Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Sami Bitat
Nineteen arrested, released following pro-Palestine protest at UW Board of Regents meeting
Categories: Demonstrators demand divestment from Israel, accuse Regents of complicity in “genocide” December 5, 2024 The UW-Madison Police Department arrested 19 protesters Thursday morning after a Students for Justice in Palestine demonstration disrupted a University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents meeting at Gordon Dining & Event Center, according to a statement from UWPD. The protest began at 8:30 a.m., where around 50 participants were present.
Eric Hovde admits he lost election, but refuses to concede
Republican Eric Hovde admitted he lost his U.S. Senate race to incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Tuesday, but stopped short of conceding, expressing concerns about the integrity of Milwaukee’s election results. In a video posted on X, Hovde questioned the results, citing a surge in absentee ballots from Milwaukee of which he said 90% were for Baldwin, tipping the race in her favor.
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.
Harris to visit Wisconsin college campuses, Lambeu Field
According to the Harris-Walz campaign, Kamala Harris will visit the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, UW-La Crosse and UW-Green Bay campuses Thursday, Oct. 17. Harris will start in Milwaukee where she will attend a business class and advertise her plan to build an “opportunity economy,” according to the campaign.s Harris will then hold a rally on the UW-La Crosse campus, where she will be introduced by Cisco Garcia, a UW-Lacrosse student senator representing the campus pride center.
Wisconsin Black Student Union hosts vigil for Marcellus Williams
Over 120 students and community members gathered during a candlelight vigil Friday at Library Mall in commemoration of Marcellus Williams, a Black man who died Wednesday from lethal injection after living on death row for over 20 years in the state of Missouri. In 2001, Williams was convicted of the first-degree murder, robbery and burglary of Felicia ”Lisha” Gayle despite no physical or crime scene evidence connecting him to the crime and the state presented no motive.
Madison Police, fire department respond to incident downtown
Madison Police and Fire Departments have fully shut down areas of West Gilman, North Basset street and State street. An officer from the Madison Police Department could not confirm or deny to The Badger Herald that there were gunshots on the scene. MPD are turning residents of the area away and telling to them to return at approximately 1:00 a.m. A Madison paramedic and ambulance team is present on the scene. This is an active and ongoing story. This article will be updated with developments.
Board of Regents approve 2025-2027 operating and capital budget requests
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents voted Thursday to approve the 2025-27 UW System Biennial Operating Budget Financial Aid Request and the 2025-27 UW System Biennial Capital Budget Request. The operating budget seeks to secure $855.1 million in new funding to address critical needs across Wisconsin’s public university system.
Madison man charged in UW bias incident targeting Asian and Arab students
A Madison man has been formally charged in connection with a bias incident that took place last fall at the University of Wisconsin’s Mosse Humanities Building, during which several students were harassed at student organization meeting. 20-year-old Lukas Nowak was charged Monday with multiple offenses following the Nov. 28, 2023 disruption, according to the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Sen. Dianne Hesselbein hold Harris for president event in Madison
Local leaders and community members gathered Friday in Madison to rally support for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, following her first rally as the Democratic nominee for president in Milwaukee that drew 3,500 attendees. Speakers included state Sen. Dianne Hesselbein, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and community leader Laura Davis, who highlighted the contrast between Harris’ positive vision for the future and former President Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda.
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Sen. Dianne Hesselbein hold Harris for president event in Madison
‘We know how to win here in Wisconsin and we’re going to do that,’ Mayor Rhodes-Conway says July 27, 2024 Local leaders and community members gathered Friday in Madison to rally support for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, following her first rally as the Democratic nominee for president in Milwaukee that drew 3,500 attendees. Speakers included state Sen.
President Biden drops out of presidential race
Biden endorses Harris, announcement comes after calls from democrats to step down, COVID-19 diagnosis July 21, 2024 President Biden announced on X Sunday morning that he is dropping out of the presidential race. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president,” Biden said.
President Biden drops out of presidential race
President Biden announced on X Sunday afternoon that he is dropping out of the presidential race. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president,” Biden said. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down.” Biden said he will spend the remainder of his time as president solely to fulfill the duties of the office.
Biden-Harris campaign, DNC hold counter-RNC press conference in Milwaukee
The Biden-Harris campaign and the Democratic National Committee held a press conference in Milwaukee on Thursday morning. The event featured Biden-Harris Principal Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, D-Milwaukee. The speakers condemned Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance and reaffirmed Biden’s commitment to staying in the race.
‘One and the Same’: Algerian Freedom Fighter Sees Echoes of the Past in Gaza
On September 30, 1956, twenty-one-year-old Zohra Drif set off a bomb in a cafe called the Milk Bar, a popular spot among Europeans in the city of Algiers. The blast, which killed three people and wounded dozens, was a defining moment in Algeria’s decade-long war for independence from French occupation. Drif, a militant for Algeria’s National Liberation Front (Front de Libération Nationale or FLN), played a key role in the Algerian independence movement.
