Wisconsin News Roundup, Olympic Nordic Combined Skier From Eau Claire, How Political Communication Is Changing

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19-year-old Ben Loomis, born and raised in Eau Claire, is making his debut at the winter Olympics as a Nordic combined skier. We talk to him about his journey. We also review the state’s pressing news stories this week and explore how political communication is changing.

Featured in this Show

  • State News Roundup For February 9th, 2018

    Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said on Wednesday that Wisconsin will have to adopt open road tolling to compete for federal transportation money in President Trump’s proposed infrastructure plan. During our state news roundup, we talk about the idea’s chances, as well as changes to a wetland protection bill and Governor Walker’s child tax credit proposal.

  • Eau Claire Native Skis And Soars His Way To 2018 Winter Games

    In our continuing coverage of Wisconsin Olympians, WPR’s Maureen McCollum recently spoke with Eau Claire native, Ben Loomis. The 19-year-old Loomis is a first-time member of Team USA in the Nordic Combined event, which combines ski jumping and cross country skiing.

    Loomis talks about growing up in Eau Claire, the tricky balance of training for the two events, and the role of family in his pursuit of the Olympics.

  • Analyzing President Trump's Rhetorical Style

    President Trump uses a variety of rhetorical tools to get his point across. We talk with a historian of American political rhetoric about the president’s style, how he compares to past presidents and how his manner of speech plays a role in modern rhetoric in the country.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • J. Carlisle Larsen Host
  • Dean Knetter Producer
  • Brad Kolberg Producer
  • Karl Christenson Producer
  • Breann Schossow Producer
  • JR Ross Guest
  • Ben Loomis Guest
  • Jennifer Mercieca Guest
  • Maureen McCollum Interviewer

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