Isiah Holmes

Recent Articles

Police Chief Jeffrey Norman Talks Crime, Guns and RNC

Police Chief Jeffrey Norman Talks Crime, Guns and RNC

Milwaukee's top cop appeared before the Milwaukee Press Club Thursday.

Milwaukee Landlord Berrada Drops Lawsuit Against Tenants Union

Milwaukee Landlord Berrada Drops Lawsuit Against Tenants Union

Lawsuit 'a retaliatory measure for tenant organizing in Berrada buildings,' group charges.

State of the Tribes Speech Emphasizes Diversity

State of the Tribes Speech Emphasizes Diversity

Potawatomi chairman James Crawford notes diversity of 11 tribes and their common needs.

Tranq Testing Strip Bill Passes Assembly

Tranq Testing Strip Bill Passes Assembly

Strips test for horse tranquilizer xylazine increasingly mixed with heroin, opioids.

GOP Bill To Limit John Doe Cases Against Police Passes Legislature

GOP Bill To Limit John Doe Cases Against Police Passes Legislature

Officers involved in shootings can currently face charges from judges after prosecutors decline.

Milwaukee Officials, Climate Advocates Praise Clean Energy Projects

Milwaukee Officials, Climate Advocates Praise Clean Energy Projects

Biden's $2.55 billion Clean Energy Plan funding projects in Wisconsin.

GOP Bill Ends John Doe Cases Against Police Involved in Fatal Shootings

GOP Bill Ends John Doe Cases Against Police Involved in Fatal Shootings

Law being 'abused' by vengeful families, activists, and lawyers, legislator says.

Police Like GOP’s John Doe Bill, Victims’ Advocates Don’t

Police Like GOP’s John Doe Bill, Victims’ Advocates Don’t

Proposal seeks to end investigations into officers who claim to have killed someone in self defense.

Lawsuit Could Change Curfews in State

Lawsuit Could Change Curfews in State

Suit by Rep. Clancy argued that mayors can't declare curfew without approval of city council members.

Milwaukee Police Have New Phone Surveillance Technology

Milwaukee Police Have New Phone Surveillance Technology

ACLU says next generation technology raises serious questions about privacy rights.

Psychedelic Research Blooms in Wisconsin

Psychedelic Research Blooms in Wisconsin

Bipartisan bill backs pilot program to study the effects of psilocybin on combat PTSD.

State Democrats Introduce Bill To Limit Book Bans

State Democrats Introduce Bill To Limit Book Bans

Proposal would set high standards for instituting ban, seeks cosponsors.

Milwaukee Sheriff Releases Video of Deputy Punching Girl at Zoo

Milwaukee Sheriff Releases Video of Deputy Punching Girl at Zoo

Incident occurred after lengthy encounter as group struggled to find way to leave zoo property.

Family Has Questions About Sheriff Deputy Striking Teen Girl On Video

Family Has Questions About Sheriff Deputy Striking Teen Girl On Video

Bystander video shows deputy striking teenager, mother questions Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office claim.

State Has Nation’s 2nd Highest Racial Disparity in Imprisonment

State Has Nation’s 2nd Highest Racial Disparity in Imprisonment

Report: Wisconsin's Black residents 11.8 times more likely than whites to be jailed.

Unrest in County Jail Shows Chronic Problems

Unrest in County Jail Shows Chronic Problems

A staff shortage, deteriorating facility and 'dreadful' grievances from inmates.

Kenosha PD Arrest of Wrong Man, Viral Video Leads To Internal Investigation

Kenosha PD Arrest of Wrong Man, Viral Video Leads To Internal Investigation

Video appears to show officer striking man repeatedly in head.

Berrada Sues Milwaukee Tenants Union For Defamation

Berrada Sues Milwaukee Tenants Union For Defamation

Mega-landlord's lawsuit focuses on November fire and group's subsequent claims.

Narcan Vending Machines Arrive in County

Narcan Vending Machines Arrive in County

The free-to-use vending machines contain fentanyl testing strips, nasal naloxone and other overdose reduction products.

Republican Proposal Would Make Wiretaps Easier, But Might Violate Federal Law

Republican Proposal Would Make Wiretaps Easier, But Might Violate Federal Law

Proposal would allow expanded use of pen registers, trap-and-trace devices.

Federal Trial Hears Charge of ‘Unlawful’ Arrest in 2016 by Milwaukee Police

Federal Trial Hears Charge of ‘Unlawful’ Arrest in 2016 by Milwaukee Police

Lawsuit charges ACLU legal observer and (then) state Rep. Brostoff wrongfully arrested.

Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Mukwonago Trans Student

Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Mukwonago Trans Student

Tensions over LGBTQ issues continue in Waukesha County schools.

Some Progress, Still Problems at Lincoln Hills

Some Progress, Still Problems at Lincoln Hills

Staffing better but youth complain about food, ‘hands-on’ staff and racism at youth facility.

GOP Bill Requires UW to Admit Top 5% Of All High School Graduates

GOP Bill Requires UW to Admit Top 5% Of All High School Graduates

Including from all other states. How would this impact Wisconsin's low-income students?

Report Finds 1000% Increase in Fentanyl-Related Deaths

Report Finds 1000% Increase in Fentanyl-Related Deaths

4,300 deaths in state over six-year period linked to synthetic opioids, namely fentanyl.

Bill Would Increase Penalties For Those Supplying Drugs That Lead To Death

Bill Would Increase Penalties For Those Supplying Drugs That Lead To Death

But some legislators, including Ryan Clancy, speak out against increasing reckless homicide penalty.

Zoning Board Approves Capitol Drive Addiction Treatment Clinic

Zoning Board Approves Capitol Drive Addiction Treatment Clinic

Community Medical Services approved to open at N. 76th St. and W. Capitol Dr.

Experts Discuss Milwaukee’s Plague of Overdose Deaths

Experts Discuss Milwaukee’s Plague of Overdose Deaths

Milwaukee Overdose Response Initiative confronts a fatal overdose every 16 hours.

GOP Bill Would Restrict Books, Prosecute School Staff

GOP Bill Would Restrict Books, Prosecute School Staff

Goal is to 'help school districts do their jobs to prevent obscene material.'

Tosa Protest Assails Federal Court Decision Exonerating Police

Tosa Protest Assails Federal Court Decision Exonerating Police

Many of marchers were on Wauwatosa police's 'target list' they say was illegal.

Wauwatosa ‘Target List’ Trial Begins

Wauwatosa ‘Target List’ Trial Begins

Lawsuit charges police violated federal laws in their reaction to 2020 BLM protests.

Tenants Union Calls for More Legal Aid

Tenants Union Calls for More Legal Aid

City-county program has increased legal representation, but 84% of those facing eviction still have no lawyer.

Police Union Blasts Video Releases

Police Union Blasts Video Releases

Assails 'reckless' FPC rule requiring video of any critical incident released to victim’s family in 48 hours, to public in 15 days.

Milwaukee Wants 4,500 Police For RNC

Milwaukee Wants 4,500 Police For RNC

City would house additional officers from across the state and country.

West Allis Man Is Guilty Of Harassing Black Neighbors

West Allis Man Is Guilty Of Harassing Black Neighbors

William McDonald, 45, pleads guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges.

Traffic Citations in City Down 54% Since 2017

Traffic Citations in City Down 54% Since 2017

Dropping from 71,402 citations issued in 2017 to 33,105 in 2022. Why?

Coyote Hunting Causes Protests in Wauwatosa

Coyote Hunting Causes Protests in Wauwatosa

Protesters fear other animals will be hurt by steel jawed coyote traps.

Bill Hikes Jail Time In Drug Overdose Cases

Bill Hikes Jail Time In Drug Overdose Cases

Republican bill ups penalty for reckless homicide by delivering drugs to 60 years in prison.

State Residents Paid $36 Million in Illinois Marijuana Taxes in 2022

State Residents Paid $36 Million in Illinois Marijuana Taxes in 2022

Nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau study shows revenue lost annually by Wisconsin.

Advocates Push for Evidence-Based Bail Laws

Advocates Push for Evidence-Based Bail Laws

Calling for risk assessment tools, opposing Republican bail ballot referendum.

Judge Throws Out First Amendment Challenge to Wauwatosa Curfew, Others Claims Remain

Judge Throws Out First Amendment Challenge to Wauwatosa Curfew, Others Claims Remain

Remaining claim, due for trial May 1, focuses on "target list."

Drone Flights by Sheriff’s Office Declined in 2022

Drone Flights by Sheriff’s Office Declined in 2022

Drone flights tracking protestors in 2021 were criticized. Big decline since then.

Kenosha Residents Denounce Board Appointments Connected To 2020 Unrest

Kenosha Residents Denounce Board Appointments Connected To 2020 Unrest

Two members of equity commission resigned in protest. Appointes include those with connections to Kyle Rittenhouse, earlier police shootings.

