It was a week that put Madison's character on full display. As the federal immigration crackdown continued to rattle families and businesses, the community packed a downtown restaurant to show solidarity with a detained co-owner. Across town, a local kid from Verona got ready for his Broadway debut, Black History Month brought art walks and popup markets, and the Mingos continued building their 2026 roster. Here's a look at the stories that defined the week.
365 Amplified: The local kid making his Broadway debut in The Outsiders
This week on our weekly news roundup podcast 365 Amplified, the team digs into the ICE detention of a beloved local restaurant owner and primary election results. Then, Rob sits down with Caleb Mathura, a local singer & actor who's about to make his Broadway debut.
Black Oxygen: Who is your neighbor? With Judge Everett Mitchell
Judge Everett Mitchell on this week's Black Oxygen: "Showing up is a part of what community care is. The more we celebrate each other, the more we transform our community." Powerful stories from 30 years of drug court + what it means to truly care for our neighbors.
Community members flock to Señor Machetes after owner is detained by ICE Madison rallied around beloved downtown restaurant Señor Machetes after co-owner Noel Quintana, a longtime green card holder, was detained by ICE at O'Hare International Airport while returning from Mexico, with hundreds turning out for a fundraiser and GoFundMe campaigns collecting more than $50,000.
Former Alder Charles Myadze's domestic violence trial set for August Former Madison Alder Charles Myadze, who faces seven felony charges related to domestic violence allegations from a former girlfriend, will head to trial beginning August 3.
Tony Castañeda joins race for 76th Assembly District Longtime Madison community figure, Latin jazz musician, and WORT-FM host Tony Castañeda formally announced his candidacy for Wisconsin's 76th Assembly District, centering his campaign on immigration protections, public school funding, and opposing extreme gerrymandering.
One City Schools celebrates Black History Month with 2nd annual Cultural Art Walk honoring Black Lives Matter One City Schools marked Black History Month with its second annual Cultural Art Walk, a community celebration honoring the Black Lives Matter movement through student art and creative expression.
A guide for restaurants and shops to visit throughout Ramadan With Ramadan now underway, Madison365 compiled a guide to local Muslim-owned restaurants and shops where you can show your support — and find great food — throughout the holy month.
Barnes focuses on affordability, health care in gubernatorial campaign Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, one of the leading Democratic candidates for Wisconsin governor, outlined his campaign's core priorities of expanding BadgerCare on day one, lowering costs for working families, and rejecting what he calls the chaos of Trump-era economic policy.
Minding My Black-Owned Business popup market returns Saturday The annual Minding My Black-Owned Business pop-up market returns to Elver Park Neighborhood Center this Saturday, Feb. 22, featuring more than 40 Black- and brown-owned businesses selling their goods from noon to 3 p.m. — free and open to all.
'A Dream Come True': Local actor & singer set to make Broadway debut in The Outsiders Verona native Caleb Mathura will make his Broadway debut beginning March 17, playing Johnny Cade in the Tony Award-winning musical The Outsiders at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in New York City.
UW-Whitewater to host "Hybrid Intelligence" exhibition exploring AI and art World-renowned digital artist Fei Jun will bring his "Hybrid Intelligence" exhibition to UW-Whitewater's Crossman Gallery from Feb. 23 through March 19, featuring works — created with AI and alongside UW-W students — that explore the evolving relationship between technology and artistic expression.
Mingos sign goalkeeper Tenzing Manske straight from Georgetown Forward Madison FC signed 21-year-old goalkeeper Tenzing Manske, who helped lead Georgetown to the 2024 Big East Conference Championship and posted an impressive .774 save percentage in his final college season before winning the USL League Two title with Vermont Green FC.
Forward Madison adds defender Kevin Carmichael The Mingos also added 23-year-old defender Kevin Carmichael, a California native who appeared in 21 matches and scored two goals during the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season with Huntsville City FC.
And in other news …
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