Civic Media Spotlight

This episode covers two main stories. First, a new U.S. Customs rule could soon block Americans from importing cheaper prescription medications from Canada. A campaign director explains how this will hit seniors and people with high deductibles, and is asking lawmakers to step in and pause the policy.

Second, the focus shifts to the fight over new high-voltage transmission lines in Wisconsin.

State representatives warn that giving developers a pass on regulations sets a dangerous precedent. The discussion also touches on the local economy, contrasting a booming market with the reality of people living paycheck to paycheck.

Welcome to the Civic Media Spotlight. We've got a lot of ground to cover today.

In the first two segments, we're focusing on the battles happening right here at home. First up, we’re talking to Wisconsin State Senator Sarah Keyeski about the massive new transmission line project that has local communities up in arms. We'll dig into the fierce opposition, how the project threatens Wisconsin’s rural landscape and property values, and the protective legislation being pushed to keep it in check.

Right after that, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joins us to tackle election security. We’re looking at the very real threats we're facing—from mail-in voting disruptions to concerns about federal agent interference at polling places. We'll also get an update on his ongoing legal challenges against the Trump administration’s policies.

Later in the show, we take a deep dive with an economist to ask the question we're all thinking: if the economy is supposedly booming, why are everyday Americans still feeling so financially squeezed? We’ll break down the reality of growing income inequality and look at how the looming AI revolution is set to completely rewrite the job market.

Stick around, let’s get started

In this episode, Jamie Martinson sits down with Darin Von Ruden as well Earl Ingram has a lovely chat with esteemed cardiovascular researcher, Dr. Peter Cowey, to talk about the absolute mess that is the American healthcare system. They break down the ridiculous "arms race" between hospitals—like buying flashy, unnecessary MRI machines just to outdo the hospital down the street, which ends up driving up costs for all of us.

Dr. Peter Cowey calls out an industry that seems to care way more about its advertising budget and revenue than actually treating sick people. We also hear some incredibly frustrating stories from patients who are stuck in insurance purgatory, fighting tooth and nail just to get approvals for meds they need to survive.

It’s a blunt look at a broken system where profit margins win out over patient care, leaving real people in impossible situations.

Wisconsin’s PAWS program transforms lives by pairing inmates with service dogs, fostering rehabilitation through love and responsibility. These dogs, trained in collaboration with Minnesota and Wisconsin prisons, provide crucial support for individuals with mobility issues while offering inmates a chance for redemption and purpose.

Meanwhile, Bill Bertram, a cycling enthusiast and board member of the Wausau and Marathon County Parks Foundation, shares his passion for Wisconsin’s trails. His work in promoting outdoor recreation has a significant economic impact, drawing thousands to experience the state’s natural beauty, with bike packing and camping opportunities enriching the local community.

Nite Lite hosts Pete Schwaba and Greg Bach chat with Milwaukee Public Museum’s Julia Colby and Stephen Petrie about upcoming events like Creepy Crawley Day and the Bioblitz, highlighting Wisconsin’s biodiversity. They delve into the museum’s move to a new location and the importance of engaging with local nature. Later, James Beard award-winning food journalist Adam Reiner discusses his book ‘The New Rules of Dining Out,’ offering insights on modern dining etiquette, the importance of tipping, and the struggles of the post-COVID restaurant economy. Reiner emphasizes supporting local eateries to maintain vibrant communities.

Hello and welcome to the first hour of the Civic Media Spotlight! Daybreak host Brian Noonan dives into the significance of flags flying at half-staff in Wisconsin, enlightening listeners about Hmong Lao Veterans Day. Designated by the governor, it honors the Hmong veterans who served during the Vietnam War, and marks May 14th, 1975, when the last U.S. airlift evacuated Hmong soldiers from Laos. Brian reflects on the American flag’s current political symbolism, lamenting its appropriation by certain movements. Despite differing views, he emphasizes pride in the flag’s representation of American identity and history. Noonan wraps up by encouraging listeners to continue engaging with the show via various platforms.

From the picturesque landscapes of Wisconsin to the heated legal debates, this episode of Night Light with Pete Schwaba and Greg Bach is a whirlwind. The duo, along with Jim Santel, dissect the U.S. Supreme Court’s latest decision that cripples the Voting Rights Act, leaving voting equality in peril. They explore the intricate balance of political power and the potential for legislative fixes. The conversation then turns cheesy with a segment on Wisconsin’s cheese queen, Samantha Bushman, adding a lighter, flavorful twist. Plus, a sprinkle of Met Gala fashion faux pas and a dash of paranormal curiosity make for a diverse mix of culture and current affairs.

Brian Noonan and Jamie Martinson dive into the hot debate on whether Congress should impose age limits and term limits for its members, following public sentiment shown in recent polls. They emphasize the importance of fresh perspectives and argue against lifetime political careers. Shifting gears, they discuss the heartwarming rescue of beagles from a testing facility, highlighting the dogs’ journey to learning how to be pets. Meanwhile, David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, joins to discuss his gubernatorial run and his ‘Badger Basics’ platform focusing on affordability and housing. Lastly, the hosts humorously tackle the bizarre topic of military dolphins supposedly used for kamikaze missions, debunked as mere detection aids.

Welcome to the second hour of the Civic Media Spotlight. This is Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba and Greg Bach.

Pete and Greg start things off with a conversation that hits close to home, talking with Chris Knopf from Friends of the Boundary Waters about the ongoing fight over mining near the Boundary Waters Wilderness. Knopf lays out the concerns pretty clearly—there’s a Chilean company looking to move forward with mining that could bring sulfuric acid pollution into one of the most pristine areas in the country. He also talks about the growing pushback, with support coming from both sides of the aisle and a broader Midwest coalition focused on protecting clean water.

Then the show takes a turn internationally. Dartmouth scholar Golnar Nikpour joins to break down modern Iran beyond the headlines. She talks about the country’s deep cultural history, its complicated political system, and how its prison system has evolved over time with influences from around the world. The conversation also touches on the realities of war, including the devastating bombing of a girls’ school.

Welcome to the Civic Media Spotlight. This first hour takes us into Daybreak with Brian and Jamie.

Brian Noonan and Jamie Martinson sit down with Joe Peterangelo and Andy Tisdel from the Wisconsin Policy Forum to talk through a pretty striking new report on incarceration in the state. One of the biggest takeaways: Black Wisconsinites are being incarcerated at a rate 12 times higher than white residents. The conversation digs into some of the bigger-picture factors—things like segregation and economic gaps—but also acknowledges that the report doesn’t land on one single cause.

Then the mood shifts a bit. They get into a movie called Hungry—yeah, a killer hippo horror film inspired by Hungry Hungry Hippos. It’s as ridiculous as it sounds, and they have some fun with it while swapping thoughts on horror movies in general.

They also touch on gerrymandering, breaking down a recent Supreme Court decision on Louisiana’s congressional map and what it could mean more broadly.