Madison Media Digest: Government, Education, Community

Here’s what we were reading while trying to figure out where to eat on the Square now

Government

The County Board voted to close the oldest part of its jail and started exploring improvements to other parts based on health concerns. How will the county’s anti-jail activists approach this news, wonders Chris Rickert? In response to a string of shootings, community members discussed plans to curb violence. Two West Side alders introduced a series of initiatives aimed at addressing youth gun violence. Mayor Paul Soglin expects a robust discussion of these and other proposals. But he seems really interested in blaming Chicago without much reason, said Chris Rickert. The city aims to find a new planning director by mid-June at the earliest. The Madison Common Council did not elect what would have been its second-ever African American president, leaving some to wonder whether race was a factor in the elections. The ACLU is investigating Madison Police policies.The elimination of the 911 board had little practical effect. A downtown fire station has reopened after more than $8M in renovations. The Dane County Board opens its new term with a full agenda. Judge Paul Higginbotham, the first African American to serve as a Wisconsin appellate court judge, doesn’t plan on seeking reelection. Madison has a new sister city, its first in Africa. The Madison Water Utility reported the city’s water meets or exceeds all federal safety standards.

Education

UW-Madison journalism students are training West Side students in radio. The Foundation for Madison Public Schools has a new executive director. Community members joined to increase support for early childhood education. The Madison Opera gives high school students a chance to work behind the scenes. The Overture Center’s Kids in the Rotunda is going on tour around town. UW-Madison explores ideas for improving its racial climate. Reports of a “hostile, discriminatory environment” prompted UW-Madison to bar the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity from all university activities until November.

Community

Madisonian Wenona Wolf wants Native Americans to play a bigger role in discussions of racial equality. An exercise and education program aims to help African American Madisonians over the age of 60 maintain their independence for longer. Madison hosted its first-ever Black Women’s Leadership Conference. The Catholic Multicultural Center on the south side is expanding its catering social enterprise. Meriter Hospital’s Forensic Nursing Program has seen a record number of cases this year. New retail outlets opened on State Street. An affordable housing development in Union Corners breaks ground soon. The Cardinal Bar is up for sale. Dane County was named one of the top bicycling counties in the country. Here are some of the best bike trails in Madison. Though small portions may be closed during the summer, the Memorial Union Terrace will for the most part remain open.