Civic Media Spotlight

Civic Media Spotlight

By Civic MediaNewsNews Commentary
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Civic Media Spotlight episodes

  • Civic Media Spotlight (Hour 1)

    To kick off this amazing show spotlight, we have the Matenaer on Air show! In this weeks show, Jane and Greg are joined by the Lisa Schiller from the Better Business Bureau to discuss the latest scam targeted at people applying for or renewing their passport. Lisa breaks down what to look for in order to protect your money and personal information!

    On the Mornings with Pat Kreitlow show, Pat explains how the same Republicans who criticize red tape as an impediment to business sure know how to use red tape when it comes to making things like Medicaid and childcare assistance harder to access! You go Pat!

    The Maggie Dawn show is no slouch as Maggie comes in hot talking with Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. Satya joins Maggie to discuss how state and federal budget decisions affect local communities, from housing to shared revenue. Mayor Rhodes-Conway also urges us all to get involved and help shape a more equitable future.

    On the final show of the first hour of the Civic Media Spotlight, we meet up with Todd from the Todd Allbaugh Show. Todd has been pretty hard on Governor Evers as of late, but he is more than willing to give credit where credit is due. When it comes to advocating for childcare, Evers has been willing to step up to the plate and play hardball during this biennial budget cycle. Todd explains and applauds the Governor's efforts.

    To learn more about these shows and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the network on Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, X, and Instagram to keep up with Civic Media!

    0 min
  • Supreme Court Shocker: Universal Injunctions Nixed!

    In a seismic 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the use of universal injunctions, limiting federal judges' ability to block executive actions nationwide. The ruling carries far-reaching consequences—from immigration policy and birthright citizenship to civil rights enforcement—reshaping the legal landscape across the country. As guest host Jim Santelle discuses, Justice Sonia Sotomayor blasted the majority opinion as a “travesty,” warning of a chaotic legal patchwork that could undermine uniform protections under federal law. Jim also unpacks several other explosive rulings: new restrictions on minors’ access to online pornography, the expansion of parental rights to opt children out of LGBTQ+ curriculum, and the Court’s surprising decision to uphold preventive care under the Affordable Care Act. With the Court’s ideological divide deepening, these decisions set the stage for fierce legal, cultural, and political battles ahead.

    The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

    41 min
  • Challenging the Status Quo

    Guest host Jim Santelle guides us through a high-stakes day in U.S. law and politics as the Supreme Court releases six consequential opinions, including a landmark ruling on birthright citizenship and a decision curbing the power of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions. Jim is joined by John Vaudreuil of Keep Our Republic to unpack the persistent—and unfounded—claims of 2020 election fraud that continue to resurface. They spotlight the strength and transparency of Wisconsin’s voting system while stressing the urgent need for civic literacy. John calls on us to engage actively in protecting democracy by contacting local clerks, becoming election observers, and staying informed.

    The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

    Guest: John Vaudreuil
    41 min
  • Judicial Double Standards and the Big Brutal Bill

    Maggie unpacks the ethical firestorm surrounding Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley’s appearance at a partisan fundraiser, raising serious questions about judicial integrity. She contrasts the outrage—or lack thereof—with scrutiny faced by Justice Rebecca Dallet, highlighting glaring double standards within the judiciary. Maggie also focuses to the devastating implications of the so-called “Big Brutal Bill,” a Republican-led proposal slashing Medicaid and vital social services. With the Senate parliamentarian blocking critical budget protections, Maggie exposes how these cuts will harm Wisconsin’s most vulnerable—jeopardizing healthcare, food security, and basic human dignity—all while billionaires benefit from generous tax breaks. Hypocrisy and elitist policymaking at it's best!

    The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

    42 min
  • Bombs, Budgets, and Badger State Disparities

    Maggie begins today's show by unpacking the far-reaching consequences of recent U.S. military strikes on Iran with expert guests Russell Lucas and Allison McManus. Together, they explore whether the bombings deterred Iran’s nuclear ambitions—or merely poured fuel on an already volatile situation. The discussion then shifts to the stark contrast between the Trump administration’s soaring military expenditures and its deep cuts to veterans' programs and essential social services.

    The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

    Guest: Russell Lucas
    42 min
  • Wisconsin’s Childcare Crisis: Ticking Time Bomb

    As Wisconsin’s childcare funding cliff approaches, up to 90,000 slots could vanish by June 30—leaving families and providers in a state of emergency. Guests Corrine Hendrickson and Tricia Peterson sound the alarm, detailing how families could soon face monthly costs exceeding $1,600. Despite a $4 billion state surplus, GOP leaders Robin Vos and Devin LeMahieu have yet to take meaningful action. This bipartisan crisis threatens working parents, the economy, and the stability of early childhood education statewide. Maggie also explores the role of honest political messaging in shaping voter trust and the outcomes of future elections.

    The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

    Guests: Charles Franklin, Corrine Hendrickson, Tricia Peterson
    43 min
  • Budget Battles and Childcare Challenges

    Maggie and Political Editor Dan Shafer unpack Wisconsin’s escalating budget crisis, focusing on the looming collapse of childcare funding as subsidies near expiration. With Republicans stalling budget negotiations, Governor Tony Evers is urged to take a firmer stand to protect working families from the growing threat of childcare deserts. Maggie calls on him to harness public support to defend education, childcare, and other vital services. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway joins the conversation with "Broad Appeal" to highlight how state and federal budget decisions affect local communities, from housing to shared revenue. Mayor Rhodes-Conway urges us all to get involved and help shape a more equitable future.

