WORT Local News

By WORT News and Public Affairs

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Description

Breaking news and feature stories straight from the WORT News team’s underground lair in Madison, Wisconsin. New episodes every Monday through Thursday at 7:30 PM. Also available live on 89.9 FM from 6:00-7:00 PM and online anytime at WORTFM.org.

Episode Date
A Juneteenth Flag Raising

The local news for Tuesday, June 6th. In this show:

  • An appeals court weighs whether lawmakers can override the Attorney General.
  • Southern Wisconsin has an unusually dry May.
  • Details of the planned John Nolen Drive construction are released.
  • Dane County distributes drug overdose boxes.
  • Madison teachers get a wage increase.
  • Blue-green algae comes early to Madison lakes.
  • We talk with Wisconsin Policy Forum's research director about high turnover in the state government.
  • A Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony takes place downtown
  • And the Dane County Humane Society has a raft of ducks
Jun 07, 2023
Madison police start new mental health transportation pilot program
0:29:51

Here is your local news for Monday, June 6:

  • CUNA mutual group strike pauses.
  • Bipartisan group dedicated to restoring trust in elections opens a branch in Wisconsin.
  • Madison airport opened its new terminal.
  • Republican lawmakers propose plans for PFAS chemicals
  • Madison Police are contracting out their lengthy transports to the only state-run psychiatric facility. 
  •  Advocates say postpartum care should end up in the next state budget.
  •  Forward Lookout takes a gander at the week ahead, we jump back in time to 130 years ago, and review two new movies. 

Jun 06, 2023
Pride Flag Raised At The State Capitol For The Fifth Time

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, June 1.

  •  A complaint against the Madison school district’s communications director outlines a history of bullying and harassment towards staff and the press,
  • Governor Evers raises the Pride flag above the Capitol on the first day of Pride month,
  • And in the second half, the messy but important work of fixing your toilets, and when and if you should start a new project.

Jun 02, 2023
Just Veggiez Receives Major Award Ahead of Grand Opening of State Street Location

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, May 31.

  • A local restaurant receives the Wisconsin Emerging Small Business of the Year award,
  • Madison in the ‘60s looks at changes in childbirth rules and traffic patterns from 1969,
  • And the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Jun 01, 2023
The outdoors show!
0:33:11

On the 6pm Local News tonight, it's an all-outdoors show.

  • A local environmental attorney unpacks a recent Supreme Court ruling that guts parts of the Clean Water Act and threatens the nation’s waterways,

  • Then, put on your hiking boots for Trail Tuesday— our new summer feature explores trails across south-central Wisconsin,

  • Wildlife Weekly tells us what makes a cardinal red — and how the bird can be spotted sporting other colors. 

Other headlines in brief:

  • Statehouse Republicans today unveiled a bill package that would, among other things, clarify procedures that would be permitted under Wisconsin’s broad 1849 ban on abortion.

  • Meanwhile, Wisconsin celebrated its official 175th birthday yesterday. Wisconsin became the 30th state to join the United States on May 29, 1848 — one year before the current abortion ban was passed.

  • Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state’s largest business lobby, says it’ll head to court to block new rules regulating surface water pollution.

  • Wisconsin’s public affairs channel Wisconsin Eye, a state-level version of C-SPAN, could be getting a boost from the state Legislature in the upcoming budget,

  • An internal complaint filed against Madison Metropolitan School District’s head of communications was unsealed by a Dane County judge late last week. In it, seven current and former employees allege a pattern of mistreatment from MMSD's top spokesman Tim LeMonds,

  • And, The 95th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in Maryland kicked off today.  Among the 251 spellers competing in the national spelling bee is Wisconsin’s own Aiden Wijeyakulasuriya, a seventh-grader at Blessed Sacrament School. The spelling kicked off today with a preliminary round. Wijeyakulasuriya appeared to still be in the running as of this afternoon, spelling the word bahuvrihi correctly. You can watch it all this week at spellingbee.com.

Hey, it's our one-week Summer Fundraising Drive! Three-quarters of WORT's budget comes from individual listeners. We could use your support to both maintain our programming and expand our services. Want to give? Call 608-256-2001, or give online at wortfm.org/donate.

May 30, 2023
TruStage Workers Vote To Extend Strike

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, May 25.

  • Folks experiencing cardiac arrest in Dane County are nearly twice as likely to live in Dane County compared to the rest of the country,
  • Union workers at TruStage, formerly known as CUNA Mutual Group, have overwhelmingly voted to extend their strike,
  • And in the second half, requesting records from quasi-governmental groups, Memorial Day weekend brings great fishing weather, and the latest from Forward Madison FC.

May 26, 2023
GOP Shuts Down Plan To Study Paid Parental Leave

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, May 24.

  • Republicans in the state’s budget writing committee shut down a plan to study paid parental leave in Wisconsin,
  • Students at Madison’s Memorial High School are calling on the school board for safer bathrooms,
  • Local peace activists call for Wisconsin’s lawmakers in Washington to do more to bring peace to Ukraine,
  • And in the second half, citizen scientists study Dane County’s lakes, a successful protest in 1966 Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

May 25, 2023
Report Shows Uncertain Future For MMSD Budget

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, May 23.

  • A new report shows Madison schools will continue to struggle without more state funding…
  • A proposed shared revenue bill would increase state funding to towns and cities, but it might not be enough for Madison…
  • And in the second half, a retired priest works to transform unwanted firearms into garden tools, and learn how to help stranded baby ducklings.

May 24, 2023
Wisconsin Utilities Propose Rate Hikes Across The State

This is your WORT local news for Monday, May 22.

  • The city’s Plan Commission is looking at a plan to bring more urban agriculture to Madison,
  • The Urban League of Greater Madison is holding a clinic to help those with a criminal record get a job,
  • Almost all of Wisconsin’s major utility companies are looking to increase their rates next year,
  • And two new movie reviews

May 23, 2023
DHS Report On Infant Death Points To Medical Inequity

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, May 18.

  • A recent survey shows that the shortage of caregivers in Wisconsin is only becoming more dire,
  • A new report from the state health department outlines major disparities in infant mortality rates,
  • The state Assembly passes their shared revenue bill, but it still faces major hurdles before it becomes law,
  • And in the second half, what it means to be a big brother or big sister, why your water softener makes strange sounds in the night, and the simple joys of flying a kite.

May 19, 2023
David Fahrenthold On The Three Wisconsin Men At The Heart Of A Vast Political Nonprofit Network

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, May 17.

  • Community members met locked doors when they attempted to submit a petition asking for CUNA Mutual Group management to bargain in good faith,
  • A New York Times journalist finds a network of “scam PACS” with three Wisconsin men at its heart,
  • And in the second half, GOP lawmakers introduce a bill to address PFAS, political protests and other news in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

May 18, 2023
Council To Vote On Creating Air Quality Monitoring Network
0:47:11

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, May 16.

  • The Madison Common Council is set to vote on creating a city network of air quality monitoring stations…
  • Hmong students from across Wisconsin come to the State Capitol to learn how to get engaged in government…
  • And in the second half, we take an award-winning look at a little known Wisconsin landmark, warblers are making their seasonal return to the region, and a grassroots campaign works to inform the public about changes to Madison Metro service.

May 17, 2023
PHMDC Announces New Round Of Funding For Community Violence Prevention Programs

This is your WORT local news for Monday, May 15.

  • Public Health Madison and Dane County is gearing up for a second round of violence prevention grants,
  • Meanwhile, the state’s health department is launching a program to provide free training for direct care workers,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, we remember a radio icon a day before his 111th birthday, and two new movie reviews.

May 16, 2023
CDC-Funded Center Prioritizes Birthing Justice

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, May 11.

  • San Damiano park in Monona is getting an upgrade, and the city wants your input on what it should look like,
  • A center at UW-Madison works to reduce maternal disparities in healthcare, 
  • The local health department has tips on how to protect yourself from ticks, 
  • And in the second half, MMSD’s spokesperson sues to block the release of records, the full fishing season is finally open, and our newest feature with Forward Madison.

May 12, 2023
MTI Retired Teachers Call On Finance Committee To Remember Education Funding

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, May 10.

  • City officials offer a first look at the designs for Madison’s first permanent men’s homeless shelter,
  • Retired teachers take to the capitol to call on the state’s budget writing committee to tackle education head-on
  • And in the second half, Nelson Mandela’s grandson is coming to Wisconsin next week, part two of the Mifflin Street riots in 1969, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

May 11, 2023
Healthcare Workers Call for Support from State Budget

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, May 9.

  • Health care workers are calling on Republican lawmakers to give them more support in this year's state budget…
  • Scammers are using new technology to trick people into sending them cash…
  • A horse at UW Madison is getting more parental leave than many of the university's human employees…
  • And we check in with the Daily Cardinal as the UW spring semester ends and ponder why some animals have more friends than others.

May 10, 2023
Childcare Providers Close Doors To Bring Awareness To Childcare Crisis

This is your WORT local news for Monday, May 8.

  • Childcare centers across the state close their doors for a day to show what could happen if they don’t get more support,
  • It’s a tale of two bills as our Democratic Governor and the Republican-led legislature looks for ways to increase local funding
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county government, a rainy Monday could lead to a rainy graduation this weekend, and two new movie reviews.

May 09, 2023
Attorneys Argue Whether Or Not Abortion Lawsuit Should Be Dismissed
0:46:40

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, May 4.

  • A Dane County judge heard the first of presumably many rounds of oral arguments in Wisconsin’s abortion lawsuit,
  • Attorney General Josh Kaul holds a press conference shortly after those oral arguments,
  • Republican lawmakers introduce their shared revenue bill filled with provisions for municipalities,
  • And in the second half, the past, present, and future of United Way Dane County, replacing your old windows, and a celebration of the end of winter.

May 05, 2023
Medicaid Expansion Among Hundreds of Tossed Budget Proposals
0:46:09

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, May 3.

  • Republican lawmakers voted not to expand Medicaid yesterday, and Democrats say they’re leaving money on the table,
  • A new report says Madison’s five largest lakes are the healthiest they’ve been in years,
  • And in the second half, a Mifflin Street riot in 1969, a controversial beach in Mazomanie, and UW Madison’s Odyssey turns 20.

May 04, 2023
UW-Madison Students Take Action Against Racist Online Video

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, May 2.

  • Hundreds of students march on the state capitol to call for rights for people without citizenship status…
  • Republican lawmakers level the governor's budget proposals…
  • UW-Madison community members push back against a student using racist and violent rhetoric in a viral video… 
  • Efforts continue to improve Black maternal and infant health in Dane County…
  • And in the second half, Cardinal Call rounds happenings on the UW campus, a small business owner cuts back on food waste and Wildlife Weekly helps heal injured animals.

May 03, 2023
County Supervisors Denounce Racial Slurs
0:48:29

This is your WORT local news for Monday, May 1.

  • A county committee unanimously voted against confirming state Representative Shelia Stubbs to head a major county agency,
  • A lack of funding for public attorneys in Wisconsin is having dire consequences on the state’s criminal justice system,
  • And in the second half, the President of Madison’s teachers union joins A Public Affair for May Day, dreary weather today makes way for warm weather later this week, and two new movie reviews.

May 02, 2023
First Wave Of F-35s Land In Madison

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, April 27.

  • The first wave of F-35 fighter jets land in Madison, and neighbors are already being disrupted by the noise,
  • GOP Legislators introduce their shared revenue plan, dictating how municipalities would be able to use those funds,
  • And in the second half, a train derailed into the Mississippi river, requesting records from elected officials no longer in office, and fishing picks up in the Madison area.

Apr 28, 2023
Proposed Sewerage Plan Would Affect Badger Mill Creek

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, April 26.

  • Community leaders speak out against a plan to alter the flow of water to Badger Mill Creek, 
  • A state legislator’s nomination to a powerful county agency causes controversy, 
  • And, it’s National Library Week, a rock’n’roller comes to town, plus your weather forecast.

Apr 27, 2023
CUNA Union Workers Authorize Strike
0:49:36

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, April 25.

  • Madison teachers ask for wage increases that match inflation…
  • City Bar on State Street must pay big fines after serving more than 100 underage patrons…
  • CUNA Mutual workers have authorized a strike if a new contract isn’t signed within the next month…
  • And in the second half, we remember the life of a local labor leader, a student group invites an anti-LGBTQ speaker to campus, and the wildlife face the danger of lawn pesticides.

Apr 26, 2023
City Moves To Remove Nunchuck Ban While Cleaning Up Municipal Code
0:45:56

This is your WORT local news for Monday, April 24.

  • City officials look to undo a nearly fifty year old ban on nunchucks,
  • Madison’s property tax base is in, showing that home values continue to rise,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, the cold weather is sticking around a while longer, and two new movie reviews.

Apr 25, 2023
What's an ALPR - and why does it know where you're driving?
0:50:11

Here's your local news

  • Medical marijuana legalization could be on the horizon this year after news that Republican lawmakers plan to introduce a bill later this year. That's as Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard, a longtime advocate for full legalization, launches a statewide listening tour.

  • The Dane County Sheriff's Office is one of dozens of law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin using a new technology to track when, and where, you're driving. But what's the company behind an ALPR? We air a special report.

  • Plus, OuttaDeeBox podcast talks with members of Briarpatch Youth Services about their work, The House Always Wins explains why 2x4s are anything but, and Radio Chipstone unravels one fiber artist's yarn obsession.

Apr 21, 2023
Evers Creates Green Ribbon Commission; Touts Relationship Between Environmental Projects And Labor
0:48:11

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, April 19.

  • Governor Tony Evers meets with local leaders to tout the strong relationship between environmental projects and union labor,
  • The state’s powerful finance committee blocks the purchase of the state’s largest proposed conservation area,
  • And in the second half, remembering the life of state archeologist Jim Skibow, protests for and against the war in Vietnam in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Apr 20, 2023
State Street Starbucks Workers Plans To Unionize
0:46:35

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, April 18.

  • Workers at a Starbucks on State Street are gearing up to file for a union election… 
  • Madison's middle and high school students could get free bus passes to get around the city this summer…
  • City officials are looking to possibly expand a planned permanent men’s shelter…
  • And in the second half, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County is looking for bigs to go with their littles, UW seniors give a big gift to the Center for Healthy Minds, and baby raccoons are beginning to spring up.

Apr 19, 2023
John Nolen Drive Reconstruction Gets $15 Million Federal Grant
0:46:46

This is your WORT local news for Monday, April 17.

  • The John Nolen Drive Reconstruction Project gets a major boost from the federal government,
  • A local food bank turns to farming to help bring fresh produce to low-income households,
  • Dairy researchers at UW Madison open their new state-of-the-art research facility,
  • And in the second half, what the federal mifepristone ruling means for Wisconsin, it’s National Severe Weather Awareness Week, and two new movie reviews.

Apr 18, 2023
Recount Names Isadore Knox Jr. As District 14 Alder
0:50:22

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, April 12.

  • State lawmakers debate changes to a program to make farms more eco-friendly,
  • We sent reporters down to the marathon recount for one razor-thin alder district in Madison, 
  • And in the second half, we travel back and revisit a sports tragedy in 1960s Madison. And, we’ll decode local fish consumption advisories and get a comprehensive weather report during today’s red flag warning for fire danger.

Apr 13, 2023
City Hiring "Ride Guides" to Help You Navigate Madison Metro
0:45:46

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, April 11.

  • Madison Metro is hiring friendly faces to help bus riders navigate the upcoming Network Redesign…
  • The Madison school district continues to struggle with transparency, even during a meeting about transparency…
  • And in the second half, the UW Men’s Hockey team gets a new coach, a local vegan restaurant gets statewide recognition, and we learn how to care for the baby bunnies living in backyards.

Apr 12, 2023
Bill Would Ban Guaranteed Income Programs
0:46:20

This is your WORT local news for Monday, April 10.

