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Articles by Maddy Phillips
In profile: Wales-USA international trade in goods
In 2025, trade in goods between Wales and the USA was worth £6.6bn, making the USA Wales’s largest single country trading partner, by value. This shouldn’t be confused with Wales largest trading partner overall, which is by far the EU. This profile explores the Wales-USA trading relationship. It explains: UK-USA Economic Prosperity Deal; How much Wales trades with the USA; What Wales trades with the USA; Which sectors are most reliant on Wales-US trade; and Wales-USA trade over 10 years.
Representing Wales: the Welsh Government at EU meetings
As Brexit approached, over 30 new forums were set up for the UK and the EU to take decisions on their relationship, including on matters which are devolved to and/or affect Wales. The forums were set up under two treaties: The Withdrawal Agreement sets the terms for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU; and The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) sets the terms for their post-Brexit relationship.
Your Guide To Finding The Perfect Bra Fit
With the new year right around the corner, you might be seeking a closet refresh—and it’s a perfect time to freshen up your undergarments, too. Over time, your bras lose elasticity, shape and structure, so it’s important to keep them updated. It’s actually recommended to switch your go-to bra yearly. And buying one that fits right is so important, which is why we’ve compiled your complete guide to finding your perfect bra. We’ve got you, ahem, covered. Where to shop?
What could a UK-EU youth experience scheme mean for Wales?
The UK Government and the EU have been negotiating initiatives to improve youth mobility, including a youth experience scheme (YES), under their 2025 ‘Common Understanding’ agreement. Talks were intended to conclude at the UK-EU Summit on 22 July. The summit was postponed after the resignation of Prime Minister, Keir Starmer MP, though negotiations are believed to be on-going.
9 out-of-the-box date ideas
While you can never go wrong with a classic dinner and a movie date, sometimes you're craving a little more out of your time with your boo. We've got nine (!!) suggestions for creative ways to spend QT with your S.O., grow your relationship and have a little more fun. 1. Create candles Post-spring cleaning sesh, there's no better feeling than lighting a new candle and enjoying your fresh space. Head to a candle-making shop with bae for a day of bonding while crafting your own unique creations.
4 jewelry trends to try this spring
Let's be real: We can't buy an entirely new wardrobe when another season begins. But, one of the easiest and most affordable ways to freshen up what you already own is to upgrade your jewelry. Here are four trends you should try this spring! Pearls Amazon, $15 Get ready to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn, because pearls are making a *major* comeback this spring. Pearls are a classic and elegant option that never go out of style.
Quiz - GirlsLife
Quiz - Answer these random questions and we'll tell you what spring activity to do with your BFF @marymargaretboud Springtime is approaching, and we're so excited for sunny days and *all* the blooming flowers. Answer these quick questions and we'll tell you what fun activity you have to plan with your BFF! By Maddy Phillips 1 What's your go-to ice cream flavor? Chocolate chip cookie dough. 2 How would your friends describe you? 3 Which artist is always at the top of your playlists?
PSA: Please don't go to bed with wet hair
Did you have an *extra* long day? Maybe you had a big history exam, an away tennis match and an awkward crush encounter (we've all been there). After a tiring daily sched, it can be tempting to shower and climb straight into bed. But going to sleep with wet hair can have some not-so-good consequences. Here are some simple tips on how to protect your mane... Why you shouldn't go to bed with wet hair Your hair is most fragile and weak when it's wet, making it extremely sensitive to breakage.
6 BookTubers you should add to your watch list
Are you in a reading rut? Or maybe you're just getting started on your reading journey? It can be difficult to know where to begin with the millions of books out there...but watching BookTubers can help. BookTube is a growing community on YouTube that shares *all* things bookish—including fave novels, upcoming TBRs and special themed videos. We've compiled a list of six reading influencers you should subscribe to rn.
