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Articles by Emily Otten
Energy-dense lithium batteries may be a solution to climate change, UW researcher finds
The Sustainable Energy Seminar Series at the University of Wisconsin occurs every semester and brings together scientists to discuss their current projects in sustainable energy, including their innovative solutions to address sustainability. April 15, UW assistant professor Fang Liu presented a presentation titled “Revealing the Unknown Dynamics of High-Energy-Density Batteries” as part of the series.
‘The Bachelorette’ to cast first ever Asian American lead
In a world where reality television’s demographic is primarily white, it is astounding to see an improvement in diverse race representation on a show like “The Bachelorette.” “The Bachelorette” franchise has been running for over 20 years, with the first episode airing in 2003. It’s a spin-off of “The Bachelor,” which aired in 2002.
Madison community members invited to take part in State Street painting event Sunday
The City of Madison has invited members of the community to leave their mark on State Street and contribute to enhancing the area through a public painting event, according to the City of Madison website. The event is scheduled for April 21, and will take place on State Street between the blocks of Gorham Street and Hawthorne Court.
Scholarship programs for students of color crucial at UW
The United States Department of Education opened an investigation into the Creando Comunidad: Community Engaged BIPOC Fellows, a fellowship program for students of color at the University of Wisconsin after a group called the Equal Protection Project filed a complaint that the program violates the 14th Amendment, as it is not open to white students, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.
Comprehensive guide to spring concerts in Madison
As spring approaches, the sun starts peeking through the clouds, the grass turns greener, the trees start to bud, seasonal depression starts to lift and the city of Madison starts coming back to life. It’s time to change out of your warm winter pajamas and get back out on the town — and what better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than with live music at one of the many concerts Madison has to offer in the last weeks of the semester?
Once-in-a-lifetime periodical cicada brood emergence to occur this spring
This May and June will be marked by the simultaneous emergence of two broods of periodical cicada insects, Bxroods 13 and 19, across Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Billions of cicadas are expected to emerge this spring, but most Wisconsinites won’t see the insects in their yard — the two broods occupy different geographical ranges across the three states, University of Wisconsin Extension entomologist and UW Insect Diagnostic Lab Director Patrick Liesch said.
Point-counterpoint: Young americans weigh impact of potential TikTok ban
Following the U.S. House of Representatives recent passage of a bill to ban TikTok — or force its sale to an American company — young social media users are considering the benefits and drawbacks of losing access to the platform. Considering the challenges social media poses to young users and the opportunities it provides to learn from unofficial sources, what are the impacts of placing restrictions on TikTok?
In-person absentee voting continues through March 31 for spring election
In-person absentee voting started March 19 and ends March 31, according to the City of Madison Clerk’s Office. Students looking to vote must show an ID to receive an absentee ballot at in-person absentee voting locations. Memorial Union and Union South are two locations on campus for in-person absentee voting. Other nearby locations include the Health Sciences Learning Center and Central Library.
UW announces new certificate program in Arabic language and culture
The University of Wisconsin announced the creation of a certificate in Arabic Language and Culture, according to a March 18 announcement from the Department of African Culture Studies. The University Academic Planning Council — a committee of faculty that advises the chancellor on academic program decisions — approved the proposal to establish the certificate, which will be available in fall 2024, according to the announcement.
MFD implements new initiative to break opioid addiction cycle
At the beginning of March, the Madison Fire Department implemented a new initiative to begin carrying and administering buprenorphine. Emergency responders can administer buprenorphine to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms after initially responding to an overdose with Narcan (naloxone).
Increased security funding for Republican National Convention must prompt intense police training
Both Milwaukee and Chicago will receive a total of $75 million in federal grants to fund security at their respective presidential nominee conventions this summer. While this funding is what Wisconsin legislators hoped for, the influx of funding for security purposes could have some serious consequences on the Milwaukee community, mostly related to the increased police presence.
People of UW: President of Divine Nine sorority talks importance of organizations for Black students on campus
Editor’s note: People of UW is a human interest series produced by Badger Herald staff members. The series aims to highlight a student or student group at the University of Wisconsin making an impact on the campus community. These Q&As are lightly edited for clarity and style. Tell us about yourself. My name is J’Khayla Johnson, I’m a junior studying information sciences and I have certificates in digital studies, African American studies and video game design.
Point-counterpoint: Can body cameras increase police accountability?
The Dane County Sheriff’s Department will soon launch a body-worn camera pilot program. In the past years, multiple court cases have utilized body camera footage to hold police officers for misconduct, but many criminal justice advocates are wary about the transparency body cameras actually provide without additional policies to keep officers in line. Can the use of body cameras by police officers actually provide transparency or does more need to be done?
