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Author: Nathan Steagall

UW–Madison Humorology show highlights students and charity reveal

ABC 27

About 900 University of Wisconsin–Madison students are preparing for Humorology, the university’s largest student-run philanthropy and variety show tradition.

Students spend the year writing and performing original mini-musicals in teams made up of Greek life and other campus groups. The final shows will be held April 23–25 at the Wisconsin Union Theater in Madison.

MMoCA acquires major work of former UW professor, will hold exhibition

Channel 3000

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art on Tuesday announced the addition of Gelsy Verna’s ‘Mother, Father, Please Help Me to its permanent collection.

The piece was one of Verna’s last major works and will be on display as part of an exhibition at MMoCA’s Henry Street Gallery from May 8 to Sept. 27. Verna, a Haitian-born Canadian artist, served as an associate professor at UW-Madison from 2001 to 2008. The school’s art department dedicated a project space in her memory following her death in March 2008.

UW-Madison gifted $25 million for new engineering building

Wisconsin State Journal

UW-Madison’s future engineering building just got another major fundraising boost.

Badger alumni and donors John and Tashia Morgridge have donated $25 million toward the university’s 395,000-square-foot engineering building that’s under construction, the Phillip A. Levy Engineering Center, the university announced Tuesday.

UW-Madison Lakeshore dorms to get $79.2 million in upgrades, including A/C

Wisconsin State Journal

A cluster of outdated historic dorms at UW-Madison next to Lake Mendota is getting a major makeover, including new elevators and air conditioning.

Located in UW-Madison’s Lakeshore neighborhood, Humphrey and Jorns halls and Kronshage Residence Hall’s complex — which consists of a main building and eight smaller buildings — will be overhauled with $79.2 million in upgrades starting next fall, according to UW Board of Regents materials.

Timing is the key to the green hue in some storm clouds

Wisconsin State Journal

The visible light spectrum covers colors from violet to red. Each color corresponds to a different wavelength, with green sitting roughly in the middle. Blue and violet have shorter wavelengths. Light rays change direction when they hit particles — a process known as scattering. The sky looks blue because air molecules scatter shorter wavelengths more effectively.

OVCR announces changes to support UW–Madison research

Wisconsin State Journal

After months of listening, learning and analysis, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research is undergoing strategic planning efforts focused on a comprehensive set of updates to ensure the University of Wisconsin–Madison maintains a strong and resilient research enterprise amid significant changes to the research environment and to meet identified areas of opportunity.

Who wants to be the next UW system prez?

Isthmus

You’re one of the smartest people in the country. You’ve had success throughout your career, academically and professionally. You serve on several boards of international businesses and joined public policy debates. You’ve answered questions on national issues posed by conservative and liberal talk show and podcast hosts.

But you might write the following note turning down a suggestion that you apply to be the next president of the Universities of Wisconsin.

What war is like for a UW-Madison student in Iran

PBS Wisconsin

A UW-Madison School of Journalism Ph.D. student is back home living just outside Tehran. Each day brings fear and uncertainty for Tahereh Rahimi, who does not support the war, nor does she support the regime. She sees her country and people living there being destroyed. Communications are mostly down in the country, so we sent her questions to learn firsthand what it’s like right now. Here’s a sampling of what she said.

ICE OUT UW Coalition demands UW protection, divestment from ICE

The Badger Herald

The ICE OUT UW Coalition marched up Bascom Hill to demand the University of Wisconsin end surveillance and refuse cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcements on Higher Education Day of Action April 17.

ICE OUT UW is comprised of UW’s United Faculty and Academic Staff union, their graduate student union Teaching Assistant Association and several student groups such as the Socialist Alternative and Voces de la Frontera, according to Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement.

