Fundraiser

 

Coulee Region Immigration Task Force fundraiser

Sunday March 1, 3-7 p.m.

Popcorn Tavern

Voting in the time of monsters

The Disenfranchise Voters Act (aka SAVE Act) is dead apparently because Senate Majority Leader John Thune will not end the filibuster to pass it. But don't worry, the Democrats have their own disenfranchisement project going.*

But, a far greater threat is looming as Lev Parnas, former Trump administration operative, has been reporting since the 2020 ballots in Georgia were confiscated by federal agents, with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on the scene.

Now, the story is breaking in the Washington Post. "Pro-Trump activists who say they are in coordination with the White House are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that claims China interfered in the 2020 election as a basis to declare a national emergency that would unlock extraordinary presidential power over voting. President Donald Trump has repeatedly previewed a plan to mandate voter ID and ban mail ballots in November’s midterm elections, and the activists expect their draft will figure into Trump’s promised executive order on the issue. The White House declined to elaborate on Trump’s plans."

Parnas says the seizure of ballots will be the tool to "prove" interference. He warns Georgia election officials will be arrested and prosecuted to set the stage for an executive order covering at least a dozen or more Democratic states. Many others are now reporting on this scheme.

Those who say, "He can't do that," will be hosting a meeting in the East Wing later today to discuss next year's USAID, public broadcasting, and Trump-Kennedy Center budgets.

*Closer to home, the Democratic Congressional Campaign committee has picked our DVO challenger for us, so the August primary will not be necessary. True to form, the DCCC, which doles out money raised from AIPAC, Palantir, and other corporate masters, has spoken and demands fealty. No further "democracy" will be tolerated. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

February 24

GREEN BAY ST BIKE ACCOMMODATIONS PUBLIC INPUT

Tuesday, February 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. (presentation at 5:30) at Central HS Room 232 

Learn about possible bike infrastructure upgrades to Green Bay Street. (Who should have priority, bicyclists or parked cars?  That is always the question.) Learn more here and take the survey: https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/planning-development/planning/transportation/green-bay-street-bicycle-accomodations

+++

At 7 p.m. Central time, join MeidasTouch, MoveOn, Indivisible, Our Revolution, and others as we present the People’s State of the Union alongside elected officials, partners, allies and directly impacted Americans. 

Register for link: https://www.mobilize.us/moveon/event/903012/

+++

At 6 p.m. Central time,address, DEFIANCE.org, the Portland Frog Brigade, and COURIER will host STATE OF THE SWAMP: The Rebuttal to the State of the Union from 7:00–11:00 PM ET at the National Press Club. The event will bring together elected officials, cultural figures, journalists, veterans, and organizers for a live counter-address focused on defying Donald Trump's abuses of power, including officials who previously advised Trump. The program will be livestreamed nationwide (as well as via new-media partners).

Details at DEFIANCE.org/sotu. 

They haven't left

Many people in Minneapolis report that ICE has not left but they have shifted how they operate. They are still kidnapping people, terrorizing neighborhoods, arresting legal observers, and releasing illegally abducted individuals, including Native Americans, and children, in the middle of the night without weather appropriate clothes, personal effects, or phones, or spiriting them away to privately-run and publicly-funded concentration camps in Texas. But they are also, apparently, impersonating stranded motorists, driving normal cars or fake business vehicles, and swapping their stupid camo clothes for winter clothes.

This site is still active and support for Minnesota is still needed - for rent support, food, baby supplies, legal fees, transportation, and more. If you can, donate: https://www.standwithminnesota.com/

If you're a Brandi Carlile fan, her Be Human Concert for Minneapolis tonight will be live-streamed. You can listen free or buy a ticket which will go straight to Minnesota-based Advocates for Human Rights.

Don't stop supporting, thinking about, and talking about Minnesota. So much illegal garbage. Abolish ICE. 

Womens Day, Womens Build

 

International Womens Day celebration March 3, 5 p.m. at the UWL Student Union (#4 bus). "The International Women’s Day Committee invites members of the La Crosse community and beyond to join in a celebration of International Women’s Day. The celebration will consist of panelists from around the world discussing on how women are celebrated in their country as well as their experiences in both their home country and the U.S.. After the panelists speak, time will be set aside for questions from the audience."

Learn more here: https://www.uwlax.edu/events/?e=33519

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region invites women throughout the Coulee Region to participate in Women Build weekend. Join as an individual or grab a group of friends or family to volunteer at this event. Whether you’re highly experienced or brand new to construction, there's a place for you at Women Build. Learn more here: 

https://mailchi.mp/habitatlacrosse/women-build-7850265

We can do it

Listen to this interview with Kelly Wilson, founder of Do'goodersMN in Minneapolis. "You do not have to be perfect. You do not have to be fully healthy. You do not have to be anything right now to help other people because all the world needs right now is you and your previous experiences. That's really all we need. We need you. ... If you can help, you belong. And so you always belong because if you're helping, you belong."

