365 Amplified

Hosts: Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, Omar Waheed, David Dahmer Date: February 28, 2025

Episode Summary: This week on 365 Amplified, the team dives deep into major education and policy developments impacting Wisconsin's communities of color. From the controversial WIAA decision to ban trans girls from girls' sports to the abrupt withdrawal of the Forward Career and College Academy charter school proposal, we unpack the latest news shaping education and youth opportunities.

We also discuss the emotional renaming of South Side Elementary in honor of Laurie Man Cary, a Madison education champion, and explore the powerful return of artist and activist Loletta G to her former elementary school, where her new murals will soon be displayed.

In a particularly unexpected interview, Omar reflects on his conversation with Tony McAleer, a former neo-Nazi turned anti-hate activist, who shared insights on how people are radicalized—and how they can leave extremist movements behind.

Key Topics:

• 🏆 WIAA's Controversial Ban – Why the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association followed a federal directive to bar trans girls from competing in girls' sports, despite there being little to no evidence of an issue. Story here.
• 🏫 Charter School Controversy – The Forward Career and College Academy's leadership abruptly pulls the plug on their plan to create a trades-focused high school for students of color. Story here.
• 🎨 Murals & Memories – Lilada Gee, known for her advocacy and artwork, returns to her childhood school, Lapham Elementary, to unveil a new set of murals. Story here.
• 🏫 A Name That Matters – South Side Elementary is officially renamed in honor of Lori Mann Carey, a dedicated advocate for educational equity. Story here.
• ❌ From Hate to Healing – Omar's conversation with former neo-Nazi Tony McAleer, who now works to help others leave extremist movements. Story here.

Plus:

• Submit your news tips at Madison365.org/tips
• Nominate influential Native American leaders for Madison365's annual list! Email names to [email protected] or visit https://madison365.com/most-influential-nominations/

Support Local Journalism: If you appreciate our work, consider donating to keep 365 Amplified and Madison365 thriving. Visit madison365.org/donate to contribute.

🔗 Follow Us: Stay connected for real-time news updates and discussions: 📲 BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe & tune in every Friday for the latest insights on local and national news!

🎙️ Episode Overview:

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:

1. Election Results:

   • Madison City Council Primaries: Surprising outcomes in key districts:

2. Business Highlights:

   • 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.

   • 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.

3. Fluoride Controversy in DeForest:

   • The DeForest Village Board voted to remove fluoride from the town's water, sparking significant community concern.

   • 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.

4. Charter School Debate in Madison:

   • 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.

   • If MMSD rejects the charter, the organizers may seek authorization from the University of Wisconsin, though that would divert state funding from MMSD schools.

5. Empanada Detour in Deerfield:

   • 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.

🏛️ 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.

📅 Upcoming Events & Action Items:

• 🛍️ Minding My Black-Owned Business Pop-Up: Saturday, Elver Park Neighborhood Center, Noon–3 PM.

• 🗳️ Spring elections: Tuesday, April 1

• 📚 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.

🔗 Follow Us: Stay connected for real-time news updates and discussions: 📲 BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe & tune in every Friday for the latest insights on local and national news!

In this week's episode of 365 Amplified, hosts Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, and Omar Waheed dive into a mix of local news, politics, and community events. Here's what you can expect:

1. County Board Drama:

   • The team delves into a recent controversy involving the Dane County Board and the Department of Human Services. Amy Everett, who was appointed to lead the department, withdrew her candidacy after a meeting with County Board Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner. The hosts discuss the fallout, the political implications, and the ongoing challenges of finding a permanent director for the department.

2. Facebook Drama:

   • The hosts discuss a bizarre incident involving a local mortgage lender who sent a series of strange and racially charged messages to Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett. The story went viral, and the hosts explore the implications of the incident and the ongoing investigation.

3. Community Events:

   • Omar shares his experience attending the steel topping-out ceremony for the Center for Black Excellence and Culture in Madison. The event marked a significant milestone in the construction of the new cultural landmark, set to open in Fall 2025.

   • The hosts also highlight several upcoming events in northern Wisconsin, including the Black Hair Fair in Appleton, the Black History Month Celebration in Sheboygan, and the Chinese New Year Celebration in Oshkosh.

4. Interview with Dr. Alaysia Black Hackett:

   • The show features an insightful interview with Dr. Alicia Black Hackett, former Chief Diversity Officer for the Federal Department of Labor under President Joe Biden. Dr. Hackett discusses the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, dispels common misconceptions, and shares her thoughts on the current political climate surrounding DEIA efforts.

5. Soccer News:

   • Rob provides updates on Forward Madison FC, including the upcoming season and a new signing, midfielder Jose Carrera Garcia. He also previews the President's Cup, a major indoor soccer tournament taking place in Madison this weekend.

Listen to the full episode for more details on these stories and stay tuned for next week's update on local news and events.

📣 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 Madison 365 thriving. Visit madison365.org/donate to contribute.

🔗 Follow Us: Stay connected for real-time news updates and discussions: 📲 BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe & tune in every Friday for the latest insights on local and national news!

