These experts from the UW–Madison faculty and staff have agreed to comment on breaking news, ongoing developments and trends in their areas of expertise. If you need help arranging interviews, email University Communications.
Wisconsin's lost winter
Unseasonably warm weather in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest have brought a winter with little snow and balmy temperatures months before spring is due. Experts from UW–Madison are available for interviews on the story.
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Susan Carpenter on: Is it time to start tending the garden and lawn?
Susan Carpenter is an expert on native plant gardening and the importance of healthy pollinator habitats. She can speak to what Wisconsinsites may and may not want to consider doing in their gardens and lawns during the unusually warm weather.
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David Drake on: Warm winter impact on wildlife
Curious what the impact of warmer winter weather is on wildlife? Are animals getting confused by the extreme temperature changes? David Drake, an expert on wildlife management, can lend his expertise.
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Susan Paskewitz on: Early tick season
Entomology professor Susan Paskewitz says the unseasonably warm weather is bringing an early season for insects. "We're already seeing ticks," says Paskewitz.
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Jonathan Martin on: Cold air pool at near record low
The amount of frigid, arctic air above the Northern Hemisphere is at its second-lowest recorded level. Jonathan Martin, professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences, has studied this cold air pool for nearly a decade. His 2015 study identified a trend of shrinking arctic air that begin in the 2000s. Martin is available for interviews about the study and this year's diminished cold air pool.
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Steve Vavrus on: Warming winter weather trend
Steve Vavrus, senior scientist at the Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research, is available for interviews about this season's warm, dry El Niño weather pattern, the impact of climate change and the ongoing trend of warming winters in Wisconsin.
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David Marcouiller on: Impact on tourism
Wisconsin's unseasonably warm and dry winter continues with temperatures reaching the high 60s and even low 70s. While it's good news if you don't like shoveling, the weather can be a challenge for businesses with Gov. Evers announcing that many Wisconsin businesses may be eligible for a federal disaster loan program. David Marcouiller, an expert on the economics of outdoor recreation and tourism, can discuss how businesses pivot.
Experts on today’s news
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Max Besbris on: Realtors association settlement
The standard commission for buying or selling a home has been dismantled, after a striking settlement between the National Association of Realtors and groups of homeowners. Max Besbris, an expert on the housing market, is available for interviews about the settlement and what its potential impact.
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James Lattis on: April 8 total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse will cross over North America on April 8. Viewers in cities like Little Rock, Dallas and Buffalo will have the opportunity to experience the totality zone as the eclipse makes its way across the country. Jim Lattis, director of UW Space Place, is available for interviews about the eclipse and what viewers can expect.
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Sara McKinnon on: The Darien Gap
The issue of illegal immigration has drawn attention to the Darien Gap, a dangerous jungle passage that cuts through parts of Central and South America. The passage is a route increasingly used for people seeking asylum in the United States. Sara McKinnon is a professor of Rhetoric, Politics and Culture and an expert on human migration in South and Central America. McKinnon is available for interviews in English or Spanish on the Darien Gap. She recently wrote abut the topic for The Conversation.
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Dave Schroeder on: TikTok on borrowed time?
The House voted Wednesday to pass legislation that could ban TikTok in the U.S.
House Democrats and Republicans say the legislation, which would pressure TikTok's China-based owner to divest, is needed to protect Americans' data. The bill moves to the Senate next.
Dave Schroeder, an expert on information technology and cybersecurity, can discuss.
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Laura Jull on: Updated plant hardiness zones
For the first time since 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has updated its plant hardiness maps. Several areas in Wisconsin have been assigned new planting zones which could change the road map for the state's growing season. Laura Jull, associate professor and extension specialist of plant and agroecosystem sciences, is available for interviews about the shift and what it could mean for gardeners.