Author: Staff

Gun Show Loophole: County officials oppose proposal that puts Milwaukee County in the firearms business

The County Board’s Parks, Energy and Environment Committee approved a proposal from Milwaukee County Supervisor Patti Logsdon on March 16 that would allow gun shows to be held at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex. Supervisor Logsdon proposed the ordinance change to allow gun shows at the complex in March 2020. The proposal had been laid over, referred back to committee, and referred to the Office of Corporation Counsel for a legal opinion before being recommended for adoption at the Parks Committee meeting. It was also co-sponsored by Milwaukee County Supervisors Felesia A. Martin and Sylvia Ortiz-Velez. The resolution is...

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State and local leaders in Wisconsin condemn targeted attack on women of Asian descent in Georgia

Three attacks at Atlanta-area spas on March 16 that left eight people dead has sent shockwaves through Asian American communities nationwide. While the White gunman’s motive remains unclear, the tragedy follows a growing trend of hate crimes that have Asian Americans since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While Atlanta authorities have hesitated to characterize the mass shooting as a hate crime, it follows a year of racist rhetoric from ex-president Trump who routinely called COVID-19 the “China virus” in order to deflect criticism of his mishandling of the public health crisis. Hmong Americans are the largest Asian ethnic group in...

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Community advocates in Milwaukee join with statewide coalition to denounce violence against AAPI women

The Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of Wisconsin released a statement on the March 16 shootings of Asian American Women in Atlanta, representing member organizations across the state and supporting advocates in Milwaukee. It is with heavy hearts that the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Coalition of Wisconsin mourns the lives lost in the shootings that transpired on Tuesday evening in Atlanta, GA. There have been more than 3,800 hate incidents committed against the AAPI community since the pandemic began. This level of communal trauma has already had a significant impact on Asian Americans and our statement will center...

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MCTS to acquire Milwaukee County’s first battery-electric buses for new Rapid Transit line in 2022

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) announced on March 11 that it has awarded a contract to the vendor who will build Milwaukee County’s first battery-electric buses. Nova Bus, a leading North American transportation manufacturer that is part of the Volvo Group, will produce up to 15 all-electric LFSe+ buses for MCTS. The first 11 state-of-the-art vehicles will run exclusively on the upcoming East-West Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. Four additional vehicles will be used along regular routes. Passengers who board these ultra-modern buses will enjoy a quiet ride, comfortable seating, USB charging ports, off-board fare collection, and a...

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John McGivern returns to TV with program exploring Main Streets from all over the Upper Midwest

Actor, comedian, and TV host John McGivern is returning to local airwaves. He will host a new half-hour weekly TV show called “John McGivern’s Main Streets.” McGivern is setting his GPS for 13 ‘Main Streets’ all over the Upper Midwest, traveling from Wisconsin to Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. “The name came from the fact that in all of my years of experience out on the road, I have found Main Streets are alive and well,” said McGivern. “They’re local and they have a real sense of familiar. It’s really where the heart of the communities beats the...

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MKE It Back: More than 70 small business owners to get financial assistance with grant from Downtown BID

Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 launched the “MKE It Back” Grant program in February to assist downtown small businesses in their recovery from the pandemic. More than 70 restaurants, bars, salons, barbershops, and retailers will be the recipients of the grant, bringing the total grant allocation to $250,000. Funding could be applied towards operating expenses or innovative marketing pivots in response to the pandemic. To be eligible, the business had to be located within the geographic boundaries of Milwaukee Downtown BID #21. The business was also required to be a retailer, restaurant, bar, or personal service provider, such as a...

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