  • GOP state lawmakers are looking to ban city’s from deploying guaranteed income programs,
  • Pro-choice advocates take to the state capitol after a Texas judge looked to block a common abortion drug,
  • A new report breaks down the differences between two competing state tax codes,
  • And in the second half, we get the week ahead in local government, look ahead to warm weather all this week, and review two new movies.

Apr 11, 2023
Breaking Down The Results Of Madison’s Alder Races
0:49:28

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, April 6.

  • We take a look at the winners and the losers of Tuesday’s alder races,
  • A Wisconsin hiker is traversing the Pacific Crest Trail for charity,
  • And in the second half, one man’s journey from prison to businessman, the do’s and don’ts of basement remodeling, and creating the perfect shoe.

Apr 07, 2023
Protasiewicz Wins Supreme Court, Rhodes-Conway Wins Madison Mayor
0:47:20

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, April 5.

  • Voters turned out in record numbers both across the state and here in Dane County for yesterday’s election, 
  • We examine the role that Wisconsin’s abortion ban played in yesterday’s election,
  • Madison in the 60s follows how people in Madison reacted to the death of Martin Luther King Jr,
  • And the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Apr 06, 2023
Madison Voters Cast Their Ballots
0:46:50

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, April 4.

  • We travel across the city to talk with voters after casting their ballots…
  • The one explicitly partisan election in Wisconsin today could hold major implications for the future of the state Senate…
  • And in the second half, the state Supreme Court has become the most expensive judicial race in US history, the Daily Cardinal unveils its Action Project for the semester, and we learn what goes into caring for baby animals.

Apr 05, 2023
Talk with the Candidates for Belleville School Board
0:46:30

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, April 3.

  • We take a trip to the village of Belleville to look at the candidates running for school board,
  • State lawmakers outline two different paths for legalizing marijuana in Wisconsin,
  • A large fire caused parts of Park Street to close for a significant amount of time Friday night,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, more potentially severe weather is in the forecast for election day, and two new movie reviews.

Apr 04, 2023
Bill Would Change Venues For Legislature-Related Cases
0:47:40

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, March 30.

  • A proposed bill looks to spread out lawsuits against the state legislature to counties across the state,
  • A small Wisconsin town is fighting in court over their right to regulate CAFOs
  • And in the second half, what election records we are and are not entitled to; we gear up for trout fishing; and telling a story with an old pair of pants.

Mar 31, 2023
“Day Of Empathy” At The Capitol To Advocate For Justice For Incarcerated Women
0:48:01

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, March 28.

  • Dane County Executive Joe Parisi reveals a new final price tag for building a new jail…
  • Advocates for incarcerated women meet in the Wisconsin Capitol Building for a Day of Empathy…
  • We take a trip to Madison’s east side and talk to a candidate running for District 15 alder…
  • And in the second half, we break down next week’s spring election, a UW Madison student becomes famous for his butter consumption, and we learn what it takes to keep baby animals ready for life in the wild.

Mar 29, 2023
Anti-F-35 Protestors Stage Day of Action Across Madison
0:48:32

This is your WORT local news for Monday, March 27.

  •  Anti-F-35 protestors hold a day of action across the city as the jets are set to touch down in Madison later this spring,
  • We talk with the incumbent alder in District 18 about why he is running for reelection,
  • The DNR is asking for your help in identifying frogs and toads across Wisconsin,
  • And two new movie reviews

Mar 28, 2023
Last Chance To Weigh In On Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge
0:48:53

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, March 23.

  • Today is the last day to submit your thoughts on the what the future of Lake Monona’s waterfront should look like,
  • Two non-binding referendums will be on the ballot for Dane County voters on April 4th,
  • We head to Madison’s north side to talk with one of the candidates running for alder in District 18,
  • And in the second half, how poetry helped a community leader in prison, how to start a career in carpentry, and remembering a longtime disability-rights advocate.

Mar 24, 2023
Council Approves Zoning Change For Filene House, Study On Home Healthcare Crisis
0:50:40

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, March 22.

  • The current batch of city alders meet for a final time to address Madison’s lack of home healthcare workers, and dismiss old marijuana convictions,
  • We talk with both of the candidates running for District 19 alder,
  • Madison in the 60s looks back at when Madison elected a Republican for mayor,
  • And the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Mar 23, 2023
Developer Group Spending Big Money In Madison Council Elections
0:52:20

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, March 21.

  • The two Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates meet for their first and only debate…
  • We share how to figure out what's on your spring ballot…
  • Area Realtors inject big money into Madison’s alder races…
  • We interview another of the Madison District 6 alder candidates…
  • And in the second half, Meriter Health nurses explain why they are calling for union recognition, UW Madison works to update its dorms, and baby bird season is almost here.

Mar 22, 2023
Council To Vote On Raising Backyard Chicken Limit
0:45:30

This is your WORT local news for Monday, March 20.

  • Council members push to allow Madison residents to keep more backyard chickens,
  • One of the candidates for District six alder shares why they are running to represent the near-east side,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, Cafe Coda bring the music to kids, and two new movie reviews

Mar 21, 2023
The "Opees" and the local "Nopee"
0:48:05

Here's your local news for Thursday, March 16:

  • More on that west-side construction for the first line of Bus Rapid Transit,

  • Among the high-profile races on the ballot on April 4, there's also referendum on the structure of common council,

  • Plus, we talk with a far-east side alder about her re-election campaign ahead of the general election,

  • And, the winners and local lone loser of this year’s open government awards; ice fishing comes to an end in Dane County; and we study ancient veggies through art.

Mar 16, 2023
GOP Lawmakers Introduce Abortion Exemption Bill; Expand Birth Control Access
0:49:00

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, March 15.

  • GOP lawmakers are looking to create some exceptions to Wisconsin’s abortion ban, though that bill is unlikely to become law,
  • We talk with two candidates running for alder running in two different far-east side districts,
  • Madison in the 60s looks at two different mayoral elections of Madison’s past,
  • And the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Mar 16, 2023
Mayoral Candidates Share Sharp Words At Debate
0:48:25

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, March 14.

  • Madison's mayoral candidates exchange sharp words over housing and public transit…
  • We head to the far east side of Madison to continue our coverage of the spring elections for alder…
  • And in the second half, an Indigenous leader calls for the Wisconsin Legislature to take action on public health, and baby critters start to make their spring debuts.

Mar 15, 2023
City Of Madison And Working Group Decide Fate Of Annie C Stewart Statue
0:48:17

This is your WORT local news for Monday, March 13.

  • Madison wants to hear your opinion on what should be done with one of the city’s oldest public art pieces,
  • We officially begin our coverage on the spring general election with one of the candidates running to represent Madison’s 8th alder district
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, spring breakers tell us what spring means to them, and two new movie reviews.
Mar 14, 2023
County Officials Announce Home Of New Crisis Triage Center
0:32:28

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, March 9.

  •  County officials have announced the home of the new facility for those facing mental health emergencies,
  • Dane County scientists give an update on their experiment to try and to remove PFAS from the Dane County Airport
  • One Madison filmmaker talks about how they got their big break,
  • And how to keep your basement from flooding this spring

Mar 10, 2023
Assembly Committee Greenlights Bills To Mandate SROs In Certain Schools
0:36:15

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, March 8.

  • GOP lawmakers are looking to force schools that frequently call the police to hire school resource officers,
  • An expedition in the Cave of the Mounds reveals thousands of years of climate change,
  • With less than one month until the election for Madison mayor, we look back at the 1963 mayoral race
  • And the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves

Mar 09, 2023
Family, Friends Of Tony Robinson Remember His Life Eight Years Later
0:34:33

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, March 7.

  • Family and friends of Tony Robinson remember his life eight years after he was shot and killed by a Madison police officer…
  • Number crunchers analyze the governor's budget proposal…
  • And in the second half, a new film highlights Madison's women firefighters, UW classrooms grapple with the rise of AI, and wildlife make their spring return in the era of climate change.
Mar 08, 2023
City to Vote on Joining Class-Action Lawsuit Against Kia and Hyundai
0:29:31

This is your WORT local news for Monday, March 6.

  • The city of Madison debates entering a nationwide lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai,
  •  Wisconsin family’s struggle as federal SNAP benefits come to and end,
  •  And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, the story of the 1932 Ford Hunger March Massacre, and two new movie reviews.

Mar 07, 2023
Bread And Roses – Madison Sourdough Workers File To Unionize
0:35:26

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, March 2.

  • Employees at a Madison bakery file with the National Labor Relations Board for a union election,
  • Kia and Hyundai owners get a free security upgrade, while cities across the state mull over legal action against the manufacturers.
  • And in the second half, the difference between elected and appointed officials, ice fishing winds down in Dane County, and how to begin a new project.

Mar 03, 2023
Council Allows More Unrelated Renters To Live Together
0:35:29

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, March 1.

  • The Common Council approves a change to city zoning code to allow more unrelated renters to live together,
  • Pollution in the great lakes threatens treaty rights for indigenous fishers,
  • We look back at the 1961 race for Madison mayor just weeks ahead of 2023’s mayoral election,
  • And the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Mar 02, 2023
Mayoral Candidates Go Head-To-Head On Housing, Debt Levels
0:34:45

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, February 28.

  • A new city of Madison program looks to help low-income residents pay part of their utility bills…
  • The two candidates for Madison mayor debate head-to-head for the first time since the primary election… 
  • And in the second half, UW Madison students remember Rebecca Blank, legislators signal that a flat tax is unlikely in Wisconsin’s budget, and a rare bird makes its way to an animal rehab center.

Mar 01, 2023
Caregivers, Adults With Disabilities Weigh In On Caregiver Crisis
0:38:25

This is your WORT local news for Monday, February 27.

  • State lawmakers celebrate Black History Month and look at how climate change furthers inequity across the globe
  •  Madisonians speak out about how the caregiver crisis is affecting them
  •  And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, spring is just around the corner, and two new movie reviews

Feb 28, 2023
Disabilities Committee Looks For Solutions To Caregiver Crisis
0:50:26

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, February 23.

  • A Madison alder is sounding the alarm about the ongoing caregiver crisis,
  • A growing number of Wisconsin workers are working from home, but those opportunities aren’t available to everyone equally
  • A new report shows traffic crashes fell in Dane County last year, yet traffic fatalities are on the rise,
  • And in the second half, how one Madison filmmaker got his start, the myth of the government stealing your gas stove, and how a language barrier led to one man being blamed for the death of his son.

Feb 24, 2023
The winners and losers of yesterday's spring primary
0:54:17

On your local news for Wednesday, February 22, we recap the results of last night's primary election which saw "unprecedented" turnout in Dane County.

Plus, Centro Hispano is getting a new building, and we get the details on the sleet storm rolling in.

Feb 22, 2023
Madison Residents Hit The Polls
0:46:35

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, February 21. Happy Election Day!

  • Madison voters turned out today to make their voice heard in today’s primary election…
  • The Wisconsin Supreme Court rules that big box stores can no longer take advantage of a tax loophole…
  • And in the second half, Turkish students at UW Madison fundraise for earthquake disaster aid, we get in the dental chair to examine opossum teeth, and the Chazen Museum of Art examines the legacy of racism.

Feb 22, 2023
Primary Election For Supreme Court Could Hold Major Ramifications For State Politics
0:50:09

This is your WORT local news for Monday, February 20.

  • Tomorrow is primary election day, and the race for state Supreme Court could influence the future of Wisconsin politics,
  • We squeeze in one last candidate interview before the election with the final candidate in the race for District 20 alder,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, another winter storm is headed our way, and one new docu-series review.

Feb 21, 2023
Eviction Filings On The Rise In Dane County
0:49:31

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, February 15.

  • Eviction filings in Dane County begin to rise as funding for rental assistance runs dry,
  • Activists took to the capitol today to call on lawmakers to make driver’s licenses available to all,
  • And in the second half, Madison College wants you to dig into archeology, students strike over Black Studies in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report ahead of tomorrow’s storm

Feb 16, 2023
Traffic deaths on the decrease
0:56:16

Here's your local news for Tuesday, February 14

  • A Madison family is calling for more action to find their missing relative,
  • Animal rights groups call for an end to a so-called chicken toss, and
  • Traffic deaths and serious injuries continue to fall in Madison.
Feb 15, 2023
Violent Crime Down, Says MPD Chief Barnes During Public Safety Address
0:49:20

This is your WORT local news for Monday, February 13.

  • Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes says violent crime is trending down in Madison,
  • That’s as a long-standing public safety committee could be on the chopping block, 
  • We continue our coverage of next week’s primary election in the 20th alder district,
  • And in the second half, the Winter Carnival returns to Lake Mendota, Madisonians share their favorite winter activities, and two new movie reviews.

Feb 14, 2023
MMSD Superintendent Bids Farewell – What Happens Next?
0:48:46

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, February9.

  • Madison’s Superintendent Carlton Jenkins has announced he will retire later this summer,
  • We head to our final district in our coverage of the spring primary election for alder,
  • And in the second half, the UW Odyssey Project with Brian Benford, a look at why ice might be building up inside your home, and a new housing co-op comes to the south side.
Feb 10, 2023
Council Votes To Shelve Landmark Designation For Filene House
0:49:01

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, February 8.

  • President Biden visits the Madison area to highlight economic growth across the country following the State of the Union Address, 
  • The Madison Common Council nixes a plan to name the former home of the credit union movement a historic landmark,
  • And in the second half, we conclude our coverage of the primary election for District 14 alder, students strike for Black Studies at UW Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Feb 09, 2023
Four Projects Fight For Money Set For Alder Raises
0:51:57

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, February 7.

  • The Madison city council has some extra cash — and alders have different ideas about how to use it… 
  • South Madison could be getting a major investment from the city, and we explore a financing tool that could make it possible…
  • We continue our coverage of the District 14 alder primary…
  • And in the second half, students look to beautify Bascom Hill, the trouble with feeding starving birds, and psychedelics find medicinal favor for treating substance abuse.

Feb 08, 2023
Following National Trend, Wisconsin Lawmakers Introduce Book Ban
0:46:40

This is your WORT local news for Monday, February 6.

  • Wisconsin Republicans follow national trends and introduce a book ban,
  • We continue our coverage of the spring primary election with a trip to District 14 on the south side of Madison,
  • And in the second half, the Lee Jeans Factory sit-in of 1981, the Sheboygan Police Department faces widespread sexual assault allegations, and two new movie reviews.
Feb 07, 2023
Here’s What’s Behind The Single-Family Zoning Change
0:54:41

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, February 2.

  • Madison residents get a chance to see the proposed designs for John Nolen’s revamped waterfront,
  • City officials look to allow more unrelated renters to live together under one roof,
  • We continue our coverage of the primary election for District 12 alder,
  • And in the second half, the pros and cons of virtual meetings, this week’s fishing report, and a new and improved Radio Chipstone.

Feb 03, 2023
Low-Salt Roads: UW Madison Criticized For Salt Use After Snow Storm
0:47:37

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, February 1.

  • UW Madison is peppered with criticism over their use of salt after last weekend’s snow storm,
  • Grassroots advocates look for ways to make Wisconsin elections more productive,
  • We continue our coverage of the primary race for District 12 alder,
  • And in the second half, a preview of the state’s 2023 budget deliberations, an attack on the Daily Cardinal goes awry in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Feb 02, 2023
Candidates Tackle Housing, Public Safety In First Mayoral Debate
0:48:52

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, January 31.

  • The three Madison mayoral candidates on the ballot for this spring’s primary election meet in a debate…
  • A health council searches for ways to improve health equity in Wisconsin…
  • We continue our coverage of the primary for Madison's District 12 alder…
  • And in the second half, the UW looks for new ways to acknowledge indigenous lands, owls strive to stay out of sight, and Dane County wants your opinion on regional housing options.

Feb 01, 2023
Fighting Bob La Follette Plaque Unveiled In State Capitol
0:47:56

This is your WORT local news for Monday, January 30.

  • Fighting Bob La Follette gets a plaque in the state capitol,
  • LGBTQ farmers work to reframe the image of the family farm,
  • We head to the northeast side to talk with one of the candidates running for District 12 alder,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, a new course at UW Madison looks at land-grant universities, and one new movie review.

