Madison Media Digest

If you read one local news story this week, it should be this one about high levels of lead found in the drinking water at six local schools. 

City Government

A Madison alder may have helped her husband’s beer garden business venture; the final decision on said beer garden might come on Tuesday. Madison is looking to crack down on people who are renting out their properties via Airbnb and similar sites without obtaining the proper permits and paying the required taxes. The City Council denied a TIF loan for an east side affordable housing project after potential health concerns arose regarding the location. 

Development

Madison Chocolate Company will open on Monroe Street in May. Proposed Monroe Street development will have apartments and maybe a bank. Koi Sushi opened on State Sreet, despite not obtaining their liquor license. A south side neighborhood center’s Winter Market provides a place for locals to buy and sell products and connect with members of the community. 

Community

The publisher of Madison’s UMOJA magazine spoke about uplifting Black artists and businesses. GIRLS’BIZ finished off their program year by donating $1,000 to an organization that supports victims of human trafficking. Chief Koval is concerned that the settlement for Tony Robinson’s family deprived the officer who killed him of his day in court; Alder Skidmore thinks the settlement may further demoralize Madison’s police force. Religious leaders in Madison encourage people to speak out against acts of hate. One school board incumbent ends his campaign. The newly-formed Brothers Aligned Coalition will provide resources and opportunities for teens and young men of color.