The first episode of This Week in Waukesha for 2026 kicks off with host Don Browne and producer Max Martinson reflecting on the holidays before diving into what the new year holds for Waukesha County. Don shares insights from a recent trip to Springfield, Illinois, for a youth softball tournament, including a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, and uses that experience to explore the growing economic power of youth sports complexes. The conversation turns local with a discussion of a proposed multi-sport athletic facility in New Berlin, its potential impact on regional development, and what similar projects could mean for Waukesha County. The episode also takes time to reflect and remember, honoring the legacy of Bob Uecker and sharing personal remembrances of loved ones lost over the past year.