Happy Friday, Milwaukee. In today’s edition: Property tax basics, the nutcracker, a free holiday drone show, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Project enters second half: Lisbon Avenue’s rebuild remains on track, with major work slated for early 2026. Westbound reopened from 86th to 100th, and eastbound lanes are expected to reopen by mid-December, weather permitting — get all the details.

Asthma hotspots under scrutiny: Milwaukee’s MKE FreshAir Collective released a 2024 air quality report using 21 sensors, pinpointing higher PM2.5 in Menomonee Valley, and is expanding its monitoring network — learn what the report found.

Milwaukee property tax basics: City officials explain how property taxes fund services, the 22.93 mill rate, and why 2025 assessment increases of 14.39% for homes and 17.11% for commercial may not raise every bill — see how property taxes work.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Enjoy candlelit trails, cocktails, and tarot
• Experience Milwaukee Ballet’s Nutcracker with live orchestra
• Cozy Christmas cinema at Indigenous Roots
• Shop 45+ handcrafted local goods
• Meet Father Christmas at Pabst Mansion
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Milwaukee drivers, plan ahead: WisDOT announced more long-term closures for Milwaukee’s I-94 rebuild. Starting Monday, Dec. 15, the Mitchell Blvd westbound on-ramp and eastbound off-ramp close through March 2026. Hawley Road at I-94 will fully close in late December or early January into late 2028. The West Leg will add a fourth lane each way and redo key interchanges. See closure dates and timeline.

Late-night bus coverage expands: Ring in 2026 safely. Molson Coors and MCTS will offer fare-free bus rides on New Year’s Eve from 8 p.m. Dec. 31 through the end of service, with extended runs on select major routes until 4 a.m. Jan. 1. Now in its 37th year, the program keeps Milwaukee moving. See routes and hours.

Fresh cut, zero pressure: Milwaukee’s inclusive, gratuity-free Nice Hair books by time, not upsells, delivering lived-in color, sharp shags, and everything between. They recycle 95% of salon waste through SalonCycle, so your hair and conscience feel lighter. Been hair-procrastinating? Consider this your nudge.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🕯️ A Tribute to Adele @ St. James 1868 | Friday (12/12) at 6:30pm – This candlelit tribute to Adele fills The Abbey at St. James 1868 with strings, soul, and the kind of acoustics that make you rethink your breakup from 2011. Expect hits, goosebumps, and an elegant night out that ends at a civilized hour.

🩰 The Nutcracker @ Marcus Performing Arts Center | Friday (12/12) at 7:30pm – Whether you’ve seen it a dozen Decembers or somehow missed it, Milwaukee Ballet’s reimagined Nutcracker is back after sellout seasons to out-charm your holiday to-do list. Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium delivers spectacle, snow, and enough mischief to keep adults grinning, kids dazzled, and in-laws impressed.

This weekend

💍 Wire Wrap Ring Workshop for Beginners @ Angelic Roots | Saturday (12/13) at 1:00pm – Consider this crafty happy hour, a beginner wire-wrap ring workshop with Djuro where you make a crystal bead ring to flaunt, admire, or gift. All supplies are included, tools, beads, and silver wire, and spots are limited to 12, so snag yours online.

🏛️ Drop-In Tour @ Milwaukee Art Museum | Saturday (12/13) at 2:00pm – Meet in Windhover Hall by the main entrance and tag along on a one-hour docent tour that covers collection gems and the Museum’s jaw-dropper architecture. It’s drop-in, low effort, high payoff. Included with admission, and free if you’re a member, which you probably are.

🎆 Free Holiday Drone Show @ Veterans Park | Saturday (12/13) at 5:00pm – Skip the tangled light strings at home and watch Milwaukee’s sky do the work at a free holiday drone show. Bring the crew, grab a hot chocolate, and pretend the brisk breeze is festive. Zero traffic on the roof required, just wonder, warmth, and oohs.

✨ Merry & Bright Holiday Market @ Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. | Sunday (12/14) at 10:00am – Merry & Bright Holiday Market returns to Anodyne in Walker’s Point for year five with 20-plus vendors, handmade goods, and enough coffee to power your gift list, free to attend. Station 1846 joins on Bruce Street with food, beverages, and more, consider it caffeine-fueled cardio.

🛍️ Holiday Market @ Station 1846 | Sunday (12/14) at 10:00am – If you like your holiday shopping with actual snowflakes, not mall fake, Walker’s Point has you. Station 1846’s outdoor market brings local makers, seasonal cocktails, live music, and yes, real reindeer. Bundle up, buy gifts, linger, then brag about supporting local.

🎨 Folk Art Paint & Sip @ Cafe Corazon | Sunday (12/14) at 8:00pm – Skip the home projects and let Café Corazón Bay View host a paint and sip measuring borders, decorating pieces, and picking designs that look intentional. You create, you sip, you snack on chips, salsa, and guac, and you might actually hang it.

Next week

🍾 Sparkling Wines of Italy @ Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens | Monday (12/15) at 5:30pm – Sparkling class at Villa Terrace means one thing: Italy says cin cin, and it brought Prosecco, Franciacorta, Lambrusco, and a few show-offs you can pronounce. Sip the good stuff, get a guided museum tour, leave inspired, and ready for holiday gifting, hosting, and treating yourself.

❄️ Snomad Winter Pub @ Nomad World Pub | Tuesday (12/16) at 12:00pm – This winter wonderland is loaded with over-the-top décor and enough cozy vibes to melt even the iciest mood. Sip a latte by day or switch to holiday cocktails when the evening crowd rolls in. Keep an eye out for fun themed gatherings all season.

📻 A Live Radio Play @ Milwaukee Repertory Theater | Tuesday (12/16) at 6:30pm – Holiday nostalgia calls for something better than another TV rerun, so catch It’s a Wonderful Life as a 1940s live radio play, complete with vintage sound effects, carols, and five actors playing everyone. Big heart, sly humor, zero commercials. Bring the fam, or escape them.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/12 Justin Witte @ Nashville North – 8 pm
• 12/13 Chris Haise @ Motor Bar – 5:30 pm
• 12/13 Dinner Detective @ Hyatt Regency Milwaukee – 6 pm
• 12/14 Gratia @ All Saints’ Cathedral – 2 pm
• 12/15 Chris Isaak @ The Riverside Theater – 7:30 pm
• 12/16 The Rick Holmes Band and more @ Magoo’s on the Mound – 6 pm
• 12/18 Sugo Funks @ Nashville North – 7:30 pm
• 12/19 The Jimmys @ Anodyne Coffee Roasting – 7:30 pm
• 12/20 DJ GidMoney @ City Social – 9 pm
• 12/21 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas @ The Riverside Theater – 3 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Milwaukee edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: David Geszvain (Compass RE WI-Tosa)

In Halyard Park’s sweet spot, this renovated stunner pairs city-center convenience with sanctuary vibes. An open concept main level flexes between living, dining, and family zones, plus a legit bonus room or office, dressed in rich textures, custom millwork, and crisp designer accents.

Upstairs brings oversized bedrooms and spa-caliber baths, all drama, zero fuss. The lower level begs for finishing into a gym, theater, or studio. Outside, a fenced yard, gated driveway, and attached garage lock in privacy, practicality, and strong main-character energy.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →