Thursday, September 4, 2025

Fickell in a pickle, pg. 7

Fall arts guide, pg. 12

Moon bar opens, pg. 5

Chancellor touts pluralism, belonging to incoming class

By Grace Carlson STAFF WRITER

Following a record-breaking

74,000 applications for this year’s freshman class, 8,500 first-year students and 1,200 transfer students entered the Kohl Center for University of Wisconsin-Madison Convocation Tuesday afternoon.

50 countries and all 50 states — as well as Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. — are represented in the class, breaking another record. The freshman class also “includes more students who are part of the first generation in their family to go to college” than ever before, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said.

Despite the large size of the incoming class, Mnookin and student speaker Heewone Lim reminded the crowd they deserve to be here and belong at UW-Madison.

“You have earned your place at UW-Madison, and nothing about that is an accident,” Lim, a senior and the daughter of two Korean immigrants said.

She reminisced on how joining a film club her first semester led her to develop a passion for a topic she previously knew little about. Showing up to events she might not have usually attended led to her building a support system.

“Without these programs and these

people here at our school, I wouldn’t be standing before you today,” Lim told the crowd.

Vice Chancellor for Student A airs, Lori Reesor, likened the incoming class to an orchestra.

“Your unique perspectives are exactly what this university needs to create something beautiful and meaningful,” she said. “Though you may feel like a small instrument in this vast ensemble, remember that every single note can resonate.”

She also reminded students that their voices matter at UW-Madison.

“There will be times when you

feel out of rhythm or unsure if your voice belongs,” Reesor said, “and I’m here to assure you that it does, and you’re not in this alone.”

Professor Percival Matthews, an associate dean and Professor of Educational Psycholo in the School of Education, encouraged students to interact with the content they learn in class.

“You learn from engaging your curiosity and embracing and engaging people around you,” he said. “You learn from pushing, tugging, shifting and seeing the world from di erent perspectives

and vantage points.” Chancellor Mnookin closed out the event by emphasizing the importance of pluralism and “bringing together of people with multiple different backgrounds, identities and points of view,” both at UW-Madison and around the world.

“You will learn from each other, both from those similar to you, and equally, you will learn from your di erences,” she said. “Learning from one another will enrich you, and it will also connect you to one another and to the broader world.”

‘Do you dabble in live lobsters?’: Behind UW-Madison’s $36,000 lobster

By Gabriella Hartlaub & Ella Hanley SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER & COLLEGE NEWS EDITOR

The University of Wisconsin-Madison treated students to an unusual and expensive dining hall experience this spring: whole lobsters flown in from Maine.

UW-Madison Housing & Dining hosted a “resident appreciation” dinner across campus on May 1, offering thousands of lobsters to students on meal plans. Staff even set up lobster-cracking stations to help students navigate the shells. At Liz Waters dining hall, salmon and steak were served instead.

Records obtained by The Cardinal show the university purchased about 2,354 pounds of lobster at $15.69 per pound,

totaling more than $36,000 — excluding shipping and travel costs. The expense came from UW Dining’s $46 million annual operating budget, funded through housing contracts, meal plans and dining sales.

Emails reviewed by the Cardinal show the idea originated in March. Dining staff reached out to multiple Wisconsin-based seafood distributors, seeking price quotes for between 2,000 and 3,000 live lobsters.

In one email, UW Executive Chef Paul Strunger asked a supplier simply: “Do you dabble in live lobsters?”

Housing Marketing Manager Brandon Dybdahl said the decision was made in consultation with the Student

Dining Advisory Board, which consists of housing residents. The goal, he said, was “to mark the end of the academic year with a memorable experience for students.”

Dining staff weighed price differences between Canadian and American lobsters.

Canadian tariffs in effect at the time pushed the university to purchase through U.S. Foods, an existing partner of the university, and it was arranged for the lobsters to be shipped from Maine to Dane County Regional Airport.

Behind the scenes, staff raised concerns about the risks of transporting thousands of live lobsters. In an April email, Assistant Director of Purchasing Angie Erickson

According to records, the shipment arrived alive. Lobsters were available only to those with dining plans; guest swipes were suspended for the four-hour dinner service, from 4 to 8 p.m. While some students lined up for the rare dinner opportunity, others said they weren’t sure how to eat it.

To ease the process, dining hall employees staffed stations to help students crack open shells and provide guidance on how to eat the crustacean.

“It was one of the worst things I’ve ever eaten. I gagged whenever I thought about it until just last month,” one student said, adding that he normally enjoys seafood – lobster dinners included.

For UW Dining, it was a way to cap off the yearble. For students, it left a mix of excitement, confusion — and in

ISABELLA BARAJAS/THE DAILY CARDINAL

BAILEY KRAUSE/THE DAILY CARDINAL

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON HOUSING

Percival Everett’s novel ‘James’ selected as 2025-2026 Go Big Read

By Olivia Ruetten SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Think back to high school. Among other classic works of literature, many students were made to read “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

However, until now, a large part of the story was missing, presenting an uneven version of a classic story that left out the perspective of one main character. Percival Everett’s “James”, selected as the University of WisconsinMadison’s ‘Go Big Read’ book for this year, explores this version of the same story, adding nuance and perspective.

The Go Big Read program is spearheaded by the Office of the Chancellor. It aims to engage members of the campus community, alumni and beyond through literature. Think of it like a campuswide book club that teaches valuable lessons and creates

opportunities for conversation and sharing ideas.

Whereas the original novel was written from the perspective of Huckleberry Finn, a 13 year-old white boy, “James” is told from the perspective of Jim, an enslaved Black man that accompanies Finn on his journey to escape his abusive father.

“Everett’s extraordinary retelling of this American literary classic prompts us to reflect on how stories are told and whose voices are heard,” UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said.

The book touches on the same broad concepts that Twain wrote back in 1884; telling a story about a young boy coming of age, including details of his change from passively adopting the racist norms of society to actively rejecting slavery and racism as institutions. In addition, the story is still full of instanc-

es where the two young men narrowly escape a sticky situation by the skin of their teeth.

However, “James” more accurately depicts racism in the South during the period; instead of a satire on the brokenness of a racist system like the original novel was meant to be, “James” is more of a realistic fiction that understands the harsh realities of someone enduring the strife of an enslaved person.

Everett has said that one of his main goals for the novel was to show another version of the same story, truly making Jim and Finn equal in that both of their stories are told.

“I hope that I have written the novel that Twain did not and also could not have written. I do not view the work as a corrective, but rather I see myself in conversation with Twain,” Everett, a professor of English at the University of Southern California and

Mayor announces 2026 Executive Capital Budget

By Zoey Elwood

COPY CHIEF

City of Madison Mayor Satya RhodesConway announced her 2026 Executive Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan Tuesday at Reindahl Park, prioritizing investments in infrastructure and a ordable housing.

The plan addresses how Madison will meet long-term community needs while also improving operational e ciency with investments toward infrastructure.

The 2026 Executive Budget is $73.5 million less than what city agencies requested, a decision aimed at reducing general borrowing obligations that often impact what the city can accomplish in capital projects.

“A central goal of this year’s multi-year Capital Improvement Plan is to identify investments that will yield savings in future operating budgets,” Rhodes-Conway said.

Rhodes-Conway highlighted the importance of libraries as critical infrastructure in her speech, which was delivered at the construction site of the Imagination Center, a partnership project between libraries and parks to build an indoor-outdoor library and community area on Madison’s East Side.

“Libraries are an investment that pays dividends in countless ways, and perhaps most importantly, by inspiring imagination and giving people the tools that they need to achieve their dreams,” Rhodes-Conway said in her speech on Tuesday.

Even after receiving the highest bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service, which allows the city to borrow at the lowest interest rates possible, Rhodes-Conway said growing cities like Madison still face challenges tied to Wisconsin’s dependency on property taxes to fund local operations.

The budget will fund the maintenance and growth of Madison’s streets, bike paths and walkways. It includes investments of $29.2 million for street reconstruction projects, $25 million for park systems and $8.9 million for projects to help mitigate flooding in the city.

Additionally, it will invest $5.3 million to replace and repair sidewalks, $2.9 million to enhance street accessibility and more.

The budget also funds a new West Side streets facility that aims to cut hundreds of travel hours annually, save approximately half a million dollars in fuel costs and reduce emissions.

Additionally, the budget keeps the Park and Badger redevelopment on track, which will replace Fire Station 6 in the South Side of Madison with a modern facility, add a new public health clinic, expand funding for affordable housing and provide Madison College with space to build a childcare training facility to help increase the number of providers in the area.

“This innovative project will serve multiple community needs while enhancing our public health and safety network to meet anticipated population growth in South and West Madison,” Rhodes-Conway said.

Rhodes-Conway discussed plans to upgrade to the Madison Community Development Authority’s Triangle public housing development, replacing 340 apartments with around 1,200 new units in eight buildings upon completion.