5 book recs if you love Gossip Girl
Hey Upper East Siders! Let's face it: Gossip Girl will *always* be one of our comfort TV shows. We just can't get enough of the drama and secrets between our fave fashionable A-listers. We were lucky to get another glimpse into one of NYC's most elite friend groups during the reboot on HBO Max. But it's been canceled after the release of season two—leaving many wondering how they will receive their dose of glitz and glam.
Quiz - GirlsLife
Quiz - Which Outer Banks character would be your BFF? @obx Outer Banks season three is officially streaming, and we are so excited to see our favorite Pogues back treasure hunting. Answer these quick questions and find out which character is meant to be your BFF! By Maddy Phillips 1 How would your friends describe you? 2 What's your go-to summer accessory? 3 How are you spending your *perfect* day on the beach? Catching some waves with your surfboard. Soaking in all the sun and reading a book.
Your guide to finding the perfect bra fit
Your Bod Your guide to finding the perfect bra fit With spring right around the corner, you might be seeking a closet refresh—and it's a perfect time to freshen up your undergarments, too. Over time, your bras lose elasticity, shape and structure, so it's important to keep them updated. It's actually recommended to switch your go-to bra yearly. Everyone needs a bra that fits properly, which is why we've compiled a complete guide to finding your *perfect* bra. We've got you covered! Where to shop?
We found a spring sundress for every star sign
With spring fast approaching, it's about time we added something new to our wardrobe. And with warmer temperatures, there is no better option than a flowy and versatile sundress. Perfect for dressing up or dressing down, sundresses are effortlessly elegant. If you ask us, they're practically made for meadow frolicking and garden-party-hosting. But with so many brands and styles available, it can be a challenge to find what dress suits you.
A spring sundress for every star sign
With spring fast approaching, it's about time we added something new to our wardrobe. And with warmer temperatures, there is no better option than a flowy and versatile sundress. Perfect for dressing up or dressing down, sundresses are effortlessly elegant. If you ask us, they're practically made for meadow frolicking and garden-party-hosting. But with so many brands and styles available, it can be a challenge to find what dress suits you.
10 drugstore makeup faves for under $10
Let's face it: High-end makeup can be *super* expensive. But recently our TikTok FYPs have been flooded with drugstore dupes for the pricy products we've been eyeing. This proves that good makeup products don't have to break the bank! Usually, a gift card to Sephora can only buy a couple of items... but we've created a full face of makeup for under $100. Primer Ulta, $10 This primer is a dupe for the Milk Hydro Grip Primer that we keep seeing on our feeds.
4 body-positive influencers you need to follow rn
Another day, another scroll through our endless social media feeds. Instagram and TikTok can be really fun when you learn new fashion hacks and find trendy fashion inspo. But they also can be exhausting if you find yourself in a cycle of comparison. We know it's hard when you're constantly seeing "perfect" models, influencers and celebrities—whose posts are heavily edited and filtered.
How to host a BFF clothing swap
It's that dreaded, in-between season in stores—the winter clothes are all already picked over, and we're stuck waiting for fun, new spring arrivals. Now is the perfect time to host a free and eco-friendly clothing swap with your besties! What is a clothing swap? Now, you may be wondering: What exactly is a clothing swap? Basically shopping from your besties' closets! You and your friends all bring clothes that you currently don't wear.
The best makeup wipe alternatives
Did you have a super busy and stressful day? Maybe you had a math test, dance practice or nasty friendship drama. We know it can be convenient to use those Neutrogena cleansing towelettes, especially after a long day. But, by taking an extra minute to remove your makeup another way, you can save your face and the environment. This is why we've rounded up four of the best makeup wipe alternatives...
Quiz - GirlsLife
Quiz - Plan your perfect Valentine's Day and we'll give you a rom-com to watch @nataliezacek Grab your besties, popcorn and all the heart-shaped candy! Plan your *perfect* V-Day and receive a rom-com to watch with the gals this weekend. By Maddy Phillips 1 What's your current relationship status? Doesn't matter, because I've got my besties! 2 Which Taylor Swift love song are you blasting all day? 3 What's your fave chocolate? Ew! I like other sweet treats.
