Madison Media Digest: Environment, Education, Law & Order, Fun & Games

Here's what Madison media focused on as we skipped over spring this week:

Environmental News

In a mix of science-fiction and environmentalism, a group of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers shared a series of scenarios depicting life in Madison in 2070. The futuristic hypotheses range from idyllic to post-apocalyptic, but they are all aimed at fostering discussion on combating and responding to climate change.

The political clout of pro-hunting lobbyists in Wisconsin was under scrutiny this week, as the state’s Wolf Advisory Committee reevaluated their stance on several issues. Controversial compensation for hunters who lose dogs to wolf attacks may be discontinued, and the committee is also recommending a smaller wolf hunting allowance than in previous years. 

Education

In a reflection on Madison’s public education system, Madison media featured several articles that took a look at the city’s changing educational landscape. The Cap Times featured twelve community leaders including Mayor Paul Soglin who evaluated Jennifer Cheatham’s first year as Madison School District superintendent. 

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin State Journal focused on the first round of bargaining between teachers unions and the Madison School District for 2015-16 contracts. The district aims to incentivize transfers to “high needs” schools and eliminate preferences for current teachers. In an editorial, the WSJ called for year-round schooling in order to avoid the mental atrophy of the “summer slide.”

Law & Order

Capt. Peter Ystenes, a 17-year veteran of the police department and the head of its detectives unit, was fired March 12 after using work equipment to watch porn and take thousands of photos of women without their consent.

After reviewing the evidence surrounding Londrell Johnson’s death on May 2, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne cleared both officers, saying there was no potential criminal liability. 

Despite some of the controversies surrounding the police force recently, Police Chief Mike Koval says police dept. should be a force for good.

Both the Isthmus and the Wisconsin State Journal discussed the upcoming decision regarding gay marriage in Wisconsin. If a federal judge overturns the current ban on same-sex marriage, the Dane County clerk’s office is preparing for a rush of 200 to 300 marriages.

Fun & Games

Madison College is planning an outdoor renovation, bringing ropes course, zip lines and a climbing wall to the campus by next fall.

Fairy gardens (gourd houses and tiny furniture included) are growing in popularity in Madison, bringing plants like moss, thyme and mini-conifers to gardening enthusiasts across the city.