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Articles by Will Husted
Finance Committee recommends tandem affordable housing, food security projects - The Daily Cardinal
In balancing Madison’s future development, the city’s finance committee recommended a number of projects Monday night. The proposed plans include a $41.3 million grocery store with a mixed-income housing complex at 1402 S. Park St, aid to homeless shelters and a new downtown apartment structure. The committee’s vision of combining food accessibility with affordable housing units highlights city leaders’ views of an equitable future on the isthmus.
Student, nonprofit groups call on lawmakers to change student voter ID laws - The Daily Cardinal
With less than four months until Wisconsin’s presidential primaries, groups are pushing state lawmakers to change student voter identification laws. The Associated Students of Madison and Common Cause Wisconsin have joined in calling for less restrictive policy in determining voter credentials in the state. Currently, Wiscards cannot be used to vote as they do not have a signature on them. Instead, students must obtain a voter identification card — which remains valid for two years.
Mental health services attempt to find connections in resources - The Daily Cardinal
University Health Services has grappled with a growing mental health problem derived from decreased stigma and increased symptomatology — despite consistently high rankings from the Princeton Review. Earlier this year, students and faculty alike packed a room in the student activity center to discuss their relationship with mental health.
UW-Madison Engineering professor from 'toxic’ lab relieved of teaching duties - The Daily Cardinal
A tenured UW-Madison professor will be removed from teaching duties for alleged “toxic” lab environment. In a message to students and staff today, College of Engineering Dean Ian Robertson announced Akbar Sayeed will be moved to an administrative role.
GOP detour official debate on guns - The Daily Cardinal
Throughout a week characterized by extended partisan disagreement, one action was notably quick and to the point: rejecting Evers’ gun control measures. In a special sessions attempt to enact gun measures ordered by Gov. Tony Evers, GOP leaders promptly ended official debate on the matter.
Students discuss campus speech following student council vote - The Daily Cardinal
Members of the Legislative Affairs Committee met Monday night in part to discuss the upcoming student council vote on campus free speech. The conversation comes after an October Board of Regents announcement that there would be a vote on proposed punishments for students found to be disrupting free speech of peers or invited speakers. The committee emphasized caution in discussing the issue with the public and with legislators.
Students discuss campus speech following student council debate - The Daily Cardinal
Members of the Legislative Affairs Committee met Monday night in part to discuss the upcoming student council vote on campus free speech. The conversation comes after an October Board of Regents announcement that there would be a vote on proposed punishments for students found to be disrupting free speech of peers or invited speakers. The committee emphasized caution in discussing the issue with the public and with legislators.
Alliant Energy to increase solar panel usage across state - The Daily Cardinal
Alliant Energy announced a plan today to bring 1,000 megawatts of solar energy to Wisconsin by 2023 — enough to power approximately 260,000 homes, according to the company. Part of their “Powering What’s Next Plan,” the company plans to break ground on their first “Community Solar” site in Fond du Lac County in 2020.
Student Inclusion Coalition asks for equity, funding in five demands - The Daily Cardinal
The Student Inclusion Coalition gathered Friday in front of Bascom Hall with campus members in support of the group’s list of demands to the university. The newly-formed student group is calling for action with five core demands: improving support systems, ensuring permanent and increased funding for institutions and student organizations that primarily service and include predominantly marginalized groups.
‘Home is where WI aren’t’ video highlights gaps in understanding, university action - The Daily Cardinal
The Student Inclusion Coalition of UW published a video yesterday evening titled “Home is where WI aren’t,” highlighting the experiences of underrepresented groups on campus. The video features students of color holding messages aimed at garnering a better understanding of their contributions and experiences on campus while demanding substantive change from the university. “Our home is each other. Our home is our joy. Our home is our history. Our home is our resilience,” the video says.
Posters around campus bring attention to experiences of underrepresented students - The Daily Cardinal
Early this morning the university became aware of posters displayed around campus with seemingly exclusionary messaging of students of color. After further investigation, the posters are reported to have been part of a protest by students of color on campus according to Deputy Vice Chancellor Patrick Sims.