The Executive Budget contains $17.5 million for the city’s affordable housing fund to support additional developments across Madison. Rhodes-Conway said the city is on track to build 5,000 new homes in 2025.

“We have to keep this pace up to ensure that every Madison family has the opportunity to choose what type of home works best for them and what neighborhood they want to live in,” Rhodes-Conway said.

Rhodes-Conway added that her Executive Operating Budget, focused on sta ng, services and programs, will be introduced in October, and she will work with alders to finalize both budgets.

Guggenheim Fellow said in an interview with The Booker Prizes, for which he was a two-time finalist.

In the original, the characters speak the way Missourians in 1850 would. In Everett’s retelling, Jim and the other enslaved characters speak with a dignified sophistication comparable to modern, 21st century intellectualism.

But in front of white people, they speak in “slave talk,” or a fictional, seemingly less educated vernacular, similar to the way the characters in the original book spoke. The white characters speak in a formal tone and don’t know that the enslaved people speak the same as they do behind closed doors.

This intentional distinction of the speech patterns between the enslaved and free people in “James” pushes the readers to confront what is believable to them.

“James”’ debut in 2024 was

met with high praise and positive reviews, with a 51-week tenure on the New York Times’ Best Sellers List for Hardcover Fiction. It was also selected for the 2024 Booker Prize shortlist.

“It turns a familiar American story upside down and shows us, with the power of dialogue and perspective, an entirely different way of viewing the same world,” Mnookin said.

Copies of the physical novel and audiobook are completely free and can be found in UW-Madison libraries, Madison Public Library branches or may be given to students in courses where “James” is integrated into the lesson plan. Students, faculty and sta may request alternative copies through McBurney Disability Center.

Everett himself will visit the UW campus for the Go Big Read keynote event, which takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Varsity Hall at Union South.

MPD to clear homeless encampment near Wisconsin Capitol

By Sonia Bendre SCIENCE EDITOR

The Madison Police Department plans to remove the homeless encampment near the Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum on the Wisconsin Capitol Square, after residents and business owners reported issues to MPD from the area.

Police cited concerns about human waste in the area, littering, retail theft and harassment from members of the encampment.

Anthony Vogel, a MPD police o cer, told The Daily Cardinal that business owners and residents in the downtown State Street area had “expressed some frustration with the quality of life issues that have been occurring up at the top of State Street.”

Vogel said homelessness is something that police cannot “solve on their own.”

Homelessness remains a growing issue in Madison. A city survey recorded almost 800 homeless people in Madison this year — increasing by 7% since 2024. The Madison Board of Public Works plans to demolish a citysanctioned homeless encampment on Dairy Drive this month, raising questions about where Madison’s sizable homeless will be able to stay.

Madison Street Medicine has called for affordable housing to be built as an alternative to shelters.

Most homeless shelters in the area, like Beacon and Salvation Army, are only open during the daytime rather

than 24 hours a day. The Bartillon homeless shelter on the East Side is set to open next year, housing 250 people at a time. This is a number local advocates say is inadequate for the scope of Madison’s homelessness problem.

The museum is located near Capitol Square and several businesses, including Ian’s Pizza, Teddywedgers and Michelangelo’s Coffee House. The area encounters significant foot traffic, meaning disturbances can pose larger health and safety risks.

Though there is no set deadline for the homeless to move out, police may begin to enforce municipal ordinances barring obstruction of sidewalks and trespassing. But enforcement is “not our first option,” Vogel said.

“Homelessness is not something that we can, for lack of better words, arrest ourselves out of,” Vogel said. “So when we approach issues like this, we’re really trying to approach first to offer resources — and then if need be, we do have enforcement options.”

To assist the homeless population in relocating, the MPD is working with community partners including the nonprofits Madison Street Medicine and Catalyst for Change.

“It really depends on law enforcement coming together with different community stakeholders in order to work towards ending homelessness,” Vogel said.

ZOEY ELWOOD/THE DAILY CARDINAL

Labor Day rally at Capitol targets billionaire power in politics

By Avery Chheda STAFF WRITER

A few hundred community members gathered at the Capitol on Monday to protest the influence of billionaires and large corporations in politics, joining a ‘Workers over Billionaires’ rally held nationwide on Labor Day.

Supporters called for wealth redistribution, stronger worker protections and accountability from elected officials. The event drew locals and visitors from across the state.

Former Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler and Fighting Oligarchy speaker Simon Rosenblum-Larson spoke at the event and emphasized the importance of labor unions and workers rights in honor of Labor Day. The Raging Grannies also per -

formed in support.

Wikler urged Wisconsinites to mobilize, referencing the state’s rich history of progressive labor laws and elected officials during his speech.

“When [Robert M. La Follette] was elected in 1900, that set off the progressive movement where Wisconsin led the country, the state with the first worker’s compensation law,” Wikler said.

Protesters carried signs comparing Trump to dictators and demanding rights for workers and immigrants.

Mike Steric, a part-time professor for UW Online Collaboratives, attended the rally with a sign reading ‘Why not billions for the workers and the world’s poor?’ He said he views Wisconsin as a crucial battleground for workers rights.

“We need to vote in progressive candidates, north to south, east to west, top to bottom. It’s still sort of a purple state,” Steric said.

Retired engineer Paul Turpin said he wants to see activism expand beyond this one demonstration.

“We need to get out in the streets, we need to be doing more as a country,” Turpin said. “I’d like to see a nationwide protest or strike.”

Turpin added that he worries about younger generations.

“I’m retired so I have a fixed income, but I feel for a lot of younger people that are struggling.” Turpin said.

Mike Smith, another retired engineer, said he has attended countless rallies in the last eight months. He said he sees dangerous parallels between the cur-

Democratic lawmakers, UW faculty introduce college campus gun safety bill

By Grace Carlson STAFF WRITER

Democratic lawmakers, alongside University of Wisconsin-Madison student and faculty organizations, introduced a bill on Aug. 28 which would ramp up the punishment for bringing a firearm onto Wisconsin’s college campuses.

If passed, the bill would make it illegal for anyone — including those who have concealed carry licenses — to possess a firearm anywhere on university or college property. Violations would now be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which carry a more serious consequence than current repercussions.

“When people have unfettered access to firearms, we can’t live free from the fear of gun violence,” Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, said. “[My] hope is that Wisconsin will join other states that are saying, ‘not on our watch’”.

Current law allows for concealed carry permit holders to bring firearms into public buildings unless signs prohibit it. Universities and colleges can post signs to ban firearms in specific buildings, and violators can be fined up to $1,000 for trespassing.

The bill includes certain exemptions to the ban for campus police officers, tenants of non-dormitory residences, participants in courses that require the use of firearms and people transporting firearms if they are unloaded and stored in a safe.

Student and UW faculty groups support the legislation

The Public Representation of the Faculty Senate (PROFS) and Students Demand Action (SDA) UW-Madison chapter both are working with lawmakers to pass the bill.

Jack O’Meara, a lobbyist for PROFS, said the bill is “very important,” as campus safety is a top priority of students and faculty alike.

“The faculty have a statutory role in managing the university, and the faculty have expressed concerns about the safety of the university and the poten-

tial of guns being brought onto campus,” O’Meara told The Daily Cardinal.

Nessa Bliell, founder and president of the SDA chapter at UW-Madison, expressed the importance of gun legislation saying, “according to the CDC, guns are the number one killer of 18 to 25 year olds, making them a serious threat to the lives of today’s college students.”

Data from The Center for Disease Control in 2023 revealed that for people ages 18 to 25, “unintentional injuries” was the leading cause of death, with suicide being second and homocide third, and firearms being the “leading mechanism of injury or mortality.”

With these concerns, Bliell stressed holding politicians responsible saying, “we need to make our voices heard and hold accountable those politicians who choose to cuddle up to the gun lobby rather than protect the lives of the people they represent.”

Rep. Brienne Brown, D-Whitewater, a co-author of the bill, said the problem with passing the legislation concerns Citizens United, a conservative 501 nonprofit group working to discourage gun control laws.

“There’s a lot of money coming in from different lobbying groups, and the NRA is still powerful despite its big controversy.” Rep. Brown told the Cardinal. “Because Wisconsin is a big hunting state, that can complicate legislation surrounding guns.”

Despite complications, Brown said that if enough people call their legislators, “we could probably do something about it, because even in Republican districts, Republicans believe this too. Republican voters also believe that there should be common sense rules.”

In the past, gun safety legislation has been di cult to pass, and Democratic lawmakers have said it is unlikely Republicans will co-sponsor this bill.

Republicans have introduced a bill to make a sales tax on gun safes exempt to encourage people to use them and a bill which would allow teachers to have guns in their classrooms to address school shootings.

rent administration and the rise of fascism in 1930s Germany.