Bill Would Require Armed School Resource Officers

Bill Would Require Armed School Resource Officers

Republican proposal requires all schools to track crimes, hire officer after enough incidents.

Legislature Urged to Remove All Racial Covenants

Legislature Urged to Remove All Racial Covenants

Wauwatosa council votes to dissolve its old covenants, pushes legislators for statewide bill.

Will Police Officers Return to MPS Schools?

Will Police Officers Return to MPS Schools?

Activist groups oppose proposal, reportedly being discussed by MPD and school district.

Early Voting Push Underway For Spring Primary

Early Voting Push Underway For Spring Primary

Early voting runs through Saturday.

Evers’ Budget Funds Affordable Housing, Tenant Legal Support

Evers’ Budget Funds Affordable Housing, Tenant Legal Support

Help for low-income renters would have significant impact in Milwaukee.

Controversial Brookfield Alderman Avoids Censure

Controversial Brookfield Alderman Avoids Censure

City residents voice support for Ald. Kris Seals, who condemned affordable housing.

City Residents Push for Lead Cleanup at ARPA Meeting

City Residents Push for Lead Cleanup at ARPA Meeting

Coalition on Lead Emergency questions how last $92 million in federal funds will be spent.

U.S. Navy Experiments on Animals Canceled at UW-Madison

U.S. Navy Experiments on Animals Canceled at UW-Madison

Protests of experiments inducing decompression sickness in sheep.

Brieon Green’s Family Questions Video, Transparency of Sheriff

Brieon Green’s Family Questions Video, Transparency of Sheriff

Video of Green's suicide and deputy sheriffs handling of him incomplete, they charge.

Brookfield Alderman’s Blast at Affordable Housing Ignites Controversy

Brookfield Alderman’s Blast at Affordable Housing Ignites Controversy

A call for censure after he says such people could make city 'become West Allis.'

Milwaukee Evictions Surged in December

Milwaukee Evictions Surged in December

Part of a sustained upward trend since June.

PFAS Plume Found in Lake Michigan

PFAS Plume Found in Lake Michigan

'Forever chemicals' linked to many diseases found in Green Bay portion of lake.

State’s Jails Charge High Fees For Prisoners’ Phone Calls

State’s Jails Charge High Fees For Prisoners’ Phone Calls

Calling home for the holidays cost more in Wisconsin than in two dozen other states.

Immigrant Advocates Call For Compassion, Ending Title 42

Immigrant Advocates Call For Compassion, Ending Title 42

Rally at City Hall as Biden asks Supreme Court to allow Title 42 to end.

Gwen Moore Talks About Wealth Inequity

Gwen Moore Talks About Wealth Inequity

House committee she serves on produces 30-minute documentary, 'Grit & Grace,' exploring the problem.

Problems, Staffing Shortages Still Plague Lincoln Hills

Problems, Staffing Shortages Still Plague Lincoln Hills

Despite efforts to improve conditions at state youth prison, not all is well.

Narcan, Fentanyl Testing Strip Vending Machines Planned for Milwaukee

Narcan, Fentanyl Testing Strip Vending Machines Planned for Milwaukee

New strategy designed to address record overdose deaths.

Frac Sand Mining Rebounds in Wisconsin

Frac Sand Mining Rebounds in Wisconsin

Industry in decline in state since 2020, but one company now sees soaring sales.

Study Finds Gaps in County Drug Treatment Services

Study Finds Gaps in County Drug Treatment Services

Fragmented system needs more resources, coordination. Wisconsin Policy Forum finds.

Milwaukee DA Will Charge Elderly Man for Choking Black Man

Milwaukee DA Will Charge Elderly Man for Choking Black Man

Video captures 62-year-old with hand on throat of 24-year-old, in incident on South Side.

The Growing Power of Latino Voters

The Growing Power of Latino Voters

Their turnout is increasing, particularly in Wisconsin, experts say.

Milwaukee’s George Floyd Mural Vandalized

Milwaukee’s George Floyd Mural Vandalized

Vandalism to mural at Holton and North comes as officer involved in Floyd's death accepts plea deal. Damage quickly reversed.

Dead Bird, Image of Mandela Barnes Left Outside Kenosha NAACP President’s Home

Dead Bird, Image of Mandela Barnes Left Outside Kenosha NAACP President’s Home

Literature darkened Barnes skin. Latest in series of racially tinged campaign incidents.

What Do Milwaukee Voters Want?

What Do Milwaukee Voters Want?

Voces de la Frontera does voter education. BLOC goes door to door, finds people want 'housing and good jobs.'

Community Groups Denounce Michels Corp.

Community Groups Denounce Michels Corp.

Rally in Milwaukee blasts company for lack of diversity, discrimination, sexual harassment.

Protestors Denounce Republican ‘Racist’ Ads

Protestors Denounce Republican ‘Racist’ Ads

Protest held outside state party’s office in Bronzeville.

Should North Shore Suburbs Combine Police Forces?

Should North Shore Suburbs Combine Police Forces?

The seven suburbs have already consolidated their fire departments and libraries.

Lincoln Hills Faces Rising Population, Staff Shortage

Lincoln Hills Faces Rising Population, Staff Shortage

State Department of Corrections looking to hire more staff at juvenile facility.

Uneasy Start to School Year in Waukesha

Uneasy Start to School Year in Waukesha

National trend 'to attack school boards, LGBTQ rights and ban books is playing out.'

Lawsuits Over Wauwatosa Curfew, Surveillance Move Forward

Lawsuits Over Wauwatosa Curfew, Surveillance Move Forward

A federal judge will allow court to consider claims related to handling of 2020 protests.

Kenosha Event Revisits 2020 Unrest

Kenosha Event Revisits 2020 Unrest

Questions, trauma linger. And just how quick was Evers' response?

Tosa Police Release Details on Non-Fatal Shooting of Teen

Tosa Police Release Details on Non-Fatal Shooting of Teen

Some parallels with past shootings by police.

A Map of County’s Overdose Deaths

A Map of County’s Overdose Deaths

78% of deaths last year involved fentanyl. But use of new drug, Xylazine, rising.

Federal Legislation Takes on Ghost Guns

Federal Legislation Takes on Ghost Guns

The untraceable firearms have increasingly become a problem in Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

Ballot Access A Concern In Milwaukee County Jail

Ballot Access A Concern In Milwaukee County Jail

Advocates, candidates for Sheriff question voting access in county jail.

State DNR Adds New PFAS Rules

State DNR Adds New PFAS Rules

Regulating 'forever chemicals' in drinking water, surface water and fire fighting foam.

Alvin Cole Family Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Wauwatosa

Alvin Cole Family Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Wauwatosa

Alvin Cole was killed in 2020 by former Wauwatosa police officer Joseph Mensah.

Activists, County Officials Push Early Voting

Activists, County Officials Push Early Voting

Gathering at Midtown Center emphasizes issues on the August ballot. ’Voting is liberating.'

Milwaukee’s Racial Disparity in Homeownership Growing

Milwaukee’s Racial Disparity in Homeownership Growing

Report finds gap worse than in 10 peer cities and has worsened since Great Recession.

Tosa Protest Tickets Dismissed

Tosa Protest Tickets Dismissed

Nearly two dozen tickets issued to police brutality protesters dismissed on appeal.

Wauwatosa Installs Huge Solar Panel Array

Wauwatosa Installs Huge Solar Panel Array

Panels on city hall complex now provide 55% of its energy.

Sheriff Has a Busy Drone Unit

Sheriff Has a Busy Drone Unit

While county faces massive budget deficit, sheriff has 8-man unit doing surveillance of peaceful protests.

How Milwaukee Police Do Cell Phone Surveillance

How Milwaukee Police Do Cell Phone Surveillance

A log of 227 investigations reveals how MPD phone surveillance works.

Jacob Blake Sr. Arrested At Akron Protest

Jacob Blake Sr. Arrested At Akron Protest

Parent of man shot by Kenosha police officer in 2020 joins Ohio protest of shooting of 25-year-old Jayland Walker.

State’s Coastal Communities Get Over $1.4M in Grants

State’s Coastal Communities Get Over $1.4M in Grants

Grants are intended to build sustainable coastal communities.

State High Court Rules Accused Mayfair Mall Shooter, 17, Be Tried As Adult

State High Court Rules Accused Mayfair Mall Shooter, 17, Be Tried As Adult

4-3 Supreme Court decision overrules circuit court on teenage boy.

State Supreme Court Rules in Milwaukee ShotSpotter Case

State Supreme Court Rules in Milwaukee ShotSpotter Case

Court says gunfire detection met standard for reasonable suspicion in man's arrest.

How Wisconsin’s Parole System Works

How Wisconsin’s Parole System Works

Critiques of an ‘ancient’ system shake up the parole commission and the governor’s race.

