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Articles by Ava McNarney
UW students lead suicide prevention, awareness efforts on campus with Out of the Darkness Walk
Content Warning: Discussion of suicide and/or self-harm. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. View options for mental health services on campus through University Health Services. University of Wisconsin freshman Brooke Brennan has been a leader in suicide prevention awareness efforts throughout her communities since her high school days.
Individual arrested after driving Cybertruck across Library Mall, shattering glass objects
At approximately 7:15, an individual who was identified as male was seen proclaiming he was voting for Wisconsin Supreme Court conservative candidate Brad Schimel and encouraging others to do so in front of the University Club, according to College Democrats volunteer Thomas Erwin, who was volunteering on Library Mall at the time.
Feren explores the wonders of the world at his Fitchburg studio
Sculptor and University of Wisconsin-Madison Art Department Professor Emeritus Steve Feren’s gallery in Fitchburg might be a one-man show, but its intended audience is something much bigger — the entire world. Feren, 72, was raised in Cleveland, Ohio and left home at 18 to broaden his horizons by living in India and South America, sparking an interest in the natural world as an artistic subject.
Feren explores the wonders of the world at his Fitchburg studio
Sculptor and University of Wisconsin-Madison Art Department Professor Emeritus Steve Feren’s gallery in Fitchburg might be a one-man show, but its intended audience is something much bigger — the entire world. Feren, 72, was raised in Cleveland, Ohio and left home at 18 to broaden his horizons by living in India and South America, sparking an interest in the natural world as an artistic subject.
UWPD investigating attempted bike theft outside Sellery Hall
Strong-armed attempted robbery occurs March 1, including brief struggle March 6, 2025 The UW-Madison Police Department is investigating an attempted strong-armed robbery which occurred March 1 and was reported March 5, according to a Crime Warning emailed to University of Wisconsin students Thursday afternoon. The victim told officers an unknown suspect attempted to steal his bike outside Sellery Residence Hall between 8-9 p.m., according to the email.
‘Speak up, take action’: UW community navigates DEI breakdown
Despite state, federal pushback against diversity initiatives, students, professors work to maintain inclusive campus environment March 4, 2025 The University of Wisconsin Homecoming Committee came together in Fall 2019 with the hopes of producing a video to get the campus community excited about the upcoming annual event. But when the video was finally released, some members of this community were left disappointed and confused.
U.S. Department of Education cuts funding for UW teacher training partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools
University of Wisconsin special education professors Kimber Wilkerson and Beverly Trezek founded the UW–Madison Teacher Residency Program in 2023 with support from a Teacher Quality Partnership grant, a program developed by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to fund teacher education and teaching residency programs in high-need school districts across the county.
UW removes chief diversity officer
The University of Wisconsin has announced the removal of Dr. LaVar Charleston from his role as chief diversity officer and leader of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement, according to a statement from Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and Provost Charles Isbell, Jr. The change comes after an ongoing internal review of DDEEA’s finances, which has revealed areas of concern regarding financial operations and judgments within the department, according to the statement.
Evers signs executive order establishing Wisconsin Office of Violence Prevention
Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order establishing the Wisconsin Office of Violence Prevention Tuesday, Jan. 14. The order came approximately a month after the Abundant Life Christian School shooting where three were killed, including a student, a teacher and the perpetrator. There were 503 mass shootings in the United States in 2024, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
UW alum, Snow Scholars founder wins $150,000 ‘Shark Tank’ investment
Founded on UW campus, snow-shoveling business to service 26 college towns by next year Categories: January 9, 2025 In December 2022, Jake Piekarski started shoveling snow to help pay for college. Then-sophomore from Southern California — who had recently transferred to the University of Wisconsin — quickly saw lots of customer interest. He noticed a lack of adequate snow services online and began recruiting other friends looking for reliable, flexible hours.
