Federal research funding cuts of 5-10%, or more, look likely for the next two years, says a former federal science official and science publisher. “The consequences would be severe,” says Science magazine executive publisher Alan Leshner, in an editorial. “The science and engineering community must mobilize now to stave off these funding cuts, which could be decided very soon.”
Category: UW-Madison Related
Report: Evidence gone or destroyed in 4 cold cases
A newspaper report says at least four of 10 older, unsolved murder cases being investigated by the Dane County Sheriff?s Office, the Madison Police Department and the University of Wisconsin Police Department have been compromised by the mishandling of evidence.
UW System leaders ask for civility in wake of violence
Leaders of the University of Wisconsin campuses and the system president released an open letter Tuesday calling for civility after several violent incidents on campuses this fall, including a student?s death.
$100 Million Shortfall Possible This Fiscal Year
Wisconsin could have more immediate fiscal troubles than it?s facing with a $3.3 billion deficit in the next biennial budget.
Police throw out or lose evidence in at least 4 Dane County cold cases
Noted: Sheriff?s officials also found that key evidence in another case, the 1968 murder of Christine Rothschild, had simply been lost.
Wisconsin?s budget troubles may worsen
Already reeling from a projected deficit in its next budget starting in July, the state faces an even more immediate challenge – rising costs in several programs that could set up a shortfall for the current year ending in June, budget documents show.That possible shortfall was not included in budget estimates released Friday but could easily top $100 million without action from either outgoing Gov. Jim Doyle or Governor-elect Scott Walker after he takes office January.
Committee nominates new UW-Extension and UW Colleges chancellor
The UW-Extension and UW Colleges may receive a new chancellor after the UW Board of Regents announced their recommendation Friday.
On Campus: New chancellor for UW Colleges and Extension recommended
The next chancellor of UW Colleges and Extension likely will be Raymond Cross, president of Morrisville State College in New York. University of Wisconsin System President Kevin Reilly and a special committee of the UW Board of Regents recommended Cross for the job Friday. If approved by the full Board of Regents on Dec. 10, he would begin in February.
Feds drop drug case against Wis. pharmacist (AP)
Federal prosecutors have dismissed charges against a prominent Madison pharmacist accused of importing and selling fake Viagra and other drugs.
Audit: Losses Will Affect State Retirees For Years
MADISON, Wis. — A new audit said that losses in the state of Wisconsin?s investments in 2008 will affect retired government workers for years.
The Legislative Audit Bureau report released on Friday shows that $23.6 billion in investments were lost in 2008 but $13.5 billion was gained in 2009. The total value of the state?s pension funds was $72.8 billion at the end of 2009, down from $87.8 billion in 2007.
Pulitzer Prize winner Shadid to speak at UW on ethics and journalism
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and UW-Madison graduate Anthony Shadid will speak about ethics and journalism in a lecture on campus in December. Shadid, foreign correspondent for the New York Times, will deliver his lecture “The Truths We Tell: Reporting on Faith, War and the Fate of Iraq” at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, in the alumni lounge of the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.
A drive for higher education
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Odyssey Project Director Professor Emily Auerbach believes that higher education should be open to all those eager to learn and willing to work, not just to a privileged few.
Economy starts to improve financial situation of some UW campuses
Giving, fundraising, and investment returns for the UW System campuses are faring okay, as the economy keeps trying to climb out of the recession. Kimera Way, executive director of the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, recalls the tumble her organization took a couple of years ago, when its endowment value fell 19-percent, resulting in a $10-million drop.
As for the UW Foundation in Madison, the outlook is mixed. CEO Mike Knetter says to date ? through the end of October ? his organization has raised about $125-million, which is a flat match for last year?s efforts at this time.
UW-Madison?s proposed ice arena skids through Building Commission (The Daily Reporter)
A pair of Republican state senators expressed concerns Wednesday about the timing of a University of Wisconsin-Madison plan to build a $27.7 million ice arena that would serve as a practice facility for the school?s men?s and women?s hockey teams.
Reward fund for hate crime information
A fund has been set up at UW-Whitewater for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for the recent hate crimes on campus.
