Madison Alder District 15 - Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford by WORT 89.9FM Madison

Forecast From Wednesday 4-16-2025 by WORT 89.9FM Madison

The RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center is approaching its 52nd year of service here in Dane County. They’ll be celebrating the anniversary this summer at their new location on Madison’s east side.

Meanwhile, the center is also grappling with funding uncertainty. Federal support for victim services has gone down significantly over the last couple of years – and state funding has only covered a fraction of those cuts.

Dana Pellebon, the center’s executive director, tells WORT News Producer Faye Parks that a funding request in the governor’s budget proposal would keep their operations running smoothly over the next two years – and prevent similar organizations across the state from shutting down completely.

Image courtesy: RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center via their website.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill last week that would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote. They say it would establish safeguards to prevent noncitizens from voting.

But advocates say the bill is a solution without a problem – one that risks disenfranchising millions of eligible voters.

Image courtesy: Chali Pittman / WORT News.

Photo credit: Milan Malkomes // Unsplash

On today’s show, we’re continuing our April theme of highlighting the role of the arts in times of political turmoil. As federal cuts to arts and culture programs are hitting local organizations hard, host Ali Muldrow speaks with Jessica Becker and Jen Rubin of Wisconsin Humanities. Last week the organization was notified from the National Endowment for the Humanities that all of their grant funding had been canceled.

Marco Aquirre from the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project gives his insights into El Salvador history, politics, gang prisons, the Oval Office meeting between Trump and Bukele (an illegitimate president based on the El Salvador constitution), and more.

With projects including blocking destructive mining, protecting water, native forests & wildlife, and reducing climate change threats, the Sierra Club - Wisconsin Chapter, strives to keep a clean environment for everyone's health and enjoyment. Campaign Coordinator Jadine Sonoda talks about their programs and volunteer opportunities. Visit their website for a calendar of activities.

For many, Tax Day means filling out a last minute return. But for some at the Capitol today, it’s an opportunity to send a message: “Capitalism is Killing Us.”

A recent housing report found that Dane County’s rental vacancy rate is almost 3% below the national average. That kind of shortage inevitably drives up prices – especially in high-demand areas like downtown Madison.

Thanks to those rising costs, the Dane County board has a vacancy. Former supervisor Elizabeth Doyle, who’s represented downtown Madison since 2019, resigned from office last month after being priced out of her district.

Sitting down with WORT News Producer Faye Parks, Doyle shared her take on the county’s housing crisis.

Image courtesy: Brian Standing / WORT News.