Caught in a moment with her six lively nieces and nephews— her biggest inspiration—award-winning author Nia Obotette, a.k.a. "NiaTheAuthor," is changing the face of children’s literature. Through her sports-focused stories, from hockey to triathlons, she’s showing kids they belong in every space, even the ones people never thought of looking for them in. “My goal is to empower … [Read more...] about Nia Obotette redefines ‘the game’ for young readers through sports and representation
National and Local News
Gov. Tony Evers creates new violence prevention office, in wake of school shooting
Wisconsin's Democratic governor on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, created a new state office dedicated to preventing gun violence, a month after a school shooting not far from the state Capitol. Gov. Tony Evers also called on the Republican-controlled Legislature to pass a series of gun control and public safety measures, saying reducing violence should be a “shared priority … [Read more...] about Gov. Tony Evers creates new violence prevention office, in wake of school shooting
City leaders, community groups come together to remember victims of violence
On Sunday, December 29, 2024, faith leaders and community organizations came together for the "Forever in our Hearts: Milwaukee Homicide Candlelight Vigil," held at Ephesians Missionary Baptist Church, 2412 N. 6th St. Family members and friends of those impacted by violence lit candles and read the names of victims in the city this past year. Northcott Neighborhood House … [Read more...] about City leaders, community groups come together to remember victims of violence
Wisconsin Black Historical Society hosts opening night of Kwanzaa
On Thursday, December 26, 2024, the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center St., held the opening night Kwanzaa ceremony. Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African American culture and heritage held from December 26 to January 1, culminating in gift-giving and a feast of faith, called Karamu Ya Imani. It celebrates the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba. … [Read more...] about Wisconsin Black Historical Society hosts opening night of Kwanzaa
Congress certifies Trump as the 2024 election winner without challenge
On Monday, January 6, 2025, Congress certified President-elect Donald Trump as the winner of the 2024 election in proceedings that unfolded without violence or mayhem, in stark contrast to the Jan. 6, 2021, violence as a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol. Lawmakers convened under heavy security and a snowstorm to meet the date required by law to certify the … [Read more...] about Congress certifies Trump as the 2024 election winner without challenge
Northcott Neighborhood House hosts 4th annual ‘Tis The Season Christmas Breakfast’
On Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Northcott Neighborhood House spent the morning serving meals and distributing toys to Milwaukee families, with a goal of providing more than 1,000 pre-cooked meals, at their 4th annual "Tis The Seasnon Christmas Breakfast." Tony Kearney, executive director of Northcott, emphasized that giving back is a team effort—one that has been going … [Read more...] about Northcott Neighborhood House hosts 4th annual ‘Tis The Season Christmas Breakfast’
Volunteers help feed thousands at Salvation Army’s ‘Christmas Day Family Feast’
On Wednesday, December 25, 2024, the Salvation Army along with more than 400 volunteers spent Christmas Day at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee, serving more than 1,000 meals to local families. The "Christmas Day Family Feast" is a 35-year tradition that both families and volunteers look forward to each year. Besides a delicious holiday meal there was music by DJ Homer … [Read more...] about Volunteers help feed thousands at Salvation Army’s ‘Christmas Day Family Feast’
Holy Redeemer Institutional C.O.G.I.C. hosts ‘Christmas on Mother Daniels Way’
On December 18, 2024, Holy Redeemer Institutional Church Of God In Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) hosted its annual holiday community event, "Christmas on Mother Daniels Way," hosted at the Mother Kathryn Daniels Conference Center, 3500 W. Mother Daniels Way. The event was able to provide toys, food baskets, COVID-19 boosters and flu shots, health screenings and health education for … [Read more...] about Holy Redeemer Institutional C.O.G.I.C. hosts ‘Christmas on Mother Daniels Way’
Milwaukee health officials launch dashboard to track respiratory viruses
A post-holiday spike in respiratory viruses has prompted the Milwaukee Health Department to launch a new dashboard for tracking illnesses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It was originally launched in January to track COVID-19 but now includes influenza and RSV. The dashboard uses wastewater data to monitor virus trends in the community. Health … [Read more...] about Milwaukee health officials launch dashboard to track respiratory viruses
School shooting renews debate over Wisconsin gun laws
Following a mass school shooting Monday, December 16, 2024 that killed a teacher and a student in Madison, WI, state and federal lawmakers were at odds over whether the incident should cause officials to revisit existing gun laws. Police in Madison said a 15-year-old female student killed a teacher and a student at Abundant Life Christian School. She wounded six other … [Read more...] about School shooting renews debate over Wisconsin gun laws