Jan 31, 2023
Debuting "The House Always Wins"
0:52:33

Here's your local news for Thursday, January 26, 2023:

  • What's the future of the Lake Monona Waterfront?
Jan 27, 2023
Evers Focuses On Mental Health, Increased Local Funding In State Of The State Address
0:48:31

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, January 25.

  • Governor Evers gives a glimpse of his proposed 2023 budget at his annual State of the State address,
  • We continue our preview of aldermanic races, talking with the District 10 incumbent-alder about their upcoming primary election,
  • And in the second half, how to remove radium from the water supply, politicians go after the Daily Cardinal in 1965 Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Jan 26, 2023
The Ins And Outs Of The UW Zoological Museum
0:49:58

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, January 24.

  • We tour the UW Zoological Museum to learn how it gets animal specimens for research…
  • WORT continues its coverage of the 2023 spring primary and heads to District 10 in southwest Madison…
  • And in the second half, Cardinal Call returns for UW's spring semester, wildlife rehabilitators help an eagle with a spinal fracture, and we hear more voices of participants at the Women's March last Sunday.

Jan 25, 2023
Common Council Approves $1.5 Million Grant From Center For Tech And Civic Life
0:52:40

This is your WORT local news for Monday, January 23.

  • Thousands took to the streets yesterday to celebrate and mourn the 50th anniversary of Roe v Wade,
  • The city of Madison accepts a grant to help run elections, while the legislature debates banning private funds for elections.
  • We continue our coverage of the 2023 spring primary election in District nine,
  • And in the second half, Black auto workers strike in 1969, this week in local government, and two new movie reviews.

Jan 24, 2023
Report: CO2 Removal Needs Six-Fold Increase To Meet 2050 Goals
0:48:00

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, January 19.

  • A UW Madison professor helps on an international report on removing CO2 from the atmosphere,
  • We kick off our coverage of the District nine alder primary,
  • And in the second half, records requests go unfilled in the Madison School District; the ice holds up after Monday’s rain; and loom weaving on the go.

Jan 20, 2023
Sheriff Kalvin Barrett Calls On County Board To Put Jail Funding On Ballot
0:47:06

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, January 17.

  • The Dane County Sheriff is calling on the county board to put the question of funding a new jail before voters…
  • We continue our coverage of the primary election for District 4 alder…
  • And in the second half, we explore the potential health benefits to psychedelics, juncos receive some winter care, and Radio Astro takes its final trip into space.

Jan 18, 2023
Federal Court Of Appeals Dismisses Challenge To Madison’s Long-Standing Billboard Ordinances
0:50:00

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, January 12.

  • The state’s joint rules committee allows conversion therapy to continue in Wisconsin,
  • The city wins a lawsuit against an outdoor advertising company over the size of billboards in Madison,
  • We begin our coverage of the spring primary election for District 4,
  • And in the second half, a conversation with DJ Spade; ice fishing picks up in Madison; and how to unpack the effects of cultural appropriation.

Jan 13, 2023
City To Debate New Grant To Support Accessible Taxi Cabs
0:47:38

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, January 11.

  • City officials are looking for ways to make accessible cabs available to everyone who needs them,
  • We finish our coverage of the spring primary election for District Two alder,
  • And in the second half, we try to ice skate in local parks, university officials try to turn Bascom Hill into a parking garage in 1968 Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Jan 12, 2023
Evan McSorley Running In Primary Election For District 2 Alder
0:48:00

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, January 10.

  • Madison residents fight to name the onetime home of the American credit union movement as a historic landmark…
  • We continue our coverage of Madison alder candidates running in the spring primary election for District 2…
  • And in the second half, Republican legislators are looking to pass a slew of amendments to the state constitution, we get to know a special goose, and researchers investigate the gasses that comprise the atmospheres of other planets.

Jan 11, 2023
Colin Barushok Running In Primary Election For District 2 Alder
0:46:01

This is your WORT local news for Monday, January 9.

  • DNR officials are still on the lookout after a Bald Eagle was shot and killed last month
  • We kick off our interviews with the candidates in this spring's primary, 
  • A community leader with Voit Farm explains where they'd like the direction of the project to go. 
  • And two new movie reviews.

Jan 10, 2023
Safe Skies Clean Water Files Final Argument Against F-35s
0:48:41

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, January 5.

  • Anti-F-35 activists file one of their final legal arguments in their fight to keep the jets out of Dane County,
  • A local skater fights for his right to skate in the winter months,
  • Emergency mental health systems in Wisconsin are failing rural residents,
  • And in the second half, the last year in government transparency, ice fishing survives the warm weather, and a new Netflix documentary briefly features some Chazen art.

Jan 06, 2023
Madison Gets “Complete Green Streets”
0:48:41

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, January 4.

  • The Common Council approves a plan to both make roads safer for pedestrians, but promote tree growth next to roadways,
  • Drones could deliver life-saving equipment to rural areas quickly,
  • And in the second half, police officers watch a movie in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Jan 05, 2023
Governor Tony Evers Sworn In For Second Term As Governor
0:45:40

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, January 3.

  • Tony Evers is sworn in for his second term as Wisconsin's governor…
  • The great Bird-a-thon sees birders helping to raise money for conservation efforts…
  • Plus, homemade candy can now be legally sold in Wisconsin, and we consider political predictions for 2023.

Jan 04, 2023
Drunk Driving Crashes On The Rise In Wisconsin
0:46:36

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, December 29.

  • Dane County sucked around 25,000 tons of muck clogging waterways in 20-22
  • Drunk driving is on the rise in Wisconsin,
  • And in the second half, the importance of mediation in prison, the beginning of ice fishing season, and clearing the clutter in the new year.

Dec 30, 2022
UW Madison Joins National Harm Reduction Research Network
0:49:32

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, December 28.

  • The new Dane County Jail Project sees a tumultuous year of fighting inflation,
  • UW Madison joins a national coalition to prevent opioid overdoses,
  • Parks and Landmarks returns to Apple River Canyon.
  • And Madison in the 60s sees a city fighting for civil rights in 1962.
Dec 29, 2022
"Basically nautical snowplows:" Congress approves new heavy icebreaker for Great Lakes
0:48:03

Here's your local news for Tuesday, December 27:

  • Nurses at UW Health take their fight for union recognition to the courts,
  • Congress has approved a new heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes,
  • And, Miss America juggles her title while studying nuclear engineering at UW-Madison.
Dec 28, 2022
Beneath Our Feet: Preservation and The Milwaukee Poor Farm Cemetery

This is your WORT local news for Monday, December 26.

To celebrate the holidays, we gave our volunteers the day off, and instead present an hour-long investigation into the Milwaukee Poor Farm Cemetery.

Dec 27, 2022
Brian Benford Not Seeking Reelection
0:49:37

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, December 22.

  • Major companies say they’ll phase out toxic forever chemicals, 
  • Neighborhoods across Madison celebrate the shortest day of the year, 
  • We continue our series of Madison alder exit interviews, 
  • And just in time for your last-minute shopping trip- what happens to those shiny new electronics years down the line?

Dec 23, 2022
Winter Blizzard Zips Toward Wisconsin, Impacting Holiday Travel
0:49:37

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, December 21.

  • Tomorrow’s winter storm will have major impacts on travel conditions ahead of the holidays,
  • UAW workers in Racine caravan across southeastern Wisconsin to strike for better wages,
  • We try to stay warm at Hoyt Park,
  • And get the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves ahead of the upcoming winter storm.

Dec 22, 2022
District 15 Alder Grant Foster Not Seeking Reelection
0:47:38

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, December 20.

  • A local blood center is asking for donations ahead of an expected holiday-induced dip in its supplies 
  • We continue our series of alder exit interviews with Grant Foster 
  • And in the second half, birds buckle down for a winter blast, and we bid farewell to an old friend on Mars.

Dec 21, 2022
Breaking Ground on Bus Rapid Transit
0:46:53

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, December 15.

  • A new report finds Dane County is aggressively pursuing the so-called birth tax after a promise to stop nearly three years ago, 
  • State and city officials officially broke ground on Bus Rapid Transit today, 
  • And a planned strike from Red Cross workers was officially called off today after leaders reached a labor agreement. 
  • Plus, we go inside the Oakhill Correctional Institute, and explore the dos and don’ts of ice fishing.

Dec 16, 2022
Plan Commission Approves Amendment To TOD Overlay Districts
0:49:22

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, December 13.

  • Increased housing density could come to Madison’s historic districts…
  • Today marks the one year anniversary of Dick Wagner’s passing,
  • We meet the organizer of Madison’s newest sister city partnership… 
  • And in the second half, the Daily Cardinal reviews the UW's fall semester, robins see no reason to leave in the winter, and Radio Astro tunes out cosmic light.

Dec 14, 2022
Roller Derby Returns to Madison
0:49:03

This is your WORT local news for Monday, December 12.

  • Madison’s Plan and Landmarks Commissions untangle the web that is their methods of communication,
  • Roller Derby returns to Madison after a years-long hiatus,
  • We got our first major snowfall of the season, and Madison’s buses worked to keep
  • And in the second half, this week in local meetings, state officials prepare for yet another budget deliberation season, and two new movie reviews.

Dec 13, 2022
Hundreds Attend First Public Meeting On Potential Passenger Rail
0:48:21

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, December 8.

  • Passenger rail could come to Madison - again; 
  • Madison’s alternative public safety response program reviews its one year of existence,
  • We continue our round of exit interviews with Madison alders; 
  • And in the second half, why can state legislators make anonymous objections during state budget deliberations? Plus, slow times on Madison lakes, and aluminum Christmas trees.

Dec 09, 2022
Syed Abbas Resigns From Common Council
0:51:01

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, December 7.

  • Wisconsin farmers are looking for support for cover crops,
  • Youth organizations get a little more money in their coffers, 
  • Former Alder Syed Abbas sits down to give an exit interview,
  • And in the second half, a history lesson in Waunakee, violent anti war protests in 1960’s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves

Dec 08, 2022
Jan. 6 Special Counsel Subpoenas Dane County Clerk’s Office
0:48:32

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, December 6.

  • The US DOJ has subpoenaed the Dane County Clerk's office, 
  • 'Tis the season once again inside the Wisconsin Capitol Rotunda…
  • A new initiative seeks to make Madison more pedestrian-friendly, 
  • And in the second half, we hike along the shores of Lake Mendota, foster orphaned bird chicks, and mine light from stars in far away galaxies.

Dec 07, 2022
City Wants Public Input On Amtrak Station Study
0:48:22

This is your WORT local news for Monday, December 5.

  • The county health department releases a report showing no elevated risk of lead poisoning near the Middleton airport,
  • City officials are looking for public input on where to put a potential Amtrak station,
  • Sennett Middle School gets their principal back after months of staff asking for his return,
  • And in the second half, this week in local meetings, the anniversary of the founding of a major labor group, and just one new movie review.

Dec 06, 2022
Inflation Drives Food Shortages – Foodbanks Are Feeling It Too
0:45:54

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, December 1.

  • Area food banks are in need of help ahead of the holiday season,
  • Madison’s all-electric cab company quietly ended operations last week,
  • And in the second half, one of the co-founders of EXPO talks about the importance of voting for incarcerated people, tips on how not to fall through the ice, and bringing the holiday spirit front and center with human hair.
Dec 02, 2022
U.S. Senate Passes Law Respecting Same-Sex Marriage
0:46:58

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, November 30.

  • Madison Police provide an update on yesterday’s State Street shooting,
  • Tammy Baldwin leads the way in passing of the Respect for Marriage Act,
  • Local governments across the state took on a record amount of debt in 2020,
  • And in the second half, a trip to Governor Nelson State Park, plenty of university news in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Dec 01, 2022
Local Entrepreneurs Excited For Madison Public Market
0:48:56

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, November 29.

  • Local entrepreneurs are excited for the opening of the Madison Public Market in 2024…
  • Madison’s mayor takes a trip to the Gambia to visit a sister city…
  • Madison will soon be painted orange to raise awareness of gender-based violence…
  • And in the second half, the Badgers football team is on to its third coach of the season, we check in on birds battling the avian flu, and learn how moons take shape.

Nov 30, 2022
State Commission Rules UW Health Does Not Have To Recognize Nurses Union.
0:51:28

This is your WORT local news for Monday, November 28.

  • A state agency rules that UW doesn’t have to recognize a nurses union,
  • Several seats on the Madison Common Council are up for grabs,
  • Madison’s paratransit service prepares for Bus Rapid Transit,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, the anniversary of the death of Harvey Milk, and two new movie reviews.

Nov 29, 2022
Council Declines to Raise Alder Pay
0:48:45

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, November 23.

  • Madison alders turn down a pay raise,
  • We get the scoop from an investigative journalist on the arrest of three Madison police officers over a fortnight,
  • And in the second half, Parks & Landmarks explores a new park in Rock County, Madison in the Sixties flashes back to November, 1963, and we take a look at the weather ahead over Thanksgiving weekend.
Nov 24, 2022
Report Estimates $6.5 Billion Budget Surplus In Wisconsin
0:44:00

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, November 22.

  • Wisconsin lawmakers debate about how to use a state budget surplus…
  • Opioid overdose deaths reached a new record high last year,
  • And in the second half, U-W Madison works to celebrate indigenous voices year round, we salute wild turkeys and NASA begins its return to the moon.

Nov 23, 2022
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway Announces Reelection Campaign
0:50:11

This is your WORT local news for Monday, November 21.

  • Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announces her re-election campaign to once again represent the city of Madison,
  • County officials take a hard look at healthcare inside the Dane County Jail,
  • Bears, cougars, and other large predators are being seen more and more in southern Wisconsin,
  • And in the second half, this week in local government meetings, the anniversary of the death of a Mexican radical, and two new movie reviews.

Nov 22, 2022
Some say "no way" to Sauk Creek Greenway
0:50:37

Here's your local news for Thursday, November 17:

  • As the city concludes its budget process, some residents remain concerned over a future greenway restoration project,
  • Starbucks workers on the Capitol Square strike for union recognition amidst a national campaign on one of the chain's busiest days of the year,
  • Walker-appointed Natural Resources Board member Fred Prehn is back in court over text records,
  • Plus, OuttaDeeBox speaks with Renee Moe, CEO of the United Way of Dane County,
  • Radio Chipstone explores stress relief through handiwork,
  • And we hear a bit about the recently-passed MMSD budget.

Nov 18, 2022
RSV Cases On The Rise Across Wisconsin
0:49:41

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, November 16.

  • Madison budget negotiations continue tonight - we find out what didn’t make it through last night.
  • RSV is on the rise across the state, and the public health department gives some tips on how to avoid the virus,
  • And in the second half, the king visits Madison and breaks out his karate moves, civil rights speeches in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on your radio dial.

Nov 17, 2022
DNR Drafts First Plan In Decades On Wolf Management
0:48:37

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, November 15.

  • The D-N-R issues its first plan in 25 years for managing wolves…
  • Madison kicks off its big budget week tonight…
  • It was a record year for ballot referendums in Wisconsin…
  • And in the second half, we talk to new UW-Madison new Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, warn against giving treats to wild animals and go on the hunt for black holes.

Nov 16, 2022
Alders Propose Amendment To Help Madison Public Market
0:49:34

This is your WORT local news for Monday, November 14.

  • Budget deliberations are set to begin, and the Madison Public Market is looking for new life in the capital budget,
  • In the operating budget, the city’s CARES program is looking to expand,
  • Meanwhile, after Governor Evers won reelection, will the Republican-led legislature agree to finally approve his appointees,
  • And in the second half, the 1917 Night of Terror in D-C, the state DNR releases their new wolf management plan, and two new movie reviews.

Nov 15, 2022
Gloria Reyes Announces Candidacy For Madison Mayor
0:49:40

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, November 10.

