Friday, July 03, 2026

No Data Center PSC Public Hearing Training

 

On Monday, July 13 at 6 p.m., the Wisconsin Chapter Sierra Club will host an online workshop to help people submit or make public comments to the state's Public Service Commission regarding data center gas plants. 

While current gas plant plans are not in the Coulee Region, their climate and water effects are not bounded by borders. At a time when our ability to rein in global heating and avoid catastrophic global temperature rises, fighting these systems is imperative.

The club notes, Power- and water-hungry data centers will use enormous and unprecedented amounts of energy. Instead of saying no to these proposed data centers, or fueling them with clean energy, our utilities are recruiting Big Tech to Wisconsin and asking permission to build new gas plants to make Wisconsinites to pay for them. 

Two new proposals include: 

  • Foundry Ridge Gas Plant in Darien- this 300mw gas plant proposed in southeast Wisconsin, and the Red Oak Ridge gas plant (below), already faced a lot of scrutiny because of the big public health concerns. A report by the Climate Solutions for Health Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that the plant would lead to higher particulate matter and premature deaths. 
  • Red Oak Ridge Gas Plant in Kenosha- This massive 1,100mw (that’s a big plant!) proposed gas plant in Paris, Wisconsin, where there is already a lot of gas infrastructure being built. Despite concerns about the plant, the Trump Administration is fast-tracking the approval. We have filed a lawsuit to stop this fast-tracking. 

These proposals are in addition to the South Oak Creek and Paris Gas plants that are under construction in the southeastern part of the state, and another proposed 1,200 mw gas plant in Calumet. That’s almost 4GW--that’s enough electricity to power about 3 million average homes. To put that in context, Wisconsin only has 2.84 million homes. These gas plants are threatening our water, our health, and climate change in order to fuel data centers here in Wisconsin. 

73% of Wisconsin’s annual water usage already goes to fossil fuel and nuclear plants. Foundry Ridge will use up to 55,152 gallons per day, and the Red Oak Ridge will use up to 335,000 gallons/day. Fresh clean water should be reserved as drinking water for all Wisconsinites and shouldn’t be used to operate new fossil fuel plants that will already be detrimental to our health and climate. 

Learn more at https://www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin/energyaction and sign up to participate in the training session at: https://tinyurl.com/WISC-pscprep726

Wednesday, July 01, 2026

Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July is a key initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation which is working toward a world free of plastic waste. From humble beginnings in 2011, the award-winning Plastic Free July campaign is the result of years of hard work. Read the 2025 Impact Report for more details. 

WHY PLASTIC FREE?

Most plastic is made from fossil fuels. The fossil fuel industry is counting on increasing plastic production to keep itself going and growing.

Plastic production facilities are often sited in low-income communities and places where people of color live and are affected by the air and water pollution these facilites produce. 

Plastic production is directly linked to the climate crisis

Most plastic is discarded and degrades into smaller and smaller pieces in our land, air, and water where living creatures ingest it It never fully goes away; the pieces just get smaller and smaller.

Microplastics have been found in human placentas, umbilical blood, semen, breast milk, plankton, and agricultural crops.

Plastic is full of chemicals that are or may be hazardous to human and animal health.

Plastic pollution in oceans kills and maims thousands of fish, birds, and mammals every year.

Single use plastic foodware is one of the most common forms of plastic waste that ends up clogging waterways, leaching toxic chemicals into habitats, and creating hazards for wildlife.

Plastic food containers, packaging and wrappers may contain PFAS along with hormone disruptors and other chemicals hazardous to health.

 Bottled water is more likely than not to contain microplastics. The type of plastic used for bottled water may leach harmful chemicals, especially if stored in hot conditions or for long periods. 

Many canned products, including beverages, have plastic liners that may leach chemicals and/or microplastics into the products they surround.

Clothing made from plastic, including supposedly "green" options made from "recycled" bottles, shed millions of microplastics into our waterways every time they are laundered.  

Other household items made from "recycled" plastic, from carpets to utensils, can also shed or leach chemicals and particles into our bodies, food and air. 

Schemes to deal with plastic waste like "waste-to-energy" facilities or "chemical" recycling require fossil fuels to operate and result in toxic waste. Burning plastic to generate electricity is the same as burning fossil fuels. Emissions drive global heating.

HOW?

We are so surrounded by plastic it's impossible to completely remove it from out lives. And some use, like for medical equipment and supplies, would be almost impossible to replace. But there's plenty of plastic that we can choose to refuse, like single use foodware, textiles, household products. Start with the PLASTIC FREE PLEDGE, where you choose one single-use item to give up for one month. Then, check the many guides and websites for going further, like

WHAT NEXT?

