Madison Media Digest: Policing, Education, Environment

Here’s what we were reading while wondering why people weren’t more excited about the Bucks’ return to the NBA postseason

Policing

Reaction to the death of Tony Robinson on Mar. 6 continued. High school students blocked East Washington Ave. on Tuesday. The group Young, Gifted and Black criticized the police response, including arrests, to what it described as as peaceful protest. Police Chief Mike Koval and Mayor Paul Soglin both defended police tactics. Brenda Konkel posted video of arrests, questioning whether the official response matches the actual events. People gathered at James Madison Park Sunday to celebrate the life of Tony Robinson.

Citing broad public support, The State Journal called for police to wear body cameras. Several community groups are sponsoring a Youth and Unity Summit this Sunday, an event aimed to spark discussion of inequality and tensions with police. Voices for Justice was a spontaneous discussion of what the concept means to writers in Madison.

The City is seeking design proposals to address what are described as “chronic behavior problems” just off State Street. Chris Rickert questioned a county plan to reduce fines for pot possession citations.

Education

Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent Jennifer Cheatham’s proposed budget cuts spending by nearly $11 million, in part by eliminating 110 jobs, and seeking health insurance contributions from employees.. David Blaska, who has sued the district calling for the enforcement of state laws limiting collective bargaining by public employees, questions the fiscal leadership at the school board. A recent study shows that Madison has the second largest per-student spending cut since 2008. Meanwhile, Madison parents increasingly are opting out of standardized testing, which may affect federal funding. Memorial High School’s culinary team is headed to a national competition.

Environment

An outbreak of bird flu may force a mass culling of chickens in Wisconsin. Some believe the spread of the disease will be limited by weather conditions. Madison also faces a dog flu outbreak. Dane County wants Enbridge Energy to carry $25M insurance policy against spills to gain permit approval for a pipeline that would run through the the area. A manure digester located north of Waunakee is in trouble for pollution and unsafe practices. The Willy Street Co-Op has been a longtime adherent to the spirit of Earth Day. The Isthmus explored garbage and recycling in Dane County in a special issue.