Shows / WORT 89.9FM Madison
WORT 89.9FM Madison
Listener-sponsored, volunteer-powered, noncommercial community radio broadcasting to south-central Wisconsin at 89.9 FM and online at wortfm.org via our studios in Madison. We provide an outlet for communication, education, free expression, entertainment, training and access for the purpose of sharing music, information, news, and cultural experiences, and strive to give people underrepresented elsewhere in traditional media a voice. NOTE: Most of the content posted at this time are news…
Episodes
WORT 89.9FM MadisonNews From the Backyard Universe # 33
On July 16th, 2026, smoke from wild fires in Canada and Minnesota poured into southern Wisconsin resulting in the most polluted air the state had ever seen…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonSmall, Diversified Farms Should Be The Future
On today’s show, guest host Patty Peltekos is in conversation with Andrew Flachs, author of the new book, Feeding the World as if People Mattered: How Small…
- WORT 89.9FM Madison
News From the Backyard Universe # 32
Helena has some happy news about the wren family who live in a wren box in the backyard.
WORT 89.9FM MadisonMadison leaders to discuss future of independent police oversight
Things still aren’t quite business as usual for the city of Madison and Dane County, nearly two weeks after Madison police shot and killed Corey Ruiz. As…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonPressing Issues: Printmaking as Social Justice
Chazen Museum of Arts curator Kathryn Koca Polite talks about the upcoming exhibit “Pressing Issues: Printmaking as Social Justice in the 1930s.”
WORT 89.9FM Madison"You Are Sitting Here With Me" at Arts Lit Lab
Artists at the Arts and Literature Laboratory respond to a question posed by cartoonist and University of Wisconsin professor Lynda Barry: What does an idea…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonVoices from the Corey Ruiz Memorial
We’ll hear voices from the Corey Ruiz Memorial encampment at the intersection of Madison’s Baldwin and Williamson streets.
- WORT 89.9FM Madison
Hoover Dam Construction Worker Strike, 1931
This week marks the anniversary of the August 7th, 1931 start of the strike by 1,400 constructions workers on the Hoover Dam. The strike over poor working and…
- WORT 89.9FM Madison
Hoover Dam Construction Strike of 1931
This week marks the anniversary of the August 7th, 1931 start of the strike by 1,400 constructions workers on the Hoover Dam. The strike over poor working and…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonCaught in Cracker Barrel Purgatory
This week on Mel & Floyd: Mel and Floyd are both on assignment this week, so SmartyPants gets an assist from Luthor and Saga; The latest on WIlly Street…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonIs There a Way Forward for Balochistan?
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, the situation in the Balochistan province of Pakistan is complicated. But as time goes on without meaningful…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonThe Bricks that Build a Climate Movement in Wisconsin
Many folks value Wisconsin’s scenic lakes and forests, and our state is known for its rich history of environmental stewardship. But we’re facing unprecedented…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonYogesh Chawla 07312026
Supervisor Yogesh Chawla shares updates on protests and business impacts along Willy Street.
WORT 89.9FM MadisonIon Meyn 07312026
UW Law Professor Ion Meyn breaks down use of force protocols and investigative steps.
WORT 89.9FM MadisonAnkurs Picks 07312026
On the Friday 8 O'Clock Buzz, Ankur Malhotra shares his picks for the best music events happening around Madison the next week.
WORT 89.9FM MadisonEverett Mitchell 07312026
Judge and Pastor Everett Mitchell reflects on grief, justice, and community healing.
