The University of Wisconsin said Wednesday that it is disappointed with the passage of an Associated Students of Madison resolution, according to a UW press release. The resolution issued a number of flawed, unrelated and illegal demands, according to the press release.
Author: Nathan Steagall
ASM passes resolution calling on UW to divest from companies reportedly engaging in discrimination
The Associated Students of Madison voted 15-5-3 Wednesday to pass anti-discrimination divestment legislation introduced at the last meeting held March 18.
The legislation calls for divestment from BlackRock index funds containing holdings in companies that manufacture weapons for Israel’s military operations and the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, as well as corporations that have contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the legislation.
UW-Madison professor analyzes stakes in Wisconsin Supreme Court election
Two appeals court judges are making their pitches to voters as the April 7 election approaches.
Although technically a nonpartisan race, Judge Chris Taylor is backed by liberals, while Judge Maria Lazar is supported by conservatives. If Lazar wins, liberals will maintain their 4-3 majority. Conversely, if Taylor wins, liberals will expand their majority to 5-2.
To break down the stakes of this election, For the Record sat down with UW-Madison Professor Michael Wagner.
Inside the shift that saved the Wisconsin men’s hockey season for Frozen Four berth
People with sensitive ears might have had trouble with some of the things Luke Osburn said when he got back to the bench at one point in Saturday’s University of Wisconsin men’s game.
Coach Mike Hastings said he was glad there weren’t microphones in that area.
“Let’s just say he wasn’t politically correct,” Hastings said.
The Dogma of Meat
We live in a heyday of meat. Americans ate $45 billion of beef in 2025, up more than 10 percent from the previous year, according to Beef Research, an industry marketing group. Ground beef is driving sales — McDonald’s recently released its new half-pounder, the Big Arch — but steak sales remain robust. In a February interview at CattleCon, the beef industry conference, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed that his favorite beef cut was strip steak. He eats beef every day — “usually twice a day,” he said, to applause.
UW-Madison to revamp sailing facility, outdoor classroom on Lake Mendota shoreline
UW-Madison is reimagining its sailing facilities and outdoor classroom along the shoreline of Lake Mendota, with major proposed upgrades.
The university is planning to build an estimated $2.7 million facility for its Outdoor UW equipment rental facility and Wisconsin Hoofers outdoors club for boat storage, events and education, according to a preliminary design proposal.
UW-Madison Police cite 3 people after high-powered laser pointed at officer, buildings and roads
UW-Madison Police Department officers cited three people after a high-powered laser was pointed at buildings, roads and a police officer on Wednesday.
The department explained a high-powered laser can be significantly stronger than a typical laser used during a presentation, which poses major safety risks to drivers and law enforcement.
UWPD said the laser briefly affected the officer’s vision.
UWPD urged people to never aim a laser at others.
Internships vs. income: UW-Madison students grapple with the cost of building a resume
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison must strike a difficult balance between building the perfect resume to achieve their postgrad goals while also focusing on the classes and college experience in front of them.
College students like UW-Madison junior Abby Madonia say they feel pressured to pursue work experience, while also juggling coursework, part-time jobs and a balanced social life. This pressure is beginning to take its toll.
UW report highlights Exact Sciences economic impact on Wisconsin
Dane County’s low unemployment rate, and its role as driver of Wisconsin’s economy, is tied in part to Madison-based Exact Sciences, according to a University of Wisconsin report.
“The Economic Impact of Exact Sciences on Dane County and Wisconsin” was published by UW-Madison’s Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy before Exact Sciences was acquired on March 23 by Abbott for $23 billion.
Wisconsin women’s basketball stays alive in WBIT
Wisconsin women’s basketball is off to its first postseason tournament semifinal since 2007, according to UW Athletics.
The Badgers staged a furious comeback in the final minute of regulation to force overtime, then defeated Harvard 64-61 in the extra period.
Will Evers sign bill defining antisemitism amid free speech concerns?
If Wisconsin adopts a specific definition of antisemitism — as proposed in a bill recently passed by the state Legislature — the change could collide with First Amendment rights, said Howard Schweber, who studies free speech and constitutional law.
