The features presented here were published as original works created in 2017 by the Milwaukee Independent, with a focus on social topics that affected the city.

Issues like racism, community development, and religious persecution have been ongoing topics over the course of 2017, as Milwaukee continues its decades-long struggle in coming to terms with its segregated foundations. The complex causes, some subtle and others overt, continues to divide the city in spite of its bursts of progress. The news reports in this collection are a cross section of moments that reflect the community’s journey over this year.