You can't unsee it. Once you know, you have to tell others. Share information and resources. Show videos. Host discussions. Recommend books. Encourage others, including your school, workplace, shopping spots, grocery stores, and community groups, to make better choices and offer plastic-free options. Help events go plastic-free or plastic-lite by offering to contribute reusable utensils or non-toxic, plastic free, compostible foodware. Don't stop.

Monday, June 29, 2026

People Programs

JULY 1 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ONLINE

Join the National Constitution Center, in partnership with In Pursuit and More Perfect, for a special Independence Week Town Hall exploring how the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of its founding and what this milestone moment calls us to consider about our past, present, and future.

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and National Constitution Center Semiquincentennial Scholar Jon Meacham, 11th Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, and Harvard University Professor Danielle Allen join Robert Costa of CBS News for a wide-ranging conversation on the shared principles at the heart of the American idea and the many ways the nation is marking this milestone anniversary. Together, they will also explore the broader challenges and opportunities facing the practice of history today, including how we tell our national story, engage across differences, and connect new generations to the enduring ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

===

 On Juneteenth, Building Unity, in partnership with  the Fight For Our Lives Coalition, launched the “Fight For Our Lives Tour.” For 20 straight weekends, the UnityMobile will tour around the state, making new friends and the solidarity connections that we need to build a powerful statewide movement for People, Peace, and our Planet, protecting lives, building power, and advancing a healthy democracy. 

On Sunday, July 5, the tour will stop at the UU Fellowship in La Crosse, 401 West Ave. S. for a 2 p.m. screening of and discussion about the powerful documentary, Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism's Unholy War on Democracy. The event is free and open to all. Learn more at https://www.buildingunitywisconsin.org/ 

=== 

COMMUNITY EVENT with La Crosse INDIVISIBLE  

Tuesday, July 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Black River Beach Neighborhood Center

La Crosse Indivisible invites everyone to Black River Beach for an evening of fun, compassion, and community. We will have other area organizations, activities for adults and kids, and food! Come join us and and take part in the fun and learn about resources we have and ways 

=== 

"We the People": A Panel Discussion Series on America 250, Part 1

July 8 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the La Crosse Public Library

This is Part 1 of a moderated panel discussions addressing America’s complicated history. This event aims to reflect on the complex history, narratives, and diverse perspectives that shape our shared understanding of what “we the people” have experienced over the past 250 years since the American Revolution. 

This event will be available via livestream - Please register with an email if you would like to attend virtually.

===

"We the People": A Panel Discussion Series on America 250, Part 2

July 15 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the La Crosse Public Library

Part 2 of the moderated panel discussions addresses  America’s complicated history. This event aims to reflect on the complex history, narratives, and diverse perspectives that shape our shared understanding of what “we the people” have experienced over the past 250 years since the American Revolution. 

This event will be available via livestream - Please register with an email if you would like to attend virtually. 


Primary ta    

Saturday, June 27, 2026

July 1 Neighborhood Revitalization Commisdion

 

On Wednesday, July 1, the Neighborhood Revitalization Commission meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall. A big chunk of the agenda is a report on the zoning code update process.

There are many zoning-related documents linked in the agenda, including Zoning 101, an explainer about what zoning is and does. It's a pain that every attachment must be downloaded separately, but at least they are available.

Members of the public may attend in person or by Zoom.

https://cityoflacrosse-org.zoom.us/j/82155464093?pwd=aGw1NWRRUE4xM1RxajJxaTM0QkNUQT09

Participate by phone: 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 821 5546 4093
Passcode: 543969

Friday, June 26, 2026

EWaste Recycling Event Saturday

 

FREE E-RECYCLING EVENT at Dynamic, N5550 Dynamic Way, Onalaska on Saturday, June 27 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Household items, appliances, outdoor electronics and more will be accepted. See the list at https://facebook.com/events/s/free-electronics-recycling-for/2415335508924643/

Similar events are scheduled for September 12 and November 7.

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Building Unity Tour

 


SUNDAY, JULY 5 at 2:00 p.m.
401 West Avenue S.

La Crosse has been chosen to be one of the 50-plus tour stops for the "Fight For Our Lives Democracy Tour."  Join us! We are showing a great documentary and also making a documentary. You could be a part of our efforts to tell the story about all of the amazing Wisconsinites who we met on our 20-week tour. People like you who are doing all that they can to make the world a bit better.

All life on Earth is in a state of emergency. Of course, this is not news, but in a lot of ways, things continue to get worse. The need to unite and turn out the vote, for people, peace, and planet, has never been greater. 

