Author: Editor

Believe in Ukraine: Milwaukee continues its solidarity on second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion

Milwaukee marked the solemn second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the 10th anniversary of Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity, with a powerful show of solidarity at O’Donnell Park in downtown on February 24. City officials, business and faith leaders, and members of the local and Ukrainian communities attended the “Believe in Ukraine” event that underscored Milwaukee’s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst its ten-year struggle for peace. Hosted by the nonprofit Wisconsin Ukrainians, Inc., Milwaukee joined with cities around the world to stand with the people of Ukraine, who have fought for survival – and the preservation of...

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Irpin and Zelenskyy: Documenting the brutality of Putin’s full-scale invasion in images for two years

Two years ago today, the free world awoke to the horrific news about Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign nation in the heart of Europe. February 24 marks the second anniversary of a brutal conflict that has reshaped the geopolitical landscape, bringing untold suffering to millions, and dramatically altering the course of international stability. Milwaukee Independent has reported on Ukraine, related to the Holocaust, since April 2017. Direct coverage of Irpin began on March 15, 2018, when it signed the Sister City agreement with Milwaukee. Until February 24, 2022, the topic of Ukraine was rarely written about, except...

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Advanced Wireless begins shipping hundreds of access points it donated to rebuild Irpin’s Wi-Fi network

Darryl Morin, President and CEO of Advanced Wireless, Inc. (AWI), formally announced on February 1 the donation and pending shipment of more than 800 site-survivable Wi-Fi access points to Milwaukee’s Sister City of Irpin, Ukraine. The donation, consisting of 840 state-of-the-art 802.11ac Wave 2 access points, is part of the company’s “Wireless School Initiative.” The project has already contributed over $2.5 million in wireless networking equipment and services to schools in southeastern Wisconsin. “While many organizations see education as a target market from which to illicit profits, at AWI, we see our role as not one of vendor, but...

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Strength of immigrant roots: How Marina Dimitrijevic builds a cultural bridge between Milwaukee and Serbia

In a city like Milwaukee with a history woven by diverse ethnic threads, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic is an example of a unique community tapestry that both honors her heritage and incorporates those cultural lessons into her public service. As the Alderwoman of Milwaukee’s 14th District, Dimitrijevic participated in the Sister Cities agreement signing ceremony – between Milwaukee and Kragujevac, Serbia – at City Hall on January 26. As the daughter of proud Serbian immigrants, she sat at her Common Council desk with her father at her side. The event was a significant moment not just in the city’s diplomatic...

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John McGivern’s Home for the Holidays: Another heartwarming blend of storytelling and reflection

The Oak Creek Performing Arts & Education Center hosted a special performance on December 15 by Milwaukee-native and Emmy Award-winning comedian John McGivern. “John McGivern’s Home for the Holidays” is another heartwarming blend of storytelling and personal reflection, with performances ending on December 17. McGivern’s unique ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia, blend it with humor and moments of heartfelt reflection, continues to showcase his talent for expressing the essence of the holiday spirit. “I’m excited to share a different approach with some of the old stories, and then talk about all the new stuff that I’ve been...

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Milwaukee and Nigeria’s Abuja formalize Sister City relationship to expand cultural and economic ties

Leaders from Milwaukee and Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, met on December 13 to formally establish a Sister City relationship between the two municipalities. The historic agreement was signed during an official ceremony at City Hall by His Honorable Christopher Zakka, the Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), and Mayor Cavalier Johnson. It was the first new Sister City relationship signed by Mayor Johnson since he was elected in 2022, and also the first since 2018 – when Milwaukee became the Sister City of Irpin, Ukraine. “We join in this arrangement with a spirit of goodwill, a...

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