Short Stack Eatery to close in May
Categories: Owners of breakfast classic to pursue goals in another industry January 5, 2025 Short Stack Eatery will not be renewing its lease in 2025, owners Alex Lindenmeyer and Sinead McHugh announced through an Instagram post Sunday morning. The owners are closing up shop at Short Stack to pursue a different industry, but are committed to working hard until the end of their restaurant’s lease on State Street, according to the post.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes named next Seattle police chief
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes has been selected as Seattle’s next police chief, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell Friday afternoon. Barnes has led the Madison Police Department since 2021. Barnes’ Seattle job has been in the process for weeks, MPD Public Information Officer Stephanie Fryer said in an email statement to The Badger Herald.
Armed robbery reported in Memorial Union
An armed robbery was reported to have occurred inside Memorial Union on Dec. 18 at approximately 9:30 p.m., according to a UW-Madison Crime Warning sent out Friday afternoon per the Clery Act. The suspect displayed a knife to the victim when the victim tried to retrieve their backpack during the robbery, and the suspect fled the scene. The suspect and victim were known to each other, according to the crime warning. Neither was affiliated with the University of Wisconsin.
All individuals arrested at Board of Regents meeting protest to receive citations
The nineteen pro-Palestine protestors arrested at the Dec. 5 Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents protest will receive citations, according to a report from the UW-Madison Police Department. The citations will be given for violating a Wisconsin state law that prevents intentional creation of a volume of noise that unreasonably interferes with a university-sponsored or university-authorized activity.
MPD responds to fight near State Street early Saturday
Categories: Altercation outside Sotto Night Club results in loss of finger, suspect in custody October 26, 2024 The Madison Police Department responded to a disturbance outside Sotto Night Club on the 300 block of N. Henry Street just after 2 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Arriving on the scene, officers were notified that someone’s finger had been bitten off, according to the incident report. Emergency Medical Services were called to assist the victim, who was identified as a 23-year-old Hispanic male.
Vice President Kamala Harris, Gracie Abrams to lead ‘When We Vote We Win’ rally on UW-Madison campus
Vice President Kamala Harris will host a Get Out the Vote rally on the University of Wisconsin campus Wednesday, Oct. 30 featuring performances by musicians Gracie Abrams, Mumford & Sons, Remi Wolf, and The National’s Matt Berninger and Aaron Dessner, according to an email statement from the Harris-Walz campaign. Wisconsin residents interested in attending can sign up at here.
Campus community offers resources, hope during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Content Warning: Discussion of suicide and/or self-harm. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. View options for mental health services on campus. View options for mental health services on campus through University Health Services. Every September, college campuses across the United States use Suicide Prevention Awareness Month as an opportunity to shed light on mental health concerns with caution and compassion.
Fire on 500 block of W. Washington Ave.
Categories: Madison Police, Fire respond Wednesday morning September 11, 2024 The Madison Police Department and Madison Fire Department responded to a fire on the 500 block of W. Washington Ave. Wednesday morning. The street is blocked off from Bedford Street to Basset Street. Nobody was hurt, but the residents cannot get back into their house.
UWPD investigating Library Mall vandalism incident
The UW-Madison Police Department is investigating a vandalism incident that occurred Wednesday around 3 a.m. on Library Mall, UWPD Executive Director of Communications Marc Lovicott said. Several parts of the mall were vandalized with spray paint, including the Hagenah (Library Mall) fountain, according to a UWPD release.
Sexual assualt reported at UW football game
Categories: Crime warning emailed to students, UWPD investigating incident August 31, 2024 CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of sexual assault. If you have been sexually assaulted, or are not sure, there are several ways to get support. View options on campus through University Health Services. University of Wisconsin students were notified in an email Friday night that an individual had reported being groped by five to six others at Camp Randall Stadium during UW’s first football game of the season.
Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: Aug. 23-25
1. ALL WEEKEND | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK This annual festival showcases Mexican heritage with delicious food, music and cultural activities on the lakefront. Highlights include a car and motorcycle show on Saturday and live mariachi bands. Through Mexican Fiesta, the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation has raised over $1.7 million in scholarships for Hispanic youth since 1987. Tickets are available online for $20. 2. ALL WEEKEND | ST.
