Madison Media Digest

If you only read one local news story this week, it should be this one about programs at Madison schools that help young Black girls navigate the world.

Schools

After evaluating feedback, MSD has decided not to introduce another Personalized Pathways plan yet. Huegel Elementary’s HAPPEN program aims to help African-American parents and children navigate education and stay engaged. Madisonians rallied together for A Day Without Women, including many area high school students.

Development

The Common Council approved the Olbrich Park biergarten; despite his initial disapproval, Mayor Soglin won’t veto it. Plans for a community center and affordable housing project in the former Madison College building downtown turned out to be too expensive to go through with. A proposed vending area for the top of State Street is intended to minimize troubling behavior. Residents on the Southwest side are concerned that a proposed road extension might take away a much-loved hiking and biking trail. Another piece of the 800 Block project has received final approval. 

Community

Attorneys for Tony Robinson’s family have released new info that they feel unequivocally proves that the officer who shot him was not telling the truth about the events. Hundreds of Madison will host a video game developers conference this fall. A west side barbershop is helping black men in Madison look and feel good with their new emphasis on health and wellness. New Brittingham Park playground will be accessible for disabled children and parents. Madison’s Board of Estimates hopes to pass an agreement with Airbnb that will ensure that the city can collect taxes on rentals. Lakes Monona and Mendota are officially open for boating.