UpNorthNews with Pat Kreitlow

Every profession needs a good national organization dedicated to best practices, ongoing education, and a little morale boosting. For state lawmakers, that's the role of the National Conference of State Legislators. We'll talk to Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) about this year's convention discussions — and the difference between a group like NCSL vs. similar groups focused on partisanship and division. We'll also check in with Civic Media friends Greg Bach and John & Gordy. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Jodi Emerson

For many, it's little more than a lost freighter at the bottom of Lake Superior, but author and former legislator Tom Nelson sees the Edmund Fitzgerald as perhaps the most apt metaphor of the late 20th century — an economy that put shareholder profits ahead of workers' prosperity, and empty populist promises from candidates in both parties. We'll talk to him about his new book that draws those parallels. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Tom Nelson

It was creepy when he said it and not too surprising that President Trump broke his promise to be the “fertilization president” and labeled himself the “Father of IVF.” We'll ask Dr. Kristin Lyerly about reports the White House has no intention of fulfilling Trump's campaign promise that “the government is going to pay for it, or we'll mandate your insurance company to pay for it.” We'll also remember a Wisconsin hero: astronaut Jim Lovell. And we'll have an update on severe weekend flooding around Milwaukee. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Dr. Kristin Lyerly

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Berrien seems to be “buryin'” his campaign hopes each time he's asked questions about his positions or his history. It took four tries, but a reporter finally got the wealthy businessman to claim he regrets supporting Nikki Haley in the last GOP presidential primary. And he didn't have a very convincing answer to what separates him from Eric Hovde and Tim Michels, two other wealthy businessmen seeking a high office without any significant political experience. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Dr. Kristin Lyerly, Mike Clemens

A new ruling from a federal judge in Wisconsin may lead to a big setback in Indian sovereignty across the country. The Lac du Flambeau Reservation is one of many that were made into checkerboards of tribal and non-tribal lands because of racist policies in the 19th century. The boards were further locked into place by this week's ruling. Plus other headlines from our Week In Review panel. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Jim Santelle, Mark Jacob, Jennifer Schulze

A western Wisconsin doctor is part of an online video series with Pete Buttigieg, talking about how President Trump's Medicaid cuts put rural health care into a death spiral. Also: Trump's disdain of the US Constitution was on display this week in his insistence that a new census be taken that only counts citizens. That is not how a census works, unless of course you're into people being invisible and being “disappeared.” Meanwhile, two more red states say they're willing to engage in corrupt cartography. And count JD Vance as one of those “small government” Republicans, until he needs something—like the Corps of Engineers to raise the water levels on an entire river so he and his buddies can go kayaking. Plus: Big news about zucchini. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Keya Vakil

We'll talk to Trygve Olson, senior advisor to the Lincoln Project, live from Lithuania. Trygve is a River Falls native who has worked all over the globe promoting democracy. Now he spends much of his time helping to defend democracy in, of all places, the United States of America. We'll catch up with Sean O'Malley and ask if the instability over President Trump's trade war is still causing concerns about possible stagflation. And we'll ask Joe Zepecki about Wisconsin Republicans' very weird week. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Joe Zepecki, Trygve Olson, Sean O'Malley

Congressman Bryan Steil is getting compliments for having an in-person town hall, something Republican leaders are expressly discouraging—because it only lets Americans complain about the cuts Republicans are making to essential programs. But Steil's “bravery” only lasts as long as he's willing to be truthful to his audience. After that, it's just political theater. LuAnn Bird weighs in. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: LuAnn Bird, Todd Allbaugh, Trygve Olson

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is loosening rules on drones to allow more of them to fly beyond the operator's line of sight. Good for delivering Amazon packages and Starbucks coffee, but bad for safety? And some Wisconsin Republicans are spending their week yelling at Milwaukee, yelling at Canada, or — in Derrick Van Orden's case — putting up posts of a naked man. Will the weirdness never end? Also: Earl Ingram reacts to the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act being marked under conditions we never thought could return. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Donald Trump's Environmental “Protection” Agency has rescinded a landmark policy acknowledgement that manmade pollution from fossil fuels is a danger to human health—and has rolled back vehicle pollution standards as a result, posing a big threat to health, jobs, and the economy. In our Climate Check segment, Melissa Baldauff is joined by Casey Hicks of Wisconsin Conservation Voters. We'll also check in with James Kelly in Chippewa Falls and Earl Ingram in Milwaukee about stories they're following this week. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Melissa Baldauff, Earl Ingram, Casey Hicks

