How Conservatives turned their firepower from the USSR to American democracy after the Cold War ended
On December 26, 1991, banner headlines read: “Gorbachev, Last Soviet Leader, Resigns; U.S. Recognizes Republics’ Independence.” On December 25, Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev had resigned, marking the end of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, often referred...
Americans disagree about political threats but do believe the 2024 election will be pivotal for democracy
In a politically polarized nation, Americans seem to agree on one issue underlying the 2024 elections, a worry over the state of democracy and how the outcome of the presidential contest will affect its future. They just disagree over who poses the threat. A poll from...
A false normal: Looking back on Milwaukee in 2023 and a social shift to the Uncanny Valley
With the end of any year comes a time for reflection. That was never more true for me in 2023. It has been an unprecedented year of opportunities and adventures, along with the corresponding sacrifices. A senior photojournalist for Milwaukee Independent, I visited...
The meaning of mindfulness: Starting 2024 with a yearning for inner peace in a distracted world
By Jeremy David Engels, Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences, Penn State The start of another year can feel magical to many of us. Even though the days remain short and dark, the flip of the calendar can make it seem new beginnings with new resolutions are...
Year In Review 2023: Milwaukee still helping sister city heal one year after Irpin’s occupation
2023 began with the fading threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in Wisconsin, the danger to democracy accelerated because of a gerrymandered monopoly by a corrupt political party in Madison. That authoritarian peril was echoed abroad in Milwaukee’s sister city...
Year In Review 2023: Being embedded in the trauma of Ukrainians fighting to save their country
2023 began with the fading threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in Wisconsin, the danger to democracy accelerated because of a gerrymandered monopoly by a corrupt political party in Madison. That authoritarian peril was echoed abroad in Milwaukee’s sister city...
Year In Review 2023: The pipeline of vital humanitarian aid from Milwaukee to Ukraine
2023 began with the fading threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in Wisconsin, the danger to democracy accelerated because of a gerrymandered monopoly by a corrupt political party in Madison. That authoritarian peril was echoed abroad in Milwaukee’s sister city...
Year In Review 2023: Photos of Milwaukee’s resilience and solidarity across communities
2023 began with the fading threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in Wisconsin, the danger to democracy accelerated because of a gerrymandered monopoly by a corrupt political party in Madison. That authoritarian peril was echoed abroad in Milwaukee’s sister city...
Year In Review 2023: Documenting the vast devastation in Türkiye with the Red Crescent
2023 began with the fading threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in Wisconsin, the danger to democracy accelerated because of a gerrymandered monopoly by a corrupt political party in Madison. That authoritarian peril was echoed abroad in Milwaukee’s sister city...
Year In Review 2023: The cost of surviving under the dust and rubble of Türkiye’s earthquake
2023 began with the fading threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in Wisconsin, the danger to democracy accelerated because of a gerrymandered monopoly by a corrupt political party in Madison. That authoritarian peril was echoed abroad in Milwaukee’s sister city...
Year In Review 2023: Milwaukee’s efforts to achieve social and economic justice in photos
2023 began with the fading threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in Wisconsin, the danger to democracy accelerated because of a gerrymandered monopoly by a corrupt political party in Madison. That authoritarian peril was echoed abroad in Milwaukee’s sister city...
Year In Review 2023: Local doctors assist Syrian refugees in medical mission to Jordan
2023 began with the fading threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in Wisconsin, the danger to democracy accelerated because of a gerrymandered monopoly by a corrupt political party in Madison. That authoritarian peril was echoed abroad in Milwaukee’s sister city...
