Madison Media Digest: Education, Government and Community

Here’s what we were reading while figuring out where we could vote in Tuesday’s elections.

Education

The school district is holding hearings on its discipline policy. An effort to address the achievement gap, 1800 Days, through a focus on early childhood development launched this week. Higher education leaders want Madison Area Technical College to reconsider selling its downtown location. The Attic Angel Association financially supported Madison’s summer reading program. UW Vice Provost Patrick Sims issued a strong statement against acts of racial discrimination on campus. 

Government

Dane County allocated $2.25 million for affordable housing in 2016. Madison’s real estate market makes affordable housing a difficult sell. The city will consider a high-end apartment development near the airport. The Mayor’s stance toward working with the state-operated Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is complex. Some alders are unhappy over a proposal to take powers from the mayor’s office. The city’s point person on protecting retail on State Street discussed those efforts. The Madison Police Department’s South District captain described his approach to a new job. Trees with dots painted on them in city parks are slated for removal in response to the emerald ash borer. 

Community

A Madison man is teaching kids about gardening and agriculture, and combating the shortage of fresh food on the South side. The life-sized gorilla statue in a Madison Arby’s parking lot has a surprisingly charming story behind it. The Overture Center has embraced touring Broadway shows. The city starts picking up yard waste today. The Ohio Tavern on Atwood will be remodeled. Summit Credit Union could move its headquarters to the Near East Side. First United Methodist Church is opening an overflow shelter for homeless families. Former city poet-laureate Fabu said students concerned about UW-Madison’s racial climate can find community on the South Side.  This March was the ninth warmest one on record.