The La Crosse Independent

03/02/2022

Indy 26: Ready to take the red pill and dive back into the world of the Matrix? Join the Indy crew as we break down Resurrections!

18/11/2021

Indy 23: Its been a long week on the Indy, so sit down and join us in a digest of the latest news.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/11/17/indy-23-canceld/

Its been a long week on the Indy, so sit down and join us in a digest of the latest news.

06/11/2021

Indy 22: We Might Be Dune'd. Late pod! But instead of doom scrolling come get Dune'd with us on the Indy!

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/11/06/indy-22-we-might-be-duned/

Indy 22: We Might Be Dune'd. Late pod! But instead of doom scrolling come get Dune'd with us on the Indy!

20/10/2021

Indy 21: A Wild Heel Turn. CRT Bans, Sandhill Crane Hunting, and a new Wisconsinite James Bond. All this and Striketober talk in this edition of the Indy!

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/10/20/indy-21-a-wild-heel-turn/

CRT Bans, Sandhill Crane Hunting, and a new Wisconsinite James Bond. All this and Striketober talk in this edition of the Indy!

10/10/2021

HeyO! This is Rachel from the Indy and LCW. I need some help putting together a segment for an upcoming LCW. I am needing some community input about Mid and End of October events being held by Progressive organizations in our area.

If you don't have a date for October to share, not to worry! Send me your organization's upcoming dates and I will add them for future use!

And as ever please feel free to send me your thoughts, essays, or even recordings to be used as a portion or a full segment of Ethical Consumption or Mic Drop!

LCW is committed to providing Left Coast Wisconsinites a voice about issues important to them and their communities!

You can contact me directly at
[email protected]

06/10/2021

Indy 20: Protecting Health Care. On this episode we sit down with Joella Striebel of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin to discuss the ongoing attacks on access for women's reproductive health.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/10/06/indy-20-protecting-health-care/

Indy 20: Protecting Health Care. On this episode we sit down with Joella Striebel of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin to discuss the ongoing attacks on access for women's reproductive health.

23/09/2021

Indy 19: The Blue Baby goes missing, the mayor's facebook gets hacked. This and a deep dive into the leading GOP candidate for governor on this edition of the Indy!

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/09/22/indy-19-blue-baby-blues/

Indy 19: The Blue Baby goes missing, the mayor's facebook gets hacked. This and a deep dive into the leading GOP candidate for governor on this edition of the Indy!

09/09/2021

Indy 18: An Army of Dave. On This episode, we finally dive into the 2012 Action Movie "Act of Valor" which includes a small role for one local congressional candidate.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/09/09/indy-18-an-army-of-dave/

Indy 18: An Army of Dave. On This episode, we finally dive into the 2012 Action Movie "Act of Valor" which includes a small role for one local congressional candidate.

25/08/2021

Indy 17: We Have Lost the Thread. The War in Afganistan is over, we need housing for all, and we say goodbye to Ron Kind. Listen now!

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/08/25/indy-17-we-have-lost-the-thread/

Indy 17: We Have Lost the Thread. The War in Afganistan is over, we need housing for all, and we say goodbye to Ron Kind. Listen now!

19/08/2021

An analysis of eviction filings in La Crosse County in 2020 shows that the CDC eviction moratorium did work to a significant degree, but it still remains a difficult and tricky tool for renters and housing advocates to employ.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/08/18/la-crosse-county-evictions-a-year-in-review-2020/

An analysis of eviction filings in La Crosse County in 2020 shows that the CDC eviction moratorium did work to a significant degree, but it still remains a difficult and tricky tool for renters and housing advocates to employ.

11/08/2021

Indy 16: Moratorium Blues

The Olympics happened, COVID is still ongoing and what happened to the State Departments Whiskey? All this and a dive into the new Eviction Moratorium on this episode of the Indy!

