Author: Correspondent

Wisconsin would have 12,171 fewer people in prison under the suggested reforms and save $886 million. Wisconsin can cut incarceration in half and save hundreds of millions of dollars by pursuing reforms to different areas of the criminal legal system, according to an ACLU of Wisconsin “Blueprint for Smart Justice” report released on April 11. The report highlights opportunities such as reducing ‘crimeless’ or technical revocations of parole and other forms of supervised release — the imprisonment of an individual for violating a rule of supervision that generally does not involve a new crime. Crimeless revocation accounts for the...

The annual Milwaukee summer tradition of fireworks on July 3 will return in 2019, thanks to a new partnership announced by Milwaukee County Chief Executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee Brewers MVP Christian Yelich. The 2019 July 3 fireworks show will also be supported by American Family Insurance, the Milwaukee Brewers Foundation, and T&M Partners. Details of a new coalition, comprised of area businesses, was announced at Miller Park on April 6. “The Brewers and Christian Yelich have had a hot start to the season and this partnership is definitely another home run for Milwaukee. I’m thankful for the partners...

The inspiration, thought, and planning that happen before a single brush or tool is picked up can be as important to a work of art as the masterful execution of the object itself. In the season of process, the Milwaukee Art Museum will explore works that intricately merge conceptual exploration and art making into the final object. Beginning April 19, Museum visitors will have the opportunity to see the meticulously crafted works of Cedarburg, Wisconsin–based furniture maker Charles Radtke. On view through August 25, Charles Radtke: Contained, the first retrospective for the artist, features more than 35 works, including...

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced the award of $24,760,812 in Federal Housing Tax Credits and $7,369,167 in State Housing Tax Credits to fund housing developments across Wisconsin on April 4. The tax credits, which are distributed by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), will move forward 35 developments that will create 2,308 units of rental housing. “WHEDA’s tax credit programs provide significant housing opportunities and help to boost the state’s economy,” said Governor Evers, as he announced the awards in Milwaukee at the Mercantile Lofts, a WHEDA-financed 36-unit multifamily development. “Developers, builders, and industry officials partner with...

During National Public Health Week on April 4, County Executive Abele and County Board Vice Chairwoman Nicholson proclaimed that racism is a public health crisis in Milwaukee County. Following the lead of the Wisconsin Public Health Association, the important recognition is the first step that will help members of the public deepen their ability to achieve racial equity in the community, by building on the progress already underway at Milwaukee County. In 2016, the County Executive and County Board partnered to create the Office on African American Affairs to serve in an integral role, in recognizing and aiding in...

Japan’s Emperor Akihito will abdicate the Chrysanthemum Throne to his son Crown Prince Naruhito on April 30, 2019, almost three years after he suggested his age and health were affecting his ability to carry out his official duties. The 85-year-old’s retirement is the first abdication by a Japanese emperor for 200 years, allowing his eldest son to become the 126th occupant of the oldest throne on the following day. Emperor Akihito announced in 2016 that he feared his age and declining health would leave him unable to perform official duties. Initial plans for the succession to take place at...