    The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

    Guests: Dan Shafer, Satya Rhodes-Conway
    42 min
  • The Fight for Wisconsin’s Future

    Maggie jumps into Wisconsin's pivotal role in national politics, emphasizing the urgent need for fair maps and the removal of money from politics to ensure true representation. With guests like Nick Ramos of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, they tackle the looming mid-decade redistricting and its potential impact on the House of Representatives. The episode highlights the dysfunction in Congress due to gerrymandering and billionaire influence, with Elon Musk's interference in local elections as a prime example. Fairness extends to local issues like Milwaukee's road funding crisis, underscoring the systemic inequities plaguing communities statewide.

    The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

    Guests: Nick Ramos, Jeramey Jannene
    42 min
  • Unraveling Wisconsin: Disparities, Budgets, and Politics

    Maggie takes a deep dive into Wisconsin’s most urgent challenges with guests Angela Lang and Emily Miota from Kids Forward (kidsforward.org). Maggie takes a critical look at Milwaukee’s response to crime, calling for greater investment in violence prevention and youth programming. Emily highlights the state’s stark racial disparities in child outcomes—despite Wisconsin ranking 11th nationally in overall child well-being. With the state budget on the line, the conversation explores opportunities for meaningful reform, including postpartum care and lead remediation. Maggie also unpacks the Republican efforts to override the governor’s vetoes, underscoring the high political stakes shaping Wisconsin’s future

    FROM THE 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book. For the full study, visit

    https://kidsforward.org/black-white-racial-disparities-remain-in-wisconsin-2025-kids-count-data-book-indicators-show/
    Yet again, Wisconsin leads the nation in many disparities in outcomes of Black and white children in our state, according to data in the Kids Count Data Center supporting the 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book, a 50-state report of recent data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how kids are faring in post-pandemic America. As decision makers draft Wisconsin’s state budget, they have an opportunity to implement targeted investments in solutions that can end these racial disparities so that every family can thrive. 

    Recent federal attacks on the mere existence of data for specific racial and ethnic groups—driven by a harmful narrative that centers whiteness—hurts Wisconsin more deeply.

    Why? Because outcomes for Black and white children in Wisconsin often show a larger gap than in any other state. Kids Forward has long worked to track and compare well-being indicators for Wisconsin’s Black children and families and white children and families. 

    Each year, the Data Book presents national and state data from 16 indicators in four domains — economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors — and ranks the states according to how children are faring overall. While Wisconsin ranks 11th among all states, data that groups everyone in our state together doesn’t show the full picture. 

    For 6 of the 15 KIDS COUNT Data Book indicators for which disaggregated data is available, Wisconsin’s racial disparities are some of the largest in the country, including: 

    • low birthweight (16.6% of Black children vs 6.5% of white children; largest disparity in the country);
    • high school students not graduating on time (29% of Black children vs 6% of white children; largest disparity in the country);
    • 8th graders not scoring proficient in math on national assessments (93% of Black children vs 55% of white children; largest disparity in the country); 
    • child and teen deaths (79 deaths per 100,000 Black children vs 24 deaths per 100,000 white children; 2nd largest disparity in the country behind Kansas);
    • children living in families with a high housing cost burden (44% of Black children vs 16% of white children; 2nd largest disparity in the country behind Arkansas) 
    • children living in high poverty areas (30% of Black children vs 1% of white children; 2nd largest disparity in the country behind Michigan). 
    • The state budget offers policy makers a critical opportunity to start to address some of these disparities immediately by:

      • Providing about $23 million over the biennium to extend postpartum coverage for 12 months for those enrolled in BadgerCare. 
      • Allowing Medicaid to reimburse providers for doula services. Doulas are part of a holistic care team. Working with doctors, nurses, and families to offer advice, information, physical and emotional support, and advocacy for birthing people and their partners before, during, and after birth. Research shows that doulas improve health outcomes.
      • Expand access to treatment for children exposed to elevated blood-levels, investing about $200 million to replace lead service lines, and funding lead remediation in homes, schools, and child care centers.
      • Doubling the funding for special education so that students with disabilities can more easily get the public education they deserve.
      • Investing $300 million in general purpose revenue (GPR) to support school-based mental health.
      • Taking a comprehensive approach to violence prevention through establishment of a statewide office, and increasing funding suicide prevention and crisis lifeline support. 
      • In its 36th year of publication, the KIDS COUNT Data Book provides reliable statewide numbers to help leaders see where progress is being made, where greater support is needed and which strategies are making a difference. 

        The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

        Guests: Angela Lang, Emily Miota
        43 min
      • Veto Showdown and Global Shockwaves

        To begin this hour, Maggie and guest co-host Matt Rothschild discuss some big news: Governor Tony Evers draws a hard line, threatening to veto the entire Wisconsin budget unless critical childcare funding is restored—setting up a high-stakes clash with the Republican-led legislature. On the international front, President Trump’s unilateral missile strike on Iran ignites a constitutional firestorm, bypassing congressional approval and heightening fears of retaliation, including cyberattacks. The decision sends shockwaves across the globe and stirs anxiety among Wisconsin families with loved ones in the military. All the while, a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East teeters on the edge. Back at home, ICE faces renewed scrutiny after targeting a California immigrant with three Marine sons—another troubling sign of expanding federal power.

        The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

        Guest: Matt Rothschild
        42 min

      About Civic Media Spotlight

      From the publisher's feed

      Civic Media is a pro-democracy radio network serving local communities in Wisconsin. Hear a sample of our best programming from the past week from across our statewide network. Listen Live: 4:00 pm…