In our Homeroom segment, we'll talk to leaders in Green Bay about how you can follow their lead in your own hometown and push for better taxpayer transparency when it comes to the true cost of voucher schools and your property tax bill. We'll also touch base with Civic Media's Jimmie Kaska about the drinking fountains in La Crosse and what it means for the issue of homelessness. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Denise Gaumer Hutchison, Laura Mccoy, Alyssa Proffitt

What Ed Prehn, Scott Walker, and legislative Republicans did to sabotage the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board a couple of years ago wasn't “politics as usual,” it was conduct that should disqualify people from ever being entrusted by voters with elected or appointed offices. We have an update on a lawsuit over text messages that led some of Walker's appointees to stay in place after their terms had expired simply to obstruct appointments from Gov. Tony Evers. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Melissa Kaye

Last month, America marked 60 years of Medicare and Medicaid as a lifeline for the elderly and vulnerable. Not long after that, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to ensure racial discrimination would find no place in America's elections. But it's back, thanks to a politicized US Supreme Court and an all-out assault by a sitting president on anything resembling racial justice. Civic Media news director Chali Pittman tells us how recent events play a role in Wisconsin elections too. Chad Holmes brings some positive news from Wausau. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Chad Holmes, Chali Pittman

It has taken a while due to restrictions from a Republican-led Legislature, but progress is being made in Wisconsin communities that want to create a local network to ensure access to high-speed internet service. We'll talk to Superior Mayor Jim Paine about the latest hometown to get a project started. We'll also review the latest talk among progressive insiders over next year's Democratic primary for governor and whether a robust primary will help or hurt the eventual nominee. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Dan Hagen, Jim Paine

The case of Texas legislators leaving the state in order to delay rigged Republican congressional maps evokes memories of what happened before Act 10 in Wisconsin in 2011. But the similarity goes deeper than that. States are in these positions of corrupt cartography because right wing justices on the US Supreme Court wouldn't step in when Wisconsin Republicans rigged our own maps during former Gov. Scott Walker's administration. Is there a path forward that doesn't involve a race to the bottom when it comes to politicians trampling on voters who just want fair elections? Also: Shawn Phetteplace talks about how Main Street Alliance is giving voice to small business owners getting hit hard by Trumponomics. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Small business owners are going public over the struggle to access health care, deal with rising tariffs, and meet the needs of their employees when it comes to childcare and more. We'll catch up with Shawn Phetteplace from Main Street Alliance about their local meetings with small business owners across the country who look out for the employees who power their productivity. We'll also check in with Civic Media friends Jane Matenaer at Radio Park and John & Gordy in Madison. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Shawn Phetteplace

It's the goal of many non-profits and other organizations: create something so popular that it practically funds everything else you do. The folks at the Jackson County Fair figured that out a few years ago when they took the usual demolition derby, traded out cars, and crashed old farm combines! UpNorthNews reporter Salina Heller shares some insight from her hometown fair. We'll also check in with Civic Media's Jimmie Kaska. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Salina Heller

Wisconsin two active sports teams put on two different types of fireworks displays over the weekend. For the Green Bay Packers, it was the literal kind—a show in the skies to wrap up another successful Family Night practice. For the Brewers, the fireworks came from the bats—setting a record for the number of hits in a three-game series as they pounded the Nationals in Washington, and manager Pat Murphy getting attention for his in-game snack of… pocket pancakes?! Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Dr. Kristin Lyerly

We're talking live with Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, the first announced candidate in next year's race for Wisconsin governor. She'll talk about her background as a nurse and healthcare leader, what prompted her to run for a seat in the Legislature before becoming the state's second highest executive, and what she wants to do if elected to succeed Tony Evers in November 2026. Dr. Kristin Lyerly joins the discussion. And Mike Clemens gives us an update on Packers training camp and previews the Brewers' weekend series against the Washington Nationals. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Dr. Kristin Lyerly, Sara Rodriguez, Mike Clemens

Brittney Merlot warns of incredibly poor air quality. We'll review the top stories of the past few days with our Week In Review panel—including this morning's newly announced tariffs from President Trump that make little sense and will only increase prices further for American consumers. Plus: A discussion about the national news outlets that are worth the subscription price and the ones that have put their credibility in the journalistic dumpster. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Jim Santelle, Mark Jacob, Jennifer Schulze