Transcend UW startup competition showcases student innovation, growing entrepreneurship network

The Badger Herald

The Transcend UW startup competition hosted student entrepreneurs in the Discovery Building April 16 to 17, according to the Transcend website. At the event, participants pitched ventures and connected with investors and industry professionals, according to Transcend President Siddharth Singh. Prize winners walked away with thousands of dollars for their innovations.

A Badgers champion coach to say farewell to a ‘special place’

The Cap Times

Mick Byrne made it clear his impending retirement was not a revelation. Instead, some alarms went off for the University of Wisconsin cross country and track coach.

In late November, a handful of days after the NCAA men’s and women’s cross-country championships, Byrne had triple bypass heart surgery.

Longer postpartum Medicaid coverage will save lives, doctors say

The Cap Times

Wisconsin mothers on Medicaid will soon have access to a full year of postpartum health coverage after Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation extending benefits from 60 days to 12 months after giving birth.

The policy change addresses what doctors consider a dangerous and long-standing gap in care, when many pregnancy-related complications and mental health challenges emerge.

How UW-Madison is responding to a spike in students with disabilities

The Cap Times

When in-person classes resumed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison following the COVID-19 pandemic, Liv Romanov found herself on academic probation during her sophomore year.

She knew she needed to make a change and started meeting with an adviser at the McBurney Disability Resource Center, which students at Wisconsin’s flagship campus have increasingly sought out for help in recent years. For Romanov, the center made all of the difference.

UW-Madison poet and educator Alison Rollins wins $50,000 prize

The Cap Times

To Madison-based writer Alison C. Rollins, poetry is interactive. Her second book, “Black Bell,” includes instructions for reading poems, where the reader is invited to cut them up and rearrange them.

“Some pages are perforated so they can be torn out,” Rollins said. “There are visuals and diagrams. I wanted to expand what people expect from a traditional poetry book.”

This week, Rollins, a University of Wisconsin-Madison assistant professor in the English department, was awarded a $50,000 prize for her work. The Whiting Awards were established in 1985 and have been awarded to notable figures such as Ocean Vuong and Colson Whitehead.

3 women with Wisconsin ties make Time 100 list for 2026

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Time magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people of 2026 includes three people with strong Wisconsin connections: Olympic hockey champion and U.S. team captain Hilary Knight, a former University of Wisconsin-Madison star; actor Kate Hudson, who portrayed local singer Claire Sardina in the recent film “Song Sung Blue”; and photojournalist Lynsey Addario, a UW alum renowned for documenting the lives of women and children in conflict zones.

A ‘giant’ in legal academia: UW-Madison law professor, Marc Galanter, dies at 95

Wisconsin State Journal

Longtime UW-Madison Law School professor Marc Galanter, an influential legal scholar and mentor to many, died Tuesday. He was 95.

Galanter was born on Feb. 18, 1931, in Philadelphia to his two parents, Jacob and Mary.

He met his wife, Eve Galanter, at the University of Chicago in 1966 after she reached out asking to attend a class he was teaching, but she couldn’t make it to his talk. He offered to put together a reading list for her.

UW-Madison student in Iran sees civilians bearing brunt of war

The Cap Times

Last fall, Tahereh Rahimi traveled back to Iran to study local journalism for her dissertation. These days, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Ph.D. candidate finds herself sheltering with her parents, fearing for their lives.

Rahimi returned to her home country in September to conduct field work at a local news organization that has since stopped publishing because of the war. She was excited to be home after years away and looked forward to continuing her doctorate work.

UHS ‘Reflect’ exhibit showcases art from student survivors

The Daily Cardinal

University of Wisconsin-Madison’s University Health Services is hosting a free art and history gallery this April highlighting campus sexual assault activism over the past 50 years, featuring student-made artwork for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday on the first floor of 333 East Campus Mall as part of a Connect and Reflect series to raise awareness about sexual violence.

UW College Republicans, Democrats debate foreign policy, free speech, political polarization

The Daily Cardinal

University Wisconsin-Madison College Democrats and Republicans debated campus free speech, foreign policy and political polarization at Union South Monday in an event focused on fostering productive conversations between those with differing opinions.