Our tour stop activities will very significantly but the consistent message and goal is to unite, deepen our connections, and work together to make sure that we shift our political climate towards the meeting of human needs, the protection of human lives, the defense of our democracy, and the protection of our natural life-sustaining world.

On Sunday, July 5th we will offer a free film screening of the film "Bad Faith." 
Event starts at 2:00pm. After the film, there will be a brief community discussion about Christian Nationalism and what people are doing to prevent and/or minimize its continued threat all over Wisconsin. 

Join us for a film, free snacks and refreshments, and a chance to be part of a historical documentary with the "Fight For Our Lives Democracy Tour." 

For more information, call Building Unity at 608-630-3633. 

Solidarity for Peace, Justice, Sustainability, and Democracy, 

Timothy Cordon, Building Unity Co-coordinator

Please explore these links and promote the “Democracy Tour.” This tour is helping us build the powerful connections and unity that we need. Please support the Tour!

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

JULY 7 - Youth MTU Scavenger Hunt

Cross-posted from La Crosse Area Transit Advocates:


Join the City of La Crosse MTU, youth agencies, and local organizations for a City-Wide Summer Ride event. Youth organizations are challenged to visit various locations around the city of La Crosse  while naviagating the MTU. Groups will end at a  local ice cream shop to celebrate!

Bus fare is FREE for all youth this day, regardless of participation.

 TUESDAY,  JULY 7
NOON to 4:00 PM

This  event is for youth ages 11+  participating with a community organization. To sign up, please email Andy Kiel at akiel@lacrossesd.org by June 29.

Monday, June 22, 2026

More action opportunities

A Substack post from Wisconsin Immigration Focus notes that, "Many Wisconsin Sheriffs will sell data to ICE this month. The State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) is a federal grant program that partially reimburses state and local governments for the costs of incarcerating certain non-citizens who have been convicted of crimes. To receive this money, county jails submit data on individuals they have incarcerated who are, or are believed to be, undocumented. This information is then shared with ICE, further strengthening its data-driven deportation machine." (read more here). Local advocates recommend contacting our county board members to request NON-renewal of the SCAAP program that sells data to ICE. The renewal data is June 30. La Crosse County DOES currently participate in this program. You can find your county board member contact information here: https://lacrossecounty.org/countyboard/members

### 

Youth Homelessness Outreach Project Focus Groups will be hosted by YWCA La Crosse for ages 14-24 on June 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. and July 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. for anyone with lived experience of homelessness (including couch surfing, staying in a shelter, staying in a hotel due to lack of stable housing, and/or fleeing a domestic violence situation) between ages 14 and 24. 

To learn more and/or do the survey or arrange a different time for input, visit https://qualtricsxmrm6lwmb4w.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1B3YrAzSknBLObY

### 

On June 29 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., join an online traning provided by the ACLU of Wisconsin

Surveillance technology is being weaponized in real time. The proliferation in local police departments’ use of surveillance technology, which in most places has occurred without any community input or control presents significant threats to civil rights and civil liberties.

 

Data gathered from facial recognition, automated license plate readers, artificial intelligence, and other surveillance tools is being used by governments, including our own, to target and detain individuals.

 

At the ACLU of Wisconsin, we’re continuing to challenge systems that harm our communities, and that means putting a stop to the unchecked use of invasive surveillance technology that jeopardizes our right to move freely without being monitored.

 

We hope you will join us virtually on Monday, June 29th, to learn more about the ways you are currently being surveilled by law enforcement and what you can do about it. We want you to leave this training knowing more about how to protect yourself against invasive surveillance in your community, armed with the tools to advocate at the local level against FRT, Flock Cameras, and data centers, and with your elected officials.

Friday, June 19, 2026

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Be an election captain

From Working Families Party:

While national politicians seek to divide us, we know that when we show up for our community, nothing can stop us from coming together and making a change.


Fill out this form to apply for a paid opportunity to be an Election Captain in your neighborhood. Being an Election Captain means being a leader on your block, in your neighborhood, and for the upcoming election. We will provide training and materials at every step of the process.


A training session in Wisconsin is coming up soon.

Monday, June 15, 2026

Where does climate action go now?

Where does climate action go from here?

TUESDAY, JUNE 16 at 1 p.m.

Join Jonathan Foley, Ph.D, Executive Director of Project Drawdown, for a conversation with renowned climate scientist and communicator, Katharine Hayhoe, Ph.D.

From attacks on climate science by the current administration to the faltering of international climate negotiations and the rise of disinformation, the past few years have presented unprecedented challenges for everyone working on advancing science-based climate solutions.

