WORT Local News
News & Politics
About
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.
Episodes
- Cap Times management recognizes newsroom union
WORT Local News covers the formation of a union in the Cap Times newsroom, the urban-rural childcare gap, Governor Evers' spending deal, the closure of UW Space Place, and the anniversary of the Million Mom March.
- Center for Black Excellence and Culture hosts triumphant grand opening
WORT Local News reports on the grand opening of the Center for Black Excellence and Culture, a new community space in Madison. The episode also covers local news, DOJ records requests, fishing spots, and Forward Madison FC.
- Madison school board grapples with phone restriction policy
The Madison Metropolitan School District school board met to discuss a proposed cell phone restriction policy, which received mixed reactions. The episode also touches on a conservative ad campaign, the legacy of a political reporter, and…
- Abortion pill restrictions on pause, for now
WORT Local News reports on the temporary halt of abortion pill restrictions. The episode also covers updates on the Odana Hills Golf Course, sustainable farmers' legal actions, and local community news.
- Madison's Day Without Immigrants rally draws thousands
WORT Local News reports on Madison's Day Without Immigrants rally, declining crime rates attributed to community partners, Wisconsin teacher funding and retention issues, and the week's local government calendar.
- Ridglan Farms sells 1,500 beagles to animal rescue groups
WORT Local News reports on Ridglan Farms selling beagles to rescue groups, upcoming Wisconsin midterm retirements, a UW-Madison language lecturer's cultural insights, and an exploration of soft architecture.
- Law Forward appeals anti-competitive gerrymander decision
WORT Local News covers the Law Forward group's appeal of a gerrymandering lawsuit dismissal, alongside updates on a Regent Street development, climate change, federal tax spending, and a historical segment on 1968.
- Madison teachers rally for equal pay
WORT Local News reports on the Madison teachers' rally for equal pay and discusses salary compression. The episode also covers Wisconsin's K-12 school funding disparities and other local events.
- PSC ruling aims to shield ratepayers from data center energy costs
WORT Local News reports on a Public Service Commission ruling intended to protect ratepayers from data center energy costs. The episode also includes election news, local government updates, a historical commemoration, and film reviews.
- Enrollment data lays the groundwork for MMSD redistricting
WORT Local News discusses declining kindergarten enrollment projections for Madison schools and an upcoming expansion to the UW System's Direct Admit program. The episode also touches on the redesign of Regent Street, Wisconsin's open meet…
- Accusations swirl, as Madison alders consider reforming police oversight bodies
This episode covers the tense Madison city council meeting on police oversight reform, discusses a new report on Wisconsin's criminal justice system, and notes a change in leadership at UW-Madison.
- Multicultural fashion show embraces radical self-expression
WORT Local News reports on the 'Existence as Resistance' multicultural fashion show. The episode also covers trends in architectural wood use, environmental advantages of passenger rail, and the agricultural impact of immigration raids.
- Law enforcement blocks Ridglan Farms operation, leading to injuries and arrests
WORT Local News reports on a protest at Ridglan Farms, including injuries and arrests. The episode also covers a Wisconsin climate change report, county leaders' decision on Flock camera funding, a bluegrass musician's legacy, and films fr…
- Madison weighs short term safety changes on Park Street
This episode of WORT Local News covers proposed traffic safety modifications for Park Street in Madison, Wisconsin. It also delves into topics such as the significance of nonviolence, reviews of films from the Wisconsin Film Festival, and…
- Grilling of Wisconsin DPI continues in Assembly hearing
The April 15, 2026, WORT Local News covers the ongoing scrutiny of the Wisconsin DPI's trip, benefits of 'right to charge' laws, internal investigations at the Madison Police Department, UW-Madison's accessibility efforts, and a comprehens…
- “A victim of its own design,” demolition plan moves ahead for Master Hall
Local news covers the ongoing debate about demolishing the Master Hall building, the status of a special session on partisan gerrymandering, and predictions of difficulties for American dairy farmers.