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Society and Politics Committee moderated the conversation.

Wisconsin Dive Club to close this summer

Channel 3000

A local diving club is set to close its doors this summer. On June 11, Wisconsin Dive Club officials announced they will no longer be able to use UW-Madison Rec Well’s Soderholm Family Aquatic Center.

The dive club stated it does not know the reasoning behind the decision; however, the director of UW-Madison’s Rec Well explained that due to high demand, they could not accommodate the club’s preferred times.

UW’s Day of the Badger raises over $2 million

NBC 15

Day of the Badger, the University of Wisconsin’s annual giving celebration, took over campus Wednesday.

Alumni, students and friends were asked to pay it forward by donating to a UW program or department of their choice. Donors can choose from more than 150 areas across the university.

UW says the total has topped $2 million, with the money going to programs that support students.

UW Health becomes official health care partner of Green Bay Packers

ABC 27

UW Health has become the Official Health Care Partner of the Green Bay Packers through a new multi-year agreement.

The partnership, announced at a Thursday press conference, includes joint community initiatives, fan-focused events throughout the year and a visible presence at Lambeau Field. UW Health will have permanent signage at the north entry gate of Lambeau Field and logo patches on Packers practice jerseys.

UW-Madison’s Union Terrace sunburst chairs are back. Here’s what to know

Wisconsin State Journal

The severe weather in Madison this week couldn’t stop the reemergence of the colorful sunburst chairs at UW-Madison’s Memorial Union Terrace.

Crews unpacked the orange, yellow and green sunburst chairs and tables on Wednesday in preparation for a celebration at 3 p.m. Friday for the official opening of the terrace at the Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St.

UW-Madison warns of invasive fig buttercup spreading across Upper Midwest

ABC 27

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is warning about a new invasive plant, the fig buttercup, spreading across the Upper Midwest.

The fig buttercup emerges in early spring for a short period, according to university officials.

The plant has heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers. Officials said it is important to look for it now because there is only a brief window when it can be identified.

UW researcher tried to poison colleague, criminal complaint says

Wisconsin State Journal

A postdoctoral researcher at UW-Madison tried to poison a colleague who the researcher thought had disrespected him and wasn’t following lab rules, according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday in Dane County.

Makoto Kuroda, 41, of Madison, was charged with felony second-degree endangering safety and tampering with household products for putting lab chemicals into the colleague’s water bottle and shoes, the complaint says.

In the 608: Day of the Badger returns at UW-Madison

Channel 3000

Spirited school pride, interactive games and opportunities to double donations are all part of this year’s Day of the Badger, a two-day fundraising effort supporting the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Sponsored by the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, the annual event brings together alumni, students and supporters through both virtual and in-person activities aimed at raising critical funds for campus programs and initiatives.

Organizers say more than 150 areas across campus are participating this year, including schools, colleges, departments and other causes. Donors can choose where to direct their contributions through the event’s website.

What we know about the search for a new Wisconsin athletic director

Wisconsin State Journal

There’s no definitive timeline yet on the search for a new University of Wisconsin athletic director.

Chris McIntosh’s departure to become deputy commissioner for strategy at the Big Ten Conference was kept quiet until Sunday. The conference and Wisconsin confirmed it with a Monday morning announcement.

More defense research in Wisconsin can apply to civilian issues, too

Wisconsin State Journal

Americans hold varying opinions about the war in the Middle East, from support for ending 47 years of nettlesome threats by Iran’s theocracy to opposing U.S. intervention for reasons that include unclear mission goals.

Either way, it’s important to know much national defense research has little to do with building better missiles or bombs. It’s often about prevention, detection, reaction and recovery in times of emergency at home. That affects civilians as well as military personnel.