Educators, students discuss value of general education courses - The Daily Cardinal
aStudents, professors debate the benefits of breadth requirements By Elea Levin At the beginning of each semester, UW-Madison students search through the course catalog, browse the Rate My Professors’ website and talk to their friends to find the easiest courses that fulfill breadth and general education requirements in subject areas outside of their major.
‘We are here. We are important. We are UW:’ New Homecoming video highlights previously missing student representation - The Daily Cardinal
One hour before last Saturday’s homecoming game, UW-Madison released a new homecoming video highlighting the diversity of students on campus. The video features short interviews with students of color talking about their passions and work done on campus. This comes following backlash over the student Homecoming Committee’s now-deleted promotional video that failed to feature students of color. “At UW-Madison, we learn lessons inside and outside of the classroom.
A breath of fresh air: Slow Food pairs sustainability, togetherness - The Daily Cardinal
In the busy life of a student there is little chance for pause, reflection and community. Yet, on Monday evenings during the school year you can hear Jamal Moussa, Family Dinner Night co-director, announce the menu for the night in the Crossing basement to a silent crowd of around 100 hungry attendees. Slow Food UW has been inviting campus and community members to their family dinners since 2009.
Starbucks coming to Smith Hall - The Daily Cardinal
This time next year, Smith Hall will welcome a full-service Starbucks. The chain coffee shop will replace Newell’s Deli, which currently offers students a variety of food options, including late-night specials such as Taco Tuesday and Wing Wednesday. Newell’s will remain open until the current school year comes to a close when renovations will begin on the space, according to a press release.
Evers plans to push back special election date - The Daily Cardinal
The special election to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, R-WI, will likely be pushed back several months. Gov. Tony Evers originally announced January 27, 2020 as the election date last week. However, with mounting pressure from advocacy groups and political opponents, the governor plans to take the unusual step of changing the election date. Under the new plan, the election will likely be held sometime in April or May.
Fitzgerald announces congressional campaign - The Daily Cardinal
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, announced his candidacy for congress last week in Oconomowoc. Fitzgerald, whose current term ends in 2022, is seeking to fill the position in Wisconsin’s fifth district left by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-WI, who announced last week plans to not run for reelection. Sensenbrenner has held the position since 1973. “Send me to Washington and let’s get to work,” Fitzgerald said.
Juvenile girl assaulted on Madison Metro bus - The Daily Cardinal
A young girl was assaulted while riding a Madison Metro bus Sunday to the east side of the city near South Baldwin street. The Madison Police Department believes the suspect to be a Hispanic male in his late 40s, approximately 200 pounds, possible facial hair, wearing blue jeans, a black jacket and carrying a big backpack.
Rhodes-Conway announces Bus Rapid Transit in Madison - The Daily Cardinal
Joined by other city officials, Satya Rhodes-Conway addressed the public last Friday, unveiling her $200 million-plus Bus Rapid Transit initiative for Madison. The program, MetroForward, seeks to provide faster, more direct service on a route with dedicated travel lanes and traffic signal priority to transport riders where they need to go more efficiently.
Proposed changes to route 80 brings input, controversy - The Daily Cardinal
Community members and students gathered at the Student Activity Center for a public forum on UW-Madison Transportation Services’ planned changes to campus bus routes. The proposed changes include creating a shortened, more centralized 80 route, partially reducing service to Eagle Heights and adjustments both to routes 81 and 82. Commuter Solutions Manager Darwin Ward presented on the changes and fielded questions from the public.
Stanford Taylor emphasizes equity in her inaugural State of Education address - The Daily Cardinal
Wisconsin State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor told hundreds of people gathered in the Capitol’s rotunda Thursday she is “more energized than ever to make a difference,” during her first State of Education address. After taking office in January she has put the fight for equity among all students, including college and career readiness of each student in Wisconsin, at the core of her agenda.