Here’s a free guide from Christopher Armitage - Toppling Tyrants: A Field Guide to Removing Fascism in America. "The  United  States  faces authoritarian  consolidation. Not  the threat of it. Not the warning signs of it. The  consolidation itself, already  underway, with  structural advantages built into our system

 that make reversing it extraordinarily difficult  through conventional political means.This book  exists because of that reality. It emerged from eighteen months of research, more than one  hundred interviews with scholars and activists, and systematic analysis of what actually works when democratic institutions fail. What follows is not theory. It is a tactical manual."

Connect. Create. Do the right thing.

• Coulee DSA 
• La Crosse Indivisible
• Driftless Mutual Aid
• Mutual Aid La Crosse

Who else?

Connect on important issues

THE TRANSIT CRISIS IN WISCONSIN - webinar & discussion

Tuesday, February 17 at 6 p.m. online 

The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gasses in Wisconsin. Supporting public transit is critical for our health and the health of the planet. Join this webinar & discussion to learn more about the crisis that many public transit systems in Wisconsin are facing, and ways we can work together to save public transportation!

Learn more at https://www.healthyclimatewi.org/events/the-transit-crisis-in-wisconsin-webinar-discussion

+++

 

Coulee Region Sierra Club Action Gathering

Taking it personal - Environmental Action

Are you looking to get more involved in 2026? Join us to learn about an important environmental issue and then take meaningful action together. This month we'll be exploring changes you can make at home or in your everyday life to reduce your environmental footprint. All are welcome, whether you're new to environmental activism or a seasoned campaigner! Enter at the back door. RSVP (optional) by calling 608-315-2693 or at https://forms.gle/34yPvEL5putiuUtR7 to help us know how much pizza to have on hand. BYO non-alcoholic beverage and your energy to make change!

 

+++

UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED 

On February 28 from 9:30 to noon, join Citizen Action at its gubernatorial candidate forum.

Black History Month events

 

Reflections of Ebony - TONIGHT  Food, Dance, Music. 5:30 p.m. UWL Student Union

Learn more here: https://www.uwlax.edu/events/?e=-2979956049040000057

+++

February 28 at 5:30 p.m.

Black Excellence Celebration

Capella Center, 721 King St.

Learn more here: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-black-excellence-celebration-2026-tickets-1980486627817

+++

Black Hisstory Month Tribute Performance

6:30 p.m.

La Crosse Center

Elections

Wisconsin's spring primary election is Tuesday, February 17. There is no need for a primary in the City of La Crosse, but other areas may have primaries. The spring election is April 7 with absentee in-person voting available beginning March 24. In La Crosse, County Board and La Crosse School District seats will be on the ballot.

 

You can learn more about candidates at the League of Women Voters Vote 411 site or through local media, though a big thumbs down to the La Crosse Tribune for hiding its candidate information behind a paywall! 

 

Citizen Action will host a gubernatorial candidates forum on February 28 at the First Congregastional Church (elections for governor happen in August (primary) and November).

 

Hintgen Neighborhood has invited school board candidates to its February 16 District 11, 12, and 13 Meet and Greet from 6 to 7:30 at the Moose Lodge, 1932 Ward Avenue.

 

Individuals can check their registration, find out where their polling place is, learn what's on their ballot, and more at https://myvote.wi.gov.  Wisconsin has same-day voter registration (register to vote on election day), but you must have the right paperwork to register. It's better to register early to avoid lines or potential glitches at the polls.

VOTER REGISTRATION

The League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area Voter Services Team will host an in-person training session on Monday, February 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Cia Siab, 1838 Sunset Lane. 

The training will include

• Online registration at MyVote.WI.gov
•  Paper registration
• Discussion of our unique populations including the three colleges and those experiencing homelessness. 
• Q&A session as time permits

This is open to any interested league member whether or not you are on the Voter Services Team.Information presented will assist with League voter registration tabling events, DMV work, and deciding whether to become an election worker or election observer. Now is the time to build our capacity to be the trusted source of voter information for our community.
Space is limited so please register by Thursday, February 12th by emailing Jane Powell, Voter Services Team Co-chair at jloupowe@gmail.com

 

POLL WORKERS (from the City Clerk's office):

The City of La Crosse encourages all citizens to vote and to become involved in the election process.  Citizen involvement is essential to conduct open, accurate and fair elections in Wisconsin.  One of the most rewarding ways to become involved in the election process is to become an Election Official.  Election officials must reside in the county they serve, must take an Oath of Office, and are required to be trained by the municipal clerk prior to working any election. Visit the Clerk's page for more information about duties and compensation. If you live outside the city, visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission page. 

