Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
@milwaukeenns.org
We're a nonprofit news organization that has been focused on underserved neighborhoods in Milwaukee for 14 years. We aim to educate, celebrate and illuminate. Our website: https://milwaukeenns.org/
A New Year’s Eve tradition in Milwaukee’s Native community is returning after several years away.
Read the story here:
milwaukeenns.org/2025/12/29/s...
By Meredith Melland
Photo courtesy of John Koster/Milwaukee Intertribal Circle
#Milwaukee #NativeCommunities #CulturalTraditions
Read the story here:
milwaukeenns.org/2025/12/29/s...
By Meredith Melland
Photo courtesy of John Koster/Milwaukee Intertribal Circle
#Milwaukee #NativeCommunities #CulturalTraditions
December 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A New Year’s Eve tradition in Milwaukee’s Native community is returning after several years away.
Read the story here:
milwaukeenns.org/2025/12/29/s...
By Meredith Melland
Photo courtesy of John Koster/Milwaukee Intertribal Circle
#Milwaukee #NativeCommunities #CulturalTraditions
Read the story here:
milwaukeenns.org/2025/12/29/s...
By Meredith Melland
Photo courtesy of John Koster/Milwaukee Intertribal Circle
#Milwaukee #NativeCommunities #CulturalTraditions
A former foster child from Milwaukee is using her lived experience to advocate for foster youth across Wisconsin.
Read the story here:
milwaukeenns.org/2025/12/22/w...
By Chesnie Wardell
Photo courtesy of Christine Woods
#Wisconsin #FosterCare #YouthAdvocacy #MentalHealth #CommunityLeadership
Read the story here:
milwaukeenns.org/2025/12/22/w...
By Chesnie Wardell
Photo courtesy of Christine Woods
#Wisconsin #FosterCare #YouthAdvocacy #MentalHealth #CommunityLeadership
December 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM
A former foster child from Milwaukee is using her lived experience to advocate for foster youth across Wisconsin.
Read the story here:
milwaukeenns.org/2025/12/22/w...
By Chesnie Wardell
Photo courtesy of Christine Woods
#Wisconsin #FosterCare #YouthAdvocacy #MentalHealth #CommunityLeadership
Read the story here:
milwaukeenns.org/2025/12/22/w...
By Chesnie Wardell
Photo courtesy of Christine Woods
#Wisconsin #FosterCare #YouthAdvocacy #MentalHealth #CommunityLeadership
Whether you’re a new homeowner or just trying to make sense of your tax bill, here’s a breakdown of how property taxes work in Milwaukee: milwaukeenns.org/2025/12/09/w...
What you need to know about property taxes in Milwaukee
Whether you're a new homeowner or just trying to make sense of your tax bill, here's a breakdown of how property taxes work in Milwaukee.
milwaukeenns.org
December 12, 2025 at 4:47 AM
Whether you’re a new homeowner or just trying to make sense of your tax bill, here’s a breakdown of how property taxes work in Milwaukee: milwaukeenns.org/2025/12/09/w...
Reposted by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Love this! The closer we get to the natural world, the healthier we become. @milwaukeenns.org
'New nonprofit wants to connect Black and Brown people to nature' milwaukeenns.org/2025/11/24/n...
'New nonprofit wants to connect Black and Brown people to nature' milwaukeenns.org/2025/11/24/n...
New nonprofit wants to connect Black and Brown people to nature
Urban Nature Connection will bring people to nature via outdoor activities, partnerships and advocacy.
milwaukeenns.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Love this! The closer we get to the natural world, the healthier we become. @milwaukeenns.org
'New nonprofit wants to connect Black and Brown people to nature' milwaukeenns.org/2025/11/24/n...
'New nonprofit wants to connect Black and Brown people to nature' milwaukeenns.org/2025/11/24/n...
Reposted by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, a division of Wisconsin Watch, was recognized for its work advancing inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. NNS journalism amplifies underrepresented voices, deepens public understanding and builds bridges across Milwaukee. Follow them @milwaukeenns.org.
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service named 2025 IDEA Champion of the Year
The Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service’s Ron Smith has been named the 2025 IDEA Champion of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Southeastern Wisconsin.
wisconsinwatch.org
November 26, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, a division of Wisconsin Watch, was recognized for its work advancing inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. NNS journalism amplifies underrepresented voices, deepens public understanding and builds bridges across Milwaukee. Follow them @milwaukeenns.org.
