On a sunny Saturday morning, birders and nature enthusiasts of color gathered at Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N. Hopkins St., for Milwaukee’s Black Birders Week community celebration. 

The May 30 event was put on by the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, Zoological Society of Milwaukee and Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership.

For attendee Linetta Alexander, the event was an opportunity to introduce her younger cousins to birding.

“It’s great because it’s needed,” Alexander said. “To be in an inclusive space where you could just be yourself among nature is ideal. I knew right away that it was going to be safe for them to be here.”

Milwaukee’s Black Birders Week community celebration was inspired by the national Black Birders Week movement, which began in 2020 following the racial profiling of birder Christian Cooper in New York’s Central Park and broader conversations about racism in outdoor spaces.

Founded in 2021, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin grew out of a desire to make birding and outdoor spaces more welcoming to Black, Indigenous and other people of color. The organization hosts bird walks and educational events across Wisconsin for birders of all experience levels.

Co-founder Dexter Patterson said the group’s work extends beyond just identifying birds.

“I tell people all the time, birding isn’t just about the birds,” Patterson said. “It is about people coming together, it is the questions, it is the little kids taking on leadership roles.”

Throughout the morning, participants explored trails during a guided bird walk, built bird feeders and visited activity stations designed for children and families.

The event took place at Havenwoods State Forest, a 237-acre urban forest and environmental education center on Milwaukee’s North Side.

Tim Scott, founder of Urban Nature Connection and a volunteer at the event, said he appreciates having natural spaces, such as Havenwoods, in the heart of Milwaukee’s Black community.

“We’re actually getting into birding. I thought birds were bad until I started learning about the benefits of birds, and that we can’t live without them,” Scott said. “Now, I want to know more. I want to see them, I want to hear them, I want to look at the different kinds of birds.”

Patterson said the organization’s long-term goal extends beyond birding.

“I hope that we can not only grow the birding community, but also normalize Black and Brown people outside,” Patterson said.

Ultimately, he said, he wants one distinction in particular to no longer be necessary.

“I would hope eventually that people see Black birders as just birders.”

Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.

The post Black Birders Week brings community together at Havenwoods State Forest appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

As Milwaukee residents dealt with flooded streets and basements during April’s storms, approximately 2.7 billion gallons of sewage and stormwater were discharged into local waterways, including Lake Michigan, according to a post-storm report from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District. 

The report from MMSD, which coordinates the sewer systems of 29 municipalities, including the City of Milwaukee, stated that the discharges were necessary because “repeated intense rainstorms on already saturated ground overwhelmed” the system, “forcing combined sewer overflow discharges.”

But there is a growing debate about whether that’s true. 

At issue are claims that aging equipment and staff shortages prevented wastewater treatment plants from operating at full capacity, increasing the risk of flooding. 

There are now public calls, including from Milwaukee County supervisors, for an independent audit of Veolia, the private company contracted to operate MMSD’s Jones Island and South Shore wastewater treatment facilities. 

“The reason I get involved is because I get mad,” said Bob Connolly, co-chair of Common Ground’s water team. Common Ground is organizing the campaign calling for a third-party audit of Veolia. 

“I get angry at injustice and at things that are wrong,” Connolly said. “This is corporate abuse. It’s stealing our money, not maintaining our facilities and then destroying the public good.”

Connolly said that Common Ground estimates about 200 million gallons of the 2.7 billion gallons discharged were needlessly dumped.

Like Connolly, Meranda Davis is angry – but for different reasons. 

Davis, a North Side resident, is focused on more immediate concerns after flooding damaged her home during the April storm.

“I haven’t heard anything from anyone yet about the flood,” Davis said. “I lost my personal belongings.”

She said right now she is in most need of food and clothes. 

“I don’t understand why we don’t get any help,” she said.

Public health risks

Wastewater discharges can create significant public health and environmental risks, especially when untreated or partially treated sewage enters waterways used for recreation or as drinking water sources. 

Discharged sewage can contain elevated levels of bacteria, viruses and parasites.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that exposure to untreated sewage can increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections, among other things.

MMSD says overflows are designed as an emergency pressure-release. 

Combined sewer overflows are permitted under state and federal regulations during extreme weather events. 

Ideally, wastewater systems are designed to maximize treatment before discharge and minimize the frequency and volume of overflows. 

According to MMSD’s post-storm report, the wastewater and stormwater were discharged into the Menomonee River, Kinnickinnic River, Milwaukee River, Lincoln Creek and Lake Michigan.

“I keep thinking about the safety of the many thousands of people who enjoy our beaches and waterways,” said Steve Jacquart, a former MMSD employee and one of the whistleblowers who has raised concerns about Veolia, during public testimony. “I think about how we get our drinking water from Lake Michigan.”

Necessary or not

MMSD and the Milwaukee Department of Public Works have stated that the April storms were historically intense events that exceeded system capacity.

But critics and whistleblowers argue that some of the discharges could have been avoided if the wastewater treatment facilities had been properly managed.

“The patterns of poor maintenance, falsified documents, understaffing and much more are the reasons needless amounts of sewage are polluting our lake and backing up into our basements,” Connolly said.

Connolly said the overflows were caused by human error rather than weather conditions outside officials’ control.

“One simple failure leads to significant problems. Power outages, air outages, pump failures, etc., all lead to rush jobs to barely keep things running,” wrote Greg Gryskiewicz, a longtime MMSD employee, in public testimony.

Advocates and whistleblowers say if these patterns continue, the wastewater treatment plants could eventually become inoperable.

“This cycle of ‘run to fail and not fix’ has led to complete asset destruction,” Gryskiewicz said.

Officials and Veolia leadership have shown a lack of urgency toward fixing the problem, he said.

“Veolia has taken exorbitant amounts of time to fill vacant positions,” he added. “Understaffing is a direct result of elimination of job positions to the point there are not enough people to do the jobs.”

Adam Lisberg, Veolia’s senior vice president of external communications, declined to address whether the discharge was necessary, saying such decisions are controlled by MMSD.

Regarding the demands for an audit of Veolia, MMSD provided a statement: “MMSD is two years into a public procurement effort to hire a company to operate and maintain the district’s infrastructure for a 10-year period.” 

“It’s a time-consuming effort for everyone involved, and it must continue to be a fair process. MMSD cannot publicly comment on these accusations until after the procurement process is completed.” 

A final decision on the contract is expected this summer, according to the statement.

The post Did we really have to dump 2 billion gallons of sewage into local waterways after the April floods? appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Elvira Benitez Suarez stepped out of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office in downtown Milwaukee on Monday to cheers from a crowd of supporters — her first time leaving the building without handcuffs.

The 51-year-old Sheboygan Falls woman left U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody last week on bond; her daughter picked her up outside the northern Kentucky detention facility where she had spent the previous two months. 

“I didn’t see daylight for 17 days, so I was very, very heartened and excited that I saw my family,” she said. 

The Monday morning check-in in Milwaukee was her first interaction with immigration authorities since returning to Wisconsin. She arrived with her family, attorney and two members of the Milwaukee Common Council in tow. 

Nearly a dozen other immigrants wove through the crowd to line up behind Benitez for their own check-ins; some picked up contact information from her attorney while they waited to enter the building. 