LGBTQ+ Community Celebrates Pride Amidst Rising Political Attacks

LGBTQ+ Community Celebrates Pride Amidst Rising Political Attacks

Gov. Evers commits to fight 'Don't Say Gay' bills and other legislation at Pride event.

Special Prosecutors Won’t File Charges in Jay Anderson Killing

Special Prosecutors Won’t File Charges in Jay Anderson Killing

Prosecutors said they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt a crime was committed.

PFAS Shuts Down Wells In Marshfield, Adams

PFAS Shuts Down Wells In Marshfield, Adams

Drinking water contaminated. Waukesha court ruled DNR can’t regulate deadly pollutant.

Problems Persist at Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake

Problems Persist at Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake

Juvenile prisons have lower population but still badly understaffed, with safety concerns.

Vos, Republicans Push Cities To Spend More On Police

Vos, Republicans Push Cities To Spend More On Police

Demanding that Milwaukee, Racine use APPA for more policing.

Did Act 10 Fuel Prison Staffing Crisis?

Did Act 10 Fuel Prison Staffing Crisis?

Union officer says staff turnover began rising after collective bargaining rights were curtailed.

State Prisons Face Staffing Crisis

State Prisons Face Staffing Crisis

State prisons have staff attrition rates as high as 40%.

New State ACLU Leader Has Overcome Barriers

New State ACLU Leader Has Overcome Barriers

'Mexican-American, queer, multiple disabilities, and those identities taught me a lot.'

National Campaign Challenges Gunfire Detection Tech

National Campaign Challenges Gunfire Detection Tech

#CancelShotSpotter questions effectiveness of the technology, highlights public privacy concerns.

State’s Black and Hispanic Renters Struggling

State’s Black and Hispanic Renters Struggling

Report finds 47% of Black renters, 31% of Hispanic renters behind on payments.

State Supreme Court Blocks Destruction of Rare Wetland

State Supreme Court Blocks Destruction of Rare Wetland

A sand fracking company wanted to fill a wetland in Monroe County.

Judge Rules DNR Can’t Regulate PFAS

Judge Rules DNR Can’t Regulate PFAS

State agency lacks authority, Waukesha judge rules. Environmental advocates plan appeal.

DNR To Manage Washington County Park

DNR To Manage Washington County Park

Resumes management of Lizard Mound County Park and Native American effigy mounds.

Milwaukee Likely Won’t Be Devastated By Climate Change

Milwaukee Likely Won’t Be Devastated By Climate Change

A report by an insurance adjuster predicts the city will fare much better than other cities.

Baldwin Blasts FDA Consultant For Pharma Ties

Baldwin Blasts FDA Consultant For Pharma Ties

McKinsey & Company consulted for federal drug regulators and opioid manufacturers.

Students Demand ‘Food Justice’ From MPS

Students Demand ‘Food Justice’ From MPS

Activist group Youth Empowered in the Struggle demands fresh cooked food in lunches.

Street Angels Get New Outreach Bus

Street Angels Get New Outreach Bus

Homeless outreach group lost their bus to a fire in January.

City Plans Healing Spaces Initiative

City Plans Healing Spaces Initiative

More pathways, benches, herb and flower gardens, little free libraries and more.

What’s Driving Milwaukee’s Homicide Rate

What’s Driving Milwaukee’s Homicide Rate

Pro-gun laws, red-lining and lead poisoning have a strong correlation with shootings.

Did Tosa Police Withhold Phone Data?

Did Tosa Police Withhold Phone Data?

Jay Anderson killed by officer and police seized his cell phones, which may have ‘critical evidence,’ attorney charges.

61% Of State Supports Legal Cannabis

61% Of State Supports Legal Cannabis

MU poll finds 75% of Democrats, 51% of Republicans back legalization.

Beware of ‘Ukraine’ Charity Scams

Beware of ‘Ukraine’ Charity Scams

State consumer officials warn of online and phone scams.

State Prisons Will Resume In-Person Visits

State Prisons Will Resume In-Person Visits

Beginning March 1, due to declining COVID-19 rate, state DOC announces.

Voces Opposes Bill Allowing DACA Hires By Law Enforcement

Voces Opposes Bill Allowing DACA Hires By Law Enforcement

Bill would allow law enforcement agencies, such as police departments, to hire DACA recipients.

GOP Senators Pass Black History Month Resolution

GOP Senators Pass Black History Month Resolution

Republican lawmakers dismissed input from Legislative Black Caucus.

Natural Resources Board Opts For Weaker PFAS Limits

Natural Resources Board Opts For Weaker PFAS Limits

Department of Health Services recommended stricter limits than those passed by board.

State Legislation Would Protect Gun Dealers From Lawsuits

State Legislation Would Protect Gun Dealers From Lawsuits

Bill passes Assembly and Senate. It also protects manufacturers.

A Court Battle Over Open Records

A Court Battle Over Open Records

Court hears suit against former Natural Resources Board chairman, who won’t release any records.

Supreme Court Opposes Shackling Juveniles

Supreme Court Opposes Shackling Juveniles

Rule change would end shackling in state’s courts unless needed to prevent physical harm.

Great Lakes Get $1 Billion for Clean Up

Great Lakes Get $1 Billion for Clean Up

Funding from infrastructure law will help with remediation in Milwaukee Estuary.

Republicans Push Wiretapping Bill

Republicans Push Wiretapping Bill

More aggressive intercepting of social media than federal law permits, ACLU charges.

Will Lincoln Hills Youth Prison Finally Close?

Will Lincoln Hills Youth Prison Finally Close?

And at what cost? Legislature debates the issue anew.

Three Tosa Police Given Immunity in Jay Anderson Probe

Three Tosa Police Given Immunity in Jay Anderson Probe

"Unorthodox" decision in John Doe probe of Anderson’s killing by officer is questioned.

Legislature Passes Raft of Law Enforcement Bills

Legislature Passes Raft of Law Enforcement Bills

14 bills increase funding, restrict local control; some directly target Milwaukee.

Will Wauwatosa Elect First Black Council Members?

Will Wauwatosa Elect First Black Council Members?

A changing city haunted by a past of racial discrimination.

Bipartisan Support for Legalizing Fentanyl Testing Strips

Bipartisan Support for Legalizing Fentanyl Testing Strips

Republicans and Democrats say bill will save lives.

Bill Would Make Damaging Historical Property a Felony

Bill Would Make Damaging Historical Property a Felony

Sponsors bring up damage to statues during 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.

Fusion Center Raises Questions About Privacy

Fusion Center Raises Questions About Privacy

Milwaukee police use it to track protestors, emails show.

Legislators Withhold Chisholm’s Pay Raise

Legislators Withhold Chisholm’s Pay Raise

Every state worker except Milwaukee DA given a 2% raise in pay.

Court Upholds Protection of Rare Wetland

Court Upholds Protection of Rare Wetland

2017 DNR decision under Gov. Walker would have allowed Meteor Timber to fill in Monroe County wetland.

Menomonee River Damaged By 400 Gallon Oil Spill

Menomonee River Damaged By 400 Gallon Oil Spill

Komatsu Mining apologizes. Riverkeeper finds impact on birds, waterfowl.

Lawyers Caution Against Changing Bail System

Lawyers Caution Against Changing Bail System

Waukesha parade killings spark calls for higher bail, more punitive pretrial detention.

‘No Thanksgiving Without immigrants’

‘No Thanksgiving Without immigrants’

Advocates in Wisconsin call on congressional Democrats to deliver a pathway to citizenship.

$5 Million Bail For Suspect in Waukesha Massacre

$5 Million Bail For Suspect in Waukesha Massacre

Six killed, more than 40 injured by man driving into Christmas Parade.

Poverty Worsening For Some In State

Poverty Worsening For Some In State

70,000 households have children who went hungry because family couldn't afford food.

Report Backs New State Law On Police Shootings

Report Backs New State Law On Police Shootings

Prosecute them under civil rights law, argues former Republican US Attorney.

Milwaukee Officers Circulate “2020 Riot” Coins?

Milwaukee Officers Circulate “2020 Riot” Coins?

Department investigating whether “inappropriate” coins celebrate police response to protests.

DNR Will Fund Projects Reducing Diesel Emissions

DNR Will Fund Projects Reducing Diesel Emissions

$320,000 in grants from EPA will be awarded by the state's environmental regulator.

Johnson Seeks ‘True Partnership’ With State Government

Johnson Seeks ‘True Partnership’ With State Government

Council president, who could soon become acting mayor, says city’s future depends on this.

City Attorney New Hire Worked For Anti-Muslim Group

City Attorney New Hire Worked For Anti-Muslim Group

Muslim advocacy group calls on Spencer to fire new assistant city attorney.

Bill Requires More Access to Police Records

Bill Requires More Access to Police Records

Brostoff wants more access for media and public to investigative records.

