Ellie here. The Brewers had another tough 0-6 loss to the Cubs last night. The series currently sits at 2-2. They will face the Cubs again on Saturday at 7 p.m. at American Family Field.

This weekend is also homecoming weekend for UW-Madison! The Badgers face off against the Iowa Hawkeyes tomorrow at 6 p.m.

As a UW-Madison alum, I have so many fond memories of Badger games. I started going to Badger games when I was a kid, and I knew at that point that was where I wanted to go to college. The Camp Randall atmosphere is like nothing else!

It also reminds me of the endless small businesses throughout Madison, which leads us into our “Locals Love” section! Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of the small businesses you love.

Next week, I’d love to hear about your favorite pizza places around the state. Send them in and tell us why it’s your favorite to have them featured next Friday!

P.S. We’ll be taking Monday off to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day. See you back in your inbox Tuesday!

Makers Market Square in Mount Horeb. (Makers Market Square)

I asked you all to share some of your favorite small businesses from around the state. This is what you said:

🛍 Makers Market Square – Mount Horeb

“A brand new (opened mid-July) business that features over 80 local artists, artisans and makers. Spanning two floors of former bank and office space, Makers Market Square is a destination unlike any other.” – Kristin D.

👚 Geiger Awards & Apparel – Waukesha

“Geiger Awards & Apparel started in the 1970s (1972) with a simple idea: magnetic signs for cars and trucks.” – Tamara W.

📚 Rosalee Book Boutique – Beaver Dam

“It’s a lovely little bookshop and much needed after years without a bookstore here.” – Marilyn L.

🍷 Wind and Unwind – Waupun

“Has awesome salads, sandwiches, and a great wine selection.” – Adina H.

☕ The Hub – West Bend

“A coffee shop near the Museum of Wisconsin Art. It is staffed by volunteers and tips go to local nonprofit organizations.” – Therese R.

Don’t forget to share your favorite pizza spot—and tell us why—to be featured next Friday!

Several tree branches hanging over the Genesee River at Letchworth State Park in Castile on Feb. 11, 2025, have a glaze of ice over them. The rest of the tree is untouched by the frost. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

Julio Bravo, a food pantry associate, takes inventory of items in the Emergency Food Pantry at the Milwaukee Community Crossroads on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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