Imagine living in a country where the leadership is so corrupt it can demand that lawmakers in one of its areas redraw the maps as a way to stay in power, no matter what the voters might think. The country is right here and the area is Texas—with legislators coming into special session to redraw maps mid-decade just because Donald Trump told them to rig the lines to add five more Republicans in Congress. We'll talk to Courier Newsroom's national political editor Keya Vakil and Matt Hennie, senior political correspondent for Courier Texas. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Keya Vakil, Matt Hennie

Wall Street finance and compliance expert Sean O'Malley gives us his Wisconsin common sense take on the latest economic news—raw numbers that suggest things aren't as bad as people feared they might be, but there's no clear path out of the current sluggishness. And it goes without saying, the sluggishness wasn't inevitable, since we were enjoying a resurging economy when it was under adult supervision. We'll also visit with Chad Holmes from our station in Wausau and Joe Zepecki will have an update on how the 2026 races for governor and other Wisconsin offices are being impacted by Gov. Evers' retirement. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Joe Zepecki, Sean O'Malley

For people who follow the news regularly, there's no surprise in what billboards are saying about the Trump megabill. But there are still plenty of people in Wisconsin and elsewhere who aren't aware that the massive cuts in vital programs aren't saving them a dime—it's all going to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and others in the highest tax brackets. We'll talk to the head of a national group putting up billboards featuring America's most prominent rich guys and sharing a simple message: We Make. They Take. We'll also check in with Civic Media's mid-afternoon host, Todd Allbaugh, and give warnings about the poor air quality across the state due to wildfires. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Faiz Shakir

Well, that didn't take long. The 2026 race for Wisconsin governor already has its first smear campaign—and it was as predictable as it is tiring. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez met her husband at a salsa dancing class and they've been married nearly 20 years. He's an IT network engineer, a naturalized citizen, and they're raising two teenagers. Naturally, the first whisper campaigns of his immigration status are underway, and Rodriguez put into perspective perfectly for voters. We'll also look ahead to this weekend's big events around the state, including the Wisconsin State Fair, with Cherita Booker, social media manager for UpNorthNews. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Cherita Booker

Is Big Oil about to go the way of Big Tobacco and face an overdue courtroom reckoning for its role in putting our climate and human health in danger? If so, there's no shortage of courtrooms where that might happen. Former US Attorney Jim Santelle joins Melissa Baldauff in this week's Climate Check to discuss a World Court ruling as well as landmark lawsuits making progress recently in Hawaii, New York, and Italy. Also: Civic Media reporter James Kelly has an update on stories across northwest Wisconsin. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Jim Santelle, Melissa Baldauff, Earl Ingram

We'll talk to a guest from Chippewa Falls, the school district business manager, about the problems being faced in communities with declining school enrollment. Whether because of demographics or (increasingly) the threat from taxpayer-funded private school vouchers, each kid who leaves means state aid goes down a little. But expenses don't. The lights still go on and the school bus gets fueled whether there are 20 kids or 19. Is the current system sustainable? Also: We'll get some western Wisconsin headlines from Civic Media's Jimmie Kaska. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Chad Trowbridge

Today Medicare and Medicaid turn 60 years old. It should be a cause for celebration, for the untold number of lives made better through healthcare security for the retired, the disabled, and other at-risk populations. Instead, those recipients are being called lazy, told to “get off the couch,” and being lumped in with a miniscule number of cheats as an excuse for conservatives to reach their long-sought goal of removing the safety net and letting Americans return to an era of old age poverty and bankruptcy resulting from getting sick. So, Happy Birthday? Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Now that Gov. Evers has made his retirement official, we'll ask Dan Shafer from The Recombobulation Area and the way Democratic dominoes could start to line up—with incumbents considering a run for new seats, which opens up other seats for newcomers. We'll also get an update on Wausau headlines with Chad Holmes from 98.9 WXCO Radio. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Dan Shafer