Democrats Pressured on Immigration Reform

Democrats Pressured on Immigration Reform

Voces de la Frontera and allies picket Sen. Tammy Baldwin.

Activists Oppose Johnson’s Push for More Police Near Schools

Activists Oppose Johnson’s Push for More Police Near Schools

Common Council president concerned about reckless driving. LIT wants less policing of schools.

What Can Police Do With Your Cell Phone Data?

What Can Police Do With Your Cell Phone Data?

'It may be unconstitutional, but really it’s fine.'

Federal Funding Likely for PFAS Cleanup

Federal Funding Likely for PFAS Cleanup

The DNR is also reviewing new federal guidance on PFAS contamination.

Bill Increases Criminal Penalties for Butane Hash Oil

Bill Increases Criminal Penalties for Butane Hash Oil

Bill passed state Senate committee on a 5 to 1 vote.

Bill Ends Criminal Penalties for Minors Engaging in Prostitution

Bill Ends Criminal Penalties for Minors Engaging in Prostitution

Sen. Alberta Darling wants minors being trafficked to be treated as victims.

Street Angels Say Milwaukee Homeless Population Rising

Street Angels Say Milwaukee Homeless Population Rising

Outreach organization says the population is often undercounted by local officials.

Proposal Expands Reasons To Delay Juvenile Trial

Proposal Expands Reasons To Delay Juvenile Trial

New legislation would allow continued detention, without trial, due to "unforeseen emergency."

King Park Tent Community Shows City’s Housing Struggles

King Park Tent Community Shows City’s Housing Struggles

Despite some successes, housing remains a major challenge in Milwaukee.

Wisconsin is Double the National Average for Child Lead Poisoning

Wisconsin is Double the National Average for Child Lead Poisoning

Study shows connection between lead poisoning and racial and economic disparities.

Activists Demand Eviction Protection For All

Activists Demand Eviction Protection For All

Milwaukee tenants union joins national call for rental assistance, eviction moratorium.

Pocan, Others Back Military Budget Cuts

Pocan, Others Back Military Budget Cuts

Some Democrats support his push for 10% cut.

Tosa Detective Who Labeled Mayor A ‘Higher Value Target’ Gets Promotion

Tosa Detective Who Labeled Mayor A ‘Higher Value Target’ Gets Promotion

Detective Joseph Lewandowski was promoted to sergeant.

Kaul Supports Gun Bills Proposed by Democratic Legislators

Kaul Supports Gun Bills Proposed by Democratic Legislators

Bills includes increased background checks and new court orders blocking individuals from gun possession.

Rep. Sortwell Targets Social Media Censorship

Rep. Sortwell Targets Social Media Censorship

Three bills combatting online censorship shoot for bipartisan support.

Bill Would Prevent Police Job Hopping

Bill Would Prevent Police Job Hopping

Moore Omokunde notes research showing many fired officers get rehired elsewhere.

Emails Show Local Law Enforcement Coordinating Protest Response

Emails Show Local Law Enforcement Coordinating Protest Response

Email group also shared intelligence among local police departments and with FBI.

Evers On Pace for Record Pardons

Evers On Pace for Record Pardons

Has given 263 so far. Activists push for more.

Milwaukee Prison Activists Joining Nationwide Actions

Milwaukee Prison Activists Joining Nationwide Actions

"Shut' em Down" actions aim to shine light on conditions of prison system.

Endangered Snake Species Found in Construction Areas

Endangered Snake Species Found in Construction Areas

In Ozaukee and Juneau counties. State DNR issued notices.

Tosa PD Created Protestor ‘Target List’

Tosa PD Created Protestor ‘Target List’

The department shared the list with other Law Enforcement Agencies.

Kenosha Unrest Used to Push New Rioting Laws

Kenosha Unrest Used to Push New Rioting Laws

Republican bill creates new legal definition of riot, and a new felony charge for rioting.

Wiretapping Bill Raises Concerns

Wiretapping Bill Raises Concerns

Some legislators, privacy advocates concerned about use of pen register and trap/trace devices.

Anti-Panhandler Law Raises Controversy

Anti-Panhandler Law Raises Controversy

Wauwatosa imposes fines of $25 to $500. Mayor, police department express misgivings.

Private Firm Offered Security Training For Kenosha Businesses

Private Firm Offered Security Training For Kenosha Businesses

A private security company pitched its services to Sheriff David Beth after Rittenhouse shootings.

Sen. Carpenter Blasts DNR Over Wolf Hunt Plans

Sen. Carpenter Blasts DNR Over Wolf Hunt Plans

The Department of Natural Resources is planning a fall 2021 wolf harvest.

Poor People’s Campaign Pickets Ron Johnson

Poor People’s Campaign Pickets Ron Johnson

Gathering at his downtown office demanding a $15 minimum wage, restoring Voting Rights Act.

Baldwin Calls For Rejecting Purdue Pharmacy Bankruptcy Plan

Baldwin Calls For Rejecting Purdue Pharmacy Bankruptcy Plan

Plan shields Sackler family, gives top company executives $5.4 million in bonuses.

Lawmakers Request Civil Rights Probe of Tosa PD

Lawmakers Request Civil Rights Probe of Tosa PD

Rep. Gwen Moore and Sen. Tammy Baldwin ask Justice Department for investigation.

Community Mourns Man Killed By Police

Community Mourns Man Killed By Police

Criticism of police and solidarity and respect for Roberto Zielinski and his grieving family.

Rare Green Violet Returns to State

Rare Green Violet Returns to State

The ‘holy grail' of rare plants in Wisconsin, thought extinct since 1950s, is rediscovered.

City Task Force Considers Unarmed First Responders

City Task Force Considers Unarmed First Responders

Unarmed responders would field calls for non-violent crimes.

Local Officials Hail Opioid Settlement Funds

Local Officials Hail Opioid Settlement Funds

County executives Crowley, Farrow say resources will help fight opioid epidemic.

Tosa Police ‘Protestor List’ Includes Reporter

Tosa Police ‘Protestor List’ Includes Reporter

WE reporter Isiah Holmes on list, along with state Reps. David Bowen, Jonathan Brostoff and attorneys Kimberley Motley, Deja Vishny.

Activists Say Police Reform Bills Not Enough

Activists Say Police Reform Bills Not Enough

Elected officials, policing activists say task force bills are not substantive reforms.

COVID-19 Numbers at Zero in State Prisons

COVID-19 Numbers at Zero in State Prisons

More than 96% of inmates agreed to vaccines, DOC statistics show.

House Committee Will Look At Milwaukee’s Disparities

House Committee Will Look At Milwaukee’s Disparities

Rep. Moore will serve on Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth.

Voting Access Improving in Wisconsin Jails

Voting Access Improving in Wisconsin Jails

A new report shows more jails have policies for voting in place.

Legislators Clash On Police Funding

Legislators Clash On Police Funding

A heated debate as Republicans condemn Milwaukee and Milwaukee legislators defend the city.

Milwaukee Overdose Map Shows Deadly Toll of Fentanyl

Milwaukee Overdose Map Shows Deadly Toll of Fentanyl

Despite rising deaths, a treatment clinic faces community opposition in West Allis.

Can We Please Discuss Criminal Justice Reform?

Can We Please Discuss Criminal Justice Reform?

Democratic legislators plead with Republicans, who cut off any attempt to discuss reforms.

State Senate Debates Anti-Defund Police Bill

State Senate Debates Anti-Defund Police Bill

Bill cuts state aid to cities at same level as any reductions in law enforcement spending.

Bowen Introduces Package of Policing Bills

Bowen Introduces Package of Policing Bills

The Milwaukee representative introduced a slate of legislation titled "Enough is Enough."

Activists Reflect on a Year of Protest

Activists Reflect on a Year of Protest

Police reform advocates discuss victories and challenges that remain.

Tosa Announces Acting Chief of Police

Tosa Announces Acting Chief of Police

Captain Luke Vetter promoted. 11% of officers left department in last year.

Tosa Mayor, Police Union At Odds

Tosa Mayor, Police Union At Odds

City officials at odds with union amid search for new police chief, calls for reforms.

Bill Would End ‘Municipal Shuffle’ of Police Officers

Bill Would End ‘Municipal Shuffle’ of Police Officers

Legislation by Rep. Moore Omokunde would decertify police officers trying to avoid firing, investigation.

Legislative Committee Reviews Policing Bills

Legislative Committee Reviews Policing Bills

Wanggaard, Taylor push legislation on use-of-force policies, chokeholds and whistleblower protections.

Closing Arguments Delivered On Jay Anderson’s Killing

Closing Arguments Delivered On Jay Anderson’s Killing

Attorney says former Tosa police officer should be charged with second degree reckless homicide.