President Biden held a campaign event in Madison. Here’s what you should know.
President Biden held a campaign event at Sherwood Middle School in Madison Friday. Biden followed Wisconsin elected officials and Democratic organizers in addressing a crowd of about 350 attendees. Here are three key takeaways from the event. Biden addresses concerns about debate performance Voters have been increasingly critical of Biden following the June 27 presidential debate hosted by CNN.
Pro-palestinian protesters rally outside Monona Terrace National Space and Missile Materials Symposium
Representatives from local anti-war organizations including Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America and Students for Justice in Palestine UW-Madison gathered outside of the Monona Terrace Wednesday to protest the National Space & Missile Materials Symposium. The NSMMS is being held from June 24 to June 27 at Monona Terrace, hosting representatives from companies including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Boeing, according to the event website.
Two construction workers injured after downtown underground explosion
Two construction workers have been transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening fire-related injuries after an underground explosion occurred Wednesday in the 300 N. Broom Street area. Public Information Officer of the Madison Fire Department Cynthia Schuster said firefighters were dispatched to 301 N. Broom Street at 7:52 A.M. after several witnesses reported a possible fire and manholes showing smoke.
UWPD cite 19 people from pro-Palestine Library Mall encampment protest
Protesters cited for resisting and obstructing police officers on May 1 June 15, 2024 The University of Wisconsin Police Department issued 19 citations Thursday to individuals involved in the pro-Palestinian encampment on Library Mall at the end of the spring semester, according to The Capitol Times. The Capitol Times reporting says that all of the people were cited for resisting or obstructing a police officer.
Dane County Courthouse holds preliminary hearings for individuals arrested at pro-Palestine encampment
Judge determines defendants plausibly committed felonies May 23, 2024 The Dane County Courthouse held preliminary hearings Wednesday morning for the cases of State of Wisconsin vs. Caleb A Brown and State of Wisconsin vs. Karl M Schultz. Brown, 23, and Schultz, 26, were arrested following the removal of a pro-Palestine encampment by police May 1. Nearly 50 individuals occupied the courtroom to support Brown and Schultz at the call of Students for Justice in Palestine UW–Madison.
UW students, families gather at Camp Randall Stadium for 2024 spring commencement (SB)
University of Wisconsin students and family members gathered at Camp Randall Stadium Saturday for the 171st spring commencement ceremony. In total, 7,868 bachelor’s, master’s and law degrees were awarded, UW Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said in her remarks. In addition to addressing the university’s history and its transformation into a prestigious state institution, Mnookin the war in Gaza and its impact on students.
Men’s Basketball: Hepburn enters transfer portal, latest of many departures
The University of Wisconsin will have another large hole to fill ahead of the 2024–25 season after vocal leader and floor general Chucky Hepburn entered his name into the transfer portal Thursday, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter, from Tobias Bass of The Athletic. He’s the sixth player to exit the program this offseason, and certainly the most surprising departure thus far.
Homelessness rates in Dane County decrease, but point to deeper issues
The homelessness rate in Dane County has decreased in 2022 and 2023, but the rates for the state of Wisconsin have been increasing, according to Wisconsin Public Forum’s report of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s findings. While the trend for homelessness has been on the decline in the county, City of Madison’s Community Development Division Director Jim O’Keefe said this may only reflect a return to pre-pandemic rates rather than a true decrease in homelessness.
People of UW: Sex Out Loud Program Chair, Chair-in-Training discuss promoting sex positivity, destigmatizing heteronormative, gendered ideals
Editor’s note: People of UW is a human interest series produced by The 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. Where are you both from? What are you majoring in? Rory Madden: I’m Rory. I use she/her pronouns. I am currently the Chair-in-Training for Sex Out Loud. I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota, majoring in Spanish and communications.
Community members lobby for UW initiatives at Capitol during Wisconsin Alumni Association event
The Wisconsin Alumni Association held ‘UW-Madison Day at the State Capitol‘ Wednesday providing attendees with opportunities to learn strategies for effective lobbying in light of how UW is affected by decisions made by the Wisconsin Legislature, according to the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s website. The event began with a program called “Lobbying 101” at the Concord Hotel, heading over to the Wisconsin Capitol Building to meet with elected officials and staff.
Universities across country begin to reinstate standardized test requirement post-COVID
UW’s test optional policy set to expire in 2025, future policy terms remain unclear March 19, 2024 and Yale University announced in February the reinstatement of standardized test admissions requirements, and Brown University followed suit in March, according to the universities’ websites. Test-optional policies gained popularity after College Board canceled SAT and ACT testing when the pandemic started in March 2020, according to Education Week.
