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Civic Media
@civicmedia.us
At Civic Media we believe that radio has an important role to play in supporting the community with quality local news and commentary. We focus on local, regional and state issues and current events that are most relevant to our listeners.
83 brewers + 12 cheesemongers = one very Wisconsin Saturday!

Hundreds of craft brews, thousands of pounds of cheese, and some surprises at Madison's Wisconsin Beer & Cheese Fest:

https://civicmedia.us/news/2026/01/14/83-brewers-12-cheesemongers-one-very-wisconsin-saturday
83 Brewers. 12 Cheesemongers. One Very Wisconsin Saturday. - Civic Media
Hundreds of craft brews, thousands of pounds of cheese, and a pretzel necklace or two on display at Madison's Wisconsin Beer & Cheese Fest
civicmedia.us
January 17, 2026 at 1:14 PM
Learn how Serve Wisconsin is promoting volunteer action across the state.

And find your own opportunities to help - on #MLKDay or anytime - here:

https://civicmedia.us/news/2026/01/15/serve-wisconsin-promotes-volunteer-action-across-the-state
January 16, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. calls for state rules on ICE activity.

Why Sara Rodriguez considers warrants along with protections for places like schools and hospitals a "must:"

https://civicmedia.us/news/2026/01/13/wisconsin-lt-gov-calling-for-state-rules-on-ice-activity
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Calling for State Rules on ICE Activity  - Civic Media
Sara Rodriguez wants warrants and protections for places like schools and hospitals amid increased enforcement and raids in the region
civicmedia.us
January 13, 2026 at 11:07 PM
A recess reset in Wisconsin?

How a bipartisan proposal could require 60 minutes of daily recess for K–6 students and redefine play as a part of essential learning:

https://civicmedia.us/news/2026/01/12/a-recess-reset-wisconsin-bill-calls-for-60-minutes-of-daily-play
A Recess Reset? Wisconsin Bill Calls for 60 Minutes of Daily Play - Civic Media
A bipartisan proposal would require 60 minutes of daily recess for K–6 students and it could redefine play as a part of essential learning
civicmedia.us
January 13, 2026 at 9:36 PM
‘People Are Furious’: radio host describes continuing fallout after ICE Killing in Minneapolis.

What he says about watching renewed anger over immigration enforcement tactics:

https://civicmedia.us/news/2026/01/08/people-are-furious-radio-host-describes-fallout-after-ice-killing
'People Are Furious': Radio Host Describes Fallout after ICE Killing - Civic Media
The Minneapolis host says the death of a 37-year-old mother is prompting investigations and renewed anger over immigration enforcement tactics
civicmedia.us
January 12, 2026 at 11:32 PM
Reposted by Civic Media
🍑 We're in Atlanta! 🍑

Georgia NOW Radio debut TODAY at 12pm ET with @nikkivinck.bsky.social (links in bio for all the ways you can watch & listen)

What happens when healthcare fails patients, and what YOU can actually do about it.

Been dismissed? Gaslit? This episode is for you.
January 11, 2026 at 4:16 PM
January 11, 2026 at 9:19 PM
A Packers-Bears rivalry discussion turns into a Midwest therapy session!

Beat writer Jacob Westendorf bravely dives into the NFL's oldest feud just before the game:

https://civicmedia.us/news/2026/01/09/packers-bears-rivalry-discussion-turns-midwest-therapy-session
January 10, 2026 at 11:23 PM
Why is there a surge in Wisconsin’s emergency teaching licenses?

The Department of Public Instruction issued nearly 4,000 emergency licenses and it’s raising concerns about long-term impacts:

https://bit.ly/4jxOOrT
Surge in Wisconsin’s Emergency Teaching Licenses as Educator Retention Crisis Deepens  - Civic Media
The Department of Public Instruction issued nearly 4,000 emergency licenses during a recent school year and it’s raising concerns about impact
civicmedia.us
January 10, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Reposted by Civic Media
Grateful to share time on air w/ Jane Matenaer!
Here's a brief recap I wrote for @civicmedia.us 👇

Jane shares humor & honesty in discussing why hosting her show has been a gift.
Also, after 44 years in broadcasting, she retires Friday:

civicmedia.us/news/2025/12...
Jane Matenaer's Thank You: ‘Keep Learning, Keep Laughing’ - Civic Media
She shares her brand of humor and honesty while discussing why hosting "Matenaer on Air" has been a gift as she retires Friday
civicmedia.us
December 12, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Reposted by Civic Media
NEW: I talked with @markbecker.bsky.social on @civicmedia.us's "Rational Revolution" about the state of the governor's race after Mandela Barnes' campaign launch. We also talked a little bit about all those dang Giannis rumors.

