📻 Federal cuts jeopardize future of WORT

📻 Federal Cuts Force Layoffs at WORT

• The public media funding cuts in President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” has hit WORT-FM. The community radio station lost $112,000 in funding, forcing the station to lay off two of its seven full-time employees.
• The cut amounted to 12% of the station’s total budget, and Tanya Graham, vice president of the WORT board, told volunteers that the station is facing an unsustainable deficit. WORT has decided to cancel its outdoor music festival, WORTStock, in 2026 to save money. You can donate to WORT here. [Isthmus, WORT]

🚘 How Do You Solve a Problem Like the Beltline?

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials have just finished a multi-year study of traffic congestion on the Beltline. Ideas on the table include adding a flex lane or additional lane between Verona Road and Middleton, adding a continuous exit for westbound traffic heading south onto Verona Road, more bike and pedestrian bridges, and more.
• State officials will hold an online meeting on Dec. 4 to discuss the findings and get community feedback. One idea that hasn’t gained traction is building a second Beltline to the north and south – DOT officials say it would be a massive project that would have a negligible effect on Beltline traffic.
• 🎧 Get it in gear! On the City Cast Madison podcast, the team chats about Beltline solutions, as well as permanent changes to Willy Street. Plus, executive producer Hayley Sperling breaks down the just-passed city budget, and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos talks about an unconventional downtown housing project. Plus, we’re throwing a party, and you’re invited! (Cap Times, WisDOT, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

🏗️ Neighbors Push Back Against Proposed Winnebago Development

• The owner of a two-story apartment building and two houses on Winnebago Street just east of the Yahara River wants to tear down the structures and build a six-story, 162-unit apartment building.
• About 50 neighbors attended a meeting at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center this week to discuss the proposal, most of them against it. Residents expressed concerns that the building would bring lots of traffic onto the nearby Merry Street, and could price out long-time residents or families. [ 🔒WSJ]

Meet Penny! This Bernedoodle may be 4 years old, but she’s a puppy at heart. Penny will always find a way to be close to her people, whether she’s parked at your feet at the dog park or flipping outside for a belly rub. She loves going out on adventures, whether tagging along on runs or rollerblading or taking a jaunt out on the water!