What to know ahead of Wisconsin’s Aug. 13 primary election
Wisconsin voters will weigh in on two referendum questions and candidates running for positions in the U.S. Congress, the state Legislature and some county races during Tuesday’s statewide primary election. The most popular candidates from this election will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot, along with presidential candidates. Where and how to vote On election day, voters can only cast ballots at their designated polling places, which can be found here by entering an address.
Absentee ballot drop boxes rewrapped with voting information, artwork
Boxes to reopen for use in elections August 2, 2024 Madison is revamping its 14 absentee ballot drop boxes following the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision to reopen them last month. Instructions for voters with a QR code directing them to more information and a graphic of Madison’s city flag will give the boxes a refreshed look, but not an entirely new one.
Nō Studios Dance Fest Highlights a Wide Range of Performances
Dance Fest is returning to Milwaukee for its third year at the outdoor Peck Pavilion on Aug. 3. Host Nō Studios launched the event “kind of by accident” back in 2019. Since then, it’s evolved into a yearly showcase of Milwaukee’s extraordinary talent. Lisa Caesar, Nō Studios chief operating officer, and her brother John Ridley, CEO, opened their doors as a hub for creative Milwaukeeans in 2018 and hosted an ‘informal combined dance program’ to celebrate.
“We’ve got work to do”: Harris kicks off presidential campaign in Milwaukee
Vice President Kamala Harris held the first rally of her presidential campaign at West Allis High School Tuesday, chastising former President Donald Trump before an audience of over 3,000, according to campaign organizers. Harris, who spent much of her life as a prosecutor, talked about Trump’s criminal record. “Hear me when I say, I know Donald Trump’s type,” Harris said. Speakers, including Gov.
Wisconsin politicians, leaders react to Biden dropping out of presidential race
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article will be updated as more statements are released. Wisconsin politicians and leaders are reacting to President Joe Biden’s announcement that he is dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris Sunday. Gov.
Things to Do in Milwaukee this Weekend: July 19-21
1. ALL WEEKEND | NEXT ACT THEATRE RIP – A Musical Comedy of Life & Death is Milwaukee composer and author Robert Grede’s first musical. The world premiere run (July 17-28) begins this weekend. It’s the story of the McCobb Mortuary, where the Dead reflect on their regrets and longings, and the Living tend to their tasks. Tickets are available online. RELATED: A NEW MUSICAL ABOUT DEATH IS COMING TO LIFE THIS JULY 2.
Protesters march outside RNC as convention’s first day begins
Crowds of protesters gathered outside the Republican National Convention’s security perimeter for a March on the RNC Monday morning, the convention’s first day. Former President Donald Trump’s attempted assassination on Saturday did not impact plans for the march, according to event organizers.
Overdose spike alert issued following unexpected increase in Dane County overdoses
Public Health Madison & Dane County issued an overdose spike alert Tuesday afternoon after a higher-than-expected increase in drug overdoses in Dane County on July 8. Two people died and at least six people experienced an overdose on Monday, according to the alert. “This is more overdoses than we usually see in our community,” the alert read. In the past week, PHMDC has also seen an increase in reports of drowsiness and sleepiness caused by the use of meth and crack cocaine.
BioBlitz Is a 24-Hour Species-Spotting Contest
Ninety-five scientists will spend 24 hours — many of them working through the night — competing to identify as many species of plants and animals as possible at Milwaukee Public Museum’s ninth annual BioBlitz from June 21-22 at Mequon Nature Preserve. Surveyors have identified around 1,000 species on average in years past. Last year’s BioBlitz at Havenwoods State Forest featured the first-ever Wisconsin sighting of the crab spider Ozyptila praticola.
