Author: Correspondent

Third criminal complaint over journalists targeted and killed by Israel Defense Forces filed with ICC

The Israel-Gaza war has taken an unprecedented toll on Gazan journalists since Israel declared war on Hamas following its attack against Israel on October 7, 2023. The press freedom group Reporters Without Borders announced on May 27 that it had filed a third complaint at the International Criminal Court (ICC) alleging “war crimes against journalists in Gaza,” where over 100 media professionals have been killed by Israeli forces since October 7. Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is asking the ICC to investigate the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for the killing of eight Palestinian journalists and wounding of another between...

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Wisconsin faith leaders say genuine dialogue is needed on Israel and Gaza for a ceasefire and end to violence

Interfaith leaders in Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Council of Rabbis each released statements about the current war in the Holy Land, sharing their anguish over the mounting losses and suffering in Israel and Gaza. While both groups expressed their hope of a ceasefire with the ultimate goal of reaching a lasting peace, many of the strategies for getting there were less aligned. A total of 70 clergy from the Milwaukee area joined together to sign a statement, in an effort to “bring a unified moral voice to the growing catastrophe in Gaza and increasing violence throughout Israel and Palestine.”...

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Amnesty International documents evidence of war crimes as Israeli attacks hit civilians in Gaza

As Israeli forces continue to intensify their cataclysmic assault on the occupied Gaza Strip, Amnesty International has documented unlawful Israeli attacks, including indiscriminate attacks, which caused mass civilian casualties and must be investigated as war crimes. The organization spoke to survivors and eyewitnesses, analyzed satellite imagery, and verified photos and videos to investigate air bombardments carried out by Israeli forces between October 7 and 12, which caused horrific destruction, and in some cases wiped out entire families. The organization presented an in-depth analysis of its findings in five of these unlawful attacks. In each of these cases, Israeli attacks...

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Hefty deficit problem looms for Milwaukee as Mayor Cavalier Johnson unveils 2024 budget proposal

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson shared his 2024 city budget with the Milwaukee Common Council on September 19. The spending plan included provisions to increase public safety, infrastructure improvements, and neighborhood quality-of-life investments. Presentation of the 2024 Milwaukee City Budget to the Common Council on September 19, 2023 Fulfilling my responsibility as Mayor of the City of Milwaukee, I present to you my 2024 municipal budget. The Proposed Plan and Budget Summary calls 2024 a pivot year. The previous trend of service cuts and draws on our reserves is behind us. Our new direction takes us on a path toward...

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Habitat for Humanity launches ambitious goal to help more Milwaukee families become first-time homebuyers

Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity broke ground on June 6 for an ambitious new goal to help twice as many families become first-time homebuyers by 2028. Last year, the nonprofit homeownership organization built 20 new homes, in addition to providing affordable home repairs for existing homeowners. Over the next five years, their goal is to expand to consistently build or rehab more than 30 homes per year on their way to 40 per year by 2028. “Right now, mortgages in Milwaukee are hovering near 20-year highs,” said Brian Sonderman, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director. “As housing prices continue to...

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Quality of life provider and local development firm continue partnership in support of Veterans

Center for Veterans Issues (CVI) and The Alexander Company have partnered to rehabilitate and expand Vets Place Central, a longstanding, supportive, veterans housing facility in Milwaukee. Located at 3330 W. Wells Street in Milwaukee, the project aims to enhance the living conditions and services provided to veterans in need, addressing the challenges of homelessness. To help move development forward, Vets Place Central was recently awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. “We are beyond excited about the opportunity to improve Vets Place Central for our Veterans and community,” said Eduardo Garza, Jr., President...

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