Benitez’s time in Kentucky was her second stint in ICE custody in the past year. Benitez, who emigrated from Mexico as a teenager and lived without legal status for over three decades, first landed in detention after a wrong turn on a family road trip took her across the Canadian border in July 2025. U.S. immigration authorities arrested her when she reentered the country. Benitez had no prior interactions with law enforcement or the federal immigration court system. 

In her absence, Benitez’s two adult daughters, both U.S.-born, took in their school-age siblings and helped manage their parents’ painting and cleaning business. 

A federal district court judge in Ohio ruled last fall that Benitez is eligible for a green card, citing — among other factors — the hardships her children experienced in her absence. After waiting a month for immigration authorities to complete her background check, Benitez returned to Wisconsin in December, only to be arrested again during a check-in at the Milwaukee DHS office in March while the agency appealed the judge’s ruling. 

“We checked in, everything went fine, and we were actually walking out the door when they stopped us,” recalled her attorney, Marc Christopher. 

After stops in Chicago and Indianapolis, Benitez landed in a cell at the Campbell County Detention Center, a northern Kentucky jail that contracts with ICE to hold immigrants facing deportation proceedings. Benitez recounted finding fellow Wisconsinites in her unit; nearly two dozen other immigrants detained in Wisconsin have passed through Campbell County within the last year.

But a recent decision by an Ohio-based federal appeals court opened a door for Benitez to again return to Wisconsin. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last month that a year-old Trump administration policy requiring detention for most immigrants in deportation proceedings amounts to a violation of due process rights, joining federal appellate courts in New York and Georgia. Appellate courts in Louisiana and Missouri have sided with the Trump administration, and the appellate court based in Chicago remains divided on the issue.

The 6th Circuit holds jurisdiction over Kentucky, and its ruling allowed Benitez to file a bond motion in immigration court — an option once available to most immigrant detainees that largely vanished after the Trump administration introduced its mandatory detention policy last year. An immigration court judge in Memphis granted her bond motion on May 21, setting her bond amount at the minimum allowed under court rules: $1,500.

As a condition of her bond, Benitez will continue checking in at the Milwaukee DHS office.

Benitez’s Monday morning check-in was brief and straightforward. Like other immigrants granted bond, she was directed by immigration officers to download a tracking app that will prompt her to take a photograph of her face once a week to compare against booking photos.

DHS is still appealing last year’s ruling that set Benitez on track to secure legal permanent residency. That appeal, currently in the hands of the federal Board of Immigration Appeals, is still pending. 

“I would never put anything past the Board of Immigration Appeals,” Christopher said during a press conference on Monday, alluding to the board’s recent tendency to side with the Trump administration on immigration court rule changes. Nevertheless, Christopher added that he believes Benitez’s case is strong enough to defy the odds.

Benitez herself is still recovering. “I can’t sleep,” she said, recounting the grim details of her latest stint in custody — fellow detainees whose pregnancies ended in miscarriages, late-night bus trips with erratic drivers and no seat belts, and harassment from nonimmigrant inmates with whom she shared a cell in Kentucky. Benitez noted that she is in contact with the families of several fellow detainees who remain in Kentucky.

Her eldest daughter, Crystal Aguilar, also needs time to bounce back. In her mother’s absence, “my life was on hold,” she said. A return to normality still seems far away, she added.

The post Freed on bond, Sheboygan Falls woman returns to Milwaukee immigration office amid legal limbo appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Editor’s note: Post From Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.

By Book Club Flyer, Forgotten Daughters Inc

Forgotten Daughters, Inc., a Milwaukee-based nonprofit organization, is excited to launch its first Summer Girls Book Club for girls ages 10–14.

The program was created to encourage literacy, build self-confidence, and provide a safe space for girls to connect with one another while exploring important themes through reading and discussion. Participants will receive a copy of the selected book, engage in guided conversations and activities, and have opportunities to develop friendships with girls from diverse backgrounds throughout Milwaukee.

The  Summer Girls Book Club represents one of several community initiatives  this summer designed to empower youth, strengthen literacy skills, and foster meaningful connections.

The organization is currently accepting applications and welcomes support from volunteers, community partners, and sponsors who believe in investing in Milwaukee’s next generation of young women.

For more information about Forgotten Daughters and its programs, visit www.forgottendaughters.org or email info@forgottendaughters.org.

The post Post From Community: Forgotten Daughters : Summer Girls Book Club to promote literacy, confidence, and connection appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Editor’s note: Post From Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.

By Makayla Harrow, Literacy Services of Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE – On May 28, Literacy Services of Wisconsin (LSW) hosted its annual fundraising gala, Illuminating Literacy, which raised an estimated $124,770 to support its adult education programs. The event celebrated student achievement and highlighted how access to education creates new opportunities for adult learners and their families.

Nearly 300 supporters gathered to champion LSW’s mission to provide access to quality basic education and skills training so adults can improve their lives, enrich their families, and strengthen our community.

“Our gala is about more than just raising funds; it is about sharing our students’ glowing achievements and recognizing the dedicated volunteers who guide them every day,” said Holly McCoy-Perez, Executive Director of Literacy Services of Wisconsin. “Every learner who walks through our doors brings determination and a desire for opportunity. This evening reflects the confidence and independence that education creates.”

The evening featured a high-energy live art auction where five acclaimed Milwaukee artists – Melissa Dorn, Renee Bebeau, Paula DeStefanis, Yesi Pérez, and Ann Baer – created original, large-scale works in real time. Guests witnessed the creative process firsthand during the cocktail hour before the finished pieces were auctioned to support LSW’s educational initiatives.

The evening’s awards program highlighted the transformative impact of adult education through the stories of four scholarship recipients whose perseverance and academic achievements embody LSW’s mission. The 2026 scholarship awardees included: 

• Tinisha Brown: A hardworking healthcare professional with 15 years of experience who recently earned her high school credential after persevering through her math exams. She is now pursuing an associate degree in respiratory therapy.
• Oscar Lucas Alejos: An English Language Learner who balanced full-time work with rigorous studies to earn his certified nursing assistant (CNA) diploma. He plans to become a nurse and medical interpreter to assist Spanish-speaking patients.
• Rita Hernandez: A graduate of the YouthBuild HSED program and a trained CNA. Driven by a desire to set an example for her son, she will begin her studies to become a dental hygienist in fall 2026.
• Shakila Salim: A Rohingya refugee from Malaysia who brought remarkable resilience to her studies. Utilizing her multilingual skills, she is beginning her journey at MATC to become a registered nurse.

LSW also recognized a standout volunteer who exemplifies the organization’s dedicated volunteer community: Randy Dean, a retired executive director turned math tutor, was honored for his service. Randy is deeply grateful to serve students determined to create better futures for themselves and finds that the life lessons learned from students sharing their challenging journeys are powerful, humbling, and indelible.

All proceeds from the event will support essential educational resources and skills training for the more than 1,200 adult learners LSW serves annually across Southeastern Wisconsin, helping individuals earn their GED or HSED, prepare for career advancement, and strengthen foundational skills.

The post Post From Community: Literacy Services of Wisconsin raises $124,770 at annual Illuminating Literacy Gala appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Editor’s note: Post From Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.

By Heidi Johnson, WAVE Educational Fund

Wear Orange
Saturday, June 6, 1-4 p.m.
Safe & Sound, 4422 W. Leon terrace

June 5-7 is National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend. Known as Wear Orange, this is a time to honor victims and survivors of gun violence.

