Madison Media Digest

If you only read one local news story this week, it should be this piece about a Brentwood community center that although lacking an actual physical location, provides a much-needed service to its community.

Good people making the world better

The winner of Centro Hispano’s annual Ilda Conteris Thomas award highlights the need to advocate for communities of color. Latino community leader and organizer honored with Centro Hispano’s Roberto G. Sanchez award. People-powered think tank Imagine Madison will hold community meetings to address racial justice, housing and other community issues in Madison. A women’s homeless shelter has increased privacy thanks to community organization. Madison’s new Cambodian restaurant has reopened after losing a business partner. There are a number of unique genealogical resources available in Madison.

Election 2016

Election day mostly went smoothly. Election Day turnout was surprisingly low. In the wake of recent election results, Madison remains as blue as ever. School referendums got the support that they needed. On campus, voter turnout was high, but there was little excitement. Crowds were shocked by Russ Feingold’s loss. Mayor Soglin blames Clinton for Trump’s victory in Wisconsin, whereas others place the blame on third-party voters. Thousands rallied at the Capitol building in protest of Donald Trump’s election. Madison Clinton supporters are shocked, devastated and worried for the future. Students of color are especially concerned about what a Trump presidency will mean, as are Latinx students. Madison’s Latinx community is focused on the future. Madison’s students and professors help each other process election results. Temple Beth-El served Kosher meals to voters on Election Day.

Community

A building on West Washington will soon have a 10-story tall waterfall art installation. A new children’s clothing boutique in Middleton balances a whimsical shopping experience with practical gender-neutral styles. Listeners are annoyed with The Mic’s decision to replace a popular liberal news talkshow with Christmas music. Alternate side parking rules begin this week. In light of the noose incident at Camp Randall, UW–Madison has new guidelines for costumes at sporting events. The blueprints for the controversial 800 block project have been approved. The Public Service Commission has approved MG&E’s 2017 rate increase. Potential city budget amendments cancel some projects and delay others. A discrimination team deals with incidents of racial violence and bias on campus. Madison police officers are no longer able to call off backup. This year’s FreakFest was relatively low-key and successful, according to MPD. The Chazen Museum’s artist in residence is getting ready to unveil his latest masterpiece. MG&E’s shared solar community project is taking off in Middleton. A new Jazz club is in the works for downtown. A number of companies have expressed interest in redeveloping MATC’s downtown campus.