Katharine and Jon will explore what it takes to connect across differences, how to communicate climate science with accuracy and empathy, and where in the world to look for meaningful action.

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Lax Dems Summer Social


MONDAY JUNE 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Black River Beach Center, 1433 Rose St.

Meet the candidates, eat, drink, and network Monday at the annual La Crosse Dems Summer Social. It's a potluck. It's a fundraiser. It's a motivational kick-off for the primary election.

Learn more here: https://facebook.com/events/s/la-crosse-summer-social/1242874474355853/

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Protests today

After the Noon No Kings protest at Losey & State Road, there's a 4 to 6 p.m. protest planned near an Onalaska restaurant.

SEE THE DETAILS HERE.

It's amazing and not amazing in the age of the orange one and the gaslighting and the "broligarchy." But, it can't be ignored. 

A local restaurant owner's online discussion about men versus women (https://kroc.com/wisconsin-restaurant-owner-video-protest/) makes you wonder what decade some people are living in.

The UWL Racquet report, "Angelini’s Ristorante owner defends YouTube video berating women servers amid online backlash," shows it wasn't a mistake.

Protestors will meet at the Hwy 35 roundabout near the restaurant. Park in the OmniCenter lot per organizers.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

June 13 protest update

Some updates regarding the rally on June 13 from noon to 2 at Losey and State Road.

DO NOT PARK in the old Kmart lot - you might get towed.

Ride your bike OR take the bus! See RideMTU.com for routes. The #4 & #2 buses serve this area.

If you must drive, carpool! Park along side streets in surrounding neighborhoods. Do not park in business lots or block driveways or crosswalks.

AND, per Indivisible La Crosse, "remember the Wafer Food Pantry Drive, we welcome all non-perishable food donations and hygiene items."

Saturday, June 06, 2026

June 12 - Ride With the Mayor

 


More details/Register at https://tinyurl.com/BikeWithLaXMayor61226

Here's your chance to talk about better bike infrastructure and why we need it now.  Invite your city Council Rep to ride along. Bring your neighborhood leaders.

Meet at the City Hall parking lot on Friday, June 12 at 9 a.m. If you have no bike, there's a Drift Cycle Bike Share station at The Landmark (522 2nd St N.), at WTC (368 6th St N), and at the places around the city. OR Wrench and Roll rents bikes and so does UWL's Outdoor Connection

Thursday, June 04, 2026

Gas Card Giveaway

Friday at Myrick Park from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Opportunity Wisconsin is  handing out 50 $20 gas gift cards -  first come, first served.

There will be a brief press conference at 11. The location is near The Nature Place (but not at The Nature Place). There will be signage posted to help guide folks.

Info from Bryan Boland, Opportunity Wisconsin


 

Monday, June 01, 2026

June 2 Workers Forum

 


WI Workers' Forum for Governor

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

6:30 to 8:00 PM

OPEIU Local 39 will be co-hosting the Wisconsin Workers’ Forum for Governor on June 2nd in Madison. Learn more here: https://opeiu39.org/events/wi-workers-forum-for-governor

RSVP HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSep3PtFXOM9BjPGdJJbFWYABotnM9AoBCXKXZFpWcD7PTn0zA/viewform

Juneteenth NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!!

From Juneteenth Committee:

I am writing to invite and encourage you to join us in celebrating this year’s Juneteenth on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Riverside Park from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We will begin the setup at 9 AM, and we would love for you to be a part of this meaningful event.

Juneteenth holds a special place in our hearts, representing not just a celebration for the African-American community but for all of us. It signifies our collective journey toward connection, understanding, education, support, unity, and equality. This day is an opportunity to gather as one, to celebrate the progress we’ve made and the strength of our community.

This year, we are reaching out to you, the wonderful members of our community, to ask for your help. We are in need of volunteers to assist with various tasks to make this event a success.

Sign Up by emailing laxjuneteenth@gmail.com or at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CA9A92DA3F8C34-62812119-copy.


Your involvement will not only enhance the experience for everyone but will also show the strength of our unity. If volunteering isn’t feasible for you, please consider sharing information about the event with your friends and family, whether through social media or via email. Every share counts and helps us to spread the word!

Juneteenth is a day filled with joy—an opportunity for fun, music, dancing, and delicious food. We have a fantastic lineup, including amazing vendors and organizations eager to celebrate with us. There will even be a free fun fair for kids, fostering a sense of joy and community for our youngest members.

