even when they submit or re-submit work, it is still incomplete! Their money incompetence started before they asked for more money! Their mess means almost every other school district will lose state funds. All that and a quote from John Adams in less...

We are looking at a cross section of Wisconsin: Next week Monday is the deadline for nomination papers and signatures. What bipartisan frustration do 77% of voters have with government? The Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters With Disabilities Program UW-Madison scientists and AI have identified nearly 30 million acres of abandoned cropland that could be put to good use. All that and a quote from Theodore R...

We are looking at lots of things, including beautiful weather: What happened with the veto over-rides in the Wisconsin Senate on Tuesday What factors will come into play for the Assembly to follow suit. Is the WI Supreme Court half as productive as they used to be? Where are ARPA dollars being invested this month? All in less time than it takes to set up and level the cornhole boards. As always, t...

Lots of political grandstanding this week. We look at how ~ Biden in Wisconsin looks absolutely identical to Trump from six years ago. Governor Evers gets consistent responses from the Legislature. Wedding barns sue to regain some of their rights. Klement's sausage might have a new lease on life. All in less time than it takes to park and get tailgating. As always, thanks for listening.

This week, we look at problems that don't look like they are getting better anytime soon: Milwaukee and Wisconsin both appeared on a Top 10 list worth avoiding. We see some progress and promising results from the prison system. We see progress and promising results for tech skills training in 18 high schools. All this and more in less time than it takes to slow down for the pothole filling crews....

This week, since the Midweek Moment is an editorial podcast, we can give out some "actions speak louder than words" analysis and our first ever "That does not look good for you and your only have yourself to blame" awards. We look at the past two year trend of WE Energies rate increases. Be sure to listen if you want to know how many times bigger the requested increases are for the next two years....

Unfortunately, this week's podcast theme is summed up by our quote of the week: "Don't let the facts get in the way of a good story." What do we look at this week? The Senate and Assembly's calendar and how that impacts campaign contributions. Why did hundreds of "failed to pass" designations happen last week in Wisconsin and what does Ozempic have do with it? What are some insights on the Preside...

We look at quite a few time honored traditions in Wisconsin: Crazy Springtime Weather in Wisconsin. What is the sprint weather trifecta that happened in the past week? Property Tax Increases. How big are the jumps in taxes? How are increases being set up to happen for years to come? Power struggles at the state level. How are both sides of the aisle are pulling the same power plays? All in less ti...

In life, how you communicate your ideas, needs, and wants make a big difference in how receptive people will be. What are the unique and small things that have massive impact on success and failure? This week, we analyze the newest referendum results across the state. What successful strategies were used? What small differences in language could become massive problems? What is being pushed on loc...

This week, we re-live the focus on property taxes from our October 4th episode. It is particularly timeless and hinted at some of the issues that were likely to happen, like school referendums, and indirectly, a message on how important elections can be. What else did we focus on?: Which county in Wisconsin is easily #1 in highest property taxes? (What's your guess?) How much more will their 2024...

This week, we dive into current and timely topics about: What bills are a step in the direction away from our reliance on petroleum? What will be one of the downsides that no one has mentioned yet? Hear our prediction here first! What are your options for voting early if Election Day will be a challenge? We review your options. Where can you find one of the clearest explanations of the Wisconsin C...

How frustrating is it for Wisconsin dairy farmers, even from the groups "on their side"? Even the "tip of the iceberg" is preposterous.... We dive into that topic and have reasonable questions in this week's podcast about: Dairy farmers are struggling to cover costs, meanwhile, the CEO of their mandatory national association got an $800,000 retirement package? What is a "checkoff"? What does High...

How did the hospitals of Wisconsin get a blank check for $15 million? We dive into that question and more in this week's podcast, including: What awesome event is happening this weekend. What is the most un-satisfying thing that can happen to our budget surplus? What happened to the lifeline being thrown to the people of Eau Claire and how is someone's press release coming back to haunt them? All...

Why is there state money to address PFAS sitting unused since last June? A quote from the podcast: "A bill, one to try and address having clean water... a bill that, in concept, deserves bipartisan support, is now being opposed by Democrats ... and ... Governor Evers promised he would veto it." What is going on here? We look at Senate Bill 312, and is there a chance to pull it from the fire?...

This week's theme is how taxpayers deserve better, but get stuck in the same spot. We look at: A statewide energy roundtable of utility CEOs, Public Service Commission members, and private industry discussed the future of Wisconsin. What did everyone agree was the clear answer to ample, carbon-neutral energy? They agreed that "you want to be the first to be second". What does that even mean? What...

You really don't want to miss this one. Read the first two bullet-points below and I dare you not to listen! Did you know your absentee ballot will still count if you write a quote from the movie "Ghost" in the address line? No kidding! I explain! What was Governor Evers' response to a bill to give relief to property tax payers? (Hint: disappointing. I explain.) What does an official decree of con...

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Hello, neighbor! In this week's episode, we look at: What holiday captures the true range of feelings we feel about our neighbors? We have the definitive answer! How did WPT's past successes lead to another win for Wisconsin Taxpayers this week? How is the potential change in legislative maps going to impact people's jobs? We look at one specific district...