WORT 89.9FM Madison

Madison and the WORT Community are very lucky to have a connection to Dr. Alhaji Njai, PanAfrican and global citizen. That’s not only because he’s an expert on Ebola, much in the news now, but also because he has the energy and intellect to travel and work and make connections throughout the world and then share his impressions with us. We deeply value the time he takes to tell us about things we...

Legal Battle Over Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline Reroute by WORT 89.9FM Madison

Circle Sanctuary’s Earth Day Celebration by WORT 89.9FM Madison

Matthew Hoh on US Imperialism and the Cost of Dissent by WORT 89.9FM Madison

Women and girls in Afghanistan are facing severe brutal restrictions put in place by the Taliban. And they are crying out, asking, why is the world watching, so silently and so cruelly? When the US withdrew and the Taliban retook the country in 2021, women and girls were re-targeted. In 2024 Meryl Streep testified at the United Nations saying women and girls in Afghanistan have less freedom than c...

On today’s show, guest host Michael Billeaux is in conversation with Paul Heideman about his new book from Verso Press, Rogue Elephant: How Republicans Went From the Party of Business to the Party of Chaos, in which Heideman offers a distinctive explanation of the radicalization of the Republican Party and the rise of Donald Trump. Featured image of the cover Rogue Elephant: How Republicans Went F...

The Arts and Literature Laboratory is hosting SynthFest Madison, a day-long, hands-on exploration of all things synthesizer – you could even go home with a synth of your own. Performer Tim Russell brings one of the featured instruments and puts it through its paces on the air.

Veterans for Peace’s Susan Schnall speaks at a Madison Memorial Day Peace Rally with a call for no more Memorial Days.

A federal judge blocks the Trump Administration’ efforts to get Wisconsin voter data. Votebeat Wisconsin’s Alex Schur has the story.

This week on Mel & Floyd: Floyd comes back from assignment to fill in for SmartyPants who’s checking out the stars at Harvard; Who doesn’t go to their son’s wedding?; Looking for “medium-size Walter”; Firing top infectious disease officials in time for Hantavirus; Coming soon: The Bay of Piggy fiasco; And other random topics; Notice something missing? For the complete Mel and Floyd Experience, buy...

Lawsuit over "Turn Back Policy" at US Border by WORT 89.9FM Madison

Women's Summit event to highlight digital violence by WORT 89.9FM Madison

Wisconsin Committee of Safety urges Gov Evers to safeguard elections by WORT 89.9FM Madison

This month, the US District Court Judge William Conley issued a restraining order against the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa following a tribal decision to close walleye and musky fishing for non-tribal members on some of their lakes. To talk about this decision and the state of Wisconsin’s lawsuit against the tribe, host Esty Dinur is joined by three guests, Araia Breedlove, Gwen...

Alan Crossley discusses Troy Farm, gardening tips, tomatoes, and the joys of growing food in Wisconsin.

On the Friday 8 O'Clock Buzz, Ankur Malhotra shares his picks for the best music events happening around Madison the next week.

It’s a Friday Buzz First…the world premiere of a new song by a celebrated Madison singer songwriter. Whitney Mann’s new album will be released late summer.

Behavioral health nurse Josh Taylor discusses the St. Mary’s union drive, staffing concerns, and patient care challenges. Image Credit: Angela Major/WPR

In a reports-heavy meeting Tuesday, leaders in independent police oversight told the city council that their work is finally getting off the ground. But they warned that progress comes with tradeoffs, namely – that growing public awareness of their work has only highlighted persistent funding gaps and understaffing. Image courtesy: Brian Standing / WORT News.

A state program that began during the pandemic in 2020, Child Care Counts, is set to receive its last round of funding next month. Reporter Kate Paape spoke with Ruth Schmidt, the executive director of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association about what happens next. Photo Courtesy of Element5 Digital via Unsplash

Wisconsin’s open records law has been in place for the past 45 years, and “Transparency Talk” host Tom Kamenick thinks its age is beginning to show. This week, Tom and cohost Bill Lueders discuss the problems with the current open records law, and Tom’s proposed solution to the status quo of long delays and exorbitant fees. But before we turn it over to Tom and Bill, our standard reminder that thi...

AI is on the top of people’s minds here in Wisconsin where hyperscale data centers are altering the physical environment and the power grid. But on today’s show, WORT’s News Director Nate Carlin focuses on the emotional damage caused by AI use with Etienne Brisson, the CEO of the Human Line Project, the world's first nonprofit dedicated to documenting and addressing AI-induced psychological harm....

Forecast from Wednesday 5-20-26 by WORT 89.9FM Madison

Efforts to preserve a landscape with ecological and cultural significance took a major step forward Thursday, when the Dane County Board agreed to purchase 165 acres of land in the town of Dunn. A collaborative project with nonprofit organization Groundswell Conservancy, the county aims to protect the land from development in perpetuity and return it to its original caretakers, the Ho-Chunk Nation...

Horn Audio Show to feature vintage and modern instruments by WORT 89.9FM Madison