Softball: Wisconsin picks up two wins Saturday, goes 2-3 in weekend in Baltimore
The University of Wisconsin softball team traveled east for the UMBC Spring Invite this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The team came into Baltimore looking to snap a three-game losing streak and right the ship before playing their first conference games on March 22. But, the Badgers’ struggles continued — coming out of the tournament with a losing record. UW faced three teams in five games during the weekend, the first of which was against the University of Albany on March 15.
Women’s Hockey: Wisconsin takes down St. Lawrence, advances to Frozen Four
The University of Wisconsin women’s hockey team entered the NCAA Tournament hot — following a thrilling win over the University of Minnesota and a dominant 6-3 win over the top-ranked Ohio State University to win the WCHA Tournament. The St. Lawrence Saints defeated Penn State Lady Lions Thursday to face UW, who had received a bye as the No. 2 seed. The Saints had won in a 1-0 overtime thriller, where Saints’ goaltender Emma-Sofie Nordström had 36 saves in the shutout.
Sustainability Research Hub will bring together UW researchers to secure major grants
University of Wisconsin Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin announced the launch of the Sustainability Research Hub in February— an initiative that will make the institution a leading location for sustainability research and education, according to a release from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies Dean Paul Robbins said the Hub will contribute to sustainability research initiatives that already exist at UW.
Men’s Basketball: Badgers upset top-seeded Purdue 76-75 in overtime to advance to Big Ten Tournament Championship
MINNEAPOLIS – Despite coming into the game banged up and dealing with foul trouble throughout the entirety of the contest, the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team took down the Big Ten’s top seed behind 22 points — including a game-tying layup to force overtime — from point guard Chucky Hepburn and a game-winning floater from guard Max Klesmit with seconds to spare in overtime. Now riding a three-game win streak, it’s safe to say that UW is well past their February struggles.
Former Badger, Team USA captain Meghan Duggan named spring commencement speaker
UW senior class president says Duggan was chosen based on impacts on, off hockey rink March 14, 2024 Former University of Wisconsin Badger and Olympic gold medalist Meghan Duggan will deliver the keynote address at the 2024 spring commencement ceremony May 11 at Camp Randall Stadium. Duggan is a Badger sports legend and a three-time Olympic medalist winning gold in women’s hockey as captain of Team USA in 2018, according to UW News.
Former Badger, Team USA captain Meghan Duggan named spring commencement speaker
Former University of Wisconsin Badger and Olympic gold medalist Meghan Duggan will deliver the keynote address at the 2024 fall commencement ceremony May 11 at Camp Randall Stadium. Duggan is a Badger sports legend and a three-time Olympic medalist winning gold in women’s hockey as captain of Team USA in 2018, according to UW News. Duggan also played for the U.S National Team in eight World Championships where she won seven gold medals.
Football: Luke Fickell’s path to redemption
When Luke Fickell was hired as the University of Wisconsin’s football head coach, a new era of UW football was underway. After his first season’s record of 7-6 — the same as the 2022 season — some may have expected more from the head coach who transformed the University of Cincinnati’s football program over his six years there. But Fickell’s impact isn’t one of immediate profit. It’s a generational rebuild. UW’s 2023 football recruitment class ranking was No. 40.
Latinx studies panel explores intersection of labor, reproductive rights
The University of Wisconsin’s Chican@ and Latin@ Studies Program held its third and final panel as part of the 2023-24 “Latinx Studies in the Midwest and Beyond” speaker series Thursday evening.The panel, titled “Latinx Labor and Reproductive Justice at the Border and in the Midwest,” discussed the intersection between Latinx labor experiences in the Midwest and larger economic systems.
Proposal to bring late night food truck vending to State Street
The City of Madison Downtown Coordinating Committee heard a proposal last week that would establish the 700 and 800 blocks of State Street as late night vending zones 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Universities of Wisconsin launch website housing over 200 system online degrees, programs
The Universities of Wisconsin announced the release of a streamlined online portal providing access to and information about every online degree program being offered across all 13 institutions Feb. 7, according to a press release. The website is called Wisconsin Online, and lists more that 200 fully online programs offered by the universities, including associates, bachelors and masters programs, according to the release.
ASM Student Council reforms university hate and bias reporting process
Wednesday night, twelve student representatives from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Leaders Igniting Transformation chapter gathered at an Associated Students of Madison Student Council meeting in a decry of the university’s history of responding to on-campus hate & bias incidents that they view as inadequate.
Microsoft invests billions into Mount Pleasant, Racine County to build data centers
The Mount Pleasant Village Board voted to approve a deal with Microsoft, allowing the company to buy more than 1,000 acres of village land to build data centers, according to The Journal Times. The deal was then approved by the Racine County Board, receiving unanimous approval Nov. 28. The approval comes after an announcement from Gov. Tony Evers, D-Wis., that said Microsoft will invest billions of dollars in Racine County and Mount Pleasant to develop new data centers, according to a Nov.
