Milwaukee like all major American cities has a relatively high crime rate, but since most crime is concentrated in specific poorer areas the majority of the city is perfectly safe. Though virtually all tourist destinations in and around Milwaukee are safe and accessible during the day and night, common sense should always apply. Like anywhere, it helps to be aware of your surroundings. Like in most American cities, dangerous neighborhoods tend to be very run down.
The areas of Milwaukee along the lakeshore also there where most attractions are tend to be the safest.
The west and south sides of Milwaukee also offer interesting tourist opportunities that include Milwaukee's famous Basilica and Frank Lloyd Wright's Greek Orthodox church. Crime can happen anywhere; don't let geographic stereotypes dictate your travels.
The area bounded by I-43 on the east, Capitol Dr on the north, North Ave on the south and Sherman Blvd on the west contains some of the poorest areas of the city and is especially dangerous. The Near South Side also has serious gang-related crime problems but is fine during the day, especially along the main commercial streets.
newspapers
Many community and neighborhood oriented weekly papers are offered for free in cafes and coffee shops.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (http://www.jsonline.com/) is Milwaukee's only major daily newspaper, distributed in the morning. $0.50 daily, $1.75 Sunday Edition.
The Shepherd Express (http://www.shepherd-expre...) is Milwaukee's free-press publication.
Two Cents MKE (http://www.2centsmke.com/) is a unique creative guide to discovering Milwaukee, a free bi-monthly magazine.
The Onion (http://www.avclub.com/mil...) is distributed free all over the place and has a good local events listing called 'The A.V. Club.'
OnMilwaukee.com (http://www.onmilwaukee.com/) has lots of reviews and event listings online.