Civic Media Today - Sept. 17, 2025

Featuring the latest on Wisconsin's politics and local stories from around the state. Plus: Listen to new episodes of "BustED Pencils," "What's Going On with Earl Ingram," and more.

Sep 17, 2025

Civic Media is a pro-democracy statewide radio network and digital media outlet based in Wisconsin, featuring local news, thoughtful commentary, and much more. Learn more here.

It’s Wednesday, Sept. 17, and here’s what’s happening in Wisconsin and across the Civic Media network today.

The big news in Wisconsin today is…we are launching this brand new email newsletter, “Civic Media Today”!

That’s right folks, this is the inaugural edition of “Civic Media Today,” your new one-stop shop to connect you with everything happening across the Civic Media network.

And there truly is a whole lot happening. Our news team, led by News Director Chali Pittman, is growing, and reporting stories from all over the state. We have a terrific lineup of original political talk and commentary shows — “Mornings with Pat Kreitlow” from 6-9 a.m., “Matenaer On Air” from 9-11 a.m., “The Todd Allbaugh Show” from 2-4 p.m., “The Maggie Daun Show” from 4-6 p.m. — every weekday. We have local morning shows, original podcasts, many weekly shows that air on Saturdays and Sundays, and entertainment and culture show “Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba” every weekday evening from 6-8 p.m.

This newsletter is going to connect you with all of that — and all of the podcasts, video livestreams, news stories and everything else we produce on any given day.

It’s also going to be available for free. That’s right, no paywalls!

So, help us spread the word…

… and subscribe today.

- Dan Shafer, founder of The Recombobulation Area and editor of Civic Media Today

Today’s Headlines

Oshkosh teacher targeted in wake of Charlie Kirk post (Lisa M. Hale)
Gov. Tony Evers signs executive order on vaccine access (Lucas Hunt)
Flood Inundation Mapping Reaches Portions of Midwest (Brittney Merlot)
Gov. Evers Kicks Off National Clean Energy Week with Wausau Brewery Visit (Isabela Nieto)
Jung Kicks Off Campaign to Challenge Sen. Wanggaard (Stuart. J. Wattles)
St. Croix County Housing Needs Survey Results Shared with Public (James Kelly)

Find daily news roundups from your community here.

More on what we’re following today (from Civic Media News Director Chali Pittman):

State Rep. Francesca Hong (D - Madison) has joined the race for the Democratic nomination for governor, launching her campaign early this morning. Hong centers her issues from a progressive and working–class bent. In her announcement, she underscored a platform built around fully funded schools and childcare, guaranteed paid leave, and more affordable health care. Hong declared she will fix the system:

“I work for a living, always have; still do. Five years ago, my community sent me to the Capitol. The system is rigged. I’m running for governor to fix it.”

Hong joined “Mornings with Pat Kreitlow” today to talk about her announcement. See a clip from the show here.

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A post shared by @civic_media_us

A new program in the Madison NICU has led to zero nurse turnover, reports Civic Media’s Savanna Tomei-Olson in a new piece about nursing managers at American Family Children’s Hospital.
Hundreds gathered in Waukesha to memorialize Charlie Kirk last night. Scott Walker, also the head of a conservative youth organization, says they’re tightening security at upcoming events.
There’s a lot happening at the State Capitol today. At 10 a.m., a committee on public safety is taking up a handful of bills. They’ll also have a public hearing on a bill to create a Class I felony for destruction/ vandalism of commemorative or historical monuments on property owned by the state or local governments. At noon, a newly established caucus of Latino lawmakers will celebrate Hispanic Heritage month.

Political Talk and Commentary

Every weekday, four original news/talk broadcasts air statewide across the Civic Media network — “Mornings with Pat Kreitlow” (6-9 a.m.); “Matenaer On Air” (9-11 a.m.); “The Todd Allbaugh Show” (2-4 p.m.); and “The Maggie Daun Show” (4-6 p.m.).

Coming soon this afternoon:

On “The Todd Allbaugh Show,” Pat Kreitlow of Civic Media’s “Mornings with Pat Kreitlow” and Trygve Olson, Senior Advisor at The Lincoln Project, join the show.
“The Maggie Daun Show” welcomes on State Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D - Appleton), State Rep. Angelina Cruz (D - Racine), and Gen. Russel Honoré, retired lieutenant general in the U.S. Army.

Listen / Watch

For each Civic Media show, you can listen to a free podcast on each show’s official page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also livestream every show on Civic Media’s YouTube channel.

If you missed our shows this AM, here’s where you can find podcasts and livestreams:

On “Mornings with Pat Kreitlow”:

Guests include 2026 gubernatorial candidate and State Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison), Civic Media reporter Melissa Kaye, Sun Prairie School Board Acting President Bryn Horton, District 17 State Senate candidate Corrine Hendrickson, Civic Media Sports Director Jimmie Kaska, Earl Ingram of Civic Media’s “What’s Going On with Earl Ingram”, and Civic Media reporter James Kelly.

On “Matenaer On Air”:

Guests include: Wisconsin Watch reporter Bennet Goldstein and James Vanderloo, head of OEC Group Milwaukee.

ICYMI from Tuesday, Sept. 16:

On “The Todd Allbaugh Show”:

Positive psychology coach Kira Sabin shares her latest self-care advice on the show, and Pete Schwaba from Civic Media’s “Nite Lite” joins Todd in remembering the acclaimed actor Robert Redford, who passed away this week.

On “The Maggie Daun Show”:

Milwaukee County Executive and 2026 gubernatorial candidate David Crowley joins the show to discuss his campaign for governor. Later, Maggie welcomes on State Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D-Green Bay), who addresses the defunding of the Veteran Housing and Recovery Program.

Podcasts and weekly shows

On “BustED Pencils,” Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Lupinacci do the Ol’ Randi Rewind to last Saturday’s episode, where the two hosts talked to author and friend of the show Randi Weingarten on her new book, “Why Fascists Fear Teachers.”

On “The Rapids Report,” host James J. Malouf, WFHR’s Program Director, is joined by Tari Jahns, CEO United Way of South Wood and Adams Counties, to update listeners on their projects.

On “What’s Going On with Earl Ingram,” Dr. Omar, your community pharmacist, is reminding us all about the importance of regular check-ups and staying up to date on vaccines. Listen here.