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Hi Milwaukee, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Steve Martin & Martin Short, Rufus Du Sol, Clue’s 40th with Lesley Ann Warren, and more.

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Preparing the future workforce: On Feb. 16, three Milwaukee organizations announced AI Ready, an after school program teaching high schoolers AI basics, résumé building, interview prep and links to real career paths — read the full story.

Advancing real-world water solutions: The Water Council’s 2026 BREW 2.0 cohort features startups from eight countries, beginning in April in Milwaukee and culminating with a public showcase on June 17 and an investor event — get all the details.

Resident-led neighborhood revitalization: Metcalfe Park Community Bridges has transformed two foreclosed houses last year and a third recently into affordable homes using a 15 year lease to own model for neighbors — see how the program works.

A growing network of care: Milwaukee’s Tahira Malik, founder of Samad’s House, was honored with the Outstanding Citizen Recognition Award at Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s 2026 Black History ceremony for leading overdose prevention and recovery efforts — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

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.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!

Highlights this week:

• Shop local at Milwaukee winter market
• Savor brunch and support local farmers
• Celebrate Clue’s 40th with Lesley Ann Warren
• Sample soups, vote, win raffle prizes
• Shop 120 vendors under one roof
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🫶 We got your back

Grief and secrets collide: Swing State is now on stage at Milwaukee’s Next Act Theatre. The drama follows a recently widowed woman on a rural Wisconsin prairie whose life is upended by a mysterious theft. Tickets are priced from $29 to $44. Read the full story.

Big-room beats on tap: Rufus Du Sol is bringing their pulsing live show to the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on August 26, their first Milwaukee stop in nearly a decade. The Australian trio tours behind Inhale Exhale. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. Get all the details.

Seasonal wood‑fired goodness: Birch turns weeknights into something special with a hyper-seasonal, Midwestern menu cooked over a wood-fired hearth. Produce comes from partners like Stone Bank Farm and the West Allis Farmers Market, and the vibe stays cozy and thoughtful… a welcome reset.

Pro tools, home vibes: Whether you’re building a fresh setup or retiring that warped sheet pan, Fein Brothers stocks foodservice-grade gear for pros and home cooks. Their crew actually knows spatulas from skimmers, so you leave with tools you’ll reach for daily.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎨 Where the Sky Meets You Paint & Sip @ Stroke of Genius | Friday (2/27) at 6:30 PM – Craving a window seat without battling TSA? Stroke of Genius hosts a guided paint and sip where you’ll capture glowing skies from an airplane window, all supplies included, wine for purchase. Beginner friendly, great for date night, cheaper than airfare, longer than a layover.

🎤 Steve Martin & Martin Short @ Steve Martin & Martin Short | Friday (2/27) at 8:00 PM – Steve Martin and Martin Short hit the Miller High Life Theatre with a polished circus of wit, music, and perfectly timed, good-natured jabs. Expect banjos, razor-sharp banter, and the Champagne of comedy nights from two pros who still know exactly where your funny bone lives.

♻ Plastic-Free MKE Volunteer Training @ UWM School of Freshwater Sciences | Saturday (2/28) at 1:00 PM – Plastic-Free MKE’s volunteer training teaches you to table, run a refill station, and recruit Lake Friendly businesses. Come in person for the camaraderie, join virtually, or nab the recording with a quick quiz, and yes, registration is required because saving the lake takes coordination.

❄ Coldest Night of the Year 2026 @ City on a Hill | Saturday (2/28) at 4:00 PM – Suit up for a free, family-friendly winter walk with City on a Hill tackling hurt, hunger, and homelessness, because Milwaukee treats brisk walks like a sport. Start a team, join one, or donate, then stroll, share a meal, and head home with warmer hearts.

🍵 Sweetheart Tea @ Pabst Mansion | Saturday (2/28) at 4:30 PM – Pabst Mansion is pouring a Sweetheart Tea with bottomless champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and signature teas in Mrs. Pabst’s Parlor. Bring a Valentine or Galentine, roam the first floor like Milwaukee royalty, remember, it’s tea not a tour, seats are limited, and no vegan or gluten-free.

🎬 Sunset Boulevard @ Oriental Theatre | Saturday (2/28) at 7:00 PM – Nothing beats classic noir on the big screen. The Filmographers give Billy Wilder his close-up with Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood’s juiciest cautionary tale. Expect a cynical screenwriter, a gloriously unhinged diva, and sharp, writerly banter from Michael Moreci and Keir Graff.

🍹 Milwaukee’s Best Bloody @ 3rd St. Market Hall | Sunday (3/1) at 11:30 AM – Fourteen years in, Milwaukee’s Best Bloody is basically a civic duty. Sample top-shelf Bloodys, cast your vote for Best Overall, then lean into the complimentary appetizer buffet, beer chasers, and raffles, all supporting Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation. Grab tickets, bring your spicy opinions.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Milwaukee report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 40°F – Low: 30°F – Precip: 8%

Partly sunny, with a high near 40. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 57°F – Low: 27°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

This house is wild

This turnkey ranch in Copernicus Park is loaded with updates. The remodeled kitchen features sleek cabinetry, granite counters, a wraparound backsplash, and under cabinet lighting. Three main floor bedrooms showcase hardwoods, and a 2024 basement primary adds an egress window and closets. An enclosed patio and fenced yard pair with a new roof, water heater, radon system, A/C, and windows.

Take a peek inside →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• Regrow thicker hair in 3-6 months + get 20% off for life
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• See how to save up to 58% on GLP-1s with Fridays
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%