“I think if you ask any of the people here, what we’re seeing is a literal dictatorship and fascism,” Smith said. “People don’t really understand what happened in 1930s Germany [is happening here]. The parallels are uncanny.”

Smith said he hopes to see higher political engagement across the country as well.

“We need to get people into politics and get turnout to the point that we have people [willing to address our needs],” Smith said.

Leaders of UW Health nurses union call court decision ‘disappointing’

By Eiman Mir STAFF WRITER

Colin Gillis, a registered nurse at University Hospital and a leader of UW Nurses United, an a liate of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Wisconsin, has worked at UW Health for eight years and witnessed the decline of public sector labor unions firsthand.

Gillis saw union representation phase out in 2014 after UW Nurses’ last contract expired, union e orts resurface in 2019 and a near strike in 2022. In June, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled against union recognition for UW nurses by the Wisconsin Employment Peace Act.

For Gillis and other nurses involved in the union, the decision was disappointing.

“Collective bargaining would give us the power to advocate e ectively. This isn’t just about wages — it’s about building the strongest healthcare system we can,” Gillis told The Daily Cardinal.

After the UW nurses’ contract expired, UW hospital and clinic authorities hired Prism, an outside consulting group working to cut labor costs. Gillis said many changes occurred without input from nurses.

“Nurse-to-patient ratios got worse. Nurses were expected to care for more patients, which compromised patient safety. But the real problem came with a hiring freeze in 2018,” Gillis told the Cardinal.

Act 10

In 2011, former Gov. Scott Walker signed Act 10, eliminating collective bargaining rights for most public employees, including UW nurses, only permitting negotiations related to wages.

Because the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinic Authorities has both corporate and government responsibilities as a public entity, there was ambiguity as to whether UW Health employees could collectively bargain under Act 10.

More than a decade later, the e ects of Act 10 are still noticeable in their working environment, Gillis told the Cardinal.

Discussions over collective bargaining rights

Between 2016 and 2019, the percentage of nurses who “intend to stay” at

UW Health’s University Hospital and American Family Children’s Hospital declined from 89% to 83%, causing many nurses to turn to organizing to regain collective bargaining rights. UW Health stopped recognizing the nurses union in 2014, with a campaign working to gain union representation in 2019.

In 2022, UW Health nurses planned a three day strike hoping to get recognition for the nurses union. Gov. Tony Evers responded to the strike by establishing “meet and discuss” meetings between the hospital and union members and a review into whether the Peace Act requires UW health to recognize the nurses union. The strike was later cancelled.

“Before 2022, management wouldn’t even meet with us — our CEO literally said he couldn’t. Now, we have regular meetings with top hospital leadership. That visibility alone is huge,” GIllis told the Cardinal. “We’ve also seen real changes — like peer support for disciplinary cases, which didn’t exist before. Compensation has improved significantly… and sta ng ratios have gotten better.”

These meetings are a step towards gaining collective bargaining rights, which Gillis said would “solidify” protections around sta ng, pay and workplace violence. “Right now, our ability to advocate is dependent on this informal relationship — not legal rights,” he said.

After the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission ruled that UW Health was not required to bargain under the Peace Act, SEIU Wisconsin challenged the decision in the Dane County Circuit Court, eventually leading to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, who recently decided the statutory language and history in Act 10 ended collective bargaining requirements previously placed on authority.

While SEIU and UW Nurses United said they are “disappointed” by the ruling, they are not “deterred,” adding that the “path to gaining collective bargaining rights does not end here.”

“We will continue to explore all possible pathways to restoring our full collective bargaining rights, including seeking voluntary recognition and passing legislation, to ensure that all of us, no matter who we are or where we work, have a seat at the table and a voice in our workplace,” SEIU and UW Nurses United said.

Students gather at ‘Paintacular’ to relax with watercolors before classes begin

By Cameron Schneider PHOTO EDITOR

September is the start of many new beginnings — a new school year, season and stressors. Over 500 students attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison Wheelhouse Studios’s annual “Free Group Painting: Paintacular,” Monday on the Memorial Union Terrace.

UW-Madison sophomore Yash Firaz said he attended the event because he had no other plans on Labor Day.

“I think we need time before classes start to relax,” Firaz said. “Truthfully I am not the biggest fan of art, but I’m not going to lie, I’m enjoying painting right now.”

Wheelhouse Studios employees handed out watercolor palettes, brushes and

paper for free. Each watercolor paper had a Memorial Union Terrace drawing to be colored, illustrated by a Wheelhouse student employee. Three creative consultants were stationed around the terrace. Each one had their own easel and jumbosized version of the illustration to guide participants.

“We’re all working on the same drawing, although I’m not doing the same exact steps,” Maddie Baggesstoss, one of the creative consultants at the event, said. “Mine looks different, to give people an idea. They don’t have to follow exactly what [we’re] doing.”

Baggesstoss, a senior studying art education, was one of the student employees guiding the crowd. Baggesstoss has worked for the Wheelhouse Studios since 2023, and said it’s

been her “favorite job ever.”

Over 500 participants were painting, according to Wheelhouse Studios Director Candie Waterloo, who started the position six months ago.

“For us, it’s about providing some sober activities for students,” Waterloo said. “We’ve got the audience here, and so it’s just providing a space for students to come do something low pressure with friends. But, because the Terrace is a community space, anyone who’s here can participate.”

Among the non-student participants was Dee Bracksma, who has resided in Madison for 45 years. She was joined by two friends who invited her.

“We had no idea what the exercise was going to be, so it was fun,” Bracksma said. “It

UW alumni open Moon Bar, newest addition to bar scene

By John Ernst

FEATURES EDITOR

At the end of July, Je and Jackie Rood began renovating the space at 328 W. Gorham St. In just six weeks, the two University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni transformed Danny’s Pub, an Irish-style bar that had occupied the venue since 2017, into Moon Bar.

The newest addition to Madison’s bar scene is named after the iconic UW-Madison anthem, “If You Want to be a Badger,” which ends with the lyric “by the light of the moon,” owner Jackie Rood told The Daily Cardinal.

Rood and her husband Je manage properties in the Madison area, have two kids at UW-Madison and when they heard about the new opportunity to reinvigorate the bar, took it. Having flipped houses in the past, Je manages the business side of the venture while Jackie focuses on the decoration.

The Roods got to work immediately, meeting with existing sta to discuss if they wanted to be part of the new bar’s mission. Sta , family and friends were all a part of an intense renovation e ort, ripping out tiling and beams, repainting booths and adding a stage to the second floor.

“We do have a lot of sta that stayed and they have been a huge help to us, getting the bar set up, they helped us, even decorating things that they wanted to see change,” Jackie said. “We want this to be a big collaboration because our whole goal is to have sta come in, feel comfortable and have a great time so that they look forward to coming to work.”

Collaboration with the sta is also

behind many of Moon Bar’s new promotions and events this fall. Moon Bar plans to host live music, open mic nights, trivia, karaoke and other student community events, according to Jackie.

“We’re also trying to cater not just to students, but to alumni, corporate events, because we have a beautiful event space upstairs,” Jackie said. “It’s utilized a lot for students’ functions, whether it’s sorority or fraternity parties. We’ve got a couple like 21st birthday parties. We want this to be a student and community-based establishment.”

Moon Bar is also debuting a glutenfree menu, setting aside two fryers for cheese curds and fish frys, and two celiacsafe beers on tap from ALT Brew, a local Madison craft brewery.

Last Thursday, Moon Bar opened its doors to the public for the first time, inviting athletics alumni back to open for the Badgers first football game. On Saturday, Wisconsin musician Pat McCurdy performed live music to celebrate the opening.

As the Roods and Moon Bar settle in for the fall, they hope that the 2 a.m. August nights spent painting and preparing will pay o

“We wanted to create that place that the kids really looked forward to when they turned 21. When we were in school, that was Mondays. When everyone turned 21, you were going to Mondays and you were getting a drink,” Jackie said. “So we kind of wanted to create that space where you’re starting to look forward to something different, something new, looking forward to going there so that you can finally come in and be a part of it.”

was fun to have something predetermined and to focus on.”

Wheelhouse Studios has programming year round, including “Free Art Fridays” for students throughout the school year. Waterloo hopes students take advantage of the programs as the school year gets more stressful.

“[Oftentimes] people come to these things saying, I’m not creative, or I’m not artistic, so I think it’s nice just to have the artist a little bit closer to you,” she said.

Wisconsin Governor’s race kicks o as Evers exits, field remains wide open

By Elaina Russell STAFF WRITER

For the first time since 2010, Wisconsin will head into a gubernatorial election without an incumbent on the ballot, as Gov. Tony Evers confirmed earlier this summer that he will not seek a third term. The decision sets the stage for an open race in one of five states with a democraticcontrolled governorship that President Donald Trump won last November.

The Aug. 11, 2026 primaries are expected to whittle down a crowded and competitive field. While this race could signal a shift in political leadership for democrats, a party looking to maintain power after a 3.4% win in the 2022 election, for Republicans, it marks a steep uphill climb in a state that has leaned increasingly blue in non-presidential years.

Rodriguez jumps in, Crowley expected and a generational shift among Democrats

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez became the first major Democrat to announce her candidacy earlier this month. As a former state representative, nurse and healthcare executive, Rodriguez is considered a rising star within the party especially after flipping a historically Republicanleaning suburban Milwaukee district and running alongside Evers in 2022.

Rodriguez’s campaign focuses on health care workforce development, reversing restrictions on public sector unions under Act 10, expanding Medicaid, legalizing marijuana and increasing funding for K-12 public schools while easing property tax pressure. If elected, she would be Wisconsin’s first woman governor.

Rodriguez’s fast rise mirrors national trends where lieutenant governors in Virginia and Missouri are frontrunners for their own general elections after winning their primaries. Rodriguez’s cross-sector experience gives her a strong foundation heading into the primary.

Ryan Strand, an army veteran and beer vendor at American Family Field who formerly worked for Workers United, a labor union, launched his campaign as a Democrat on Aug. 14, hoping to “improve” the working class, back the police and enact “common sense” environmental policies.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is also expected to enter the race.

As the first Black executive in the county’s history, Crowley holds significant support in Milwaukee, where turnout will be essential to any Democratic victory.

Other potential candidates include Attorney

General Josh Kaul, who has held o ce since 2019 but has faced criticism for a perceived lack of urgency in prosecuting false electors following the 2020 election, Ben Wikler, former chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and Sen. Kelda Roys D-Madison, a progressive with a solid base in Dane County.

Republicans face a headwind — and a thin bench

Two Republicans have formally declared: Josh Schoemann, a Washington County Executive, and Bill Berrien, a manufacturing CEO and former Navy SEAL.

Schoemann, 43, previously served in the Army National Guard and as a county administrator. He is campaigning on dismantling or reforming the Wisconsin Elections Commission, opposing “woke overreach” in public education, cutting government bureaucracy and o ering tax relief to families and retirees.

Berrien, 56, is CEO of Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision in New Berlin, Wisconsin. His campaign emphasizes revitalizing manufacturing, defending the state’s 20-week abortion law, reducing taxes and working with law enforcement to carry out deportations.

Other names reportedly considering a run include U.S. Rep. Tom Ti any, Sen. Mary Felzkowski, R-Tomahawk and current senate president, and Eric Hovde, a businessman and former U.S. Senate candidate. court should rule to keep current access to the medication, and 25% said the court should rule in favor of the lower court and restrict access to the medication.

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CAMERON SCHNEIDER/THE DAILY CARDINAL

Southern tick infiltrates Madison science

By Nicole Steele STAFF WRITER

Lone star ticks, southern pests whose bites can cause a severe meat allergy called alpha-gal syndrome, are listed in a new CDC report as an ‘established population’ in Dane County.

With the latest increase in global temperatures, tick diseases have been on the rise, even in nontraditional hotspots like Madison. Recently, the lone star tick, found primarily in the southeastern U.S., has seen increased populations northward. Dane County is now considered a county with an established population of lone star ticks, and the ticks are likely present in all other southern Wisconsin counties, according to the latest CDC tick population report.

The lone star tick is a very aggressive biting tick, needing two years to complete its life cycle. Once hatched from an egg, lone star larvae find their first host to blood feed, leaving their host after a few days to become nymphs. Then, as nymphs, they find another host to feed on. When lone star nymphs become adults, they

find their third and last blood host and either lay eggs, repeating the life cycle, or die.

Larvae and nymphs are at the most detrimental part of the cycle, where diseases can be transmitted to them through the blood of their host. These diseases, including alpha-gal syndrome, are passed on to new hosts.

Xia Lee, a public health entomologist for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, told The Daily Cardinal nymphs are most active in Wisconsin during June and July.

“[Nymphs] are likely responsible for the majority of cases of tick-borne diseases during that time period, as they are smaller than adult ticks and thus harder to detect,” Lee said. “We observe a dip in cases of tick-borne diseases in August because the adult and nymphal life stages, which are responsible for spreading illness, are less active.”

Lone star ticks are known for the adult females resembling a white colored dot on their bodies, hence the name ‘lone star’. Their primary host, white-tailed deer, have had a rising

population since the 1940s due to conservation e orts, which in turn has increased the tick’s population.

But lone star ticks pose a threat to humans too. The saliva of lone star ticks can contain a sugar molecule called alpha-Gal, which is not naturally found in humans. When bitten by a tick, this molecule can enter the bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of the body producing an allergic reaction to certain foods.

In addition to causing a severe red meat and dairy allergy to humans, medical products and medications containing gelatin or other animal by-products, and even the seaweedbased additive carrageenan, which is a thickener found in milk, yogurt or certain meat products, can cause severe allergic reactions in individuals with alpha-gal syndrome.

Other ticks can also cause alphagal syndrome, such as Blacklegged ticks in the U.S., Cayenne ticks in Central America and Asian longhorn ticks in Asia, but more than 90% of cases have occurred from the lone star tick.

Symptoms of alpha-gal are similar

to those experiencing an allergic reaction, such as hives and itchy skin or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Healthcare professionals can conduct allergy testing such as skin pricks or blood tests to look for immunoglobulin-E antibodies, the proteins that create the alpha-gal reaction. Treatment can include taking antihistamines and avoiding the allergen.

Lee explained that outdoorsy types are more likely to be bitten by ticks.

“Hunters, hikers, campers, and forestry workers are among the highrisk people,” Lee said.

Certain groups of people, such as older adults and people with weak immune systems, are also at higher risk of developing severe disease from tick bites.

With the lone star tick on the rise, it’s especially important to stay safe. Wearing long pants, shirts, and close-toed shoes when outside, and avoiding going o trails in woods provides the best protection. Wearing insect repellent that contains DEET or permethrin helps hikers avoid bites. Performing tick checks on people and pets after

being outdoors, and removing ticks as quickly as possible, is also important for avoiding tick diseases.

“Pesticides applied by a certified pest control operator can be highly e ective at reducing tick numbers in the environment,” Lee said.

Lee also explained that keeping up with yard work can help deter ticks.

“Landscape modifications to create tick-safe zones can reduce the amount of favorable habitat for ticks, [such as] raking and removing leaf piles in the fall,” Lee said.

Unclawful activity? Dog breeder, advocates spar in lawsuit

By Lindsay Pfei er SCIENCE EDITOR EMERITUS

Dog breeding company Ridglan Farms filed a lawsuit against local animal rights organization Dane4Dogs and its cofounders in April, claiming Dane4Dogs’s plan to release a public list of Ridglan’s customers willfully and maliciously injured their business. However, the history between these two organizations goes back much further, and this lawsuit is just the latest controversy in a years-long clash.

Ridglan Farms, a biomedical research beagle breeding company based in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, is the second-largest research dog breeder in the United States, housing over 3,000 “purpose-bred” dogs that are sold across the country for biomedical research.

Ridglan Farms is USDA-licensed as both a dog breeder and a research facility, according to their website. They also have an Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) accreditation, a voluntary program allowing inspectors to visit sites to examine welfare aspects such as enrichment, housing and veterinary care.

Dane4Dogs is a grassroots organization in Dane County whose mission is to “end the breeding, sale and use of dogs and cats for painful and distressing experimentation.” Madison local Rebekah Robinson co-founded Dane4Dogs in 2018 after reading about an investigation by California-based animal rights organization Direct Action Everywhere into Ridglan Farms. The events culminated in a Ridglan lawsuit after the organization took three beagles from the facility in 2017.

Ridglan’s current lawsuit

Ridglan Farms filed a lawsuit on April 4 against Dane4Dogs and its cofounders, Robinson and Jamie Hagnow, as well as former employee Scott Gilbertson, alleging “civil action for injury to business” and “tortious interference with existing and prospective contractual relationships.”

Scott Gilbertson testified in October that during his employment in January 2022, he was instructed to restrain a dog during a cherry eye removal surgery performed without anesthesia or pain relief.

A cherry eye is the ‘popping out’ of the nictitating membrane, a dog’s third eyelid. The condition presents as a red, swollen mass and is more common in dog breeds such as beagles, due to a weaker attachment holding the nictitating membrane in place. Treatment for cherry eyes includes surgical replacement by a veterinar-

ian. According to Veterinary Centers of America (VCA), cherry eye removal surgery is not a recommended form of treatment.

Specifically, allegations include that Gilbertson’s testimony on cherry eye removal surgeries was false and that Dane4Dogs attempted to “weaponize” the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) by submitting complaints against Ridglan.