 

ELECTION OBSERVERS/POLL WATCHERS (from the Brennan Center for Justice)

"Observers may monitor the election process without causing disruption to the voting location from within an observation area, designated by the chief inspector, that is no less than three and no more than eight feet from the sign-in table."

 

Several organizations recruit election observers. 

• The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin offers an Election Observation Program that includes training. Learn more here https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/league-action/election-observation-program
• WisDems offers online Voter Protection 101 Training (the next session is on February 24). Learn more here: https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/league-action/election-observation-program 

ELECTION PROTECTION

The Election Protection Coalition is made up of more than 300 local, state and national organizations, working to ensure every eligible American has the opportunity to cast a meaningful ballot. Volunteers are welcomed.

 

We will post more information about candidate forums and opportunities to be involved in elections as we hear of them.

Walk for Peace

The "Peace Monks" have reached Washington , DC after a 108-day, 2300 mile walk from their home in Fort Worth, Texas.

On Wednesday, February 11, day 109, they will lead a global loving-kindness meditation, streamed on their Facebook page, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Central time.

"With the collective loving-kindness meditation from everyone in the whole world, it will make a significant effect on our world. When thousands of hearts meditate together in the same moment, our loving-kindness ripples outward, touching hearts, healing wounds, and planting seeds of peace everywhere."

People of any or no faith or guiding path can join in a commitment to work fiercely for peace, in ourselves, in our communities, in our world.

Learn more about it here: https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/global-meditation/

Coming soon online and in person

 

Join the League of Women Voters of Dane County and the La Crosse Area to look at htf environmental impacts of data centers on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. REGISTER FOR LINK.

"With the dramatic increase of AI applications, cloud services, and crypto-mining, data centers are proliferating across the country (and world), and Wisconsin is not immune. Data centers promise to be a boon to local economies, including employment opportunities and large increases in local tax revenues. And yet there are questions. What we do know from locations that now have data centers is that there are a number of concerns that should be addressed sooner rather than later. The questions include whether there will be long-term employment opportunities vs near-term construction jobs, demand on local water resources and the impact on local electrical capacity. Local revenues are also questionable at this point since current locations with data centers have not recouped the promised resources. In addition to these questions, there are additional concerns that have been pushed into the background like noise and light pollution, increased electrical bills, ecological degradation."

On Thursday, February 12 at 7 p.m. hear from those who are resisting the regime and reimaginonh a caring community. REGISTER HERE.

"Organizers and community members in Minnesota are transforming crisis into action and tragedy into solidarity. Join us for a conversation with labor and community leaders from Minnesota including Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-5), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and special guests. They’ll share practical lessons for fellow organizers on organizing in the midst of crisis, rapid response, economic solidarity actions, and how Minnesota’s experience can help other communities prepare to protect each other."

Breathe and touch the sky. Great Backyard Bird Count February 13-16.

"People from around the world spend these four days in their favorite places, connecting to the birds around their homes and in their community. Whether you see one bird or hundreds over the weekend, we want to share in your joy of watching birds and connecting to nature. Count the birds you see for as little as 15 minutes on one of the four days. Then, submit your bird list to be part of a global movement to better understand how bird populations are doing. Your participation matters."

Learn how to participate at https://birdcount.org.

All are invited to a Hintgen Neighborhood Meet & Greet with city (Districts 11, 12, 13) and county electeds and school board candidates. 

Monday, February 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 1932 Ward Avenue. Come when you can, leave when you must. More at https://HintgenNA.blogspot.com

Protect elections NOW

From the Brennan Center

The SAVE Act could block millions of American citizens from voting by requiring people to produce documents like a passport or birth certificate to register to vote. The Brennan Center’s research shows that 21 million Americans don’t have these documents readily available.

We should be protecting the freedom to vote, not restricting it. Congress should reject this anti-voter bill. Learn more.

From Marc Elias, Democracy Docket: "The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) launched an investigation and issued new guidance that could severely undercut efforts to expand voting among college students ahead of the 2026 elections.

US Senator Chris Murphy explains. 

• Seeking regime control of voter lists
• Raiding and confiscating ballots and voter data in Georgia
• Plan to "nationalize " elections in key states based upon manipulation of the stolen ballots

"Donald Trump is taking the steps to create a pretext to take over state elections - that's what Georgia is about. ... If we don't see clearly what is happening ... then we have no way to stop it."

From 5Calls.org: "On January 29th, 2026, House Republicans introduced yet another bill aimed at disenfranchising voters under the guise of preventing nonexistent election fraud. The Make Elections Great Again (MEGA) Act, like the previously House-passed SAVE Act, would impose a proof of citizenship requirement for voter registration and a photo ID requirement to vote. ... The bill would also supersede states’ constitutional authority to administer elections by imposing sweeping changes like forcing states to discard mail-in ballots received after polls close on election day, banning universal vote by mail systems, and prohibiting ranked choice voting in federal elections."

