On this week's 365 Amplified, hosts Stephanie, Nicholas, Omar and Rob talk through the upcoming renovation of the lakefront along Lake Monona and what it might mean for traffic and city life over the next few years; the Madison Black Business Awards; and the full slate of candidates for Madison Common Council.

 

Hosts: Stephanie Díaz de León, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed, Rob Chappell

On the podcast today, the team talks through the upcoming renovation of the Lake Monona shoreline and what it'll mean for traffic (2:54), nominations for the Black Business Awards (11:00), and the slate of candidates for Madison Common Council in the spring elections (13:24). 

Links:

https://madison365.com/nominations-now-open-for-madison-black-chamber-of-commerces-2025-black-business-awards/

 

Hosts: Stephanie Díaz De León, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed and Rob Chappell

Episode Summary: In this episode of 365 Amplified, the hosts return from their holiday break to discuss community updates, and upcoming events in Madison. Here's what they cover:

• MLK Day Events (6:35): Omar provides a guide to the exciting lineup of Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in Madison, including choir rehearsals, observance ceremonies, and a keynote from Donzaleigh Abernathy at UW-Madison.
• Luna’s Grocery Expansion (9:07): The team highlights the growth of Luna’s, a community-focused grocery store on Madison’s South Side, and its plans to open a new location with a Caribbean takeout restaurant.
• City Council Races (12:21): The latest updates on local political races, including the surprising campaign decisions of incumbent Charles Mabsy and a feature interview with Carmella Glenn, a candidate for District 18.
• North Side Spotlight (19:22): Common Council candidate Carmella Glenn discusses her work in violence intervention, her passion for civic engagement, and her vision for affordable housing and community-building on Madison's North Side.
• Roundtable Question: The hosts answer: "What would the title of your biography be if written by your nemesis?"

More info:

• Learn more about the Martin Luther King Jr. events on Madison365.
• Read about Luna's Groceries new location
• Learn more about Carmella Glenn

 

This week, Stephanie, Nicholas, Omar and Rob have updates on the Abundant Life Christian School shooting (1:06) and some thougts on the ethics of covering such a tragedy as journalists. Then, Myra McNair, a family therapist and founder of Anesis Therapy, joins us (9:01) to talk about how to support your children and your community in the wake of the trauma -- and maybe how to prevent a future event like this one. We follow that with an update on Madison Alder Charles Myadze and the domestic abuse charges against him (33:01) and then turn to lighter topics: a world-renowned violist performing with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (41:33), the Bucks' win in the NBA Cup final (42:56), the Forward Madison 2025 season schedule (47:32) and failed New Year's resolutions (52:24). 

Links:

Donate to the United Way's Abundant Life Christian School fund

Support nonprofit community journalism

Anesis Therapy drop-in hours

Marquez & Meyers tickets

Stories:

Abundant Life Christian School shooter was in contact with a California man accused of planning separate attack, report says

Myadze released on signature bond

Giannis Antetokounmpo named MVP after leading Milwaukee Bucks to NBA Cup title

Forward Madison releases 2025 schedule; home opener set for April 19

On this week's podcast, we have still-developing news, as Madison Alder Charles Myadze was censured by the Common Council on Tuesday and arrested on felony domestic violence charges Thursday. Plus, Crushin' It Apparel will be required to pay workers back wages plus interest after they were fired for unionizing. 

Links

Madison Alder Charles Myadze arrested in domestic violence case

Madison Common Council censures Myadze

Madison Alder Myadze denies harassment and abuse allegations, but won’t run again

Madison Mayor removes Alder Myadze from all committee appointments

Joint Finance Committee approves settlement to pay Crushin' It workers back wages after they were fired for unionizing

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Donate: Madison365.org/Donate

In this episode of 365 Amplified, hosts Stephanie Diaz De Leon, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed and Rob Chappell reflect on the challenges and developments of a tumultuous November. The team dives deep into:

• Sun Prairie School District: The resignation of Renee Coleman and allegations of bias and mismanagement within the district. Story here.
• Mental Health and Policing: A detailed discussion about the arrest of Willie Triplett, the role of the CARES team, and gaps in mental health response services in Madison. Story here.
• Artistic Aspirations in Madison: Meet Richard Lopez (Arlo), a new artist showcasing his work at Omega School. Learn about his creative journey and the support he’s received from Madison's Latino art community. Story here.
• City Council Updates: The latest on Ald. Charles Myadze and the council's response to allegations of misconduct. Story here.

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Rob is flying solo today with a preview of the MOSES Transformation Celebration Gala and updates on the Madison Common Council's response to allegations against Alder Charles Myadze. Today's episode is brought to you by Steinhafel's.