Proposed bill would increase electric vehicle charging options around state
State Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Rep. Nancy VanderMeer (R-Tomah) introduced legislation Tuesday that would enable private businesses to own and provide electric vehicle charging services, according to a press release.
Experts weigh in on Madison's financial health admist growing budget deficit · The Badger Herald
The City of Madison’s 2024 budgets proposed by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway will designate funds for city services, the initiation of large development projects and how they will be paid for through property taxes, according to the City of Madison. Introducing two budgets for 2024, Mayor Rhodes-Conway has allocated funds for projects and programs and services and staff positions in the City of Madison.
Madison Plan Commission approves affordable housing developments, agreements
The City of Madison Plan Commission voted unanimously to several proposals Monday evening. During the five hour discussion, the committee heard and voted on 27 proposals, several of which work toward progressing the city’s affordable housing initiatives. Madison’s District 8 Ald. MGR Govindarajan said the approval of three proposals — agenda items 18, 20 and 25 — are especially important to improving affordable housing.
Wisconsin Democrats hold fundraising event in Madison
The Wisconsin Democratic Party invited political commentators Brian Tyler Cohen and Leigh McGowan to Madison Nov. 3 to kick off their “One Year to Win” campaign push with the “Justice Defended Live” event. JDL was a podcast-style fundraising event during which Cohen and McGowan interviewed Wisconsin public officials in the 4th-floor lecture hall of the Monona Terrace. Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski joined Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Rep.
Gov. Tony Evers launches task force researching role of AI on Wisconsin workforce
Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order Aug. 23 marking the beginning of the Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence, according to afrom the Office of the Governor. The task force will help Wisconsin develop best practices for utilizing generative AI and will study it’s potential affects on various industries to help increase equity and economic opportunity, according to the release.
Center for Interfaith Dialogue to hold opening reception
The University of Wisconsin Center for Interfaith Dialogue will host an opening reception at the Pyle Center Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Directed by Ulrich Rosenhagen, the new center — which replaced the Center for Religion and Global Citizenry over the summer — aims is to provide students with resources and programs for religious and spiritual diversity, identity, literacy, spiritual well-being and engagement according to the Center’s website.
Affordable housing development on Gorham Street moves forward
Under unanimous approval from the City of Madison’s Finance Committee, the city will work with the University of Wisconsin Office of Student Financial Aid to determine student eligibility for affordable housing in a possible new development of 405 W Gorham St., according to District 8 Ald. MGR Govindarajan. To achieve final approval, the project must be passed by both the city’s plan commission and common council.
SSFC rejects budget proposals from The Black Voice, Effective Altruism
The Student Services Finance Committee met Monday evening to hear funding applications for registered student organizations and debate approvals for prior budget proposals. The budget proposal for The Black Voice, an online news publication focused on the experience of Black UW students, was ultimately rejected after a lengthy debate amongst the panel members and two rounds of discussion by the committee.
Expansion of 211 hotline increases access to community resources through mobile app
United Way of Dane County announced the release of a mobile application option for their 211 services after an 18-month project. The service provides a listening ear and a helping hand to people without steady access to food, healthcare, housing, addiction treatment and more, according to United Way Director of Community Engagement and Communications Ashley Manthei.
Wisconsin Division of Safety and Protection Services improves drug monitoring program
· Oct 18, 2023 Content warning: This story contains mention of addiction and drug use. For help, please call the confidential referral hotline, 1-800-622-HELP, or view options on campus through University Health Services. The Wisconsin Division of Safety and Protection Services announced changes and improvements to the Wisconsin Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in culmination of a three year project, according to a press release.
UW celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month
Throughout October, LGBTQ+ History Month celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and non-binary history. It also recognizes the significant milestones and struggles in the journey toward LGBTQ+ rights and civil equality. This month of remembrance and learning was in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher. He selected October to align with pre-existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day on Oct. 11.
UW students continue to feel effects of 2011 legislation change during resigning season
As thousands of students begin signing leases for the 2024-2025 academic school year, stresses and uncertainties regarding leasing, roommates and location, have seen an increasing presence amongst students, University of Wisconsin students say. Last year, housing problems for students were fueled by availability issues and the record number of freshmen admitted to the university in 2022, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said at an Associated Students of Madison meeting Sept. 28.
Public hearings held for three anti-trans legislation proposals
The 2023 Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities held a public hearing in the Capitol building Wednesday morning to give the public the opportunity to testify their opinions on the proposed Assembly Bill 378, intended to restrict transgender college athletes from sports teams based on their sex at birth. Two other Republican-authored bills seeking to separate K-12 sports teams by biological sex and ban gender-affirming care were also discussed in public hearings Monday.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Sami
Contact Sami, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack