The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

In the second hour we talk about "moderation" and the battle of whether to be "moderate" is the right way to win elections for Democrats.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

We also discuss Donald Trump's endorsement of Michael Alfonso in the Republican primary for the 7th Congressional District seat being vacated by Tom Tiffany. The 25 year old Alfonso has limited professional experience and none politically other than being the son-in-law of former Congressman Sean Duffy. That is leading to some backlash from the right.

Rupert Murdoch's right-wing media empire is encouraging Donald Trump to back off the ICE presence in Minnesota. Members of the MAGA "new" media is urging the opposite. WSAU's Chris Conley is with the far right and urges "no retreat". We disagree with that.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

In hour 2 we are joined by Sean Wright, Executive Director of the Grand Theater in Wausau to discuss the upcomings shows and Second Century campaign. Also, a rebuttal to comments made by a morning show host down the street concerning the ICE role in Minneapolis.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

We are also joined in studio by Yee Leng Xiong, candidate for state treasurer, D.C. Everest School Board member and supervisor on the Marathon County board. We discuss his statewide race, why the state treasurer position is important, school issues and more.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

In the third and fourth segments of the first hour we are joined by state Representative Francesca Hong, who is running for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2026. We discuss how she would deal with a federal government that uses threats against states to get their way, her plans for rural areas on Wisconsin, education, health care, her budget priorities and more.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

We are joined by Paul Michlig to discuss/argue the Brewers' trade of Freddy Peralta, the potential trade of Giannis by the Bucks, the Badger men's basketball team's win streak and Marquette basketball's struggles.

In the second hour we talk about Wednesday's Democratic Gubernatorial Debate moderated by Civic Media's Dan Shafer plus an interview with Marathon HS girls' basketball coach Jeff Schneider. Finally, some news on Ian's audition and potential role in the next Wausau Community Theatre show and the Number of the Day quiz.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

In the second hour it's a smorgasbord of issues: the Brewers trade Freddy Peralta to the Mets. Chad hates it. The cold weather leads to postponements including tonight's scheduled big hockey match up between Wausau West and SPASH. Chad hates that too. Finally a discussion on the importance of 2026. There have been historically significant years throughout the United States' history. This will likely be one of those years.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

We are also joined by Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Missy Hughes to discuss her background, why she's the best choice for Governor, issues that affect rural areas and central Wisconsin and more.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

It is the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr holiday. We go back to May of 1967 and listen to a speech the Civic Rights Icon gave at Marathon Park in Wausau. So many of the issues and topics that King discussed that day are still relevant to our country today.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

We also talk Wisconsin sports with Paul Michlig. Matt Lafleur and the Packers, Bucks continue to struggle, Badger basketball on a win streak and Marquette in the Big East cellar.

We are also joined by Ron Alexander, one of the organizers of a special event tonight at Marathon Park in Wausau to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday. We discuss King's legacy, getting his message to young people and the details of the event from 5 to 8:30 pm this evening.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

Grand Theater Executive Director Sean Wright joined us to discuss what was a busy end to 2025 and beginning of 2026 plus some great shows coming to the Grand soon. Also an update as they great closer to the beginning of the renovation of the Grand.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

In hour 2 we are joined by Grand Theater Executive Director Sean Wright to talk about a great holiday season that just concluded plus a busy schedule of shows in the lead up to the start in May of the renovation of the Grand.

We also discuss in the Department of Justice not investigating the actions of the ICE officer who shot Renee Good last week. It has led to resignations and further questions about the politicization of the DOJ under Trump. Also, talk about a New York Times report that the Trump Justice Dept. is asking Minnesota officials to dig up dirt on Good and her wife.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

In the first hour we talk about a pair of area county board races that have no candidates on the ballot and why that is bad for our democracy. Plus, Christine Daniels of the Good News Project.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

Also, we try to bring "context" to the discussion of the tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good. A conservative talk show host in Wausau claims that "context" shows that the shooting was justified. We breakdown that argument and add some "context" missing from the MAGA commentary of the incident.

The Packers lose in Chicago Saturday and see their season come to an end. What now? Should changes be made with the front office and coaches?

