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Good morning, Milwaukee! In today’s edition: Hugh Jackman’s candid chat, a hat burning workshop, gross out day’s weird science, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Specialty coffee consolidation continues: Family-owned Fiddleheads Coffee has been sold to FairWave Collective, bringing the roastery into the Kansas City-based group that also includes Milwaukee’s Anodyne. No immediate changes to operations have been announced — read the full story.
A surprising corporate pivot: Pinnacle Engineering Group has expanded and relocated its Milwaukee office to a 3,500-square-foot space in the Empire Building, replacing an undisclosed location as part of an effort to combat modernization trends — read the full story.
Candid moments and surprises: Hugh Jackman visited Milwaukee to promote A Song Sung Blue with Kate Hudson, chatting with Charlie Berens about a Neil Diamond tribute band, a Milwaukee couple, and an accent confession — read the full story.
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.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*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:
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🫶 We got your back
What drivers should know: Milwaukee parking meter rates will increase in early 2026, with changes rolling out in three phases over about four to six weeks, per the 2nd Aldermanic District. The city says the hike reflects rising costs to operate and maintain the parking meter system. Learn why and when.
Science + lake views: From the Reiman Aquarium to hands-on tinkering in the Kohl’s Design It! Lab, Discovery World turns a gray Milwaukee day into an “oh wow” afternoon. Take the kids or go solo, with plenty to poke, build, and marvel at without feeling like homework.
Burrito mood, solved: Whether you want it classic, smothered in red or green enchilada sauce, or in a naked bowl, Cafe Corazon rolls burritos with local cred, featuring pork pibil, avocado, lime-cilantro crema, pickled onion, and produce from its urban garden… a warm, satisfying wrap for any mood.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🍲 Feed the Soul Feed the Community @ Kennedy’s Circle of Wellness | Friday (1/9) at 6:00 PM – Want to feel good without pretending kale chips are dessert? This low-stress night pairs a nutrition talk, chair yoga you can actually do, and catered food that tastes like dinner, all while supporting the community. Stretch a little, eat well, leave virtuous, and actually helpful.
✨ Main Character Energy (2026 Vision Boards) @ Thirst Books | Friday (1/9) at 6:00 PM – Put that main character energy to work and make a 2026 vision board, the analog kind with scissors, glue, and a little audacity. It’s low stakes, high vibes, and surprisingly therapeutic. Come sip something, swap stories, and manifest like it’s a team sport.
🎉 Art Show Opening: Catherine Williams\ @ ArtBar\ | Friday (1/9) at 7:00 PM – Whether you love the spotlight, or prefer hiding behind a scarf, Catherine Williams’ HammerGams opens 2026 at ArtBar with moody self-portraits that toy with light, composition, and the awkward business of being seen. Cody James supplies the live tunes, and the show lingers through mid-February.
🚆 Train School @ New Berlin Public Library | Saturday (1/10) at 12:00 AM – Whether you were the kid with the Lionel set, or you just like watching tiny towns go by, Train School at the New Berlin Library has you covered. Local modelers share tips across hands-on stations, from scenery to wiring to operations. Free, friendly, and derailment-free.
🃏 The Waukesha Card Show @ Waukesha County Expo Center | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’re chasing that elusive rookie, vintage wax, or your kid’s latest Pokémon obsession, this card show’s packing 125-plus dealer tables, memorabilia, and bobbleheads. It’s two bucks to get in, benefits HAWS, and there’s a $100 shopping spree up for grabs. Bring elbow room.
🤢 Gross Out Day @ Discovery World | Sunday (1/11) at 10:00 AM – If your kids think slime is a food group, take them to Gross Out Day at Milwaukee’s Discovery World for reptiles, edible bugs, glow-in-the-dark goo, mystery boxes, and a live bug encounter. It’s weird science, zero screens, and yes, admission’s cheaper if you buy ahead.
🔥 Hat Burning Workshop @ BackStreet Pub & Grill | Sunday (1/11) at 12:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a girls’ night that pairs a drink with controlled fire, Backstreet’s hat burning night is it. Pick your hat, burn in a design with tools, then raid the accessory bar. No art skills required, big laughs, and chic results.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📣 Own or manage a local business?
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How it works:
- Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Milwaukee locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
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📻 Milwaukee report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 48°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 95%
Rain after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 42°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 33%
A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain and snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 1.5-bath ranch keeps life easy with a low-maintenance exterior and classic single-level layout. A bright eat-in kitchen shows off fresh paint, a new backsplash, ceramic tile, and all appliances. The living room brings warm hardwoods that continue through every bedroom.
A full hall bath with a shower-over-tub and ceramic tile pairs with a handy half bath. Storage lands in two linen closets and a front coat closet, with more space in a partially finished basement. The laundry area comes ready with a washer and dryer. Outside, a fenced yard and patio set the stage for backyard hangouts, and a 2.5-car detached garage adds parking plus room for bikes and gear.
Take a peek inside →
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