This Saturday from 1-4 p.m., head to Safe and Sound to participate. Attendees will find interactive art projects designed to foster community connection and healing, as well as free gun locks and other resources.

Attendees are invited to wear orange and make a collective commitment to choose peace.

Hosted by Safe and Sound, supported by WAVE Educational Fund and Milwaukee’s Department of Community Wellness and Safety.

The post Post From Community: Wear Orange, National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Since working for NNS, I’ve covered different types of stories. But what I have been drawn to most is reporting on the artists and creators of color who craft, celebrate and illuminate the pulse of their communities. 

Milwaukee’s Culture Makers is a visual series that follows artists, musicians, chefs, designers and other types of creatives at work, capturing not only what they create but why they create.

In this ongoing series, we will introduce you to new and longtime artists of color whose extraordinary creativity and community pride is shaping Milwaukee.

Meet some of Milwaukee’s Culture Makers

Ernesto “Neto” Atkinson: Opened in 2024 by Atkinson, The Catacombs of Neto Art Museum was designed as a space for conversation and connection but not silence.

RedNationBoyz: The Nahwahquaw brothers formed the drum group to connect local Indigenous boys, ranging in age from 10 to 20, to their roots.

Tia Richardson: For more than two decades, Richardson has helped residents transform not just walls but how they see themselves and their communities through collaborative murals.

My ask from you

I’m looking to hear directly from our readers: 

• Who are the cultural makers of color in Milwaukee you believe deserve to be seen and celebrated? 
• How is their creativity shaping the city of Milwaukee and its residents in meaningful ways?

Email me your nominations, including how their work has impacted you, to help us recognize and uplift the people creating culture and connection across our neighborhoods.

It’s been an honor to help tell their stories and I look forward to sharing many more.

To read more articles about Milwaukee’s Culture Makers, click here.

Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.

The post Milwaukee’s Culture Makers highlights the creatives who are shaping our city appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Inside a classroom at Milwaukee Marshall High School, the sound of Lego bricks clicking together filled the room as children leaned over tables covered with colorful pieces and half-finished builds.

As they pieced together their creations, Nealita Nelson, the instructor behind the popular Milwaukee Recreation Lego classes, moved from desk to desk encouraging students to keep building. 

Nelson, a Milwaukee native known online as “Builds by Nene,” began teaching Lego-building classes through MKE Rec after appearing on Season 4 of Fox’s “LEGO Masters” in 2023 alongside her brother, Paul Wellington.

Jeff McAvoy, whose 7-year-old son has been attending Nelson’s classes since they began two years ago, expressed his admiration for her teaching style. 

“It comes down to a simple shared interest in Lego and building, but she approaches it with such care and interest in what each of the kids are doing,” McAvoy said.

Nelson’s classes are typically divided by age groups, welcoming everyone from young children to adult builders:

• LEGO Open Build (Designed for ages 3+): Focuses on beginner basics, open building zones and simple challenges.
• LEGO Adventures: Encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones with complex, guided builds.
• Learning LEGO (Designed for ages 13 to adults): Covers the history of Lego, advanced building techniques and creative design.

For Nelson, Lego-building classes are about much more than play or building toys.

“I see the need for help, and I see the need to get these kids out from in front of screens,” Nelson said. “I feel like it was my duty to give back to my community that helped me when I was younger.”

Raised on Milwaukee’s North Side, Nelson and Wellington spent a lot of their childhood building together, before their almost 10-year age gap inevitably drew them apart.

Their close relationship became an advantage on “LEGO Masters,” where the siblings advanced in the competition, becoming third-place finalists.

“We’re both very different people. It helps bring out our best qualities and we’re able to work together well,” said Wellington, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee alum. “I’m very timid. She pushed me to believe in myself and that led us to succeed.”

The siblings competed again, this time internationally, on “LEGO Masters: Grand Masters of the Galaxy” in Australia in 2025. They also were the first all-Black team in the U.S. version of “LEGO Masters” to win a challenge.

Nelson said they intentionally incorporated a few references to the city and state into their builds throughout the competitions.

“When we were doing the TV shows, we tried to incorporate something from Milwaukee or something that symbolizes Wisconsin as a whole,” Nelson said. “In the first episode, we did the dairy boat.”

While Nelson currently works in health care, she continues to build her public identity through her social media presence and Lego-building classes with MKE Rec.

“I felt like this was my calling, this is my passion. I love Lego,” Nelson said.

Registration for Nelson’s summer Lego-building sessions are open now until the first week of classes on June 22. You can register here.

Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.

The post Nealita Nelson is building community one Lego brick at a time appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is scheduled to hear from members of the public this week on a request to require judges to recuse themselves if past donations to or support of their judicial campaign could affect their impartiality in a case.

But it appears unlikely changes to the court’s recusal rules will happen right away. 

In letters to the court over the last month, some legal organizations and research groups have argued that the justices should reject the proposal, including the five retired circuit court judges from Dane, Milwaukee and Monroe counties who proposed the changes in the first place. 

Instead, the former judges, representatives of Law Forward, the Wisconsin Association for Justice and directors of the State Democracy Research Initiative at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggest the Wisconsin Supreme Court should establish an advisory committee to study what process would work best in Wisconsin. 

The groups said the proposed rule changes before the court on Thursday stem from valid concerns about an impartial judiciary, but could have unintended consequences, such as chilling speech of attorneys who want to participate in elections. 

“Having solid judicial recusal standards is very important, and so it seems that the best way to move forward is to pull together a variety of different perspectives to come up with the best solution,” said Rachel Snyder, policy counsel for Law Forward. “More brain power and more thoughtful consideration … could produce a better workable recusal standard that meets the goals of ensuring confidence in the judiciary and ensuring that conflicts are addressed when they need to be, without going too far in the other direction, and chilling speech that we wouldn’t want chilled or opening the door to recusal being something that can then be weaponized.” 

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to hold an open conference following the public comment period Thursday morning at the Capitol in Madison to decide next steps, a spokesperson said. The high court could vote on the proposal, decide to form an advisory committee or make other related decisions, the spokesperson said. 

Opting for further study would keep the current rules in place ahead of the next state Supreme Court election in 2027. Two candidates already launched campaigns for the April election after Justice Annette Ziegler in March said she would not seek another term on the bench. 

Snyder said it’s understandable some people want changes sooner rather than later, but expediency should not supersede reaching the best policy. In the meantime, judges can still voluntarily recuse themselves, she said. 

“If we’re going to do it, we should try to get it right to the best of our ability,” Snyder said. 

Former Dane County Judge Richard Niess, one of the retired judges who petitioned for the change, said the group had not considered a study committee as a possibility, but thought it was a “terrific” suggestion. To balance concerns about timing for a study, Niess said his colleagues asked the justices to put a deadline on when an advisory committee would share any recommendations. 

“We were delighted to receive the responses that we did, all of them, because it was precisely the type of discussion that we want to have, and we want to have it in public, so that whatever is decided upon by the Supreme Court, the public will know what the reasoning is,” Niess said. 

Current rules written by business lobby

The debate is part of a decades-long battle over what to do about increasing spending in Wisconsin’s nonpartisan, but increasingly political state Supreme Court races. 