We talk Wisconsin sports with Paul Michlig as the Packers get set to face the Bears in the first round of the playoffs. Will a loss lead to big changes? What do the Packers need to do to win? Plus, Giannis says he will never ask for a trade. Does that mean he is staying forever?

Plus talk about the cover-up the DOJ is attempting in Minneapolis, the incompetence of Kristi Noem and the Trump Administration, a recap of the HS sports action of last night and the Number of the Day Quiz with Ian.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

More info at www.childrensimaginarium.org

We also are joined in studio by Marathon County Democratic Party chairperson Nancy Stencil to talk about the tragedy in Minneapolis yesterday, the Wisconsin Governor's race, local politics and more.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

For more information on the Crowley campaign go to https://www.crowleyforwi.com/

In the second hour, we talk to Central Wisconsin Educational Theatre Alliance Artistic Director Laurie Maegli and Artist-in-Residence Eric Petersen. CWETA is staging "Shrek" in February and Petersen, who performed the title character on Broadway, is in town for workshops with young actors. We talk about his career, the challenges, working with young actors and more.

For more info on CWETA and the upcoming production plus ticket information go to https://www.cweta.org/

The Chad Holmes Show is part of Civic Media and can be heard from 8 to 9 am weekdays on 98.9 WXCO, wxco.fm, mobile devices by searching WXCO and on the Civic Media app. The 9 am to 10 am hour can be heard on the 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel and on the "Sports 2 Stream" of wxco.fm and Civic Media app.

edicaid's role in mental health care, this episode sheds light on the urgent need for systemic change.

NAMI Northwoods serves residents across Marathon, Lincoln and Langlade Counties with free mental health support, online groups, resources and education.

For more information: https://www.naminorthwoods.org/

More info at http://grandtheater.org and at grand100.org

YouTube video of interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_cvAXFyhyA

Fred Clark's campaign website with more info at https://www.clarkforwi.com/

Find out more at https://www.whimsyandwondertoys.com/

Learn more about Return2Health and book an appointment at https://www.return2healthmassage.com/

Also follow Return2Health at https://www.facebook.com/Return2HealthMassage

For more information on The Wellness Way check out their website at https://www.thewellnessway.com/clinics/wi/wausau/wellness-center/

Message The Wellness Way at wausau@thewellnessway.com

Call The Wellness Way at 715-907-8408

To make a donation to Good News Project that will be matched by Covantage Credit Union go to https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goodnewsproject

Tickets for the Central Wisconsin Hmong Professionals of the Year Awards have been sold out. Get more information on the group at https://www.facebook.com/centralwihmongprofessionals

YouTube video of our discussion at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ilwmpsl8W4M

More info on CWCT at www.mycwct.org

Tickets at cwct.booktix.com

YouTube audio/video of interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg6vZCkI6mw

To get more info and tickets to the Winter Wonderland event with the Wausau Conservatory of Music go to wausauconservatory.org/wonderland

YouTube video of discussion with Brenton Kneiss at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdrkD5ei4Os

For more information on Friends of Wausau Historic Landmarks and the events discussed go to https://wausauhistoriclandmarks.org/

For the YouTube video of our discussion go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q36ou-GDin4

More info at grandtheater.org

You can get tickets to this weekend's performances at dce.booktix.com

YouTube video of interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou6QMQIPVvY

This morning we also talked about the start of the girls' basketball season last night, including our first broadcast of Wausau West vs. Pacelli. Finally, we discussed President Trump's disturbing....very disturbing and wrong comments in the Oval Office next to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia concerning the murder of a Washington Post journalist seven years ago.