Lincoln County dairy farmer Hans Breitenmoser and Sheila Everhart of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association will fill us in on upcoming fairs, festivals, and farm shows—and they'll take on the more serious issues of how laws need to be changed to assist farmers who want to diversify their businesses to welcome more visitors and events. Check this link to read a letter of support for overhauling farm private event laws. You can sign a petition here to support "farm stay" camping. We'll also visit with Rep. Angela Stroud (D-Ashland) about how she sees the new state budget as part of a larger Republican war against public schools and what she sees as an ongoing struggle to hold elected officials accountable. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Hans Breitenmoser, Angela Stroud, Sheila Everhart

Once upon a time, it was rare for someone to run for a higher office with no experience serving in some other capacity. Chief executive is a heck of a place for on-the-job training, whether it's at a factory or running a state — or a country, right? In a two-and-a-half minute interview segment, a candidate for Wisconsin governor showed his inexperience in talking about President Trump, reproductive rights, and tariffs. Was he really advocating for tariffs at the state level? Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Author Laura Bird has some book recommendations that celebrate and promote a connection to nature—covering different genres and ages through books written by Wisconsinites and other Midwesterners. We'll also check in with Civic Media friends John & Gordy, and Jane Matenaer. Laura Bird recommends fiction novels by Andrew J. Graff "Raft of Stars" and "True North." For nonfiction she suggests "Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin, and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie," "Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless" and "Where the Grass Still Sings: Stories of Insects and Interconnection." Bird also has books that are practical and engaging guides for maximizing your exposure to nature: "Time, Beauty, and Grief: A Hike Through Wisconsin's State Parks" and "Great Nature Wisconsin: A Guide for Nature Immersion in WI." For kids she suggests picture book "The Wild Island" and her very own "Crossing the Pressure Line." Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Laura Bird

With so much that divides the parties in Washington, Sen. Tammy Baldwin has a bipartisan proposal any rational member of Congress should feel comfortable supporting: better testing for contaminated drinking water in rural communities. And UpNorthNews reporter Salina Heller tells us about the stories she's been following recently. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Tammy Baldwin, Salina Heller

If Republicans want to start winning more statewide elections in Wisconsin, a good first step would be to stop trying to rig elections. It's a process that began in 2015 when they dismantled the nationally-acclaimed Government Accountability Board and created a commission intentionally designed for gridlock. Now one of the GOP candidates for governor wants to get rid of even the commission and continue spreading a false talking point about how elections are run right now. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Dr. Kristin Lyerly

Our visit to the Fox Valley concludes with a visit from Rep. Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton), who will share her local priorities for this legislative session and her reasons for voting no on the new state budget. And Mike Clemens has been busy straddling the two big sports seasons in Wisconsin—with the Brewers enjoying a hot streak while the Packers open up training camp. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Lee Snodgrass, Mike Clemens

Here in Oshkosh, we'll talk to Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz, a former legislator, about his first 100 days in office and the role of county governments across Wisconsin. Hintz is having a better week than the nation's chief executive, who continues flailing in several directions to create distractions from speculation about his role in Jeffrey Epstein's criminal escapades. We'll talk to our Week In Review panel about this week's political and legal headlines. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Jim Santelle, Mark Jacob, Jennifer Schulze, Gordon Hintz

We bring the show back to Oshkosh, just in time to react to the news that Gov. Tony Evers will not run for a third term in 2026. We'll get reaction from Sen. Tammy Baldwin and others to the announcement, which triggers wide-open primaries in both parties for next year's crucial elections. We'll also find out what's new at UW-Oshkosh with Provost Ed Martini. And Greg Bach joins us for Friday's History Lesson. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Tammy Baldwin, Ed Martini

A Democratic state senator is collecting names of fellow lawmakers and other leaders on a petition that calls for next year's gubernatorial nominee to commit to a series of promises—from guaranteed childcare to a minimum $20 hourly wage and more. Are these bold promises that will inspire voters tired of squeamish politicians? Or will these commitments cause candidates to paint themselves into a corner and turn off moderate voters? We'll talk to Joe Zepecki about the ongoing debate among Democrats charting a course for 2026. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Joe Zepecki, Chad Holmes, James Kelly, Sean O'Malley

If you haven't seen cryptocurrency-friendly ATMs yet, chances are you will soon. Tens of thousands of them are springing up—increasing the temptation for everyday Americans to dip a toe into a pool being advertised as opportunity, but it's not without its perils and pitfalls. Two state legislators outline their bill designed to put some guardrails for consumers on these crypto boxes in our state. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Kelda Roys, Ryan Spaude, Camden Hargrove

