Matthew Morin: Encouraging youth to find their voice begins with asking questions of elected officials
I had the opportunity to interview Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers at the Governor’s Mansion in Madison on October 12. I think it is important for government officials to listen to kids. We are the future. That is why it was an absolute privilege to meet my...
How lacking gun access helps avoid becoming a statistic when faced with the darkness of suicide
Let’s talk honestly about suicide, more than 50% are committed with guns. As a teen I could have been one of those statistics. Earlier this year, I was informed I would be named to the Task Force on Suicide Prevention. Legislators often are assigned to task forces...
Direct connection between gun violence and exposure to lead uncovered in new study
Research found the link was so strong that about half of gun violence perpetration and victimization was attributable to blood lead levels. A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee shows a link between childhood exposure to lead and later gun violence....
Manuscripts and art from Marquette’s J.R.R. Tolkien collection on loan for national exhibit in France
“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” When J.R.R. Tolkien, a brilliant Oxford professor, published The Hobbit in 1937, he was far from imagining that his stories would lead to his becoming one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century....
Landfall Press: New exhibition celebrates five decades of contemporary printmaking
A comprehensive new exhibition at the Milwaukee Art Museum will mark the fiftieth anniversary of renowned printing and publishing workshop Landfall Press. On view since October 3, “Landfall Press: Five Decades of Printmaking” celebrates and explore the uniquely...
City leaders commemorate the 75th anniversary of Milwaukee’s Equal Rights Commission
Milwaukee celebrated the 75th Anniversary of its Equal Rights Commission (ERC) on October 16 in the rotunda of the historic City Hall, highlighting a mission of inclusivity and the resulting impact of its efforts for the local community. The city’s ERC was created in...
Governor Tony Evers signs bipartisan legislation to ensure health coverage for families of fallen heroes
Governor Tony Evers signed bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 266 – known as the “duty death” benefit bill, now 2019 Wisconsin Act 19, into law on October 16. The bill had bipartisan support with a 33-0 vote in the Senate and 96-0 in the Assembly....
Creative artist Dasha Kelly Hamilton selected as Poet Laureate for Milwaukee Public Library
Milwaukee Public Library Director Paula A. Kiely announced the appointment of Dasha Kelly Hamilton to serve as the library’s Poet Laureate from 2019 to 2021. The Milwaukee Poet Laureate project was initiated in February 2000 to serve as a leading example locally of...
MCTS bus driver honored during Fire Prevention Week for saving residents from a burning apartment
A Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus driver was honored on October 10 for her efforts to help save residents from a burning apartment earlier this year. Chanaye Brown was along Route 12 late at night on January 5, 2019, when she spotted flames shooting from...
Sherrill Knezel: The synergy of small actions that bring people together for a greater good
Syn·er·gy /ˈsinərjē / noun. 1. the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. When seemingly unrelated small actions, ideas, or people come...
“On the Block” discussions focus on economic development in underserved communities
Powered by bold conversations and the desire to improve the community, thousands of people came together at dozens of locations across the Greater Milwaukee area on October 10, as part of the “On the Table MKE” initiative. Each privately organized group held...
From hobby to thriving business: Johanna Ortiz brings Puerto Rican treats to Milwaukee’s Southside
Milwaukee’s Southside residents joined Mayor Tom Barrett to celebrate the long-awaited arrival of Puerto Rican treats to the neighborhood, with the official ribbon cutting and opening for Johanna’s Cakes and Desserts on October 13. Johanna Ortiz had always enjoyed...
