Author: Editor

Endorsing Kamala Harris: A champion of the freedoms that American veterans fought to preserve

Milwaukee Independent has never endorsed a political candidate in its history, and it may never do so again. However, as major editorial boards like those of The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times buckle under the weight of fear surrounding Donald Trump, the Milwaukee Independent believes that journalistic integrity and civic responsibility demand an active stand. Where others have faltered in their duty to call out the erosion of democratic principles, the Milwaukee Independent editorial board feels compelled to go on record, marking this moment as too critical to remain silent. Kamala Harris stands as a defender of the...

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Milwaukee Voices with Korean Experiences: The groundbreaking series exploring culture and identity

Since the fading days of the COVID-19 pandemic and the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Milwaukee Independent has been committed to reporting international stories with local roots in Milwaukee. In its most ambitious journalism project yet, the publication took readers on an extraordinary journey in October. From the streets of Milwaukee to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of Korea, the news service documented the lives, histories, and cultural experiences that have connected the two communities for decades. Exploring Korea: Stories from Milwaukee to the DMZ and across a Divided Peninsula is an unprecedented editorial series in scope and...

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Urban beekeeping: How essential pollinators sustain agriculture and ecosystems in Milwaukee

Honeybees were introduced to America by European settlers in the 16th century and became indispensable to modern agriculture. In Milwaukee, that relationship has been exemplified by the apiary at Forest Home Cemetery, a unique urban sanctuary for essential pollinators. “Bees have pollinated a wide variety of native plants and helped create nature’s ecosystem, but without honeybees our food system would collapse and billions would die of malnutrition,” said Chad Nelson, an apiculturist and co-founder of Fairy Garden Hives. Honeybees have a unique ability to survive over the winter and can be transported from one blooming crop to another, setting...

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Hundreds of demonstrators protest Trump at march on Republican National Convention in Milwaukee

Hundreds of demonstrators converged on downtown Milwaukee to protest around the Republican National Convention on July 15, saying the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump had no affect on their long-standing plans to rally outside the site. A wide range of organizations and activists gathered in a downtown park outside the Fiserv Forum’s security perimeter to listen to speakers ahead of a street march coordinated by The Coalition to March on the RNC. The coalition, comprised largely of local groups, supports abortion and immigrant rights and is pressing to end the war in Gaza. The atmosphere was festive,...

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Halyna Zdyrko Salapata: The sacrifices that come with supporting Ukraine while raising a family in Milwaukee

Parents in Milwaukee, like those everywhere, understand the universal struggle of balancing work with home life. It is a common challenge to juggle job responsibilities with family demands. What is more uncommon is when the job in Milwaukee involves raising funds to save lives in the brutal war against the people of Ukraine. Halyna Zdyrko Salapata has mobilized support, raised awareness, and inspired countless individuals to stand with Ukraine during its darkest hours. But as a mother, she feels guilty at times for not spending enough time with her children. “That is the most painful thing, because I miss...

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