Madison Media Digest: Genele Laird, Government, Community

Here’s what we were reading while walking the University Ridge course. 

Genele Laird

Video showing Madison police tackling 18-year-old Genele Laird during an arrest at East Towne Mall led the headlines this week. Black leaders called for a review of footage from the arrest of 18-year-old Genele Laird at East Towne Mall, arguing that a video showed police using excessive force. Centro Hispano’s leader objected to the arrest. Boys and Girls Club of Dane County CEO Michael Johnson issued a challenge to all corners of the Madison community.

Reactions to the arrest include horror and outrage. Social media response was strong on both sides of the issue. Many alders have called for an independent review of the incident. Mayor Paul Soglin echoed calls for a full investigation. Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said the video showed only a snapshot of the interaction. Dave Blaska says the police acted appropriately. Former police chief David Couper thought the video showed a lack of training. Chris Rickert said this episode shows the importance of body cameras. Activist Matthew Braunginn wrote about the arrest. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne opted for restorative justice for Laird rather than filing criminal charges. Curious about what means? We wrote about what restorative courts are last year and how it fits into the city’s approach to justice.

Government

Dane County’s purchase of the Madison Chamber of Commerce building for a homeless day center with cost $400,000 more than expected. The City Council loaned the school board more than $9M to help close a budget deficit. The school board finalized its preliminary budget.

The City has reached a new deal with a Chicago company to redevelop Judge Doyle Square just off the Capitol. Dane County looks to institute a wood recycling program for the anticipated culling of trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer. The city will hold a public hearing on pedestrian and bicycle projects to consider for the upcoming year. Dane County Public Health is investigating a rat infestation on the East Side. The Mayor appointed a new city planning director.

Community

Administrators at Madison West High School have been criticized for inappropriately handling sexual assault allegations. Dane County’s elderly population is growing quickly. Housing insecurity is becoming a citywide problem. Penn Park will get a new shelter. Wisconsin’s new civil service rules take effect July 1. Summit Credit Union ruled out moving downtown due to the high cost of parking. The redevelopment of the Garver Feed Mill site on the East Side is moving forward. We wrote about the planning process last year. West Nile has been discovered in Dane County. UW-Madison failed to address lead paint during a renovation of graduate student housing, which led to a case of lead poisoning.

The BikeMobile brings bicycle repair to users. Madison property managers crack down on people who don’t clean up after their dogs. Madison 365 offers a training program for journalists of color. A Verona Rd dance studio offers ballet for wheelchair-bound children. UpStart program offers free classes for women and minority entrepreneurs. Black Girls Are Magic aims to empower black women and increase their visibility in Madison. Shake the Lake may be establishing itself as a summer tradition. Current tenants feel left behind in a proposed redevelopment of Westgate Mall. 

The Digest will be off for July 4 and return on July 11.