Challenges continue to exist in Wisconsin. 

From Wisconsin Democracy Campaign: 

"In response to a suit brought by voters who were disenfranchised in the November 2024 election, the City of Madison is arguing that because the voters cast absentee ballots, they don’t have a constitutional right to have their votes counted."

From Wisconsin Watch: "Those who faced threats and pressure say the president’s legal authority may be limited, but the guardrails that once kept him in check aren’t as strong as they used to be."

Training Tonight!

 

Tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. Bystander Intervention &
De-Escalation Training at

The Nature Place

Support our Mississippi River!

From Friends of the Refuge-Mississippi River Pools 7&8

The Fish Thief: A Great Lakes Mystery screening on February 15 at The Rivoli (more details coming soon!)

A small local group is coordinating with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the primary backer of The Fish Thief, to enable this screening. The Commission has coordinated screenings in several other locations around the Great Lakes, including in conjunction with outdoor and sports shows. 

The Commission is now planning to have a booth at the La Crosse Sport Show (February 12-15, 2026) to promote the documentary and expand their education and outreach – especially in light of their collaborations with our very own USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center on French Island which will also be represented at the Commission booth during the La Crosse Sport Show.

The 1.5-hour documentary tells the incredible story of the most successful integrated pest management program of any aquatic vertebrate. The documentary highlights USGS science, including that conducted at the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center.  Commission staff and USGS scientists will attend the screening to answer questions about the Sea Lamprey Control Program and USGS science.

Last year we witnessed projected severe cuts to federal budgets and reductions in federal personnel including: National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, USGS Ecosystem Mission Area (which funds the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center), and more. 

This is another local advocacy event to sustain funding for the management and research to sustain our natural resources, the first of 2026, to continue to tell the good stories of the people helping to protect the resources we value.

Help our neighbors!

 

February 6 from 10 a.m. to Noon help Driftless Mutual Aid collect community needs at Pearl Street Books, 323 Pearl Street with gubernatorial candidate, Francesca Hong.

Needs include non-perishable foods (no glass containers), hygiene/personal care items, period products, cold weather gear (hats , gloves, scarves), hand and foot warmers, first aid kits, baby products (diapers , wipes, cream), baby formula, gas cards, and donations.

Help support Hmong elders who may be reluctant to leave their homes to get basic supplies in these fraught times. You can help by donating or dropping of personal care items or non-perishable food items at the Hmoob Cultural and Community Agency, 1815 Ward Ave., M-F between 8 and 4:30 p.m. For more information contact Mia at 608-797-2578.

Transit Equity Day

Did you know that transportation is the second highest expense in most U.S. households? Did you know that the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics and the American Automobile Association report that it costs almost $12,000 per year to own and operate a car? Did you know that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation estimates that forty percent or more of City of La Crosse residents are non-drivers? Did you know that transit riders in Wisconsin spend 63 percent more time commuting than car drivers?

Transit Equity Day, February 4, Rosa Parks' birthday, calls attention to the need for better, stronger transit to ensure that everyone, no matter their age, physical condition, or wealth, can get to a full life. In fact, as Martin Luther King, Jr., noted, "Public transportation--buses, subways, trains, and more--is a genuine civil rights issue." Read more about that in this CityFix article.

Join the movement for better transit to improve equity, reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, and make our streets safer.

FREE FARES ALL DAY ON THE MTU February 4

OPEN HOUSE AT THE TRANSIT CENTER from 4 to 7

February 6 - SMRT Education & Outreach trip to Viroqua

Learn more: tinyurl.com/TEDLaCrosse-2026

Freedom March #4 - Feb. 7 in Winona

From Buffalo County Dems

On Saturday, Feb. 7th, concerned Wisconsinites in coordination with the Buffalo County Dems & Friends and the Winona Rapid Response Team will gather at the Latsch Island Beach (101 Latsch Sq, Winona, MN 55987). The exit is at the base of the Winona Bridge immediately after the green “Winona” road sign and crosses under the bridge toward Old Duke Road.

Freedom March #4 over the Winona Bridge will start at 1 PM. We will meet Minnesotans at the top of the bridge, and then proceed over to Windom Park (one block from the bridge) for brief comments from Puentes/Bridges Co-Founder (and Buffalo County's own) John Rosenow. For over 20 years, they have been building cultural bridges between the immigrants' home communities and our rural farming communities in west central Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota.

This will be a family friendly, peaceful, and non-violent event in the spirit of MLK Jr. (i.e. no "F" ICE signs, etc.). Bring your signs, flags, and voices.

Terry Schoonover, Chair, Buffalo County Dems & Friends

info@buffalodems.org, (608) 248-1100