The leader of the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate said Wednesday that lawmakers are nearing a deal that would allow for long-blocked pay raises for Universities of Wisconsin employees to take effect and for funding to be released to pay for construction of a new engineering building.
December 7, 2023
Top Stories
Research
The forgiving brain
During the holiday season, we’re often encouraged to make amends and forgive people, but what does it take to really forgive someone? And what happens to your brain and body when you do… or don’t? In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with forgiveness science pioneer, Robert Enright. He’s been studying and writing about forgiveness for decades at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and he says forgiveness is a choice, and that your ability to do it can be strengthened like a muscle. Enright walks us through a range of scenarios, from forgiving small things like being late for a meeting to larg
Could nuclear fusion power the future?
Several companies say they’re close to achieving nuclear fusion that could be used as clean energy. Cary Forest, a physics professor at UW-Madison, explains why fusion is so difficult to achieve and whether commercial fusion is realistic.
Studying Wisconsin’s class of 1957
How does late adolescence impact you in your 80s? A decades-long study aims to answer that question after following thousands of students who graduated from Wisconsin high schools in 1957. We hear from Michal Engleman, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and current director of the study, on takeaways from one of the longest longitudinal studies in the country.
‘Plant hardiness’ can help map Wisconsin’s changing climate. Here’s how.
The map is meant for horticulture, not agriculture, said Chris Kucharik, a plant and agrosystem sciences professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, because farmers in the Midwest have largely been planting the same crops for decades.
Since the last map was released in 2012, all of Wisconsin’s hardiness zones have shifted about half a zone warmer, said Laura Jull, associate professor in the plant and agrosystem sciences department at UW-Madison.
2 NWTC students found a new antibiotic in soil at Pamperin Park. Here’s why it’s so groundbreaking.
Kakol and Vang are part of the Tiny Earth program at NWTC, which is based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and does research to find solutions in the antibiotic crisis and improve soil health. NWTC is one of over 30 colleges and universities worldwide involved in Tiny Earth.
Higher Education/System
UW system will launch direct admissions initiative with 2024 senior class
Starting next year, high school students could be accepted into University of Wisconsin schools without even applying.
The Universities of Wisconsin is rolling out its direct admissions initiative to boost enrollment across its campuses. UW system administrators hope to reach first-generation college students and other potential students who might not have considered attending a four-year school.
Fact check: Is Rep. Jodi Emerson correct that erasing chalk messages on campuses is not allowed?
The bounds of free speech continue to challenge University of Wisconsin System campuses.
A neo-Nazi group briefly appeared on campus during a march in Madison in November. They were within their First Amendment rights, though police and UW-Madison condemned their presence.
A Pewaukee student tried writing about sex education for the school magazine. Then the district intervened
The University of Wisconsin system supports the intent of the bill but fears it may create more administrative oversight than the policy currently in place, which already gives student media independence. UW System vice president Jeff Buhrandt suggested separating K-12 and higher education institutions into two bills.
Wisconsin’s future depends on investing in UW System, not trashing it
Co-authored by State Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, represents the 7th Senate District. State Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, represents the 26th Senate District.
Nickel: Congratulations to all graduates, including 40-year-old basketball star Devin Harris
Devin Harris, NBA All-Star, Big Ten Player of the Year, Wisconsin Mr. Basketball, father of three precious daughters, living a full life in Texas, with the freedom to do what he wants, and money to invest, still had that one promise, nagging him.
Getting his degree.
Tony Evers signs more than 40 bills into law, including overhaul of the alcohol industry
Among the legislation signed: SB 380, which makes financial aid programs more user-friendly and lifts the $3,150 cap on the Wisconsin Grant award for Universities of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Technical College System students.
Campus life
With eye on expanded playoffs, Wisconsin begins implementing heated field at Camp Randall Stadium
The Wisconsin Badgers football program is preparing Camp Randall Stadium this December with an eye on future Decembers.
The University of Wisconsin has begun implementing a heated field, one of two anticipated upgrades coming for the 2024 season (along with tweaks to the video boards).
A timeline of UW-Madison’s fight for a new engineering building
Tensions have risen between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Republican-controlled Legislature as Assembly Speaker Vos indicated cutting DEI funding is his top priority.
Indigenous actor, activist Dallas Goldtooth headlines ‘Native November’ events
Writer, actor and organizer Dallas Goldtooth addressed students and community members as the keynote speaker for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s “Native November.”
