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Twenty-five years ago, Bet-Z Boenning turned a dream into a landmark: Walker’s Pint, Milwaukee’s longest-running lesbian bar, opened without a business plan—just a fierce belief in community. When other local lesbian bars folded, Bet-Z seized the moment, finding her spot on her 30th birthday and building a haven where women felt seen. Through shifting nightlife trends, pandemic lows, and digital d...

A Republican congressional candidate, Michael Alfonso, sparked controversy by claiming the U.S. funds “transgender surgeries for goats in Afghanistan” — a hyperbolic jab at government waste. While no such surgeries exist, the U.S. did spend $6 million importing Italian cashmere goats to Afghanistan, which mostly died and failed to revive the textile economy. Alfonso’s campaign also cited absurd ex...

Festa Italiana Returns to Lakefront | Milwaukee News

A major bipartisan housing bill—designed to curb investor buying and boost affordability—just passed Congress, but its future hangs in the balance as the President refuses to sign it without a separate voting reform bill. Meanwhile, Rep. Tom Tiffany, who ran ads promising to stop Wall Street from snapping up homes, missed three key votes on the bill, citing “fly-in days” in Wisconsin. Critics are...

Early morning crash on I-43 near Hales Corner sends pickup truck flipping into marshland—driver walks away with minor injuries. Not the first time Milwaukee highways have seen airborne vehicles: a 2021 truck plummeted 70 feet off the Zoo Interchange, and last December, an FBI agent’s SUV hung off I-794. Speed and split-second decisions can turn routine drives into wild, dangerous moments. Listen i...

Step into the past at Alpine Retreat, a historic restaurant near Holy Hill listed for $674,900 — complete with turn-key bar, four-bedroom apartment, and parking for 30 cars. Once part of a 60-acre estate known as The Old Frontier Inn, this 1920s gem (possibly 1940s) was revived by the Nencka family in 1941 as Ranch Moraine, later becoming Alpine Retreat — famed for its fieldstone interiors, cozy f...

Wisconsin regulators are doubling down on strict new rules requiring data center developers to prove financial stability—either through a solid credit rating or a financial guarantee—before connecting to the power grid, to shield ratepayers from potential costs if projects fail. We Energies and Oracle pushed back, arguing the rules could cost Oracle over $100 million annually and deter investment,...

Vice President JD Vance is launching a major crackdown on the H-1B visa program, accusing foreign fraudsters of undercutting American wages and issuing subpoenas to investigate abuses. While the Labor Department’s Inspector General confirms dozens of subpoenas have been sent, immigration lawyers argue fraud is rare and this move aligns more with political rhetoric than reality. Though existing saf...

Wisconsin’s Supreme Court just handed Attorney General Josh Kaul a major win, ruling he can direct multistate lawsuit settlement money through the state’s general fund — a victory that undermines Republican-era laws meant to limit executive power. The court’s liberal majority sided with Kaul, who argued the funds are properly managed by depositing them into the general fund and then allocating the...

Lincoln Avenue School is gone after a devastating fire, but students won’t miss a beat—thanks to a bold move to relocate to Casimir Pulaski High School, the only spot big enough to keep the whole community together. With no other empty buildings on the south side and the former charter school now shuttered, Pulaski’s ready to welcome Lincoln Avenue kids with their own entrances, offices, and cafet...

Wisconsin just shut the door on last-minute ballot changes after a candidate drops out—early voters now locked in once they cast their ballot, even if their chosen candidate withdraws before Election Day. The Elections Commission, voting 4-2, ended the old practice of unlimited recasting, citing a court ruling. Voters used to spoil and re-vote up to three times without hassle, but now that flexibi...

Milwaukee’s heat is back—expect highs in the low 90s starting early next week, with no rain in sight. After a mild weekend in the low 80s, temperatures will climb to 92°F on Monday, then dip slightly through the week, but stay dangerously warm. Stay hydrated, find cool spots, and brace for a full-on summer heatwave. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount...