Madison climate strike: Hundreds join world in global march - The Daily Cardinal
Protestors took to the Madison streets on Friday as part of a global climate strike, searching for community-based improvements and demands from global leaders. Protest leaders demanded local county, city and state governments declare climate emergencies. Additionally, they are calling on Madison Gas & Electric to convert to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 and pull their shared from the Columbia and Elm Road Plants according to their statement.
Burglary on 200 Block of Langdon prompts search - The Daily Cardinal
At 6:27 a.m. this morning, students received an off-campus WiscAlert notifying them of a burglary on the 200 block of Langdon Street. “A Burglary has occurred in the 200 blk of Langdon St. Shelter in place. Lock doors/windows. Suspect is a heavy set, short, light skinned male, scruffy, red hair, wearing a baggy red sweatshirt. Suspect ran southeast,” the alert read. 16 minutes after the first alert, a second alert came through.
Fresh-faced SSFC hears from BadgerSpill - The Daily Cardinal
With a new look, the Student Services Finance Committee met for their third official meeting of the fall semester Monday night. Incoming Chair Jordan Pasbrig, Vice Chair Tessa Reilly and returning member Grace D’Souza as secretary were joined by new representatives John Grossardt, Jack Halama, Alex Hipler, Pranav Julakanti, Will Klos, Logan Knochenmus, Jessica Matson and Richard Shi.
Kaul rejects Purdue Pharma settlement as lame-duck fight continues - The Daily Cardinal
Attorney General Josh Kaul announced Wednesday that Wisconsin would not be one of the states included in a settlement with Purdue Pharma over its role in the opioid epidemic. About half of the states involved in the suit settled with the opioid manufacturer for a total of up to $12 billion, according to the AP. Kaul alleges the settlement does not properly reprimand the Sackler family, Purdue Pharma owners, and therefore does not achieve justice for those involved.
Derrick Smith brings community engagement experience to WID - The Daily Cardinal
The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery named Derrick Smith their director of development this summer. Born in Cleveland and raised in Long Beach, Calif., Smith previously worked as the director of strategic planning and special projects for Catholic Charities of Madison, before his position with WID. Smith graduated from the Air Force Academy with a degree in Biochemistry and later went on to work in scientific sales and marketing as a manager for Thermo Scientific Packaging/OEM/Diagnostics.
UW System schools listed in updated US News and World Report rankings - The Daily Cardinal
US News and World Report released their list of best colleges Monday, promoting responses from system universities. UW-Madison was the only system school to be ranked inside the top 200 of the most broad rankings at No. 45, with the rest of the public institutions in Wisconsin ranking higher in more localized subcategories.
Republicans, Democrats, DOJ clash over lame duck policy - The Daily Cardinal
Members of the Joint Finance Committee met last week for an abnormal, closed-door session. Controlling Republicans on the committee refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement Attorney General Josh Kaul presented them. Under the specific lame duck bill, Kaul is required to receive finance committee approval prior to settling certain state suits. Kaul claims that he cannot discuss the ongoing legal matter with the committee unless they sign the agreement.
Renovation Roundup: A changing picture of campus - The Daily Cardinal
Whether you’re a bewildered freshman, tenured professor or a seasoned Badger double-checking your DARS report, campus may look a little different as you stroll through Madison in the late days of summer. A fixture of the freshmen experience since 1964, Witte Hall’s renovations are now complete. The upgraded dorm features a connecting tower, part of the design from four engineering students.
Electric BCycles show promise despite transitional issues - The Daily Cardinal
June 18 marked the start of a new era in Madison’s transportation landscape, gone now are the signature red, BCyle cruisers and in their place: 300 white and black electric bikes. Demand for the new bikes have surged. In an interview with the Cap Times, BCycle's Morgan Ramaker reported that at the end of July, the service had logged more than 40,000 rides since its June rollout. This number is equivalent to about 40 percent of BCycle’s total rides in all of 2018.