As we gather in Riverside Park, let’s put aside our differences and biases, and come together to build relationships and strengthen our community ties. Each of you has a role to play in making this celebration a memorable one. Your presence and support will demonstrate that La Crosse is a safe and welcoming place for all.

I invite you to join us in making Juneteenth a day to remember. If you can’t attend, please help us by promoting this event within your circles. Together, we can make a significant impact and create lasting memories that will enrich our community.

Thank you for your time, compassion, and support. Let’s make this Juneteenth a beautiful celebration of togetherness!


Shamawyah Curtis 


 

Rise Up Sing Out June 14

From The Committee for the First Amendment:

On June 14 at 6:30 p.m. Central time, the Committee for the First Amendment will be hosting Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment, an uplifting evening of song, solidarity, and action. Featuring an all-star line-up of performers, this 90-minute concert event will celebrate the freedoms guaranteed by our First Amendment—of speech, religion, press, assembly, and protest—and the people power that both fuels these rights and is essential to guarantee them.

Even as authoritarians increase their attacks on our freedoms and communities, we see examples across the country of people rising up together, taking action, and turning back those forces.

The event will be streamed with watch parties all across the country—so wherever you are, you can sing along, find inspiration in the performances, build community, and take meaningful action together.

Saturday, May 30, 2026

NO KINGS! JUNE 13

From Indivisible La Crosse:


NOTE THAT OUR EVENT WILL BE SATURDAY, JUNE 13 FROM NOON TO 2 PM AT STATE ROAD AND LOSEY BOULEVARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are partnering with Wafer again to stock up the food pantry. Now is a prime time of need given that schools are getting out and children will now be home and may not receive the school breakfast or lunch that they may have counted on.

If you are able, please bring non-perishable food items to the event.

Learn more here: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/963900/

Friday, May 29, 2026

La Crosse District Forums

 

Do you have questions or thoughts you would like to share? Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey and your council member would like to hear from you at forums that will be hosted in your district.

Starting on Monday, June 8, Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey will co-host forums with city council members in their respective districts.

Read more about it here: https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/Your-Government/Elected-Officials/Mayor/District-Forums

###

Consider that our city spent lots of money and citizen effort in 2021 and 2022 to create a community climate action plan, but little has been done to check off the action steps. Please urge the mayor and your council rep to prioritize CLIMATE ACTION at your district forum. Read the Climate Action Plan here: https://LaCrosseClimateActionPlan.org

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

CONNECT, NETWORK, SUPPORT, ACTIVATE

Some upcoming events - in person and online - to network, connect, motivate, activate.

MAY 30 - COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Really Really FREE MARKET hosted by Coulee DSA from noon to 1 p.m. at Burns Park on the last Saturday of every month. Bring what you can - food items, goods and services, clothing - and take what you need. Respect the space - leave nothing behind. NO MONEY OR TRADE NECESSARY.     

Learn more at https://coulee.dsawi.org/really-really-free-market/
 

 JUNE 1 - WEBINAR

CIVICS REBOOT 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Online

Want to change something in your community?
At this virtual event we will learn how ordinary people do extraordinary things by working at the local level. Learn from experts who know how to work the levers of power in municipal and county government, and in the community at large. Hosted by ACLU Wisconsin, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farmers Union. Register here: bit.ly/CivicsReboot2026

 

JUNE 2 - BOOK DISCUSSION

Paved Paradise - How Parking Explains the World by Henry Grabar 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

How did we come to the point where our entire world is governed by cars, and especially, by the storage of cars? "In a beguiling and absurdly hilarious mix of history, politics, and reportage, Slate staff writer Henry Grabar brilliantly surveys the nation’s parking crisis, revealing how the compulsion for car storage has exacerbated some of our most acute problems— from housing affordability to the accelerating global climate disaster—and, ultimately, how we can free our cities from park­ing’s cruel yoke." Join the Wisconsin Chapter Sierra Club's Transportation Access and Equity Team in a discussion of this important book. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/WISC-PavedBook

JUNE 3 - BOOK TALK

Surviving Chaos: Geopolitics When the Rules Fail   Noon to 1 p.m.

Today, many of the rules, norms, and structures that have shaped international affairs for decades are crumbling under the weight of accumulating challenges. In an attempt to make sense of this “Un-Order,” its trajectory, and its implications for the US and China, Mark Leonard has written Surviving Chaos: Geopolitics When the Rules Fail. Anatol Lieven, director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute, will host Mark Leonard, co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, to discuss his book and its implications and recommendations for the 21st century’s greatest geopolitical contests.

Thursday, May 21, 2026

How Does Energy Work?

From Midwest Renewable Energy Association: