Author Ruth Conniff and people featured in her book "Milked" talk about migrant labor on Wisconsin dairy farms. Also: an interview with Tony Gonzalez about the push to allow migrant laborers to seek drivers licenses.

We normally talk to Melissa Baldauff on Wednesdays and Joe Zepecki on Thursdays. But this time our favorite married guests join us together to talk life and love in their world of political and policy strategy.

We had many "Motherhood Mondays" in 2023 with our friends from Motherhood for Good. Here are some highlights from their work to inform busy parents about current events and the need to be informed voters.

The holiday season brings tranquility to many families and homes, but not to all of them. Domestic violence often surges at this time of year. We’ll talk to a leader who advocates for domestic abuse victims about warning signs and resources. And Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski talks about why she’s calling on a member of the Wisconsin Elections Commission to step down.

Note: Our live shows return on January 2nd. Stay tuned for several pre-produced holiday conversations and excerpts from our favorite 2023 shows.

UpNorthNews with Pat Kreitlow airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-8 am. Subscribed 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 Pat & the show!

Even as Wisconsin maintains a record budget surplus, its university system is reduced to begging legislators not to cut funds as Republicans continue their culture war assault on campuses. And in Washington, the House GOP votes to proceed with an impeachment inquiry against President Biden as a smokescreen to shield Donald Trump by pretending both men are legally flawed.

Plus, Luke Mathers fills in for Greg Bach on the board, meaning Pat and the audience get to hear more about the Milwaukee Bucks than they wanted to on a Thursday morning, during the regular season.

UpNorthNews with Pat Kreitlow airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-8 am. Subscribed 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 Pat & the show!

We'll discuss how the tightening labor market is making it extremely difficult for your neighbor schools to find the support staff that keeps things operating smoothly for educators and kids.

Guests: Amy Starzecki, Christian Phelps, Kristina Shelton, Todd Allbaugh

Reports indicate one member of the UW Board of Regents is on the verge of flipping her vote and caving to the bullying of legislative Republicans who are blocking pay raises as part of a campaign to attack diversity and inclusion programs.

Guests: Cherita Booker, Melissa Baldauff, Melissa Kaye

We’re joined by Congressman Mark Pocan for an update on a forgettable 2023 for the House of Representatives—where a small Republican majority was the foundation for chaos and dysfunction, compared to the previous session where Democrats had an equally small majority and had one of the most productive two-year periods on record.

Guests: Mark Pocan, Chad Holmes

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said Monday he would defend Donald Trump if the former president won the 2024 election in Wisconsin—because that’s how much faith he has in the security and accuracy of Wisconsin elections. Contrast that with the state Senate Republican leader who refused Monday to remove a member of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, even though he served as a fake Trump elector and had to legally rescind his false claims.

Guests: Christina Lorey

In a stunning 9-8 vote at a Saturday emergency meeting, the UW Board of Regents voted down a deal designed to get Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to end his block on pay raises for tens of thousands of UW employees as part of his assault on diversity efforts. We talk to Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire), ranking member of the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities. 

Guests: Jodi Emerson, Salina Heller