UW-Madison reinstates Quintez Cephus - The Daily Cardinal
UW-Madison reinstated and reduced sanctions for former Badger football player Quintez Cephus effective immediately. The decision comes after Cephus was acquitted of two sexual assault counts on Aug. 2. In a statement from university officials, UW-Madison emphasized their intention to follow proper guidelines while coming to their decision. Chancellor Rebbecca Blank noted in the statement the university recently received new information regarding the case that helped inform their decision.
Students, staff try to find answers for growing mental health challenges - The Daily Cardinal
This past spring saw a renewed focus by both student and faculty leadership on mental health and well-being for members of UW-Madison’s campus. After a tumultuous past semester, students and faculty now turn to find solutions for an expansive and dynamic issue. On February 11, the Student Services Finance Committee voted unanimously against University Health Services’ proposed $18.9 million budget.
American Family Insurance pledges $20 million to UW-Madison data science - The Daily Cardinal
American Family Insurance announced Friday a $20 million investment into data science initiatives at UW-Madison, extending the company’s partnership with the university. The donation includes a $10 million endowment to create the American Family Insurance Data Science Institute on campus. The other $10 million will go toward data science research over the next 10 years, according to the university.
Search for Vice Chancellor put on hold - The Daily Cardinal
Campus officials announced Thursday the search for a new vice chancellor will continue into the fall semester. The position of Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education is held in the interim by Norman Drinkwater. The search for a new candidate started back in September after Marsha Mailick retired from the position.
Students with connections to France react to Notre Dame tragedy - The Daily Cardinal
As flames engulfed the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris today, UW students who have spent time studying in France reflected on the importance of the structure to both them and those around them. The fire began at 6:50 p.m. local time Monday, according to ABC News and the Paris Fire Department. Parts of the over 800-year-old church, including its famed spire and roof structure known as “the forest,” were lost among the flames, according to French officials.
Students, community walk for suicide prevention, awareness - The Daily Cardinal
UW-Madison student-activists spent their Sunday morning walking more than three miles to raise both support and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The walk began at Sellery Residence Hall, continued toward Lake Mendota and followed the Lakeshore Path through campus. “Each year, suicide claims more lives than war, murder, and natural disasters combined,” the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s website said.
Apartment cave-in sparks questions about lack of permits - The Daily Cardinal
More than 35 residents of the Summit Hill apartment complex were displaced after the building’s interior partially collapsed Monday afternoon. Contractors operating without a permit removed a load-bearing wall in the basement of the apartment complex, located at 1202 McKenna Blvd., which caused a woman to nearly fall through her floor and four apartments to be deemed too dangerous to re-enter.
‘Day of the Badger’ aims to connect alumni with student activity - The Daily Cardinal
April 8 at 5 p.m. marks the start of a 1,848-minute-long Day of the Badger put on by the University of Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association. Ending Tuesday, April 9, at midnight, the event seeks to “unite Badgers in an effort to advance the mission of the university by bringing awareness to its achievements and raising critical funds to help the UW remain a world-class educational institution,” according to its website.
Rhodes-Conway elected mayor, defeats 22-year incumbent Soglin in historic election - The Daily Cardinal
A wave of change pulsated through the isthmus on Tuesday’s election night, as the city elected its first openly gay person and second female mayor in its history as well as voted in an all-female school board. Mayor-elect Satya Rhodes-Conway defeated 22-year incumbent Mayor Paul Soglin 61.9 percent to 37.7 percent, raking in 47,915 of Madisonians’ votes. She expressed ambition and gratitude to a collection of supporters at the Prism Dance Club after declaring victory. “Tonight I am full of hope.
Parts of West Dayton Street to close until October - The Daily Cardinal
Starting Monday, sections of West Dayton Street will close for a full reconstruction until October, according to the City of Madison. Nearly every facet of the roadway between North Charter and North Park Street is slated to be redone, including storm sewers, underground utilities, water main, asphalt pavement, gutter and sidewalk replacement. The closure will require the 80 bus line to be rerouted using parts of Johnson and Charter Streets.