NEW: More turmoil for Milwaukee's Social Development Commission as volunteer legal counsel William Sulton resigns. Interim CEO and board chair Jorge Franco said Sulton resigned out of frustration with the “toxic” behavior of commissioners who have publicly criticized the board’s leadership.
William Sulton resigns as attorney for the Social Development Commission
In an email Thursday, William Sulton said he was no longer the legal counsel of the Social Development Commission.
milwaukeenns.org
October 17, 2025 at 1:46 PM
NEW: More turmoil for Milwaukee's Social Development Commission as volunteer legal counsel William Sulton resigns. Interim CEO and board chair Jorge Franco said Sulton resigned out of frustration with the “toxic” behavior of commissioners who have publicly criticized the board’s leadership.
Although the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” offers new tax deductions and credits across different income levels, low-income households – the bottom 20% of income earners – are largely excluded from any significant tax benefits.
Here’s how Trump’s new tax law affects people with low incomes
Llow-income households are largely excluded from any significant tax benefits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
milwaukeenns.org
October 1, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Although the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” offers new tax deductions and credits across different income levels, low-income households – the bottom 20% of income earners – are largely excluded from any significant tax benefits.
“Community has always been at the nexus of everything I’ve been a part of ... I really wanted a job that’s in the community. I want to be somebody that’s external facing.” -- Oby Nwabuzor, founder of Envision Growth
‘Quiet power': How Oby Nwabuzor centers public health in her real estate development firm
Oby Nwabuzor, a Milwaukee native, works at the intersection of public health, real estate development and systems innovation.
milwaukeenns.org
September 30, 2025 at 6:07 PM
“Community has always been at the nexus of everything I’ve been a part of ... I really wanted a job that’s in the community. I want to be somebody that’s external facing.” -- Oby Nwabuzor, founder of Envision Growth
“I’m sure there were mismanagement issues to contend with, and I’ll be able to articulate that better when all the smoke clears ... But SDC is a victim of some wrongdoing, and, yes, that will come to roost.” - Jorge Franco, interim CEO and board chair of SDC
‘SDC is a victim’: Agency blames state for 2024 shutdown
The Social Development Commission criticizes the state’s oversight and reimbursement process in a memo to the federal government
milwaukeenns.org
September 24, 2025 at 5:30 PM
“I’m sure there were mismanagement issues to contend with, and I’ll be able to articulate that better when all the smoke clears ... But SDC is a victim of some wrongdoing, and, yes, that will come to roost.” - Jorge Franco, interim CEO and board chair of SDC
🎉 We're excited to share that former Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service intern Brittany Carloni recently joined Wisconsin Watch as a reporter covering state government and politics! If you have suggestions for Brittany, her email is in the article 👇
There’s no place like Wisconsin for covering state government and politics
It's a full-circle moment for Brittany Carloni, the new state government and politics reporter at Wisconsin Watch.
milwaukeenns.org
September 23, 2025 at 5:47 PM
🎉 We're excited to share that former Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service intern Brittany Carloni recently joined Wisconsin Watch as a reporter covering state government and politics! If you have suggestions for Brittany, her email is in the article 👇
The program will pay to send approximately 11,500 low-income students per year to driver’s education classes on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested students and/or their families ages 14 to 19 can go to the WisDot website and fill out an application.
Free driver’s ed is available for eligible youths. Here's how it works. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Students throughout Wisconsin who receive free or reduced lunch can now apply for free driver’s education classes.
milwaukeenns.org
September 1, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The program will pay to send approximately 11,500 low-income students per year to driver’s education classes on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested students and/or their families ages 14 to 19 can go to the WisDot website and fill out an application.
The property at 310 E. Knapp St. is owned by the Milwaukee School of Engineering but will remain in use by the federal government through at least April 2026, with options to extend through 2028, said JoEllen Burdue, the college’s senior communications director.
Federal government extends lease at downtown building used by ICE | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
The federal government has extended its lease on a downtown property used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, records reveal.
milwaukeenns.org
August 21, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The property at 310 E. Knapp St. is owned by the Milwaukee School of Engineering but will remain in use by the federal government through at least April 2026, with options to extend through 2028, said JoEllen Burdue, the college’s senior communications director.