Ridglan also alleged that Dane4Dogs contributed to a significant loss of business by “improperly obtaining” Ridglan’s customer list and writing a letter encouraging each customer to stop purchasing from Ridglan, warning them that they would be placed on a public list of “Ridglan Farms buyers” if they continued to purchase from Ridglan. Ridglan constituted this as a “direct threat to those customers of Ridglan Farms.”

Dane4Dogs mailed the letter to each member of Ridglan’s customer list on Jan. 27, 2025, informing readers of the animal cruelty investigation into Ridglan and “strongly encourag[ing]” customers to end their business with Ridglan.

University of Wisconsin-Madison purchased 19 dogs from Ridglan Farms between January 2022 and July 2025. However, the university makes up less than two percent of Ridglan’s sales. On August 13, UW-Madison released a statement confirming they have bought dogs from Ridglan in the past, but only use suppliers that are USDA licensed. The dogs are used for medical research such as cancer prevention and vaccine creation.

On June 18, 2025, Dane4Dogs filed a Motion

to Dismiss, arguing their protest and actions are protected by the First Amendment.

Robinson said Ridglan failed to provide evidence that Gilbertson’s testimony was false, claiming his testimony was corroborated by a second employee under oath.

Robinson also disputed Ridglan’s claim that Dane4Dogs weaponized DATCP, a governmental organization, against Ridglan. She said the Dane County judge found Dane4Dogs’s complaints to be credible, leading to the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate Ridglan.

“That is the basis of their lawsuit against us… that we filed these complaints,” Robinson told The Daily Cardinal.

On August 15, Dane County supervisors David Boetcher and Dan Blazewicz published Resolution 119, urging DATCP to revoke Ridglan Farms’ breeding license. The resolution also calls for the beagles to be placed in “custodial care” during the investigation. According to WMTV, Boetcher said the goal of the resolution is to provide “immediate protection” to the dogs.

In response to the resolution, Dane4Dogs and other animal activist groups called for the seizure of dogs from Ridglan Farms.

Dane4Dogs and Ridglan: Seven years of history

In 2018, Robinson said Dane4Dogs organized the introduction of a ballot initiative in Mount Horeb, a rural village about 5 miles away from Blue Mounds, allowing residents to oppose breeding dogs for biomedical research. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, the referendum targeted Ridglan Farms and would

have deemed Ridglan Farms and places like it a “public nuisance.”

However, according to Robinson, the initiative wasn’t aimed directly at Ridglan.

“[The ballot initiative] would not have a ected Ridglan Farms because they’re located in Blue Mounds, but they took it very personally,” Robinson told The Daily Cardinal.

The 2018 ballot initiative failed, but Dane4Dogs didn’t stop there. In 2020, Richland Center, Wisconsin, was the first city in the country to ban the breeding of dogs and cats for research. According to Robinson, Dane4Dogs aided in passing a total of six of these ordinances across Wisconsin, including the Richland Center ordinance.

Dane4Dogs has not tried to discuss animal welfare practices with Ridglan. “We believe that dog experimentation should not be legal. So while welfare of the dogs is a concern, we believe that they should not be there in the first place,” Robinson said.

The Dane County Circuit Court appointed a special prosecutor to investigate Ridglan Farms in January 2025 after petitions from Dane4Dogs and Alliance for Animals, another animal activist group, launched in October 2024.

The investigation is ongoing, according to Robinson. The court received testimony from six former employees and veterinarians, as well as documents, videos and photos of Ridglan’s alleged crimes.

Additionally, Robinson said Dane4Dogs filed complaints against Ridglan with the DATCP, its Veterinary Examining Board (VEB) and the United States Department of Agriculture, leading to investigations through those organizations as well.

She said the special prosecutor’s appointment was based on three specific allegations against Ridglan: improper cherry eye removal surgeries, psychological distress and insucient housing conditions.

The allegation relating to improper surgeries relies on Gilbertson’s testimony, which Ridglan disputed in their lawsuit.

A second employee who worked at Ridglan from 2006 to 2010 testified in October that they saw abnormal behaviors in the dogs regularly, including pacing, spinning and fighting. In the most recent 2022 and 2024 reports, the DATCP did not explicitly note abnormal behavior, but noted a lack of positive human interaction for the dogs. However, similar stereotypic — repetitive and dysfunctional — behaviors were noted in a 2016 DATCP report.

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sports

Big questions loom over year three of the Luke Fickell era

By Josh Murphy STAFF WRITER

After a 17-0 season opening win over Miami (Ohio) Thursday night, Wisconsin has o cially turned the page on a new season. Wisconsin’s ugly 2024 season is now history, and while Thursday’s sloppy victory was not nearly enough to put the Badgers’ doubts to rest, it was nonetheless a step in the right direction, however small.

The 2024 Wisconsin football season was, without a doubt, a disappointment. After losing five straight games to close out the season, Wisconsin finished 5-7, missing a bowl game for the first time since 2001. As that losing streak developed, it became obvious Wisconsin lacked a sense of purpose — outscored by 86 points in painful losses to Penn State, Iowa, Oregon, Nebraska and Minnesota. Changes needed to be made.

“Last year was not the standard,” Fickell said at Big Ten Media Day. “But I’m not here to dwell upon last year, either. What last year does is it gives us an opportunity to be able to self reflect. It gives an opportunity to recognize things that we can continue to be able to change.”

The flurry of moves made within the program point toward Fickell’s words being more than just coach-talk jargon.

O ensive coordinator Phil Longo was let go following a heartbreaking 16-13 November home loss to No. 1 Oregon.

Longo ran a personalized version of the ‘air raid’ o ense in Madison, a modern scheme characterized by fast-tempo and a pass-heavy attack designed to exploit opposing defenses’ weaknesses. However, predictable playcalling, poor execution and a mismatch with the team’s strengths ultimately led to Longo’s o ense falling flat. The decision to move on symbolizes a willingness from Fickell to adopt a di erent approach.

Over the o season, Wisconsin hired Je Grimes as their new o ensive coordinator after his success at Kansas last season, where the Jayhawks o ense averaged 420.8 yards per game — seventh-best in the Big 12. Grimes will be tasked with rejuvenating an o ense that has looked lifeless in back-to-back seasons.

Grimes’ o ense models an NFL-style blueprint, built on a physical run game complemented by play-action passes to create explosive opportunities when defenses overcommit. The biggest di erence from Longo’s scheme is tempo. Grimes’ o ense is built for sustained, methodical drives that wear down opposing defenses. If executed well, this approach could unlock a level of o ensive e ciency that the Badgers haven’t seen in years.

The success of that shift was primed to hinge largely on the play of the new man under center in 2025. Braedyn Locke, last year’s primary starting quarterback, transferred to Arizona in December, paving the way for redshirt senior transfer Billy Edwards Jr. from Maryland.

But Edwards Jr. went down with an apparent non-contact knee sprain in Thursday’s second quarter andE did not return to the game.

The Badgers look to have dodged a bullet, with ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel reporting Edwards Jr. had a clean MRI and his status is week-to-week, eliminating the fears of a potential long-term injury. He will miss this week’s matchup against Middle Tennessee State, but CBS’s Chris Hummer reports there’s hope Edwards Jr. could be back in time for Wisconsin’s matchup against Alabama on Sept. 13.

Sophomore transfer Danny O’Neill took the reins the rest of the way Thursday, completing 12-of-19 passes for 120 passing yards with one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown, 13 rushing yards and one interception. O’Neill played well enough to beat Miami (Ohio), but showed flashes of an erratic young QB, traits not primed well for the gauntlet of a schedule that remains for Wisconsin.

Edwards Jr. finished fifth in passing yards in the Big Ten last season, and was recruited to bring stability to a position that has been unreliable and inconsistent throughout Fickell’s tenure

thus far. Without Edwards Jr., Wisconsin will have to adjust to life with a back-up quarterback for the third time in as many seasons.

With those changes in mind, here are the three biggest questions that loom over Wisconsin as they prepare for the rest of the season.

Will Wisconsin rediscover its identity?

Wisconsin’s historical identity in football has been about winning the war in the trenches. But even as pounding the rock has long been Wisconsin’s m.o., it has been anything but in the Luke Fickell era.

In 2021, Paul Chryst’s last full season as head coach, the Badgers averaged 210.9 rushing yards per game, second-best in the Big Ten that season. Under Fickell, that number fell to 161.2 in 2023 and 153.7 in 2024. The lack of a reliable run game made Wisconsin’s o ense one dimensional, and the overall production su ered noticeably.

Bringing Grimes in is a deliberate e ort to get Wisconsin football back to its roots. His Jayhawks averaged 212.1 rushing yards per game last season, third-best in the Big 12. Grimes’ scheme emphasizes downhill running complemented by the play-action, a formula that could fit the Badgers’ personnel far better than the ‘air raid’ scheme that sputtered the past two seasons.