Tosa Police Had Many ‘High Value Targets’

Tosa Police Had Many ‘High Value Targets’

Including Mayor Dennis McBride, Rep. David Bowen, protest leaders, attorneys.

Police Haven’t Ended Stop and Frisks

Police Haven’t Ended Stop and Frisks

ACLU report finds Milwaukee police out of compliance with 2018 legal settlement.

Bill Would Expand Law Enforcement Drone Use

Bill Would Expand Law Enforcement Drone Use

Bill covers corrections facilities, but one sheriff said it would help protest surveillance.

Cannabis Backers Switch Focus to Local Laws

Cannabis Backers Switch Focus to Local Laws

‘Beating our head against the wall’ pushing Legislature to legalize pot.

Dem Leaders Promote Climate Action

Dem Leaders Promote Climate Action

Gov. Evers, Lt. Gov. Barnes advocate for budget provisions, federal spending.

Report Finds Improvements in Youth Prisons

Report Finds Improvements in Youth Prisons

Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake School report finds 36% reduction in use of force.

Democrats Call for Virtual Joint Finance Hearing

Democrats Call for Virtual Joint Finance Hearing

Pandemic created 'significant barriers’ for many citizens who couldn’t attend in-person hearings.

Baldwin Challenges Opioid Companies ‘Abusive’ Tax Deductions

Baldwin Challenges Opioid Companies ‘Abusive’ Tax Deductions

Letter from senators to IRS warns of deductions for legal expenses due to companies role in opioid epidemic.

DA Explains Timing of Alvin Cole Decision

DA Explains Timing of Alvin Cole Decision

Chisholm says "It wasn't just Kenosha" factoring into timing of release.

Did DA Delay Mensah Decision Due To Kenosha Unrest?

Did DA Delay Mensah Decision Due To Kenosha Unrest?

Wauwatosa Police indicated in emails that the Kenosha unrest in August delayed the decision in Alvin Cole shooting.

Lt. Gov. Barnes Gets First Vaccine Shot

Lt. Gov. Barnes Gets First Vaccine Shot

Vaccinated at North Division, not far from where first outbreak of COVID-19 occurred last year.

How U.S. Marshals Came to Kenosha

How U.S. Marshals Came to Kenosha

Teams were shut down in Portland and sent to Kenosha protests, despite opposition of Evers, Kaul.

Evers Has Given 174 Pardons

Evers Has Given 174 Pardons

That includes 17 new pardons granted Friday.

DNR Grants Support Polluted Runoff Projects

DNR Grants Support Polluted Runoff Projects

New report details $7 million in 2020 projects.

French Island Wells Show PFAS Pollution

French Island Wells Show PFAS Pollution

State investigates, gives bottled water to residents of island off-shore from La Crosse.

Inside the Milwaukee Police Fusion Center

Inside the Milwaukee Police Fusion Center

Protesters have wondered what center is up to. The history and details of little-known unit.

300 Days of Black Lives Matters Protests

300 Days of Black Lives Matters Protests

March in Wauwatosa also marks second day of John Doe probe of Jay Anderson’s killing by police officer.

MKE County: The County Sheriff’s New Drone Unit
MKE County

The County Sheriff’s New Drone Unit

Will be used for highway traffic safety — and for protests.

Acting Police Chief Offers Frank Views

Acting Police Chief Offers Frank Views

"I’m a Black man first,” Norman tells panel. "I will not tolerate any explicit biases."

Milwaukee Police Helped Patrol Tosa Protests?

Milwaukee Police Helped Patrol Tosa Protests?

MPD denies it, but evidence suggests its police were covertly involved.

How Milwaukee Police Monitor Cell Phones

How Milwaukee Police Monitor Cell Phones

Department spent $498,000 in 2019 on sophisticated equipment.

“Qualified Immunity” At Issue in Killing By Officer

“Qualified Immunity” At Issue in Killing By Officer

Sheriff’s deputy who shot Christopher Davis in 2016 claims qualified immunity in his defense.

Was Jay Anderson’s Killing Properly Investigated?

Was Jay Anderson’s Killing Properly Investigated?

New probe raises questions about his shooting by former Tosa cop Joseph Mensah.

Local Activists Demand Action From Biden

Local Activists Demand Action From Biden

Voces de la Frontera, BLOC, others push for COVID relief and criminal justice and immigration reforms.

Racine Prison Quarantines Entire Housing Unit

Racine Prison Quarantines Entire Housing Unit

130 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.

About That Wisconsin Wolf Hunt

About That Wisconsin Wolf Hunt

‘Constitutional rights’ or ‘sad and shameful week’?

The Ghost Arrests of Tosa Protesters

The Ghost Arrests of Tosa Protesters

More than 40 arrests listed by Wauwatosa Police show no person arrested or taken into custody.

After Prison, What Next?

After Prison, What Next?

How to handle the formerly incarcerated. Milwaukee town hall tackles the issue.

Evers Budget Addresses ‘Forever Chemicals’

Evers Budget Addresses ‘Forever Chemicals’

Several initiatives to continue state’s efforts against PFAS contamination.

ACLU Calls for National Search for Tosa Police Chief

ACLU Calls for National Search for Tosa Police Chief

Police department 'must repair its relationship with many community members.’

Waukesha Faith Group Questions Mensah Hiring

Waukesha Faith Group Questions Mensah Hiring

Concerns over Waukesha Sheriff’s hiring of controversial Wauwatosa officer.

200 Wolves Can Be Hunted

200 Wolves Can Be Hunted

State Natural Resources Board relents, sets 200-kill quota and one-week hunting season.

Should Waupun Prison Be Closed?

Should Waupun Prison Be Closed?

Two legislators say it may be time. Committee chair calls prison the "essence" of the city

A New Era for Wauwatosa

A New Era for Wauwatosa

Chief Weber retires after 30 years. City seeks new leader, faces troubling questions about Weber.

City Activists Call for Rent Cancellation

City Activists Call for Rent Cancellation

Milwaukee’s S2 Real Estate has evicted 82 tenants since September.

Myers Bill Ends No-Knock Search Warrants

Myers Bill Ends No-Knock Search Warrants

Wisconsin was the first to legalize this and Milwaukee legislator wants state to be first to end it.

About Those Phones Taken By Tosa Police

About Those Phones Taken By Tosa Police

Why did they confiscate cell phones of BLM protesters and what did they do with them?

Is the Eviction Moratorium Enough?

Is the Eviction Moratorium Enough?

Some tenants may not be protected, and rental assistance still needed to pay back-rent.

ACLU Blasts Waukesha Sheriff on Mensah Hiring

ACLU Blasts Waukesha Sheriff on Mensah Hiring

Undermines 'trust with the people' they serve and puts them at 'extraordinary risk.'

Barnes Takes the Lead on Climate Change

Barnes Takes the Lead on Climate Change

Lt. Governor headed state’s task force on climate policy and spoke to recent national conference.

Local Activists Demand Biden End Immigrant Family Separation

Local Activists Demand Biden End Immigrant Family Separation

Activist groups call for a reversal of the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Wauwatosa Police Created ‘Protester List’

Wauwatosa Police Created ‘Protester List’

Some 40 on list, many sent multiple tickets, in 'attempt to silence’ critics of police, attorney charges.

Black History and the Trump Uprising

Black History and the Trump Uprising

UWM professor traces the roots of a mob storming the Capitol with Confederate flags.

Tosa Mayor Named As ‘Target’ By Police

Tosa Mayor Named As ‘Target’ By Police

Such action will 'drive a wedge" between police and people they serve, McBride warns.

Acevedo Family Pledges Push For Justice

Acevedo Family Pledges Push For Justice

They demand officer Michael Mattioli be fired, his alleged accomplices be charged in death of their son Joel.

Winter Finches Here in Big Numbers

Winter Finches Here in Big Numbers

Poor tree seed and fruit crops across Canada forced birds south in search of food.

Baldwin Questions U.S. Marshall’s Role in Tosa Protests

Baldwin Questions U.S. Marshall’s Role in Tosa Protests

Baldwin said U.S. Attorney should explain if Operation Legend Resources were used.

Coalition Forming Around State’s Climate Goals

Coalition Forming Around State’s Climate Goals

Agriculture industry, environmental advocates and political leaders share goals of Climate Change Task Force report.

Federal Officers Helped Patrol Tosa Protests

Federal Officers Helped Patrol Tosa Protests

U.S. Attorney had promised federal Operation:Legend officers wouldn’t police protests.

Hunger Strike Dramatizes Prisoners’ Demands

Hunger Strike Dramatizes Prisoners’ Demands

Inmates in Wisconsin’s prisons are “still fighting every day."

Police Taking Cell Phone Data at Issue

Police Taking Cell Phone Data at Issue

They’ve done it with Blacks Lives Matter protesters and in murder case now before state Supreme Court.

How Independent Are Police Shooting Investigations?

