Born in Stevens Point, Behrendt earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
David Behrendt dies at 89. He was The Milwaukee Journal’s longtime editorial page editor
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Author: knutson4
Pewaukee pickleball paddle maker offers lower-cost advanced equipment for growing sport
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Aho was an accomplished tennis player at Waukesha North High School where he graduated in 2015. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2019, and in 2023 combined his passion for sports and business to launch his direct-to-consumer company.
Rainfall leads to improvement in Wisconsin drought conditions
Wisconsin Public Radio
Less than 1 percent of the state is considered to be experiencing drought, according to the latest map from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
It’s made for a quick end to a long period of drought, state climatologist Steve Vavrus said.
“Drought has virtually disappeared from Wisconsin finally, after 12 solid months,” he said.
Farm safety experts say Wisconsin law may let youth operate tractors too early
Wisconsin Public Radio
John Shutske, professor and agricultural safety & health specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said from the beginning, Wisconsin’s age minimum has been much younger than other farm states who have similar requirements. National best practices for farm safety recommend youth be at least 14 years old before being allowed to operate equipment.
UW-Madison Marching Band director speaks at Watertown Public Library
Watertown Daily News
Every band has a leader; and, when Mike Leckrone left his post as director of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band after five decades, Corey Pompey took over the podium from his legendary predecessor in the spring of 2019.
Legislator-led committee to study sandhill crane management, including potential hunting season
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A study conducted in December by the University of Wisconsin Survey Center found 17% of state residents would support a sandhill crane hunting season while 48% oppose the idea.
The work, funded by the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo and the UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, was the first controlled, science-based look at public support for crane hunting in the state. It polled 2,769 members of the UWSC’s WisconSays survey panel.
In divided Wisconsin, mixed reactions to Trump guilty verdict
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
On University of Wisconsin-Madison’s campus, first-year graduate students Marian Azeem-Angel and Rusal Ferus were sitting at the Memorial Union terrace when they saw the news of the guilty verdicts.
“My friends from out of state just texted me, saying, ‘It finally happened,’” said Ferus, who grew up in Georgia and followed news about the Trump campaign’s election conspiracy charges there. “Thank god something came out of that and it wasn’t just a whole lot of deliberation for nothing.”
University of Wisconsin alum Jenn Tran is ‘The Bachelorette.’ Here’s when her season will premiere.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Back in March, University of Wisconsin-Madison alum Jenn Tran was announced as the next “Bachelorette” — the show’s first Asian American lead.
And now, we know when we’ll get to start seeing her love story unfold. The Season 21 premiere of “The Bachelorette” is at 7 p.m. CT July 8 on ABC, the network shared.
Deadly domestic abuse cases show why gun violence is a top concern in Wisconsin
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Written by Mariel Barnes, an assistant professor with the La Follette School of Public Affairs. Her research examines everyday forms of violence against women, gender, and the politics of the welfare state.
New premium Kohl Center seating will displace some Wisconsin men’s basketball ticketholders
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
University of Wisconsin officials announced in February that the width of the ice rink at the Kohl Center would be reduced to 85 feet from 97 in time for the 2024-2025 season.
What wasn’t known at the time was whether that reduction would eventually affect seating for men’s basketball. It will.
Six Wisconsin golfers will battle for U.S. Open spots through qualifying play June 3
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ott and Schultz, along with Marinette’s Ty Kretz and University of Wisconsin player Coalter Smith, will get their chance to play their way into the U.S. Open on June 3, as they compete for eight spots at the Scarlet Course at the Ohio State University Golf Club.
Evers, WEDC, private venture capital funds launch $100 million Wisconsin Investment Fund
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Based in Madison and Milwaukee, Venture Investors Health Fund is investing $12 million on commercializing early-stage healthcare innovations developed at universities like the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
You can try beer, and a dessert, made with cicadas at Lake Geneva’s ‘Cicadapalooza’
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Insect Diagnostics Lab PJ Liesch received the first reports of Brood XIII cicadas in Wisconsin this year out of the Lake Geneva area just over a week ago. With some of the best-documented historical cicada activity in the state, Lake Geneva could very well be Wisconsin’s “bug central” this summer. Residents have already shared photos of cicadas covering tree trunks, sidewalks and other surfaces.
UW survey finds inflation, gun violence and health care top issues for Wisconsin residents
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Main Street Agenda is a project designed to focus on the issues Wisconsinites rank as most important heading into the 2024 election. The topics come from a survey of nearly 4,000 residents conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Survey Center in partnership with the La Follette School of Public Affairs.
Wave Watch buoys aim to improve safety for boaters in the Apostle Islands
Wisconsin Public Radio
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are partnering with the Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the National Park Service to launch the buoys. It’s a relaunch of a program that was discontinued last year because of a lack of funding.
