Willy Street businesses reel as protests block customer traffic

Protests following a July 22 police shooting have reduced foot traffic on Willy Street, with roadblocks near Willy and Baldwin affecting the neighborhood's shops and eateries. Lazy Jane's Cafe is operating at roughly one-third to one-half of its normal volume, while The Weary Traveler has cut staff and is juggling rent and loan payments as business slows; owners fear longer-term impacts if conditions don’t improve. The City of Madison had not commented at press time.