UpNorthNews with Pat Kreitlow

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

It's time for baseball's second-half kickoff. Wait, maybe that's not the right analogy! Well, anyway, we'll talk to Mike Clemens about the Milwaukee Brewers' expectations as they end the All Star break and start a weekend series out west against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He'll also fill us in on the upcoming start of Packers training camp. (We knew that kickoff analogy belonged somewhere else!) And we'll talk to Dr. Kristin Lyerly about the ways sneaky politicians are trying to fool people into thinking an abortion ban isn't really an abortion ban—when it really is. 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

We'll talk to our Week In Review panel about a vote in Congress this week to gut federal funding for public radio and television—a relatively minor line in a budget, but a lifeline to many communities that aren't otherwise served by for-profit media. 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

The news was equally shocking and infuriating: CBS was pulling the plug on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” not negotiating a new contract with Colbert, not naming a new host, just ending the highest-rated franchise in late night TV. It appears to be only the latest corporate capitulation to Donald Trump—and it is stunning to see ongoing similarities to how Hungary went from a democracy to a dictatorship after its leader took control of public broadcasting, private media, and public education. Also: Courier Newsroom's Keya Vakil will cover Trump's quest to downplay the Epstein files. 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

It's a sad saga that has already taken far too long for those who deserve justice. Unfortunately, the case of infamous pedophile Jeffrey Epstein has been caught up in politics for disgustingly partisan reasons. Donald Trump and his allies made a cottage industry out of using the case for political gain. Now the president is calling it all a hoax and his base is incensed. We'll ask Joe Zepecki about whether Trump has cried “wolf” one too many times. 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, Sean O'Malley

Corrine Hendrickson of New Glarus has been a leading advocate on behalf of other childcare providers, but now she says she's standing at a crossroads because of the new state budget—what's in it and, more importantly, what was not done for the people whose work makes the workforce possible. Also: State Sen. Jeff Smith talks about something else missing from the state budget: funding to support our veterans who become homeless. 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: Jeff Smith, Corrine Hendrickson

In the latest example of the Trump administration being “Watergate on steroids,” the US Department of Justice is trying to meddle in state elections offices — including Wisconsin. We'll review the efforts to intimidate officials and get access to your private data. Cherita Booker also reviews some of this weekend's big fairs, festivals, and concerts. 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

The representative from Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District is hardly representative of public opinion, which is decidedly against taking away their healthcare and nutrition benefits to pay for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, but some folks are going to try again tonight to get Derrick Van Orden to pay attention—if he can rip himself away from Twitter for a few moments. We'll talk to the new chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Devin Remiker about this evening's event in La Crosse. 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, James Kelly, Devin Remiker

In a world already overrun with angst and trepidation, it might put Wisconsin taxpayers over the edge to learn the state budget has a ticking time bomb that threatens to explode what they'll have to pay for private school vouchers. It's already approaching $1 billion a year—with a limit on how many students can use the taxpayer-funded voucher program. So what if that cap on enrollment goes away? That's what's scheduled to happen next year unless this budget bomb is diffused. 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: Jimmie Kaska, Christian Phelps

It was surprising enough that the new round of campaign donation reports showed a sitting state Supreme Court justice had raised no money yet this year. Now comes word that Bill Berrien, the businessman running for governor, raised $1.2 million — but $1 million of that came from members of one family: the Winklevoss twins, perhaps best known from a movie about the creation of Facebook. We'll review the early efforts to fund some big 2026 election efforts. 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

We'll talk to Dan Shafer of The Recombobulation Area about this week's political headlines. In one instance, an early candidate for governor in 2026 is making his first big TV ad buy—seriously. And in next year's state Supreme Court race, the incumbent conservative justice reported raising absolutely no campaign contributions in the most recent reporting period. Is Rebecca Bradley thinking about not running for another term or —as has been the case for some Republicans lately— is she counting on outside money to do most of the heavy lifting? 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

Jeff Rennicke, executive director of the Friends of the Apostle Islands shares some of the responses that the National Park Service has received from across the country about President Trump's Executive Order ("Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" aka whitewashing history) that includes signs asking the public to report anyone who believes the history being told in our national parks is too politically correct. Also: State Sen. Jamie Wall (D-Green Bay) talks about the reasons he voted in favor of the new state budget. 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, Jamie Wall, Dan Hagen, Jeff Rennicke

Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann stopped by the Civic Media booth at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair in Chippewa Falls last Friday to talk about his campaign for governor. We'll hear the responses he gave to questions from Todd Allbaugh and Pat—and try to get a sense for what those answers tell us about what kind of candidate and what kind of governor he'd be. For one thing, saying Wisconsin is “throwing money” at education sounds more like throwing shade at our public schools, given the ongoing underfunding being continued by Republicans. 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.

We'll visit with state Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner about what legislators will be working on, now that the state budget has been completed. He and Dr. Kristin Lyerly discuss Elon Musk and his attempt to bribe voters in the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election. We'll also check in with John and Gordy from our Madison station. 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, Amaad Rivera-Wagner

Some Wisconsin members of Congress get rightly criticized for taking shots at Canada while its forests are ablaze. The Republicans who complained about all the smoke don't have their own stellar record when it comes to forest management. Also: Jimmie Kaska helps us wrap up a big weekend for the Brewers as they enter the All-Star break. 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

Monday marks our 600th morning show—and all those reps have paid off with an opportunity to talk to new listeners in the Fox Valley. Dr. Kristin Lyerly joins us, fresh off a meeting in Washington, DC with a focus on preserving options for rural healthcare. 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