“Broadly the question of recusal is important because it gets to the sort of core feature of our judiciary, which is the right to a fair and impartial tribunal,” said Derek Clinger, senior counsel and director of partnerships for the State Democracy Research Initiative, who has studied judicial recusals in and outside of Wisconsin. “That kind of independence and fairness is what gives the courts legitimacy, and so just the fact that the court is considering this shows that they’re taking this issue quite seriously.” 

It’s also significant that the court is debating recusal rules given the history of the issue in Wisconsin over the last 15 years, Clinger said. 

The rules were crafted after record spending in the 2007 and 2008 Wisconsin Supreme Court elections led to conservative control of the court. State Supreme Court election spending has exploded since then as liberals gained control. The 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race drew $144.5 million in spending, topping Wisconsin’s 2023 race as the most expensive high court election in U.S. history. 

The former conservative-majority Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2010 adopted the existing rules drafted by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and the Wisconsin Realtors Association. The rules state judges do not have to recuse from a case because a party or an attorney donated to their political campaigns. WMC did not respond to questions from Wisconsin Watch about whether the rules should change.  

The conservative-majority court in 2017 also rejected a petition from 54 retired judges who sought tighter recusal rules. 

Nearly a decade later, the five former circuit court judges submitted their petition in January and were granted a hearing in early April. In a memo tied to their petition, the former judges noted that since the 2010 rules were adopted, “the amount of money contributed to Supreme Court elections, and even to some of the state circuit court elections, has exploded.” 

“It is not a stretch to conclude some cause and effect relationship,” they wrote.

Niess said he recalled ongoing debates around recusals with Chief Justice Jill Karofsky and Justice Susan Crawford while they were all on the Dane County Circuit Court. 

“We were just kind of shaking our heads about how did we get to this point,” Niess recalled. “And since … these two individuals have joined as justices, it seemed the perfect time for us to just serve up a petition to get a discussion going.” 

At a WisPolitics event in October, Karofsky committed to holding a public hearing about establishing a recusal rule for the court. 

“We need to bring people into the Supreme Court hearing room and we need to hear about what kind of rule and what kind of parameters on a rule people think that we should have,” Karofsky said at the time.

The post Wisconsin Supreme Court revisits recusal rules amid debate over money and impartiality appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Editor’s note: Post From Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.

By Mark Rice

WISDOM 2026 Gubernatorial Candidate Forum

Date: Monday, June 22
Informal Social Hour: 5–6 p.m.
Forum: 6 –8 p.m
Location: Waukesha County Technical College, 800 Main St. Pewaukee, WI 53072 (Building S)

Join WISDOM for a Gubernatorial Candidate Forum focused on some of the most pressing issues facing Wisconsin communities. This public forum offers an opportunity for candidates to share their vision, priorities, and policy positions with community members from across our statewide network.

Topics will include the legal and carceral system, immigration, environmental justice, and other issues impacting Wisconsin families and communities. Attendees will hear directly from candidates through opening and closing statements as well as a moderated question-and-answer session moderated by James Causey and Mary Spicuzza from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The evening will also include an informal social hour before the Forum that will provide an opportunity for attendees, community leaders, and candidates to connect.

Confirmed candidates include (in alphabetical order by first name):

Andy Manske
David Crowley
David King
Francesca Hong
Joel Brennan
Kelda Roys
Mandela Barnes
Missy Hughes
Sara Rodriguez
Zachary Roper

Final participation is dependent on certification by the Wisconsin Elections Commission of eligibility to be on the August 11 ballot.

We invite community members, media, advocates, faith leaders, and partners from across Wisconsin to attend, learn, and engage in this important conversation about the future of our state.

Register today: wisdomwisconsin.org/forum.

The post Post From Community: WISDOM 2026 Gubernatorial Candidate Forum appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Editor’s note: Post From Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.

By Bernard Rahming, Forward Scholars

Forward Scholars is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit providing one-on-one reading tutoring to K–3rd grade students who are not yet reading on grade level. With the support of more than 300 volunteers and a community of generous donors and partners, we empower students to build the skills and confidence to succeed.

Sips for Scholars is our summer fundraiser and celebration of student growth. Join us for an evening of connection, inspiration, and community as we celebrate the impact of literacy and invest in brighter futures for our students.

Date: June 30, 2026
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Broken Bat Brewing (135 E Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53204 )
Tickets: $50 Per Person (Advance tickets close June 23)

Get your tickets! 

Everyone is welcome. We’d love for you to join us!

The post Post From Community: Forward Scholars: Sips for Scholars invitation appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

One Milwaukee organization is working to remove barriers that keep Black children and adults, especially beginners, from experiencing golf. 

We Black We Golf was created after one of its founders was stared down by a white guy and responded with, “Yes, we Black and we golf!”

“Golf is not just a game of exclusivity,” said Richard Badger, director and golf mentor of We Black We Golf, a social organization that introduces Black individuals to golfing through clinics, community outings and mentorship without competition.

“We are open to everyone, but we’re intentional about serving our primary demographic.”

Experiencing a typical session

During its clinics, We Black We Golf invites individuals to a golf course and provides them with equipment to learn the basics, like how to hold and swing a golf club before introducing the ball.

After an individual determines if it’s a sport they would enjoy and like to continue with, We Black We Golf helps them find their first set of affordable golf clubs. 

“Most clubs aren’t made the same, and most beginners buy the wrong ones from the wrong places,” Badger said.

Changing the perception of golf

According to Badger, the organization consists mainly of individuals who are 45 and up, but for the past two years, the organization has tried to attract younger people to the game. 

“We need to tap into the 20 to 35 age range, and Black women are the fastest-growing demographic coming into the game of recreational golf,” he said. 

Badger said fewer young people golf because of common misconceptions like it being a slow sport or too expensive and made for wealthy white men. 

He said he notices more celebrities participating in golf and is concerned about that misleading young people by making the sport look more expensive and inaccessible than it really is. 

“Many of the celebrities are being endorsed by companies,” he said. “DJ Khaled has a golf bag over $30k, which is not realistic for somebody in your demographic and does a disservice to the game.”

However, Badger is glad to see that younger people in Milwaukee are being drawn to local places like Luxe Golf Bays and Topgolf Swing Suite. 

Another thing that hinders new golfers and keeps them from travel opportunities, he said, is that they feel they’re not competent enough for the game. 

Badger wants individuals to know that golf is all about celebrating your victories.

“In other sports, like basketball, you talk about the errors and shots you missed, but in golf you talk about your makes,” he said.

Creating exposure for younger generations

Among the participants of We Black We Golf, is Ti-mara Minefee-Tribble, a 53208 resident who got involved by attending a clinic with her husband in 2021.

“I’m not very athletically inclined and I didn’t want something where I had to run or join a league,” she said. “When golfing, we got to sit, play music, enjoy drinks and have a dope experience.” 

Eventually, Minefee-Tribble got her son Chandler Tribble, 21, involved with the organization. 

“He took to the game like a fish to water,” Badger said.

Minefee-Tribble said her son enjoyed golf so much he bought his own clubs with allowance money.

“He was so interested in the sport that he joined the golf team at his school, too,” she said. 

Chandler Tribble did additional things like take golf trips with his friends, assist Badger with mentoring and was a caddy driver. 

“My son has done the traditional things like football, basketball and playing the cello in orchestra, but to see him encounter something new and be comfortable with it touches my heart,” Minefee-Tribble said. 

