Milwaukee, WI

I Use These Milwaukee Tools Every Day, and They’re up to 50% Off Ahead of Memorial Day

Published

3 hours ago

May 20, 2026

I Use These Milwaukee Tools Every Day, and They’re up to 50% Off Ahead of Memorial Day

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A good set of cordless tools will give your DIY projects polish, save you time, and make your life easier. But quality tools can be expensive. I use Milwaukee 18-volt tools in my personal tool kit and I’ve used them for everything from fixing my bathroom sink to building a deck. The batteries last at least 10 years without needing to be replaced, and the tools are comfortable to grip for long periods of time. There are some good Memorial Day deals at Home Depot on the tools I swear by.

If you’re starting a cordless tool set from scratch, a bundle will save you money and set you up with all the basics you need. Because these sets usually come with batteries and chargers as well as tools, they’re a good choice to begin a cordless tool set.

The Milwaukee 18-volt, six-tool set is now $499, 50% off its regular price. The bundle comes with a drill, an impact driver, an oscillating multitool, a circular saw, an angle grinder, a work light, two four-amp-hour batteries, a charger, and a tool bag. These tools can be used for basic projects, like hanging shelves, and for more advanced projects like cutting and building your own shelves.

Most DIY home improvement projects, from installing molding to repairing a deck will involve some cutting. Depending on what the scope of your project is, different types of cutting and shaping tools will be useful for different applications. There are a few good deals on cutting tools that will come in handy if you’re doing any building, patching, or rebuilding.

The 18-volt Milwaukee sawzall is $269, 51% off its usual price. This saw comes with a five-amp-hour battery, a charger, and a stacking case that’s compatible with the Milwaukee system. A sawzall is good for making rough cuts and trimming small to medium branches on trees and shrubs.

The 18-volt Milwaukee oscillating multitool is $119, 40% off its typical price. It comes with a two-amp-hour battery and a charger. This is the most versatile tool out there: It can be used to plunge cut, trim plaster and drywall, cut wood, PVC, metal, and foam, and can be adapted for sanding and buffing. I use my oscillating multitool on nearly every project I work on.

The Milwaukee 18-volt angle grinder is $299, 47% off its regular price. This tool comes with two six-amp-hour batteries and a charger. You can use an angle grinder for cutting metal, grinding welds, polishing metal, cutting off screw and nail tips that poke through, and for cleaning and buffing your surfaces. Some people use angle grinders for cutting tile and removing grout, but if you use yours for this, it’s important to make sure that the tile you’re cutting isn’t made from stone, that your material is wet, and that you wear proper safety gear like safety goggles and a respirator. The dust from masonry and tile can contain silica dust that’s quite dangerous to inhale.

What do you think so far?

This Milwaukee drill and driver are both on sale

A drill and driver are the most basic tools in a cordless set. Both the Milwaukee 18-volt, ½-inch chuck cordless drill and the 18-volt cordless impact driver are $129, 35% off their usual price. These tools will allow you to drive screws and bolts and drill holes for projects like mounting a flat screen TV or swapping out hardware on your cabinets.

These Milwaukee bits and extras are on sale, too

Milwaukee makes a wide range of tools to fit their 18-volt batteries, and one of my favorite surprise tools is on sale right now. There’s also an excellent deal on a hole saw set from Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee 18-volt cordless inflator is $299, 45% off its typical price. This tool comes with two six-amp-hour batteries and a charger. It can be really handy to have in your emergency roadside kit to inflate a tire and you can also use it for rafts or other inflatables. The inflator tool has a pressure gauge, an auto-shut-off feature, and three-foot hose for easy reach.

The Milwaukee eight-piece hole saw kit is $29.97, 40% off its regular price. The set comes with four sizes of hole saw blades, three drill bits, an arbor, and case. Hole saws can be used for cutting larger sized holes for passing wiring through timber, installing some types of door latches and knobs, and for creating cable pass-throughs in desktops.

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Milwaukee, WI

Yin, one of the Milwaukee County Zoo’s Chinese alligators, has died

Published

15 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Press Room

Yin, one of the Milwaukee County Zoo’s Chinese alligators, has died

A Yang without his Yin. The Milwaukee County Zoo is mourning the loss of another one of its animals.

Chinese alligator Yin, a longtime resident, was humanely euthanized in early May, the zoo shared in a Tuesday, May 19, post on its website and social media. She is suspected to have had ovarian cancer with metastasis, the zoo shared, citing preliminary necropsy results.

“Yin was a favorite among zookeepers and will be missed,” the post said. “She was very smart and slower to trust but comfortable once she knew the animal care team members. The zookeepers noted she was strong-willed and intelligent, and loved shrimp.”

When the animal care team noticed Yin was having mobility issues last June, the veterinary staff assessed her, which lead to antibiotic treatment for a spinal lesion, the post said. More recently, Yin’s skin condition and appetite have been declining.

