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Hey Madison, hope your week’s off to a good start!
In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Gold’s strongest run in decades, Wisconsin Vintage Fest, and a bat documentary screening + lots of fun things to do for free.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Madison protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
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đź“° In the news
Where media minds converge: Madison will host the 2026 WNA Annual Convention March 5-6 at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club, featuring workshops, networking, sessions, and panels for news leaders and aspiring journalists — get all the details.
New clerk search begins: Wausau City Clerk Kaitlyn Bernarde has resigned and will become Madison’s deputy clerk. She will continue in Wausau until April 9 following the spring election, recently honored for her work — see job requirements and details.
Turn ideas into ventures: Madison College’s teen Pitch competition seeks high school innovators. Submit a video by March 30, 2026 for a chance to win up to $500, with finale set for May 1 — see how and when to apply.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🏆 Gold and silver are heating up
Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold
Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.
While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.
If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.
It’s free and worth reading before the next move.
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🫶 We got your back
Weeknight pasta upgrade: Craving real noodles without boiling water? At Bar Corallini, hand-crafted tagliatelle, cacio e pepe, and ravioli are made daily, served with cozy neighborhood vibes and easy spritzes. It’s a treat-yourself dinner that still feels local, perfect for an easy weeknight upgrade.
Closet time travel: Seven local vintage hounds keep Good Style Shop stocked with everything from 1930s silk to ’90s Badger tees, so your weekday fits feel singular, not copy-paste. When the wardrobe itch hits, let the racks do the inspiring… effortless style, a little history, zero deja vu.
Three-minute deep chill: Busy week? Carbon World Health offers whole-body cryotherapy that’s quick, invigorating, and surprisingly fun. Step in, shiver a little, then step out feeling looser, clearer, and more alive. For recovery or mood resets, let the cold work its quiet magic.
Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.
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📆 Free events worth checking out
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🧵 4th Annual Shared Threads: Stories That Weave Us Together @ Goodman Community Center | Tuesday (3/3) at 4:30 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to talk about the stuff we usually sidestep, here it is. Chrysalis’ Shared Threads brings honest stories about mental health and HOME to the Goodman Community Center, with free seats, light bites, ASL, and a livestream. In-person fills fast, naturally.
🌍 International Festival @ Overture Center for the Arts | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Skip the TSA and take a world tour at Overture, with nearly 30 free performances by Dane County artists. Snack your way from samosas to strudel, browse crafts for sale, and meet local businesses with global roots. Show up in person, or stream select performances.
đź“– Madison Reads Leopold @ UW-Madison Arboretum | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Slip into the Arboretum Visitor Center for a come-and-go community reading of Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac, plus pieces by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Margaret Renkl, and Alberto RĂos. Leopold helped shape this place, so let the land have the mic, free, no registration.
🗝 Wisconsin Vintage Fest @ Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center | Sunday (3/8) at 11:00 AM – Swing by Monona Terrace for a one-day vintage spree, impossible to resist. Over 80 handpicked vendors with Y2K-and-earlier gems, from denim and jewelry to toys you swore you’d never see again, and yes, free admission. Relive your glory years, upgrade your closet, thank me later.
👶 Madison Community Baby Shower @ The Hub | Sunday (3/8) at 1:00 PM – Bring your village instincts to a free community baby shower with Planned Parenthood, celebrating new and growing Madison families. Because baby gear multiplies faster than spring potholes. Pick up or pass along supplies, meet local orgs, volunteer if you like, or email [email protected] to donate.
🥾 Nature Hike @ UW-Madison Arboretum | Sunday (3/8) at 1:00 PM – Think you know your phenology, or at least how to say it? Join a guided hike at the Arboretum for Leopold Weekend, tracing Aldo’s early research and restoration sites. Free, no registration, meet at the Visitor Center, wear sturdy shoes, and weather counts, because Wisconsin.
🦇 “The Invisible Mammal” – International Women’s Day Screening & Panel Discussion @ Lussier Family Heritage Center | Sunday (3/8) at 6:00 PM – International Women’s Day calls for a smarter night out, with The Invisible Mammal, a gorgeously shot doc on bats, disease, and yes, the women scientists fighting White-nose Syndrome. Then stick around for a panel, real talk, and networking. Free, suggested $5 donation, snacks for purchase.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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đź“» Madison report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 45°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 36%
A chance of freezing rain before 8am, then a slight chance of rain between 8am and 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. East wind around 0 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. East wind around 0 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 52°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 23%
A slight chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. East wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. East wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Someone Googled you this week đź‘€
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
Timeless 1916 character meets modern sophistication in this updated home steps from downtown, yet tucked from the bustle. Nearly every room frames sweeping views of Monona Bay and Brittingham Park. A thoughtful renovation added 700 square feet and two standout primary suites. An oversized two-car garage is a rare perk. Near Capitol Square and Badger games, plus John Nolen access.
Take a peek inside →
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