On Thursday, signs of this shift could be seen. Wisconsin carried the ball 43 times, compared to 32 passing attempts. And while Wisconsin only gained 165 rushing yards, Dilin Jones and Darrion Dupree did show that they could cause some trouble for opposing teams as a backfield duo.

Signs of o ensive improvement will be crit-

ical for the Badgers to regain momentum. If Wisconsin wants to get better in 2025, re-establishing a run-heavy identity is non-negotiable.

Can Billy Edwards Jr. steer the ship?

Wisconsin’s quarterbacks have traditionally thrived as steady game managers rather than o ensive superstars. Outside of Russell Wilson’s incredible 2011 season, the program’s most successful teams have featured e cient, reliable quarterbacks that fit the scheme and can steer the ship.

That reliability has been sorely missing the past two seasons. Tanner Mordecai and Tyler Van Dyke — who tore his ACL in just his third game last season — were capable players, but they were forced into an ‘air-raid’ system that leaned heavily on quarterback production. As injuries got the best of Mordecai and Van Dyke, an already unnatural quarterback fit became nearly incompatible, and it showed on the field.

The Badgers’ o ense finished with a turnover margin of -6 in 2024, third-worst in the Big Ten, and the o ense consistently looked out of rhythm. This was not the standard of Wisconsin football, and things had to change.

Like his predecessors, Edwards Jr. isn’t the kind of quarterback who thrives in a pass-heavy system. The di erence in 2025 is that his responsibilities match his skill set.

With Je Grimes installing a run-first approach, Edwards Jr. won’t be asked to put the o ense on his back. Instead, he’s simply being asked to steer the ship. If he can be e cient on third-down, limit turnovers and complement the run game, Wisconsin’s o ense has a chance to

rediscover its rhythm.

Of course, after Edwards Jr.’s Week 1 injury, much of Wisconsin preseason quarterback plans have hit a minor setback. However, this time around, in an o ense that puts less responsibility on its QB, Wisconsin looks to be better suited with a backup until their starter is ready to return.

When Edwards Jr. is back under center, Wisconsin doesn’t need him to be the next Russell Wilson. They just need him to be the right quarterback in the right system — something they haven’t had in the Fickell-era.

Can the Badgers compete with the toughest schedule in college football?

The unfortunate reality for the 2025 Wisconsin Badgers is that they’re being dealt the worst hand in the nation when it comes to strength of schedule. Paul Myerberg of USA Today rates the Badgers’ schedule as the most di cult in the NCAA. Six of Wisconsin’s opponents were ranked in the preseason AP Top 25: No. 3 Ohio State, No. 7 Oregon, No. 8 Alabama, No. 12 Illinois, No. 14 Michigan and No. 20 Indiana. In addition to those ranked opponents, the Badgers will also face Maryland, Iowa, Washington and Minnesota.

Last season, Wisconsin collapsed down the stretch and shockingly missed out on playing in a bowl game.

Under this season’s circumstances, a bowl game appearance would be a resounding success.

The Badgers have yet to win a game against a ranked opponent in the Luke Fickell era, despite coming painstakingly close. Against ranked teams, five of their six losses have been within one score entering the fourth quarter.

Closing out those tight contests will be a key indicator of whether this team is ready to turn the corner or if there are bigger issues on hand.

Thursday night at Camp Randall o ered the first glimpse of whether the Badgers are truly on a new path. With their starting quarterback going down and a scu ing o ensive performance reminiscent of years past, the opener was not as smooth as they would have liked, but in winning, Wisconsin allows their season trajectory to stay on the rails, giving the Badgers a chance to right the wrongs of their 2024 season.

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The Wisconsin Men’s Soccer team is in need of goalscorers: who will step up?

By Grace Cannizzo STAFF WRITER

Last season, Wisconsin’s men’s soccer team outscored their opponents 28-18. Their secret? Pairing freshman forward phenomena Dean Boltz with the help of the consistent and formidable attacker Trip Fleming. Boltz led the way with 10 goals and four assists on the season, and Fleming contributed five goals and three assists. Combined, the two were responsible for over half of the Badger’s goals and a third of their assists.

The story becomes even more picture-perfect, with Boltz being drafted to Chicago Fire FC in the MLS and Fleming being rostered on the club’s MLS Next Pro team.

If you’re a Wisconsin fan, you’re surely excited for both players. However, it leaves a big question mark with no “pictureperfect solution” as to who may step up and become a reliable attacking threat for the Badgers this season.

Look to one (or more) of these four Badgers to carry the load going into 2025.

The incoming freshman is simply put, a goalscorer in nature. While 17 years old playing in England for Edgware & Kingsbury FC, a semi-pro team where the average age on the team was 23.1 years old, Capone led his squad with 11 goals and recorded five assists. Don’t let the striker’s age deceive you of his soccer IQ. He is quick, crafty and above all, crashes the net by being at the right place at the right time. With his experience and immense success in playing against older talent, there’s no reason to doubt he’ll see plenty of the field in his freshman campaign.

Bart Muns

The graduate student comes to Wisconsin in his last year of eligibility after having played at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Santa Barbara City College and Southeastern Community College over the last four years. Across the three teams, the striker has scored 55 goals and posted 33 assists. While his production

wasn’t at a high caliber school like Wisconsin, that’s not the point — most Division 1 soccer players don’t even put up those staggering statistics at the high school level. So even if it means he won’t score quite as many points for the Badgers, I’m confident he’ll stick and find his fair share of the back of the net. Muns’ consistency speaks volumes, and he may just be the asset the Badgers need.

Matthew Zachemski

Last season, the midfielder took the No. 20 spot in the Top Drawer Soccer Men’s Midseason Top 100 Freshmen list. Zachemski additionally played striker through high school and takes advantage of getting high up on the attack. Zachemski hasn’t attempted many shots, instead acting conservatively as a selfless and intelligent passer. He had three assists last season and placed countless phenomenal throughballs that won’t show up on the box score. However, the shots Zachemski has taken have been astonishingly accurate and pur-

poseful. The Itasca, Illinois, native scored three goals on just six shot attempts. With the loss of goalscorers, I can see Zachemski taking more shots for himself this season and racking up points.

Thomas Raimbault

In his two years with Wisconsin, the newly-named captain has accumulated six goals and four assists. He has averaged 55 minutes of playing time between his 28 career appearances but now, as a

veteran leader without older strikers to split minutes with, Raimbault’s minutes should significantly increase. The striker poses as an unpredictable dual threat for opponents. From his ability to break out wide and tactically place balls in the box for teammates to capitalize on, to shooting from various ranges and angles. Without the safety-nets and go-to men that were Boltz and Fleming, Raimbault will have the chance to execute on what should be his greatest number of targets and playing time.

Opening Spike Classic ends in split result for Wisconsin volleyball team

By Abigail Bures STAFF WRITER

The No. 8 Wisconsin volleyball team split results at the Opening Spike Classic, beating No.14 Kansas Friday while falling to No. 5 Texas Sunday in one of the first glimpses of a Badger team looking to rebuild with 10 new players this season.

“This is a good chance for us to go through the tough together,” outside hitter Mimi Colyer said after their loss to Texas. “Go through this first loss and see how we are going to bounce back in the gym, how we’re going to come back to our next practice and implement the changes.”

Kansas

Wisconsin won the first, third and fifth sets against Kansas, losing the second 25-18 and the fourth 28-26. Five sets proved to be what the Badgers needed to show their ability.

“This tournament, right at the beginning of the season, is meant to tell us exactly where we are,” senior middle blocker Carter Booth said regarding the two-game split.

Outside hitters Una Vajagic and Colyer, middle blocker Alicia Andrew, setter Charlie Fuerbringer and libero/defensive specialist Kristen Simon led the Badgers in game one with double-doubles. Their success in a range of positions is what allowed Wisconsin to be both o ensively and defensively successful against Kansas.

Fuerbringer, one of the most anticipated breakout players on the court this season, earned her 11th double-double with 45 assists and 20 digs.

After redshirting freshman year due to injury, Vajagic earned a career high in kills (13) and digs (14) in her first collegiate match. In the back row, freshman Kristen Simon recorded 23 digs and 10 assists for her first double-double. This was Simon’s first collegiate game and a Badger-best record for digs and assists.

Senior Alicia Andrew beat her personal record of seven blocks in one game with a 10-block count against Kansas.

Texas

Wisconsin was able to gain some advantages in game two of the Opening Spike Classic, but the Badgers ended up falling to No. 5 Texas in three sets.

Sophomore outside hitter Grace Egan, Colyer and Vajagic put up strong stats in this game, posting a combined total of 40 kills, 26 digs and three blocks. Egan reached her first double-double at Wisconsin with 12 digs and 16 kills. Colyer also reached 1,500 career kills. Texas competed successfully on the o ensive-front, forcing Wisconsin to end with a low hitting percentage (.141) compared to the Longhorns (.296).

