Hi friends,
As the year winds down, this week’s stories highlight celebration, investment, and momentum across our communities — from major philanthropic gifts and milestone events to youth entrepreneurship, arts opportunities, and big developments in local sports. Here’s a look at what you might have missed. And as we look toward 2026, your support ensures that Madison365 can continue delivering reporting that reflects and serves our diverse Wisconsin communities. Thanks to NewsMatch, every dollar you donate before December 31 will be matched — doubling your impact.
365 Amplified: No Wax Cloud Dancer Edition
As promised after last week’s grammar discussion, Rob talks through the etymology of the word “sincere” and Omar coins a new slang term. All that only after:
We get updates on stories we’ve been following in the Sun Prairie Area School District and the Dane County Department of Human Services.’
We look ahead to the CEOs of Tomorrow “Pitch and Launch” event this weekend
We note a few local elected officials who announced this week that they’re running again
Rock County Board Supervisor Genia Stevens joins us to tell us why she’s not running again, how Rock County JumpStart is expanding and what new endeavor she’s launching
We make note of the “Color of the Year” and the issues with this year’s selection
Photo by Omar Waheed.
Black Men Coalition Foundation to host 3rd annual Revitalize Gala Dec. 19
The annual Revitalize Gala will celebrate Black excellence and support programs focused on leadership, healing, and economic empowerment.
MTZ Family Life Center receives $1M donation from Ascendium
The seven-figure gift will support expanded services and long-term sustainability for the Madison-based community organization.
EXPO of Wisconsin to host retirement party for Jerome Dillard, a revered figure in the reentry community
Community members will gather to honor Jerome Dillard’s decades of work supporting formerly incarcerated individuals.
Photo by Omar Waheed.
Young entrepreneurs will pitch, launch and test business ideas at Saturday’s CEOs of Tomorrow 15th Pitch & Launch Competition
High school students will present business ideas and compete for funding and mentorship opportunities.
Madison Black Chamber of Commerce hosts third annual Holiday Black Bazaar
The event will spotlight Black-owned businesses just in time for holiday shopping.
Rally, Madison: women’s soccer team identity revealed
Madison’s new USL W League team unveiled its name, crest, and visual identity ahead of its inaugural season.
Madison USL women’s team adds Milwaukee Wave keeper William Banahene to coaching staff
The team announced Banahene as a goalkeeper coach, bringing professional playing and coaching experience to the staff.
Wisconsin ballers to watch in D1 and the NBA
A look at standout basketball players with Wisconsin ties making noise at the collegiate and professional levels.
Badger wrestling squad gets first sweep in over 10 years, beating Hofstra 41–0
Wisconsin wrestling delivered a dominant performance, marking a milestone win for the program.
Artists invited to submit work to Madison College’s 5th annual Dzigbodi Akyea Art Show
Madison College is seeking submissions from artists for its annual juried exhibition celebrating diverse voices.
And in other news …
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