She said parents should take more time and opportunities to expose their children to other things, including golf. 

Badger said he would love to see more Black children play golf, particularly Black girls because of opportunities for scholarships.

“About $50 million in scholarships are returned in the golf space because they don’t have enough minority girls to reward those scholarships to,” he said. 

Badger believes many Black children don’t play golf because they’re not exposed to it enough. 

“Many of their parents and grandparents don’t watch or play golf, so the child isn’t introduced to it,” he said. 

Others might try but not continue if they struggle at first.  He wants them to keep trying.

More than just a sport

Badger emphasizes that golfing is a good networking space to build relationships and gain opportunities that would be harder to achieve in traditional settings like offices. 

“Golfing is not just a leisure activity, it can be a professional skill and become your extended office,” he said. “People get country club memberships to host staff meetings there, too.”

A year ago, We Black We Golf partnered with Kwabena Antoine Nixon, an author and community activist, to host a business networking event called “The Build Up.”

Residents gathered for the event at Garfield’s 502, a restaurant and tavern in the Halyard Park neighborhood, to enjoy golf games, live music, food and more. 

Nixon said although he isn’t an avid golfer, the conversations held around him during the event stood out the most. 

“In a golf setting you can make deals with people and talk about things that elevate you as a person within that group,” he said. 

Nixon said he appreciated how We Black We Golf created a safe space for the Black community in the sport while preserving Black culture. 

“I love when Black folks get into something and we turn it into something,” he said. “That event became a gathering congregation spot where people were golfing but building, too.”

With over 20 years of golf experience, Badger has always kept his confidence and hopes that other generations will do the same. 

“I own every room I walk in when it comes to golf,” Badger said. 

For more information

We Black We Golf hosts various clinics throughout the year.

The children’s golf clinic is free and consists of learning basic techniques.

It’s generally held at Noyes Park Golf Course, 8235 Good Hope Road, in late July and equipment is provided.  

Sunday Fundays are free monthly golf clinics held at 9 a.m. at Lincoln Park Golf Course, 1000 W. Hampton Ave., for all skill levels. 

The next clinic is scheduled for June 14. Click here to view dates for other upcoming clinics. 

During winter, We Black We Golf hosts an eight-week clinic that includes 16 hours of instruction and three virtual classes.

The cost for this clinic is $450 but can be paid in installments. 

If you are interested in becoming a part of We Black We Golf, click here to fill out an application. 

The post How one golf organization is bringing more Black people to the course appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Matthew Jacobson found his calling in middle school history class.

As a sixth grader at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Brookfield, he voluntarily completed additional research projects and jumped at the chance to present to his classmates. He never saw the extra assignments as work — he was having fun. When Jacobson’s teacher told him he’d make a great educator himself, he set his sights on the profession. In high school, he participated in Elmbrook School District’s future teachers program and planned to enroll in university for his teaching degree. 

But life had other plans. Several weeks before his high school graduation, Jacobson was forced to move out on his own. He picked up a cooking job to “pay the bills and survive.” The gig didn’t leave extra money or time for college. 

“I didn’t really know how to get back into college and go meet my dream,” Jacobson said. 

Two years later, he heard about a novel apprenticeship program, where future teachers earn money working in schools as they obtain their education and certifications. 

“I was like, ‘That’s my way back in,’” he said. 

State officials launched the program in 2024 to ease the educator shortage by offering students an alternative route to the profession — one where they don’t have to put their careers on pause while racking up student debt. Jacobson is one of the first eight teacher apprentices. 

Today, Jacobson has returned to Elmbrook to serve as a classroom aide. In two years, he’ll have the proper training for the district to hire him as an elementary or middle school teacher.

But as participants reach the program’s halfway point, its future beyond this initial “pilot” phase is unclear — raising questions about whether apprenticeships will become a viable solution to Wisconsin’s struggle to find and keep educators. 

While the route has been life-changing for students like Jacobson, program leaders are having trouble enticing school districts to take on more apprentices. Enrollment has ground to a halt; the two technical colleges involved don’t have any new students signed up to begin in the fall. 

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development officials say whether the program continues or grows depends on if districts get on board and sponsor trainees to join up. But district leaders say a major hurdle is the cost — a key appeal of an apprenticeship is the employer paying them for the time they spend learning, but many public schools are already strapped for cash. Some want more funding tied to the program. 

“(It’s) stalling a little bit,” said Trent Sorensen, a Fox Valley Technical College dean. “We don’t have any (students) coming in for the fall. … There’s plenty of time, but it’s not taking off like it did in other states, and it’s simply because of the funding.”

A new way to train teachers

Wisconsin schools struggle to find enough teachers needed to lead classrooms — a problem largely fueled by poor retention and new workers moving to other states after graduating.

In 2024, Congress came through with some assistance: $570,000 in federal funds earmarked for establishing a teacher apprenticeship program in Wisconsin. 

Officials from DWD, the Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin Technical College System, and two universities teamed up to debut the pilot in January 2024. They praised the “earn-while-you-learn” approach to establishing a pipeline of workers: Districts could guarantee they’d have future teachers, while also filling lower-skilled jobs in the meantime. 

Typically, aspiring teachers work a shorter classroom internship while studying for their bachelor’s degree and then complete a semester of student teaching after graduating. The apprenticeship is “taking that entire approach and flipping it on its head,” said Nick Abbott, senior program and policy analyst at the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards — creating a potentially more accessible path to the profession. 

“Traditional educator preparation programs can be expensive, as they often require unpaid student teaching, which might not be feasible for low-income students, nontraditional students, or individuals looking to change careers,” Gov. Tony Evers said when the program launched. “The new teacher apprenticeship pilot program will help address issues in turnover and retention, reduce barriers, and encourage young people to enter the field.”

Apprenticeships are becoming more common in Wisconsin in fields ranging from plumbing to nursing. Participation has hit record highs for the last four years. These gigs are far more common for hands-on jobs in the skilled trades than fields like education and health care, but that’s changing with initiatives like the teacher apprenticeship program.

Here’s how it works: A school district hires an apprentice, who enrolls at Fox Valley Technical College or Waukesha County Technical College for two years to complete a Foundations of Teacher Education associate’s degree. When finished, the student transfers to Lakeland University or the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County to finish a bachelor’s degree.

Throughout those roughly four years of schooling, the apprentice works inside the classroom as an assistant for 32 hours each week and spends eight hours a week learning at college. The school district the person works for pays an hourly wage for those 40 total hours. When apprentices finish the training, they’re qualified to work as a classroom teacher.

“Nothing prepares you for doing this job, other than doing the job,” Jacobson said. “Being at a school working with kids is easily 10 times more important than any of the classes I’ve taken, and I get way better experience and much more value out of just doing it and learning through failure.” 

As a way of incentivizing the program during its infancy, the eight students get half of their tuition costs reimbursed with federal grant funds. 

Four districts participate in the pilot: Wauwatosa, Greendale, Elmbrook and Appleton. The districts are not required to pay for the remainder of the apprentice’s tuition — Elmbrook, a relatively wealthy district, was the only one that did. 

State leaders also hope the apprenticeships might help with teacher retention. Teachers will start with four years of classroom management experience already under their belt, far more than usual. Plus, other teachers mentor them on the job. That essentially eliminates the difficult experience of being a first-year teacher, said Appleton Area School District Chief Human Resources Officer Julie King. 