  • We look ahead to the local election cycle next spring, as Gloria Reyes announces her candidacy for mayor of Madison, 
  • That’s even as some results from the fall election on Tuesday are still being decided; Secretary of State candidate Doug LaFollette talks about his yet-to-be-called race against Republican candidate Amy Loudenbeck,
  • And in the second half, Transparency Talk examines when we can record government meetings, Fishy Business gets ready for winter, and Radio Chipstone examines what was in a World War One soldier’s pockets.
Nov 11, 2022
Wisconsin votes for the status quo — Evers, Johnson win another term
0:51:50

Here's your local news for Wednesday, November 9, 2022 — 

  • Mixed political victories roll in today, as Evers wins a second term as governor and Johnson, a third term as US Senator. We hear audio from the scene of several election night events and the vote totals, as of Wednesday afternoon.

  • We speak with political reporter Patrick Marley, voting issues reporter for The Washington Post, about the outcome of Wisconsin's congressional elections and the narrowly-missed opportunity for a Republican supermajority in the Wisconsin legislature.

  • We hear an excerpt from Marquette political science professor Julia Azari, who joined WORT earlier in the day to break down the election results and the myth of a "red wave" across the nation. Listen to the full interview here.

  • Plus, Madison in the 60s has the news from 60 years ago this month, when urban renewal was in trouble, legal conflicts confused efforts for a public auditorium, and the most famous Black chef in America passed away. 

Nov 10, 2022
WORT heads to the polls
0:51:44

Here's your local news for Tuesday, November 8 - Election Day!

  • We fan out to polling sites across Madison to speak with voters - and election officials,

  • Cardinal Call breaks down all the candidates who’ve visited the UW campus this fall,

  • Wildlife Weekly gets patriotic with a record number of eagles at the rehabilitation center,

  • And Radio Astro meets up with the IceCube Neutrino Observatory.
Nov 09, 2022
Campaigns Rally Ahead Of Midterm Elections
0:52:13

This is your WORT local news for Monday, November 7.

  • Candidates and political figures flock to Dane County for one final push before election day,
  • Everything you need to know before heading to the polls tomorrow,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, a conversation with Fran Lebowitz, and two new movie reviews.

Nov 08, 2022
Michels Stops In Dane County Days Before Fall Election
0:50:29

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, November 3.

  • GOP gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels stops in Dane County days ahead of the fall election,
  • The city is looking to expand opportunities for dogs in public parks,
  • The dos and don’ts you need to know on election day,
  • And in the second half, part two of our conversation with Sedrick Page, pesky carp in area waters, and Wisconsin’s early abolitionist efforts.

Nov 04, 2022
“Everything is just in the air" — Homelessness advocates rally at Capitol
0:47:47

Here's your local news for November 2, 2022:

  • Advocates rally at the Capitol to find solutions for a chronic problem: homelessness;  

  • We catch up on today's Marquette Law School Poll findings, the last before next week's election;

  • Parks & Landmarks visits Anderson County Park, and no, that's not a zip line;

  • Plus a flashback to elections of decades past and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Nov 03, 2022
Rats Invade Emerson Neighborhood In Northeast Madison
0:48:40

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, November 1.

  • Madison's 20-23 budget deliberations continue with city employees potentially seeing a bigger raise…
  • Rats overrun the Emerson East neighborhood…
  • Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric is on the rise in Wisconsin ahead of the election…
  • And in the second half, we recount the history of FreakFest, track patients of the Dane County Wildlife Rehab Center, and delve into the early history of the universe.

Nov 02, 2022
Sheriff Kalvin Barrett Takes On Anthony Hamilton For Dane County Sheriff
0:49:29

This is your WORT local news for Monday, October 31.

  • We break down the two candidates running for Dane County Sheriff,
  • A new report shows a link between racial disparities in COVID mortality and the political leaning of state leaders,
  • And in the second half, the anniversary of the disastrous Mississippi constitution in 1870, how party leaders on both sides of the aisle are looking at the fall election, and two new movie reviews.

Oct 31, 2022
Healthcare Workers March for Abortion Rights
0:51:26

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, October 27.

  • Healthcare workers and medical students march through downtown to tell state Republicans their thoughts on the state’s abortion ban,
  • The history of housing co-ops in Madison, from past, to present, to future,
  • And in the second half, the role of state attorney generals in open government, your weekly fishing report, and a final trip to a haunted house.

Oct 28, 2022
How The Uihlein’s Became A Conservative Superpower
0:49:24

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, October 26.

  • Senator Tammy Baldwin and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh come to DeForest to tout union labor,
  • How one relatively unknown Midwest family has donated tens of millions of dollars to conservative candidates across the country,
  • And in the second half, a return trip to the rock in the house, a US Senator is heckled off stage in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Oct 27, 2022
City Cracks Down On Their Own Voting Sign Placement
0:48:26

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, October 25.

  • More than 1,000 Madisonians cast their 2022 ballots today, the first day of early voting — but you might have trouble finding those blue VOTE signs…
  • An investigation of workplace and animal safety issues at the Henry Vilas Zoo recommends changes… 
  • We recap a community forum on housing issues held last night…
  • And in the second half, we take a look at campus demonstrations against conservative provocateur Matt Walsh, walk through the difficult decision to euthanize rescued wildlife, and check out mystifying findings from the James Webb space telescope.

Oct 26, 2022
Sabrina Madison Named New District 17 Alder
0:49:16

This is your WORT local news for Monday, October 24.

  • The state’s top energy provider seeks to raise their rates,
  • Sabrina Madison is named as Madison’s next alder for district 17,
  • And in the second half, we get the scoop on local government meetings for the week ahead, a U-W professor is a MacArthur “genius,” and two new movie reviews.

Oct 25, 2022
International Coalition Calls On Biden To End F-35 Program
0:50:17

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, October 20.

  • An international coalition of anti-F35 activists call on President Biden to put an end to the controversial fighter jets,
  • Dane County officials unveil the next stage in their Suck the Muck initiative,
  • In addition to sucking the muck, county officials restore wetlands to protect communities from environmental hazards,
  • And in the second half, the role mentorship has in our youth, snowfalls bring in the fish, and the international spam carving competition.

Oct 21, 2022
“Theocratic Fascist” To Give Anti-Trans Talk At UW-Memorial Union
0:50:38

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, October 19.

  • The city’s Landmarks Commission holds up a housing development that’s received surprising support from neighbors,
  • A commentator courts controversy at an upcoming UW-Madison event, 
  • The three-way race for Robin Vos’ Assembly seat heats up,
  • And in the second half, Middleton’s complicated relationship with the outdoors, Hilldale Shopping Center opens in 19-60s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Oct 20, 2022
Wisconsin School Districts Will Ask Voters To Raise Revenue Limits
0:48:08

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, October 18.

  • School districts across Wisconsin are asking voters to raise their revenue limits…
  • The application for federal student loan debt forgiveness just opened… 
  • And in the second half, U-W students struggle to find housing, birds circle residential neighborhoods, and a search for alien life starts with broccoli.

Oct 19, 2022
DNR Begins Program To Dispose Of PFAS-Laden Firefighting Foam
0:48:32

This is your WORT local news for Monday, October 17.

  • The state DNR begins a program to help fire departments get rid of their PFAS-laden firefighting foam,
  • Governor Tony Evers took on GOP-candidate Tim Michels in a Friday night debate,
  • And in the second half, the grim history of the 1876 Indian famine, artists set up shop around Madison for Artist Night, and two old-school movie reviews.

Oct 18, 2022
Dairy Drive Community To Continue Through 2023; Mayor Releases Proposed 2023 Operating Budget
0:51:14

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, October 12.

  • The Tiny Home campground on Dairy Drive will live on for another year, as the city prepares to decide Madison’s 2023 budget,
  • Wisconsin faces a shortage of OBGYNs after the overturning of Roe
  • Connecticut warblers are quickly disappearing from Wisconsin,
  • And in the second half, the beauty of Mirror Lake, Badger news in 1962 Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Oct 13, 2022
Checking in on Monona's former friary
0:45:04

Here are your local news headlines for Tuesday, October 11:

  • A project to steer development of the former San Damiano friary in Monona is beginning to take shape... with your input,

  • Artists protested on Sunday, as the the Ain't I A Woman Triennial exhibit came to a formal end at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art,

  • Cardinal Call shared the backstory on the firing of former Badgers head coach Paul Chryst, Wildlife Weekly shares wild animals who have been rehabilitated recently, and Radio Astro taps into the power of a black hole.

Oct 12, 2022
John Tate II Named Madison’s First Independent Police Monitor.
0:49:25

This is your WORT local news for Monday, October 10.

  • The city of Madison names their first Independent Police Monitor,
  • It’s Indigenous People’s Day, and a teepee was erected on the lawn of the state Capitol,
  • And in the second half, the Allen Centennial Garden holds their Harvest Folk Festival, this week in city and county meetings, and two new movie reviews.

Oct 11, 2022
Waukesha County Judge Rules “Ballot Spoiling” Illegal
0:48:27

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, October 6.

  • A Wisconsin judge rules ballot spoiling illegal, 
  • The race for Wisconsin’s governor heats up, and becomes one of the priciest in the nation,
  • And in the second half, a conversation with HeyMiss Progress, trout season comes to an end, and mysterious faces in pottery.

Oct 07, 2022
Jenny Holzer Turns Shuttered Ballot Drop Boxes Into Art
0:50:46

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, October 5.

  • Madison’s now shuttered absentee ballot drop-boxes get a new life as public art,
  • Wisconsin farmers get together to discuss the role agriculture plays in saving the environment,
  • Local governments navigate red tape in order to make urban highways safer,
  • And in the second half, the battle of local apple cider donuts, equal housing rights in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Oct 06, 2022
Special Session On Ballot Initiatives Lasts 15 Seconds In State Senate
0:48:51

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, October 4.

  • The Wisconsin Legisature's special session to allow ballot initiatives in the state lasts all of 15 seconds…
  • Preliminary data from a PFAS removal study at the Dane County airport shows promising results…
  • And in the second half, a popular source of income for U-W students closes its doors, a refresher on protecting yourself and wildlife during hunting seasons, and a mysterious star dims in deep space.

Oct 05, 2022
Proposed County Budget Prioritizes Food Funding & Community Court
0:49:29

This is your WORT local news for Monday, October 3.

  • County Executive Joe Parisi focus on food funding and community court in his 2023 budget,
  • The US Supreme Court hears arguments that may shape the future of wetlands protections,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, local artists get into the Halloween spirit, and two new movie reviews.

Oct 04, 2022
MTI Calls For Robust Noise Study Of F-35s
0:31:10

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, September 28.

  • The union representing Madison teachers is calling for a more robust noise study ahead of the F-35 touchdown,
  • A new report shows that Madison businesses are failing to promote Black workers,
  • And in the second half, a trip to Rock County, and the debate about parole in 1960s Madison.

Sep 29, 2022
Something Stinky This Way Comes: Parisi Proposes New Community Manure Processing Facility
0:36:46

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, September 27.

  • Dane County Executive Joe Parisi proposes to stink up his 2023 budget with a manure processing plant,
  • More and more college grads are leaving Wisconsin to find jobs in bigger cities…
  • And in the second half, bats are beginning their winter hibernation, and NASA practices protecting us from Earth-killers.
Sep 28, 2022
Dane County Bars Contracting With Agencies Enforcing Abortion Ban
0:33:03

This is your WORT local news for Monday, September 26.

  • Dane County moves to ban contracts between the county and any agency that enforces Wisconsin’s abortion ban,
  • Protesters gather in Madison to show support for a woman killed by Iranian police,
  •  We look back at the 1922 railroad strike ahead of the potential railroad strike hitting the US once again,
  •  And two new movie reviews.

Sep 27, 2022
Officer Who Shot Quadren Wilson Charged
0:30:22

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, September 22.

  •  One of the officers who shot Quadren Wilson has been charged with a felony,
  • A 3,000 year-old canoe has been found in Lake Mendota,
  • And in the second half, the benefits of poetry both in and out of prison, fall weather fishing, and some light Halloween-themed crimes.

Sep 23, 2022
Evers Calls For Special Session To Bring Binding Referendums To Wisconsin
0:34:06

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, September 21.

  • Governor Tony Evers calls for a special session to allow voters to repeal laws at the ballot box,
  • Libraries across the state weigh in on book banning during national Banned Book Week,
  • And in the second half, a return trip to Indian Lake County Park, contentious school board meetings in 1969, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Sep 22, 2022
Alder Gary Halverson Resigns From Council
0:35:03

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, September 20.

  • A Madison alder resigns after his name was found on the membership rolls of a far-right hate group…
  • Employees at a local Noodles and Company walk out over low wages…
  • And in the second half, we share everything you need to know about student debt relief, learn how to differentiate between two types of softshell turtles, and break out our intergalactic calculators.

Sep 21, 2022
Republican Candidates Call For Madison To Abandon Tear Gas Ban
0:38:26

This is your WORT local news for Monday, September 19.

  • Republicans call for the city council to abandon their efforts to ban tear gas in Madison,
  •  Pro-choice activists gathered over the weekend in protest of moves to ban abortions at a federal level,
  •  And in the second half, Tammy Baldwin on the “Respect for Marriage Act,” the anniversary of the Salinas lettuce strike, and two new movie reviews.

Sep 20, 2022
Friends Of Sauk Creek Concerned About City’s Greenway Reconstruction Project
0:50:48

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, September 14.

  • Neighbors of the Sauk Creek Greenway are concerned that restoration of the area will cause more harm than good,
  • Art professionals are protesting the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art’s treatment of Black artists,
  • Lunches in Madison schools are coming up short in the first weeks of the school year,
  • And in the second half, the history of Mazo Beach, long hair students cause trouble in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Sep 15, 2022
Free Speech Survey Set To Be Sent To UW Students This Fall
0:48:14

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, September 13.

  • The UW System’s free speech survey will be going ahead this semester…
  • A new report from a UW Madison think tank shows support for unions is on the rise in Wisconsin…
  • And in the second half, we assess the current state of State Street, search for palm warblers, and bend the way we look at space.

Sep 14, 2022
New Exhibit Highlights UW Madison’s History Of Discrimination
0:48:13

This is your WORT local news for Monday, September 12.

  • A new exhibit at the Chazen looks to reckon with UW Madison’s past of discrimination and racism,
  • Nurses at UW Health come to an agreement with hospital administrators the day before they planned to strike,
  • And in the second half, a look back at the Attica Prison Rebellion of 1971, life expectancies in the US fall for the second year in a row, and two new movie reviews.

Sep 13, 2022
Parisi Announces New Initiative To Address Opioid Epidemic In Dane County.
0:48:12

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, September 8.

  • Dane County leaders announce a new initiative to help combat the opioid epidemic in Dane County,
  • Moths flock to sugar as we learn more about Land Trusts in south-central Wisconsin,
  • And in the second half, the role baking has after incarceration, we hit area streams in search of fish, and hear about the joys of learning about ceramics.

Sep 09, 2022
Raemisch Farm Rezoning Passes Common Council
0:51:04

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, September 7.

  • Raemisch Farm is set to be redeveloped after over a year of back-and-forth from the Common Council,
  • How new ideas behind grazing are allowing cows to take part in saving the environment,
  • A case before the state Supreme Court looks to change how ballot questions are presented to voters,
  • And in the second half, a trip to Stewart Lake in Mount Horeb, the start of the 1966 school year, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Sep 08, 2022
Madison Mayor Announces Capital Budget Proposal
0:48:30

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, September 6.

  • The mayor of Madison releases her 2023 capital budget proposal…
  • On Labor Day, we talked to folks about their work lives…
  • We travel to southeastern Wisconsin for a community conversation about Foxconn…
  • And in the second half, Cardinal Call returns with student news from UW-Madison, we watch turtles hatch in backyards, and learn what it's like to get stuck in an intergalactic traffic jam.

Sep 07, 2022
Public Market Project Struggles With Swelling Budget
0:48:45

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, September 1.

  • Inflation hits the Madison Public Market, putting the future of the project at risk,
  • Potentially sketchy Lieutenant Governor campaigns, the race for Madison’s mayor, and de-escalation training all appear in this months Isthmus,
  • And in the second half, we look for records from the past, we get ready for fall fishing, and a meeting between old friends.