Here’s a list of locations to pick up special stationery and drop off letters to Santa:

• McLit
• Marathon County Literacy Council
• Evolutions in Design
• Aspirus and Woodson YMCA
• Culver’s (Wausau, Rib Mountain, Rothschild)
• Sam’s Pizza (Wausau, Weston)
• Marcus Cinema
• The Neighbors’ Place
• Aspirus Pediatrics (Wausau)
• Aspirus Family Practice (Schofield)
• The Mint
• CoVantage (Wausau, Schofield)
• Cloverbelt (Wausau, Rib Mountain, Weston)
• Tri City Family Restaurant
• Newman Catholic Schools: St. Marks

Chad Holmes and Ian Welsh then pivot to local high school athletics, previewing the Wausau West girls basketball season opener and celebrating the community's sports spirit. Finally, a discussion of two stories that shows the Trump Administration's failure to adhere to what the government should be about.

See and hear the interview on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4bjUwH-bO0

Make a donation and learn more about Wausau Area Food for Hope at https://wausauareafoodforhope.weebly.com/

Full interview also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9ISlQiDD_0

To hear and watch the full unedited discussion with Brad Hanson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwJgufBO30g

You can also hear and see the complete interview with the cast of "Sweeney Todd" on our 98.9 WXCO YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlSqLN8Ed8I

We were only able to air part of our full discussion with Paul Nievinski. You can hear the entirety of the discussion at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W-lVN4rERA

For more information go to https://www.naminorthwoods.org/

You can chat one-to-one online w/ NAMI at: https://988lifeline.org/

NAMI's National Infomation Hotline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Our YouTube conversation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib4S7KqgNgA

More info on shows at the Grand Theater at grandtheater.org

To be able to purchase tickets to Saturday's Designer Handbag Bingo event, see information on auditions for Shrek: The Musical and get all other info about CWETA go to cweta.org.

To see our YouTube video of the conversation with Hillary Hastings and Erin Noll go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARy_HlfQezc

We also talk to Marathon County Democratic Party chair Nancy Stencil about the Wausau Ethics Board ruling on Mayor Doug Diny's removal of the ballot drop box and about this Saturday's "No Kings" rally happening in Rib Mountain.

For more information or to make a donation: https://womenscommunity.org/

For our complete interview with Jane Graham Jennings go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIYRZznDKQ&t=7s

For more information or to make a donation: https://womenscommunity.org/

For our complete interview with Jane Graham Jennings go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIYRZznDKQ&t=7s

To make a nomination for the Sustainability Award go to https://www.wausauwi.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/15202/638926669275100000

Find the Wausau Sustainability, Energy and Environment Committee at https://www.wausauwi.gov/for-residents/sustainability

Meanwhile, on the sports front we are joined by Paul Michlig to talk about the Brewers face a do-or-die Game 5 against the Cubs, the Packers aim to pummel the Bengals post-bye week, and the Badgers prepare for a crucial clash with Iowa. Plus, a nod to the Bucks' offseason buzz.

Plus we talk Wisconsin sports with Paul Michlig including the Brewers-Cubs Divisional Series, the Packers' tie with Dallas and the Badgers trip to Michigan tomorrow.

Further information on the River of Hope Clothes Closet can be found at https://www.mtcalvaryrothschild.org/clothes-closet.html

Also by calling Sherry at 715-571-2620 or the church at 715-359-4500.

The River of Hope Clothes Closet is open on Mondays from 1 to 4 pm and Thursdays from 9 am to 12 noon.

Plus, the Wausau School Board has narrowed the field to four to fill the vacant seat on the board and we report on disturbing comments made by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth this morning that, basically, rejects the rules of war.

For info on CenterStage Band and Show Choir: https://www.facebook.com/CenterStageWausau/

For info on the Adult Spelling Bee and Marathon County Literacy Council: https://mclitofwausau.org/

To get more information on the open house and "Learn to Curl" events go to https://wausaucurling.org/

Complete interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umTJhMpZNrE

Learn more about the issues discussed by checking out the following:

https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/media/2022-09/leaving-leaves-and-flower-stalks-for-wildlife-fa ct-sheet.pdf Some Things To Consider When Using Or Storing Mulch Protecting Pollinators at Home What You Need to Know Before Spraying for Mosquitoes Leave The Leaves: Winter Habitat Protection Let Your Garden Grow Wild

Bring the 3 billion birds lost back

Tickets are going fast for this weekend's Wausau Community Theatre production of "Home, My Darling" with Sunday's matinee sold out. Get tickets for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening's performance before they are gone.

