Between officiating same-sex marriages, laying out development projects and keeping an eye on schools at the end of the year, Madison is starting the summer off with a flurry of activity.
Law & Order
When a judge struck down Wisconsin’s ban on same-sex marriage, the Dane County Clerk’s Office was ready, [1] anticipating a marriage rush as couples took advantage of the decision [2]. According to one couple, their hastily-organized marriage was an oddly emotional and bureaucratic experience [3], but it was rewarding all the same. The Madison Police Department also got involved, delivering cake to newlywed couples [4] outside the Capitol - an act that went viral through social media. Despite the confusion and uncertainty following the decision, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Office of Vital Records began processing marriage certificates [5] on Wednesday. Isthmus shared a historical perspective on gay marriage in Wisconsin [6] as well as highlighting a social justice group that is helping gay couples pay for marriage licenses [7]. On Friday, Judge Barbara Crabb ordered a halt to same-sex marriages, while her decision is appealed [8].
Development
With construction equipment and torn-up streets criss-crossing the city, the Cap Times takes a look at how Madison locals are changing their commute [9]. Even pedestrian routes are being reevaluated, and Madison Engineering Division is proposing a project that would improve the Capital City bike path [10], separating pedestrians and cyclists for safer and easier travel.
Development continues with the controversial new Judge Doyle Square hotel plan [11]. Grassroots coalition Citizens Against Subsidized Hotels (CA$H), is still fighting the subsidized development of the hotel, shifting their strategy towards a district-based campaign instead of a petition [12]. Other downtown groups like Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc. are looking at rewriting Madison’s landmarks ordinance [13] in order to clarify for more productive collaboration between developers and concerned residents.
Education
David Blaska blogs that Kaleem Caire will renew efforts to bring a charter school [14] to Madison.
Capital City Hues interviews Jennifer Cheatham [15]. The publication also focused on graduation throughout its most recent issue, featuring profiles from new UW-Madison [16], Madison College [17] and Edgewood graduates [18].
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Links:
[1] http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/steven_elbow/dane-county-clerk-s-prep-for-gay-marriage-ruling-paid/article_b4d83b8a-4450-57f2-bef8-c858c1b44377.html
[2] http://www.isthmus.com/isthmus/article.php?article=42956&sid=649ade6992ffd86d2d8a6ae1307a1550
[3] http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/writers/todd-milewski/how-a-couple-s-marriage-ambivalence-turned-to-the-most/article_0c8d09d4-ef4a-11e3-b5e6-001a4bcf887a.html
[4] http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/todd-milewski/the-story-behind-the-viral-photo-of-madison-police-officers/article_f479479f-bc4d-560d-bd15-77797e2bad19.html
[5] http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/clarity-still-lacking-for-ongoing-gay-marriages-b99289097z1-262713011.html
[6] http://www.isthmus.com/isthmus/article.php?article=42958&sid=649ade6992ffd86d2d8a6ae1307a1550
[7] http://www.isthmus.com/isthmus/article.php?article=42932&sid=649ade6992ffd86d2d8a6ae1307a1550
[8] http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/judge-issues-injunction-in-same-sex-marriage-case-but-halts/article_bf652993-a3b8-5c2b-a20b-06c4f46172c6.html
[9] http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/todd-milewski/has-construction-changed-your-commuting-routine-readers-weigh-in/article_9bd2b494-ecc6-11e3-8c4a-001a4bcf887a.html
[10] http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/city-considers-improvements-to-capital-city-bike-path/article_688404c8-750e-5662-8694-646d62523fa3.html
[11] http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/preferred-option-emerging-for-judge-doyle-square-hotel/article_12a1509a-7cdd-58b7-92ac-58fd31c7f463.html
[12] http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/citizens-group-shifts-strategy-in-opposition-to-public-subsidy-for/article_44e6095d-9088-56be-b267-becd314e6425.html
[13] http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/mike_ivey/downtown-madison-groups-eye-common-ground-on-landmarks-ordinance-rewrite/article_e5ca8520-ecf5-11e3-81ab-001a4bcf887a.html
[14] http://www.ibmadison.com/Blogger/Bring-It/June-2014/Kaleem-Caire-to-renew-push-for-Madison-Prep-charter-school/
[15] http://www.capitalcityhues.com/052914JenniferCheatham.html
[16] http://www.capitalcityhues.com/052914KwekuBrewoo.html
[17] http://www.capitalcityhues.com/052914MadisonCollegeGraduation.html
[18] http://www.capitalcityhues.com/052914EdgewoodCommunityScholars.html