5 ways to show your BFF some love this Galentine's Day (and every day)
Valentine's Day is quickly approaching on Feb. 14, but don't forget—Galentine's Day is tomorrow! Your bestie never fails to make you smile and is *always* there with stellar advice, so it's important to show her your appreciation. Here are five unique (and super fun) ways to show your bestie love. Surprise them with their fave coffee @nataliezacek Giving your bestie their fave coffee (or tea) is a small gift that goes an *extra* long way. Plus, it helps start their day on a positive note.
The Vanilla Girl aesthetic is all over TikTok-here's how to get the look
We're kinda obsessed with the Vanilla Girl aesthetic rn—TikTok's latest trendy look. This one's for all the minimalist girlies: It's focused on fresh, cozy vibes (think: natural-looking beauty, sweet scents, gold jewelry, linen fabrics and, yep, wearing *all* the cream and beige). Ready to enter your neutral era? We've got all the tips and tricks you need to channel this oh-so-luxe style. Scent Amazon, $48 This Pure Vanilla perfume perfectly embodies the Vanilla Girl aesthetic.
How to get the TikTok clean girl aesthetic
A new, trendy look has made its way to our TikTok For You pages: the clean girl aesthetic. This minimalistic aesthetic has transformed into an entire lifestyle focused on natural-looking beauty, neutral tones and being effortlessly put-together. It's like a breath of fresh air! The clean girl aesthetic is all about fresh scents, sleek hairstyles, hydrated skin and no-makeup makeup (think: Hailey Bieber). But this seemingly "easy" look can actually be difficult to achieve.
Wales and Ukraine: three years on
1,089 days ago, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 forced nearly seven million Ukrainians to seek safety and support elsewhere. By 26 November 2024, nearly 8,000 had fled to Wales using routes opened by the UK and Welsh governments. This article marks the third anniversary of the war by presenting the latest statistics on refugees and the war’s impact on Wales’ trade with both Ukraine and Russia.
UW System works with Native nations to increase Native enrollment, graduation rates
News UW-Madison Campus Policy is second of its kind from statewide university setting The University of Wisconsin System has committed to implementing a consultation policy with the Native Nations of Wisconsin to increase Native American student enrollment and graduation rates at UW institutions, according to a recent press release.
Women take the vote in Madison's spring 2019 elections · The Badger Herald
News City of Madison Incumbent Mayor Paul Soglin has been defeated by former city alder Satya Rhodes-Conway After several months of campaigning, Wisconsin entered election night to decide new city council members, the mayor of Madison and a State Supreme Court judge. Madison Mayoral Race Former District 12 alderperson Satya Rhodes-Conway has been elected Madison’s new mayor, defeating 22-year incumbent Mayor Paul Soglin.
Mayoral candidate Satya Rhodes-Conway surpasses Soglin in fundraising
Mayoral candidate Satya Rhodes-Conway has surpassed incumbent Mayor Paul Soglin in campaign fundraising a new report said. Rhodes-Conway raised $125,754 to Soglin’s $77,265 over the latest reporting period. Rhodes-Conway’s campaign collected more than 1,000 donations made by more than 800 individuals, leading to a year-to-date total of $210,085 raised for her campaign. Soglin began the race with $72,548 and has raised a year-to-date total of $189,294.
ICE answers Rep. Mark Pocan's FOIA request after more than four months · The Badger Herald
After 138 days, Immigration and Customs Enforcement responded to Rep. Mark Pocan’s, D-Madison, Freedom of Information Act request regarding their September raid in Wisconsin with a spreadsheet and a 411-page document. After the Dane County raid in late September, Pocan met with ICE officials to ask about their contact with local law enforcement. Twenty individuals from Dane County were arrested. ICE responded with a spreadsheet and 411 pages, with some exemptions.