Sep 02, 2022
Town Of Middleton Chairperson Raise Concerns Of Lead Pollution At Morey Airport
0:49:23

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, August 31.

  • A Middleton official is sounding the alarm over lead pollution,
  • State officials are warning not to fall for loan forgiveness scams, 
  • We learn why some Dane County residents are frustrated over delayed PFAS cleanup,
  • And in the second half, we get an update on bike trails on Lake Mendota, a rocky start to the school year in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Sep 01, 2022
City, County To Invest $9 Million For Permanent Men’s Shelter
0:49:10

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, August 30.

  • Dane County announces a major investment into a new permanent men’s shelter…
  • Labor Day is around the corner, and we look at what’s happening at this year’s Laborfest…
  • A state finance committee holds up funding for arts organizations until the last minute…
  • And in the second half, we examine how community groups are organizing for abortion access, learn just how birds fly, and get ready for our next trip to the moon.
Aug 31, 2022
Injuries From Drunk Driving Rise 41% In First Half Of 2022
0:47:26

This is your WORT local news for Monday, August 29.

  • Injuries from drunk driving accidents are on the rise in Dane County,
  • A program at the Madison Public Library is looking for underrepresented stories, and wants you to be the storyteller,
  • And in the second half, the anniversary of a major coal workers strike, what student loan relief means in Wisconsin, and two new movie reviews.

Aug 30, 2022
UW Health Nurses Vote To Strike If Union Is Not Recognized
0:54:17

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, August 25.

  • Nurses at U-W Health plan to strike, 
  • A new report finds Wisconsin leads the nation in proposals to overhaul elections, 
  • We look into why Wisconsin is facing a public defenders staffing crisis,
  • And in the second half, being a father in prison, trout come to Dane County, and a trip to an Amish fair.

Aug 26, 2022
Criminal Defense Lawyers Sue State’s Public Defender Board Over Lack Of Public Defenders
0:49:12

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, August 24.

  • A group of criminal defense lawyers are suing the state of Wisconsin over the state’s lack of public defenders,
  • Top state Democrats are calling on Republicans to act on money the state won in a massive opioid settlement,
  • UW Madison ranks last in sustainability compared to other universities, and they are working to make the campus more eco-friendly,
  • And in the second half, the culture behind waterfalls, a decade of eventful summers in Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Aug 25, 2022
Meet The Candidates For Madison’s First Independent Police Monitor
0:47:51

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, August 23.

  • Madison's police oversight board announces four candidates for the city's first Independent Police Monitor…
  • We look back at the Kenosha protests after two years...
  • And in the second half, we learn how far electric cars can really go, watch chipmunks attack bird feeders, and take a trip inside a neutron star.

Aug 24, 2022
Why Not Concrete?
0:49:30

This is your WORT local news for Monday, August 22.

  • Eco-friendly concrete hits the road to try and cut down on carbon emissions,
  • A new group aims at connecting the Latino community with green energy production,
  • Congressman Mark Pocan on the Inflation Reduction Act,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, the difference between apples and crabapples, and two new movie reviews.

Aug 23, 2022
To Madison’s Gay Community, Risk Of Monkeypox Goes Beyond Just The Virus
0:48:46

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, August 18.

  • We look at how Monkeypox is creating a new stigma for the LGBTQ community,
  • Madison’s first electric buses hit a major snag in the road,
  • And in the second half, records from quasi-governments, muskies make their way to Madison, and hoarding on Hippie Christmas.

Aug 19, 2022
Dane County Seeks Consultant To Update Plan To Address Homelessness
0:49:53

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, August 17.

  • Madison officials release new stats on public safety, showing that Madison is getting safer,
  • The city is working to hire a consultant to update the city’s homelessness prevention plan,
  • A new Marquette Law Poll shows a tight race for the Governor’s mansion,
  • And in the second half, pontoon tours of Mendota, shriners come to Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Aug 18, 2022
“What’s Good For Birds Is Good For Wisconsin,” Judge Rules Madison Ordinance Requiring Bird-Safe Glass Is Legal
0:48:00

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, August 16.

  • A Dane County judge rules Madison’s ordinance requiring bird-safe glass can stand…
  • A national newspaper chain lays off local reporters in Wisconsin and across the country…
  • Long-term care providers face a major staffing crisis…
  • And in the second half, the dos and don’ts of moving day in Madison, a mustachioed bird flies into town, and the mystery of a dimming star.

Aug 17, 2022
Of lilacs and Macbeth
0:48:33

Here's what's on your local news for August 15, 2022:

  • The mayor quotes Macbeth to celebrate the end of a long-running election investigation,

  • A new proposal for a new Dane County Jail takes the stage this week,

  • We take a trip down to the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens, and smell some lilacs, 

  • Plus, we get the scoop on local government meetings for the week ahead.
Aug 15, 2022
What To Know About Monkeypox In Madison
0:47:43

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, August 11.

  • We get an update on the current state of Monkeypox here in Dane County,
  • We look at what makes three southeastern Wisconsin counties so important in Wisconsin elections,
  • And in the second half, a conversation with a corrections officer, horse-powered ice cream, and our new feature heads to the lake to search for some fish.

Aug 12, 2022
Tim Michels Wins Republican Primary, Solidifying Trump’s Influence In Wisconsin
0:49:24

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, August 10.

  • We recap last night’s primary election - which saw Tim Michels take home the Republican nomination for Governor, 
  • And also saw Assembly Speaker Robin Vos struggle with a surprisingly tight race to keep his job,
  • And in the second half, things get rocky in Fountain City, a city dance leads to flaring racial tensions in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Aug 11, 2022
Talking With The Voters: 2022 Fall Primary
0:48:26

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, August 9.

  • We head to the polls to talk with voters about today’s primary…
  • We speak with a former Dane County judge investigating allegations at the Henry Vilas Zoo…
  • And in the second half, Our Faith Communities explores what it means to be a Christian, Wildlife Weekly explains why cats can be bad for the environment, and Radio Astronomy celebrates the power of curiosity.
Aug 10, 2022
On The Ground At A Waukesha Trump Rally
0:51:26

This is your WORT local news for Monday, August 8.

  • Former President Donald Trump comes to Wisconsin ahead of tomorrow’s primary election,
  • Rural Wisconsin roads are having a hard time keeping up with repairs,
  • Oshkosh Defense runs into hot water when they try and move production out of their namesake city,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, how to deal with burnout, and two new movie reviews.

Aug 09, 2022
Lawsuit Against Wisconsin’s 19th-Century Abortion Ban Moves Forward
0:50:54

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, August 4.

  • UW Madison employees pen an open letter calling for increased COVID protections,
  • We look at what’s going on with Attorney General Kaul’s lawsuit against the state’s abortion ban,
  • The village of Belleville gets into hot water with closed-door meetings over the sale of an old library,
  • And in the second half, Madison is facing a vet shortage, Gableman’s legal fees begin to add up, and a look back at racial tensions in 1960s Milwaukee

Aug 05, 2022
Residents On Madison’s Southwest Side Upset Over Adult Store In Neighborhood
0:56:05

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, August 3.

  • Disability Pride returns to Madison after a hiatus from the pandemic,
  • Union leaders gather in Madison to call for Congress to address inflation,
  • Protesters gather in Racine to call for the arrest of a man who admitted to committing voter fraud,
  • And in the second half, stargazing at Donald Park, an early iteration of the Civilian Police Oversight Board, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Aug 04, 2022
New Plan For Dane County Jail Released As Jail Residents Are Moved To Surrounding Counties
0:49:08

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, August 2.

  • The Dane County Jail may be getting a new plan more in line with its original budget…
  • We talk to Tim Ramthun, a Republican candidate for governor, about why he wants to change Wisconsin's 2020 electoral votes…
  • And in the second half, the Big Ten is expanding, invasive birds cause issues for native species, and debates heat up over how dense the universe really is.

Aug 03, 2022
On pints and politicians
0:47:11

Here's your local news for Monday, August 1:

  • Our producer travels to a "Pints and Politics" GOP event with frontrunners Rebecca Kleefisch and Tim Michels,

  • A decision on Madison's first Independent Police Monitor could be coming down the pipeline this month — after two years of searching,

  • Our Faith Communities heads to a local Catholic church to sit in on a sermon,

  • The Past Isn’t Past takes a trip to Disneyland to look back and when Yippies took over the park, and more.
Aug 01, 2022
Spoiled Ballots and Fake Electors
0:53:42

Here's your local news for Thursday, July 28:

  • A coalition steps up its push to demand that the Dane County DA investigate a Republican false elector scheme,

  • Voted for a candidate who's since dropped out? Here's how to spoil your ballot,

  • COVID-19 protections for thousands of migrant farmworkers expire today as the peak of the agricultural season begins,

  • We continue our series of interviews with Republican candidates for governor,

  • One woman's unique (and topless) protest for reproductive rights and nipple equality,

  • Plus, OuttaDeeBox speaks with EXPO organizer Carle Fields and Radio Chipstone learns how to save cash as you're learning to sew.
Jul 28, 2022
Voters With Disabilities File Lawsuit Over Absentee Ballot Return
0:49:36

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, July 27.

  • Wisconsin residents with disabilities file a lawsuit against the state Elections Commission over absentee ballots,
  • State election officials are looking to educate voters ahead of the fall general election,
  • A new series from Wisconsin Watch highlights food insecurity in Wisconsin,
  • And in the second half, goats graze in Madison parks, twin tragedies in 19-60s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Jul 28, 2022
Concerns Of Madison Bikers On Shared-Use Paths
0:48:07

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, July 26.

  • Madison's health department is helping to fund violence prevention programs…
  • Madison residents put on their helmets and butt heads over bike speeds…
  • And in the second half, we kick off our fall 20-22 election coverage, explain why a little bird is so controversial, and tune in to galactic radio relics.

Jul 27, 2022
New Lawsuit Seeks Damages For PFAS Contamination
0:50:11

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, July 21.

  • More on yesterday’s big lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers, 
  • A new proposal could give you more time to learn about city business, 
  • We take a trip to the Dane County Fair, 
  • And we talk open records, meet Madison’s first Youth Poet Laureate, and explore the power of kitsch in the second half of the show.

Jul 22, 2022
Joint Committee Throws Out Rule Authorizing Elections Clerks To Fix Absentee Ballot Errors
0:51:41

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, July 20.

  • State lawmakers strike down an emergency rule authorizing election officials to fix errors on absentee ballots,
  • Madison leaders approve a new low-incoming housing project , 
  • A new Marquette Law Poll shows support for the US Supreme Court is dwindling, 
  • And in the second half, a trip to the putting green, a ride-along in the city’s CARES van, and tense debate of riot gear in 1960s Madison.

Jul 21, 2022
CARES Program Adds Second Team And Second Location On West Side
0:49:08

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, July 19,

  • Madison's alternative first-responder program expands… 
  • A judge bans all recordings of a high profile Madison murder trial…
  • And in the second half, a Sauk City musician emerges triumphant from the pandemic, eagles get caught in fishing line, and the James Webb telescope continues capturing amazing images.

Jul 20, 2022
Democratic U.S. Senate Candidates Debate In Milwaukee
0:49:59

This is your WORT local news for Monday, July 18.

  • Democratic candidates for U-S Senate vie ahead of next month’s primary, 
  • Dane County looks to extend an unhoused hotel program, 
  • Pink Out Week aims to raise funds for reproductive health resources through food,
  • And in the second half, this week in city and county meetings, environmentally sustainable forestry, and two new movie reviews.

Jul 19, 2022
Reproductive Health Gets a Local Boost
0:50:55

Here's what's on your local evening news for Thursday, July 14, 2022:

  • Community Pharmacy is distributing free fentanyl testing kits to fight drug overdoses in Dane County,

  • Public Health Madison Dane County is expanding reproductive health resources, and will begin offering IUDs,

  • The underreported Supreme Court decision in Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta could undermine tribal sovereignty for the Menominee Nation,

  • Isthmus editor-in-chief Judy Davidoff tells us about her embedded reporting following one woman's trip to Illinois for abortion care,

  • Families of victims of gun violence share their story,

  • Outtadeebox speaks with entrepreneur J-Ball about his journey from foster care, to prison, and finally to businessman,

  • And Radio Chipstone takes stock of an inherited sewing machine and accompanying gadgets.
Jul 14, 2022
State Dems Mobilize Voters After The Fall Of Roe
0:48:56

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, July 13.

  • Top state Democrats rally around abortion access ahead of the state primary election,
  • Two Democratic Senate candidates voice their concern about being left out of a debate,
  • A reproductive health clinic in Rockford gets ready to take on Wisconsin residents,
  • And in the second half, a ride on a weed-eating machine, The Beach Boys and hot rods in 1964 Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Jul 14, 2022
Abortion Ban Complicates Access To Other Medications
0:52:32

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, July 12.

  • State and local officials react to the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling banning absentee ballot boxes…
  • Patients struggle to find medications they need because it could be used to perform an abortion…
  • Healthcare workers and nonprofit employees have a chance at student loan forgiveness… 
  • And in the second half, Much Ado About Nothing comes to Madison, the Humane Society's Animal Rehab Center has a busy year, and the first images from the James Webb Telescope are revealed.

Jul 13, 2022
State Supreme Court Rules Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes Illegal
0:47:39

This is your WORT local news for Monday, July 11.

  • The state Supreme Court issues several big rulings, 
  • New flex lanes are coming to the beltline to help alleviate congestion during rush hour,
  • And in the second half, we get the week in city and county meetings, plus working from home, and two new movie reviews.

Jul 12, 2022
PSC Member Not Compelled To Turn Over Private Phone Records
0:50:41

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, July 7.

  • The state Supreme Court makes an important ruling on the Cardinal-Hickory Creek line,
  • A new report links school spending in Wisconsin to the state’s tax burden,
  • The Rape Crisis Center opens a new service in the wake of the overturning of Roe,
  • And in the second half, a state supreme court decision on open records, a conversation with a local Buddhist leader, and a trip to the thrift store.

Jul 08, 2022
Healthcare Workers Share Mental Health, Staffing Struggles At Dane County Hearing
0:51:54

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, July 6.

  • The Supreme Court rules on additional legal protections for sex trafficking victims,
  • Local healthcare workers share their stories, and help explain why Dane County has a shortage of healthcare workers,
  • City officials hold a press conference to discuss the Highland Park shooter’s intentions when he fled to Madison,
  • And in the second half, the highest hill in Rock County, 1960s auditorium drama, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Jul 07, 2022
Henry Vilas Zoo Issued Two USDA Animal Welfare Act Violations
0:49:51

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, July 5.

  • The Henry Vilas Zoo gets two federal violations for incidents regarding capybaras…
  • The city of Madison holds a listening session to discuss the status of Well 15…
  • A Madison apartment building isn’t allowing its tenants to use window air conditioners…
  • And in the second half, we explore vegan dining options at U-W Madison, keep pests away with killdeer, and bend light across the universe.

Jul 06, 2022
35 Years Later, Wisconsin’s Act 292 Law Is Still On The Books
0:50:48

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, June 30.

  • We examine a little-known state law that can detain pregnant women, 
  • The US Supreme Court threatens environmental standards,
  • Tibetan Buddhists hold service just outside of Madison,
  • And in the second half, how spending 28 years in prison can teach us to be more understanding, a celebration of Black Art at Madison’s Central Library, and the bane of all craftspeople.

Jul 01, 2022
Willy Street Treasure Shop Crash Renews Calls For Action
0:54:17

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, June 29.

  • The state’s high court rules that Fred Prehn does not need to step down from the DNR board, 
  • We break down why so many crashes seem to happen on Willy Street,
  • We talk with the group POWERS on navigating a post-Roe world,
  • And in the second half, a round up of all the firework displays this weekend in Dane County, political action on July 4th in the 1960s, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Jun 30, 2022
AG Kaul Files Legal Challenge Against Wisconsin’s Abortion Ban
0:48:15

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, June 28.