“Managing a classroom and the curriculum and all the demands of the job is very overwhelming after having maybe 18 weeks of student teaching experience,” King said. “To learn alongside a professional that has been in the career, knows all the ins and outs, has skill sets and strategies to work with students – to have that benefit of working alongside somebody like that for four years, you’re much, much better prepared.”

Given these promises, teacher apprenticeships have recently exploded nationwide — 45 states have brought programs online in the last few years. They vary widely in their funding approaches and in the costs to districts and students. States have often looked to Tennessee, the country’s first program, as a standout model. The state’s program, launched in 2020, now helps fund 600 new teacher trainees annually at no cost to the apprentices.

Enticing schools a challenge

In his Foundations of Reading class last fall, Jacobson learned about phonological and phonemic awareness, or the ability to recognize distinct parts of a word — a key skill for learning how to read. Using what he learned, he started running his own reading support group for students needing extra help. 

“The second you learn something, I don’t have to wait two years before I actually apply that knowledge to my job,” Jacobson said. “No, I’m applying it that same day or the next day, which then makes it stick a lot more.”

The program gets high marks from trainees and schools. So why aren’t more signing up?

Money. Both school districts and apprentices are struggling to afford it. 

The four districts that already have apprentices are waiting until their current students graduate to decide whether to add more, Abbott said. 

“I want to stress that the apprenticeship model itself remains available to all school employers in the state who wish to adopt it,” Abbott said. “It comes down to finding partners.”

But getting more of Wisconsin’s 400-plus districts to bite has been difficult. 

Sorensen, the Fox Valley Tech dean, said the college isn’t seeing interest from districts because many are contending with too-tight budgets. School leaders have long argued the state’s funding system hasn’t kept up with rising costs, which, as Wisconsin Watch recently reported, has resulted in a recent wave of school closures, layoffs and budget cuts. 

That’s made it hard for districts to pay for the hours when trainees are in college, and not working in the classroom. 

“It’s challenging for school districts to be able to build in that release time. We did hear that, and that’s really understandable,” said Dena Constantineau, Waukesha County Tech’s associate dean of education and human services. “I mean, they really rely on their people, and so they need them in the classroom.”

Even with the discount from the federal grant, tuition can be costly. For example, the average annual tuition costs at least $5,900 for the technical college portion and about $6,000 for UW-Whitewater at Rock County. That means the leftover cost to apprentices could still be upwards of $12,000. 

Plus, the federal funds that helped launch the pilot run out next March, so there could be even less tuition assistance for future apprentices.  

The Appleton Area School District would love to put more students into the program, “if there was funding” to entice participants, King said. The district couldn’t afford to give students more tuition assistance, which hampered participation. 

“The unknown for us moving forward is there is no state funding. If there’s other opportunities for that tuition relief for the individual, that’s really what entices people to engage in that program,” King said.

“The question on the future really is, ‘Where is the funding and the structures going to be in the future to make sure that it’s a viable option moving forward?’” King said. “‘That it reduces the financial barrier? That it’s accessible?’” 

Miranda Dunlap reports on pathways to success in northeast Wisconsin, working in partnership with Open Campus. Find her on Instagram and Twitter, or send her an email at mdunlap@wisconsinwatch.org.

The post An apprenticeship aiming to ease Wisconsin’s teacher shortage is ‘stalling.’ Will it catch on? appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

In the coming weeks, thousands of students will walk across stages at graduation ceremonies across Wisconsin. It is our job to ensure they are prepared for whatever step comes next. But as they step into a rapidly changing world, one question has become more important and complicated to answer: What does a successful graduate look like?

For generations, the answer has been straightforward: earn good grades, score well on tests and complete your coursework. Those things still matter — they always will. Academic mastery remains a cornerstone of our education system.

But alone, that is no longer enough.

Technology and the workforce are evolving in ways we couldn’t have imagined a generation ago.

The rise of artificial intelligence has left many questioning what jobs may disappear, even as schools try to prepare students for jobs that may not yet exist.

If we want our students to succeed in this evolving landscape, our definition of success must evolve with it.

That is why the Department of Public Instruction is developing a Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate — a statewide effort to define the skills and dispositions young people need to succeed in their careers, as citizens and in life.

We continuously hear from our workforce partners that graduates need more than academic knowledge. They need skills that remain relevant over time, even as technology, artificial intelligence and the job market continue to change — skills like critical thinking, adaptability, problem solving, communication, collaboration and social intelligence. These essential skills aren’t measured on a standardized test.

What other skills define a successful graduate?

Ask a parent, educator and employer that question, and you may get three different answers.

That is why the Portrait of a Graduate must reflect a shared vision of student success. It must be shaped by voices from across Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has formed a steering committee that includes educators, students, higher education partners, statewide education organizations, employers and industry representatives across Wisconsin to guide this work. We also held listening sessions in communities statewide and will continue gathering input through upcoming virtual listening sessions and a public survey. I encourage you to participate. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of education in our state. More information on this initiative is available on the Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate webpage.

It’s past time we focus on preparing students for their future and not our past. If we don’t use this moment to redefine success, we are doing a disservice — not only to students, but to our employers, our communities and the future of our state.

Jill Underly is Wisconsin’s state superintendent of public instruction.

The post Opinion: A changing world demands a new vision for graduates appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Editor’s note: Post From Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.

By Danitra Jones

🚨 Calling All Child Care Providers! 🚨

Northwest Side CDC is inviting both Group and Family Child Care Providers to join us for support, business growth, networking, and opportunities to learn more about National Accreditation for those interested in taking the next step in their child care journey.

To help providers build stronger and sustainable businesses, we are also hosting a FREE 2-Part Business Sustainability Workshop Series at the NWSCDC office:

✨ July 13th – Marketing & Branding Your Child Care Business
✨ July 27th – Succession Planning & Planning for Retirement

These workshops are designed to help providers strengthen their business, prepare for the future, and grow with confidence. Seats are limited, so sign up today and share with another provider! 💼📚

Register here: https://forms.gle/neGZvsD89FjtyGYe6.

For more information call Danitra Jones Economic Development Coordinator 414-444-8204 or email danitra@nwscdc.org.

The post Post From Community: NWSCDC is excited to launch our 2026 Child Care Initiative Cohort — and registration is FREE! appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Editor’s note: Post From Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.

By Karen Samelson

Indivisible South Shore is hosting an Education Forum with the seven major Democratic candidates for Wisconsin governor on Thursday, June 11, at Bay View High School, 2751 S Lenox St., Milwaukee. The event is cosponsored by Grassroots North Shore.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m.  The forum will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided.

The focus of the forum will be on K-12 education.  Milwaukee Public Schools students will present questions to the candidates. The forum moderator will be Maggie Daun, who has served as a lawyer for the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County and as the host of “The  Maggie Daun Show” on Civic Media.

The candidates scheduled to attend are Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, David Crowley, Francesca Hong, Missy Hughes, Sara Rodriguez and Kelda Roys.

Free walk-in childcare will be available on site so parents can attend. (Children must be toilet-trained.)

The Culinary Arts Program at Bay View High School will sell food for cash only from a limited menu before the forum.

Attendees are encouraged to register at https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblesouthshorewi/event/948369/.