- Wisconsin voters hungry for data center regulation, poll finds
A new poll from Wisconsin Conservation Voters indicates that Wisconsin voters are concerned about data centers and desire regulation. The episode also covers legislative efforts inspired by a scam victim, election analysis, the potential f…
- UW regents break silence on Rothman's ouster
The UW System's Board of Regents breaks their silence on the decision to fire President Jay Rothman. The episode also covers state and local news items.
- Democratic gubernatorial candidates focus on building a healthier state
Democratic candidates for governor outline their strategies for improving Wisconsin's health care system. Local news segments also address nonpartisan election outcomes, the removal of UW System President Jay Rothman, and a historical look…
- Wisconsin heads to the polls in a quieter nonpartisan election
WORT Local News reports on Wisconsin's nonpartisan spring election, Governor Evers's actions on commutations, the potential global agriculture impacts of the war in Iran, and the colorful plumage of male birds.
- Efficiency Navigator program accepting new applicants
The WORT Local News episode covers the Efficiency Navigator program which aims to cut climate emissions and lower energy costs. It also touches on intergenerational spaces, opioid addiction treatment in correctional facilities, voting poli…
- UW System puts money over morals, student activists say
Student activists are accusing the UW System of prioritizing finances over ethics. Local news updates include progress on housing, a verdict on tech companies and social media addiction, and a look at college costs.
- Abortion rights are on the ballot this spring, advocates say
This WORT Local News episode covers the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election concerning abortion rights, efforts to increase Latino voter access, a Dane County Circuit Court candidate, herbicide dangers, and advice on bird feed.
- Thousands join "No Kings" protest in Madison
This episode of WORT Local News covers a protest rally in Madison, a discussion on judicial philosophy, information about data centers, a commemoration of the Fifteenth Amendment, a cocktail recipe, and movie reviews.
- County board in the dark on talks with Coliseum investor
This WORT Local News episode details county supervisors' concerns regarding contract negotiations with FPC Live for Coliseum investor talks. It also covers rural opposition to data center development, housing expansion initiatives, and upd…
- Protesters demand removal of UW-Madison Flock cameras
WORT Local News reports on a protest demanding the removal of UW-Madison Flock cameras. The episode also covers topics such as Christian nationalism identification in Wisconsin, county budget priorities, and student government engagement.
- School referendums “an avoidable choice,” state Democrats contend
WORT Local News reports on the political debate surrounding Wisconsin school referendums, a local candidate focused on land use, and the potential economic effects of international conflict.
- Post-AI backlash, Madison's police monitor blames underfunding
WORT Local News covers Madison's police monitor's use of AI, a county board candidate's funding priorities, and the 'Embroidered with Pain' exhibit. The episode also shares the local government's weekly calendar and a recipe.
- After long battle, Governor Evers signs Gail's Law
Governor Evers has signed Gail's Law, changing Wisconsin's breast cancer screening. The episode also covers local political commentary, the 'Embroidered with Pain' exhibit, and upcoming experimental music events.
- Madison’s "sustainability champions” share progress update
WORT Local News covers Madison's sustainability champions' progress, details the Educational Support Professionals Bill of Rights, and discusses data center transparency issues. It also reports on a jurisdictional dispute between the city…
- Despite neighbors’ opposition, Plan Commission backs west side development
WORT Local News reports on a Plan Commission's approval of a west side development amid neighbor opposition, a supervisor's call for internal hiring, the Middle East conflict's effect on farmers, and the role of wage disparities in the aff…
- City seeks public feedback on Odana Hills Golf Course redesign
The city is seeking public input on a redesign for Odana Hills Golf Course. Local news updates include a candidate's stance on Sheriff's Department funding, the upcoming government calendar, and a look at Irish immigrant contributions.
- Senator Baldwin demands answers on Trump's "war of choice" in Iran
The March 12, 2026, episode of WORT Local News covers Senator Baldwin’s stance on Iran, a county board candidate profile, open government award results, fishing recommendations, and a Forward Madison FC season kickoff preview.