  • Top Democrats file a lawsuit to nullify Wisconsin’s abortion ban,  
  • An OBGYN shares how her job has changed since the overturning of Roe v Wade…
  • And in the second half, we explore how L-G-B-T-Q rights have evolved in Wisconsin over 40 years, watch orioles fill the skies, and track quantum particles in space.

Jun 29, 2022
US Supreme Court Overturns Roe V Wade
0:50:17

This is your WORT local news for Monday, June 27.

  • We round up the latest fallout from the Supreme Court’s stripping of constitutional right to privacy and abortion, 
  • We round up resources for people who may be left in the lurch, 
  • And we get the latest in local meetings and government, explore the evolution of music marketing, and review two new movies.

Jun 28, 2022
Three Wisconsin Coal Power Plants To Close Years Later Than Anticipated
0:50:18

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, June 23.

  • Two Wisconsin energy companies double back on their promise to close their coal power plants for the moment,
  • The Madison Water Utilities release their yearly water quality report,
  • Madison alders resurrect a ban on the use of tear gas and pepper spray for police officers,
  • And in the second half, open records and investigations, a permanent Streatery program, and how to pick a sewing pattern.

Jun 24, 2022
Special Session On Abortion Lasts Only 14 Seconds
0:50:07

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, June 22.

  • A busy day at the state capitol, as state lawmakers hold a special session to decide the fate of abortion access in Wisconsin,
  • Paddlers ride down the Rock River in celebration of a 1,200 year old canoe
  • How Illinois is preparing to care for Wisconsinites with the fall of Roe,
  • And in the second half, a rock and roll karate match, tragedy at the Henry Vilas Zoo in the 1960s, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Jun 23, 2022
City Launches New Guaranteed Income Pilot Program
0:47:19

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, June 21.

  • UW students hold a rally to call out anti-Asian hate on campus,
  • Musicians gather around Madison to make the city a bit more musical,
  • The city introduces a new program for no strings attached guaranteed income 
  • And in the second half, a new play looks to rewrite history, birds beat the heat, and we get sucked into a beginner’s guide to black holes.

Jun 22, 2022
A Look Inside The Outdated Dane County Jail
0:48:02

This is your WORT local news for Monday, June 20.

  • Madison comes out to celebrate Juneteenth, even as the state trails in formally recognizing the holiday,
  • We travel inside the 1950’s-era Dane County Jail,
  • And in the second half, we preview local government meetings, look at corporate rainbow washing during Pride month, and get the scoop on two new movies.

Jun 21, 2022
Dane County Sues DNR Over PFAS Regulations For Storm Water Permit
0:49:41

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, June 16.

  • Dane County sues the state over PFAS testing, 
  • UW-Madison students organize against an alleged assault near campus, 
  • We learn what the new health advisories from the EPA on PFAS contamination in water mean for both scientists and regular citizens,
  • And in the second half, an incarcerated person gives their insights on life, what makes sour beers so sour, and a father’s day celebration.

Jun 17, 2022
Veterans Housing Complex Celebrates Grand Opening
0:49:14

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, June 15.

  • A new health advisory for PFAS chemicals sits well below some Madison’s wells,
  • A new veterans-focused housing development comes to the east side, 
  • Wisconsin towns are tightening their budgets,
  • And in the second half, a chill history of an outdoor staple, controversy over a school name in the 1960s, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Jun 16, 2022
Massive Storm Leave Over 17,000 Madison Residents Without Power
0:47:02

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, June 14.

  • Yesterday’s storms caused widespread damage across Madison, just in advance of a major heatwave…
  • A new film screening at Sun Prairie Public Library shares the stories of unhoused families in Dane County…
  • And in the second half, a Wisconsin musician reflects on their triumphant return to live music, two long-time radio hosts celebrate their retirement, and solar eclipses continue to illuminate our understanding of space.

Jun 15, 2022
Downed power lines and tree-scattered roads
0:48:57

Here's your local news for Monday, June 13, 2022:

  • A storm takes out power for much of south-central Wisconsin, 
  • There's more wild weather in store tomorrow,  
  • Students rally for gun reform, 
  • Plus we take a journey across time and space via canoe, review beauty standards, and get the scoop on two new movies.
Jun 13, 2022
Fiber Arts Store Targeted By “Trans-A-Phobic” Activist
0:49:16

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, June 9.

  • The Dane County Board of Supervisors and area students call on congressional leaders to take action on gun violence,
  • A Madison yarn shop pushes back on anti-transgender vandalism, 
  • Madison schools struggle to get enough food for school lunches due to supply chain issues,
  • And in the second half, a crash course in food and beer pairing, the Wisconsin Transparency Project wins big, and we learn to get back into sewing.

Jun 10, 2022
Madison Common Council Votes To Adopt Metro Network Redesign Plan
0:48:39

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, June 8.

  • The Madison Common Council votes to adopt transit changes in yet another packed meeting,
  • Governor Tony Evers calls a special session for action on abortion access,
  • A small town in Wisconsin becomes the center of a nation-wide media storm,
  • And in the second half, a trip on the Lake Monona Bike Loop, part two of our memorial to those who died in the Vietnam war, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Jun 09, 2022
Madison Common Council To Vote For Truth And Reconciliation Process For City Of Madison
0:43:59

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, June 7.

  • A local artist roasts a project to paint fire hydrants in Monona…
  • It’s Madison Bike Week, and we talk with cyclists around town about why they bike…
  • A new city workgroup aims to address racial disparities in Madison…
  • And in the second half, U-W Madison goes on summer break, we learn what the Dane County Humane Society is up to, and tune into some deep space radio signals.

Jun 08, 2022
Dane County Board Orders Independent Investigation Of Henry Vilas Zoo

This is your WORT local news for Monday, June 6.

  • The Dane County Board of Supervisors vote to hold an external investigation into the management of Henry Vilas Zoo,
  •  The Great Wisconsin Bird-a-thon is just flying by, 
  •  And in the second half, all the meetings happening around the city and county this week, a social media graveyard, and two new movie reviews.

Jun 07, 2022
Construction At Dane County Airport Leads To Planes Flying Over Isthmus

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, June 2.

  •  Planes are rerouting to fly over downtown Madison until airport construction finishes,
  • Madison residents continue to be divided over the Metro Transit Network Redesign,
  • And in the second half, we find out the most important ingredient in every beer, our newest feature talking with currently or formerly incarcerated people, and memories from the U-W Campus.

Jun 03, 2022
Madison Teachers Walk Out Over Proposed School District Budget, Wages
0:51:22

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, June 1.

  • A Dane County Judge throws his hat in the ring to become Wisconsin’s next Supreme Court Justice,
  • One of Madison’s beaches hopes to avoid closure this summer from toxic algae blooms,
  • Faculty and staff at Madison’s East High School walk out over teacher’s wages,
  • And in the second half, we head to a rock in a house, we continue our report on a local mosque, and we remember those who died in Vietnam from 1960s Madison.

Jun 02, 2022
Royal Thai Pavilion Repair Nearly Underway
0:48:58

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, May 31.

  • Madison is considering ways to reduce light pollution..
  • The Royal Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Botanical Gardens is getting ready for major repairs…
  • Employees at the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Officer say their workplace is toxic…
  • And in the second half, we visit Madison's Madinah Mosque, duck from dive-bombing blackbirds and take the measure of marsquakes.

Jun 01, 2022
How are the record shops doing?
0:48:06

Here's your local evening news for Thursday, May 26:

  • Voting rights advocates say a case before the Wisconsin Supreme Court could have serious implications for disabled Wisconsinites,
  • Record shops are adapting to changing sales, trends, and locations,
  • Ella's Deli may be gone, but the colorful whimsy returns in the form of a new mural,
  • And we get the recap on the GOP convention last weekend, explore what makes a malt beer malty, and learn more about open records when it comes to government subcontractors.
May 26, 2022
How to cope
0:47:27

Here's your local news for Wednesday, May 25:

  • Area educators tell us how they're speaking to students about the shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde,
  • The Madison city council moves to streamline historic preservation rules,
  • A report shows Wisconsin hospitals cost insurers some of the highest rates in the nation,
  • And we travel to Apple River Canyon in northern Illinois.
May 25, 2022
Quality assurance testers at Raven Software make history
0:52:01

Here's your local news for Tuesday, May 24:

  • Madison teachers push for better pay,
  • An anti-circumcision group comes to town,
  • And we check in with a local government reporter on the historic unionization of quality assurance testers at Raven Software.
May 24, 2022
How a retired hypnotherapist helped fuel a far-right complaint in Wisconsin
0:57:57

Here's what's on your local evening news:

  • Why Madison is practicing "Low Mow May" in an effort to help the pollinators,
  • We dive deep into the local risks of ransomware,
  • And how a complaint from retired hypnotherapist Jay Stone helped fuel the hunt for election fraud in Wisconsin.
May 23, 2022
UW-Madison Study Says 50 Thousand Lives Per Year Can Be Saved By Reducing Air Pollutants Emission
0:50:00

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, May 19.

  • A new study quantifies the health effects of air pollutants, 
  • A downtown Madison courtyard is scheduled for a makeover, 
  • Isthmus on WORT brings an update on an ongoing effort to save the birds, 
  • and Fermenting WORT talks the state of the brewing industry with a Milwaukee brewing company,
May 20, 2022
New Jail Price Tag Rises Once Again
0:49:16

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, May 18.

  • A new report details how schools across the state have spent federal pandemic aid,
  • Inflation causes the new Dane County Jail to rise in price once again,
  • Milk Banks offer families struggling to find baby formula a unique way of feeding their children,
  • And in the second half, college students rally over buses in 1967, our newest feature heads to Indian Lake County Park, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

May 19, 2022
Stores Struggle To Find Baby Formula Amidst Shortage
0:48:19

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, May 17.

  • UW Madison introduces its new chancellor, and Republican lawmakers are not happy,
  • We examine how baby formula shortages are affecting Madison,
  • As COVID cases climb once again, we ask what the summer may bring for the pandemic,
  • And in the second half, we revisit an award-winning story about watches, spot bird nests in peculiar places, and gaze into the black hole at the center of our galaxy.

May 18, 2022
City To Offer Loans To Homeowners To Help Build Granny Flats
0:49:58

This is your WORT local news for Monday, May 16.

  • The city is offering homeowners loans to help build “granny flats” around Madison,
  • Indigenous people in Wisconsin fight against the Enbridge pipeline, saying it will disrupt agriculture,
  • The sale of part of the Yahara Golf Course could mean bigger things for the city’s other golf courses,
  • And in the second half, state lawmakers speak out about abortion access, generational trauma in movies, and two new movie reviews.

May 17, 2022
Staying Cool At Madison Public Parks
0:48:06

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, May 12.

  • Madison resident’s get out and enjoy the heatwave hitting the state,
  • The Madison Common Council has a summer filled with some major shakeups,
  • And in the second half,we learn how bacteria creates alcohol in our beer, we find out who’s really in charge, and we head to a fashion show to learn how clothing can bring out other passions.
May 13, 2022
Federal Judges Block Cardinal Hickory Creek From Crossing Wildlife Refuge
0:50:54

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, May 11.

  • The Madison Common Council discuss trains, golf courses, medians, and more at last night’s meeting,
  • A panel of federal judges refuse to allow the Cardinal Hickory Creek Power Line to be routed through federally protected land,
  • And in the second half, Wisconsin’s walleye population is on the decline, a bongo party is raided by police in 1960s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

May 12, 2022
Madison Preps To Assist With Gun Reform Litigation
0:50:00

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, May 10.

  • Madison gets ready to help litigation to curb gun violence…
  • Southern Wisconsin is under a tornado watch, and the rest of your evening weather forecast…
  • The union representing Madison’s teachers is suing the school district over records requests…
  • And in the second half, another spring semester winds down at U-W, an orphan gosling finds a new home, and interstellar rayguns light up the cosmos.

May 11, 2022
Pro-Choice Supporters Rally; Anti-Abortion Group Attacked Over Weekend
0:50:28

This is you WORT local news for Monday, May 9.

  • A pro-abortion rights protest and bombing an anti-abortion group marked some more fallout over the leaked Supreme Court decision, 
  • A local scientist was integral to the latest global climate change report, and tells us to not lose hope, 
  • We get an update on the sentencing of Kenyairra Gadson, 
  • And in the second half, we preview local government meetings, review two new movies, and re-play a feature that won a statewide award this weekend. 

May 10, 2022
Advocating For Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women At The State Capitol
0:50:52

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, May 5.

  • The city plans to convert around 100 planted medians to concrete and turf grass,
  • Activists gather at the state capitol for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Day,
  • Our newest feature provides a portrait of one local religious institution,
  • And in the second half, the dramatic history of pilsners, intersectionality between race and mental health, and how we process art created by enslaved craftspeople.

May 06, 2022
Dane County Files Lawsuit For PFAS Damages
0:50:38

This is your WORT local news for Wednesday, May 4.

  • Protests gather at the state capitol in response to the potential overturning of Roe v Wade,
  • Dane County is suing manufacturers of PFAS-laden firefighting foam,
  • The city works to cut their food waste in half by 2030 with a new composting program,
  • And in the second half: the difficulty of trying to truly silence our computers, drama over Truax Field in 1962, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.
May 05, 2022
State And Local Lawmakers React To SCOTUS Apparent Intent To Overturn Roe V Wade
0:49:28

This is your WORT local news for Tuesday, May 3.

  • State and local lawmakers react to the news that the US Supreme Court intends to overturn Roe v Wade,
  • Wisconsin Starbucks workers hold a rally to drum up support for unionization,
  • And in the second half, we consider skateboarding on the UW campus and what to do if you hit an animal with your car.
May 04, 2022
“United We Stand, We The People” Rally Calls For Robin Vos To Step Down
0:49:57

This is your WORT local news for Monday, May 2.

  • East High School students stage a walkout in support of immigration reform,
  • Wisconsin renters continue to struggle finding housing after two years of the pandemic,
  • The new Dane County Board chair supports an investigation into the Henry Vilas Zoo,
  • And in the second half, we look at all the meetings happening around Madison and Dane County this week, a “Stop the Steal” rally takes place at the state capitol, and two new movie reviews.
May 03, 2022
Teachers’ Union “Disappointed” In Next Budget’s Low Wage Increase
0:51:00

This is your local news for April 28.

  • Madison’s teachers union is disappointed with the small wage increase proposed in MMSD’s next budget,
  • A group of YIMBYs push for more housing around Madison and fight against urban sprawl,
  • And in the second half, how much open government other states have, a trip to the funk factory, and how to deal with problematic art.

Apr 29, 2022
Kinnard Farms Asks DNR To Review Groundwater Monitoring Mandate On Farm
0:50:28

This is your local news for April 27.

  • A farm in northeastern Wisconsin is suing the state DNR to get out of groundwater testing,
  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens has a smelly visitor coming in the next week,
  • The newest Marquette Law School Poll breaks down how people are feeling about this November’s election,
  • And in the second half, we protect our cranes, a bleak report on Atwood Avenue from 19-67, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.
Apr 28, 2022
City Could Drop “Quota” From Police Oversight Board, Settling Lawsuit
0:49:23

Here's your local news for April 26:

  • The City of Madison could drop the "quota" from the Police Oversight Board,
  • The family of Quadren Wilson continue to ask for answers,
  • The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness launches a program to lower Black infant mortality rates,
  • And in the second half, we share a roundup of U-W student government elections, get to know a tiny visitor to the wildlife rehabilitation center, and celebrate the work of amateur astronomers.
Apr 27, 2022
Progress Center For Black Women Begin New Incubator Program
0:50:12

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, April 25. On todays show, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress makes the results of their 2022 Spring Hearing available to all, Governor Tony Evers creates the new Office of Environmental Justice for Earth Day, The Progress Center for Black Women launches a new program to help connect Black entrepreneurs, and in the second half, this week in city meetings, a trip to the drive in, and a Nic Cage celebration with two movie reviews.