—

About Indivisible South Shore

Indivisible South Shore, formed in 2025, is a volunteer-led grassroots project in Milwaukee that aims to resist the Trump regime’s march toward authoritarianism and build political momentum toward meeting the needs of working Americans. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1222084835918793

About Grassroots North Shore

Grassroots North Shore, formed in 2004, is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit, political action committee dedicated to voter education and engagement for progressive issues and candidates. Learn more at www.grassrootsnorthshore.com.

The post Post From Community: Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Forum set for June 11 appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Editor’s note: Post From Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.

By Jeff Jones, Milwaukee Jewish Federation

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – America’s current and future role in the global economy, the factors responsible for recessions, how Washington influences Wall Street and the markets, and a forecast for the U.S. economy over the next 18–24 months will be discussed during the keynote speech at Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Economic Forum on Tuesday, June 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave.

Keynote speaker Marci Rossell, a world-renowned economist and financial expert who speaks candidly about the intersection of economics, politics, culture, and the media, is known for transforming complex economic issues into engaging, relevant stories by linking global market trends to people’s everyday lives, families and careers. As the former chief economist for CNBC and co-host of the popular morning program Squawk Box, Rossell became a household name and a must-watch source for financial news.

Before the keynote, the second annual presentation of the Herb Kohl Service Award, named in honor of one of Wisconsin’s most distinguished leaders, will recognize Robert L. Habush and Judge Derek Mosley for exemplifying lifelong commitments to service, philanthropy and community impact. Habush is a towering figure in the legal profession and the Jewish community, and his decades of leadership and generosity have left an indelible mark. Mosley has dedicated his career to advancing justice, equity and civic engagement. (See the news release announcing the winners.)

Entering its 13th year, the annual Economic Forum draws a sellout crowd of more than 500 prominent business and community leaders from the Milwaukee area. The Federation organizes the Economic Forum to address issues critical to the city’s and the region’s economic success while promoting the community’s well-being.

Sponsors of the Economic Forum 2026 include Herb Kohl Philanthropies and Wintrust | Town Bank, along with 40 additional sponsors.

The event co-chairs are Linda Gorens-Levey, partner at General Capital Group; David Lubar, CEO/president of Lubar & Company; and Greg Marcus, CEO/president of The Marcus Corporation.

Find more information on the event at MilwaukeeJewish.org/economic-forum.

###

About the Milwaukee Jewish Federation

For more than 100 years, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation has been dedicated to building a strong Jewish community. We distributed $18 million last year to Jewish and non-Jewish organizations locally and around the world, and manage philanthropy through our over $220 million Jewish Community Foundation. We are part of a national movement that has an impact in 70 countries. Collectively, Jewish federations from across North America are among the top 10 charities in the world.

The post Post From Community: Expert financial forecaster to keynote at local Economic Forum Second Annual – Herb Kohl Service Award winners will be honored at the June 2 event appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Starting Sunday, June 7, the Milwaukee County Transit System will launch its summer service changes. 

Changes include restoring mid-day service to some routes, route changes and modifications tied to street construction projects across Milwaukee County.

Here is what you need to know.

Mid-day service

Mid-day service is returning to the following routes on weekdays. 

Route 28: Buses will operate between approximately 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. 

Route 33: Buses will run between 5:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. 

Route 34: Buses will operate between 5 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. 

Route 55: Buses will run between 5:30 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. 

Buses will come around every 30-35 minutes throughout the day.

There are no changes to weekend schedules.

Updated schedules

MCTS is adjusting schedules for routes 19, 20, 21, 24, 31, 33, 35, 53, 54, 59, 60, 66, 68, 92 and the RedLine to improve the timeliness of buses for customers and bus operators. Find specific details on the updated schedule for each route by visiting RideMCTS.com/schedules.

Additional route adjustments

Southbound BlueLine buses will use a new route between North 64th Street and West Silver Spring Drive and North 60th Street and West Villard Avenue. 

Southbound buses will travel south on 64th Street to Custer Avenue, east on Custer Avenue to 60th Street and south on 60th Street to the regular route. 

This means the BlueLine stop at 64th and Villard will no longer be served in the southbound direction, and the BlueLine stop at 60th and Villard is moving across the street to the northwest corner of the intersection. There is no change for northbound BlueLine buses.

Additionally, on weekdays this summer Route 66 will now serve the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the upper East Side, maintaining access across the Locust Street Bridge throughout the year.

Routes with detours

Multiple routes will be on long-term detours starting or continuing through the summer. 

Route 18 is detouring eastbound only off West National Avenue using West Greenfield Avenue from Miller Park Way to South Layton Boulevard. All trip times have been shifted to accommodate the added detour time.   

Route 24, Route 80 and the GreenLine will continue their current detours.

Wisconsin I-94 East-West project 

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is partnering with MCTS to mitigate the impacts of road and bridge closures, detours and traffic congestion along bus routes. Throughout the duration of the I-94 East-West project, which will last eight years, MCTS will add one bus per weekday along the routes where riders will be most impacted. 

Below is a list of additional planned summer detours as construction work continues.

• CONNECT 1: Could experience congestion along West Wisconsin Avenue and West Bluemound Road during East-West I-94 construction. Time has been added to the schedule to accommodate the impact.  
• Route 30: Could experience congestion along West Wisconsin Avenue during East-West I-94 construction. Time has been added to the schedule to accommodate the impact. 
• Route 44U: Detour continues due to the closure of the eastbound 68th Street on-ramp to I-94. MCTS service to State Fair Park and Ride Lot will be maintained throughout. Trip times have been shifted to accommodate the added detour time.    
• Route 60: Will continue to detour off 60th Street between Main Street and West Bluemound Road, as part of the I-94 construction project. The detour will be in both directions and last until late 2028. All trip times will be shifted to accommodate the added detour time.    
• PurpleLine: Will continue to detour from 27th Street between West Clybourn Street and West National Avenue as part of the I-94 construction project. The detour will be in both directions and last until late 2027. All trip times will be shifted to accommodate the added detour time. 

For more information about summer service changes, you can visit RideMCTS.com.

Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.

The post New MCTS bus route changes start June 7 appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here at least two weeks in advance.

1. Free Food and Fellowship: Tuesday, June 2

Enjoy a free dinner and fellowship with the Konionia Family Development Center, 2944 N. 9th St., on Tuesday, June 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. More information here.

2. Love, Peace and Soul Band at Indaba Nights: Wednesday, June 3

Listen to local entertainers and watch world-class art organizations at Indaba Nights on Wednesday, June 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Indaba Band Shell on the grounds of St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care-Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Ave. More information here.

3. Bike Ride Thru the Parks: Wednesday, June 3

Bike through the Estabrook Beer Garden, 4600 Eastabrook Parkway,  with the Milwaukee Parks Foundation and Wisconsin Bike Fed on Wednesday, June 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. More information here.

4. MPS Grow Your Own Information Session: Wednesday, June 3

Learn about Milwaukee Public Schools Grow Your Own program, which allows recent MPS graduates to work 15 to 30 hours a week as a paraprofessional while attending college for a bachelor’s degree at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3. This event is virtual. Register here.

5. Prevention in the Park: Thursday, June 4

Learn and practice injury prevention strategies, connect with local resources, explore services from women and children’s health teams and more with Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital at the North Point Water Tower, 2288 N. Lake Drive, at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 4. More information here.

