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...
info_outlineRelease Date: March 15, 2025
Hosts: Stephanie Díaz de León, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, Nicholas Garten
Guest: Alder Nikki Conklin
This week on 365 Amplified, we cover everything from local protests to a Madison magician making waves. The episode features a conversation with Alder Nikki Conklin, who is running for re-election in District 9. She discusses key issues in her district, the importance of the Cares Team, and why local elections directly impact everyday life.
We also break down the UW-Madison student walkout in support of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil and the broader implications of the Department of Education's investigation into universities regarding antisemitism allegations. Plus, we discuss the controversy surrounding this year's Arts Business Competition, where, for the first time in its 16-year history, there were no finalists of color.
On a lighter note, we highlight the rising career of Matthew Teague, a magician from Madison who is taking his craft to national stages after appearing on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. And finally, we round things out with a discussion on what we're looking forward to this spring—except for Omar, whose allergies have other plans.
- News Rundown:
- UW-Madison Walkout & Mahmoud Khalil’s Case
- Title VI Complaints & Department of Education Investigations
- Madison’s Arts Business Competition & Lack of Diversity
- Madison's Magician, Matthew Teague
- Interview with Alder Nikki Conklin: Local elections, public safety, and housing policy
- Spring Outlook & Roundtable Question: What we’re looking forward to as the seasons change
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