UW athletics: Alvarez to ask for increases in Badger Fund contributions, hockey ticket prices
University of Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez will ask for a $2 increase for tickets to men?s hockey games at a finance committee meeting of the Athletic Board on Tuesday, as well as increases to funding for preferred seating and parking programs for Camp Randall and the Kohl Center.
The increase to UW men?s hockey ticket prices would be the first since 2005, Alvarez said in a letter to season ticket-holders and Badger Fund contributors in several sports.
Cost of Obama rally nearly $80K for OSU (The Ohio State Lantern)
Nearly four weeks after President Barack Obama?s campaign rally on Ohio State?s Oval, the university is paying the price for hosting the event ? literally.The Democratic National Committee paid for many of the rally expenses, but OSU was left to pick up a tab of nearly $80,000.
Next stop is Madison: Wisconsin Vets Museum explores Vietnam War era through music – Isthmus | The Daily Page
While it?s far from a hard and fast rule, during the past few decades overseas companies have more often than not done the most thorough job of archiving American music, at least in part due to more relaxed copyright laws. A longtime leader in carefully compiled sets has been Bear Family in Germany, one of the pioneers of multi-disc sets dedicated to single artists or labels in rock and country music.
Baldwin addresses chemistry symposium, shows support for research
Dozens filled the Chemistry Building Friday to hear U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., speak about the status of science and research in Congress, and the upcoming changes she anticipates when the next congressional session starts in January.
UW-Whitewater Community Rallies In Face Of Hate Crimes
After a string of hate crimes, students and area residents held a rally for peace on Saturday in hopes of bringing change to the Whitewater community.
Whitewater students hold equality march
UW Whitewater students are standing up against hate. Saturday, students held an equality march near the campus. There have now been at least three alleged hate crimes on campus in the past few months.
UW-Whitewater deals with another hate crime
UW-Whitewater officials say two hate crime style incidents this week are highly unusual for the campus. Campus police are investigating an incident that occurred Monday overnight, in which three African-American students had their car tires slashed and ?KKK? spray painted on their vehicles.
Police probe more hate crimes at UW-Whitewater
Police are investigating more hate crimes at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater _ this time involving vandalism to the cars of three black students. The university says someone slashes the tires of the cars and spray-painted “KKK” on the doors and hoods. The incidents happened between 11 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Vehicles belonging to black students vandalized in UW-Whitewater’s 3rd hate crime this semester
Three cars owned by black students at UW-Whitewater were vandalized this week, in what university officials are describing as the third hate crime incident on campus this semester. The owners of the vehicles notified police that their tires were slashed and “KKK” was written in spray paint on the doors and hoods. The cars were parked in residence hall lots and the incidents happened between 11 p.m. on Monday and 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
UW-Whitewater Investigating Another Report of a Hate Crime
“I love it. I really love it here.” For Natasha Love, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a perfect fit. It?s close enough to home but far enough way.Love says, “It?s a good place I would recommend anybody to come here.”
UW System consolidates online education
The UW System has offered classes online for years. But finding them wasn?t always easy. Now that information?s consolidated at a new website, eCampus. Officials hope it will help increase the number of degree holders in Wisconsin.
UW System makes access to online degree easier
It?s called eCampus. The University of Wisconsin System President Kevin Reilly says it?s part of a strategic effort to increase the number of degree holders in the state by 30% by the year 2025.
UW-Whitewater Police Investigate Another Hate Crime Incident
Police are investigating more hate crimes at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — this time involving vandalism to the cars of three black students.
Jill Ellen Steinberg: Path to Learning, In Class or Online?
Having taught a large, distance-education human development course for 13 years (initially sent out via television, in the pre-Internet days), I?ve found that this format is convenient and wildly popular among highly motivated, busy students trying to fit everything into a tight schedule.
UW starts online course portal
In 1885, the University of Wisconsin College of Agriculture began distance education for the state?s farmers, through what became known as the Farmers? Institutes. By 1907, the Extension Division had been created to increase educational opportunities to people across the state.
Wednesday, the UW System announced the launch of eCampus, a new website intended to act as a central portal for all online degree programs offered across 26 two- and four-year campuses.
