How well do average citizens understand inflation? Host Tony Castañeda and his economically-curious sidekick Eli Wilz get answers to this question and many others on this Thursday’s “Inflation 101” edition of the 8 O’Clock Buzz.

David Fuller of the UW-Oshkosh Department of Economics defines inflation and its 3 major causes, and explains why pointing fingers at politicians in general and the Biden Administration in particular is misguided. There’s currently a lot of “buzz” about inflation in the news and while it’s politically convenient to blame the sitting president, the reality is that it’s the Federal Reserve (the U.S. central banking system) that controls money supply and interest rates, both of which influence the labor market and consumer prices.

Photo courtesy of geralt on Pixabay.

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Thursday Buzz host Tony Castañeda welcomes Kirk Bangstad, a northwoods brewer known best for his progressive politics and aptly named beer offerings, to talk about his latest David vs Goliath venture, funding a suit filed with the Wisconsin Supreme Court which challenges the constitutionality of taxpayer-funded private schools. Bangstad, whose SuperPAC has also funded efforts in support of marriage equality, abortion rights and fair election maps, calls the anti-voucher lawsuit “the most important legal challenge to Wisconsin’s education financing system in decades.” Lead plaintiff in the case, which has the support of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) is Julie Underwood, former dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Education.

Photo courtesy of Brett Jordan on Unsplash.

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Since March of this year, two of Wisconsin’s prisons have been in lockdown — which severely limits inmates physical exercise, access to good medical care, and social interaction — all of which are necessary for humane treatment of inmates, many of which are incarcerated for non-criminal “rule breaking”. President of MOSES, Rachel Kincade, and Community Organizer, James Morgan, talk about the issues involved with the lockdowns.

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The Interfaith Peace Working Group, made up of advocates from communities of faith and conscience committed to the struggle for justice, peace and the care of creation, hosts the author of “Why Civil Resistance Works”, Dr. Maria J. Stephan, to talk about the success of non-violent resistance movements, today, 11/15/23 at 7 PM in Tripp Commons.

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Approaching its 30th anniversary, ABC for Health continues to work to provide health care consumers with the services and support they need to navigate a complex health care financing system. These times are particularly confusing, with open enrollment for health care for the ACA, Medicaid, and BadgerCare, post-COVID aggressive collections by specialty providers and hospitals, and continued lawsuits of patients for unpaid medical bills, despite efforts by state and federal officials to provide flexible eligibility for Medicaid, ACA Marketplace coverage, and certain COBRA requirements. COO of ABC for Health, Brynne McBride talks about how that organization can help navigate the confusing regulations and requirements.

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Today on the Tuesday 8:00 Buzz with Antoine McNeail, Brandice Hatcher, CHW, CPS, founder of Righteous Voice Mentoring and community mentor for the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, joins us to talk about her story, relationships, parenting and more!

More about Brandice at https://www.ffbww.org/team/brandice-hatcher and Righteous Voice Mentoring: https://www.facebook.com/righteousvoicementoring/

Listen in Madison at 89.9FM or online anywhere at wortfm.org.  Support your community radio with a donation online at wortfm.org!

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WORT 89.9FM Madison · Artist Maria Schirmer Devitt Wants To Grant Your Wish

The staff at the Madison Central Library’s Bubbler Room were surprised when they walked into the room to see a full-size replica wishing well in the interior space.  The well is courtesy of Madison multimedia artist Maria Schirmer Devitt, who is in the middle of her four-month residency at Madison’s Central Library.  Maria Schirmer Devitt joined Monday Buzz host Brian Standing on November 13, 2023.

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WORT 89.9FM Madison · Wisconsin Legislation Seeks To Get Every Kid Outdoors

The Wisconsin Chapter of Sierra Club recently announced its 2023 environmental champion award winners.  Madison’s Maureen McCoy is the winner of the Sierra Club’s LD Rockwell Award, given to the environmental political activist of the year. Maureen McCoy is the lead activist behind the campaign to get Every Kid Outdoors, and she joined Monday Buzz host Brian Standing on November 13, 2023.

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The Hip Hop Midwest Healing Circle to be held this weekend will include a series of events bringing together campus and community to celebrate hip hop roots in the Midwest.  Lacouir Yancey, one of the producers of the celebration, joins the 8 O’Clock Buzz to discuss the schedule of events, but also to talk about the healing nature of hip hop which encompasses rap, breakdance and art.  There will be a panel discussion on Friday, November 10, at 4:00 pm at Vilas Hall on the UW campus, workshops starting at noon on Saturday, November 11, and a healing cypher and performance from 5:30 – 8:00 pm.  The workshops and performance on Saturday will be held at the Madison Youth Arts Center on E. Mifflin Street.  All events are free.

Photo by Michael Afonso on Unsplash

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It’s hard to find out any news about Guatemala in the offerings of the mainstream media these days, but if you did it would become apparent that the forces at work to prevent true democracy from taking hold in the country are ongoing.  From U.S. sponsored military coups, to the Israeli Likud party’s support of oppressive security measures, the Guatemalan people are paying the price of foreign and homegrown repression.

Tito Medina, Guatemalan composer/musician/activist, joins the Thursday edition of the 8 O’Clock Buzz to talk about current events in Guatemala, and to discuss his upcoming show at the Arts & Literature Lab the Saturday, November 11, at 7:00 pm.  Tito and local musicians, including the Buzz’s own Tony Castañeda, will perform Tito’s original music which incorporates Mayan, Garifuna, and Mestizo influences with Latin rhythms.

Photo by Shalom de León on Unsplash

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