Apr 26, 2022
The Sewing Machine Project: Mending Everything But Broken Hearts
0:48:39

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, April 21. On todays show, a group of sewing experts lend a needle to anybody in need of mending, a Mount Pleasant resident is sued by village officials, our student reporter dives into parking issues on the west side, and in the second half, we take a trip to Door County Brewing Company, and the state G-O-P convention comes to Dane County.

Apr 22, 2022
A 420 Miracle: A Cannabis Bill Finally Gets A Public Hearing
1:01:53

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, April 20. On todays show, the Madison Common Council holds a marathon meeting, with the public giving hours of public comment, a bill to legalize medical marijuana in Wisconsin gets a public hearing, a county in central Wisconsin votes to dissolve its diversity commission, and in the second half, student rocket scientists, urban renewal in 19-60s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Apr 20, 2022
Life Of Brine: Better For Roads
0:49:05

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, April 19. On todays show, the Wisconsin Attorney General's office provides an update on its ongoing investigation of clergy abuse, a new report details a better way to treat roads during winter, we explore how Wisconsin has used federal pandemic aid compared to other states, and in the second half, the show investigates why there are very few Indigenous students at U-W Madison, rehabilitates an unusual amphibious creature and gaze upon the largest recorded comet as it gets ready to pass Earth.

Apr 20, 2022
Treatment Plan Could Be Coming For Well 15
0:48:27

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, April 18. On todays show, Madison city officials move to begin PFAS treatment at Well 15, Madison’s Police Chief weighs in on body cameras before the city council votes on them tomorrow nights, and in the second half, new County Board members, a trip to the video store, and two new movie reviews.

Apr 19, 2022
Judge Rules DNR Cannot Force PFAS Cleanup
0:49:05

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, April 14. On todays show, Madison’s Bus Rapid Transit gets more federal funding and inches closer to reality, Wisconsin construction workers aren’t getting paid a livable wage, a court ruling says the DNR cannot enforce cleanups of PFAS contaminations. And in the second half, how much a piece of paper really costs, the newest trend in beer, and bodybuilding artists.

Apr 15, 2022
State Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument Over Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes
0:51:08

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, April 13. On todays show, a new investigation shows numerous wrongful allegations of child abuse both in Wisconsin and across the county, why the city is implementing a new recycling fee, and a new podcast explores the way prosecutors operate across the state of Wisconsin. And in the second half, the state supreme court hears oral arguments on absentee ballot drop-boxes, the Daily Cardinal calls for answers on Vietnam in the 19-60s, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Apr 14, 2022
Dane County Jail Extends Opioid Treatment Options
0:48:47

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, April 11. On todays show, federal COVID-19 vaccine funding is running out, so how does distribution work now? The Dane County Jail announced a program to help fight opioid addiction, there's a new spelling bee champion, the state's Conservation Congress is right around the corner, and we have an up-to-date weather forecast. 

Apr 13, 2022
Black Business Hub Holds Groundbreaking Event On South Park Street
0:50:06

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, April 11. On todays show, Governor Tony Evers joins local leaders for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Black Business Hub, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos hands over thousands of emails related to the 20-20 presidential election investigation, and public transportation ridership numbers steeply drop after the first years of the pandemic. And in the second half, how we deal with burnout, a local fishing tackle shop gets new owners, and two movie reviews.

Apr 12, 2022
New State Report Suggests Ways to Combat Opioid Epidemic
0:50:07

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, April 7. On todays show, a new report outlines strategies to combat the opioid epidemic, the ACLU of Wisconsin opens a records request from the Waukesha School District, and in the second half, furries at Waunakee High School, the best beers for the Easter season, and the hidden meaning behind abandoned houses.

Apr 08, 2022
The Winners And Losers In Last Night’s Spring Election
0:48:44

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, April 6. On todays show, election day was yesterday, and we’ll take a look through all of the results, two counties in western Wisconsin vote to voice their support for clean water throughout the region, and in the second half, we take a trip to the geology museum; how Madison processed the death of Martin Luther King Jr; and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Apr 07, 2022
WORT Talks With The Voters
0:49:39

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, April 5. On todays show, it's Election Day, and there are still a couple of hours left to vote, we hear about Madison's latest weather forecast, and, a proposed city-county Homeless Bill of Rights aims to improve the condition and dignity of people without permanent shelter.

Apr 06, 2022
Palmyra Residents Concerned Over Handling Of Avian Flu Outbreak At Local Farm
0:50:57

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, April 4th. On todays show, Jefferson County residents voice concern about birds with avian flu, environmental activists are pushing to move away from using ethanol as a fuel source, school board races across the state get bombarded with ultra-conservative candidates, and in the second half, a visit to a local arcade, this week in city government, and two new movie reviews.

Apr 05, 2022
CARES Program Expands City-Wide
0:50:34

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, March 31. On todays show, we go to Waunakee for the final batch of candidates running for a seat on the Dane County Board, the Madison CARES program expands to offer services city-wide, and in the second half, what information we can get from the government about elections, what goats have to do with beer, and what does looming have to do with meditation.

Apr 01, 2022
Madison Starbucks Fights To Unionize
0:50:41

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, March 30. On todays show, we break down the newest Marquette Law School poll and learn what people think of Katanji Brown-Jackson, we continue our election coverage with a trip to McFarland to learn more about the candidates running for Dane County Board, a Madison Starbucks becomes the third in the state to try and form a union, and in the second half, how the state profits from the current housing market, Madison officials in the 19-60s fight against counter culture, and your weekly weather forecast.

Mar 31, 2022
The Race For Dane County Board Of Supervisors District 37
0:49:39

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, March 29th. On todays show, a legal aid group is working to make eviction notices not stay on your record for decades, we go to southeast Dane County to check out another supervisor race in the spring election, a western Wisconsin high school adds a unique sport to its extracurricular offerings, and in the second half, the Daily Cardinal starts its spring semester’s Action Project, owlets are beginning to hatch, and we travel back in time to the beginning of the universe.

Mar 30, 2022
State DNR Rules Factory Farm In Kewaunee County Must Monitor Groundwater For Pollution
0:49:35

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, March 28th. On todays show, we head to the Village of Cross Plains to continue our 20-22 spring election coverage, Wisconsinites submit a petition to Congress to urge for limits on prescription price gouging, and we learn why environmental activists are celebrating a move to limit the growth of a factory farm in Kewaunee County. And in the second half, we talk with the new Artist in Residence with the city’s Sewerage District, we enter a frivolous internet debate, and two movie reviews.

Mar 29, 2022
Meet The Candidates For Dane County Board Of Supervisors District 20
0:50:25

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, March 24. On todays show, we head to the northeast corner of Dane County to continue our election coverage, Republicans continue to fight the Affordable Care Act 12 years later, the Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center is getting an expansion, and in the second half, we’ll get an update on the Foxconn plant in Mount Pleasant, meet an artist who never gave up embroidery, and unveil our newest feature about beer.

Mar 25, 2022
US Supreme Court Rules Wisconsin Must Redraw Governor Tony Evers’ Maps
0:49:42

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, March 23rd. On todays show, the grandmother of Tony Robinson hopes a little known state law will help her family find justice, two juvenile prison facilities take their final steps before closing for good, and why the U-S Supreme court tossed out Governor Tony Evers redistricting maps, and in the second half, we get the rundown on the newest federal supreme court candidate, 19-60s Madison joins the civil rights movement, and your weekly weather report.

Mar 24, 2022
Mark Pocan Helps Announce Federal Funds For Men’s Homeless Shelter In Madison
0:49:13

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, March 22. On today's show, we continue our spring election coverage with a Board of Supervisors showdown in the southwest corner of Dane County, concerned citizens are speaking out to protect wetlands habitat in Madison, we hear about the role of federal funds in a new, permanent men’s homeless shelter for the city, and in the second half, student employees share their thoughts on the lifting of U-W Madison’s mask mandate, rabbits start hopping into spring, and jellyfish galaxies sprawl across the cosmos.

Mar 23, 2022
Meet The Candidates For Dane County Board Of Supervisors District 31
0:48:09

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, March 21, 2022. On todays show, we head to Oregon to continue our coverage of candidates for the Dane County Board, we hear about a way to help grain farmers become more environmentally and economically sustainable, and we talk to a reporter with an explosive new report about faculty bullying at U-W Madison. And in the second half, a play showcases the Latino-American experience for children, we uncover how celebrities use social media to aid in stalking, and two brand new movie reviews.

Mar 22, 2022
Town Of Madison To Become Part Of City of Madison
0:48:27

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, March 17, 2022. On todays show, we continue our election coverage with a trip to Cottage Grove, what the city of Madison absorbing the town of Madison means for the people who live there, and what a Latvian American sees in the invasion of Ukraine. And in the second half, we attend an award ceremony for transparent governments, what is daylight savings, and how we find comfort in the items of lost loved ones.

Mar 18, 2022
Meet the Candidates for Dane County Board District 24
0:51:22

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, March 16, 2022. On todays show, we meet the candidates in the race for district 24’s Dane County Board of Supervisors, a look at how to vote absentee in the 20-22 spring election, and in the second half, a report details if more money can lead to smarter babies, a jazz performance in 19-60s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Mar 17, 2022
Preliminary Hearing For Quadren Wilson Held
0:49:26

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, March 14. On todays show, a preliminary hearing for Quadren Wilson, concerns over the Enbridge Pipeline, and in the second half, this week in local meetings, plant parents, and two new movie reviews.

Mar 15, 2022
Satya’s Plan For Homeless Shelter Location Could Face Hurdles
0:50:46

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, March 9. On todays show, the city announces a location for a new men’s homeless shelter amid drama, the 2021/2022 legislative session comes to a close, and in the second half, banned films and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Mar 10, 2022
State Supreme Court Hears Arguments For Dane County Mask Mandates
0:49:19

This is your WORT News for Tuesday, March 8, 2022. On todays show, the Wisconsin Supreme Court hears arguments that could affect future mask mandates, Centro Hispano is getting a new building, and in the second half, we consider the latest COVID guidelines at the U-W, the return of the bird flu, and magnetic black holes.

Mar 09, 2022
Report Finds Stark Disparities In Madison Homeownership
0:49:14

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, March 7. On todays show, racial disparities in Madison homeownership grow, state Republicans take redistricting to the U-S Supreme Court, and in the second half, the firebombing of Tokyo, the return of early 2000s fashion, and two new movie reviews.

Mar 08, 2022
Jail Consolidation Project Gets Another New Plan Ahead Of Vote
0:50:46

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, March 3, 2022. On todays show, yet another proposal to consolidate the Dane County Jail…, Madison engineering changes over the years, and in the second half, we look at the role of open records in the Gableman investigation, a review of the musical Hairspray, and how to define cultural appropriation.

Mar 04, 2022
State Supreme Court To Decide If Private Phone Records Can Be Made Public
0:52:06

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, March 2, 2022. On todays show, a open records case makes it to the state Supreme Court, a new library is proposed on Madison’s far east side, and in the second half, an update on the Gableman investigation, protests continue in 19-60s Madison, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Mar 03, 2022
What Are Sanctions, And Why Are They So Significant?
0:48:53

This is your WORT News for Monday, February 28, 2022. On todays show, a bill that would punish college administrators for violating expressive rights, why the sanctions on Russia by leaders across the globe are so significant, and in the second half, this week in city government, baby boomers on tik tok, and two new movie reviews.

Mar 01, 2022
Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett Explains Lack Of Information On Quadren Wilson Investigation
0:48:48

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, February 24, 2022. On todays show, state officials rule against PFAS guidelines, the Dane County Sheriff defends an ongoing investigation, and in the second half, Madison schools pause plans to end certain honors classes, we get a local explainer on Ukraine, and we’ll hear about the folks behind an upcoming pop-up art market.

Feb 25, 2022
Madison Attorney Sues City Over Confederate Rest Removal
0:49:10

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, February 23, 2022. On todays show, a lawsuit to restore confederate monuments, a multi-state power line hits a snag when it can’t cross the Mississippi River, and in the second half, a rally for trans youth, the state of the tribes address, and Vietnam protests in the 19-60s.

Feb 24, 2022
Stagehand Union Working Through Pandemic
0:48:33

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, February 22, 2022. On todays show, a bevy of Republican election bills get fast-tracked in the statehouse, a local theater union has supported backstage workers through the pandemic, a major new development on State Street raises hackles, and in the second half, we learn the latest from the U-W campus, investigate how extreme weather affects wildlife and explore what light can reveal about stars.

Feb 23, 2022
State Democrats Introduce Bill Package To Address Teacher Shortage
0:50:19

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, February 21, 2022. On todays show, state lawmakers introduce new bills to address Wisconsin's teacher shortage, the Dane County Executive calls for more transparency in the shooting of Quadren Wilson, and in the second half, this week in city meetings, olympic scandals, and two new movie reviews.

Feb 22, 2022
Family of Quadren Wilson Hold Press Conference Outside Dane County Jail
0:50:16

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, February 17, 2022. On todays show, the family of Quadren Wilson holds a press conference, access to food aid is being tightened, and demonstrators protest an anti-transgender bill. In the second half of the show… a history of e-recycling, the latest in a Supreme Court case, and fashion from the 18-hundreds.

Feb 18, 2022
Governor Tony Evers Gives State Of The State Address
0:49:58

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, February 16, 2022. On todays show, Governor Evers gives his State of the State address, how one person changes every lightbulb in the state capitol building, and a conversation with the owner of Sugar Shack Records. And in the second half, a new art gallery in McFarland, a 1960s crack down on the Daily Cardinal, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Feb 17, 2022
La Follette Students Stage Walkout In Support Of Quadren Wilson
0:48:26

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, February 15, 2022. On todays show, student stage a walkout at La Follette High, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway discusses ballot dropboxes, Republicans rally at the Capitol to overturn the 20-20 presidential election results, and in the second half, U-W pivots for the next stage of the pandemic, flock with a horde of passerines, and traverse a spider’s web of galaxies.

Feb 16, 2022
Online dating over the generations ❤️
0:47:54

Here's your local news for February 14, 2022—

  • Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett pushes for a new jail,
  • The local face mask mandate is set to expire at the end of the month,
  • A local rental assistance program gets an influx of cash,
  • Wisconsin's wolf hunt is officially canceled,
  • And we look at sensitive crimes, online dating and Valentine's Day, two new movie reviews, and... better know a bureaucrat?

Feb 15, 2022
East High Students Train School On Sexual Violence
0:48:55

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, February 10, 2022. On todays show, tackling the state’s childcare woes, East High students educate the school on sexual assault, Senator Ron Johnson in hot water over Wisconsin jobs, and in the second half, body camera meetings paid for by body camera companies, and the intersection between printmaking and music.

Feb 11, 2022
Family Of Quadren Wilson Hold Press Conference Looking For Answers
0:50:47

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, February 9, 2022. On todays show, a bill to give Republican lawmakers more authority over elections, the family of Quadren Wilson are still looking for answers, and a restrictive abortion bill in the legislature gets a hearing. In the second half, housing in Wisconsin, young lovers fight before Valentines days in the 19-60s, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Feb 10, 2022
Mayor Satya Predicts Madison-Milwaukee Rail
0:47:51

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, February 8, 2022. On today's show, a passenger rail project could be chugging toward Madison, state legislators propose to legalize medical marijuana, again, public policy researchers propose another option for Wisconsin’s budget surplus, and in the second half, we learn about prescribed burns, meet a common winter bird, and find new wonders in space with a technicolor telescope.

Feb 09, 2022
Family, Protestors Demand Justice For Quadren Wilson
0:49:31

This is your WORT News for Monday, February 7, 2022. On todays show, the family of a man shot during an incident with police last week want answers, an over 50 year old time capsule is discovered at a local V-F-W, and in the second half, the hippie riots of the 19-60s, micro-celebrities, and two new movie reviews.