How Independent Are Police Shooting Investigations?

Emails raise questions about the rotating team of investigators known as the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team.

Tosa Police Found ‘Significant Training Issues’ in Shooting by Mensah

Tosa Police Found ‘Significant Training Issues’ in Shooting by Mensah

Chisholm recommended body cameras after Jay Anderson’s shooting but department stalled.

ACLU Blasts Tosa on Records Fees

ACLU Blasts Tosa on Records Fees

Police considering high fees to discourage open record requests is a “red flag” of bad intentions.

Recount an Insult to Minority Voters?

Recount an Insult to Minority Voters?

'Shameless' and part of a pattern of "blaming Black and brown voters," advocates say.

Tosa Police Use High Fees to Combat Open Records?

Tosa Police Use High Fees to Combat Open Records?

Email outlining policy 'a shocking admission of bad faith,' expert says.

Mensah Settlement Leaves Lawyers, Officials Squabbling

Mensah Settlement Leaves Lawyers, Officials Squabbling

Attorneys arguing with city; police chief at odds with Common Council.

DNR Seeks Public Input on Rare Lizards

DNR Seeks Public Input on Rare Lizards

Telecommunications project in Waushara County may kill some of rare legless lizards.

Man Charged With Buying Gun for Rittenhouse

Man Charged With Buying Gun for Rittenhouse

Dominick Black bought rifle used in Kenosha shootings because Rittenhouse was underage.

Cannabis Reform Gets Bipartisan Support

Cannabis Reform Gets Bipartisan Support

Appleton reduces fines for possession. Two Republican legislators are leading voices for change.

Rittenhouse Bond Set at $2 Million

Rittenhouse Bond Set at $2 Million

17-year-old accused of shooting three, killing two. He’s a flight risk, Kenosha ADA says.

Police Use of Cell Phone Data At Issue

Police Use of Cell Phone Data At Issue

The new privacy frontier? State Supreme Court asked to rule on the issue.

‘Does My Vote Matter?’

‘Does My Vote Matter?’

Mixed emotions as city’s minority and low-income voters head to the polls.

A Stormy Week in Wauwatosa

A Stormy Week in Wauwatosa

Peaceful protest follows ugly police reaction with injuries to journalist and Alvin Cole’s mother.

Tosa Police Arrest Cole Family At Protest

Tosa Police Arrest Cole Family At Protest

Tracy Cole, Alvin Cole's mother, was sent to the hospital for injuries from her arrest.

Investigator Recommends Mensah’s Termination

Investigator Recommends Mensah’s Termination

Officer who shot 17-year-old Alvin Cole “violated several policies,” Police & Fire Commission finds.

Funeral Home Shooting Part of Epidemic of Gun Violence

Funeral Home Shooting Part of Epidemic of Gun Violence

Milwaukee Health Department notes a 100% increase in homicides this year.

Protest Shuts Down I-94 Freeway

Protest Shuts Down I-94 Freeway

Protests continued in city last week after Breonna Taylor decision.

Activists Criticize Tosa PD’s Protest Tactics

Activists Criticize Tosa PD’s Protest Tactics

Protesters detail the use of spike strips, $1,300 tickets and racial profiling.

Tosa Police Union Head Assails Police Critics

Tosa Police Union Head Assails Police Critics

Union leaders wants Tosa's social justice committee disbanded.

Tosa Police Charge $5,400 for Public Records

Tosa Police Charge $5,400 for Public Records

Money must be prepaid, records will take 12 weeks to process, lawyer for families of three people killed by police officer is told.

Protesters Describe Detention In Kenosha

Protesters Describe Detention In Kenosha

Held as long as 20 hours by police, FBI. Reports of Portland-style unmarked cars patrolling city.

Tosa PD Won’t Investigate Racist Mailings

Tosa PD Won’t Investigate Racist Mailings

'Whites for Wauwatosa' letter does not rise to level of police action, PD says.

Tosa Police Arrest Peaceful Protester

Tosa Police Arrest Peaceful Protester

30-minute video captures standoff between protesters and police.

Tosa Police Issue Gets More Heated

Tosa Police Issue Gets More Heated

Other suburb’s police massing against protesters. Sensenbrenner, police chief, talk radio condemn protests.

The Power of Poor People’s Votes

The Power of Poor People’s Votes

Just a small increase in percent of low-income people who vote could transform elections in state and nation, report finds.

Suburb’s Equity Leader Seeks ‘Good Trouble’

Suburb’s Equity Leader Seeks ‘Good Trouble’

Wauwatosa Equity and Inclusion Commission chair Sean Lowe fights for change in the city.

Evictions Rising, Activists Call For Moratorium

Evictions Rising, Activists Call For Moratorium

Pandemic is worsening the crisis of evictions in Milwaukee.

Town Hall Discusses Urgency of Climate Crisis

Town Hall Discusses Urgency of Climate Crisis

The virtual town hall was held by Lt. Gov. Barnes and Sen. Baldwin.

New Opioid “Iso” Hitting Milwaukee

New Opioid “Iso” Hitting Milwaukee

County has documented seven overdoses this year from powerful synthetic drug Isotonitazene.

State DOJ Rejects Records Request on Police

State DOJ Rejects Records Request on Police

What actions are police in Milwaukee, other cities taking against protesters? Open records request rejected.

Tosa Alderwoman Calls for Firing Officer

Tosa Alderwoman Calls for Firing Officer

First official in Wauwatosa to support firing of Joseph Mensah, who was involved in three total shootings.

Tosa PD Protesters Issue List of Demands

Tosa PD Protesters Issue List of Demands

Despite increasing pressure from police, protesters in Tosa continue to seek justice.

Maps Tell Story of City’s Overdose Crisis

Maps Tell Story of City’s Overdose Crisis

2020 on pace to shatter record for drug overdoses. High rate of deaths on South Side.

Activists Ratchet Up Pressure on Tosa PD

Activists Ratchet Up Pressure on Tosa PD

Jay-Z's Roc Nation calls for Mensah's firing, Tosa Police arrest protesters.

Tosa PD Getting New Body Cameras

Tosa PD Getting New Body Cameras

Under pressure from activists, Wauwatosa Common Council approves new body cameras for department.

Barnes Holds First Climate Change Conversation

Barnes Holds First Climate Change Conversation

The Lt. Gov. said citizens "called on elected officials to act."

Families Honor Men Killed by Tosa Officer

Families Honor Men Killed by Tosa Officer

On the anniversary of Jay Anderson, Jr.'s killing, a rally was held in Madison Park.

Nooses Hung From Riverside Park Tree

Nooses Hung From Riverside Park Tree

With laminated photos of Blacks killed by cops. Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

City’s Protesters Under Police Surveillance?

City’s Protesters Under Police Surveillance?

Cops using Stingrays to intercept marchers’ cell phones? Ald. Kovac says city should “investigate the investigators.”

Barnes Calls on Wisconsin to Tackle Climate Change

Barnes Calls on Wisconsin to Tackle Climate Change

The Lt. Gov. says, "we cannot afford to let the gravity of the crisis paralyze us."

Protesters Demand Firing of Tosa Police Officer

Protesters Demand Firing of Tosa Police Officer

The officer has killed three young men since 2015.

11 Days of National Guard Operations

11 Days of National Guard Operations

How did they operate in the city? How was that Blackhawk helicopter used?

‘The Three’ Protest Targets Wauwatosa Cop

‘The Three’ Protest Targets Wauwatosa Cop

Grieving families say one Tosa officer involved in three fatal shooting in five years.

State, City Elected Officials Call for Police Reform

State, City Elected Officials Call for Police Reform

Activists, Alders, lawmakers and the governor are calling for policy changes.

Many Milwaukee Leaders Support Protests

Many Milwaukee Leaders Support Protests

Community leaders, politicians release statements, Common Council calls for Milwaukee Police reforms.

National Guard COVID-19 Funding at Stake

National Guard COVID-19 Funding at Stake

Trump considering cuts, officials in Wisconsin, other states urge him to continue funding.

Governor’s Climate Change Task Force Meets

Governor’s Climate Change Task Force Meets

Third meeting on zoom. Policy recommendations expected by October 31.

How State Reopening is Affecting PFAS Testing

How State Reopening is Affecting PFAS Testing

DNR now navigating various local orders.

Baldwin Requests Funding to Study Opioid Crisis

Baldwin Requests Funding to Study Opioid Crisis

Sen. Tammy Baldwin is behind a push for better data collection and monitoring of opioid use

State COVID Restrictions Continue for Prisons

State COVID Restrictions Continue for Prisons

Social distancing guidelines maintained for all state’s correctional institutions.

City Activists Decry Supreme Court Ruling

City Activists Decry Supreme Court Ruling

Getting rid of the Safer-At-Home Order is a "recipe for disaster," they say.