WORT 89.9FM Madison“Red-tape” work requirement risks booting thousands from BadgerCare
Wisconsin’s Medicaid program, known as BadgerCare, is the largest health insurer in the state and provides coverage to over 1.2 million low-income or disabled…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonTransparency Talk: "Thanks for Saying Yes"
After nearly two years hosting “Transparency Talk,” Bill Lueders is turning the reins over to a new host: WORT alum Chali Pittman. In this week’s episode, Bill…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonThe Forever War with Iran Inflames other Regional Conflicts
On today’s show, guest host Zoltán Grossman is in conversation with Stephen Zunes about the on-again, off-again US war with Iran. They discuss the status of…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonTrump can’t erase us - Latinx history matters
Warning signs are going up from the Trump administration but warning flags are also waving from those who care about history. According to Mr. Trump, the…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonForecast from Wednesday 7-29-26
Forecast from Wednesday 7-29-26 by WORT 89.9FM Madison
WORT 89.9FM MadisonSt. Mary’s nurses celebrate certified union vote
Hundreds of nurses at St. Mary’s voted to unionize in June, fed up with staffing and retention issues at the hospital. SSM Health filed a challenge with the…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonWisconsin Bug Guy Discusses Insect Diagnostic Lab, National Moth Week, and more
Wisconsin Bug Guy Discusses Insect Diagnostic Lab, National Moth Week, and more by WORT 89.9FM Madison
WORT 89.9FM MadisonProposed USPS Rules on Mail-In Ballots
Proposed USPS Rules on Mail-In Ballots by WORT 89.9FM Madison
WORT 89.9FM MadisonThreats to Social Security and Medicare
Threats to Social Security and Medicare by WORT 89.9FM Madison
WORT 89.9FM MadisonSpecter of Tom Tiffany looms over Democratic primary debate
Tuesday evening saw the first and only televised debate ahead of the Democratic primary for governor. The candidates reached consensus on most of the issues…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonHonoring Trailblazing Nurse and Leader Barbara Nichols
Honoring Trailblazing Nurse and Leader Barbara Nichols by WORT 89.9FM Madison
WORT 89.9FM MadisonPSR Wisconsin Hosts Lanterns for Peace to Call for Nuclear Abolition
PSR Wisconsin Hosts Lanterns for Peace to Call for Nuclear Abolition by WORT 89.9FM Madison
WORT 89.9FM MadisonEnvironmental Groups Challenge Expedited Approval of Data Center Coolant PFAS
Environmental Groups Challenge Expedited Approval of Data Center Coolant PFAS by WORT 89.9FM Madison
WORT 89.9FM MadisonThis Time Must Be Different: Responses to the Killing of Corey Ruiz
On today’s show, Sabrina Madison, president of the Madison Common Council, is in conversation with local elected officials and organizers about the recent…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonWe The People Can Change This
Today on the Too Turnt Up Tuesday 8:00 Buzz with Tara Wilhelmi, Rudy Scott, CEO of Abstract Global Entertainment joins us to talk about his new project to help…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonDane County turns to AI assistant for non-emergency calls
Dane County Public Safety Communications has deployed a virtual assistant to handle non-emergency calls, which account for more than half of the nearly 400,000…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonWisconsin courts fast-track absentee ballot lawsuit
Absentee voters don’t get a do-over even if their preferred candidate drops out of the race, under a guidance the Wisconsin Elections Commission issued earlier…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonUkraine Is Bootstrapping Its War Victories
On today’s show, guest host Yuri Rashkin is in conversation with James, an American in the Ukrainian National Guard who has been serving on the frontlines for…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonStuff Yer Face: Kathryn Premo Mingione of Capitol View Farmer's Market
With farmer's market season in full swing — and fall on the horizon — Stuff Yer Face host Emily Tucker talks with Kathryn Premo Mingione, market organizer of…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonPublic safety comes first, Sheriff Kalvin Barrett says
Incumbent Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett is running for another term in office. He’ll face off against challenger Jack Ordman, a civilian activist, in the…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonTrump Administration Targeting Immigrants with Temporary Protected Status
The Trump administration wants to stop immigrants with temporary status from working. Labor Radio has the story. Image courtesy: Chandler Denise / UNSPLASH
WORT 89.9FM MadisonMourning and Advocacy in the Aftermath of the Police Shooting
Since the police killing of Corey Ruiz on Wednesday, July 22, the corner of South Baldwin and Williamson street remains closed indefinitely. Community members…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonMadison Mixology: Zombie
This week on “Madison Mixology,” feature contributor Charlie Belawski introduces us to Donn Beach, the man who started the Tiki Culture movement. We'll check…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonXabi Aburruzaga interview
Hejira world music radio host interview of Xabi Aburuzzaga about his latest album Bask, joined by his promoter Araceli Tzigane
WORT 89.9FM MadisonAndy Burnham and the Shaky Future of the Labour Left
The UK has a new prime minister, Andy Burnham, who replaced Keir Starmer after he resigned just two years due to general lack of support. On today’s show…
WORT 89.9FM Madison"Kit" Delivers Street Poetry on Demand in London
Monday Buzz producer Nicholas Wooton sends an audio postcard from merry old London, England where he meets “Kit,” a typewriter-wielding street poet.