Gamma Ray Bar invites Madison to sing along
Owner and musician Kevin Willmott II brings live music, karaoke back to former Frequency space June 16, 2024 Since Gamma Ray Bar opened off Capitol Square on June 1, its purple front door at 121 W. Main St. has been a wormhole to another galaxy inhabited by music and dance. The combined bar and music venue is much more spacious than it appears outside, with the bar and karaoke area greeting visitors upon entering. If they’ve come for a performance, they can go to the stage in a room farther back.
18 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Father’s Day Weekend: June 14-16
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Things to Do in Milwaukee This Father’s Day Weekend 2024
1. ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM Immerse yourself in Milwaukee’s food, art and music scenes at this beloved annual festival. Take a break by the lake at the beer and wine gardens or let the artistry inspire you to create a piece of your own at the outdoor Kohl’s Art Studio. Tickets are available at the gate or and include museum access. 2. ALL WEEKEND | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Poland without having to cross the Atlantic.
Democratic Party of Wisconsin votes in favor of ceasefire resolution
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and elected four new Democratic National Convention representatives on the second day of the Wisconsin Democratic Convention Sunday morning. During the vote for representatives, state convention delegates debated amendments to the Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s platform and resolutions packet — a document dictating the party’s political principles and beliefs.
City budget engagement event addresses $24 million structural deficit
Madison Alders Juliana Bennett, District 2, Mike Verveer, District 4, Marsha Rummel, District 6, and MGR Govindarajan, District 8 held a city budget engagement session Thursday. Madison’s operating budget is facing a $24 million structural deficit, City Finance Director David Schmiedicke said in a presentation. In other words, projected expenditures will exceed projected revenue in 2024, according to Schmiedicke.
Pro-Palestinian protester arrested in Madison on two felony counts
Madison Police Department arrests UW alum for disarming, causing threat or battery to police officer during encampment raid May 26, 2024 The Madison Police Department arrested an individual involved with the pro-Palestinian encampment on Library Mall at around 7 p.m. Friday. The individual, Jeffrey Brown, was present during the encampment raid on May 1, when 34 arrests were made. Brown, a UW alum, was arrested for allegedly disarming and causing battery or threat to law enforcement.
Meriter union, management reach agreement
UnityPoint Health – Meriter support and staff achieved a tentative agreement between their union and management on Monday night, ratifying a new contract, according to SEIU Communications Specialist Elena Price. The ratification began at 6 a.m. and ended at 8 p.m. Agreement highlights include average wage increases of 4.9% in 2024 and 4.65% in 2025, along with a ratification bonus of $800 over the next two years. Shift premiums for night and weekend shifts will also be increased.
Pete Davidson gets on Madison's good side with weekend of comedy shows · The Badger Herald
Comedy fans were lucky to catch one of Pete Davidson’s sold-out shows at The Orpheum on Thursday, Dec. 7, or Friday, Dec. 8. The event was so popular that it was expanded from one show to four, with an early show at 7 p.m. and a late show at 10 p.m. each night. At the start of the 10 p.m. show on Friday, the theater was packed with an audience eager to catch a glimpse of the prominent comedian, actor, writer and producer.
Mipso gets to know each other again on tour
Bluegrass indie-folk quartet Mipso can’t stay away from Madison’s eclectic college-town vibes. Consisting of bassist Wood Robinson, mandolinist Jacob Sharp, guitarist Joseph Terrell and fiddler Libby Rodenbough, the band is returning for their sixth performance in the city Nov. 3 at the High Noon Saloon.
Lil Yachty to bring Madison on a 'Field Trip' · The Badger Herald
Lil Yachty is set to perform at The Sylvee on Saturday, Nov. 4 as part of his “Field Trip” tour. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. This will be the musician’s first performance in the area since the release of “Let’s Start Here,” his fifth and most recent studio album. On the “Field Trip” tour, Yachty is performing new hits from his most recent album “Let’s Start Here,” but also plenty of classics like “Broccoli” and “iSpy,” according to Boston.com.