Point-counterpoint: Can body cameras increase police accountability?
With Dane County Sheriff’s Department launching body-worn camera program, opinions differ on effectiveness of technology February 22, 2024 The Dane County Sheriff’s Department will soon launch a body-worn camera pilot program. In the past years, multiple court cases have utilized body camera footage to hold police officers for misconduct, but many criminal justice advocates are wary about the transparency body cameras actually provide without additional policies to keep officers in line.
Tribal Educational Promise small step to support Indigenous students
Starting in fall 2024, the University of Wisconsin will cover tuition, housing, food, books and all college-related costs for undergraduate students from Wisconsin Indian Tribes who are also Wisconsin residents, according to previous reporting from The Badger Herald. The program, the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise, is not based on financial need and is awarded to students regardless of their family’s income if they fit the parameters of the program.
Racial identity needs to be considered in financial aid, scholarship decisions
In the Wisconsin Legislature, Republicans are advocating for a bill that would end the consideration of race, ethnicity, nationality and gender for financial aid and scholarships programs within the Universities of Wisconsin, according to AP News. Racial, ethnicity, nationality and gender are all important aspects of identity that can contribute to an individual’s financial need and should be considered when determining scholarships and financial aid.
Luxury apartment complexes threaten local businesses, Madison charm
A new Madison apartment complex intended for University of Wisconsin students will be built on Broom Street, offering 1,600 beds with 165 of those beds offered for under-market affordable housing rates, according to the Cap Times. While it is important to provide housing for students and residents in Madison amidst the housing crisis, Madison is losing much of its charm and local businesses to apartments and chains — something that will likely change the dynamic of the city in the coming years.
Telehealth flexibilites must be expanded in Wisconsin
Telehealth is incredibly important for those in rural communities, even those who don’t have access to broadband internet connection. But after the federal government ended the emergency declaration for COVID-19 in May 2023, the future of telehealth is unsure. For those across Wisconsin, both in urban and rural areas, telehealth is a valuable resource and the state government should take action to ensure there is continual access to telehealth opportunities over the coming years.
Canvassing needed to rebuild trust amongst Wisconsin voters
In preparation for the 2024 election season, Wisconsin Democrats have already launched canvassing campaigns in Wisconsin cities like Eau Claire, Lacrosse and Superior, according to WEAU News.
Scholarship displacement bill unfeasible amidst funding cuts
Wisconsin Rep. Shae Sortwell (R-Two Rivers) authored a bill in the Wisconsin legislature that seeks to stop colleges and universities in Wisconsin from reducing the financial aid they offer students when those students receive private scholarships. This bill could be incredibly useful at universities across Wisconsin, but, it won’t be possible to take such action while the state legislature continues to hold funding from the Universities of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin ozone pollution must be ameliorated
A report released by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources identified that seven Wisconsin counties do not meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2015 ozone standards. All of these seven counties lie on the shore of Lake Michigan, which experts interviewed by Wisconsin Public Radio claim is the reason these ozone standards are not being met.
Withholding pay increase for Universities of Wisconsin employees too far for Republicans
While many Wisconsin state employees received pay increases from the state government Tuesday, employees within the Universities of Wisconsin were left out. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos claims he will continue to withhold pay increases from these employees until the UW-System gets rid of all programming related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Deepfake pornography bill essential to Wisconsinites' privacy online · The Badger Herald
A new bill proposed in Wisconsin seeks to make the unauthorized creation of sexually explicit images through deepfakes illegal. Wisconsin needs to pass this bill into law to ensure Wisconsinites are protected from this type of cyber abuse. Deepfakes are a type of synthetic media that can make individuals look as though they are saying or doing something through a video based on a photo.
'Universities of Wisconsin' rebrand extravagant amidst budget cuts · The Badger Herald
The University of Wisconsin System is changing its identity to the “Universities of Wisconsin” in a rebrand costing around $480,000. The president of the system, Jay Rothman, identified the rebrand as necessary, claiming it would help draw in more students and increase the number of graduates across University of Wisconsin schools.
Proposal to keep Brewers in Wisconsin too costly to justify
Wisconsin Republicans intend to keep the Milwaukee Brewers in Wisconsin through 2050 with a new proposal in the legislature according to NBC15. The proposal is reliant on state taxes, with the state giving the team $60.8 million dollars in the upcoming fiscal year and then $20 million each year after. The City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County in particular would contribute around $202 million and $135 million respectively. This proposal would keep the Brewers in Milwaukee for at least 27 years.