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/08/11/indy-16-moratorium-blues/

The Olympics happened, COVID is still ongoing and what happened to the State Departments Whiskey? All this and a dive into the new Eviction Moratorium on this episode of the Indy!

28/07/2021

On this episode of the Indy Podcast we provide a quick breakdown and insight on the contested Democratic Senate Race for 2022. Will Bucks in Six deliver Alex Lasry, will Midwestern charm bring it home for Tom Nelson, or was the all academic while waiting for Mandela Barnes to jump in? Check out this episode to find out!

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/07/28/indy-15-oops-all-senators/

Indy 15: Oops all Senators. Will Mandela Barnes take the Democratic Crown? Will it be Lasry in 6? Listen to the new episode of the Indy to find out!

25/07/2021

Let’s Go to Church - Socialist and other “Undesirables” Sunday Service.

A few thoughts from one of our frequent contributors and podcasters this Sunday morning.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/07/25/lets-go-to-church-socialist-and-other-undesirables-sunday-service/

A few thoughts from one of our frequent contributors and podcasters this Sunday morning.

15/07/2021

Indy 14: Budget View Join the Indy Crew as they sit down and talk about the new Wisconsin Budget, grumble about statements on it and do a reading series on whether or not to expand the Supreme Court.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/07/14/indy-14-budget-view/

Join the Indy Crew as they sit down and talk about the new Wisconsin Budget, grumble about statements on it and do a reading series on whether or not to expand the Supreme Court.

06/07/2021

Guaranteeing access to an attorney could substantially reduce the hundreds of evictions that take place in La Crosse County annually, and in the process reduce homelessness and free up resources now being spent on emergency housing.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/07/06/eviction-right-to-counsel-saving-money-and-lives/

Guaranteeing access to an attorney could substantially reduce the hundreds of evictions that take place in La Crosse County annually, and in the process reduce homelessness and free up resources now being spent on emergency housing.

30/06/2021

On this 13th edition of the Indy Podcast, we sit down to read way into the plot and politics of the 2019 film Knives Out.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/06/30/indy-13-movie-knives/

On this 13th edition of the Indy Podcast, we sit down to read way into the plot and politics of the 2019 film Knives Out.

17/06/2021

On this episode of the Indy, we sit down with one of Ron Kind's rivals for the Congressional WI-3 seat. This is a real fun interview, check it out!

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/06/16/indy-12-liberty-talk-with-brett-knudsen/

On this episode of the Indy, we sit down with on of Ron Kind's rivals for the Congressional WI-3 seat. This is a real fun interview, check it out!

03/06/2021

Things are rough, Wisconsin Republicans are doing what they do best and blocking everything. Take some time out and listen to us discuss the 1848 Project, and one Central Wisconsin Cities quest to somehow be as unwelcoming as possible.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/06/02/indy-ep-11-a-community-for-hate/

Times are rough, Wisconsin Republicans are trying to block anything good. Take some time out to listen to us riff on it.

26/05/2021

By Anthony Pahnke and Jim Goodman You’ve probably heard that $5 Billion from President Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Stimulus plan has been dedicated to farmers of color. Specifically, that designation is for “socially disadvantaged farmers,” which according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is anyone who has been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group....

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/05/26/billions-for-farmers-of-color-isnt-racist-its-smart-and-long-overdue/

By Anthony Pahnke and Jim Goodman You’ve probably heard that $5 Billion from President Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Stimulus plan has been dedicated to farmers of color. Specifically, that designation is …

19/05/2021

On this episode of the Indy we recap some local news, including some local opposition to the vaccine patent waver, new and fun places to recite the national anthem and we find out that Trevor has never seen Captain Planet! All that and more, including a bleak prediction on the 2028 Presidential Election! Listen Now! Help us reach our goal of 100 patrons by becoming a member of the La Crosse Independent for $5.75 a month! Click here for details.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/05/19/the-indy-the-loom-of-fate/

On this episode of the Indy we recap some local news, including some local opposition to the vaccine patent waver, new and fun places to recite the national anthem and we find out that Trevor has n…