Wisconsin will be back in the Field House Thursday, Sept. 4, to compete against UC Davis at 7 p.m.

Caleb Capone

What students and the university can do to avoid syllabus shock opinion

By Paul O’Gorman OPINION EDITOR

Switching from months of relaxation over the summer straight into heavy course loads and overwhelming numbers of due dates is stressful for anyone. Keeping track of a new schedule and planning for the weeks ahead can make adjusting to the new school year seem nearly impossible, and University of WisconsinMadison’s current first week setup might be to blame for this syllabus shock.

As canvas pages fill up with assignments and syllabi, students are required to take matters into their own hands and hit the ground running by setting reminders and creating new calendars just to survive the first few weeks. This structure makes it di cult for students to feel invited and welcome in new classroom settings.

The university’s approach to syllabi format doesn’t help alleviate back to school anxiety either, with harsh contract wording that is sure to alarm students already frightened by their new learning environments.

While there are crucial and necessary pieces of information in a syllabus, such as student misconduct and academic integrity, these documents

could be adjusted to make students feel both prepared and welcome. The university itself suggests that faculty make their syllabi more inclusive and friendly, though there seems to be little oversight and enforcement on how faculty actually incorporate this.

UW-Madison should begin working more closely with its staff to ensure syllabi and course expectations are communicated in a way that eases students into the semester. This could be accomplished by weekly reminders from professors and teaching assis-

tants, or by providing students with up-to-date syllabi on a regular basis.

Syllabus shock isn’t caused solely by institution required information, however; the structure of move-in is another stresser. With dorm movein dates barely a week before the first day of class, new students get very little time to adjust to a new environment before being thrown into the fire of their course schedules.

To curb this immediate routine change, UW-Madison should strongly advise its faculty to post canvas cours-

Start strong, stay strong: How to thrive all semester long

By Safa Razvi OPINION EDITOR

Healthy habits consist of goals, smart planning and self-discipline. But what’s most important is starting them early on in the semester. It’s about building a foundation in order to thrive during stressful times, especially in the beginning, when you think it’ll be easy.

Here are the best ways to build healthy habits and promote self-care.

Eating right

Meal prepping isn’t just a time saver; it’s a life saver. By starting this at the beginning of the year, you allow your body to regulate meal times and adjust accordingly.

High-protein meals and proper water intake can prevent unhealthy snacking and keep you more full throughout the day.

Even small additions, like making sure every member of the food group is incorporated in each meal, help. Staying healthy and hydrated will do wonders for focus levels and mood.

Settling into a routine

Maybe it’s coffee every Friday or going to the gym every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Either way, a routine is beneficial for your mind and your body. Not only does it promote health but also benefits your sleep pattern and eating pattern, all of which will make you more productive.

Routines provide structure when academic demands rise, making it easier to

stay consistent towards work and selfcare. By setting time aside for both, this balance will keep stress from taking over.

Prioritizing your social well-being

It’s important to learn how to say no to overcommitments. Whether it’s a social outing or academic, protect your mental health by practicing balance, not burnout. Making intentional time for meaningful things like seeing your friends, attending a study group or doing calming activities, can help boost your emotional state.

Practicing good sleeping habits

Pulling all-nighters may feel productive, but they often cause issues in the long run. Getting around 7-10 hours consistently strengthens memory, mood and overall core functions of the body. Creating a proper nighttime routine to wind down, such as limiting screen time 30 minutes before bed or drinking tea, can help signal your body for when it is time to rest.

Consistent sleep is one of the strongest benefactors of academic progress, so treating rest as a non-negotiable is key to doing well.

Wellness isn’t just for the hard times; it’s for the entire year. It’s important to remember that staying healthy and happy throughout the year, especially early on, can set you up for later success. Starting strong with proper habits ensures you have the energy to see it through.

es and schedules weeks in advance, allowing students to plan ahead and feel caught up before classes even begin. It’s not uncommon for professors to post their canvas courses a week into the semester, an unhealthy habit sure to spread anxiety throughout their class. Additionally, professors and teaching assistants should hold o ce hours in the weeks leading up to the semester, providing all of their students with their location and availability. This would allow students to make a good connection with the teaching sta and

gain further insight into expectations and ways they can prepare for the coming semester.

No matter how helpful and involved the university is in welcoming students to the new school year, syllabus shock will still manage to impact some students. However, students can do a lot to prepare for themselves for the new semester and get a head start on their schedules.

Experts on college life at U.S. News and World Report strongly recommend making use of time management tools, and point to apps like google calendar and TikTok to stay on top of due dates and deadlines. They also advise students to contact their parents or guardians on a regular basis to build a strong support system that can help them throughout the year.

At the end of the day, success during this semester and good mental health requires students to know their own capabilities. Students need time to relax and take a break from the constant grind from school. Course loads can be hectic as well, taking 12 credits instead of 18 may be needed for some to avoid a challenging semester.

TAYLOR WOLFRAM/THE DAILY CARDINAL

arts

Fall 2025 Madison arts guide

By Lydia Picotte and Oliver Gerharz

ARTS EDITORS

As classes pick back up for the fall, so too has the Madison art scene. Students arriving on campus have no shortage of ways to appreciate local art, from unique products to dance classes and so much more.

All Season Long:

Madison Symphony Orchestra

Sept. 19 - Nov. 23

Madison Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 100th season this year, 100 Years Together in Music. They will play multiple shows at the Overture Center, including one with the UW-Madison Concert Choir on October 2. More info can be found at madisonsymphony.org

Open Mic Nights at Memorial Union

Sept. 3 - Nov. 26; Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m.

WUDMusic will present weekly open mic nights at Memorial Union. Musicians, singers, speakers and poets are encouraged to share their work. Performers can sign up to perform the night of the show. Performances and attendance are both free. More info can be found at union.wisc.edu

Bodega Night Market

Sept. 5, Sept. 26, Oct. 23; 5-9 p.m.

The Bodega Night Market is hosted by Breese Stevens Field and its vendors include local artists selling everything from prints to candles to jewelry. The Market also features local performers and interactive activities. More info can be found at breesestevensfield.com

Tuesday Tango Classes

Sept. 2 - Dec. 16; Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m.

Cafe Coda will be hosting Tango Classes and open practices throughout the fall. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, it’s a way for anyone to have fun dancing and socializing. More info can be found at cafecoda.club/events

Encore Studio

Oct. 17 - Nov. 2

Encore Studio was the first Theatre Company in Wisconsin for people with disabilities, and remains one of few in the country. This fall they’re celebrating their 25th anniversary with From the Top: Encore at 25, which features excerpts from various past shows. More info can be found at encorestudio.org

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unitarian Meeting House September - November

Designed by the famous architect, the Unitarian Meeting House, changed the landscape of church architecture when it was first built in 1951 and is still considered one of Lloyd Wright’s most influential buildings. Still a working church, visitors can take tours of the historical and artistic marvel. More info can be found at franklloydwright. org/site/unitarian-meeting-house/

The Moth StorySLAM

Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8

On the second Monday of each month, storytellers gather in the High Noon Saloon to tell stories adhering to a simple theme. Anyone can sign up to tell a story, but only ten names are drawn from the hat each night. Over the summer, the themes will be “hospitality,” “dirt” and “childish”. More info can be found at themoth. org or high-noon.com

Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds

Within

Sept. 8 - Dec. 23

The Chazen Museum of Art is exhibiting the work of Toshiko Takaezu, an influential 20th-century abstract artist who taught at UW–Madison from 1954-1955. More info can be found at chazen.wisc.edu

September:

The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show

Sept. 4-6

This event presented by PBS Wisconsin and Nancy Zieman Productions will span three days. Celebrate the art of quilting through quilt exhibits and presentations by leading quilt educators. More info can be found at quiltshow.com

“Weird Al” Yankovic

Sept. 12

The comedian musician, known for his parody songs, is bringing his Bigger and Weirder Tour to Madison’s Breese Stevens Field. He’s expected to play some of his most iconic hits alongside newer tracks. More info can be found at breesestevensfield.com

Quinn XCII

Sept. 16

The Sylvee will host pop singer Quin XCII on September 16. The tour follows the release of his seventh studio album LOOK! I’m Alive. More info can be found at thesylvee.com

Lake Loop Art Tour

Sept. 27

All around Lake Monona’s looping bike path, local art studios will be hosting artists from around the region to display their work. It’s

Viral memes inspire art gallery

Sheila Drefahl’s exhibition bringsonlinecultureintothe physicalspaceofUnionSouth

By Oliver Gerharz ARTS EDITOR

Sheila Drefahl’s exhibit

“There is much pain in this world but not in this room” in Union South’s Gallery 1308 includes dozens of paintings of viral images.

an easy and fun way to get a wellrounded look at what Wisconsin creatives have to o er. More info can be found at The Lake Loop Art Tour Facebook page.

