Madison Media Digest

Here’s what we were reading while wondering how Madison ever got so popular. 

Education

The Madison School District faces major budget challenges, as state aid fails to keep up with rising costs. The district’s schools are increasingly reliant on the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools for funding. The Madison School Board empowered administrators to avoid expulsions for non-violent discipline cases. Madison Area Technical College will debut a tuition-free program for about 350 students. The program is funded privately as corporations seek a more highly educated workforce. Study shows that UW - Madison’s PEOPLE program is falling short of its goal of helping low-income students of color prepare for and be admitted into college. A Madison company has emerged as a leader in educational video games. The Madison Children’s Museum hosted Pride Prom on Saturday. Initiatives that connect children to nature in Madison build off the city’s efforts.

Police and Government

The city should accept its role in a recent string of shootings, says Chris Rickert. The city’s finance committee approved $350,000 for a review of the Madison Police Department. Rickert thinks complaints about the police are not widely held and may be diverting resources from worthwhile initiatives. Police Chief Mike Koval says his department needs more resources. Dave Blaska offers a raft of ideas. The ACLU raised concerns about the Madison Police Department’s approach to tenants. Debate continues over funding for a homeless day center. The city’s director of food and alcohol policy is leaving. The county issued its first opposite-sex domestic partnership. Some criticized Madison’s new sister-city partnership with Kanifing, Gambia. Dane County debuted new filtration systems in hopes of keeping its waters safe for swimming in the summer.

Community

Black Women’s Leadership Conference filled a neglected niche and empowered Black women in Madison. Madison’s YWCA announced the winners of its Women of Distinction Leadership Award. The White House will honor the Madison Public Library with an award for services to the community. The U.S. Department of Labor said 24 Madison-area businesses have been withholding employees’ wages - one man speaks out about his experiences. Madison BCycle program seeks to expand despite new challenges. Jenifer Street residents want to protect the neighborhood’s shade trees during a $3.5M construction project. Madison Metro honored young poets. The Madison Ballet and Chamber Orchestra are exploring a merger. MG&E named a new group of peregrine falcons that hatched atop its Blount Street plant. An east side art installation seeks to foster conversation. Madison celebrated Memorial Day Weekend with brats, as per tradition. Dane County’s first case of Zika was acquired by a person who had visited Colombia.