State’s Spring Wildfire Season Upon Us

State’s Spring Wildfire Season Upon Us

“99% of wildfires are caused by humans,” says DNR expert.

PFAS, Other Pollutants Found In Rivers

PFAS, Other Pollutants Found In Rivers

Testing of areas of concern in harbor area, rivers found higher pollution upstream from harbor.

Seeking COVID Compassion

Seeking COVID Compassion

Advocates seek clemency, reduction of state’s incarcerated population.

Legislative Black Caucus Addresses Pandemic

Legislative Black Caucus Addresses Pandemic

State’s black communities lack healthcare, economic relief and accurate information.

Low-income Communities are Hard Hit by COVID-19

Low-income Communities are Hard Hit by COVID-19

Local African-American leaders lament the effect of COVID-19 on their communities.

Johnson Controls Wants Pause in PFAS Testing

Johnson Controls Wants Pause in PFAS Testing

DNR is reviewing a request from the company, which wants to stop PFAS efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Activists Plead for Release of Prisoners

Activists Plead for Release of Prisoners

Worry over spread of COVID-19 in state’s prisons, lives of most vulnerable inmates.

A Day to Consider Legalizing Pot

A Day to Consider Legalizing Pot

It can actually be a gateway to prosperity and increased opportunity, says state representative.

Will “Safer at Home” Be Policed Fairly?

Will “Safer at Home” Be Policed Fairly?

Some areas most impacted by COVID-19 have also been victims of excessive policing.

ACLU Suit Calls for Elderly Inmates Release

ACLU Suit Calls for Elderly Inmates Release

State ACLU leader calls state prisons a “ticking time bomb” on COVID-19 for elderly and vulnerable.

Opioid Treatment Facility Sees Uptick During Pandemic

Opioid Treatment Facility Sees Uptick During Pandemic

The epidemic has not slowed down, and neither has treatment.

Pandemic Suppresses the Black Vote

Pandemic Suppresses the Black Vote

Biggest impact of poll closures, long lines, on Milwaukee’s African American community.

Wisconsin’s Incarcerated are in Danger

Wisconsin’s Incarcerated are in Danger

Activists urge action to protect incarcerated individuals during this pandemic.

Pandemic Forces State Prisons to Adapt

Pandemic Forces State Prisons to Adapt

Evers halts admissions, DOC implements measures to minimize the risk.

Do Probation Agents Need Protection?

Do Probation Agents Need Protection?

Legislators debate bill adding penalties, possible jail time, if probation agents or their families threatened.

Some ‘Tougher on Crime’ Bills Passed

Some ‘Tougher on Crime’ Bills Passed

Gov. Evers vetoed most, but signed a few.

Do Local Elections Avoid Certain Voters?

Do Local Elections Avoid Certain Voters?

Emphasis on frequent voters can mean poorer and minority areas are avoided.

Coronavirus Risk Remains Low in State

Coronavirus Risk Remains Low in State

Just one confirmed case in Dane County and person has recovered.

MKE County: Board Seeks Unified Approach to Services
MKE County

Board Seeks Unified Approach to Services

County approves One Milwaukee Task Force, aims to unify county, city and MPS services for high need neighborhoods.

Molson Coors Shooting Restarts Gun Debate

Molson Coors Shooting Restarts Gun Debate

Democrat legislators speak up about gun safety reforms.

Two Opposite Visions of Criminal Justice

Two Opposite Visions of Criminal Justice

State Reps. Evan Goyke and Joe Sanfellipo espouse different visions for law enforcement in Wisconsin.

Federal Policing Money Flowing to City

Federal Policing Money Flowing to City

Relentless Pursuit grant, Tougher on Crime grant, DNC funding lead the list.

Body Cam Bill Passes State Legislature

Body Cam Bill Passes State Legislature

Bill creates uniform rules for use of body cameras throughout the state.

Bipartisan Water Quality Bills Pass

Bipartisan Water Quality Bills Pass

Though, they do not make it through the sharply divide legislature without some disagreement.

Controversial “Tougher on Crime” Bills Pass

Controversial “Tougher on Crime” Bills Pass

Two parties split over the future of criminal justice. Democrats assail GOP for "fear mongering" legislation.

GOP Adds More “Tougher On Crime” Legislation

GOP Adds More “Tougher On Crime” Legislation

New bills increase penalties for offenses like car theft and reckless driving.

Voces de La Frontera Mobilizing Voters

Voces de La Frontera Mobilizing Voters

Effort for 2020 builds on 2016, when it recruited 5,600 Latinx voters, 67% of them new voters.

GOP Lawmakers Push “Tougher on Crime” Legislation

GOP Lawmakers Push “Tougher on Crime” Legislation

Package of bills draws major criticism and concern from committee, citizens.

Hundreds Rally for Criminal Justice Reform

Hundreds Rally for Criminal Justice Reform

ACLU organized lobbying day calls for an end to policies that contribute to mass incarceration.

MKE County: Proposal Targets “Forever Plastics”
MKE County

Proposal Targets “Forever Plastics”

Proposal by Supervisors Dimitrijevic and Nicholson bans use of non-biodegradable plastics in county facilities.

Evers Releases Anti-Vaping Agenda

Evers Releases Anti-Vaping Agenda

Package of politics targets youth vaping, a “serious public health epidemic.”

Bill Addresses “Race Out of Place” Police Stops

Bill Addresses “Race Out of Place” Police Stops

Rep. Stubbs suffered such racial profiling when campaigning in mostly white neighborhood.

Trump Visit Draws Protests Downtown

Trump Visit Draws Protests Downtown

Protests and police maneuvers may be a taste of DNC 2020.

GOP Legislators Push “Tougher on Crime” Bills

GOP Legislators Push “Tougher on Crime” Bills

Stiffer penalties on variety of crimes even as Evers moves to reduce prison population.

‘Relentless Pursuit’ Worries Immigration Activists

‘Relentless Pursuit’ Worries Immigration Activists

Will new federal enforcement effort, working with Milwaukee Police, involve ICE agents?

DNR Revising Permits to Protect Species

DNR Revising Permits to Protect Species

Would affect construction projects nearby or within habitats of rare or threatened species.

Back From Madrid, Barnes Pushes Climate Policy

Back From Madrid, Barnes Pushes Climate Policy

Lt. Governor attended international climate conference, envisions state as a climate policy leader.

Federal Crime Effort Includes Milwaukee

Federal Crime Effort Includes Milwaukee

One of 7 cities picked for new anti-crime program, Operation: Relentless Pursuit.

North-Side Man Dies, Possible Hypothermia

North-Side Man Dies, Possible Hypothermia

Died last week, We Energies says his heating equipment may not have been working.

Man Arrested By ICE Reunited With Family

Man Arrested By ICE Reunited With Family

José Alejandro de la Cruz-Espinoza, 38, has lived in U.S. for decades.

Baldwin Bill Addresses Veterans’ Health

Baldwin Bill Addresses Veterans’ Health

Help for veterans hurt by over-prescription of medications, high suicide rate.

MKE County: Officials Urge Warming Centers to Open
MKE County

Officials Urge Warming Centers to Open

Serve homeless whenever temperatures below freezing, say Supervisors Shea and Taylor.

Police Investigating Multiple School Threats

Police Investigating Multiple School Threats

Shooting, stabbing, and threats of violence at five different area schools in two days.

Behold the Democratic Green Team

Behold the Democratic Green Team

“Forward on Climate” package includes bills on green banks, weatherizing schools.

School Shootings Raise Safety Concerns

School Shootings Raise Safety Concerns

Evers and Kaul lament problem. “Kids shouldn’t fear for their life at school.”

New Charges Against Activist Vaun Mayes

New Charges Against Activist Vaun Mayes

Community organizer says he's being targeted as a "Black Identity Extremist.”

Evers Commits to Paris Climate Accords

Evers Commits to Paris Climate Accords

Lt. Gov. Barnes joins a call with experts and city leaders ahead of UN COP25.

Two Efforts Target Climate Change

Two Efforts Target Climate Change

State and county task forces are separate but overlapping efforts responding to crisis.

Downtown Rally for DACA, Dreamers

Downtown Rally for DACA, Dreamers

Bus loads of activists at Federal Building urged U.S. Supreme Court to rule in favor of immigrants.

MKE County: Proposal Lets County Workers Staff the Polls
MKE County

Proposal Lets County Workers Staff the Polls

Board supports employees getting paid time off to work at polling sites.

State Collects 30 Tons of Unused Drugs

State Collects 30 Tons of Unused Drugs

Attorney General Josh Kaul, 277 police agencies in state worked on 2019 Drug Take Back Day.

Baldwin Pushes for Action on Lead Poisoning

Baldwin Pushes for Action on Lead Poisoning

Urges Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to improve lead screening data.