06/05/2021

The Indy is back again this week with some updates. We begin by recapping an important trial, then dive into Biden's joint address to congress and how the president wants to take your burgers. We end with the first ever Indy Reading Series, and begin to debate the finer points of Modern Monetary Theory.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/05/05/the-indy-recapping-the-news/

The Indy is back again this week with some updates. We begin by recapping an important trial, then dive into Biden’s joint address to congress and how the president wants to take your burgers…

30/04/2021

In today's episode Eric and Rachel speak with Darin Von Ruden President of the Wisconsin Farmer's Union. We get a chance to learn about the organization's principles and what it's members seek to support in Wisconsin. If you are interested in Wisconsin Farmer's Union you can learn more at This program is produced by the La Crosse Independent - …...

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/04/29/lcw-darin-von-ruden-from-the-wisconsin-farmers-union/

In today's episode Eric and Rachel speak with Darin Von Ruden President of the Wisconsin Farmer's Union. We get a chance to learn about the organization's principles and what it's members seek to support in Wisconsin. If you are interested in Wisconsin Farmer's Union you can learn more at https://ww...

27/04/2021

By Adam Schendel As the United States finally closes in on the end of the year-long coronavirus pandemic with a national rollout of vaccines, Americans still find themselves beset by a cascading series of crises, any number of which threaten to become breaking points for the country. While most of them predate the pandemic, these existential issues - including police violence, racial and economic inequalities, climate change, inaccessible healthcare, and poverty - have been exacerbated and worsened during the past year....

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/04/27/while-crises-accelerate-political-ruling-class-silences-dissent-as-calls-grow-for-change/

As the US seemingly closes in on the end of the Pandemic, Americans still find themselves faced with a cascading series of crises.

25/04/2021

By James R. Parker The bill to make Wisconsin a “second amendment sanctuary” sponsored by Senator Felzkowski is unwise, unnecessary, and ultimately dangerous in the extreme. Her obsession with citizens ability to conduct armed resistance to an “overreaching government,” apparently such as the January 6th attack on the US Congress is at the base of this insanity. I first fired a revolver when I was 8 years old, 72 years ago....

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/04/25/the-slippery-slope-of-slaughter/

By James R. Parker The bill to make Wisconsin a “second amendment sanctuary” sponsored by Senator Felzkowski is unwise, unnecessary, and ultimately dangerous in the extreme. Her obsession with citi…

22/04/2021

This pod is again late, but for good reason! New Indy Pods will be dropping every other Wednesday starting from this drop! Subscribe to the feed, and please continue to check out the La Crosse Independent. On this episode we discuss Covid Vaccines, Matt Gaetz, and honestly somehow correctly predict the outcome of La Crosse's Mayoral Election. If you are interested in helping write for the La Crosse Independent please email…...

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/04/21/the-indy-change/

This episode of the Indy includes correct predictions, Covid discussion and a late talk on Matt Gaetz.

12/04/2021

In this review of the Left Hand of Darkness, Rachel explores the mind bending and intense world building presented by Ursula Le Guin.

By Rachel MacFarland I find it kind of wild that I haven’t yet reviewed a book by Ursula Le Guin. Having only discovered her work several years ago, there was the initial impulse to gorge, because …

06/04/2021

The Indy is back with a much delayed episode! This week (back in early March) we are joined by William Garcia of the La Crosse County Democratic Party to discuss what it means to be a Democrat and hash out differences between more mainstream members of the party and some people on the outside.

The Indy Returns after a long delay with an interview with La Crosse County Democratic Party Chair William Garcia.

04/04/2021

Lovato’s memoir is a work that is both personal and expansive, at once a searing personal examination into his own family history that shaped his revolutionary trajectory in life, as well as a wide-ranging history of El Salvador and how the dark shadow of its past have shaped the country’s social context today and fuels the migration of refugees to the United States.

