Good morning and happy Saturday! Here’s your weekly review of the stories shaping our communities — from new learning spaces and leadership insights to sports highlights and arts that honor Indigenous traditions. Catch up on everything you might have missed this week.

Rob's flying solo today, with a few news updates: a new Congressional candidate in western Wisconsin, an effort to support a beloved local musician who collapsed on stage after a heart attack last week, a recap of Madison College's first-ever trip to the national junior college men's soccer tournament, and a review of "Planets as Stars," the poetry-driven performance we previewed on the podcast last week.

Then, he talks to Kynala Phillips, the editor of a new community journalism project at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and an alum of Madison365's internship. Finally, he offers a bit of the Madison365 origin story, our philosophy, what community journalism means to us, and why we need you your support.

You’re reading the highlights of the week’s news from Madison365 … that means you care about what we do. Why not take some ownership? Imagine getting next week’s newsletter and thinking, “I helped make that happen.”

We are a nonprofit newsroom, which means we exist to serve our community — with our community’s support. And right now, every donation you give is doubled by the NewsMatch program from the Institute for Nonprofit News. Your $10 becomes $20, your $50 becomes $100, your $100 becomes $200.

Learn more and donate now at Madison365.org/Donate!

🔗 Madison College unveils new construction and remodeling learning space
Madison College opened a hands-on learning lab designed to expand opportunities in construction, carpentry, and home remodeling trades.

🔗 Prince Hall Masons of Madison deliver winter clothing, Thanksgiving dinner baskets to local families
The Prince Hall Masons provided warm clothing and holiday meals to families across Madison as part of their annual community outreach efforts.

🔗 Fundraiser looks to support beloved local hip-hop artist Rob Dz after heart attack
Community members are rallying to raise funds for Madison artist and educator Rob Dz as he recovers from a recent heart attack.

🔗 Beyond the Title: Renee Moe
Renee Moe reflects on leadership, service, and the mission that drives her work at United Way of Dane County.

🔗 Beyond the Title: Patrick Chaves
Buena Tierre Run Club founder Patrick Chaves shares the personal experiences and professional moments that shaped his path into community-focused leadership.

🔗 Dream Catcher Housing Initiative breaks ground on Menominee Reservation
A new nonprofit launched its first major homebuilding project on the Menominee Reservation, marking the area’s first multi-home development in more than 25 years.

🔗 Jackson’s Yard Care introduces snow removal training program
A local yard care business is launching a new training initiative to prepare workers for seasonal snow removal jobs.

🔗 The Selfless Way: Selfless Ambition
This week’s leadership column explores how ambition rooted in service can transform personal growth and community impact.

🔗 Dane County Board unveils Indigenous art installations
New art installations throughout county buildings celebrate Indigenous culture and acknowledge the region’s original caretakers.

🔗 Four freshmen you need to see this season
A new class of standout high school basketball freshmen is already making noise and worth keeping an eye on this year.

🔗 Hallman, Connolly selected for Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community Impact Award
UW student-athletes Zay Hallman and Erin Connolly were honored for their leadership and commitment to community service.

🔗 Racists are now openly targeting Indian Americans
🔗 Shar-Ron Buie, JustDane to be honored at 2025 MOSES Transformation Celebration Gala Saturday
🔗 Carvd N Stone will highlight positivity in the Milwaukee community at inaugural gala Dec. 11
🔗 “Everyone is hunkering down”: The affordability crisis is rattling mom-and-pop shops

Keep up with the news by following us on BlueSky , Facebook , Instagram  and Twitter, and watch Madison365.org  for the latest news every day.