The definition wouldn’t necessarily violate the First Amendment, he said. But issues could “easily arise” if the definition is put to use, said Schweber, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an affiliate faculty member in the Law School.
UW-Madison says it’s ‘disappointed’ by student council call to divest from Israel
UW-Madison on Wednesday swiftly denounced the university student government after it approved a measure demanding the school divest from companies linked to Israel, calling the demands “flawed, unrelated and illegal.”
The Associated Students of Madison passed the bill at a special meeting Wednesday evening after hearing from nearly 40 students who spoke both in favor and against the legislation. The meeting followed several hours of debate at a forum earlier Wednesday.
Jordan L. Siegler named Wisconsin Public Media Executive Director
Jordan Siegler has been named Executive Director of Wisconsin Public Media (WPM), a division at the University of Wisconsin–Madison that delivers the services of PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) to statewide audiences.
The appointment was announced today by UW-Madison Provost John Zumbrunnen.
‘It is critical’: UW physics professors stress importance of federal funding
“There is no prize for second place,” said Greg Keenan of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. “It is critical that the U.S. win the race for quantum technologies. Fortunately for us, UW-Madison is home to some of the world’s most significant breakthroughs in quantum science.”
University of Wisconsin-Madison students, alumni and professors who came to Washington to lobby for more research funding got schooled on just how important that funding is.
University researchers explained how federally funded work in quantum physics and mechanics led to the invention of GPS, lasers and MRI technology.
Flock cameras at UW-Madison draw criticism from students, employees
About a dozen people stood on the steps of Bascom Hall Tuesday. They chanted together and held a banner that said, “No ICE on campus!”
“No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here,” Bradley Keenan, a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said into a megaphone.
Meet the winners of the 2026 Hilldale Awards
Each year, to recognize their contributions to teaching, research and service, the faculty divisions honor four University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty members with the Hilldale Award.
Faculty members representing the arts and humanities, biological sciences, physical sciences and social sciences are selected from nominations submitted by department chairs. The winners will be recognized at the April 6 Faculty Senate meeting.
Tia Nelson to receive UW–Madison honorary degree
The University of Wisconsin–Madison will award an honorary doctorate degree to Tia Nelson, an internationally recognized champion for environmental stewardship and conservation.
“Tia Nelson embodies the Wisconsin Idea in its fullest sense. Through her lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship and public service, she has helped shape both conversation and action around global sustainability efforts,” says Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin. “Her work reminds us that environmental stewardship is both a shared responsibility and a profound opportunity. It is a privilege to recognize her unwavering commitment that stands as an inspiration for us all.”
Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges to speak at UW campus event April 8
Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges will be on the University of Wisconsin campus for “A Fireside Chat With Ruby Bridges,” according to the Wisconsin Union Directorate. The event will take place at Memorial Union in the Shannon Hall April 8 at 7 p.m. as part of the Wisconsin Union Directorate Lecture Series.
The “Fireside Chat” consists of a 60-minute moderated Q&A and a 30-minute audience Q&A, according to the Wisconsin Union. Prospective attendees can submit questions for Bridges through the Wisconsin Union website.
Madison questions legality of Capitol Square, UW-Madison Flock cameras on city property
Differing views about Flock cameras in Madison, on UW-Madison’s campus and at the state Capitol have come to a head atop five of the city’s traffic signal poles.
Madison officials discovered in recent months that five license plate surveillance Flock Safety cameras — one on UW-Madison’s campus and four on Capitol Square — are mounted on city-owned property and may be in violation of city rules.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson charms a friendly audience at UW-Madison
Only a small fraction of those who showed up Monday evening to see former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson speak in the Great Hall at the Memorial Union, which seats about 300, were able to get in.
But those who arrived at least 90 minutes early experienced a freewheeling, good-natured lecture on world affairs. He defended the Trump administration’s recent aggressive foray into foreign policy, including the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran and the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro.