The Pathfinders Employee Collective held a rally earlier this month, sharing their respect for the agency’s mission, their care for the youths they serve and their need for stronger and healthier working conditions ... “Our working conditions are our young people’s living conditions."
Pathfinders employees seek training and transparency as they attempt to form union | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Workers cite retaliatory terminations and inconsistent wages at agency that serves youths.
milwaukeenns.org
August 14, 2025 at 2:43 PM
The Pathfinders Employee Collective held a rally earlier this month, sharing their respect for the agency’s mission, their care for the youths they serve and their need for stronger and healthier working conditions ... “Our working conditions are our young people’s living conditions."
The Milwaukee Police Department is still undecided about whether to expand its use of facial recognition technology. Since the passage of Wisconsin Act 12, the only official way to amend or reject MPD policy is by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Common Council, or 10 members.
MPD still weighs expanding use of facial recognition technology | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
The Milwaukee Police Department hasn’t made a decision yet on whether to expand its use of Facial Recognition Technology.
milwaukeenns.org
August 11, 2025 at 12:15 PM
The Milwaukee Police Department is still undecided about whether to expand its use of facial recognition technology. Since the passage of Wisconsin Act 12, the only official way to amend or reject MPD policy is by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Common Council, or 10 members.
Have you heard about the Milwaukee Baseball Club Community Center? The facility is home to the Milwaukee Baseball Club and the Milwaukee Brewers’ Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, or RBI program, run by founder and CEO Julian Haliga.
Photos: Meet Julian Haliga, the man dedicated to reviving baseball in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Julian Haliga opened the Milwaukee Baseball Club Community Center to improve training and increase access for central city youth.
milwaukeenns.org
July 31, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Have you heard about the Milwaukee Baseball Club Community Center? The facility is home to the Milwaukee Baseball Club and the Milwaukee Brewers’ Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, or RBI program, run by founder and CEO Julian Haliga.
“I think Black men aren’t trusting the system due to economics and the feeling of not being in control of the situation." -- Michael Adams, heart attack survivor and president of JobsWork MKE
He survived a heart attack. Now he wants other Black men to do the same. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Michael Adams wants Black men to take care of themselves by listening to their instincts and trusting the health care system.
milwaukeenns.org
July 25, 2025 at 2:46 PM
“I think Black men aren’t trusting the system due to economics and the feeling of not being in control of the situation." -- Michael Adams, heart attack survivor and president of JobsWork MKE
"Despite Milwaukee’s designation as a Water Centric City, our Black and brown communities have experienced decades of disinvestment in neighborhood pools, resulting in improper maintenance, a lack of qualified lifeguards, and closures of aquatic facilities."
Opinion: Here’s why we need to make water safety education a priority in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Water safety education is a critical part of drowning prevention to learn about the risks and dangers associated with water; how to respond in emergencies;- and how to stay safe while enjoying…
milwaukeenns.org
July 21, 2025 at 5:50 PM
"Despite Milwaukee’s designation as a Water Centric City, our Black and brown communities have experienced decades of disinvestment in neighborhood pools, resulting in improper maintenance, a lack of qualified lifeguards, and closures of aquatic facilities."
Residents of Metcalfe Park maintain hope that officials will change their minds about plans to close the Pick 'n Save in their neighborhood or at least keep it open longer. Residents are planning to march and rally outside the store from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 18.
‘The only grocery store in the neighborhood’: Community weighs in on Pick ‘n Save closing | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Some residents are learning in real time that their neighborhood grocery store will close Friday.
milwaukeenns.org
July 17, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Residents of Metcalfe Park maintain hope that officials will change their minds about plans to close the Pick 'n Save in their neighborhood or at least keep it open longer. Residents are planning to march and rally outside the store from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 18.
“I understand people want to light fireworks, but, I mean, you have to understand fire safety. My whole thing is – what goes up must come down. When those fireworks come down, they’re going to be hot.” - Homer Blow, who witnessed a fireworks-related fire near his Milwaukee home on July 4th
‘What goes up must come down’: Illegal fireworks linked to rising number of Milwaukee fires | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Illegal fireworks were the cause of a fire near Sherman Park on the Fourth of July. The incident is part of a growing trend in Milwaukee: fires caused by illegal fireworks on the Fourth of July.
milwaukeenns.org
July 11, 2025 at 7:14 PM
“I understand people want to light fireworks, but, I mean, you have to understand fire safety. My whole thing is – what goes up must come down. When those fireworks come down, they’re going to be hot.” - Homer Blow, who witnessed a fireworks-related fire near his Milwaukee home on July 4th
Responding to Kroger's recent announcement of plans to close five Milwaukee grocery stores, Melody McCurtis, deputy director and lead organizer of Metcalfe Parks Community Bridges, a resident-led organization, says there’s more than a food desert in the city: There’s food apartheid.
