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New species of invasive grass found by botanists in Wisconsin
Botanists working with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have identified a new species of invasive grass in Wisconsin. Research is ongoing to determine whether the plants found are actually Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum), or if it’s simply a look alike. Thus far, the plants are contained in the Coulee Experimental State Forest in […]
Evictions are up during the pandemic and residents have had enough
After being evicted from her home in 2019, Jacqueline Clark knows all too well about the trials that may await families in Milwaukee County who lose their housing. A series of bad experiences as a renter compelled her to join the Milwaukee Autonomous Tenants Union (MATU). Her goal is to help others in similar circumstances […]
Former Comet Cafe workers protest seeking severance pay and support
Former workers of Milwaukee’s Comet Cafe are putting continued pressure on the owners of the restaurant after scores of employees were fired or let go when the long-time cafe closed in early July. Owned by the Mojofuco, an umbrella company encompassing more than five Milwaukee-area establishments, Comet Cafe, 1943 N. Farwell Ave., shut its doors […]
Town hall participants discuss Wisconsin’s climate crisis
The climate crisis was the focus of a virtual town hall on July 29 featuring Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes and others leaders who stressed the urgency of climate adaption in Wisconsin. Climate change has major consequences for the Badger State, from the increase in severe weather events to the upcoming election. […]
Surge of federal law enforcement operations in Milwaukee raises questions
A cloud has been hanging over Milwaukee ever since the Trump administration signaled that the city was on a list of places that would receive deployments of federal agents to bolster local policing. Top lawmakers and law enforcement officials at the state and local levels have spoken out against a deployment that could be a […]
Incidental take notice issued for endangered Queensnake in Racine
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an incidental take notice for an endangered snake species in Racine. Workers are currently replacing existing historic structures on a bridge, as well as upgrading the roadways. Incidental take refers to the unintentional taking, or loss of individual animals or plants which are classified as endangered or […]
New synthetic opioid “iso” hitting Wisconsin communities
A new synthetic opioid has arrived on the streets of Milwaukee County and health officials say is as powerful as fentanyl. Isotonitazene, nicknamed “iso,” is a synthetic version of etonitazene, an opioid that was first reported in 1957. Despite it’s highly addictive qualities, and long history, the drug is not yet on the Drug Enforcement […]
DNR monitoring cleanup of JCI/Tyco contaminated water spill
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that it’s monitoring the clean-up of an accidental release of contaminated ground water into storm drains, which flow back to the Menominee River. The contaminated water, which was mixed with river water, came from Johnson Controls/Tyco facility at Stanton Street, in Marinette. The incident was first reported […]
DOC completes investigation into escape at Columbia Correctional Institution
On July 16, the Department of Corrections (DOC) announced that its Office of Internal Affairs had completed 13 personnel investigations involving several staff. The investigations came in the wake of an escape incident in April at Columbia Correctional Institution (CCI) in Portage, Wisconsin. As a result of the investigation, seven staff members were terminated, and […]
Listening session on race and equity in Tosa is mass catharsis for residents
Over four hours of catharsis followed the 6:30 p.m. kick-off of a public listening session on race and equity issues in Wauwatosa (Tosa), held on July 21. Hundreds of residents from Tosa, Milwaukee County and even from other areas of the state flowed into the football stadiums at Hart Park, chosen for the session to […]
Milwaukee Police Chief Morales meeting draws protesters from both sides of the debate
A Fire and Police Commission (FPC) meeting in Milwaukee Monday night culminated in 11 directives being handed down to Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales as part of a six-month performance evaluation. Outside city hall, protesters from both the city’s revitalized Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and a pro-police Back the Badge crowd gathered to show […]
Tosa Officer’s Go Fund Me shows large donations from local police organizations
A Go Fund Me page has been established by the brother of a Wauwatosa police officer at the center of recent protests by citizens demanding he be fired after shooting three young African American residents in five years. Established nearly a week ago, the page has raised more than $44,000 toward a goal of $50,000. […]