In this week's episode of 365 Amplified, we dive deep into the latest political and community issues affecting Madison and beyond. Hosts Stephanie Díaz de León, Nicholas Garten, Omar Waheed, and Rob Chappell break down the impact of federal executive orders on DEI programs, local nonprofits, and essential services. They also discuss the importance of local elections, the ongoing protests against Project 2025, and critical housing and public safety concerns in Madison.

Special guest Sheri Carter, former Common Council Alder and Council President, joins the show to discuss her campaign for District 10, the challenges facing Madison's housing and public safety policies, and her vision for a more engaged and representative city government.

Topics Covered: ✅ The federal government's crackdown on DEI initiatives and its local impact ✅ Madison's housing crisis and the ongoing landlord-tenant disputes ✅ Community protests: Rejecting Project 2025 and fighting executive overreach ✅ The Goodman Center's financial scandal and its impact on essential services ✅ Sheri Carter on her campaign for Madison Common Council and her policy priorities ✅ Update on Madison Alder Charles Myadze's domestic abuse charges

Featured Guest: 🎙 Sheri Carter – Former Madison Common Council Alder, discussing her bid for District 10 and community leadership.

How to Get Involved: 📅 Primary Election: February 18, 2025 🗳️ General Election: April 1, 2025 – Make your vote count! 📣 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 Madison 365 thriving. Visit madison365.org/donate to contribute.

🔗 Follow Us: Stay connected for real-time news updates and discussions: 📲 BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe & tune in every Friday for the latest insights on local and national news!

Hosted by: Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, and Omar Waheed

Episode Highlights:

🔹 Independent Monitor Controversy – A follow-up on last week's interview with outgoing Police Chief Sean Barnes, addressing misconceptions about the Office of the Independent Monitor. Discussion on its actual role in proactively analyzing police data and ensuring accountability.

🔹 Madison School Board & Charter School Debate – Recap of the recent school board hearing, where public testimony overwhelmingly supported the new charter school proposal. Discussion on concerns regarding funding, logistics, and transparency.

🔹 ICE Policy Shift & Local School Responses – Analysis of the Trump administration's rollback of the "sensitive locations" policy, allowing ICE agents to enter schools, churches, and hospitals. Reporting on how Dane County school districts are responding to ensure immigrant families feel safe.

🔹 Interview with Yanette Figueroa-Cole – Madison's Common Council President and District 10 Alder discusses key local issues, including housing insecurity, zoning reforms, public safety, and her re-election campaign.

💡 Key Topics Covered: ✅ Police oversight and misinformation about the Independent Monitor ✅ The push for a new charter school and its implications ✅ The impact of ICE's policy change on Dane County schools

Links:

Madison police chief hammers Independent Police Monitor on his way out

Proposed Madison charter school focused on building career pathways goes before Madison School Board

🎧 Tune in for all this and more!

👉 Subscribe to 365 Amplified for weekly episodes and stay updated at Madison365.

This week's episode is brought to you by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County. Click here to donate and support the Big Draft!

In this week's episode of 365 Amplified, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, and Nicholas Garton dive into some of the week's most controversial topics. They explore Elon Musk's recent use of the Roman salute (and its troubling implications), media accountability in covering "controversial gestures," and the historical and cultural significance of these symbols.

The team then transitions to a broader discussion on community trust and public safety with outgoing Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes. In an interview for the podcast, Chief Barnes had some harsh words for the city's Office of the Independent Police Monirot. He also reflects on his tenure, highlighting accomplishments such as reducing crime, fostering community engagement, and improving officer wellness. He also offers candid insights into challenges like maintaining trust with marginalized communities.

Additional topics covered include:

• The potential implications of ending birthright citizenship and the fear-mongering tactics surrounding immigration policy.
• Governor Tony Evers' proposals for free school lunches and addressing lead in drinking water as part of the "Year of the Kid" initiative.
• Updates on a contentious charter school proposal in Madison.
• The ongoing debate around the University of Wisconsin's DEI programs amid legislative scrutiny.

Tune in for an hour of thought-provoking discussions on equity, accountability, and the power of proactive solutions.

In this episode of 365 Amplified, the Madison365 reporting team dives into key local and community-driven topics, from upcoming events to deeper systemic conversations:

• Community Highlights (0:55):

  • Celebrate MLK Day with various events around Madison, including a day of service and an awards ceremony.
  • Discover Centro Hispano's new space through their vibrant Tres Reyes Celebration on January 18th.
  • Learn about "Comedy for a Cause," a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County on January 30th.
  • Mark your calendars for Centro Hispano's culinary fundraiser featuring chefs from Casa Ora, a renowned Venezuelan restaurant, on January 22nd and 23rd.

• A Proposed Charter School (7:20): The team explores the proposed McKenzie Forward Career and College Academy, a public charter school focused on equipping students with technical and workforce skills. Hear insights on its potential impact, community concerns, and the debate surrounding charter schools' roles in education reform.

• A Taste of Venezuela in Madison (24:36): Special guest Ivo Diaz, co-owner and mixologist of Casa Ora in New York City, shares his inspiring journey in hospitality. Ivo and his mother will bring a six-course Venezuelan tasting menu to Madison for Centro Hispano's fundraiser. Don't miss this chance to support a local organization while enjoying fine dining.

Links:

Your Guide to MLK Day in Madison

Centro Hispano to host its first Tres Reyes celebration at its brand-new home

Comedy for a Cause to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County

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