The post 5 things to know and do the week of June 1 appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is challenging the state’s law governing voters’ ability to fix missing information on their absentee ballots, alleging that the law violates the Wisconsin Constitution by giving clerks a vast amount of discretion over whether to reject ballots.

The group is asking a Dane County judge to require all clerks to provide voters notice when an absentee ballot certificate is lacking necessary information — such as a signature or the address of a voter or the person who witnessed the ballot’s casting — and give them an opportunity to add that information before rejecting the ballot, a process known as “curing” the ballot.

Right now, the law tells clerks that they “may” return incomplete absentee ballots to voters. That results in some municipal clerks sending voters prompt notice about faulty ballots, while other clerks put those ballots in the rejected pile without informing the voter at all, the lawsuit states. Municipalities also treat absentee ballots differently depending on when they receive them, the lawsuit alleges, and those that arrive closer to Election Day often have a lesser chance of getting cured.

The lawsuit, which names the Wisconsin Elections Commission as the defendant, argues that, without a blanket curing requirement, “mail-in absentee ballots are jeopardized by the lack of mandatory notice and curing opportunities across the state.”

This case, which comes a few months ahead of Wisconsin’s 2026 primary election, is the latest in a long line of lawsuits over what to do when information is missing on absentee ballot certificates. In recent years, courts have allowed clerks to use their discretion to determine what constitutes a proper witness address but taken away their ability to fix missing information on the address form.

“Right now, we have ballots that come in weeks ahead of the election, and they’re being set aside for rejection with no attempt by the clerk to contact the voter,” Debra Cronmiller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, told Votebeat. 

“If even one clerk is not curing ballots, that’s one clerk too many in a democratic system where voting is an absolute right,” Cronmiller said, adding that the number of clerks who fail to follow the practice could reach into the hundreds.

While the lack of uniformity could create legal issues, clerks say a blanket curing requirement could be difficult to implement if courts maintain the state’s 8 p.m. Election Day deadline for receiving ballots as the deadline to cure those ballots, too. 

In 2024, Milwaukee received about 150 mail ballots just minutes before polls closed. At that late hour, it would have been virtually impossible for officials to notify those voters about any deficiencies with their ballots — much less give them a chance to cure them before the polls closed.

Size and resource disparities between Wisconsin’s many municipalities would also present challenges to a uniform curing system. 

A part-time clerk working from home in a small rural town operates with dramatically fewer resources than election officials in Milwaukee, where thousands of absentee ballots can arrive on Election Day. Resources in both settings would be stretched by a uniform curing requirement, depending on how courts ultimately require it to be implemented. If courts grant the league some version of the relief it is seeking, questions about how the process would work in practice could also be settled in court.

Marathon County Clerk Kim Trueblood, a Republican, said another complicating factor for clerks is that Wisconsin’s voter registration form doesn’t require registrants to provide their email addresses and phone numbers.

Trueblood said she already tells the 60 municipal clerks in the county to try to cure ballots, but that process is harder when voters don’t provide contact information or when ballots are returned on Election Day. Requiring voters to provide their contact information would make a curing requirement a lot easier to comply with, she said.

If such a requirement were imposed ahead of this year’s midterms, Trueblood said, bigger villages and cities would likely have the staff and resources to contact every voter, but for town clerks who work a different full-time job and spend just a few hours working as a clerk on weekends and evenings, “it could be a little more challenging.”

Curing lawsuits play out in Wisconsin and across the nation

Ballot curing practices vary widely across the country. Some states don’t allow curing at all. Others allow voters to cure absentee ballots well after Election Day if they’re missing a date, signature, address or something else. As arguments over voting practices increasingly head to court, lawsuits over ballot curing have played out across the nation. 

In Pennsylvania, for example, ballot curing is neither required nor prohibited under state law. Similar to Wisconsin, different counties have different curing practices — some allow voters to cure their ballots, while others don’t.

In North Carolina, a robust curing process was created as the result of a lawsuit that mirrors the one in Wisconsin. It was brought by the League of Women Voters of North Carolina, among other groups, and relied on a similar allegation: that the lack of a statewide-mandated procedure to cure absentee ballots amounted to a denial of voters’ right to due process under the U.S. Constitution. 

The lawsuit resulted in a settlement that created a curing requirement in every county. Now, voters have up to three days after Election Day to cure issues on their ballot.

The ballot rejection rate has dropped dramatically as a result of the case, said Joselle Torres, a spokesperson for Democracy North Carolina, a voting rights group that joined the state’s league chapter in the case. But she added that state and local funding is crucial to educate poll workers, voters and other election officials about the changes — “and that’s no small fee.”

Marc Meredith, a political scientist at the University of Pennsylvania who researched ballot curing in North Carolina in the wake of the settlement, said he had initially expected under 50% of voters to fix their ballot or vote a new one. But ultimately, about 82% of the 26,000 voters eligible to cure their ballots did so. Many opted to vote a new ballot in person rather than fix their old one, he said.

Curing has potential benefits but also challenges in Wisconsin

The drastic increase in the number of voters curing their ballots in North Carolina may not be replicated in Wisconsin, where many municipalities already have curing notifications and procedures in place.

Another difference is that North Carolina has 100 counties running elections, whereas Wisconsin has about 1,850 municipalities doing so. That could complicate implementation, Meredith said, because the same procedures would need to work in places ranging from Milwaukee to towns with 100 residents. 

“In the places that aren’t currently curing,” he added, “I would expect lots of voters would take opportunities to make corrections.”

That issue of municipalities not curing ballots is especially pronounced in rural Wisconsin, Cronmiller said. There, part-time clerks don’t always have the bandwidth to return ballots to voters ahead of Election Day, she said. If courts call for a more stringent curing requirement, Cronmiller added, “it would force all municipalities to give resources sufficient to their clerks so they could do this work.”

A requirement for clerks to tell voters can create practical issues in bigger cities, too, especially those that can receive thousands of ballots on Election Day.

To get every last ballot cured, Wisconsin would likely have to implement a cure deadline after Election Day, Meredith said. 

“You don’t want to let the perfect be the enemy of the good, is my opinion on these things,” Meredith said. “There are going to be some things that will slip through the cracks, but … don’t let the fact that a few might slip through the cracks prevent you from putting that system in that way that would help the rest.”

At the highest level, the League of Women Voters is seeking a declaration that Wisconsin’s discretionary ballot-curing law violates the state constitution, said Nina Beck, a counsel at the Fair Elections Center, which represents the league in Wisconsin and also represented the North Carolina league chapter in its lawsuit to create ballot-curing there. 

What’s required under the due process clause of the Wisconsin Constitution, Beck said, is adequate notice and the ability to cure a defect if clerks are otherwise denying people their fundamental right to vote. Instead, right now, clerks are dealing with curing in many ways and may even be treating voters within the same municipality differently, she said. “That’s fundamentally unfair.”

If the court sides with the league, the group will ask the court to set a uniform procedure for all clerks to follow, Beck said, adding that the current system is “kind of a free-for-all.” 

Alexander Shur is a reporter for Votebeat based in Wisconsin. Contact Shur at ashur@votebeat.org.

Votebeat is a nonprofit news organization reporting on voting access and election administration across the U.S. Sign up for Votebeat Wisconsin’s free newsletter here.

The post Lawsuit seeks to require Wisconsin clerks to let voters fix problems with their absentee ballots appeared first on Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.