Science sit down: UW-Madison researcher attends COP28 global climate conference
UW-Madison Law professor Sumudu Atapattu shared her outlook toward the COP28 international climate conference in an interview with The Daily Cardinal.
Diverse professors are often expected to be role models. DEI cuts would leave them unsupported, two faculty say.
Dr. Ramzi Fawaz and Dr. Sami Schalk talked about their experiences and perspectives on how conversations about diversity in the classroom benefit students broadly.
State news
After latest ruling, what abortion restrictions still exist in Wisconsin?
“There are many restrictions, where Wisconsin goes is back to where it was in June 2022, before the Dobbs decision,” said Amy Williamson, associate director of the Collaborative for Reproductive Equity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
New York, Wisconsin brace for critical redistricting battles
Barry Burden, professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said that “just about any process is going to result in more competitive maps,” but he suggested that Democrats still face challenges in their effort to gain more control of the state Legislature.
“Although it’s a 50-50 state and Democrats do win lots of statewide races, especially in the last few years, because of the way Democratic voters are concentrated in more urban communities around the state, it’s difficult, I think, even for a neutral process, to produce a map that’s going to result in a 50-50 Legislature,” he said.
Wisconsin won’t ban gender-affirming care for kids; Evers vetoes bill
The care can also include surgery, although most providers, including UW Health in Madison, do not provide “bottom” surgeries to minors, such as vaginoplasties and phalloplasties. Those procedures are provided only to adults and require extensive psychiatric evaluation before a “letter of readiness” signed by a mental health professional can ensure a patient is considered eligible for such gender-affirming surgeries.
Health
Not getting a COVID-19 vaccine could lead to preterm birth in pregnant women, new study shows
“All evidence indicates that the vaccine is very safe and effective,” said Jenna Nobles, a demographer and professor of sociology at University of Wisconsin-Madison and study co-author. “In addition, it shows that avoiding the vaccine is what is potentially harmful for the pregnancy. This is an important piece of information for patients to have.”
Athletics
Wisconsin natives Hunter Wohler, Braelon Allen named AP All-Big Ten performers
The University of Wisconsin football team’s best offensive and defensive players this season earned All-Big Ten recognition from The Associated Press on Wednesday.
How the Big Ten distributes bowl payouts to Wisconsin, other schools
The ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida, picked Wisconsin for its Jan. 1 game, where the Badgers will play LSU. The game typically has a payout of $6.4 million, according to bowl officials.
‘Profit off of play’: Evolution of NIL impacts all universities today, including UW
Evaluating state of NIL, athletes’ perspectives, flexibility as new concept.
Opinion
Letter | DACA residents contribute to workforce
The bills would allow DACA recipients to qualify for in-state tuition at schools within the University of Wisconsin System. DACA individuals would be able to train and obtain professional licenses issued by the state. Additionally a biennial tax credit of $250 would be offered to offset the $495 fee that recipients must pay every two years to document their DACA status.
Guest column: Racial identity needs to be considered in financial aid, scholarship decisions
Proposal that does not consider marginalized identities in financial aid decisions reinforces inequitable systems in higher education.
Business/Technology
Home buyers end the mortgage rate wait, will swallow higher prices to make a deal now
People are generally staying in their homes longer, says Mark Eppli, director of the Graaskamp Center for Real Estate at the University of Wisconsin. In 1988, for example, “your average time in a house was 10 or 11 years.” Today, he says, it’s 20 years.
“That’s really long; inventory’s going to stay low,” Eppli says. “With high interest rates making housing all the less affordable…it’s going to keep people in their houses even more.”
Quantum computer sets record on path towards error-free calculations
“It’s a big deal to have that many logical qubits. A very remarkable result for any quantum computing platform,” says Mark Saffman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He says the new quantum computer greatly benefits from being made of atoms that are controlled by light because this kind of control is very efficient.
UW Experts in the News
Hanukkah brings 8 days of light, hope and food to Madison, as war rages in Gaza
The eight-day December celebration is one that UW-Madison Classical Judaism Professor Jordan Rosenblum says always leaves a good taste in his mouth, blending history with modern culinary indulgence.
“There’s a nice connection. (The food) also happens to be delicious,” Rosenblum said.
UW-Madison Related
Father of Milwaukee serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, Lionel, dies at 87
Lionel was born on July 29, 1936, in West Allis. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1959, the same year he married Joyce Flint. The couple had son Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer on May 21, 1960.