Stu Levitan looks back at an anti-human rights march, a riotous panty raid, and the celebration of a new UW president in October 1962

On this strange Wednesday, the first day of the federal government shutdown, host Ali Muldrow looks to poetry and two local poets for respite and guidance. We’re joined by Madison poet laureate Steven Espada Dawson and Madison youth poet laureate Octavia Ikard. They talk about the role of poetry in self expression and healing but also in response to political life.

Featured image: photo of Steven Espada Dawson, Octavia Ikard, and Ali Muldrow courtesy of Sara Gabler/WORT.

WORT 89.9 FM's Monday 8 O'Clock Buzz with Votebeat's journalist Alexandr shur, Disability Rights and Services Specialist from the City of Madison, Rebecca Hoyt, and founder of Media 22, Corey Whitmore.

Eric Bronner, one of the co-founders of Veterans for All Voters, spoke with WORT's Zoe Sullivan about efforts to expand the spectrum of political voices represented in primary elections.

Photo by Richelle Wilson courtesy WORT News

Yet another Madison-area small business is headed for closure. Darren Bush, who’s been sole owner of Fitchburg’s Rutabaga Paddlesports since 2007, announced in a newsletter earlier this month that he’s closing up shop at the end of this year.

He writes that he started reevaluating his future after a recent health scare and has decided to pursue a new passion: becoming a professional chaplain.

Bush joined our News Producer Faye Parks this week to reflect on the shifting retail landscape – and to share some advice for those looking to start a small business.

Image courtesy: Darren Bush via Substack.

The Madison school board’s meeting yesterday highlighted key changes for funding in the district – and platformed veteran teachers with concerns about discrepancies between their experience and their pay.

Interview

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway shared another preview today of her executive proposal for next year’s operating budget.

Her focus this time around: additional funding for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park, the city’s newest library that’s slated to open next September.

Image courtesy: Sofia Tanski / WORT News

Hejira world music radio show host interview of Lorin Sklamberg of The Klezmatics

The new Bartillion Men’s Shelter in Madison will include an art installation created by mosaic artist, Laurel True. She joins host Dana Pellebon to discuss the process of creating this installation and her career of community-based projects and creative placemaking.

Featured image of one of Laurel True’s mosaics, courtesy of the artist.