Dane County judge hears arguments in lawsuit challenging Act 10
Wisconsin Public Radio
In particular, Karabell questioned why Act 10 gives motor vehicle inspectors a “favored designation” as public safety employees while, at the same time, the law classifies state conservation wardens, Capitol police and University of Wisconsin police as “general” employees who saw their labor rights curtailed.
UW women’s basketball coach Marisa Moseley adds coaching veteran Frozena Jerro to staff
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
By hiring Frozena Jerro, Wisconsin coach Marisa Moseley added another experienced voice to her coaching staff.
Next season will be Jerro’s 28th as a college coach, a run that included a four-year run as the head coach of a Cal State Northridge. She spent six years at her latest stop, Cleveland State, where she helped the Vikings win 68% of their games, reach the NCAA Tournament in 2023 and win the Horizon League regular-season title this past season.
Jefferson County lands more than $1 billion in new foreign-owned company investments
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Jefferson County and surrounding areas have ample agricultural products to fuel the growth of ClonBio, which requires corn to make ethanol; and Kikkoman, which requires soybeans and wheat for its soy sauce. Also, the county is well positioned to attract other food companies and biotech startups from the University of Wisconsin System.
Wisconsin football: First African American to start at QB in the Big Ten passes away
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
University of Wisconsin graduate Sidney Williams Jr., the first African American to start at quarterback in the Big Ten, passed away earlier this month.
Conservative UW Regent Bob Atwell refuses to step down despite his term expiring
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A conservative University of Wisconsin regent is refusing to step down even though his term expired this month, continuing a recent trend of holdover appointees.
See photos of the hordes of 17-year cicadas currently emerging throughout Wisconsin
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Over the past few weeks, Brood XIII 17-year cicadas have emerged in parts of Wisconsin for the first time since 2007.
UW-Madison researchers look to take 3D printing out of this world, making computer components in zero gravity
Wisconsin Public Radio
Researchers with the University of Wisconsin-Madison are looking to take 3D printing out of this world, successfully manufacturing computer components in zero gravity.
What to know from the latest inspection of Wisconsin’s only ICE detention center
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Gita Connolly, who works with people detained at Dodge through the University of Wisconsin Law School’s Immigrant Justice Clinic, said these documents are extremely important for people to proceed with their immigration cases. Even those who have chosen to leave the U.S. voluntarily cannot leave without their identity documents.
Mitchell Park Domes’ rare, stinky ‘corpse flower’ is blooming for 24 hours on Tuesday
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Amorphophallus titanum is native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The Domes received a gift of a dormant corpse flower corm — similar to a bulb or tuber — about 16 years ago from the University of Wisconsin and have since grown more than 10 corpse flower corms from the original.
One of a kind meat training program brings people from across the country to Madison
Madison Commons
UW–Madison is home to a two-year training program, known as the Master Meat Crafter Program, that offers members of the meat industry new skills and knowledge to take their careers to the next level. Created in 2010 by Jeff Sindelar, Ph.D., a professor and extension meat specialist in Animal & Dairy Sciences, it is a one-of-a-kind program that brings people from across the country and abroad to Madison to earn the “Master Meat Crafter” distinction upon graduation.
UW-Madison protesters face repercussions post-encampment deal
WORT FM
Student demonstrators at UW-Madison took down their tents on Library Mall nearly two weeks ago, after organizers reached an agreement with university administration
Why Race Matters — discussing COVID-19
PBS Wisconsin
UW–Madison’s Kevin Lawrence Henry Jr., an assistant professor in the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, has been working to improve educational outcomes for underserved students and shares his experiences and recommendations.
“Studies have shown that students who were engaged in longer periods of distance learning or virtual learning fared far worse than some of their counterparts,” he explains. “And that particularly hurt Black and brown students in the state of Wisconsin.”
Milwaukee County won’t see swarms of cicadas this summer. Here’s why
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Brood XIII cicadas haven’t been documented in Milwaukee County for “several decades” and aren’t expected to emerge there this summer, said PJ Liesch, director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Insect Diagnostics Lab.
Wisconsin is in the minority of states shielding police data. We’re suing to change that.
Wisconsin Examiner
Access to police employment data could also help groups like the Wisconsin Innocence Project, said Christopher Lau, a co-director of the project and law professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Being able to use data to get background on officers in support of the cases of their clients, which often involve allegations of police misconduct, “would make our litigation much stronger,” he said.
Move over, cicadas, Wisconsinites have other bugs to dodge. What about mayflies, or lake flies?