UW program for first-generation students long overdue
The creation of the First Generation Badgers program by UW is important in supporting students but overdue in making resources accessible The University of Wisconsin Office of Student Affairs recently created a program titled First Generation Badgers to support students who are the first in their family to attend university.
Republican proposal preventing closure of places of worship in Wisconsin neglects separation between church and state
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, places of worship across the country closed down to prevent the spread of the virus. In Wisconsin though, Republicans convinced the Supreme Court to lift the ban on worship services throughout the state.
Diversity needed to further conservation field
Efforts need to be made to further include communities of color in conservation and wildlife programs, a primarily white field. As of 2020, 40 of the most prominent environmental organizations associated with the green movement were found to still be majority white, despite making some improvements in the last few years, according to Green 2.0’s NGO and Foundation Transparency Report Card. The conservation field has a deeply rooted history of racism and oppression.
Republican attack on UW System DEI initiatives puts students in danger
Opinion Column Republicans pulling funding from UW System is direct threat to DEI initiatives on college campuses, putting communities at risk The Wisconsin Legislature pulling funding from the University of Wisconsin System is a direct attack on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that puts campus communities across the state at risk.
ChatGPT's role as therapy alternative · The Badger Herald Original
CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of suicide and/or self harm. If you have 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. Since the technology’s launch in late 2022, ChatGPT is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing apps of all time. The new technology has several uses though recently, some have been exploring it as a fast, accessible alternative to therapy.
Implementation of mental health days at UW could contribute to student wellbeing
Opinion Column To supplement systemic changes to campus mental health resources, mental health days can offer immediate support The University of Wisconsin has no designated mental health days throughout the entire calendar school year. This needs to change. In the past month, two students passed away, as UW reported March 27 and April 8. Not only do these tragic deaths affect those students’ friends and families, but the greater campus community as well.
UW System tuition raise pushes cost of over-admission to students, STEM majors
Opinion Herald In-state tuition spike to hit STEM students hard, consequence of inflated freshman classes Since 2012, the University of Wisconsin System has not increased tuition for in-state students. In a meeting with the board overseeing the UW System at the end of March, that changed. In-state students in all UW colleges will see an average 5% increase in tuition for the coming school years.
Severe racial health disparities in Wisconsin must be addressed
Opinion Column In recognition of National Minority Health Month, Wisconsin must adequately address significant health disparities people of color face April is National Minority Health Month, which acknowledges the serious disparities people of color face when receiving healthcare. Wisconsin has serious racial health disparities that must be acknowledged and addressed by government officials.
'Rainbowland' raises needless controversy over teaching inclusivity, acceptance in elementary school · The Badger Herald
Elementary schoolers at Heyer Elementary School in Waukesha, Wisconsin were told they were not allowed to sing “Rainbowland,” a song about inclusion sung by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, at their spring concert. Not only is this decision not in the best interests of Heyer students, but it also brings up more important issues of inclusivity within elementary schools nationwide.
Point-counterpoint: Decison to appoint new Wisconsin secretary of state
Opinion Point-counterpoint Following former Secretary of State Doug LaFollette's sudden resignation, controversy arises over how to select replacement After longtime Wisconsin Secretary of State Doug LaFollette stepped down from his position, Gov. Tony Evers appointed Sarah Godlewski, the former State Treasurer to the position. This controversial move has drawn questions about whether Evers should have held a special election, which is allowed by state law.
Point-Counterpoint: News414, the future of journalism
News414 is a new journalism initiative launched through the collaboration of three Wisconsin newsrooms — Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, Wisconsin Watch and Outlier Media. One of the first of its kind, News414 delivers news to Wisconsin residents faster and more directly than ever before through text messages and social media posts. This initiative could be the start of an entirely new age of journalism. Is this new era a welcome one, or are there hidden disadvantages?
Reappointment of conservative attorney poses threat to Wisconsin Supreme Court
Opinion Column History of election denial, ties to former President Trump in new appointee to judicial conduct advisory committee disrupts non-partisan Supreme Court The reappointment of Attorney Jim Troupis to the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s judicial conduct advisory committee poses serious ethical concerns and could have a significant partisan impact on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The Wisconsin Supreme Court, as with any court in the United States, is meant to be .
Improvement in accessible public transportation needed to support Madison residents
The city of Madison needs to fund more accessible public transportation to best support Madison’s disabled community. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that 25.5 million Americans have travel-limiting disabilities, meaning that their disability makes it difficult to travel using inaccessible forms of transportation, like a car without a wheelchair ramp.