State Board Okays Rules on PFAS Pollution

State Board Okays Rules on PFAS Pollution

Wisconsin Natural Resources Board will create stricter rule making process for PFAS levels in water.

City Hall: Community Outpouring Over City Budget
City Hall

Community Outpouring Over City Budget

Dozens of residents object to nearly half of budget paying for police.

Rev. Barber’s Campaign Comes to Town

Rev. Barber’s Campaign Comes to Town

Founder of the Moral Mondays movement assails “racialized poverty”, calls for voting turnout.

FDA Testing Vapes for Link to Lung Damage

FDA Testing Vapes for Link to Lung Damage

The Wisconsin DHS is tracking 69 possible cases of vaping-related lung disease.

Immigration Activists Question MPD Policy Towards ICE

Immigration Activists Question MPD Policy Towards ICE

Fire and Police Commission delays vote on policy a third time, meanwhile activists want answers.

Bipartisan Bill Would Legalize Medical Marijuana

Bipartisan Bill Would Legalize Medical Marijuana

But Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald strongly opposes the bill.

DNR to Back Pro-Climate Policies

DNR to Back Pro-Climate Policies

Unlike the previous administration, Evers Administration pledges to address climate change.

MKE County: County Board Backs Milwaukee Voting Rights Bill
MKE County

County Board Backs Milwaukee Voting Rights Bill

Resolution calls for restoring voting rights to people on probation and parole.

Milwaukee Experiencing Unprecedented Number of Drug Overdoses

Milwaukee Experiencing Unprecedented Number of Drug Overdoses

Approximately one drug overdose every 14 hours.

“Moving Milwaukee Forward” Bill Introduced

“Moving Milwaukee Forward” Bill Introduced

Goyke, Johnson push bill allowing local voters to approve 1% county sales tax.

MKE County: Supervisors Push Ex-Offender Voting Rights
MKE County

Supervisors Push Ex-Offender Voting Rights

Resolution calls for restoring the voting rights of people on parole or probation.

MKE County: Committee Approves Loans for Lead Laterals
MKE County

Committee Approves Loans for Lead Laterals

$550,000 loan program for any resident, regardless of income, to replace lead laterals.

Waukesha Has a Deal With ICE

Waukesha Has a Deal With ICE

Only sheriff’s department in state that created agreement with federal immigration authorities.

Opioid Settlement Could Aid County

Opioid Settlement Could Aid County

Milwaukee suit seeks settlement to repay county’s costs from opioid crisis, can cite Purdue Pharma case.

Fun and Politics at LaborFest

Fun and Politics at LaborFest

Labor unions, socialists, fun seekers at annual Labor Day festival.

Inside State’s First 24/7 Opioid Treatment Center

Inside State’s First 24/7 Opioid Treatment Center

Community Medical Services in West Allis saves lives, confronts stigma.

Tracking the County’s Drug Deaths in 2018

Tracking the County’s Drug Deaths in 2018

384 fatal overdoses, mostly from heroin and cocaine, hitting hardest in several city zip codes.

State Group Helps Sue Trump on Coal

State Group Helps Sue Trump on Coal

Clean Wisconsin and 9 other environmental groups argue Trump Administration violates Clean Air Act.

Opioid Addiction Can Be Beaten, Experts Say

Opioid Addiction Can Be Beaten, Experts Say

Experts and activists meet in Bay View to discuss city’s opioid, heroin, cocaine crisis.

State Officials Concerned About Spy Balloons

State Officials Concerned About Spy Balloons

Pentagon surveillance of Wisconsin, other midwestern states, raises issues for Kaul, Sargent.

Pentagon Spy Balloons Watching State

Pentagon Spy Balloons Watching State

Program tested in six midwestern states, may provide “perfect surveillance”.

Prescription Drugs Polluting Drinking Water?

Prescription Drugs Polluting Drinking Water?

Researchers see problem from unused drugs flushed into Lake Michigan.

Sanctuary Rally Announces Pro-Immigrant Bills

Sanctuary Rally Announces Pro-Immigrant Bills

“These people are us!” Proposed state laws provide more protection for immigrants.

Why the Weekend of Fatal Overdoses?

Why the Weekend of Fatal Overdoses?

14 drug overdose deaths in Milwaukee County. Bad batch of drugs suspected.

Legislators Urge New Strategy on Budget

Legislators Urge New Strategy on Budget

Stung by Republican cuts in funds to Milwaukee, city-based legislators search for new approach.

Wisconsin Is Awash in Opioids

Wisconsin Is Awash in Opioids

Federal data shows massive over-prescription, 1.2 billion pain pills over six years.

Clean Drinking Water Effort Falls Short

Clean Drinking Water Effort Falls Short

$40 million state funding to replace lead laterals cut from budget by Republicans.

Local Anti-War Protestors Keep Pushing

Local Anti-War Protestors Keep Pushing

America has been at war since 2001. Local activists continue their call for peace.

“Close MSDF!” Protestors Declare

“Close MSDF!” Protestors Declare

Those who suffered inside the county’s secure detention facility, call for its closing.

MKE County: The Ugly Record of Armor Health
MKE County

The Ugly Record of Armor Health

Why the county had to replace the company handling the county jail.

The Rise of Victory Gardens

The Rise of Victory Gardens

Founded in 2008, it keeps expanding city gardens and healthy food supplies.

Questions Surround Vaun Mayes’ Arrest

Questions Surround Vaun Mayes’ Arrest

Charged with plot to firebomb police, Mayes is a dedicated community worker, supporters say.

Waukesha County Sued for Racial Profiling

Waukesha County Sued for Racial Profiling

Common Ground seeks apology for treatment of two black pastors, and reviewing actions by other suburbs.

Close Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility?

Close Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility?

Both activists and newly elected Gov. Evers agree on this. Its problems are many.

ACLU Justice Tour Targets Racism

ACLU Justice Tour Targets Racism

Mass incarceration and police stop-and-frisk program discussed at weekend event.

52 Legislative Candidates Support Legal Pot

52 Legislative Candidates Support Legal Pot

But most candidates declined to answer survey by NORML.


How Tobacco Companies Target Minorities

How Tobacco Companies Target Minorities

UWM study shows stores in black and Latino neighborhoods target children.

Opioid Crisis: The House Where Addicts Die
Opioid Crisis

The House Where Addicts Die

Five overdose deaths in eight months at a West Side transitional living center.

Let Us All Praise and Use Hemp

Let Us All Praise and Use Hemp

Thousands attend city’s first hemp convention at -- really? -- Serb Hall.

Now Serving: Your New Recreation Destination
Now Serving

Your New Recreation Destination

East North Ave. may become THE place for recreational bars and cafes.

Tracking Opioid Deaths by ZIP Code

Tracking Opioid Deaths by ZIP Code

The crisis is widespread buts hits hardest in 53206 and 53215 ZIP codes.

The Harvard of Pimp Schools

The Harvard of Pimp Schools

How human trafficking became entrenched in Milwaukee, and what’s being done about it.

Dining: New Pie Place For Bay View
Dining

New Pie Place For Bay View

SmallPie is brainchild of Honeypie's owner. Yes, it will offer pies.

Dining: Rising From the Ashes of Growing Power
Dining

Rising From the Ashes of Growing Power

New cafe, Rise & Grind, opens in old location of Growing Power cafe.

Credit Union Targets Riverwest, Harambee

Credit Union Targets Riverwest, Harambee

Serving 53212 zip code, credit union elects board, seeks state approval.

New Campaign Targeting Child Poverty Launched

New Campaign Targeting Child Poverty Launched

Statewide campaign includes many faith-based groups convinced child poverty is a “moral failing.”

Op Ed: Anti-Marijuana Campaign Is Misguided
Op Ed

Anti-Marijuana Campaign Is Misguided

County substance abuse campaign concentrates all its spending on “No need for weed.”

Op Ed: BBC Report on City Is Real
Op Ed

BBC Report on City Is Real

For those who know city's neighborhoods, the documentary echoes our experience.

The Death of Jermaine Claybrooks

The Death of Jermaine Claybrooks

Police killed suspected drug dealer, but his family and lawyer say slaying unjustified.

How Ryan Sanders Was Railroaded

How Ryan Sanders Was Railroaded

He spent eight months in jail before the DA withdrew a charge of conspiracy to commit homicide.

Op Ed: The Online Legacy of Sheriff Clarke
Op Ed

The Online Legacy of Sheriff Clarke

His use of government social media set an ugly precedent which must be rejected.

Op Ed: The Heroin and Opioid Crisis Is Real
Op Ed

The Heroin and Opioid Crisis Is Real

Many are affected in Milwaukee. So what are government leaders doing about it?

Op Ed: Unlawful Tactics Used Against Immigrants?
Op Ed

Unlawful Tactics Used Against Immigrants?

Federal investigators use surveillance technology on anyone living in a known gang area.