Madison Police Department offers youth programming in effort to increase trust with community
In an effort to improve police-community relations, the Madison Police Department hosted a youth leadership event late last month. The Police and Youth program, hosted on the north side of Madison, was a workshop created by the Zeidler Center to encourage casual and personal interaction between officers and residents.
Lack of women in entrepreneurship hurts businesses, start-ups, panel of female entrepreneurs say
Local female entrepreneurs shared their experience and expertise in a panel Thursday night. The panel, hosted by University of Wisconsin student organization Transcend, discussed the restrictions they’ve experienced in a field lacking in women leaders. Alexandra Surprise, technology investment associate at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, said representation is vital to entrepreneurship and a lack of female investors negatively impacts entrepreneurial ventures.
Pro-diversity initiatives can, should be evaluated, speaker says
In a talk Tuesday night, University of Wisconsin psychology professor Markus Brauer said it is possible to evaluate pro-diversity initiatives — but such evaluations aren’t carried out enough. While Brauer used examples from workplaces and universities to demonstrate how these evaluations operate, he said his evaluations have implications for other settings as well. Evaluating these diversity interventions, Brauer said, must be done by looking at the outcomes after such programs are implemented.
Livable, minimum wage debate continued after Evers' proposal · The Badger Herald
After Gov. Tony Evers proposed increasing Wisconsin’s minimum wage by $7.75 per hour, businesses and organizations in the state have continued to advocate for livable wages. A statewide minimum wage change hasn’t occurred since 2009, but some Madison businesses pursued their own course of action on this issue. Delta Beer Labs, which recently opened this month, decided to build livable wages into their business model.
Wisconsin's budget process, from start to finish · The Badger Herald
The formation of Wisconsin’s budget is a lengthy, complex process that accounts for several billion dollars worth of funding for every agency in the state over a two-year period. The newest budget, proposed Thursday, is Gov. Tony Evers’ first. Before passing, it will first face the state Legislature. Some Republicans have expressed concern over increased taxes, while others have criticized the budget for allocating taxpayer funds to Planned Parenthood.
Madison Racial Equity Coordinator Toriana Pettaway put on paid leave
City of Madison Racial Equity Coordinator Toriana Pettaway was put on paid leave Tuesday after she violated an unpaid three-day work suspension last week. Pettaway, also a former write-in mayoral candidate, was suspended for three days for insubordination and failure to follow work rules. She has faced multiple disciplinary actions from her boss, Department of Civil Rights director Norman Davis.
Washington is rigged, not broken, speaker says
A policy activist from The Democracy Fund proposed reforms for the U.S. electoral system in a talk hosted by the La Follette School of Public Affairs Thursday night. Katherine Gehl, co-author of the report “Why Competition in the Politics Industry is Failing America: A Strategy to Reinvigorate Democracy,” discussed issues in the “political industry.” “There is currently in our system no intersection between acting in the public interest and getting re-elected,” Gehl said.
Soglin, Rhodes-Conway win mayoral candidate spots in Madison’s spring primary
Madison’s spring primary held Tuesday nominated incumbent Mayor Paul Soglin and Satya Rhodes-Conway to move on to the general election this April. Madison’s mayoral election saw five candidates challenge incumbent Paul Soglin and established a conversation about the issues that Madison faces. Paul Soglin Soglin has served Madison as mayor in three separate terms for more than 20 years. Soglin stressed his efforts on public education and economic development throughout his re-election campaign.
Practices to lower runoff are key to protecting resources, speakers say
Water specialists discussed strategies to protect urban water resources at a forum hosted by Wisconsin’s chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology Tuesday night. The discussion focused on the reduction of runoff water in urban areas through research that is currently being carried out and governmental policies being created and enforced through urban planning.
Mayoral candidates discuss environment, Oscar Mayer plant redevelopment at College Democrats forum
Madison mayoral candidates discussed issues from environmental policy to disability employment in a forum hosted by University of Wisconsin College Democrats Thursday night. Candidates Mo Cheeks, Satya Rhodes-Conway, Raj Shukla, Toriana Pettaway and incumbent Mayor Paul Soglin articulated their policy positions on issues central to the mayoral race. Rhodes-Conway said Madison should take a holistic approach to adopting clean energy.
