Art House 360 is open!
365 Amplified
Art House 360, a multicultural community arts space in Verona, officially opened with a ribbon cutting this week, and will host a fundraiser tonight. So we are revisiting our conversation with cofounders Monica Cliff and AJ Juarez from last month about where the idea and inspiration came from, and what the space hopes to offer the community.
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A Constitutional crisis and a local recall
365 Amplified
This week, Stephanie, Rob and Omar preview: Then, Rob reports on and why organizers say democracy remains under threat. Next up, the effort to recall a member of the DeForest Board of Trustees has successfully prompted a special election. Alicia Williams, who's running to replace incumbent Bill Landgraf, joins to talk about the recall effort, the campaign and what it means for local governments across the state. We finish up with a question prompted by Omar's obsession with winning a very low-stakes online auction: what's your most toxic trait? Connect: Full coverage at Support...
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The Gov race is on. Who's in?
365 Amplified
This week, Stephanie, Omar, Nicholas and Rob preview Dane Dances and give an update on the Village Board recall in DeForest -- including why it's important beyond the village. Then, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced last week that he will not seek a third term, setting up the first election with no incumbent since 2010. The pundit class has been speculating about who might run, so why not join in? Plus, the roundtable question: what hill will you die on, even if you're wrong? Connect: Full coverage at Support Local Journalism: If you appreciate our work, consider donating to...
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Arts & Access
365 Amplified
This week on 365 Amplified, Stephanie, Rob, Omar, and David dive into a packed episode featuring serious local issues, fun community events, and a deep look at a bold new arts initiative in Verona. 🧑‍⚕️ Omar reports on the ongoing strike at Mercy Health East, where nurses are demanding a 7% raise, better health insurance, and basic security protections. Despite making $59 million in profit last year, the health system offered only a 3% raise and refused to budge—even as CEO pay topped $11.5 million. Stephanie reflects on the community impact and priorities revealed by the strike....
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Sunsetting DEI, switching sports & saving schools
365 Amplified
This week on 365 Amplified, Stephanie rejoins the team for a packed episode featuring tough conversations about education, equity, and opportunity. 🎓 Sunsetting Diversity at UW? The team breaks down the University of Wisconsin’s controversial decision to “sunset” the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA). What does that mean for scholarship programs like Posse and PEOPLE? And what’s behind the language choices? ⚖️ Disability Rights Under Scrutiny Rob provides an update on the case of Kitty Trivedi, a visually impaired student who was denied...
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Foraging, football & Fortify Fitness
365 Amplified
This week on 365 Amplified, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, and Nicholas Garton cover a wide range of stories and conversations, from exploring the outdoors to diving deep into sports and fitness. Rob shares his experience at a foraging workshop with Color in the Outdoors, featuring Alexis Nikole Nelson, better known as @BlackForager, and author Sam Thayer. He recounts the lessons learned about wild plants, including how to make sumac lemonade and the surprising spiciness of wild mustard. Omar previews the upcoming 11th Annual Unity Picnic hosted by the Urban League of Greater Madison, set for...
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Wine & cupcakes!
365 Amplified
Today, we announce the date and opening of registration for the eighth annual , the state's premier professional development, networking and community building event. Plus, we wrap up the sixth annual list of Wisconsin's Most Influential Asian American Leaders and share a bit of basketball news. Then, Rob Chappell visits Shakkiah Curtis at the Black Business Hub, where this weekend she celebrates the grand opening of Tailer Nicole, her wine and cupcake bar, and where she hopes to see you this weekend! Connect: Full coverage at Support Local Journalism: If you appreciate our work,...
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Madison Black Restaurant Week is coming
365 Amplified
This week, Rob Chappell brings you news and voices from the community while the rest of the team is scattered. Highlights include: 📰 Top Stories: The Center for Black Excellence and Culture announces it has raised all $31 million for construction—debt free! A Black Lives Matter sign at Crestwood Elementary is vandalized. The Girls State Soccer Tournament kicks off with Madison-area teams in the finals. Forward Madison celebrates Juneteenth with a special jersey designed by local artist Brooklyn Doby. 🍽️ Main Interview: Camille Carter, President and CEO of the Madison Black...
