The Joy Cardin Show

The first of six public hearings on Governor Scott Walker’s budget proposal kicks off today. We talk with Wisconsin Public Radio’s State Capitol Bureau Chief Shawn Johnson about what we learned from last week’s agency briefings, plus look ahead to what’s next for the $76.1 billion taxing and spending package. We also get the latest news on the race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Our guest says he feels like he’s winning more, taking better control of his life and becoming more disciplined just by waking up earlier. He explains how he became an early bird and why he says the rest of us should, too.

Be cautious the next time you answer your phone. In this week’s On Your Money, financial planner Kevin McKinley warns about new scams that are targeting people on their landlines and cell phones. He also has important tax-time information regarding IRA contributions and some good news for those looking to buy a car.

The vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ordering a campaign meant to undermine last year’s presidential election during a public hearing and President Trump signed an executive order instructing regulators to rewrite rules curbing U.S. carbon emissions from the Obama-era. Meanwhile, hearings for the 2017-2019 Wisconsin state budget started this week at the State Capitol and Republican state lawmakers introduced a proposal under which people could carry a concealed weapon without a permit in Wisconsin. Our guests of differing political perspectives discuss these topics plus other top headlines during the Week in Review.

Last week, an armed man sought his estranged wife in Rothschild, Wisconsin. Police report that he did not find her in the building of her workplace, but he opened fire anyway, murdering two employees. We speak with our guest about the trickle down effects of domestic violence, how it threatens the public and what's being done about this widespread issue.

It’s looking and feeling more and more like spring across Wisconsin, so join us for a celebration of the season! Travel writer Gary Knowles drops by with some great ideas to enjoy the birds, blooms - and even the Brewers. We also invite listeners to “Tell Joy Where to Go” to take in the sights, sounds and flavors of spring.

From agriculture and domestication to the complex relationships we share with our family and friends, our guest argues that the patterns that shows that creativity and collaboration are the source of everything we consider essential to the human experience. Join us as we explore a fascinating overview of the history and continued legacy of human creativity and learn how creativity sets humans apart from every other species.

Under a state Republican proposal, the retirement age for most new state employees would be raised from 55 to 60. In addition, pension payments would be based on a worker’s top five earning years instead of the top three. Join us for opposing takes on the measures.

A new bill released by Republican legislators would allow people to carry a concealed weapon without a permit in Wisconsin. We talk first with a Democratic lawmaker who opposes the legislation, then with a supporter who thinks this is a good idea for the state.

Both doctors and patients have a tendency to ignore death, which can cause unnecessary problems and suffering, according to our guest palliative and critical care expert. Join us for a conversation how we think about the end of life and what can be done to improve communications about people’s wishes when it comes to death and how to change medical culture.

Despite calls to step aside, House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes says he will continue to lead the investigation into Russia’s meddling in the presidential election. Our guest explains why he says Nunes has “dishonored his post.” We also discuss Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ warning this week to so-called sanctuary cities and whether Republicans will deny President Donald Trump the border wall with Mexico in order to avert a government shutdown.

Cigarette smoking contributes to one in five deaths in America each year. Our guests explain the annually smoking costs in the U.S, why health leaders are calling for immediate action to reduce the number of America’s smokers by 15 million and what actions are needed to speed up the decline in adult smoking.

Be cautious the next time you answer your phone. In this week’s On Your Money, financial planner Kevin McKinley warns about new scams that are targeting people on their landlines and cell phones. He also has important tax-time information regarding IRA contributions and some good news for those looking to buy a car.

President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Tuesday that would undo rules to limit carbon emissions from power plants. Our guest discusses how the move would affect the environment and the economy. We also preview Trump’s upcoming push to reform the tax code and look at whether he and Democrats may be able to cooperate on various issues.

Sesame Street recently made headlines for its announcement that a character, Julia, who has autism, would make her television debut in April. Join us for a conversation about the neurological disorder as we learn what Julia means for families living with autism and explore what’s needed in terms of continuing to raise public awareness.