‘Deepening the crisis’: Pick 'n Save’s closing creates community uproar | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
The plan to close the Pick ‘n Save’s North Side location in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood has raised a number of concerns for residents.
milwaukeenns.org
July 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Responding to Kroger's recent announcement of plans to close five Milwaukee grocery stores, Melody McCurtis, deputy director and lead organizer of Metcalfe Parks Community Bridges, a resident-led organization, says there’s more than a food desert in the city: There’s food apartheid.
MKE Roots is a professional development program for Milwaukee-area teachers that includes a weeklong summer training in which they visit local landmarks and meet with historians and community leaders. Now, it's losing its federal funding and will have cut staff and scale back programming.
A program helps teachers tell Milwaukee’s untold stories. The Trump administration says it will no longer fund it. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
The U.S. Department of Education will stop funding a local program helping local teachers delve into Milwaukee’s lesser-known history. Program staff are appealing the decision.
milwaukeenns.org
July 3, 2025 at 10:47 AM
MKE Roots is a professional development program for Milwaukee-area teachers that includes a weeklong summer training in which they visit local landmarks and meet with historians and community leaders. Now, it's losing its federal funding and will have cut staff and scale back programming.
“As you go through becoming a parent, no one educates the non-birthing people or men on how to navigate changes within yourself." - Joshua Liston-Zawad, founder of Dad Doula University
How one father developed a doula program for dads | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Joshua Liston-Zawadi is using his experiences to help other dads navigate the birthing process.
milwaukeenns.org
June 30, 2025 at 1:42 PM
“As you go through becoming a parent, no one educates the non-birthing people or men on how to navigate changes within yourself." - Joshua Liston-Zawad, founder of Dad Doula University
"Act 12 was not only anti-Black, it was outdated and misanthropic. Wisconsinites who are united in seeing a better quality of life for themselves need to work on repealing Act 12, and to create legislation that is life affirming." Opinion: milwaukeenns.org/2025/06/25/o...
June 27, 2025 at 3:47 AM
"Act 12 was not only anti-Black, it was outdated and misanthropic. Wisconsinites who are united in seeing a better quality of life for themselves need to work on repealing Act 12, and to create legislation that is life affirming." Opinion: milwaukeenns.org/2025/06/25/o...
“Having someone who can help us build stronger networks, have an informed leader in these different rooms – it expands our ability to educate others who don’t understand this and to empower people who are impacted but unsure of what to do." - Emilio De Torre, executive director of Milwaukee Turners
Here’s why some in Milwaukee say we can’t afford to lose Emily Sterk | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Emily Sterk is completing a national fellowship at the Milwaukee Turners, where she humbly blends rigorous research and coalition-building to confront mass incarceration.
milwaukeenns.org
June 26, 2025 at 3:34 PM
“Having someone who can help us build stronger networks, have an informed leader in these different rooms – it expands our ability to educate others who don’t understand this and to empower people who are impacted but unsure of what to do." - Emilio De Torre, executive director of Milwaukee Turners
ICYMI earlier this month, the Milwaukee Police Department released its 2025 Violent Crime Reduction Plan. The new plan provides data on violent crime trends in Milwaukee and current MPD strategies to reduce violent crime. Here's an overview of what that means for Black and Brown neighborhoods.
The Milwaukee Police Department has a plan to reduce violent crime. Here’s what that means for your neighborhood. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
MPD officials used community feedback and data analysis to identify crime hot spots and have now developed specific strategies to increase safety in Milwaukee neighborhoods.
milwaukeenns.org
June 26, 2025 at 10:47 AM
ICYMI earlier this month, the Milwaukee Police Department released its 2025 Violent Crime Reduction Plan. The new plan provides data on violent crime trends in Milwaukee and current MPD strategies to reduce violent crime. Here's an overview of what that means for Black and Brown neighborhoods.