Voters are set to decide in November on a $897 million courthouse project — a massive public investment sparking debate over priorities and taxpayer money, with officials racing to get the referendum on the ballot and giving citizens a direct say in one of the area’s largest spending decisions. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN...

For 130 years, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp in Wisconsin has been a timeless escape where kids reconnect with nature, tradition, and each other—no screens allowed. Led by CEO Jeff Spang and staff like second-generation counselor Charlie Lovett, the camp thrives on intergenerational bonds, where campers become counselors and laughter replaces scrolling. With counselors who grew up there acting as living...

Waukesha Foundry is undergoing a leadership change as longtime president Steve Cooke steps down, paving the way for Jake Walczak—currently director of operations—to take the helm. Walczak’s internal promotion signals continuity and deep familiarity with the company’s operations, while Cooke praises the team and hints at a smooth transition. With Walczak now at the top, the foundry’s future directi...

A wolf in Isle Royale National Park has gone rogue, brazenly raiding tents, dragging gear, and even crashing one—forcing the park to shut down all tent and hammock camping from July 9th to 31st. Staff are deploying noise weapons, paintball guns, and loud deterrents to scare the habituated predator away. Visitors are urged to secure all food and scented items, keep distance from wolves, and never f...

Wisconsin’s Supreme Court just handed Attorney General Josh Kaul a major victory, letting him direct multi-state lawsuit funds straight to state programs — bypassing the Legislature’s control. The ruling overturns a 2018 law that forced settlement money into the general fund, sparking a legal battle that began in 2021. With a liberal majority (including a swing conservative vote) siding with Kaul,...

Milwaukee police are investigating a early-morning shooting on July 10th near 12th and Hadley — a 38-year-old victim suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. No arrests yet, but authorities are urgently seeking witnesses or tips. Call 414-935-7360 or use Crime Stoppers or the P3 Tips app to help solve it. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn....

Milwaukee’s weekend is electric with festivals, live music, and deep cultural dives—from Grateful Dead tributes at Bayshore to Italian fiestas at the Maier grounds. Underground sounds meet big stages with Jeff Rosenstock and Benjamin Tod, while niche gems like a Lord of the Rings candlelight concert and a Brew City Boat Party with EAZYBAKED keep things fresh. History buffs can explore women’s cont...

Wisconsin’s Medicaid fraud crisis hits hard: millions meant to save newborns vanished into pockets of shady prenatal care operators. Markita Barnes, a key culprit, raked in $2.3 million by faking services and stealing moms’ IDs—then jetted off with designer bags and vacations. Convicted in 2025 on 20 felonies, she’s now serving over 10 years, though she’s appealing. Her case is just one of many—$1...

Two sisters in Milwaukee finally got their frozen debit card activated after Contact 6 intervened, unlocking $2,000 in vital funds—just one of 19 consumer wins last month. Viewers saved over $21,000 total, including refunds and a Waukesha woman’s $1,700 windshield replacement saved when her insurer covered the full cost. If you’re stuck, Contact 6 might be your lifeline. Listen in comfort: Get a d...

Sortwell Fundraiser Amid Past Abuse Allegations | Milwaukee News

Wisconsin’s secretary of state race is boiling over with drama and division as a crowded field jostles for control of the state’s election future. With the current holder running for lieutenant governor, Democrats and Republicans are throwing their hats into the ring — including JoCasta Zamarripa, a progressive focused on affordability, and four GOP contenders all vying to reshape the office’s rol...

Milwaukee County’s courthouse overhaul just hit a staggering $900 million — double the original estimate — sparking a fierce debate over who pays. With aging, unsafe buildings and a mounting maintenance backlog, officials say it’s a matter of when, not if, the new courthouse is built. But one supervisor is pushing for a November ballot referendum to let voters decide whether the County Board can a...

Six Wisconsin universities are shining as top value picks for students—UW-La Crosse leads the state at 12 nationally, offering tuition around $19,500 and grads earning over $60,000. The report highlights that real value lies in graduation rates and career payoffs, not just sticker prices. Five other Badger schools also cracked the top 50, proving Wisconsin’s public universities deliver strong ROI...