Mixed week for Evers: Republicans reject budget proposals while judge rules lame-duck laws unconstitutional - The Daily Cardinal
Last week saw two decisions take place in Madison that sent ripples throughout the capital and state. First, Republicans on the State Building Commission voted against all 82 of Gov. Tony Evers’ projects included in his capital budget. The commission did not provide any recommendations detailing what projects within the $2.5 billion budget they see should be prioritized over others, a move not seen in the budget approval process in 70 years.
UW student charged with assaulting UWPD officer in Witte Residence Hall - The Daily Cardinal
UW-Madison student Logan Mitchell was arrested at 1:15 a.m. Sunday after UW-Madison Police Department officers forcibly removed him from Witte Residence Hall, according to a UWPD report. A UWPD officer responded to a report of Mitchell urinating in a Witte hallway. Mitchell became aggressive toward the responding officer and struck him in the face. Mitchell’s removal was captured on video and posted to Instagram.
The rundown: Things to know about ASM before you vote - The Daily Cardinal
Voting for Associated Students of Madison positions is underway. UW-Madison students will elect peers to represent each college as well as matters concerning students. Voting ends Wednesday, March 6 at 5 p.m. Central Time. Students may vote for a variety of positions by following this link. To know what’s what before clicking, though, keep reading to fully understand the student government. What is ASM? Today, ASM has many branches and bodies that represent student interests.
Students return from CPAC firm on free speech protections, wary of Trump’s proposals - The Daily Cardinal
Members of Young Americans Federation, College Republicans and other conservative UW-Madison students traveled to Maryland’s National Harbor this weekend to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference hosted by the American Conservative Union. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence both spoke at the conference.
GOP disdain for Evers’ budget proposal highlights discomfort toward split government - The Daily Cardinal
Gov. Tony Evers presented his State of the Budget Address to the first split government Wisconsin has seen in 10 years from the Madison Capitol Assembly Chamber Thursday evening. Despite GOP warnings against “poison pill” proposals, Gov. Evers moved forward with the issues he has stood behind since taking his oath of office –– two-thirds funding of public schools, clean drinking water and redistricting. Gov.
Tuition hike to go into effect for graduate students across UW System - The Daily Cardinal
UW Regents approved a tuition hike at multiple campuses for both out-of-state and graduate students Friday. While resident undergraduate tuition across the system is not expected to increase, resident graduate tuition is. Resident graduate students at Green Bay will see the biggest increase, from $7,793 to $7,996. Out-of-state graduate tuition will increase at UW-Green Bay, UW-LaCrosse, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Parkside, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater by about $450.
SSFC unanimously votes against UHS’s proposed budget - The Daily Cardinal
The Student Services Finance Committee voted unanimously Monday night against the University Health Services’ proposed $18.9 million budget. Funding towards UHS’s current operations will not be impacted. An open forum was held before the vote in which concerned students voiced their concerns and shared their experiences with the services currently provided by UHS and their proposed funding.
New program for incoming freshmen offers early opportunity to take college courses - The Daily Cardinal
A new program this summer will give UW-Madison freshmen a chance to gain a head start on their academics and transition to college life. Campus leaders announced the inaugural Wisconsin Experience Summer Launch program planned to take place during summer semester this year. The program offers newly admitted students the opportunity to take five credits of college coursework.
Cold creates warm climate for odd crimes - The Daily Cardinal
Historically cold weather this week has created some headaches for local law enforcement officials in Madison. While crime has been low, according to public information officer Joel DeSpain, the cold temperatures have made their way into various incidents this week. Part of the reason for the lack of crime has been the closure of both malls in Madison. There are simply fewer opportunities to commit crime, DeSpain said.
After course syllabus backlash, state reps join in support of UW professor - The Daily Cardinal
Representatives in Wisconsin’s Assembly wrote to UW-Madison chancellor Rebecca Blank on Friday to voice their support for professor Kenneth Mayer. Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, joined 14 of her assembly members in detailing their reasons for supporting the longtime political science professor. Mayer’s “The American Presidency” course syllabus received condemnation from Rep.
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