UpNorthNews Radio with Pat Kreitlow

There’s been a lot of talk about Republicans and their stated desire to kill Social Security, but how about if we just fix the shortfall in Social Security once and for all? Two Wisconsin members of Congress are cosponsoring a bill to do that, and Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil tells us what that’s all about.

In this week’s Hometown Health segment, Dr. Kristin Lyerly introduces us to a group that is monitoring air quality around Beloit in an effort to improve long-term public health. Also, state Rep. Tip McGuire (D-Kenosha) talks about the breath of fresh air coming from the Evers administration after nearly a decade of Scott Walker budgets that suffocated basic services.

Tomorrow: 

• Keya Vakil, Mark Jacob, Carolyn Fiddler, Dan Schumacher

It’s an expression President Biden said his father frequently used: “Don’t tell me what you value, show me your budget and I’ll tell you what you value.” The same can be said for Gov. Tony Evers now that he has unveiled the first budget of his second term—one that has a $7 billion surplus to spend, save, and cut taxes. Our weekly visit with Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki examines Evers’ priorities and what Republicans seem to value in contrast.

Although the fight continues in capitols and courtrooms, the repeal of Roe v. Wade means women needing full-spectrum quality health care can no longer get it in Wisconsin. The archaic 1849 abortion ban has led to the creation of a new clinic for women willing to cross into Illinois. We’ll talk to the clinic’s co-founder as well as former state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski.

Tomorrow: 

• Kristin Lyerly, Joe Zepecki

There should be a celebration at the state Capitol tonight—a recovering economy led to a record state budget surplus. Billions of dollars can be used in ways that address ongoing challenges for schools, job creation, clean water, and so much more. There’s enough for Democrats and Republicans to fund their top priorities—the easiest win-win in political history. So why are Republicans working so hard to lose and screw up a good thing?

Despite vocal skepticism and confusion from the public, the Wausau school board voted Monday night to move forward with a controversial consolidation plan. Chad Homes from Bull Falls Radio will explain what led to the proposal and why parents think there could have been better ways to address the issue.

Tomorrow: 

• Sarah Godlewski

We visit with Bryce Luchterhand of Clark County about the heartwarming community response to the efforts to help Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion of their homeland. We also review some of the proposals coming from Gov. Tony Evers to improve elections—for voters, not the politicians trying to rig them.

Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz talks about her campaign for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Also, Kate Duffy and Nicole Slavin of Motherhood for Good offer a parents’ perspective on the Supreme Court race in this week’s edition of Motherhood Mondays.

Tomorrow: 

• Bryce Luchterhand

Dane County Judge Everett Mitchell talks about his campaign for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Also, Kristin Lyerly has a physician’s perspective on the Supreme Court race.

This week on UpNorthNews Radio, Pat brings us the latest in Senator Ron Johnson's attempts to bring Republican conspiracy theories to the forefront of American thought. Afterwards, Dr. Kristin Lyerly and Dr. Patrick McBride join him to revisit Dr. McBride's book, The Luckiest Boy in the World, and more stories of helping people and working with famous athletes. Congressman Mark Pocan shares what it's like to ride on Air Force One. To wrap up the day, Pat and Aaron go over some music history and Pat discovers the band Primus for the first time.