Madison Media Digest

If you only read one local news story this week, it should be this piece about how early childhood zones work to combat the achievement gap. 

Education

The Vera Court Neighborhood Center has taken on the ambitious goal of closing the achievement gap by 2020. Wright Middle School obtained approval for their request for school uniforms. Madison East High School will limit students’ access to social media during school hours. MSD is investigating potential financial discrepancies at Black Hawk Middle School. Students at a Monona Grove alternative high school crafted and modeled paper dresses as part of a literacy fundraiser. 

City Government

Monday night was a night of unprecedented gun violence in Madison, prompting city officials to discuss solutions. Mayor Soglin accused Koval of using the events to campaign for a higher budget after Koval spoke at a press conference on Tuesday. Chamber of Commerce luncheon focused on race and gender equity in Madison’s job market. The city board has dismissed the ethics complaint against Alder Sara Eskrich. New bids for the renovation of the Madison Municipal Building have put the project back within budget. 

Community

With the decline of video rental stores, many people are taking advantage of Madison public libraries and their extensive video collections. Construction around the square means that many food carts have had to find new temporary locations. Twin lion cubs were born at Vilas Zoo. The Judge Doyle Square project received some crucial land use permits. The new AC hotel downtown intends to immerse guests in a European atmosphere while still providing views and experiences that are uniquely Madisonian. Car X will move from its current East Washington location to a lot with more space. Madison-based Memory Project provides hand-drawn portraits of children living in refugee camps, orphanages, and other difficult or impoverished situations.