Feb 07, 2022
State DNR Hears Hours Of Public Comment Of Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline
0:46:50

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, February 3, 2022. On todays show, a marathon of public comments on the Enbridge oil pipeline, new legislation looking to curb gun violence, a host of issues in the Madison Metro School District, and in the second half, Transparency Talk looks into our court system, and Radio Chipstone gets an ice boat ride.

Feb 04, 2022
New Bills Would Allow Cities To Sell Parks From Knowles-Nelson Stewardship
0:49:36

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, February 2, 2022. On todays show, new bills would put parkland across the state in jeopardy, Black History Month at the Madison Public Library, and in the second half, how we process death during COVID, we travel 19-62 to see what’s happening in Madison, and your most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Feb 03, 2022
Network Redesign Aims To Create More Equitable Bus Service In Madison
0:49:37

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, February 1, 2022. On todays show, Madison is moving forward with a needed redesign of its bus system, the standards for the city’s historic districts are changing, and in the second half, U-W digs deep on the legacy of M-L-K, sick foxes get needed treatment, and an intermittent anomaly intrigues astronomers.

Feb 02, 2022
Tree Labyrinth Officially Opens Yesterday In Olbrich Park
0:49:30

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, January 31, 2022. On todays show, the path to medical marijuana is Wisconsin, the opening of the tree labyrinth at Olbrich Park, and Madison’s watershed reports are looking for public input. And in the second half, this weeks meetings around Madison, the newest word-based game gripping social media, and two new movie reviews.

Feb 01, 2022
New Bill In State Legislature Would Block Gender Affirming Care For Youth
1:01:54

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, January 27, 2022. On todays show, a bill that aims to block gender-affirming medical care to youth, Wisconsin’s lack of childcare is affecting the workforce, two health care conglomerates in Wisconsin were in court this week, and Radio Chipstone talks printmaking and textiles. 

Jan 27, 2022
Dane County Jail Consolidation Project Continues To Face Barriers
0:49:06

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, January 26, 2022. On todays show, Dane County officials continue to deliberate over a ballooning jail consolidation project, a new Marquette Law School Poll reveals attitudes about abortion access, the US Supreme Court, and much more, we get the scoop on a piece of legislation that could end lifetime prison sentences for youth committed of crimes, and what’s up with the cold?? We’ll have the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves and travel back to Madison in 1967.

Jan 27, 2022
The Madison Reading Project Partners With Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
0:49:17

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, January 25, 2022. On todays show, a country star partners with a local nonprofit, it’s been a busy day for state legislators, efforts are building to replace more lead pipes in Milwaukee, and in the second half, we examine the U-W’s latest pandemic policies, diagnose reptile diseases and gaze upon cows in space.

Jan 26, 2022
Wisconsin Court Of Appeals Allows Absentee Ballot Boxes To Be Used In Spring Primary
0:47:41

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, January 24, 2022. On todays show, absentee ballot drop boxes remain for the spring primary, a new hope for voting rights laws, and the newest report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum. And in the second half, we take a look at this week in city government, remakes and reboots, and two new movie reviews.

Jan 25, 2022
A Marathon Oral Argument at the Wisconsin Supreme Court
1:01:54

Here's your local news for Wednesday, January 19, 2022:

  • It was a day chock-full of political news, including a marathon oral argument hearing over redistricting 
  • A new reporting project looks at how the pandemic has shaped and shifted our new reality, 
  • We hear how local businesses are coping with the Omicron variant, 
  • :And we’ll get the most up to date weather report on the airwaves and travel back to the sixties for a Dr. King visit to UW.

Jan 20, 2022
Silvesterchlausen Rings In The New Year With Food, Drinks And Yodeling
0:49:19

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, January 18, 2022. On todays show, a Swiss winter tradition comes to Wisconsin, whistleblowers call for movement on investigating sexual abuse by clergy, a Waukesha County Court ruling made ballot boxes illegal… for now, and in the second half, we’ll wrap up a primer on U-W student government, detect head injuries in wild animals, and visit a slow dancing exo-planet.

Jan 19, 2022
Nurses Meet With UW Health CEO To Discuss Union
0:49:24

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, January 13, 2022. On today's show, COVID cases in Wisconsin bring in the National Guard, Madison’s loss of an iconic artist, and an update on U-W Health’s nurses attempt to form a union. And in the second half, alcohol deaths in Wisconsin are on the rise, what the heck are NFT’s, and a view into the world of bodybuilding.

Jan 14, 2022
National Guard Holds Public Meeting To Discuss PFAS Cleanup At Truax Field

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, January 12, 2022. On today's show, National Guard officials explain the process of cleaning up PFAS chemicals, Senator Tammy Baldwin speaks with us on a push for voting rights, and in the second half, mushrooms, student sit-ins, and the best weather forecast on the airwaves.

Jan 13, 2022
Madison Board Of Education Approves Additional COVID Sick Leave
0:48:41

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, January 11, 2022. On todays show, Madison teachers are getting more sick leave, a new poll shows how Wisconsites feel about a variety of policy issues, and in the second half, we dive into student government at U-W, endure winter with local wildlife, and hold a funeral for a star.

Jan 12, 2022
Wisconsin Sees Third Straight Day Of Record Covid Numbers
0:47:32

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, January 6, 2022. On todays show, COVID numbers are hitting record highs and impacting hospital and educational capacities, We look at the first year of the Madison civilian oversight board, and in the second half, a look back at the January 6th insurrection, a new years resolution for a more open government, and a historic look at textiles.

Jan 07, 2022
South Madison Plan Officially Adopted By Madison Common Council
0:51:00

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, January 5, 2021. On todays show, the South Madison Plan is officially adopted, Lake Michigan is getting saltier, and a workshop to help you repay federal student loans. And in the second half, Wisconsin taxes are down across the board, we take a look at some U-W Madison news from 19-62, and the best weather forecast on the airwaves.

Jan 06, 2022
Newly Introduced Bill Aims To Take Voting Rights From Convicted Felons
0:48:28

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, January 4, 2022. On todays show, a pair of bills looking to take voted rights from people convicted of felonies, National Radon Action Month begins, and in the second half, student government, owl pellets, and baby planets.

Jan 05, 2022
Madison Metropolitan School District Announces Winter Break Extension
0:48:34

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, January 3, 2022. On today's show, Madison families await information following a delay in back-to-school instruction, meanwhile, one community leader is lessening the burden on parents. And in the second half, we get the week ahead in local government, review two new movies, and count down some of our favorite moments of 20-21.

Jan 04, 2022
Year-In-Review: Transportation
0:53:30

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, December 30, 2021, the final special year-in-review edition. On today's show, we look at transportation issues that effected Madison in 2021, from car crashes to Bus Rapid Transit to bikes. We will return to our normal newscast next week.

Dec 31, 2021
Year in Review: Unhoused Issues
0:53:51

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, December 28, 2021, special year-in-review edition. On today's show, we take a look at  the changing landscape of homelessness in the midst of a pandemic.  We’ll talk tiny homes, Reindahl Park, and city council meetings.

Dec 29, 2021
Year in Review: Water Issues
0:53:02

This is your special "Year-In-Review" edition of WORT Local News for Monday, December 27, 2021. Our volunteers are taking the week off as we look back what has effected Madison in 2021. Today, we look at water issues in Madison, from PFAS to blue-green algea.

Dec 28, 2021
COVID Tests Hard To Find Ahead Of Holidays
0:49:22

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, December 23, 2021. On todays show, the COVID test supply is strained by the holidays, new research measures the salinization of Lake Michigan, and we request police records, look at Wisconsin roads, and learn about the dazzling glow of ever-gleams. 

Dec 24, 2021
Madison Recycler Must Pay 90K For Hazardous Waste Violations
0:49:57

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, December 22, 2021. On todays show, a local lightbulb recycler is ordered to pay fines for violating hazardous waste regulations, a local Christmas tree farmer tells us about the industry, we get the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves, and Madison in the Sixties travels back to December 1967.

Dec 23, 2021
UW Health Nurses Continue to Fight for Union
0:48:52

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, December 21, 2021. On todays show, nurses at U-W Health continue their fight to unionize, we take a look at Dane County's Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, and in the second half, the Daily Cardinal reviews the U-W’s year, we visit critters currently at the Dane County Humane Society, and venture into orbit with a brand new satellite.

Dec 22, 2021
Wisconsin Legislators Introduce Bill To Create Wisconsin Climate Corps
0:48:04

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, December 20, 2021. On todays show, the spring wolf hunt hits a snag, a state bill would create a youth conservation corps, we get an update on a former friary being converted to a lakeside park, and a Gen-Z conspiracy theory turns out to be satire, we get the week ahead in local government, and we review two new movies.

Dec 21, 2021
Paisans Building on West Wilson Closed Due to Safety Concerns for Second Time.
0:49:45

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, December 15, 2021. On today's show, Paisans Restaurant is forced to close once again, Native American voters look to minimize challenges to their ballots, and a look at the hazardous waste industry. And in the second half of the show, how we clean up waste after natural disasters, journey back 1960s women's liberation, and the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Dec 16, 2021
Madison School Board Considers More Sick Leave for Staff with COVID
0:49:02

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, December 14, 2021. On todays show, school staff in Madison are getting additional pandemic support, the U-S Supreme Court declines to hear a challenge to the governor’s media practices, Madison mourns the passing of L-G-B-T-Q civil rights pioneer Dick Wagner…,and in the second half of the show, W-O-R-T visits a popular social media destination for UW students, goes bird-watching with solar panels, and roams the surface of Mars.

Dec 15, 2021
Madison Children’s Museum Hosts Vaccination Clinic
0:48:22

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, December 13, 2021. On todays show, families get vaxxed at the Madison Children’s Museum, a local proposal aims to reduce opioid deaths, we get an update on efforts to combat housing insecurity at Dairy Drive, and we review two new movies, look at gap years over the generations, and take a look back at labor history.

Dec 14, 2021
New Traffic Crash Report Show Total Crashes Down, but Fatal Crashes Up in 2020
0:49:34

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, December 9, 2021. On today's show, a look at some new traffic crash numbers, new technology to help police communicate with the community, and in the second half, Lee Enterprises resists a takeover, open records requests with redistricting, and a trip to the Chazen art museum.

Dec 10, 2021
Bill could standardize rates for prison & jail phone calls
0:47:00

On the WORT Local News for Wednesday, December 8, 2021:

  • We speak with longtime state Senator Jon Erpenbach, who announced he will not be running for re-election next year;
  • A bill unveiled today would standardize phone call rates for people incarcerated in Wisconsin jails and prisons;
  • Artful Encounters speaks with sound artist Nick Hwang;
  • Rob gives us the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves;
  • and Madison in the Sixties recaps the tragic death of Otis Redding in Madison.

All that, and more, in tonight's news. Please excuse any anomalies in today's podcast as we reckon with our prone-to-fail archive system.

Dec 09, 2021
Gableman calls for arrest of Madison mayor
0:48:00

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, December 7, 2021. On today's show, a former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice calls for the jailing of Madison’s mayor, local food pantries are reminding the community that extra help is needed this time of year, the city prepares for the Reindahl Park eviction process, and in the second half of the show, we consider the Badgers football season, spend winter with Wisconsin’s state bird, and visit a galactic neighbor.

Dec 08, 2021
Mary Jo Walters And Shepherd Janeway Compete For Seat On MMSD School Board
0:48:54

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, December 6, 2021. On today's show, we travel to Reindahl Park to get an update, as the window for campers to move out draws to a close, the race for a Madison school board seat lights up online, and we take a look at Wisconsin’s abortion laws, look at the generational shift from mixtapes to playlists, and review two new movies.

Dec 07, 2021
Bill aims to strip parental rights from incarcerated parents
0:46:48

This is your WORT Local News for Thursday, December 2, 2021. On today's show, a bill in the state legislature could remove parental protections for those who are incarcerated, Isthmus on WORT talks a local murder-for-hire scheme, New Domains talks feline photography, and look at an iconic historic Christmas tree.

Dec 03, 2021
Wisconsin Inches Forward Towards PFAS Standards
0:52:26

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, December 1, 2021. On today's show, new regulations for PFAS in water inch forward, we unravel some of the state’s redistricting news we look at the difficulties of remediating other environmental chemicals - including in Madison, and, we head back to Madison in the Sixties and get the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves.

Dec 02, 2021
State Lawmakers Propose Gun Laws A Week After Rittenhouse Trial
0:47:22

This is your WORT Local News for Tuesday, November 30, 2021, On today's show, legislators introduce a pile of gun safety proposals in the statehouse Madison Public Library is hosting a scavenger hunt in city parks, and in the second half of the show, we consider a crowded U-W campus, take flight with Northern Goshawks and visit binary star systems.

Dec 01, 2021
Fashion Designer Virgil Abloh Dies At 41
0:48:36

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, November 29, 2021. On today's show, we remember a famed UW-Madison alum, we get the story on a controversy at Devil’s Lake State Park, we learn about an effort to mitigate contaminated soil using, of all things, mushrooms, and in the second half, Forward Lookout brings us the week ahead in local government, Bridging the Gap looks at the struggle of music rights through generations, and we review two new movies.

Nov 30, 2021
No Thanksgiving Without Immigrants
0:50:30

This is your WORT Local News for Wednesday, November 24, 2021. On todays episode, immigration activists hold an action outside Senator Tammy Baldwin’s office, state lawmakers propose more protections for renters, more legislation seeks to reduce medication mishaps and mix-ups, and we get more on energy news, travel back to the 1960’s, and get the latest weather report.

Nov 25, 2021
Madison Plan Commission cuts red tape for “granny flats”
0:48:26

Here is your WORT local news for Tuesday, November 23, 2021. On today's show, a proposal could add flexibility to building small-dwelling units in Madison, new roadway projects are getting funded thanks to a little something called the MPO, And in the second half of the show, we learn about student housing issues at the U-W, a growing deer population and an astronomical survey.

Nov 24, 2021
Transgender Day of Remembrance
0:47:26

This is your WORT Local News for Monday, November 22, 2021. On today's show, the psychological impact of the Rittenhouse verdict, Trans Day of Remembrance at the Wisconsin Capital, and an interview with Professor Ron Sullivan on the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. And in the second half of the show, Forward Lookout looks at this week’s local government meetings, Harry Richardson takes us to the 1919 “Red Summer”, Teresa Yen teaches us about TikTok, plus your weekly movie reviews.

Nov 23, 2021
Governor Evers formally vetoed G-O-P drawn redistricting proposals
0:49:36

This is your WORT local news for Thursday, November 18, 2021. On todays show, Tony Evers vetoes G-O-P redistricting maps, regulating nitrates in groundwater gets stalled, new legislation would remove felony charges for possession of marijuana, and in the second half of the show, Isthmus on WORT talks the wolf hunt, New Domains looks at gun sales on the internet, and Radio Chipstone returns to Indigenous textiles.

Nov 19, 2021
Parisi signs 2022 budget, allows $10 million for new Crisis Triage Center
0:47:42

This is you WORT Local News for Wednesday, November 17, 2021. On today's show, a breakdown of the 20-22 Dane County Budget, and deer contracting COVID before the 20-22 hunting season. And in the second half of the show,  Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli discusses the Artful Women art show, Stu Levitan takes a trip to the 19-60’s and your weather forecast.

Nov 18, 2021
New Student led food pantry opens at Madison East High School
0:49:46

This is you WORT Local news for Tuesday, November 16, 2021. On today's show, high school students launch a community food pantry, the jury in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial is deliberating, and in the second half of the show, we learn about U-W Madison’s vaccine requirements for employees, what to do when a wild animal bites, and voyage to a jellyfish-type galaxy.

Nov 17, 2021
Madison Common Council Passes 2022 Budget, Giving More Funding To The Newly Founded CARES Program
0:49:48
Here's your WORT Local News for Monday, November 15th, 2021! On today's show, a final breakdown of last week’s budget deliberations, we take a look at a new bill expanding broadband internet access, and a look at the C-O-P 26 conference in Glasgow. And in the second half, we look at the Women’s Pentagon Action of 19-80, learn all about finstas, and hear about the latest movies to hit theaters.
Nov 16, 2021