Madison’s water usage sees dramatic decrease in 2018, continues to 2019
Madison’s water usage dropped by more than one billion gallons since 2012, pumping 9.2 billion gallons to homes and businesses in the city in 2018, Madison Water Utility reported. The amount of water pumped last year was two hundred million gallons less than 2017, allowing Madison to hit the water conservation and sustainability goal set by the city in 2006.
Nutrition expert breaks down Dane County's efforts to reduce food insecurity · The Badger Herald
An expert spoke to University of Wisconsin students Thursday night about Dane County’s efforts to address food insecurity and nutrition in the community. FoodWIse coordinator Claire Mance said 11.8 percent of Dane County residents do not have access to a sufficient amount of food at least once a year. Children struggle with food insecurity at an even higher rate (17.5 percent).
Report ranks Madison second nationally in pedestrian safety
Madison ranks second in pedestrian safety among the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the country, according to a recent report. Smart Growth, the executors of the report, uses the “pedestrian danger index” to formulate the level of safety of these metropolitan areas.
Homeless shelters over capacity due to cold weather
Madison’s homeless shelters found themselves over capacity this week as temperatures have continued to drop. Once the temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, homeless shelters in Madison don’t turn anyone away excepting extreme circumstances. Shelters such as the Dane County Salvation Army and Beacon have found themselves searching for space since Monday’s overnight temperatures hit 15 degrees without windchill.
Madison mayoral race sparks conversations about a need for new leadership in Madison
There are four challengers filed to run against mayoral incumbent Paul Soglin in the 2019 Madison mayoral primaries. The challengers include three-term Ald. Mo Cheeks, District 9, former Ald. Satya Rhodes-Conway, chair of the Sustainable Madison Committee Raj Shukla, and comedian Nick Hart. Soglin has held the office since 2011 after two terms served from 1973-79 and 1989-97. Soglin previously announced last year he would not seek re-election, however, changed his tune as of October.
UW calls for non-resident tuition hike
The University of Wisconsin proposed a plan Tuesday that would increase non-resident tuition 2.3 percent over the next two years and generate $16.1 million in additional funding. Chancellor Rebecca Blank sent the proposal to the UW System Board of Regents, who will discuss the plan Thursday. The tuition increase would impact non-residents of Wisconsin and Minnesota and international undergraduate students. In the first year, tuition would increase by $810 and the following year by $828.
City Council rejects move to ban new alcohol licenses on campus
Madison City Council voted to reject a moratorium on the issuance of new alcohol licenses and the establishment of a Task Force on Downtown Violence Tuesday night. This moratorium, proposed by Mayor Paul Soglin, would ban the issuing of new alcohol licenses in the Madison campus area.
‘I Am Here’ project brings together Hmong students to discuss community challenges
Members of University of Wisconsin’s Hmong community met in the Multicultural Student Center Wednesday evening to discuss challenges within and outside of their community. Sophomore Emily Her, a member of the Hmong Asian Student Association, led the discussion. Its focus was on getting ideas for her project “I Am Here,” a design brand that features different minorities and the struggles they face in America.
DLS: Phil Yu highlights power of online activism in empowering Asian Americans
Blogger and entrepreneur Phil Yu joined the Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Monday, speaking for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American heritage month. Yu created his blog “Angry Asian Man” in 2001 as a space to share his thoughts. It later manifested into an online space for Asian Americans to feel connected with one another.
Gerrymandering gives way to lack of bipartisan legislation, Whitford says
The League of Women Voters of Dane County hosted University of Wisconsin law professor William Whitford Wednesday evening to discuss the controversial Wisconsin gerrymandering case. Gill v. Whitford is a case Whitford brought forth in 2013 concerning the gerrymandering in Wisconsin’s 2011 elections.
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