News Net Times and Rosebud theaters to reopen in August (probably)

Since sifting through dull newspapers, hyperbolic blogs, and overflowing RSS feeds for meaningful news can be an arduous process, News Net catches and compiles both the amusing and the significant reports that were overlooked over the weekend. Here are some things to think about as the workweek begins.

• It’s been more than four months since the Times and Rosebud theaters closed their doors, depriving Milwaukeeans of classic films, not-so-classic films, and butter-covered floors that could stop an angry kitty in its tracks. But seriously, we loved the Times and Rosebud, which is why we’re excited for a (tentative) reopening in August. The Wauwatosa Patch is reporting that work on the theaters is “full speed ahead.”

• Like the rest of us, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn and mayor Tom Barrett are busy dudes. Unlike the rest of us, Flynn and Barrett are often called upon to appear at “public listening sessions” about the way police handled a distraught mother of a teenage shooting victim. So when the two leaders’ hectic schedules ran head-first into said “listening session” last week, sparks flew. According to WISN:

A crowd gathered at Rufus King High School to question the way police treated the mother of Darius Simmons, a Milwaukee teen who authorities said was gunned down as his mother watched. The chief addressed the crowd but instead of taking questions, told them he was leaving.

“As you know, I’ve got to go to another engagement right now and give another talk,” police Chief Edward Flynn said Thursday night.

That prompted outcry from the crowd. Many walked out chanting, “No justice. No peace.”

Barrett, meanwhile, offered this “I got shit to do!” excuse:

“There was no intent there to disrespect anybody. It was simply the police chief and I both were making an appearance before the Fire and Police Commission, then the public was making an appearance before the Fire and Police Commission, and the police chief and I both were going to be attending this graduation at the police academy.”

Community activists have declared a “crisis of leadership” following the botched Q&A, and have called on Flynn and Barrett to make amends and/or get a handle on their Google Calendars.

• The Journal Sentinel’s Daniel Bice has the delightful story of a phony Ald. Bob Donovan Twitter account that raised the hackles of the real Ald. Bob Donovan. The account, @TheFighting8th, is currently suspended, though that hasn’t stopped Donovan from coughing up zingers like this:

“People responsible for that garbage ought to—for their own sake—get a life. I think they’re losers to begin with.”

• A third Louis C.K. show has been added at the Riverside this fall. The new show is scheduled for Oct. 11 at 10 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

• ThirdCoast Digest’s Mark Metcalf chatted with Andy Nelson and Tiffany Coris of the Pabst Theater about the upcoming Fish Fry & A Flick season.

• Hard rocking Milwaukee group Jimmy At The Prom has released a red vinyl seven-inch recorded live at the Riverside Theater. The disc was produced by Alice Cooper bassist Chuck Garric, and can be purchased here.

• OnMilwaukee.com is honoring the memory of former colleague Tim Cuprisin, who died last fall of melanoma. The staff has set up a tribute fund with the American Cancer Society, and will run survivor stories throughout the week.

• This week’s recommended shows: King Tuff at Quarters Rock ’N’ Roll Palace July 16; The Blind Shake at Frank’s Power Plant July 17; Liars at Mad Planet July 18; Catacombz at The Hotel Foster July 18; Maps & Atlases at Cactus Club July 20; Collections Of Colonies Of Bees at Club Garibaldi July 20.