October:

48 Hour Horror Film Festival

Oct. 10-12

A 48 Hour Film Festival covering horror and science fiction themes. At the end of the event is a screening for all of the films. More info can be found at https://www.48hourfilm. com/wisconsin/horror_scifi

Wisconsin Book Festival

Oct. 23-26

For the 24th time Madison Public Library will be presenting author events free and open to the public. Works of fiction, nonfiction and poetry will be presented at the event. More info can be found at wisconsinbookfestival.org

Art Department’s Open House

Oct. 25

The Art Department will be hosting an Open House, giving the general public an inside look at their classrooms, studios, and labs. The event will also feature a showcase of art created by undergraduate and graduate students. More info can be found at art.wisc.edu.

November:

YES at The Orpheum

Nov. 3 8pm

Beloved rock band YES will perform at The Orpheum as a part of The Fragile Tour 2025. More info can be found at madisonorpheum.com/event/yes

Gutenberg! The Musical!

Nov. 6-23

The Overture Center will host this meta play about two men who pitch their minimally researched play about the creator of the printing press to Broadway producers. More info can be found at overture.org

Winter Art Fair

Nov. 8-9

The Wisconsin Alliance of Artists & Craftspeople will be filling the Monona Terrace with all sorts of art for two days from 10am-4pm. More info can be found at artcraftwis.org

Native Art Market

Nov. 8-9

At Arts + Literature Laboratory there will be workshops, a market and other special events. A full list of artists will be available soon. More info can be found at artlitlab.org

Drefahl embarked on “There is much pain in this world but not in this room” after seeing positive responses to the usage of pop icons in her previous pieces. One piece depicts a fuzzy creature sitting next to a large strawberry with a bite taken out of it. In a nonsensical pop culture reference to the song “Life is Good” by rapper Future, text at the top of the painting says “CHILLIN ON A” while text at the bottom reads “A WEEKEND LIKE USUAL.”

“I think I’m just really drawn to digital culture,” Drefahl said. “I mean, everyone relates to it these days.”

Drefahl finds inspiration for her work in mundane online scrolling. This process leads to her painting both viral images like a horse captioned “We’re so back” and a UW–Madison student passed out with a bag of Doritos.

“I have a folder in my camera roll where I collect things whenever I see them,” she said. “I think the things I paint feel like they are kind of taking a screenshot of the way that people interact online.”

Drefahl said she tries to pick out subject matter based on how accessible and comprehensible the meme is for a general audience. One painting of hers that didn’t make the cut depicted a girl dressed as an Oompa Loompa from the Glasgow Willy Wonka experience, which she said she felt was too niche.

This dedication to accessibility led to animals being a common theme in the exhibition.

“I think that a lot of my pieces center around people sharing things online through animals,” Drefahl said.

Drefahl’s work was selected by the Wisconsin Union Directorate’s art committee (WUDArt) from among dozens of exhibit proposals for display in Union South. According to WUDArt advisor Tony Wise, the committee considers relevance and uniqueness when choosing exhibitions.

Drefahl said she was honored to be selected by WUDArt.

“At first I was shocked,” she said. “A couple years ago I used to volunteer for [WUDArt] and I would do the install.”

Drefahl said that for her next project, she would like to make a functional art object.

“I’ve been doing more ceramics this summer, I want to work in oil, I want to do more large works,” she said. “I also like painting really fast and being messy and not giv-

ing a fuck.”

“There is much pain in this world but not in this room” will remain on display through Sept. 12 in Gallery 1308 on the 1st floor of Union South, which is open 8am - 10pm.

KAYLA NELSON/THE DAILY CARDINAL

Taste of Madison spotlights local food, music and community

By Madison Moris LIFE & STYLE EDITOR

Taste of Madison returned to Capitol Square this weekend, featuring over 80 restaurants, beverage stands and live music to raise money for local charities.

The annual festival has been organized by Madison Festivals Inc. since 1983. The event is paid for through beverage sales and sponsors, along with more than 30 local volunteer groups. Madison Festivals serves as a non-profit organization that aims to give back to the Dane County community by donating over $90,000 annually.

With items priced from $1 to $7, it’s an a ordable way to taste the unique flavors of Madison all in one place.

“It’s a great way to taste di erent cultural foods,” said Argyle, Wisconsin, native “Al.” Al and his wife Renae have been attending the festival for four years. Their favorite item is Pad Thai from the vendor Thailand in a Truck.

Taste of Madison brings the city’s diverse food community together, featuring vendors in eight di erent categories: African, American, Asian, Dessert, Latin American, Southern/Southwestern and Vegan/Vegetarian. The event o ers something for everyone with its gluten, dairy and nutfree options, along with vegetarian and vegan items.

& style Finding balance during the first week of classes

By Kaylie Wiedmeyer

LIFE & STYLE EDITOR

With food in hand, Al, Renae and other attendees surround-

The first week of classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison moves really fast. New faces, new routines and, for many freshmen, a new city. While navigating lecture halls, reading through class syllabi and figuring out office hours may be top priorities for many students, the first week of classes is also about setting the tone for the rest of the school year.

Amid the many homework assignments, exam study sessions and jobs or internships, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the frenzy. Before you know it, the school year is already over.

Luckily, there’s a few things students can do to balance their workload and make the most of the academic year: use helpful on-campus resources for career success, get involved socially and find ways to relieve stress.

Career Resources

There are countless opportunities to get involved on campus during the first week of classes, as well as on-campus resources to help you build a sturdy foundation as you navigate through the academic year.

For many students at UW-Madison, securing a job post-grad can be intimidating, and many students are looking for ways to gain more experience and build their resumes. Student organizations are a great way for students to not just make friends, but explore prospective career paths and gain experience.

The Student Organization Fair will take place at the Kohl Center on Sept. 9 and Sept. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m., where students can discover student orgs, meet with them and find ways to make an impact on campus.

SuccessWorks is also a valuable

ed the capital with blankets and chairs to listen to live music on two stages. Headliners included Michigan rock band Pop Evil and country artist George Birge, who played on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Entertainment was not limited to

music, with Playtopia o ering games and a climbing wall. The Tailgate Zone was the stop for UW Athletics spirit, photo ops and giveaways.

If you missed Taste of Madison 2025, the Dane County Farmers’ Market will continue every Saturday until Nov. 8. In

addition, on Oct. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m., the Madison Night Market offers the chance to support local restaurants and businesses on State Street, showcasing handmade products, local art, artisan gifts and food, along with fresh produce.

resource to students on campus that offers career exploration, resume workshops, interview feedback and job and internship help. SuccessWorks helps students optimize their time by teaching them how to leverage their degrees and experience and giving them the knowledge they need to be successful post-grad.

Stress Relief

For students looking to get active, the Bakke and Nicholas Recreation Center frequently hold fitness and

wellness classes for students. Whether it be a 5k running workshop, mindfulness meditation or a group cycling class, these recreational centers offer ways for students to get active and find balance amid a busy schedule.

Outdoor yoga and meditation classes are also hosted at the Memorial Union Terrace, giving students the chance to be present and mindful beside Lake Mendota.

Building Social Connections

The Wisconsin Union also hosts events for students throughout the

year. From pottery workshops, to film screenings and live music, the Wisconsin Union has a variety of events available for students to connect and try something new alongside student orgs.

For new and returning Badgers, this week is about more than just starting new classes. It’s about setting the tone for the rest of a great academic school year, one with balance, community and success. From on-campus resources, finding ways to stay mindful and engaging with UW-Madison’s social community, there are many ways to achieve a well-rounded school year.

MADISON MORIS/THE DAILY CARDINAL

ISABELLA BAJARAS/THE DAILY CARDINAL

photo feature

Students gather for The Badger Bash event at Union South on Aug. 26, 2025.

JAKE PIPER/THE DAILY CARDINAL

Band members perform at The Badger Bash on Aug. 26, 2025.

JAKE PIPER/THE DAILY CARDINAL

JAKE PIPER/THE DAILY CARDINAL

Students enter Camp Randall on Aug. 26, 2025.

JAKE PIPER/THE DAILY CARDINAL

Students moving in to Dejope Hall on Aug. 26, 2025.

Students okay a cornhole game at The Badger Bash on Aug. 26. 2025.

JAKE PIPER/THE DAILY CARDINAL

A student poses for a photo in front of Bascom Hall on Aug. 26, 2025.

JAKE PIPER/THE DAILY CARDINAL

photo feature

BAILEY KRAUSE/THE DAILY CARDINAL

A UW Marching Band drummer preforms at Convocation 2025.

BAILEY KRAUSE/THE DAILY CARDINAL

Mnookin walks through rows of students at Convocation 2025.

BAILEY KRAUSE/

KRAUSE/

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