1. Take me out to the ballgame.
Wait, wrong sport. This week, Governor Scott Walker revealed his plan to fund the new arena for the Milwaukee Bucks. On Wednesday, June 7, Gov. Walker announced a $500 million dollar plan to fund the new arena with $250 million coming from the private sector and $250 million coming from Milwaukee Taxpayers.
What’s the issue? Cue private sector/public sector disagreements. Some taxpayers believe that the government shouldn’t be helping finance a sports stadium, but city leaders and legislators stood behind a podium with a sign that said “Cheaper to keep them." Them, as in the Bucks.
What comes next? The deal has to be approved by the Wisconsin State legislature, as well as the Milwaukee Common Council. There is no timeline on this deal, but the Bucks did unveil new jerseys for the next season.
2. Nom, nom, nom.
It is downtown dining week in Milwaukee! From June 4 until June 11 various restaurnts in Milwaukee will be offering three-course lunch meals for $12.50 and 3 course dinner meals for either $25-$35. Take advantage of these deals while you can! A full list of participating restaurants can be found here.
3. Missed connections.
Downtown Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Regional Medical center are two of the top job centers in the Milwaukee Metro area, but there is not an efficient way to travel between them. County Executive, Chris Able, has charged the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation to explore connecting these two regions with “Bus Rapid Transit” (BRS) as a more efficient way to travel.
Why does it matter? Anything to boost the economy, right? This new system is more modern and faster than the current MCTS transit, and while it has a high price tag associated with it, it is still cheaper than a light rail.
Speaking of transit, what is going on with the Milwaukee Streetcar?
Who knows.
4. Show your pride!
The Annual Milwaukee Pridefest occurred this past weekend on Summerfest grounds. Pridefest is a three day-LGBTQ+ festival that has been been happening in Milwaukee for about 20 years! The Festival hosted many singers, celebrities, and gender-neutral bathrooms for the first time! Pride co-producer, Kate Sherry stated, "We're all in this journey together, quite simply, and PrideFest is doing it's best to make sure we can provide at least three days out of the year when those in attendance can not only celebrate the vast diversity of the community, but to be safe, respected, and above all, celebrated themselves." On Sunday, there was the annual Pride Parade attended by thousands and the festival had a successful conclusion.