ASM election sees 4% voter turnout in Spring 2026 election
The University of Wisconsin student body completed voting for the Associated Students of MadisonSpring 2026 Election this week, from March 16 to March 18.
As the polls closed, 2,134 ballots were cast by a student population of 49,724 students. Overall, this was a 4% voter turnout, a decrease from the previous year, which was a 6% voter turnout.
Wisconsin men’s basketball backcourt duo’s closing chapter a disappointing upset loss
It would have been out of character for Nick Boyd to appear dejected.
The fifth-year guard’s college career had just ended, the No. 5 seed University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team falling in stunning fashion, 83-82, to No. 12 seed High Point in the NCAA Tournament’s First Round on Thursday in the Moda Center. But Boyd said the moment doesn’t define his career. Even if it was his layup at the rim that was blocked with four seconds left, which ended up being Wisconsin’s last chance at avoiding an upset loss.
Wisconsin women’s hockey embraces challenge of playing against Frozen Four host
It’s not difficult to know whose building the University of Wisconsin women’s hockey team is in for the Frozen Four.
Most of the Penn State branding inside Pegula Ice Arena has been covered with NCAA or Frozen Four logos but the giant “Welcome to Hockey Valley” lettering and Penn State banners still hang over the rink.
Will TSA delays affect spring break travel from Madison?
The next few weeks are anticipated to be a flurry of travel as spring break approaches for both the Madison Metropolitan School District (March 23-27) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (March 28-April 5).
As those rush times approach, airports across the nation have reported hours-long delays due to inclement weather, and longer lines at security checkpoints due to Transportation Security Administration workers not being paid because of the partial government shutdown.
How will that affect travel in and out of the Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)? Michael Riechers, director of marketing and communications for the airport, said “we haven’t seen any noticeable change in our security throughput.”
Uber’s ‘Women Preferences’ feature sparks debate in Madison and beyond
Alexia Kulwiec, who teaches labor law at UW Law School, said, “A case in Wisconsin would likely be brought under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, which would prove more difficult than the California law” under which the current lawsuit in that state was filed.
DeMaioribus emphasized the importance of cultural shifts, saying, “It may be a bit of a band aid, because that’s not the way to end sexual violence – just by separating people.”
The class action lawsuit in California remains ongoing. As of now, no similar litigation has been filed in Wisconsin.
Conditioning for the mind: UW-Madison athletes prepare with meditation
Morning workouts. Skills training. The weight room. Watching game tape. They’re all part of the program for college athletes.
University of Wisconsin-Madison athletes have one more item on their training list: meditation.
Chad McGehee tells athletes that meditation is “strength and conditioning for the mind.”
UW disability center sees spike in learning accommodations, mirroring national trend
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s McBurney Disability Resource Center has seen an almost 250% increase in the number of students receiving accommodations over the past 10 years, according to their director Mari Magler.
Nearly one in 10 UW-Madison students was affiliated with the McBurney Center between summer 2024 and spring 2025, with 5,791 students connected to the center and a fall 2024 enrollment of 51,791.
UW crime warning reports incidents of fondling in academic building
The University of Wisconsin notified students in an email Wednesday afternoon that there had been incidents of fondling in an unknown academic building.
The incidents were reported to UW through a report from a Campus Security Authority — which the university defines as either a member of UW Police Department, individuals responsible for campus security, certain members of administration or housing and other departments on campus that handle criminal reports.
UW Health resident creates adaptive crayons for children with disabilities
A physical medicine and rehabilitation resident at UW Health is reimagining crayons by creating adaptive crayons for people with developmental disabilities, stemming from her past experiences.
Amber McKenna was in her first residency program back in 2022 at Louisiana State University Health Shreveport when she came up with the idea to use molds to melt wax and make fun-shaped crayons. Her friend suggested she take them to work and hand them out to kids at the hospital where she was doing a pediatrics residency.
Senate passes UW NIL bill
Taxpayers in Wisconsin could soon be putting more money towards UW-Madison.
A bill would make taxpayers pay for UW Athletic facilities freeing up money for NIL deals for student-athletes.
