Madison Media Digest

If you only read one local news story this week, it should be this piece about a federal judge removing the City of Madison as a defendant in the Tony Robinson civil rights case. 

Schools

Candidates for the Madison school board are motivated by the current political climate. Read Your Heart Out events at local elementary schools gave African American parents and community members an opportunity to get involved in their children’s education. Madison Area Music Association donated to five local schools so they can upgrade their band and orchestra instruments. 

Businesses and development

Proposed Park Street development might be larger than what neighborhood residents want. Combatting African American unemployment and pay gaps will take actual monetary investment, say panelists. After over 30 years, Mary’s Tailoring on State Street is closing. A new Monona Drive restaurant and bakery will offer Latino and Caribbean food. Renovations to the Madison Municipal Building have been delayed after bids were far more expensive than anticipated. Coworking spaces in Madison aim to support entrepreneurship. The alcohol licensing committee denied a permit for a potential sports bar in former Bellini building. 

Community

Undocumented students in Madison find support and solidarity at Centro Hispano. A staple of the Madison music community, drummer Clyde Stubblefield passed away this week. L’Etoile was nominated for a national culinary award. An ad hoc task force will address diversity in Madison’s music scene. Madison Community Discourse wants to curate happiness. MPD recruits are in their penultimate week of academy training. Some Madison restaurants did their best to support the Milwaukee “Day Without Latinos” rally. Madison-area employers are helping combat recidivism by joining a prisoner re-entry job fair.