Madison Media Digest: Police, Homelessness and Business

Here’s what we were reading while not taking our cars to work.

Police

The family of Tony Robinson, who was killed by Madison Police Officer Matt Kenny on March 6, filed suit against the city. The city settled a civil suit filed by the family the of Paul Heenan, who was killed by Madison Police Officer Stephen Heimsness in 2012, for $2.3M, the largest settlement for a police shooting in state history. The Isthmus investigates the militarized Madison SWAT team. Madison Young Gifted and Black leaders travelled to Case Western University to discuss police violence in their communities.

Homelessness

Mayor Paul Soglin is trying to reframe efforts his critics say are targeted at homeless individuals around behaviors. City committees will take up Soglin’s plans to limit the time people can spend on benches and other limits. The Dane County Democratic Party opposes the measures. The ACLU believes Madison’s panhandling ordinance is unconstitutional. The president of Downtown Madison, Inc. thinks the city needs more stringent enforcement of public conduct laws. Metro Transit is removing a bus shelter at the top of State Street, which has been seen as a site of behavior issues. A concert tonight will feature homeless or formerly homeless singers and support local shelters. Philosopher’s Grove, a frequent gathering spot for many of Madison’s homeless, is being removed. During protests about the removal of Philosopher’s Grove, staff at the City County Building threw out homeless people’s property, reports Brenda Konkel.  

Business

Kraft is cutting 165 jobs in Madison and 2,500 nationally. Questions still remain on how the city will support a planned development in Judge Doyle Square. Africafest celebrates the role of the marketplace in African life. A Willy Street business is recreating the general store. The Pressure Chamber is a competition for local start-ups to win a chance for a trip to California where they will meet with potential investors. Five other start-ups made their pitches to investors here in Madison. An educational video game company has opened new offices downtown. Dane County could ban e-cigarattes in workplaces. A developer is proposing a 60-unit building at the corner of Fordem and Sherman. Another developer plans to build affordable housing on the south side. Legal poker will not be coming to Dane County.