WORT 89.9FM MadisonHealthcare Costs Upend Small Business
Rising healthcare premiums not only ding consumers, but small businesses as well. The big businesses, though? They like things fine the way they are. We’ll…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonMail-In Ballots Face Legal, Postal Service Hurdles
Sent in an absentee ballot and changed your mind? Tough luck, says the Wisconsin Election Commission. Oh, yes and the U.S. Postal Service is making no…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonAnniversary of No Gun Ri Massacre, Korea
This week marks the anniversary of the No Gun Ri Massacre in South Korea. US troops, on orders from the highest ranks of the military started the widespread…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonDrought, wildfire smoke challenges American agriculture
Mother Nature has a stranglehold on the American agricultural industry. Drought conditions are driving up grain prices, while the hot weather and wildfire…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonWould You Like Another Pill, Darling?
This week on Mel & Floyd: Fallout from Willy Street shooting; Madison behind the curve on body-cams; Where to see local Art(Paul); New nurses’ union certified…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonThe Montvales 07242026
Folk-pop duo The Montvales talk Americana storytelling and their upcoming Atwood Fest set.
WORT 89.9FM MadisonHail, Heat, and Forest Fires Under a Super El Niño
Monster storms, too much rain, not enough rain, hail, and heat have become more prevalent in a political context made worse by a fossil-fuel cozy federal…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonWorking People Need Quality, Affordable Childcare
Working people need affordable, quality childcare at the same time as childcare workers need a living wage and childcare providers struggle to keep their doors…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonWhat's Behind EEOC's Vote to Stop Collecting Demographic Data?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission voted this week to rescind the requirement that large employers and government contractors submit annual…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonMitch McConnell 07242026
Mitch McConnel speaks out after 5 weeks of silence on his health after a fall.
- WORT 89.9FM Madison
Ankurs Picks 07242026
On the Friday 8 O'Clock Buzz, Ankur Malhotra shares his picks for the best music events happening around Madison the next week.
WORT 89.9FM MadisonJessie Opoien 07242026
Jessie Opoien breaks down the latest Marquette poll and Wisconsin gubernatorial primary chaos.
WORT 89.9FM MadisonSenator Tammy Baldwin demands end to "disastrous" war in Iran
The United States and Iran continue to exchange fire across the Middle East, nearly five months after the U.S. launched the first strikes. President Trump has…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonMadison in uproar following police shooting
Demands for justice reached a fever pitch this afternoon, a day after Madison police killed a man in broad daylight on the city’s near east side. Image…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonFear Election Narratives, not Election Administrators
With the upcoming Midterm elections and the balance of power in Congress up for grabs, people are concerned that the Trump administration will meddle in…
WORT 89.9FM MadisonWilly Street Co-op launches new program to reduce plastic waste
It’s Plastic-Free July, a global movement that aims to reduce plastic waste through small changes in daily habits. The Willy Street Co-op is taking that…