Wisconsin's senior senator, a reliable repeater of Russia-friendly rhetoric, is again feeling emboldened to share disinformation about Moscow's work to support Donald Trump's 2016 election. Ron Johnson's remarks come as part of an effort by Trump allies to distract attention from a new report about him being mentioned in the Epstein files. Trump's director of national intelligence, another sympathizer to Russia's dictator, has conflated past reports about 2016 in order to make unsubstantiated claims about former President Barack Obama. That US Rep. Derrick Van Orden was so willing to play along and now call for Obama's imprisonment is the latest sad chapter in the Republican Party's fall from Russian watchdog to Putin puppet. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Cherita Booker

It's been five years since the passing of Civil Rights leader and former congressman John Lewis, and his spirit still calls us to get into what he called “good trouble” in the fight for voting rights, dignity, and justice for all. Earl Ingram's new Civic Media podcast asks how we carry that legacy forward—from civic engagement to mobilizing for change, in order to ensure Wisconsin stands on the right side of history. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Melissa Baldauff, Earl Ingram

Since this show is hosted by a former legislator who's seen all of the tricks, we'll explain why Congressman Tom Tiffany's name is being bandied about as a potential candidate for governor despite his lack of statewide appeal or a substantive legislative record. And in our Homeroom segment, Pat and Jimmie Kaska talk about the problem of declining enrollment, which leads to a reduction in state aid done in a way that is far from any apples-to-apples comparison. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Jimmie Kaska

One of the two announced Republican candidates for governor is already running ads in an effort to boost his name recognition across Wisconsin for the 2026 election. But even as he introduces himself, it's fair to ask, “Who is this guy?” There are some gaps in his timeline that one investigative reporter is still trying to uncover. Also: The Speaker of the House chooses to send members of Congress home early in order to cover up any release of the Epstein files, but will that only put more heat on President Trump? And Dan Shafer talks about the new push for permanent nonpartisan redistricting after the 2030 census. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Melissa Kaye

Wisconsin politics is in a holding pattern this week. From legislators to political journalists like Dan Shafer, everyone is waiting on Gov. Tony Evers to announce whether he will seek a third term in 2026 or retire and open up a sprawling Democratic primary to potentially succeed him. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Dan Shafer, Chad Holmes

When you don't have power, at least you can draw attention to those who do. For critics of what Republicans are doing in the federal and state budgets, that includes food drives to call attention to cuts in family nutrition programs—and setting a world record that calls attention to a potentially dangerous oil and gas pipeline across northern Wisconsin. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Dan Hagen, Dr. Kate Stolp, Fred Clark

We'll visit with COURIER's Cam Stevenson in a preview of his new role covering Congress. Formerly the editor of our Arizona sister outlet, the Copper Courier, Cam is moving to Washington, DC and has already started a new daily newsletter, “Below the Beltway.” We'll discuss the ongoing efforts to sanewash Trump's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and we'll show how residents in some communities are trying to shame local law enforcement into not becoming a branch office of Trump's masked secret police force. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Camaron Stevenson

We hear a lot from the political right about “groomers,” people who are preying upon the young and vulnerable in order to recruit them into a harmful lifestyle. As is often the case with the political right, this is another case of projection. We'll talk about a Courier Newsroom series that examines how vulnerable young men are being targeted to push hyper-masculine MAGA agendas and young women are being taught to embrace a MAHA agenda of outdated anti-feminist tropes. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Dr. Kristin Lyerly, Gordy Young, John Peterson

Here's an example where “the least they could do” is far from complimentary. Childcare provider and advocate Corrine Hendrickson explains how the new state budget comes nowhere near the investment needed to help parents with rising childcare costs, or businesses who lose workers when a parent has to stay home, or providers who can't get the bare minimum for offering safe and educational childcare that enables economic growth. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guests: Dr. Kristin Lyerly, Jimmie Kaska, Salina Heller

Sweeping the LA Dodgers right before the All Star break was a pretty big deal for the Milwaukee Brewers. Sweeping them again right after the All Star break is even better—especially as it continues a 10-game winning streak. And in a reminder that Donald Trump can even ruin our escape into sports, he's threatening to unleash his army of trolls on two sports teams unless they restore the racist nicknames they had finally sent to history's dumpster. Mornings with Pat Kreitlow is powered by UpNorthNews, and it airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X, and YouTube. Guest: Dr. Kristin Lyerly