Gov. Tony Evers will decide if the NIL bill becomes a law or not and he stated that he supports the goal of this bill.
Wisconsin residents spoke out on how they felt about the bill.
“I think our taxes should be going to other things, especially since they’re so high.” said resident Sufiyah Siddique.
Wisconsin lies in the path of nuclear fallout, UW-Madison researcher’s modeling shows
Wisconsin may not be the economic, political or military center of the United States. But the state would not escape the devastation of nuclear war, according to a University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher who is modeling the effects of nuclear conflicts.
On Feb. 5, the last formal nuclear weapons treaty between the U.S. and Russia expired. And Wisconsin is in the path of potential nuclear fallout from more than 400 nuclear missile silos in North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana. That’s according to Sébastien Philippe, assistant professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics at UW-Madison.
Sustainability hiring initiative announces new lead, headquarters
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s sustainability-focused hiring and research initiative will have a new home at the Wisconsin Energy Institute led by professor of plant and agroecosystem sciences Chris Kucharik.
The RISE-EARTH initiative is one of several hiring and research priorities from campus administration across disciplines like artificial intelligence and human health.
Former Badgers basketball star Davison sees the game through new eyes
After a self-scout on the preparation of scouting reports and how they’re communicated, University of Wisconsin basketball coach Greg Gard opted for change.
“We changed some things early in the year in terms of the process,” Gard explained, “and tried to streamline the whole process a little bit better.”
Wisconsin guard took a mental health break when basketball wasn’t fun. Now he’s reclaimed his joy
Braeden Carrington’s situation sometimes requires him to get creative.
The University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team was preparing for a 12-day road trip in late November. It was Carrington’s first trip with his new team, and he was out of options.
Why UW-Madison interim provost believes he’s the right one for the permanent job
UW-Madison’s Interim Provost John Zumbrunnen saw a room of familiar faces Tuesday during his presentation to faculty and the campus community explaining why he should be in the role permanently.
Zumbrunnen is one of three finalists in the university’s search for the next provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs. Finalists are doing in-person visits to campus this week as UW-Madison seeks a replacement for Charles Isbell Jr., who was named chancellor at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 2025.
Governor gets firsthand look at future of nuclear energy at UW–Madison
The visit follows a partnership announcement between the Public Service Commission and UW’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics to study nuclear energy opportunities in the state.
Inside the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor Tuesday morning, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers peered over the shoulders of student operator Nick Tierney, a senior majoring in nuclear engineering, to eye the array of instrumentation on the reactor control panel, then climbed the stairs to look down into the reactor’s cooling pool.
Longtime CEO of Morgridge Institute for Research at UW-Madison to retire
The Morgridge Institute for Research’s leader, Brad Schwartz, is retiring after more than a decade, the UW-Madison-based nonprofit announced Tuesday.
The Morgridge Institute is a private biomedical research hub housed in the taxpayer-supported Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.
While serving as CEO for 13 years, Schwartz expanded its research footprint in partnership with UW-Madison and recruited top scientists.
UW La Follette School to move into Music Hall, renamed to Herb Kohl Hall
The University of Wisconsin La Follette School of Public Affairs is set to move into the historic UW Music Hall, set to be renamed Herb Kohl Hall in honor of the late Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., according to UW News.
According to UW News, Herb Kohl Hall is expected to open in 2029 and will represent Kohl’s legacy and honor the contributions he has made to the La Follette School and his commitment to furthering education.
Artists vie for major public art commission near UW-Madison campus
The inspiration for one of four new public art proposals on the edge of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus came from a 6-year-old boy named Luke.
“We go birding when we’re in Madison,” said artist Jason Klimoski, who with his wife, Lesley Chang, founded the architecture firm StudioKCA. “When we go to the Arboretum or Vilas Park, robins make that ‘cheerio’ sound: ‘Cheerio, cheerio, cheerio.'”
For first time in decades, UW changes rules for campaigning in dorms
Wisconsin’s state universities are set to have new policies on campaigning in residence halls for the first time in nearly 40 years.
