City Cast Madison logo
October 31, 2025

MMSD Abuse Allegations, UW Layoffs, and SNAP Reaches a Tipping Point

City Cast Madison

MMSD Abuse Allegations, UW Layoffs, and SNAP Reaches a Tipping Point

00:00:00
View all City Cast Madison episodes

This week, Madison is grappling with an array of serious stories in the news. Two staff members at Annie Greencrow Whitehorse Middle School are on leave as a result of sexual assault allegations. UW-Madison employees are facing layoffs. And FoodShare benefits are set to run out Saturday. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about how these heavy topics are affecting Madisonians. But it’s not all bad, we’ve got some Halloween costume ideas for you too!

Mentioned on the show:

West High battery [City of Madison]
Report Child Abuse [Wisconsin Department of Children and Families]

UW Union Leaders speak on state-mandated teaching requirements [🎧City Cast Madison]

Thanksgiving Basket Drive [Goodman Center]

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram

📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 31st episode:

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
April 24

City Threatens Police Monitor’s Independence, Beagles Stay at Ridglan, and Delays at Public Market

Tuesday, Madison’s City Council heard hours of public comment and debate before ultimately punting a proposal to tighten regulations for...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
April 23

Your Guide to Madison Coffee Shops

Here in Madison, we’re blessed with dozens of great coffee shops. Whether you’re looking for a quick jolt of caffeine or a spot to hang o...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
April 22

How Happy is Madison, Really?

Last month, WalletHub released a study that ranked Madison the 12th happiest city in the US. Is Madison actually that happy? We asked YOU...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
April 21

Miss Wisconsin and BGC’s Michael Johnson on Leading the Next Gen

What does it take to lead young people through anxious, high-stakes times? City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with Miss Wisconsin...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
April 20

Charlie Berens on Wisconsin Grandpas, Data Centers, and Running for Office

Oh hey der. Did you know that comedian and Wisconsin legend Charlie Berens will be performing on May 7 and 8 at the Overture? He is known...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
April 19

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Madison

Could public financing get more Madisonians involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouc...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
April 17

Extreme Weather, UW Athletics Shakeup, and Olbrich's Expansion Contested

Madison was just hammered by extreme weather — flooding, high winds, hail the size of baseballs, and possibly (maybe) even a tornado?! Ho...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
April 16

The Neighborhood Bars That Hold Madison Together

Madison has no shortage of cocktail bars and dives to satisfy your need to imbibe. But there’s something extra special about those neighb...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
April 15

How Isthmus Keeps It Real, 50 Years In

Longevity in the media industry is hard to come by. Longevity for a local alternative weekly is an even tougher task. But Isthmus has man...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
April 14

How Safe Are Our Streets?

How safe are Madison’s streets? After several high profile crashes this year, including one that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old h...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art