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“These insects spend over 99% of their life cycle in the water as juveniles, feeding and growing and developing. When they emerge as adults, they are really short-lived,” said PJ Liesch, director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Insect Diagnostic Lab
Former Badger Derek Watt to be guest speaker at Milwaukee High School Sports Awards show
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Former University of Wisconsin and NFL fullback Derek Watt will be the featured speaker at the Milwaukee High School Sports Awards show, presented by Festival Foods. The live show is at 7 p.m. Friday, June 14 at the Riverside Theater.
Rocket Lab to launch satellite to monitor Earth’s polar regions
RNZ
The mission, called PREFIRE, short for Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment, includes two shoebox-sized satellites or ‘cubesats’ to find out how much heat Earth’s polar regions radiate out to space and how that influences our climate. University of Wisconsin professor, and principal investigator for the mission, Tristan L’Ecuyer spoke to Corin Dann.
Northland College announces plans to lay off 9 faculty members while remaining open
Wisconsin Examiner
The college’s enrollment is around 500 undergraduate students, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education, but the college has said its enrollment goal for this upcoming fall is 385 students.
The cuts are part of a trend across Wisconsin’s smaller higher education institutions, with the University of Wisconsin system recently closing a number of its satellite campuses.
Evers requests release of $20 million for communities affected by UW branch campus closures
Wisconsin Examiner
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is requesting that the state budget committee release $20 million meant to create a grant program that would support communities where a University of Wisconsin branch campus has closed.
Financial aid for college, History of divestment protests, Country music by Black artists
Wisconsin Public Radio
These two Wisconsin cities are among the ‘Best Places to Live’ in 2024, a new study says
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin’s capital city consistently ranks highly, whether it’s among the country’s happiest cities or its physically fittest. The University of Wisconsin-Madison was even recently included on Forbes’ list of new public “Ivy League” schools.
Vel R. Phillips was a woman of many firsts in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Vel R. Phillips has been described by many as an icon, a trailblazer, a culture shifter, and a woman of many firsts.
The Milwaukee native and North Division High School graduate was the first Black woman to earn her degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School, the first woman to be elected to Milwaukee’s Common Council, the first female judge in Milwaukee, and the first Black woman to win statewide office in Wisconsin, among dozens of other accomplishments.
UW-Milwaukee chancellor releases statement condemning antisemitism
Spectrum News
The chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Mark A. Mone, released a statement Tuesday condemning antisemitism, after being criticized for a deal made with pro-Palestinian student protesters.
Spotted: Periodical cicadas in southern Wisconsin
Wisconsin Public Radio
PJ Liesch, director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Insect Diagnostic Lab, said it could take cicadas up to a week after emerging to begin making their distinctive, ear-piercing call to attract mates.
“So we’re still that calm before the storm, and (it) hasn’t gotten noisy yet,” Liesch said.
Patty Loew to be inducted into WBA Hall of Fame
PBS Wisconsin
After earning master’s and doctoral degrees in mass communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Loew became a professor at UW-Madison in 1999. She is professor emerita in the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and served as the inaugural director of NU’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Research before retirement.
Sumudu Atapattu on climate change impacts and human rights
PBS Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin Law School professor Sumudu Atapattu discusses how the idea of environmental justice applies to people and communities whose basic needs are affected by the changing climate.
Moving the needle: Wisconsin students calling for divestment from Israel echo past protests
Wisconsin Public Radio
A few weeks ago, on a University of Wisconsin-Madison campus sidewalk, a message in chalk read “DIVEST from Militarism.” It was final exams week, students and older adults alike lounged, studied and conversed alongside tents pitched illegally in protest, while a dainty melody on solo clarinet could be heard playing.
Facing backlash from Jewish groups over protest deal, UW-Milwaukee chancellor apologizes
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone has apologized amid backlash from the Jewish community over a deal he brokered with pro-Palestinian protesters to take down an encampment.
University of Wisconsin nursing deans lobbied for money to graduate more nurses. Then DEI questions arose
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Leading the failed effort were state Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton, and Kim Litwack, dean of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Nursing. Litwack told the other UW nursing school deans last June that Cabral-Guevara had the votes in the Senate to give the six UW nursing schools $1 million each, as well as $3 million to private institutions with nursing schools.
On Amazon trip, Eric Hovde ate armadillo, swam with piranhas – and found relief from MS
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A study led by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor emeritus John Fleming published in 2017 found that “potentially favorable MRI outcomes and immunoregulatory changes were observed” in patients who ingested whipworm eggs, “however, the magnitude of these effects was modest, and there was considerable variation among the responses of individual subjects.”
Cicadas have re-emerged in Wisconsin for the first time in 17 years. Why that isn’t all bad news.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Once every 17 years, the species emerges as adults to breed. However, the species’ adult life only lasts about four to six weeks. This means their stint as an annoyance to humans and ample food source for wildlife will be over by the beginning of July, said PJ Liesch, director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Insect Diagnostics Lab.