The Board of Regents, which oversees the Universities of Wisconsin system, last reviewed and approved the schools’ policies in 1988, when Ronald Reagan was president, floppy disks were popular and the movie “Die Hard” was released in theaters.
Ignite Wisconsin grant works to jumpstart Wisconsin’s lead in fusion energy
Ignite Wisconsin’s grant of nearly $800K to the Wisconsin Fusion Energy Coalition will help push Wisconsin as a national hub for fusion energy.
Gov. Tony Evers, along with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), announced Thursday that the coalition, led by 5 Lakes Institute and UW-Madison’s fusion research work, will “accelerate startup formation, supply chain development, and community outreach in a sector projected to reach nearly $3 trillion by 2080.”
UW Health emergency department gets own address
The BerbeeWalsh Emergency Department at University Hospital will now have its own dedicated address, UW Health announced on Thursday.
The emergency department’s new address is 1565 Highland Ave., in Madison.
UW Health explained the emergency department had shared the previous same address as the hospital’s main entrance.
The new address allows for patients and families to get to the department quicker.
UW School of Veterinary Medicine gives park safety tips after report of Warner Park dog death
The University of Wisconsin- Madison School of Veterinary Medicine is warning dog owners about signs of sickness they might miss.
This comes after Madison Parks learned through social media that a dog died after visiting Warner Park’s off-leash dog park.
Phish, Shinedown coming to Kohl Center this year
It’s gearing up to be an action-packed summer at the Kohl Center.
UW Athletics and FPC Live announced this week that Shinedown and Phish will perform at the venue later this year. Shinedown is coming to town on May 16 while Phish will have shows on July 7 and 8.
Tickets for Shinedown will go on sale on Friday and tickets for Phish go on sale Feb. 27.
Details released of UW student accused of recording others in bathroom
The UW-Madison student who was arrested after recording other students in a residence hall bathroom is charged with three counts of capturing an intimate representation without consent and three counts of disorderly conduct.
Braden Berndt, 19, was arrested after being caught dropping a blue iPhone between two bathroom stalls with the lens face up multiple times to other students, according to the criminal complaint.
International teaching assistants raise concerns over required fluency test
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has required international students with partial or full teaching assistant appointments to prove their English fluency for decades, but now, amid heightened federal funding uncertainty, some international graduate students say departments are using the test to force them out.
Consequences for failing the language test differ by department and year, and this year, some students say those consequences have become increasingly punitive.
UW master’s programs in education, engineering programs ranked among best in nation
University of Wisconsin online master’s in Education and Engineering were ranked 8th and 11th best in the U.S., according to U.S News and World Report rankings.
The UW education program’s No.8 national ranking makes it the highest-ranked program in the Midwest. UW also ranked well in specific online master’s degree programs, including holding the No. 2 in Educational Administration and Supervision.
Polzin: NIL bill requires scrutiny from lawmakers before Wisconsin taxpayers are asked to pay
Taxpayers, the University of Wisconsin is desperate for your help. Athletic director Chris McIntosh made that perfectly clear last week while backing a bill that is making its way through the state Assembly.
How exactly will the $14.6 million McIntosh wants annually from the state — no, he needs from the state — be put to use as part of Assembly Bill 1034? Silly people of Wisconsin, that’s not for you to know.
Wisconsin and UW-Madison partner to study future of nuclear energy
State utility regulators and the University of Wisconsin-Madison are partnering to explore potential nuclear energy projects in Wisconsin.
UW-Madison and the Public Service Commission will conduct a siting study to evaluate the suitability of various sites and the impact of projects on local economies. The study will also look at different reactor technologies, including both traditional nuclear power, advanced small modular reactors and fusion energy.
UW-Madison makes Time Magazine’s list of World’s Top Universities
UW-Madison took second place among public universities on Time Magazine’s list of World’s Top Universities, UW officials said Tuesday.
The school took spot #20 for the overall worldwide list.
The rankings, generated by Statista, focused on academic capacity and performance, innovation and economic impact, and global engagement.
