Madison Media Digest: Law & Order. Homelessness, Community

Here’s what we were reading while planning a bike route from one end of the state to the other:

Law and Order

Tony Robinson’s family says they have left their home after harassment following the publication of their home address on Channel 3000 (a partner of Madison Commons). The Isthmus cover story looked at the Young, Gifted and Black Coalition, whose tactics have been described by some as controversial.  One of the protesters at East High on April 14 said blacks were singled out for arrest.  Police Chief Mike Koval rejected calls to revisit police policies about the use of force.  Former city poet-laureate Fabu says she has seen glimpses of hope in the response to the killing of Tony Robinson by Madison police in March. David Blaska says Baltimore has lessons for Madison. Tensions between the City and ride-sharing service Uber increased after the company failed to cooperate in an investigation into allegations of harassment by a driver. A Dane County Board committee delayed a study into jail safety after concerns were raised about a no-bid contract. A West High basketball coach has been charged with sexual assault.

Homelessness

The city is cracking down on homeless people sleeping outside the City County Building. Officials are moving belongings from the City County Building. Homeless Madisonians and advocates rallied to call attention to a lack of services, which explains why there are more people sleeping on the streets.  Chris Rickert says Mayor Paul Soglin is evoking Scott Walker in his post-election moves against the homeless. David Blaska cheered on Soglin’s efforts. Brenda Konkel says the mayor’s actions contradict other rhetoric aimed at helping those at risk of homelessness.

Community

West High School’s Rocket Club is competing in a national competition. Madison Schools are looking for a more diverse workforce. Chad Wiese is leaving LaFollette High School to work at the MMSD office. Unions at Madison Area Technical College voted to recertify. MATC will convert a Columbus race track into a training facility for emergency services, frustrating some racers.  

New Urban League President Ruben Anthony talks about the challenges of his new position. The Madison Public Library and Madison Children’s Museum are sponsoring the second annual Day in a Kid’s Life. The city began discussions on the proposed public market’s business plan. Developer Terrence Wall has refocused his efforts on Madison, after experiencing troubles during the Great Recession. Lothlorien Co-Op will be renovated after a September 2013 fire, and could reopen in August. We wrote about efforts by Madison Community Cooperatives to sell the house last year. Black entrepreneurs face unique challenges trying to get established in Madison. FEED Kitchens on the North Side have played an active role in supporting food carts. Dane County Airport is the most expensive to fly out of in the country. Three public employee councils are merging due to diminished membership following Act 10.  Virtually no bird flu has been found in flocks of less than 100.