Production

Writing and research

The economic ripples of conflict in Sudan

Weeks of violence between the Sudanese army and a powerful paramilitary group in Sudan has triggered an urgent humanitarian crisis and devastated the country’s economy. One listener called to ask how the conflict might impact the global economy. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about the U.S. treasurer’s job and how Netflix might dispose of its enormous DVD inventory. Plus, why the end of the helium shortage is still up in the air.

What is the proxy for Twitter?

We weren’t planning to talk about Twitter today, but here we are! We’re rereading a story from late last year about the folks who helped Elon Musk buy Twitter and the ways that what’s happened to Twitter since then may align with the desires of those backers. And what will replace Twitter for building the influence of its users … like journalists? We’ll also talk about an alarming story from The Washington Post about a GOP lawyer’s ideas to limit voting in key battleground states like Wisconsin. And we look at indicators that life (and the economy) is returning to a pre-pandemic normal for some. Plus, a round of Half Full / Half Empty featuring ChatGPT’s “Seinfeld.”

The new in-space economy

Today, we’re talking about two topics near and dear to our hearts: space and economics.

Over the last several years, NASA’s Artemis program and the commercialization of space have given rise to a large and growing space economy. How large?

“It’s about $400 billion. By 2030 it is estimated to become about $1 trillion,” said Namrata Goswami, a scholar on space policy and co-author of the book “Scramble for the Skies: The Great Power Competition to Control the Resources of Outer Space.” “We also include a space economy to come in the next 20 to 30 years which includes the ‘in-space economy,’ so the economy that would be developed in space itself, which would result in a trillion-dollar economy by 2040.”

What Colombia’s Legalization of Abortion Means for Latin America

Latin America has historically had some of the world’s most restrictive abortion policies, but Colombia’s easing of rules signals a growing wave of change.Colombia is the latest Latin American country to loosen restrictions on abortion in what has become known as the region’s “green wave.” Advocates say the movement promises to resolve health inequalities and expand women’s rights, but opponents say it goes too far.On February 21, Colombia’s highest court ruled that abortion is no longer a crime...

How Do You Run a Bus System in Winter?

We accept submissions in most genres and styles of music, focusing on noncommercial, out-of-the-mainstream, independent releases (check out our playlists and music charts for more information.) It may take up to a few weeks for us to review and process your submission so we appreciate your patience, and feel free to contact us to follow up. Please send your music, indicating any tracks with language that needs to be aired after 10 pm and including a one-sheet description and any biographical and...

City Wants Public Input on Amtrak Station Study

The City of Madison is launching a study that could determine the location of a new Amtrak station in Madison. The location could potentially become a part of Amtrak’s Hiawatha line.
Here is Madison Transportation Planner Phillip Gritzmacher, Jr. talking more about this project:
“This would be an extension of the Hiawatha line which is one of the most successful rail lines in the country. So it would connect Madison up to Chicago and Milwaukee and a few stops in between with the existing Hiawath...

Run For Alder! - WORT-FM 89.9

It is almost the end of the year and that means that candidates for Madison’s Common Council are preparing to run next Spring. Because all Common Council positions work on a two-year term, that means that all 20 seats are up for election.
Each of these seats corresponds to one of Madison’s 20 districts that are represented by alders in the Common Council. The alders work with other city officials to make sure that the voices of the residents they represent are heard. 
Of the current alders, 6 ha...

Dane County Takes Hard Look at Jail Healthcare Provider

At a meeting last Thursday, the Dane County Board of Supervisors approved a contract to provide healthcare services to Dane County Jail Residents. This contract will be the third time Dane County works with Wellpath, one of the largest for-profit healthcare providers for prisoners in the country.
Dane County Board Supervisor Richelle Andrae, was one of two sponsors for the proposed contract. 
“This is a five year contract that will provide medical services for residents of the Dane County Jail....

Operating Budget Amendments Propose Expanding CARES Program

The amendments in the operating budget request funds for everything from creating a new Park Volunteer coordinator position, to issuing bus passes to low-income individuals, to increasing the budget of an affordable student housing study.
One funding priority is the subject of two separate amendments, both aimed at increasing funding for Madison’s CARES program. That’s the Community Alternative Response Emergency Services, which started up last year as a way to respond to some non-violent behavi...