Skip to main content

April 27, 2022

Research

Iowa counties ranked in terms of health by University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute

The Courier

Newly released rankings on the health of people in each county in the United States has Black Hawk and Bremer counties on opposite ends of the spectrum.

The rankings, put together by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute using new data, are meant to help people “understand what influences how long and how well we live.”

For many American families a living wage is out of reach: Report

ABC News

“The data reinforces what we’ve known for some time. People in both rural and urban communities face long-standing barriers, systemic barriers — avoidable barriers — that get in the way of groups of people and places in our country from being able to live long and well,” Sheri Johnson, co-director of County Health Rankings & Roadmaps and director of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, told ABC News.

Higher Education/System

Campus life

‘Bill Nye the Science Guy’ addresses a full house at UW-Madison

Daily Cardinal

Those who attended middle school science classes from the 90s onward may fondly remember the days when teachers would forgo class, instead rolling out a television with a familiar, bow-tie wearing, figure on the screen. They could join in with their classmates in chanting along with the show’s theme song — to their teacher’s encouragement or dismay.

State news

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Michels is no political ‘outsider’

Wisconsin Examiner

Quoted: “Michels’ entry mostly signals a sense of discontent among Republicans with frontrunner Rebecca Kleefisch,” says University of Wisconsin political scientist Barry Burden. “She is the leader for the nomination in terms of traditional indicators such as fundraising, visibility, and conservative credentials. In an earlier political era, her connections to Scott Walker and success as a statewide candidate would have made her a no-brainer for the nomination. Many in the GOP are now pining for someone who will challenge the party establishment and take on other familiar institutions.”

Agriculture

UW ag experts say spring planting dates still on track

Wisconsin State Farmer

Although April has been cold and wet, University of Wisconsin-Madison agronomists say farmers shouldn’t start stressing out just yet.

“Despite the fact that we are about two weeks behind where we were a year ago, we are still on track for maximum yields for corn and soybeans,” says Shawn Conley, UW Soybean and Small Grains Extension Specialist.

According to Joe Lauer, UW-Madison Agronomy Professor, “last year we were earlier than normal – in fact, it was one of the earliest planting seasons on record.”

UW Experts in the News

Burned and vandalized: A history of cherry blossoms bearing the brunt of xenophobia

NBC News

Some anthropologists, including Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney, a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, are skeptical about whether the trees were, indeed, infested. An editorial published in response by The New York Times also said: “We have been importing ornamental plants from Japan for years, and by the shipload, and it is remarkable that this particular invoice should have contained any new infections.”

Peering Into the Deadliest, Most Destructive Tornadoes with Supercomputers

Newsweek

“They occur under specific atmospheric conditions,” Orf, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said. “They require lots of moisture, atmospheric instability, and wind shear. Supercells produce the most violent tornadoes compared to all other thunderstorm types. A recent example of a violent supercell is the storm that hit Mayfield, Kentucky, in December of 2021.”

UW-Madison Related

Franklin Public Schools to choose from three finalists for its superintendent position

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Noted: Golla is superintendent for the Menomonee Falls School District. Previously, he was the district’s director of curriculum and learning and principal of Menomonee Falls High School. Golla holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Marian University and is pursuing a doctorate through the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the document said.