MOSES Transformation Celebration Gala:

• When: Saturday, December 14, 5:30 PM–9:00 PM
• Where: Goodman Community Center, Madison
• Highlights: Honoring individuals transforming their lives post-justice system involvement.
• Tickets: $75 each ($65 if buying multiple).
• Learn more here.

Madison Common Council Developments:

• Updates on the censure of Alder Charles Myadze following allegations of domestic violence and sexual harassment.
• Discussion on potential policy creation for the removal of alders.

 

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In this week's episode of 365 Amplified, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, and Nicholas Garten dive into pressing local issues, exploring equity, accountability, and community challenges. From Madison City Council's resolution to censure Alder Charles Myadze over allegations of misconduct to the ongoing transit woes impacting Madison students, the team unpacks the complexities behind the headlines. The conversation also ventures to Sun Prairie, where systemic disparities come to light following the resignation of Principal Renee Coleman.

Plus, hear the team reflect on adolescent insecurities during a light-hearted roundtable discussion, while addressing the power of community storytelling in amplifying underrepresented voices.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Madison City Council and Alder Censure:

   • Investigative reports and their implications for council proceedings.
   • The significance of the censure resolution and public response.
   • Broader discussions on fairness in addressing workplace harassment.

2. Metro Transit and Student Accessibility:

   • Recurring issues of buses skipping stops due to capacity.
   • Community concerns about equity in student transit options.
   • Proposed solutions and the systemic challenges of public transportation.

3. Sun Prairie School District Controversy:

   • Principal Renee Coleman's resignation and allegations of a double standard.
   • The district's track record on equity and restorative practices.
   • Impacts on faculty of color and broader implications for the community.

4. In Memoriam:

   • Remembering Pastor Richard Jones Sr., a beloved Madison community leader and advocate.

5. Roundtable Reflection:

   • Puberty and self-conscious moments—light-hearted stories from the hosts.

6. Call to Action:

   • A heartfelt appeal to support Madison365’s mission through donations, amplified by the NewsMatch program.

How to Support Us: Help us continue amplifying community voices and holding those in power accountable. Donate now at madison365.org/donate to have your contribution matched through the NewsMatch program.

Contact Us:

• Have a story or concern to share? Email us at [email protected].

Follow Us for Updates: Stay tuned for follow-up articles on these stories and more at madison365.org.

In this episode of 365 Amplified, Stephanie Diaz De Leon, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed and Rob Chappell dive into recent news and updates in Madison and beyond. Topics include:

• Madison’s Budget Updates: Highlights from the city council meeting, including the restored funding for the Police Oversight Office and the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park.
• Art in the Community: Showcasing local art exhibits like Henry Oben’s “We Exist” and a collaborative show by Latina artists Isis Macias and Jessica Gutierrez, aimed at creating welcoming spaces for Latino communities.
• Serious Allegations Against Alder Charles Myadze: Covering Gloria Reyes’s recent allegations of domestic violence during their past relationship. This sensitive story addresses domestic abuse within public office and its complexities.
• Music and Cultural Commentary: The team shares their favorite albums of the year and reflects on the evolving role of music in today’s culture.

Stay informed on these impactful stories, and join us as we amplify the voices and stories that matter to our community.

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Stories discussed: Longtime Madison leader Gloria Reyes accuses Alder Charles Myadze of abuse during "volatile" relationship

City probe revises findings: “Troubling” behavior by Alder Charles Myadze not deemed harassment

For anyone experiencing domestic violence, resources are available:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
• Domestic Abuse Intervention Services: 608-251-4445 or text 608-420-4638
• UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence: 800-510-9195

 

So, what just happened?

In this episode of 365 Amplified, Stephanie Diaz De Leon, Omar Waheed, Nicholas Garton and Rob Chappell discuss the aftermath of the election at the national and local level. We examine Donald Trump’s surprising sweep of battleground states, Democratic voter turnout, and the broader implications for communities of color and working-class voters. The conversation also addresses the impact of rising costs of living and the Democratic Party's challenges in resonating with key voter bases.

We also get into local Wisconsin politics, analyzing school referendums, city funding, and how new legislative maps could reshape the way the Assembly works. They touch on how media influence and messaging shape political narratives, especially in the context of misinformation. The episode closes with a lighter discussion of favorite music albums, from Jay-Z to Led Zeppelin, offering a refreshing contrast to the weighty political conversation.

Tune in for an in-depth discussion that brings the big picture down to a local level, examining the social, political, and economic factors influencing voters in this pivotal election year.