8 O'Clock Buzz

What is up with Trump’s attacks on big progressive law firms and why are some of them making “deals” with him?

Thursday Buzz host Tony Castañeda poses this, and other timely questions of his guest this morning, Scott Thompson, Staff Counsel of Madison firm Law Forward.

Thompson explains that Trump has (by Executive Order) restricted these firms’ security clearances and access to federal buildings, and has launched investigations into them. On the face of it, these actions are not legal; Executive Orders can be challenged and overturned in the courts.

While some firms have taken a stand and are refusing to cave to Trump’s demands, several have made the aforementioned deal with him, foregoing their rights by allowing feds to interfere in their affairs. Thompson explains the damage this does to core principles of democracy, and how law firms and courts should continue to stand up to the formidable power of the Federal Government.

Photo courtesy of Moritz320 on Pixabay.

The post Trump’s Illegal Attacks On The Legal System appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

In his recent report in Inequality.org, “‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs Will Concentrate Wealth Even More: Import taxes will be passed onto the consumer, while the rich will prosper from slashed taxes“, researcher Omar Ocampo discusses Trump’s tariffs, who will survive the trade repercussions, and how any build-up of manufacturing in the U.S. as a result will only benefit the large corporations and wealthy.

The post Guess Who Will Benefit from the Tariffs — and Who Will Lose appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

The U.S. had been the largest provider of humanitarian aid in the world — the key word, “had”. Ursula Knudsen-Latta, Legislative Director, Peacebuilding, at the Friends Committee on National Legislation, talks and writes about Trump’s executive orders, first suspending, then canceling 90% of the U.S. world-wide aid — aid which had been in place for over 100 years, and costing this country less than 1% of its national budget. Knudsen-Latta breaks down the many benefits of aid programs in terms of loss of human life, reducing conflict, and extending U.S. influence in the world.

The post Loss Of U.S. Foreign Aid Programs = Loss of Peacebuilding and Lifesavi... appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

What do you get when you combine circus acrobatics, juggling, sausage, polka and silent film? Well, “Kishka,” the new show coming to Madison Circus Space, aims to find out.  The story is set in a 1930’s butcher shop, where, as the Walt Solek classic polka goes,  “Someone Stole the Kishka.”  Producer /director Amanda Gatewood, aerial performer Sarah Louise Raillard and juggler Nick Aikens stopped by the WORT studios to talk about the show and to demonstrate some of their skills.

The post “Kishka” Mixes Circus, Polka and Sausage appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

The Republican-sponsored Wisconsin Assembly Bill 104 would ban gender-affirming treatments, such as hormone therapy, or puberty blockers for individuals under the age of 18.  When 85-year old Larry Jones of Milwaukee attended the March 12 public hearing on the bill at the Wisconsin Capitol, he had registered in support of the bill, but hadn’t intended to speak.  After hearing the testimony of transgender advocates, he changed his mind and spoke to the committee – speaking in opposition.  The Capitol Eye video of Jones’ testimony soon went viral.  Wisconsin Watch reporter Hallie Claflin spoke to Jones afterwards.  Claflin joined the Monday Buzz on April 5, 2025.

The post Capitol Testimony of Self-Described Conservative Goes Viral appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

On Saturday, April 5, an estimated 3 million people took to the streets across the United States to protest the policies of the second administration of President Donald Trump. Rallies occurred in all 50 states, in over 1,400 locations. Here in Madison, as many as 10,000 people – some from as far away as the Michigan Upper Peninsula – thronged Capitol Square and flooded State Street. Monday Buzz host Brian Standing joined the crowd to find out what was on their minds.

Photo of Forward! Marching Band by Brian Standing.

The post Thousands Throng Madison Capitol for Anti-Trump Protest appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Lone Piñon will be playing at the North Street Cabaret on Wednesday, April 9, starting at 7:30 PM as part of the Sugar Maple Concert Series.  Jordan Wax from the band speaks with Tony Castañeda about their music and their message.  This New Mexican string band plays music that celebrates the integrity and diversity of their cultural roots, as passed down to them by their elders.

The post Sugar Maple at North Street appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Sly and the Family Stone were singing about it decades ago, and the 50501-demonstration planned for this Saturday at the State Capitol looks to spread the message.  One of the organizers of the Madison demonstration joins the 8 O’Clock Buzz to talk about 50501, a number that stands for fifty protests, fifty states, and one movement.  This pro-democracy, pro-constitution demonstration is protesting the policies of the current administration.  Various speakers will be scheduled and connecting people to the resources for change will be the main emphasis.  Stand, you’ve been sitting much too long.

The post Stand For The Things You Know Are Right appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Atlas Improv is putting on their annual event this weekend, starting tonight and running through Saturday night.  The festival this year is a celebration of their 21st year of existence and is their way of giving back to the community for all the support they’ve received over the two plus decades of bringing comedy to the Madison area.  Comedians from all over the country will be participating which will be held at the Atlas Improv location of 609 E. Washington Avenue.  Griffin Lowmaster from Atlas joins host Tony Castañeda to talk about the festival which will include a family-friendly show and opportunity for younger kids to give it a try on Saturday morning, and the showcase event on Saturday evening at 10:00 PM.  If you come to this totally free event, rest assured that chairs will be provided.

The post Atlas Improv Endurance Festival 2025 appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Are your egg prices going through the roof? Are you listening to mainstream media blaming it on bird flu? Then you need to read Amanda Starbuck and her co-author’s recent Food and Water Watch article “Egg Prices: It’s Not Just Bird Flu. It’s Corporate Greed” where their investigation determined that the primary cause for “egg-flation” isn’t disease, but the big egg producers, such as Cal-Maine Foods, with the top ten producers cornering 50% of the market raising prices to line their pockets, and those of their shareholders, with your money. In a two year period, before the latest bird flu, their prices almost tripled. And they can give their big distributers, like Walmart, discounts while charging other buyers more to make up for what they lose in deals with Walmart.

The post Food & Water Watch: High Egg Prices Due to Greed, not Bird Flu appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.