Madison Media Digest

Here’s what we were reading while waiting in line at the North Side’s new Willy St. Co-op.

Government and Development

The city is trying to figure out what to do with the former site of the Oscar Meyer plant. Proposed budget cuts to the Madison Police Department spark a wide range of reactions. Dane County is on its way to providing all workers a livable minimum wage. UW-Madison has acquired more property near campus for eventual expansion. Plans were approved for a bike-friendly hotel on Willy Street. District 13’s alder predicts growth and change for the district’s diverse neighborhoods. A retail study of downtown Madison shows a unique mix of pros and cons for local businesses. 

Schools and Education

The new coach of the Madison La Follette girl’s basketball team has high hopes for his new team. Madison’s first community schools are preparing for their first year of operation. After the campus sexual assault survey, UW - Madison has made some changes to its sexual misconduct prevention procedures. This means, among other things, making graduate students aware that sexual harassment can come from faculty. Science and technology-focused summer camps in Madison give kids a place to learn, explore and be creative. Adaptive fitness classes bridge the gap between physical therapy and independent exercise. Madison school board members postponed voting on a referendum that would provide more operating money. Annual reports show that Madison schools are improving. 

Community

Tickets for Supreme Court justice Sotomayor’s appearance at UW - Madison have already sold out. The trees around Capitol Square are suffering from a disease that is making their leaves turn yellow and fall off before autumn arrives. Madison Urban Nutritional Children’s Hotspot delivers free lunch to low-income kids when schools are closed. The YWCA’s annual racial justice summit will focus on challenging conventional privileged narratives on race and community. The East Madison Community Center is aiming to no longer be Madison’s best-kept secret. Madison Magazine’s Fall Arts Preview highlights the best cultural events Madison has to offer this autumn. Moving Day chaos kept everybody busy. UW-Madison student speaks out about her experiences with homelessness. Madison Metro Transit missed out on federal funding for the second year in a row. Local theaters highlight Indian cinema. A church and a religious charity team up to provide a day resource center for homeless people this winter. A seemingly healthy tree in the Capitol Square broke in half and injured two people. UW - Madison’s Red Gym might become an Amazon pick-up point. The Nehemiah Center is looking to expand their re-entry housing services for ex-inmates.