“When folks look at the cicadas and wonder, ‘Are they good or bad?,’ in my mind, the good far outweighs any bad because these insects are really going to serve as a huge benefit for our local wildlife population,” he said.
Tiffany partially correct on the claim that gray wolves have recovered
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Sources include email conversation with Timothy Van Deelen, a professor in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and chair of the Environmental Conservation profession Masters Degree, May 10, 2024
Some immigrants can’t get Wisconsin driver’s licenses, but some want that to change
Wisconsin Public Radio
Erin Barbato, who directs the Immigrant Justice Law Center at the University of Wisconsin Law School, says it takes time for asylum seekers to get a work permit needed for a driver’s license. After entering the country, asylum seekers generally have one year to fill out an application proving they should be granted asylum status to remain in the U.S. because they fear persecution in their home countries.
“Even if someone comes here and is seeking asylum, they won’t be eligible for a work permit for about six months,” she said. “And in order to get that work permit, it’s going to take six months to a year.”
17-year cicadas are emerging now in Wisconsin. Here’s where you can find them
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
On Friday, director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Insect Diagnostics Lab PJ Liesch said he received the summer’s first reports of Brood XIII 17-year cicadas emerging in Wisconsin.
No credit check loans guide
WalletHub
“These loans can be appealing to those with poor or limited credit histories, yet they carry inherent risks,” says Anita Mukherjee, a professor at the Wisconsin School of Business. “Specifically, they often come with significantly higher interest rates and fees due to the increased risk lenders assume by not checking credit. The allure of accessibility should be carefully weighed against these loans’ short repayment terms, which can make monthly payments more challenging.”
Why is Madison considered a climate haven going forward?
PBS Wisconsin
“A climate haven is the idea of a place that’s a refuge or a safe spot from the impacts of climate change,” said Steve Vavrus, the state climatologist and co-director of the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts.
‘Climate Trackers: Superpowered by Ecometeorology’ shows the power of combinations and collaborations
PBS Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences professor Ankur Desai and his lab conduct ecometeorological research, a cross-pollination of meteorology and ecology. At Seven Seeds Farm, they investigate how cattle farming on silvopastures impacts climate.
‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Brian Schimming, Jay Heck, Ian Robertson
PBS Wisconsin
Ian Robertson, the outgoing dean of the UW-Madison School of Engineering, offered his thoughts on the future of the program with its new building on track after political wrangling over DEI programs at the university.
Workers discover cannabis plants amid the tulips outside the state Capitol
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Shelby Ellison, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences at UW-Madison, said the plants looked purposefully planted in the flower beds that contained mostly tulips but that it was unclear whether the plants could be used as marijuana without further testing.
“It is impossible to determine if they were hemp or marijuana without testing for THC content. I do think they were likely intentionally planted just because there were so many of them,” she said.
Kendi, a Milwaukee County Zoo giraffe, required surgery for a unique breeding injury
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ultimately, a team of specialists came together to help Kendi, from the zoo’s animal care staff to veterinary professionals from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, the Kettle Moraine Equine Hospital and Regional Equine Dental Center and the Henry Vilas Zoo. Also, the zoo’s grounds, forestry and maintenance departments modified the giraffe barn with extra padding to set it up for the procedure.
UW-Milwaukee must reverse course on concessions to pro-Palestinian demonstrators
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
I feel the need to express my extreme disappointment with UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone’s decisions relating to his “negotiations” with the pro-Palestinian demonstrators whose protests so disrupted UWM campus life and the safety of its Jewish students. Their actions went far beyond “free speech” and their demands are simply outrageous.
We know Trump will be the RNC nominee, but here’s why conventions are still important
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Conventions as we know them today — major events held in large cities attended by party insiders — began in the early- to mid-1800s. State parties needed to coordinate their activities and nominate someone who would appear on the ballot across the country, explained University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor Barry Burden.
“All that changed 50 years ago, when the parties changed their nomination systems to emphasize primaries and caucuses as the ways that delegates would be selected,” Burden said.
Jewish groups, Rothman condemn UWM deal with pro-Palestinian protesters
Wisconsin Public Radio
Milwaukee-area Jewish groups and the Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman are criticizing the deal UW-Milwaukee struck with pro-Palestinian protesters over the weekend.
Insect update: Public invited to assist cicada and tick research
Wisconsin Public Radio
Citizen science projects could help map the Wisconsin locations of noisy but benign cicadas and far less welcome ticks. Entomologist Phil Pelliterri explains what researchers hope to learn.
The latest on weight loss treatments – mind and body
Wisconsin Public Radio
Developing a positive body image and healthy mental attitude towards your body is very important to living your best life. We talk to Distinguished Psychologist Shilagh Mirgain about how to focus on the function of your body and not its shape.