Let's recombobulate: www.therecombobulationarea.news/p/podcast-ma...
PODCAST: Making sense of the Democratic primary field after Mandela Barnes' campaign launch
Also: some Giannis talk, with all those annoying trade rumors flying around.
www.therecombobulationarea.news
December 9, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Unlimited donations, weak recusal rules led to record Wisconsin Supreme Court spending

Current and former justices are concerned about the perception that big donors are buying justices who will rule in those donors’ favor when their cases reach the court.

civicmedia.us/news/2025/12...
Unlimited donations, weak recusal rules led to record Wisconsin Supreme Court spending - Civic Media
Political parties are covering an increasing share of Wisconsin Supreme Court campaign expenses, leading to record spending on elections.
civicmedia.us
December 4, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Wisconsin Supreme Court to weigh sheriffs’ cooperation with ICE

The ACLU's lawsuit names sheriff’s offices in Brown, Kenosha, Marathon, Sauk and Walworth counties as respondents.

civicmedia.us/news/2025/12...
Wisconsin Supreme Court to weigh sheriffs’ cooperation with ICE - Civic Media
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has agreed to hear a lawsuit challenging 5 Wisconsin sheriffs’ practices of holding detainees in their jail for handoffs to ICE.
civicmedia.us
December 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Reposted by Civic Media
Pat Kreitlow has been a journalist AND a state senator—so he's seen Wisconsin politics from both sides. This week he's joining me to talk about something that doesn't get enough attention: how the information we consume fundamentally shapes our political reality.

@patkreitlow.bsky.social
November 29, 2025 at 3:50 AM
Turkeys, especially the larger ones, need several days in the refrigerator to thaw properly. The Winnebago County Public Health Department has tips.

civicmedia.us/news/2025/11...
Is your turkey thawing? Now’s the time to put it in the fridge. - Civic Media
A frozen turkey needs several days in the refrigerator to thaw properly. The Winnebago County Public Health Department has tips.
civicmedia.us
November 24, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Reposted by Civic Media
Yup, that’s Wisconsin Lt. Gov (and candidate for governor) Sara Rodriguez, my guest this week on “The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show”!

📻 Saturdays and Sundays at noon across Wisconsin on @civicmedia.us

👀 YouTube @DrKristinLyerly

🎧 Spotify, Apple, and wherever you get your podcasts

@saraforwi.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:53 PM
“Are you guys so afraid to vote?” Democrats try to force vote on popular postpartum Medicaid bill, blocked by Speaker Robin Vos

civicmedia.us/news/2025/11...
"Are you guys so afraid to vote?" Democrats try to force vote on popular postpartum Medicaid bill, blocked by Speaker Robin Vos - Civic Media
Wisconsin is one of two states where women lose their Medicaid coverage 60 days after giving birth. A popular bill would change that.
civicmedia.us
November 20, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Schimel sworn in as interim U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Wisconsin

Brad Schimel's appointment is for 120 days, which can be extended by a vote of district judges.

civicmedia.us/news/2025/11...
Schimel sworn in as interim U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Wisconsin - Civic Media
Schimel, who most recently served as a judge in Waukesha County, will now be the lead federal prosecutor for 28 Wisconsin counties.
civicmedia.us
November 18, 2025 at 11:41 AM
🩺 @kristinbrey.bsky.social brings humor and honesty to a lively talk w/ @drkristin4wi.bsky.social about political divides, government dysfunction, and whether modern liberalism has lost touch.

Double the Kristin. Double the Fun ⬇️
civicmedia.us/shows/kristi...
November 15, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Reposted by Civic Media
NEW: @jmatenaer.bsky.social is retiring next month, so we sat down to reflect on her remarkable 40+ year career in radio — from her first time behind a mic, to the "Packarena," to hosting her own show on @civicmedia.us and much more.

Feature story and video links below. Let's recombobulate.
November 12, 2025 at 9:00 PM
On this Veterans Day, learn the little-known history of Harvey Higley and how he persuaded a president to turn Armistice Day into a lasting national tribute for all who served.

civicmedia.us/news/2025/11...
November 11, 2025 at 8:06 PM
In 2020, Dennis McBride became mayor of Wauwatosa, just as the pandemic and social unrest erupted. He talks with @drkristin4wi.bsky.social about facing protests, a mall shooting, and deep division, he endured threats while leading through crisis.

Listen here
civicmedia.us/podcast/2025...
November 8, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make Veterans Day a state holiday in Wisconsin.

"Let us do something for a veteran, and make November 11 a state holiday,” State Rep. Maureen McCarville said after the bill's proposal.

civicmedia.us/news/2025/11...
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 PM
On Thursday, candidates for next year's governor race answered questions on Wisconsin data centers, offering answers that struck a balance between economic opportunity and regulation.

civicmedia.us/news/2025/11...
November 7, 2025 at 7:07 PM