Wisconsin hockey fans react to Badgers’ loss to Denver in title game

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Wisconsin hockey is leaving Las Vegas without the national championship trophy after falling to Denver 2-1 in the title game on April 11.

The Badgers dominated the shots on goal but after a first-period goal they couldn’t find the back of the net again, while Denver’s two third-period goals lifted the Pioneers to their 11th national championship and third in the last five years.

Wisconsin AD McIntosh to take new position at Big Ten

Sports Business Journal

Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh is slated to resign from his position immediately and join the Big Ten as its newly created deputy commissioner for strategy, SBJ has learned. McIntosh will report directly to Commissioner Tony Petitti, while his role will focus on shaping the broad strategy of the league. Wisconsin Deputy AD/COO Marcus Sedberry is likely to be named interim AD, sources told SBJ, though immediate succession plans are fluid. McIntosh was in Las Vegas over the weekend for UW men’s hockey’s Frozen Four appearance and flew back to Madison on Sunday. The Badgers lost 2-1 to Denver in the national title game on Saturday night.

Madison music teacher Christian Bonner brings Wisconsin poetry to life at Kennedy Elementary

Wisconsin State Journal

This spring, Kennedy Elementary School music teacher Christian Bonner became one of six educators in the state to win a $1,000 grant to study original art by Wisconsin artists.

Bonner is also a clarinet player pursuing his second master’s degree from UW-Madison to get his principal’s license. He said exploring unique music relevant to his young students is key to getting them excited about it.

What Wisconsin’s new antisemitism definition is and why critics warn it could chill free speech on campuses

Wisconsin State Journal

Wisconsin has added a definition of antisemitism to state law, joining dozens of other states but drawing sharp criticism from opponents who say it will police free speech rights, specifically on college campuses.

Gov. Tony Evers on March 27 signed Assembly Bill 446, now 2025 Act 143, codifying the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition and examples for antisemitism to help determine discriminatory intent.

Madison man arrested after unnamed chemical found in UW-Madison research lab

Wisconsin State Journal

41-year-old Madison man was arrested Friday after law enforcement officials found an unnamed chemical in a campus research lab.

Officers from the UW-Madison Police Department, along with investigators from the Madison Fire Department’s Hazardous Incident Team, responded to the lab for a report of an unknown odor coming from items in an office.

Evidence was collected and later tested positive for the presence of a chemical, UW-Madison Police spokesperson Marc Lovicott said without naming the chemical.

Ukrainian surgeons learn limb-saving microsurgery at UW-Madison to treat war injuries

NBC 15

Ukrainian surgeons are in Madison this week, training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to learn specialized techniques they can take back home to treat patients injured in the war.

Six surgeons are taking part in a two-week intensive training at UW’s Microsurgery Regenerative Medicine Lab, working under microscopes to practice reconnecting tiny blood vessels and nerves.

UW Regents reveal rifts behind UW system president’s firing

Wisconsin State Journal

UW Board of Regents leaders on Thursday defended their decision to oust the Universities of Wisconsin president, describing a man who had successes, but who also had a top-down management style and clashed with the Regents on several occasions.

The Regents on Tuesday night unanimously voted to fire Jay Rothman, without any public discussion, drawing criticism from legislative Republicans that the board wasn’t being transparent.

Wisconsin stuns North Dakota, will play for men’s hockey national title

Wisconsin State Jounral

This season has provided moments where the University of Wisconsin men’s hockey team showed it could be a Frozen Four team and others where it appeared the Badgers could miss the NCAA Tournament altogether.

The detailed, energetic Badgers team that took the ice Thursday carried it into the national championship game.

Civil Rights activist Ruby Bridges sparks hope among UW students

The Badger Herald

Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges spoke with University of Wisconsin’s assistant professor Aireale Rodgers at the Wisconsin Union Directorate’s final event of the Distinguished Lecture Series April 8, discussing equality, education and community.

The event, held in Shannon Hall, sold out, and the room was packed with students, faculty and community members.