Lovato’s memoir is a work that is both personal and expansive, at once a searing personal examination into his own family history that shaped his revolutionary trajectory in life, as well as a wide…

30/03/2021

Hello Everyone,

As you all may have noticed, articles and posts have slowed for the time being. This is due to a few changes in our writers room, mainly that Eric has resigned his post as Editor in Chief. We will miss his great writing skills and management over the Independent.

In the mean time, we will continue to update the Independent as much as we can. We have a few episodes of the Indy and Left Coast Wisconsin that should be coming soon.

If you are interested in helping continue this endeavor please email [email protected] with a few samples of writing. This is still a volunteer organization, so please give us time as we adjust to this new direction and thank you for your continued support.

21/03/2021

Mac Kiel hopes to provide creative solutions that center the needs of young people in her campaign for La Crosse Common Council’s 7th District.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/03/20/mac-kiel-bringing-new-energy-to-council/

Mac Kiel hopes to provide creative solutions that center the needs of young people in her campaign for La Crosse Common Council’s 7th District.

15/03/2021

Rebecca Schwarz is a strong, experienced candidate who hopes to provide a fresh voice for District 10 on the La Crosse Common Council.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/03/15/rebecca-schwarz-were-all-neighbors/

Rebecca Schwarz is a strong, experienced candidate who hopes to provide a fresh voice for District 10 on the La Crosse Common Council.

04/03/2021

Debate LIVE at 7pm! La Crosse Virtual Mayoral Debate!

28/02/2021

Jennifer Trost hopes that if elected to the La Crosse Common Council she can work to increase public participation in local government.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/02/28/jennifer-trost-the-city-is-us/

Jennifer Trost hopes that if elected to the La Crosse Common Council she can work to increase public participation in local government.

25/02/2021

We spoke to photojournalist and union activist Susan Ruggles about her memories of the Wisconsin Uprising and why the pandemic is leading to an increase in support for unions.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/02/24/act-10-a-decade-later-solidarity-forever/

We spoke to photojournalist and union activist Susan Ruggles about her memories of the Wisconsin Uprising and why the pandemic is leading to an increase in support for unions.

24/02/2021

Mackenzie Mindel is a young candidate with lots of bold ideas. Read about her run for La Crosse Common Council here.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/02/23/mindel-is-ready-to-lead/

Mackenzie Mindel is a young candidate with lots of bold ideas. Read about her run for La Crosse Common Council here.

23/02/2021

14/02/2021

Rachel MacFarland is unconvinced by Neil Gaiman's attempts to locate the American Soul, as if such a singular concept exists, like a key stuck under a Slurpee machine at a roadside truck stop, just waiting to be discovered

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/02/13/review-american-gods/

Rachel MacFarland is unconvinced by Neil Gaiman's attempts to locate the American Soul, as if such a singular concept exists, like a key stuck under a Slurpee machine at a roadside truck stop, just waiting to be discovered

10/02/2021

Explore a strange and wonderful planet created by artist Chase Gentry in the new Ope! zine.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/02/09/opes-latest-zine-is-an-other-worldly-coloring-book/

Explore a strange and wonderful planet created by artist Chase Gentry in the new Ope! zine.

09/02/2021

The event will include a discussion of the connection between Wall Street and economic downturns, the destruction of Wisconsin’s family farms, and Modern Monetary Theory.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/02/08/our-wisconsin-revolution-to-host-economic-justice-virtual-townhall/

The event will include a discussion of the connection between Wall Street and economic downturns, the destruction of Wisconsin’s family farms, and Modern Monetary Theory.

08/02/2021

Review: Rachel MacFarland watched the five Small Axe films, a rich collection of stories that explore Black British lives and politics in the 1970s and 80s.

https://lacrosseindependent.com/2021/02/08/review-small-axe/

Review: Rachel MacFarland watched the five Small Axe films, a rich collection of stories that explore Black British lives and politics in the 1970s and 80s.