Madison Media Digest

If you only read one local news story this week, it should be this piece about struggling local retailers on State Street.

Development and Business

The City Council has approved funding for four affordable housing projects. Madison’s Black Business Expo drew a large crowd of shoppers on Black Friday. Hmong Professional Network in Madison provides community and mentorship. State Street’s Jamba Juice won’t renew its lease. In Madison, fewer retailers were open on Thanksgiving Day and instead opened early on Black Friday. Sector67 looks to move to an East Side neighborhood. Madison Airport is seeing a lot more local passengers. The City of Madison has found a site for the third of its housing support programs for homeless people. Madison’s Salvation Army will delay seeking funding for their proposed redevelopment project.

Community

Quiet Santa program offers a calmer and less stressful way for kids with autism to meet Santa. A new mural on East Washington celebrates LGBTQ+ youths. Local grassroots organizations will receive grants from United Way for their efforts towards improving the community. The City Council voted to make the fourth Friday in November Ho-Chunk Day. The Boys and Girls Club fed over 800 people at their Thanksgiving Day community dinner. A former MPD officer calls for better, more open communication between the police department and the community, especially with regards to race relations. UW–Madison will open a Black Cultural center in the Red Gym. Dane County will be getting a new armored rescue vehicle.