“UW–Madison’s value lies not just in our direct teaching and research, but also in the impact our graduates have when they go out into the world and our contributions in advancing knowledge across the globe,” says UW interim Provost John Zumbrunnen. “It’s encouraging to see this value acknowledged in the Time rankings.”
Minnesotan Badgers grieve for their home state amid increased ICE activity
University of Wisconsin-Madison community members from Minnesota say the recent escalation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis has left them feeling frightened, angry and helpless — while also prompting renewed conversations about community, resistance and collective action.
Many Badgers come from Minnesota due to an in-state tuition reciprocity agreement, with about 10%of the UW-Madison undergraduate population calling Minnesota home.
UW-Madison dean named interim chancellor to succeed Jennifer Mnookin
The Universities of Wisconsin has named a temporary successor for UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin.
College of Letters and Science Dean Eric Wilcots will serve as interim chancellor starting May 17 as Mnookin begins her departure to lead Columbia University, UW system President Jay Rothman announced Wednesday.
Former Purdue president, Indiana governor, to discuss solutions for higher ed at UW-Madison
Mitch Daniels, a former Republican governor of Indiana and president of Purdue University, says there are three attitudes toward higher education: those who say it is running smoothly, those who want reform, and those calling for a nationwide overhaul.
Going to the Kohl Center Friday? Watch out for flying bratwursts
Thomas Aponte grew up in Connecticut, where people eat hot dogs more than bratwursts, but he’s learned to enjoy a good brat.
As a marketing intern for Wisconsin Athletics, the UW-Madison sophomore also has been enjoying his new role: running the Brat Blaster, which joined the T-shirt cannon this season in flinging projectiles into the stands during Badgers basketball games at the Kohl Center.
Man accused of making threats during altercation Downtown while armed with gun
A man was arrested after making threats while armed with a gun during an altercation Downtown on Tuesday afternoon, Madison police reported.
At about 1:55 p.m., UW-Madison police were sent to the intersection of West Johnson Street and East Campus Mall after reports of a person threatening another person near a bus stop and arrested a 46-year-old Madison man, police spokesperson Marc Lovicott said in a statement.
UW-Madison tallies $27 million in federal research cuts under Trump
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has lost at least $27 million in federal research money since President Donald Trump upended the funding landscape in academia.
It’s the first time the state flagship has put a price tag on its losses since the Trump administration began cutting existing projects, delaying grant reviews and reducing the number of new projects getting funding.
A $10,000 bill? Consider rising vet costs before adopting a dog
Many Americans struggle to pay for health care for themselves and their families, even if they have insurance coverage.
Some very big bills also arise when the furriest members of their households get sick or just need an annual checkup: their dogs. Americans spend an average of about $1,700 annually on their dogs’ food and care, including $580 for veterinary bills.
Here is Bad Bunny’s connection to UW-Madison
Bad Bunny will perform Sunday night in the Super Bowl halftime show.
The Puerto Rican artist’s winning album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” has strong ties to UW-Madison, featuring contributions from a professor.
The Wisconsin State Journal spoke with professor and historian of Puerto Rico Jorell Meléndez-Badillo in October, who called the selection of Bad Bunny to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show a “victory” for Puerto Rico.
Why Wisconsin athletics’ payments toward a $20 million, no-interest campus loan have stopped
The University of Wisconsin athletic department hasn’t made scheduled payments toward a $20 million, interest-free loan from central campus in the last two fiscal years.
It also won’t make payments toward more than $15 million in remaining debt on the loan in the next two years but faces no penalty for delaying repayment.
UW Madison Habitat for Humanity holds 30th annual Souper Bowl fundraiser
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Habitat for Humanity organization celebrated a milestone on Saturday with its 30th annual Souper Bowl fundraiser, bringing together community members and students for a family-friendly tradition that supports affordable housing in Dane County.
The event, held at Madison West High School, offered attendees the opportunity to purchase tickets and choose from more than 100 handmade ceramic bowls to fill with soup and take home as keepsakes.