Man killed in Sun Prairie house explosion remembered as ‘favorite uncle’
Andy Manley, who died Tuesday in a house explosion in Sun Prairie, graduated from UW-Madison and was interested in becoming a teacher.
Police Investigate Potential Hate Crime At UW-Whitewater
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Chancellor Richard Telfer has informed the campus community in a letter that a potential hate crime involving a UW-Whitewater student has been reported.
Regina’s Bairu makes marathon debut in NYC (CBC Sports)
It?s been a while since a Canadian won a medal in the men?s race at the New York City Marathon.
Chris Solinsky, a Marathon Recruit, Gets to Ride in Style
On the day that one champion retired and another champion could not quite repeat, a new champion won the first marathon he ever ran.
UW Launches Campus-wide Effort to Help Those in Need
A massive effort to collect food and money for the needy is underway at the University of Wisconsin. It?s all part of NBC 15?s ?Share Your Holidays” campaign. The University of Wisconsin is doing it?s part to help those less fortunate this holiday season.
Chancellor highlights technology?s global importance
During her third trip to Beijing, University of Wisconsin Chancellor Biddy Martin hosted a video conference for those back at UW Friday, emphasizing the responsibility UW has in building international relationships and the large role video conferences play in maintaining them.
On Campus: From China to Madison in zero seconds
Though she?s some 7,000 miles away in China, UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin still managed to show up on campus to lead a class Friday.
Biddy connects with students while in China
UW-Madison faculty and students assembled at the Bascom Hill Telepresence Classroom in the Education building to unveil a video-conferencing device new to the university Friday.
New Map Program Designed To Show Off UW Arboretum (Channel3000.com)
If the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum were just a pretty place to take a walk, its new interactive map wouldn?t need much more than crisscrossing trails, grey blobs for parking lots and symbols marking the restrooms.
Police: Increase thefts on UW-Madison campus
Don?t leave items unattended on UW campus. That?s the message from UW-Madison police who say there has been an increase of thefts.
Utility work to close campus street until Wednesday
An underground utility relocation project for UW-Madison will shut down the 1100 block of Spring Street through Wednesday. The Madison Traffic Engineering and Parking Divisions announced on Monday that through traffic will be barred Monday through Wednesday but local vehicle access will be maintained.
Cops give lightless night bikers lights instead of tickets
Bicyclists riding without lights after dark Wednesday night got a pleasant surprise when stopped by Madison police: lights instead of tickets. Instead of $76.20 citations for not having proper lighting, the bicyclists received $35 worth of front and rear lights, along with a good talking-to about safety.
….Several officers from the central police district, as well as community police team officers, stationed themselves on bike paths Wednesday night, including the popular path behind the Kohl Center, stopping bikers without lights.
Police: Homeless Man Grabs UW Student On State St.
Madison police said they have arrested a 35-year-old homeless man suspected of grabbing a University of Wisconsin-Madison student while she was walking down State Street Sunday night.
Credit Card Companies Pay Millions to Colleges
Noted: The recipients of the largest payments from the companies were the University of Illinois Alumni Association ($3,272,457), the Penn State Alumni Association ($2,835,000), the University of Notre Dame ($1,860,000), the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association ($1,652,449) and the Golden Key International Honour Society ($1,540,442).
Gubernatorial candidates mum on budget fixes
With a little more than a week to go before Election Day, neither candidate for Governor has given a complete picture of what he?d cut to balance the state budget.The next two year budget deficit is at least $2.5 billion, but experts say it?s probably closer to $3-billion. In other words, it?s $1.5-billion in the first year alone.
Madison plans for emerald ash borer
City officials responded to growing concerns of an invasive species outbreak by presenting several possible response plans Thursday night that would impact the city?s ash tree population.
UW researchers get millions from grant to study plant evolution in Wisconsin
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin received a five-year, $2.93 million grant to conduct further and more in-depth research on what effects alterations in environment, nearby species and climate changes have on Wisconsin plants.
