Madison Media Digest

Here’s what we were reading while enjoying our long weekend.

Education

Lapham Elementary moved their art room into the basement, sparking a conversation about the importance of art education. Dane Arts will offer fall classes for artists hoping to improve their business skills. The Madison School Board unanimously decided to seek more operating money from voters. Madison School Board declined a contract for armed and uniformed police officers in the city’s high schools and is planning on further negotiations with the city. UW–Madison has a multi-pronged plan to ensure that minority students have a better campus experience. Officials say that none of the initiatives will hamper students’ rights to free speech. Nevertheless, a Republican state senator has described these efforts as “sinister.” 

Business and Development

Infrared cameras count pedestrians on State Street. An employee of the Monona Terrace Convention Center has accused the company’s executive director of multiple ethics violations. The Madison Ethics Board has scheduled a hearing to address these accusations. Construction on Verona Road begins this week and will restrict lanes and through access temporarily. An apartment-hunting service in Madison has received enough money from investors to expand their operation. Biotech company StrataTech will remain in Madison after being acquired by a UK pharmaceuticals company. Change is in the air for a number of other biotech startups in Madison. The Madison Enterprise Center, a space for small businesses and startups, has new tenants. Mayor Soglin vetoed a liquor license for a new restaurant on State Street. Madison Plan Commission approved plans for a new apartment complex in the Schenk-Atwood neighborhood. Local business owners are disappointed by the decision to turn UW–Madison’s Red Gym into an Amazon pick-up point.

Community

Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County has named a new executive director. Donate and Take made a coordinated effort to cut down on the amount of usable electronics, furniture and clothing thrown out during student move-in weekend. Controversial “Jesus Lunch” returns amidst protests. The officers who arrested black teenager Genele Laird were acquitted of any accused wrongdoing. Race to Equity announced the availability of four scholarships for the 2017-18 academic year. The Overture Center has appointed its first-ever Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Madison’s current system of homeless shelters and resources can be dehumanizing and demoralizing; Madison homeless shelters do the best they can with the funds they have, says columnist.

A new addition to the Monroe Arts Center will provide more gallery space, as well as more room for concerts and educational and children’s events. Here’s what you need to know about voting early in Madison and the surrounding area. UW–Madison returns to the top of Princeton Review’s ranking of party schools in the U.S. The Salvation Army on the East Side promised increased attention to neighborhood concerns amidst their plans to build a new facility. A Fitchburg community meeting will focus on rebuilding and recovering after an explosion that damaged several homes. The cause of the explosion is still unknown. FreakFest performers and headline acts have been announced. Residents in the Hudson Park area were successful in their efforts to get two PokeStops removed from their neighborhood. Dane County has been making an effort to reduce food waste. Here’s everything you need to know about the annexation of the Town of Madison.