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Chuck Brown is dead
365 Amplified
In this week’s episode of 365 Amplified, the team dives into the Juneteenth celebrations happening around Dane County and across Wisconsin, previews summer opportunities with the Maydm youth STEM program, and spotlights Madison Night Mares softball team in their second season. Then, Rob is joined by Anna Gonzalez, Alys Dickerson, and Patty Heaston of American Players Theatre to discuss how the repertory company is expanding access and representation in its programming. The conversation highlights their new contemporary production The Death of Chuck Brown, written and directed by Gavin...
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We Tell the News
365 Amplified
This week, the 365 Amplified crew covers a range of timely and thought-provoking topics: 🏥 Meriter Nurses Win Contract Fight Omar recaps the surprising outcome of the Meriter nurses' five-day strike, which ended in a new contract featuring an 8% raise over two years and steps toward improved staffing ratios and safety accountability. 🏛️ Hospitals Shift DEI Language Amid Political Pressure Rob breaks down new reporting from Wisconsin Watch on how major healthcare systems like SSM and UW Health are altering their DEI messaging in response to anticipated federal scrutiny—raising...
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In this week's episode, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, and Nicholas Garton break down the latest election results, highlight business updates in Madison, and discuss community issues making waves across Wisconsin. Special guest Alicia Williams, a write-in candidate for the DeForest Village Board, joins the conversation to talk about her candidacy and the fluoride controversy prompting her run.
🗳️ Key Topics Discussed:
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Election Results:
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Madison City Council Primaries: Surprising outcomes in key districts:
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Business Highlights:
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Minding My Black-Owned Business Pop-Up: Happening this Saturday at Elver Park Neighborhood Center from 12-3 PM, featuring 40 vendors, raffles, and food.
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Candigenous THC Drinks: Wisconsin’s first Indigenous-owned cannabis company, founded by Rob Pero, has launched its Up Tempo, Down Tempo, and Mid Tempo THC-infused drinks. Available at local shops like Willy Street Co-op and online.
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Fluoride Controversy in DeForest:
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The DeForest Village Board voted to remove fluoride from the town’s water, sparking significant community concern.
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Alicia Williams, a community health worker, shares how the lack of resident input and expert consultation inspired her write-in campaign for the village board.
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Charter School Debate in Madison:
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The Madison School Board is deliberating the proposed Forward College and Career Academy, backed by Michael Johnson and John McKenzie, aimed at providing career pathways in skilled trades.
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If MMSD rejects the charter, the organizers may seek authorization from the University of Wisconsin, though that would divert state funding from MMSD schools.
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Empanada Detour in Deerfield:
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Omar Waheed’s quest for a water tower photo in DeForest led him to the wrong town entirely, where he stumbled upon an incredible empanada shop.
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🏛️ Guest Spotlight:
Alicia Williams: Write-in candidate for DeForest Village Board, community health worker at Humana, and advocate for sustainable community growth, affordable housing, and informed decision-making in local government.
đź“… Upcoming Events & Action Items:
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🛍️ Minding My Black-Owned Business Pop-Up: Saturday, Elver Park Neighborhood Center, Noon–3 PM.
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🗳️ Spring elections: Tuesday, April 1
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📚 Madison School Board Meeting: Tuesday – Charter school vote expected.
📣 If you’re affected by federal funding cuts, DEI investigations, or have insights on community issues, reach out to us at [email protected] or call 608-229-1597 (calls only - that number can’t get texts).
Support Local Journalism:
If you appreciate our work, consider donating to keep 365 Amplified and Madison365 thriving. Visit madison365.org/donate to contribute.
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