Regent Street road work set for this weekend
Pavement work on Regent Street, including at the busy intersection with Park Street, could make for slow going on Friday and Saturday. Crews will be working on Regent Street on Friday and at the intersection of Regent Street and Park Street on Saturday, making repairs to deteriorated pavement and utility patches that have failed.
There?s no Wisconsin Badgers football game at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, which is a reason the work was scheduled for this weekend.
New technology allows us to draw, erase, and redraw wires on circuitboards (io9.com)
Proving that our childhood years spent with crayola firmly in hand haven?t gone to waste, new research from University of Wisconsin-Madison uses a scanning probe microscope to draw and erase conducting nanowires. The researchers put three-atom-thick layers of lanthanum-aluminum-oxide on top of strontium-titanium-oxide, which then forms an “electron gas” between the layers. The tip of the microscope is then used to turn the gas layer conductive, allowing the team to draw, and erase, nanowire lines in order to create delicate nano-scale circuits.
Purloined coin: Downtown parking meters under attack
Thieves in downtown Madison apparently have decided parking meters are an easy source of cash. More than 20 parking meters in the downtown area have been broken into during the past week, with thieves damaging the lock boxes to gain access to the money inside. Streets with damaged meters include Henry, West Johnson, Langdon, Winnebago, Russell, and East Main.
“Breaking into the meters likely creates a good amount of noise,” said Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain. “Anyone who hears or sees suspicious activity around parking meters should call 911.”
Teen gets a year and a day in prison in marijuana growing operation
A Cross Plains teen who “figured he?d found the pot of gold” when he learned his employer was cultivating marijuana in his Madison home will serve a year and a day in federal prison for his role in the operation. U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb on Monday also sentenced Zachary A. Czerkas, 19, to four years of supervision after his release. In August, Curtis J. Faustich, 23, a former UW-Madison horticulture major, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for what was a sophisticated marijuana growing operation.
Wilcox made big things happen
Andrew A. ?Sandy? Wilcox may not be a household name in Madison. But you won?t find many people who have had as big of an impact on our city and its great university than the retiring president of UW Foundation. Wilcox deserves sincere thanks for his hard work and tremendous success over the last 22 years. The foundation, which raises, invests and distributes money to help UW-Madison, had assets of $190 million when Wilcox took over in 1988. Since then, that figure has grown to $2.3 billion. Gifts have totaled nearly $3 billion during Wilcox?s tenure, with more than $2 billion distributed.
Microsoft unveils $3.5M upgrade to database research lab at UW-Madison
Expanding a center of excellence for next-generation computing technologies, Microsoft Corp. today unveiled a $3.5 million upgrade to its database research lab near the campus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Former chancellor speaks at nursing lecture to encourage new students
Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and UW-Madison Chancellor Donna Shalala led the School of Nursing?s 11th Annual Littlefield Leadership Lecture at the Union Theater Friday.
UW Hosts ‘Badger Partnership’ Forums This Week
MADISON, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin wants to hear from the public on the Badger Partnership.
Professor?s e-mail sparks controversy at Eau Claire
UW-Eau Claire Information Studies Department head Tom Hilton will be reprimanded for sending an offensive e-mail to two students in late September.
UW asks DNC to pay for rally costs
Officials at the University of Wisconsin submitted a breakdown of further costs for reimbursement relating to President Barack Obama?s visit Sept. 28, UW officials announced Thursday.
Eau Claire professor blasted for remarks on LGBT event
A professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire used an e-mail about a campus film festival on homosexual culture as a platform for incendiary, bigoted remarks.
On Campus: UW-Madison bills the DNC total of $13,400 for Obama rally
Putting on a presidential rally is thirsty work. UW-Madison is billing the Democratic National Committee for the following for President Barack Obama?s rally on Library Mall last month: $990 for portable toilets, $1,273 for bottled water, $632 for parking. University spokesman John Lucas said those charges are in addition to the $10,500 the university has already charged the DNC.
Hillel exhibit opens honoring UW alumna executed by Hitler
The Hillel Foundation commemorated the opening of an exhibit about Mildred Fish-Harnack, a UW-Madison aluma who was the only American civilian executed under Nazi rule during World War II, Wednesday.