Madison Media Digest

Here’s what we were reading while sampling the most delicious foods at Yum Yum Fest. 

Non-profits and entrepeneurs

Madison Public Library will be holding a six-week event planning course for local non-profits. The event Code Madison Forward encouraged girls and children of color to be excited about coding and careers in the tech industry. 100 Black Men’s Backpacks for Success program provides school supplies for kids who need them. Forward Festival brought together all of Madison’s best entrepreneurs for the opportunity to pitch their ideas. 

Homelessness

In the midst of a crackdown on homeless people “loitering” on State Street, a high schooler has been hanging out in a hammock just down the block. Alder Amanda Hall is afraid that Madison policy focuses too much on fixing superficial issues surrounding homelessness, rather than addressing the root of the problem. Demand exceeds the supply of services and assistance for homeless individuals in Madison. There is, in particular, a lack of low-cost housing, as well as sufficient medical care. 

Community

A 13-year-old met with Police Chief Koval to talk about homelessness, policy and race relations between the police and people of color in Madison. Metro Transit ridership has been down lately, and there are a number of possible reasons why. A newly-formed Latinx LGBTQ+ organization hopes to promote education, awareness and empowerment. La Comunidad News will celebrate its 25th year. Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse is raising money for repairs after a drunk driver crashed into their storefront. An explosion left eight Fitchburg houses uninhabitable. Madison Muslims discuss both local and national community and Islamophobia.