Also a remembrance of screen legend Robert Redford, who died overnight at the age of 89. We remember some of our favorite Redford movies like "All The President's Men" and "The Natural" plus his activism and founding of the Sundance Film Festival.

Also, the Trump Administraton cancels a program that provides nearly $11 million dollars to serve children with vision and hearing loss plus others receiving special education services because the programs “reflect the prior administration’s priorities and policy preferences and conflict with those of the current administration.”  What? Outrageous and we say it loudly.

To contact Isabela Nieto with any news stories/tips/ideas e-mail at isabela.nieto@civicmedia.us

Complete unedited interview with Christine Daniels at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZMU6IuJ35I

Paul Michlig segments and all WXCO Morning Report segments at https://www.youtube.com/@989WXCO/streams

YouTube interview with Ben Heindel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_kxcLc-spI

There was even more to our discussion with Brook Pridemore than we had time to air this morning and you can hear it all at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHHcpGp5hh0

You can hear and see the discussion with Christine and Carl at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCe-uORMM8Q

For more info on the "Tour de Marathon County" go to https://wausauhistoriclandmarks.org/tour-de-marathon-county/ or on the Friends of Wausau Historical Landmarks Facebook. 

You can hear and watch our unedited discussion with Randy Radtke at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpgNFOcFI0c

To learn more about and contact Northwind Solar check them out at https://www.northwindre.com/

See and hear our unedited discussion at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g83c-jRAv0

More information about Wisconsin for Environmental Justice at W4EJ.com

Unedited discussion with Dean Muller at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKzlWxQOd3Q&t=168s

YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQnH7pHAoec&t=6s

Tickets available at RAWTC.booktix.com

Tickets available by going to RAWTC.booktix.com

YouTube video of our discussion at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXoqQej1YYo

Complete and unedited interview with Michael Andrews at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4giAwjZrX7U

To view and hear the interview unedited go to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRAkdqCoOZA

To donate to the scholarship fund go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-laura-morris-memorial-scholarship-fund?attribution_id=sl:940cc788-823d-4b7a-a71c-3e0204a9378e&lang=en_US&ts=1753301487&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&scrlybrkr=bd36788a

To contact Alicia to donate back to school supplies:

https://www.facebook.com/alicia.hoffmann.661946

Venmo: @Angelmist2020

Instagram: aliciahoffmann92

Cell to call or text: 715-470-4469

Unedited YouTube video of discussion at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CIYqqMzM4M

We also talk about this weekend's Hmong Wausau Festival and the great activities to partake in Saturday and Sunday. Plus, Axios gives a rave review of Trump's first six months. We discuss and think the "sportsification" of politics and public policy needs to end.

To hear the complete unedited discussion:

Plus we discuss the hot day on tap with the potential of severe weather in central Wisconsin and comments by former Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona pushing back on Donald Trump's "suggestion" to bring back the racist nicknames to the baseball team in Cleveland and football team in Washington.

You can hear and see the entire discussion with Rob Hughes on the WXCO YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88NU2CaZffc

You can also get find out more about Wausau Area Food for Hope or donate at:

https://wausauareafoodforhope.weebly.com

https://www.facebook.com/WausauAreaFoodGivesHope

https://wausauareafoodforhope.weebly.com

https://www.facebook.com/WausauAreaFoodGivesHope

You can also make a donation by going to area branches of the Cloverbelt Credit Union and just tell them you'd like to make a donation to Wausau Area Food for Hope.

Unedited interview with Chali Pittman:

To watch and listen to our full, unedited discussion with Ted Hartke (including some unaired content) just go to the WXCO YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@989WXCO/streams

You can see our unedited discussion with Jean Abreu and Christine Daniels at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcIsfFUH2Ws (starts at the 3:30 mark).

You can also view our conversation with Robyn Vargas unedited at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHKylao3LCQ

In the second hour we discuss with Ian the announcement of the 2025-26 season of the Wausau Community Theatre. Plus, a response to Dan Shafer's opinion piece that Governor Tony Evers should retire.