Who we are. Where we go. What we need to know.
What will you be doing? Perhaps parade-ing with the fam, grilling out — classic — or hitting up Summerfest (like me).
If you're still figuring it out, here's a look at the July Fourth festivities around the area.
Let’s talk business
$43 million. That's how much Milwaukee Public Schools will lose out on in state aid next school year. Why? MPS over-reported its costs, and therefore, was overpaid by the state Department of Public Instruction for 2023-24, according to DPI. The errors were tied to the problematic operation of MPS' understaffed finance office. Ways to offset the loss could include budget cuts, dipping into the district's savings or raising local property taxes. Though, many school board members want to avoid further impact to Milwaukee taxpayers, who will already see a property tax increase from the district's referendum.
During the Republican National Convention, those with credentials will be able to get a taste of the area's businesses at Convention Fest. The fest's marketplace will feature 100 local businesses and their offerings, including Immy's African Cuisine, Scrima's Pizza, Slo' Motion BBQ and Ainnie's Sweets. The event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. July 15-18 outside the Baird Center, facing the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
Can 35 years old be considered historic? Depends on what we're talking about, apparently. 100 East's owners are planning to convert their building into apartments — and want to use federal and state historic preservation tax credits to help do so. While the Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission has endorsed the building's nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, it'll still need approval from the National Park Service. The building is the most important Milwaukee example of post-modern design, said Andrew Stern, a city historic preservation planner. The National Register does have other post-modern buildings around the same age, but this would be the first in Wisconsin.
Out and about
The new Vel R. Phillips Plaza in the heart of downtown's west side had its grand opening last week. The 30,000-square-foot public space will feature a kiosk with information on Phillips' life, an art display, a garden, a rapid bus transit station and a potential streetcar extension. A building on-site will offer food and drinks starting this fall under a lease with the operator of Draft & Vessel. The plaza plans to host community events, like farmers markets and food trucks. Mayor Cavalier Johnson, other city officials and Phillips' son, Michael, were there for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Milwaukee Art Museum's new Thursday Nights — which run through the end of August — include pay-what-you-wish admission, access to MAM's permanent collection and special exhibits, live music, a bar in Windhover Hall and cafe specials. Here's what to know, including hours. Note: There will be no Thursday Nights event on July 4.
The African Cultural Festival is this Saturday at Brown Deer Park (areas 2 and 3). There will be a "parade of nations," performances by musicians and dance groups, a fashion show, African cuisine, art, vendors and a children's area. It's free to attend and open to the public.
And, just like that, we're somehow already heading into Summerfest's final weekend of 2024. Last weekend at the Big Gig, Keith Urban made his show pretty darn special for this Milwaukee couple. Kelsey Jackson and her fiancé Collin Ciombor happen to be getting married on Urban's birthday this year. Jackson put that on a poster, which did indeed catch the country star's attention. Here's what happened next.
Don’t go hangry
"Savor the taste of green acres and farm living at a farm-to-table dining event, and help support farm families and local producers," wrote JS staffer Elaine Rewolinski. Here are ate, err eight, around the state, from Milwaukee's Urban Farm Dinner Series to Pizza on the Farm at Stoney Acres Farm in Athens.
If you haven't made it to 1033 restaurant and wine bar yet — like me 😅 — we only have until July 13. After that, it'll be closing to undergo a reevaluation. The owners plan to re-concept it to some sort of wine bar with a simple and approachable cuisine and an extensive beverage program, co-owner Rob Levin said in an Instagram video. It'll reopen in the "very near future."
Later this summer, Lemongrass by EE-Sane — a new Thai-Lao restaurant — will be opening in the former home of Twisted Cafe, 1505 N. Farwell Ave. The menu will feature familiar dishes with a modern twist, including avocado and smoked salmon spring rolls and noodle dishes, like pad thai. It's being opened by Moukdala Phommanilath, who helped out and cooked at her grandparents' eatery, EE-Sane Thai-Lao Cuisine.
Warning: Do not read this on an empty stomach. Dining critic Rachel Bernhard just shared the "Best Bites" she had in June, from a spicy steak panini to banana pudding.
Here are the talkers
The RNC in Milwaukee — where former President Donald Trump will accept the GOP presidential nomination — will happen before he faces criminal sentencing in his New York hush money case. The sentencing was initially scheduled for July 11 — just days before the start of the RNC — but has been postponed to Sept. 18. Here's why.
Be MKE,
Hannah
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To see what I'm up to around the city, follow me on Instagram @hannahhopekirby. Always keeping it pretty profesh over on Twitter @hannahhopekirby. Be MKE love or comments can be sent to hannah.kirby@jrn.com.
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