“After much consideration about her quality of life, along with a poor prognosis, the team made the decision to humanely euthanize her,” the post said.

Yin was nearly 41 years old. The median life expectancy for a Chinese alligator in human care in 26 years old, according to the zoo.

Yin and male Chinese alligator Yang, 39, have been behind the scenes since Yin’s treatment began, with Yang providing companionship to her, the post said.

“In the morning, Yin and Yang were often seen laying closely, and they spent a lot of time together,” the post said.

Yin and Yang came to Milwaukee together from the Bronx Zoo in 1995.

Yang – who zookeepers note is healthy – will return to the Chinese alligator habitat, located in the zoo’s Aquatic & Reptile Center, once ongoing pool renovations to the habitat are completed, the post said.

The zoo has been in contact with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan Program coordinator, the post said, and Milwaukee will likely receive a recommendation for another female in the future.

Yin’s death comes just around a month after another longtime zoo resident, Brittany – a 45-year-old African savanna elephant – was humanely euthanized after her health declined. In September, one of the zoo’s other beloved geriatric elephants, Ruth, was euthanized after a couple of falls.

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Milwaukee, WI

From The Strokes to Benson Boone, 15 top summer concerts in Milwaukee

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2026

Press Room

From The Strokes to Benson Boone, 15 top summer concerts in Milwaukee

You may think Milwaukee’s summer concert season isn’t quite as hot for 2026 – and you’d have evidence to make your case.

American Family Field will host no major stadium tours for a second consecutive year. The Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival was called off. There have been some high-profile tour cancellations with scrapped local stops from Zayn and Pussycat Dolls. And as is always the case for a music fan in Wisconsin, seeing some of the biggest tours of the season is going to require a road trip.

But even taking all of that into consideration, the city is still overflowing with exciting concert options this June through August, from the largest venues to most intimate clubs.

Here are 15 top summer concert picks – but be on the lookout later this summer for separate recommendation lists for Summerfest and the Wisconsin State Fair.

As rappers who consistently defy convention to push their creativity into new territory, Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE have a lot in common. Now the longtime friends have something else that connects them: a new acclaimed joint album, “Pompeii//Utility,” and good reason to hit the road together.

When, where, how much: 7 p.m. June 22, the Rave, 2401 W. Wisconsin Ave. $60.50 to $150 at the box office and therave.com.

When the New York Times published their much-talked-about “30 Greatest Living American Songwriters” feature in April, there naturally were some living legends and bona fide superstars in the mix, including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Paul Simon and Taylor Swift. And there were unexpected and welcome surprises like Brandy Clark, an overlooked Nashville craftswoman behind signature songs for Miranda Lambert (“Mama’s Broken Heart”), Kacey Musgraves (“Follow Your Arrow”) and others, who brings tender musicality and witty wordplay to her own winning catalog.

When, where, how much: 8 p.m. June 22, The Argo, 334 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay. $48.95 to $68.56 at the box office and theargolive.com.

With the dynamic one-two punch of its first two electric art rock albums in 2021 and 2022 – “For The First Time” and “Ants From Up There” – British band Black Country, New Road quickly became a critics’ darling. But a few days before “Ants” came out, frontman Isaac Wood announced he was leaving the group, putting Black Country, New Road’s ascent into jeopardy. Despite the odds, the band’s upward trajectory continued with last year’s “Forever Howlong” that put the band in a new, equally exciting direction. Be sure to show up for opener Horsegirl, another emerging rock band getting plenty of buzz.

When, where, how much: 8 p.m. June 28, Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 N. Phillips Ave. $35.98 at the door, the Pabst Theater box office (144 E. Wells St.) and pabsttheater.org.

The last time Julian Casablancas sang “Last Nite” in Wisconsin was 15 years ago as part of Pearl Jam’s PJ20 festival at Alpine Valley Music Theatre. Three Strokes albums will have been released during that absence, including latest “Reality Awaits” coming out in June, but patient fans in Wisconsin should be rewarded with plenty of turn-of-the-century hits in the setlist. There’s also a special offer just for them: the Milwaukee date is the only stop of the band’s extensive tour to feature both Cage The Elephant and Thundercat.

When, where, how much: 7 p.m. July 17, American Family Insurance Amphitheater, Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive. $67.15 to $473.95 at the box office and amfamamp.com.

Less than a year ago Benson Boone was flipping around a Summerfest stage for a sold-out American Family Insurance Amphitheater concert, his first following the release of latest album “American Heart.” But people can’t get enough of the gymnastics and Freddie Mercury-style belting, because his Milwaukee return is already close to sold out, even though Boone doesn’t have new music to share (not yet, anyway).

When, where, how much: 8 p.m. July 22, Fiserv Forum, 1111 N. Phillips Ave. $123.30 to $430.10 at the box office and fiservforum.com.