Pete Davidson to visit Madison in December
Former “Saturday Night Live” comedian and actor Pete Davidson is scheduled to perform at the Orpheum Theater on Friday, Dec. 8, according to the Orpheum’s website. Tickets will go on public sale Friday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. and will be available for purchase on the Orpheum’s website. This will be Davidson’s first performance in Madison since his show in Memorial Union in 2015.
UW Cinematheque screens old, new films this fall
Since AMC Madison 6’s closing last year, University of Wisconsin students have been searching for other affordable options for movies nearby. UW Cinematheque, made up of UW academic departments and student film groups, presents free film screenings on campus. Cinematheque is showing niche and mainstream films of every genre throughout the remainder of the fall semester, from sports drama to psychological horror. Here are some highlights. Fremont (2023) Thursday, Oct.
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Guts’ meets sky-high expectations
After Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, “Sour,” became a classic in record time — with help from TikTok — expectations for her next release were impossibly high. Listening to Rodrigo’s newest album, “Guts,” which was released Sept. 8, it’s clear this anticipation has not made things easy for the pop-meets-rock superstar and former actress.
Student-curated textile exhibit threads communities together
The Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery is more than a window for students to peek into on their way to a class in the School of Human Ecology. It’s a bridge between textiles and students across the University of Wisconsin. Eighteen students from professor Anna Campbell’s spring 2023 seminar Art History 506: Curatorial Studies and Exhibition Practice, collaborated to curate the gallery’s newest exhibit, “Social Threads: Making, Mending, and Maintaining Community.” It opens Sept.
Wisconsin Book Festival announces 22nd annual Fall Celebration author lineup
Wisconsin Book Festival Director Jane Rotonda announced the authors and selected readings for the 2023 Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration Author Reveal Party at Godfrey & Khan, S.C in downtown Madison Thursday. This year’s author lineup promises the upcoming four-day event will cover a lot of ground. The 22nd annual Fall Celebration will bring over 50 authors to speak at Central Library and other locations in Madison from Oct. 19-22.
Fashion trends to watch this fall Original
Brainstorming a first-day-of-school outfit isn’t just for high schoolers. Regardless of how many semesters you have under your belt, all students can benefit from preparing for the busy months ahead. Feel extra confident about what you’re wearing by reading up on these seven styles that will surely be all over the University of Wisconsin campus this fall. “Princess Diana” Style Fall is the perfect time to look to Princess Diana’s iconic style guide from the 90s.
Madison Night Market returns for 2023 season
With the University of Wisconsin’s spring semester finals having ended about a month ago, those who stay in Madison year-round have seen a stark transition from a whirlwind of school-year commotion into a quieter, more vacant summertime condition. But, one Thursday night each month from May through October — with a break in July —crowds attending the Madison Night Market swarm State Street and the surrounding areas.
Story cloth exhibit in Capitol rotunda celebrates Hmong women, mental health
This May, in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Hmong Institute and Wisconsin Women’s Council collaborated to create an exhibit featuring the art of Hmong woman elders. “Resiliency: Hmong Women’s Mental Health Journeys During the COVID-19 Pandemic” is located on the second floor of the Wisconsin State Capitol rotunda and will remain open to the public through June 9, 2023.
UW Russian Folk Orchestra to host 25th Anniversary Concert
The University of Wisconsin Russian Folk Orchestra is holding their 25th Anniversary Concert at the First Unitarian Society in Madison May 20. The ensemble’s live performance will be their first since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Open to any interested members, the orchestra is Wisconsin’s premier amateur group for enthusiasts of Slavic and East-European Folk and other music. Musicians perform on authentic instruments such as balalaikas and domras, which resemble the guitar.
'The Vault' puts on first fashion show inspired by 'The Odyssey' · The Badger Herald
Audience members at Tripp Commons of Memorial Union traveled back in time hundreds of years to the world of “The Odyssey” Tuesday night. The Vault, a new student organization that hosts workshops and other events related to the fashion industry, put on their first fashion show. The show was themed around Homer’s “The Odyssey,” an ancient Greek epic poem about King Odysseus’ return home after the Trojan War.
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