Madison Media Digest

If you only read one local news story this week, it should be this piece about how there’s no more classic and cheap fast food on State Street. 

City Government

The Madison Finance Committee approved funding for a peer support rapid response program for gun violence. City officials want to name a “generic” city-county building after former president Barack Obama; the county’s only black supervisor is upset that she wasn’t told of the plans. A proposed ordinance would limit the distance and loudness of sound emanating from vehicles like pedal cabs.

Alder Eskrich will introduce an alternative to Mayor Soglin’s task force on city government restructuring. Soglin vetoed the creation of a chief of staff position for the city council. An immigration and refugee task force will focus on building trust in the community. 

Community

These are Madison’s best cures for the summer heat. Juneteenth celebration commemorates the past and looks towards the future. A Madison resident is likely the first Hmong-American to earn an M.D.-PhD. Hotel and apartment owners are contesting the dramatic increases they’ve seen in their property taxes this year. MG&E will tear down one of the exhaust stacks at their near east side plant. The Equality March for Unity and Pride attracted hundreds of marchers; the keynote speaker highlighted the importance of protecting and celebrating the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s plans for buildings in Madison are getting a second chance. The Simpson Street Free Press received a grant to help prepare at-risk middle school students for the challenges of high school. One City Early Learning Center celebrated its first annual graduation ceremony. Since 2011, the capitol building has been the site of larger and more frequent protests. A new local faith-based organization hopes to bring together religious organizations, places of worship and nonprofits to inspire change.