There’s a lot that people love about Ryan Coogler’s blockbuster, Oscar-winning, 1932-set vampire film “Sinners,” but one of the most cherished elements is its celebration of the blues, with living legend Buddy Guy playing a pivotal part in the 2025 movie. That’s sparked renewed interest in Guy’s music and legacy, which makes the opportunity to see him particularly special – that, and the fact that he’ll turn 90 a few days after performing in Milwaukee.

When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m. July 26, Riverside Theater, 116 W. Wisconsin Ave. $72.50 to $176.41 at the door, the Pabst Theater box office and pabsttheater.org.

A highlight of the lineup at Justin Vernon’s cherished Eaux Claires festival, returning this July after an eight-year absence, is singer-songwriter Aimee Mann performing her 2000 album “Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo” in its entirety. But you don’t have to trek to Eau Claire to see Mann revisit one of the most celebrated albums of her career, with Mann also planning to perform songs featured in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1999 film “Magnolia” at this Milwaukee show.

When, where, how much: 8 p.m. July 27, Pabst Theater. $47.81 to $236.67.

“What were you like in the ’90s?” It’s a question you might have seen in your social media feeds this year, perhaps accompanied by old photos of celebrities. Guaranteed the music playing for most of those videos was Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris,” which has sparked a renewed interest in the band’s discography (even Pitchfork penned a tribute to the track), well timed ahead of their summer tour.

When, where, how much: 7 p.m. Aug. 6, BMO Pavilion, Maier Festival Park. $48.90 to $2,634.60 at the box office and bmopavilion.com.

Buffalo Nichols performs three songs for USA TODAY Acoustic

Buffalo Nichols performs “Cold Black Stare,” “The Difference” and “Belly of the Beast” for USA TODAY Acoustic in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newsroom.

Summer is the season of huge outdoor concerts and festivals, but tiny clubs still have some of the best live music of the season. Places like Shank Hall, Linneman’s, X-Ray Arcade, Falcon Bowl, Anodyne, Cooperage and MKeUltra will keep the shows coming, so check out their calendars. And if there’s one club show we’re especially excited about this summer, its Buffalo Nichols coming back to his hometown for an intimate set of stirring folk and blues originals.

When, where, how much: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 14, Cactus Club, 2496 S. Wentworth Ave. $20 to $25 at the door and cactusclubmilwaukee.com.

In 2022, after a 13-year absence, Tori Amos put on a powerful concert in Milwaukee that saw her frequently playing keys and piano simultaneously, while infusing her songs and a Joni Mitchell classic with impassioned vocals. It was one of the best concerts we reviewed that year, and we’re blessed the wait won’t be so long for Amos’ return, when she’ll have new songs to share from latest album “In Times of Dragons.”

When, where, how much: 8 p.m. Aug. 15, Riverside Theater. $64.55 to $308.29.

In 2024 pop rocker Bryan Adams was scheduled to play his first Milwaukee concert since 2011 at Fiserv Forum, but the show and others were quietly canceled with no explanation. For his attempted return after what has now been a 15-year absence, Adams has a special incentive for the cost of a ticket: Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar + Neil Giraldo as his opening act.

When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16, Fiserv Forum. $73.30 to $400.90.

It was a matter of when, not if, consistent hitmaker Tim McGraw would get inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In March fans found out it’s happening this fall, with McGraw hitting the road this summer to remind people who don’t need reminding why he’s so worthy of the honor.

When, where, how much: 7 p.m. Aug. 22, Alpine Valley Music Theatre, 2699 County Road D, East Troy. $35 to $2,195.70 at the gate and livenation.com.

The Australian trio has become one of the most celebrated live acts in EDM, getting headlining slots at premiere festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, and booking stadium gigs including Fenway Park in Boston. For Milwaukee this summer, that means a tour stop at the 23,000-person-capacity American Family Insurance Amphitheater – a massive upgrade from the Miramar Theatre they played their last time in town a decade ago.

When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26, American Family Insurance Amphitheater. $35 to $122.

In April, Milwaukee was lucky to get the opening night of Romeo Santos and Prince Royce’s tour, one of the most-anticipated Latin music tours of the summer. Just four months later, it’s happening again, when Puerto Rican superstar Chayanne kicks off what’s being billed as the final leg of his “Bailemos Otra Vez” tour at the Bucks’ arena.

When, where, how much: 8 p.m. Aug. 28, Fiserv Forum. $71.70 to $1,377.05.

We may not get another Harley-Davidson Homecoming this year, but it did give Milwaukee a lot of memorable performances. That included a spellbinding set last year from Sierra Ferrell, who brings an earthy, psychedelic style to her traditionally minded country and folk songs, and who will certainly offer fans a longer set this time than what a festival slot could provide last summer.

When, where, how much: 8 p.m. Aug. 29, Landmark Credit Union Live, 1051 N. Phillips Ave. $60.50 to $185.25 at the box office and landmarkculive.com.

Contact Piet Levy at (414) 223-5162 or plevy@journalsentinel.com. Follow him at facebook.com/PietLevyMJS.

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