🌱 UW-Madison To Close COVID Testing + Warmest Dec. Day On Record

Morning, Madison! It's Thursday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in Madison today.

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First, today's weather:

Much colder. High: 35 Low: 24.

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Here are the top stories today in Madison:

1. The University of Wisconsin will be closing several of its COVID-19 testing sites this spring, including Union South, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, and the Holt Center. Only the University Club will continue to offer COVID-19 testing, while UW will be pivoting to offer at-home rapid tests. (Daily Cardinal)
2. On Wednesday, Madison set a record for the warmest December day in the city's history. Wisconsin is known for its cold, snowy winters, but over the past 50 years, average winter temps have crept up by five degrees. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)
3. A Tornado Watch was issued for southwestern Wisconsin, including all of Dane County, until 11 p.m. on Wednesday. The National Weather Service officially issued the Tornado Watch at about 5:30 p.m. the same day. (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)

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Today in Madison:

• Virtual Career Night! At Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (5:30 PM)
• LEARNING LAB: Mental Health Practices for the Virtual World At Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (5:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• It's a big day, friends! Today, Wisconsin Cheese announced the penultimate weekly winner of the 2021 Cheese Board Awards! After today there will be only one more winner to announce before the grand prize winners are chosen! (Instagram)
• The Waupun Area Animal Shelter is asking for your help in finding a home for Miss Athena, a black cat. Athena came to us a surrender. She has been at the shelter for a little over a month and is ready to be in a home of her own. (Facebook)
• The Wisconsin Arts Board is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program. These apprenticeships are offered to exemplary practitioners of traditional music, dance, craft, foodways, storytelling, and more. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.