Headlines

Scripture as a weapon: How the Confederacy’s biblical justification of oppression still echoes today

The twisted interpretation of Christianity by pro-slavery advocates in the Confederacy is one of the most troubling and insidious chapters in American history. To defend the indefensible institution...

1000 Days of Defiance: Ukraine’s continued fight for survival and the looming impact of Trump’s return

November 20, 2024, marks the tragic milestone of the 1,000th day since Russia launched an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The brutal assault, intended to topple Ukraine’s government within days,...

From Republic to Empire: How Rome’s fall foreshadows the future of American Democracy under Trump

As the United States of America continues to experience internal challenges, a historical parallel with ancient Rome, where democracy gave way to autocracy, seems more relevant after the re-election...

Edward Morgan: Exploring Baku’s history and modern challenges through a unique summer camp experience

A seasoned theatre director, educator, and playwright, Edward Morgan has spent many years living and working in Milwaukee, a city he fondly regards as his creative home. Known for his engaging...

Edward Morgan: Creating connections to foster cultural exchanges for young minds in Azerbaijan

Edward Morgan found inspiration in an unexpected meeting with Matt Schultz to create a free summer youth camp in the Qusar District of Azerbaijan. The two embarked on a plan to make a difference in...

COP29 in Baku: A high-stakes climate summit begins amid controversies and conflicting agendas

As world leaders and climate experts converge on Baku for the COP29 climate conference, an unmistakable contradiction lingers in the air, both figuratively and literally. Baku, the Azerbaijani...

Undoing superstition of chronology: Simone Weil’s words remind us that progress is not always linear

“We must undo the superstition of chronology (‘progressivism’) in order to find eternity.” – Simone Weil, philosopher During this turbulent moment for American democracy, Simone Weil’s words...

Dark future: Americans abandon U.S. Constitution with decision to elect a self-declared dictator

As final votes are counted in the 2024 presidential election, signs indicate that convicted felon Donald Trump is on the brink of winning re-election. If confirmed, the outcome will represent a...

The missing voices of courage: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, faith leaders, and the toxic legacy of MAGA politics

As America stands on the other side of yet another pivotal election, many look around, wondering why faith leaders were hesitant to confront the lingering influences of the toxic MAGA movement....

A champion for social justice: Milwaukee mourns the loss of Alderman Jonathan Brostoff at age 41

Alderman Jonathan Brostoff, a dedicated public servant and steadfast advocate for Milwaukee, passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 41. Born on September 25, 1983, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,...

Milwaukee County prepares for delays in early vote counting on election night due to GOP restrictions

As the nation turns its attention to Wisconsin for one of the most anticipated elections in recent history, Milwaukee County leaders have unified in an urgent appeal for residents to turn out and...

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...

Interview with Tom Barrett: U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg reflects on forging ties with Irpin

by Lee Matz | Jul 25, 2023 | Articles, Ukraine

Return to Ukraine: This feature is part of an original Milwaukee Independent editorial series that recorded news from areas across Ukraine, including Milwaukee's sister city of Irpin, from June to July of 2023. It was the second time in the span of a year that the...

Return to Ukraine: A trauma loop of travel from Milwaukee to a country still at war a year later

by Lee Matz | Jul 24, 2023 | Articles, Editorial, Featured, Ukraine

From Weddings to War: How Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov photograph Ukraine’s daily horrors

by News Team | Jul 24, 2023 | Articles, Ukraine

Being Friends of Angels: The Milwaukee nonprofit saving lives and offering hope in Ukraine

by Staff | Jul 24, 2023 | Articles, Ukraine

Juneteenth 2023: A retrospective of how Milwaukee has celebrated Emancipation Day in recent years

by Editor | Jun 19, 2023 | Articles, Featured

Milwaukee is home to one of the longest held Juneteenth Day celebrations in the United States. Juneteenth, a commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, has long held profound significance in American history. June 19, 2023 marks the 52nd...

Supervisor Peter Burgelis vows to continue fight for LGBTQ+ equality after suffering from violent assault

by Staff | Jun 17, 2023 | Articles, Featured

County Supervisor Peter Burgelis was subjected to a violent assault on June 12 in an unprovoked incident that occurred at Mayfair Mall. While details surrounding the assault are still being investigated by law enforcement, it was confirmed that Supervisor Burgelis...

Reflections on Flag Day: The rising wave of lowering the flag to half-staff in Wisconsin

by Hannah Dugan | Jun 14, 2023 | Articles, Featured

After years of effort, a Waubeka, Wisconsin school teacher successfully lobbied for the 1916 creation of the annual observance of National Flag Day. Every year since on June 14th the United States commemorates its flag as an emblem of the country, a standard for...

Gun Safe Summer: Legislators join Attorney General to urge action over removed provisions for gun safety

by Staff | Jun 13, 2023 | Articles, Featured

Wisconsin’s Democratic lawmakers reintroduced a series of state gun control measures on June 12 aimed at expanding background checks, implementing a red flag law, and providing tax exemptions for gun safes. The bills were previously introduced but removed from...

CONNECT 1: Ribbon cutting ceremony inaugurates Milwaukee County’s new transit era with BRT Line

by Editor | Jun 6, 2023 | Articles, Featured

Milwaukee County celebrated the inauguration of its CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on June 5, at an official ribbon cutting ceremony almost two years to the day from when the groundbreaking ceremony kicked off its construction. The special event took place at...

Forgotten Civil War veterans buried in County’s Poor Farm Cemetery finally honored on Memorial Day 2023

by Staff | May 29, 2023 | Articles, Featured

Memorial Day 2023 decorations at the Milwaukee County Poor Farm Cemetery #3 marks what is thought to be the first time three Civil War veterans buried in cemeteries on County Grounds were honorably recognized with a Memorial Day flag for their service to the nation....

Acts of Hate: Local family faces lengthy legal battle with neighbors over alleged racial harassment

by Staff | May 23, 2023 | Articles

A heated lawsuit is underway in the quiet suburban neighborhood of Mount Pleasant as Carlos J. Amaya and Laura V. Amaya filed a lawsuit against their neighbors, James I. Coots and Cindy J. Coots on May 23. The lawsuit also includes ABC Insurance Company, alleging...

CONNECT 1 Service: MCTS launches summer route changes along with new BRT line on June 4

by Staff | May 22, 2023 | Articles, Featured

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) summer schedules go into effect on June 4, and include the launch of the new CONNECT 1. Wisconsin’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, CONNECT 1, will deliver a premium level of transit service that improves mobility and...