In this Columbia County Progress podcast episode, viewers hear a detailed conversation about CAFOs—concentrated animal feeding operations—and the questions they raise for local communities.

The discussion does not present this as a simple fight between “farm” and “anti-farm.” Instead, it focused on how to support agriculture while also protecting water, public health, nearby residents, and the long-term quality of life in Columbia County and across Wisconsin.

A plain-language summary of an update from Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition volunteer organizer Nicole Gabrail on the coalition’s plan for an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) to bust up gerrymandered districts in Wisconsin. Article and video derived from her March 14, 2026 presentation at the CoCo Dems monthly meeting.

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Missy Hughes was not able to attend the April 11 CoCo Dems Candidate Forum because of a death in the family. She visited the organization's headquarters on May 14, 2026 to participate in a town hall type of presentation.

This gave CoCo Dem members an opportunity to hear Hughes' ideas and to ask her questions. CoCo Dems 1st Vice Chair Ann Groves-Lloyd Introduced Hughes and 2nd Vice Chair Mark Stover moderated the event.

From The Lincoln Project and Rick Wilson’s Against All Enemies, we present Wilson’s “The elephant in the room.” From one of the stalwart defenders of democracy and anti-Trump crusaders, Wilson’s sometimes coarse language reveals one of the greatest minds working to unseat Trump and preserve our democracy. In this recent episode that means stern words from Wilson for the Democrats along with sound strategies for them from this long-time political insider.

Speaking to members of the Democratic Party of Columbia County Wisconsin at its May 9 monthly meeting, Democratic State Treasurer candidate Dylan Helmenstine centered his remarks on a simple theme: Wisconsin needs a state government that is transparent, dependable, and focused on helping local communities thrive.

Senator Erin P. Murphy delivered a powerful, deeply personal call to action grounded in democracy, courage, and community. Speaking as a Wisconsin native and Minnesota Majority Leader, she connected her family roots, nursing career, and political journey to the values that shape Democratic organizing: standing up for people, doing the hard work, and believing change is possible.

The U.S. Supreme Court has recently issued pivotal rulings that significantly alter the landscape of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), moving from a period of protection to new, stricter interpretations of racial representation.

If you are unacquainted with Rick Wilson of the Lincoln Project, and specifically his “Elephant in the Room” podcasts, this might be a good place to meet him.

The MAGA meltdown is happening in real time—and it’s not subtle. What started as a fringe influencer ecosystem exploded into a full-blown political machine…and now it’s turning on itself.

This podcast is produced by The Lincoln Project. and was released on April 24, 2026. © 2026 The Lincoln Project – All Rights Reserved

Topics covered in today’s Politics Chat: Special elections shift toward Democrats, Wisconsin Supreme Court progressive majority, Republican retirements from the House, Iran war fallout and Strait of Hormuz closure, Trump's ceasefire declaration and unraveling ten-point plan, Pete Hegseth's account of servicemen deaths challenged, Trump attacks on Tucker Carlson and MAGA allies, Sandy Hook hoax reversal, Melania Trump's Epstein press conference, U.S. threat against the Vatican, Viktor Orban's Hungary election and JD Vance visit, and Democrats' push for a congressional Iran war vote.

Hyperscale Data Centers have been in the news lately, so we wanted to learn more about them. Why are communities fighting against them? What are the environmental impacts? Who pays for these data centers? What we learned will likely surprise and concern you.

We present the introductory podcast and first two of the three installments in this post.

Don’t take our word for it, take hers. Six quick looks at Judge Chris Taylor, candidate for the WI Supreme Court. With the April 7 election almost here, those in doubt of the need to support and vote for Judge Chris Taylor should hear what she has to say in these short snippets from her January 10, 2026 visit to the CoCo Dems monthly meeting.

Above photo and associated video © 2026 Heather Cox Richardson. All Rights Reserved.

A Senate battle over the SAVE America Act raises urgent questions about voting rights and democratic norms. Historian Heather Cox Richardson and Senator Alex Padilla explain what’s at stake—and how it’s being fought.

Yee Leng Xiong brings a message of accountability and service to the race for WI State Treasurer. He spoke at the CoCo Dems March 14 monthly meeting.