- Ahead of population surge, Madison city council weighs structural changes
The Madison Common Council is discussing internal structural changes in anticipation of significant population growth. Local news segments cover ICE concerns in Wisconsin workplaces, a candidate's stance on property taxes, and a UW-Madison…
- Wisconsin’s childhood vaccination rate continues downward trend
This episode of WORT Local News reports on the continuing decline in Wisconsin's childhood vaccination rates. It also touches on a candidate's platform, the Argentinian beef issue, Madison's culinary landscape, and an appreciation for turk…
- Madison, Dane County clerks tout speedier ballot printing process
WORT Local News covers the speedier ballot printing process by Dane County's new vendor, a debate over a bill defining antisemitism, and concerns about Dane County's spending.
- Proposed Regent Street redesign garners mixed responses
This WORT Local News episode covers a proposed redesign for Regent Street to address traffic and pedestrian issues. It also includes updates on environmental concerns, support for Ukraine, protest songs, and the commercialization of childr…
- Madison school board gets progress update on special education plan
WORT Local News reports on the Madison school board's progress update for its special education plan, including fine-tuning support for students with IEPs. The episode also touches on Erin's Law, a county board candidate's focus on childca…
- Governor Evers calls special session to ban partisan gerrymandering
The episode discusses Governor Evers' efforts to ban partisan gerrymandering in Wisconsin, the potential environmental impact of data centers, and local political and scientific topics.
- Wisconsin school districts sue Legislature over "inadequate funding"
WORT Local News reports on a lawsuit filed by Wisconsin school districts challenging the state's funding system. The episode also touches on universal child care, the data center industry, a regional airline's partnership with ICE, and the…
- Dane County jail consolidation “a tough project,” staff say in progress update
The WORT Local News episode from February 26, 2026, discusses the delayed construction on the Dane County jail consolidation project. It also covers local politics, legislative issues, fishing recommendations, and sports news.
- Probe of external influences in DOJ a “partisan stunt,” Attorney General Kaul says
Attorney General Kaul dismisses a legislative probe into the DOJ as a "partisan stunt." The episode also includes local news segments on a county board candidate, the UW-Madison provost search, weather, and a historical piece.
- Responding to ICE fears, MPD rolls out new vehicle and staff markings
WORT Local News reports on Madison Police Department's new vehicle and staff markings designed to address fears surrounding ICE. The episode also covers a new UW Law course, a veterans village initiative, butter price concerns, and the Wil…
- Monona community celebrates winter, Ho-Chunk history
WORT Local News reports on the Fire & Wonder Winter Gathering in Monona, discusses the need for housing and transit in the county, and explores hiring difficulties for municipal clerks in rural Wisconsin.
- New report touts Dane County Regional Airport's economic impact
WORT Local News reports on the economic and environmental aspects of the Dane County Regional Airport, alongside updates on the library system, the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the politics of rare earth elements, and lo…
- Governor Evers declares 2026 "Year of the Neighbor"
Governor Evers has declared 2026 the "Year of the Neighbor" and delivered his final State of the State address. The episode also discusses a lawsuit filed by a Wisconsin environmental group against the EPA and student demands at UW-Madison.
- Vos, LeMahieu close ranks on tax relief package
Local news from February 17, 2026, details the GOP leaders' tax relief package negotiations, offers tips for private well owners, discusses potential border changes between Madison and McFarland, and explores the impact of the protein craz…
- Fundraiser attracts crowds of supporters after ICE detains Madison restaurant owner
WORT Local News covers a fundraiser for Noel Quintana, co-owner of Señor Machetes, who was detained by ICE. The episode also includes segments on combining child care and senior housing, measles prevention efforts, and an update from Madis…
- Protesters, state Democrats join data center day of action
WORT Local News reports on a protest demanding a data center moratorium, a West Allis nurse's firing after a unionization effort, and other local stories including Sunshine Week and a new DNR tool.
- Lawsuit challenging race-conscious financial aid heads to oral argument
Local news covers a lawsuit challenging race-conscious financial aid, employer contributions to health insurance, an incumbent supervisor's campaign, the legacy of UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, and the day's weather.