Point-counterpoint: Implications of campaign finance
Campaign finance has become a hotly debated topic as election spending in Wisconsin and beyond has reached record highs. Some argue that campaign finance needs reform, while others contend that the details of campaign finance become less significant in the high spending campaigns of modern elections. What should be done to address these issues? Point: Campaign finance needs reform at all levels Campaign finance reform is necessary at all levels of government.
Failure of $2 million election investigation emphasizes need for government transparency
Recent reports and analyses of Wisconsin’s economy indicate economic strength, even amid a potential recession. Wisconsin’s unemployment rates are resting at 2.9% — lower than the national average of 3.5%, according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Across the nation, there have been increases in employment in healthcare, hospitality and healthcare sectors, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Failure of $2 million election investigation emphasizes need for government transparency
Opinion Column Gableman investigation fails to keep proper public records, reduces constituents' trust After the 2020 election, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos tasked former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman with investigating the validity of Wisconsin’s 2020 presidential election results. After 14 months, Vos fired Gableman after his investigation burned through $2 million and came up with nothing, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.
UW must increase house fellowships, housing aid amid campus overcrowding
Opinion Column UW students battle for positions in dorms to earn free housing, represent Madison housing crisis The University of Wisconsin must increase the number of house fellows in their residence halls to provide students with more options for affordable housing and to support the steadily increasing number of students living in the dorms.
Affordable housing complex not worth risk to natural wetlands
A recent proposal by the City of Madison seeks to construct an affordable housing complex on the North Side of Madison, but there’s a catch — the destruction of natural wetlands. The city determined that the site of the old Oscar Meyer plant would be ideal for a large affordable housing complex, but nearby residents are concerned with the destruction of the Hartmeyer Natural Area, a natural wetland incredibly close to the proposed development.
Healthcare, social assistance workers in desperate need of state support amid labor shortage
The Wisconsin Department of Labor Services determined that Wisconsin’s health and social assistance labor sector is shrinking. In October 2022 alone, the sector lost 4,200 jobs. Careers in this sector include healthcare employees, counselors and childcare workers. This trend, however, is in no way new. Employees in the health and social assistance sectors have been dropping out since before the pandemic.
New program provides supports for homeless families, pregnant women
Opinion Column Innovative program offers integrated services to address familial homelessness in Wisconsin The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Oct. 27 that families and pregnant women in extreme poverty and facing homelessness will receive housing assistance. The program will provide housing for eligible applicants in addition to connecting them with healthcare providers, childcare and transportation services.
Expansion of Rural Partners Network creates opportunities for Wisconsin farmers, Indigenous nations
The state of Wisconsin is now a part of the Biden Administration’s Rural Partners Network, after officials visited the Menominee Tribal Enterprises sawmill at the beginning of November. The expansion of the program includes four other states — Alaska, Nevada and North Carolina in addition to Puerto Rico.
Vote to create regional fire protection force provides greater efficiency, equity across Wisconsin public services
Opinion Column Merge of counties' fire protection forces into single force offers opportunity for more equal public service coverage Dane, Rock and Jefferson counties voted this past Wednesday to combine their fire protection forces to provide greater and more efficient services across a larger portion of the state. The vote to combine forces came mainly as a result of staffing crises and financial struggles within local fire departments across the state.
Point-counterpoint: Marijuana legalization in Wisconsin
Opinion Column Most Americans are interested in legalizing marijuana, but how to go about it? In the Wisconsin gubernatorial race, there are two vastly different views on marijuana legalization. Gov. Tony Evers announced if he was reelected he would reintroduce marijuana legalization legislation while Tim Michels is opposed to the idea. Marijuana has been legalized in many states, including California, Nevada and Colorado, among others.
Michels' plan to end parole generalizes nuanced, complex issue · The Badger Herald
Opinion Column The Wisconsin race for governor highlights parole as major issue, potential to end parole across the state Crime and public safety have been a focus for Republican campaigns in Wisconsin’s major elections this season. In the senate race, Ron Johnson and Mandela Barnes are sparring over the debate to eliminate cash bail, with Johnson, the Republican incumbent, claiming the plan releases dangerous criminals onto the street.
Wisconsin Natural Resources Board lacks efficacy amidst partisan battle
Opinion Column Member refuses to step down from board on account of partisan matters Fred Prehn, a member of the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, was supposed to step down in May 2021. He has refused to leave the position, and an open records lawsuit unveiled text messages from Prehn regarding his motivations behind the refusal.
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