Kevin Abing: Milwaukee mobilized every resource possible in 1918 to combat the Spanish Flu epidemic
Milwaukee’s current struggles to stem the growth of COVID-19 Coronavirus eerily parallels efforts to combat another pandemic over a century ago. In 1918, the Spanish Flu killed more than 50 million people — some estimate nearly 100 million — worldwide. It was the...
Not a Lockdown: Milwaukee implements “Stay at Home” directive in order to save lives
Mayor Tom Barrett and Dr. Jeanette Kowalik, Commissioner of Health, held a video press conference on March 23 to announce a “Stay at Home” order from the city, just as Governor Tony Evers was preparing to release a similar order statewide to address the pandemic. The...
Safer At Home: Wisconsin orders statewide closure of non-essential businesses to contain COVID-19
Governor Tony Evers said on Monday, March 23 that he will order the closure of all non-essential businesses starting Tuesday, March 24. He went on to urge state residents to stay at home to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus that has killed five people in the...
Postponement of PrideFest and Summerfest due to COVID-19 underlines disruption of 2020 festival season
The parent organization of PrideFest, Wisconsin’s largest LGBTQ+ event, announced on March 18 that it was officially postponing the annual 4-day event. The news was followed a few days later by a similar statement from Summerfest. The festival was set to take place at...
How internal racism and external disinformation campaigns turn us against each other
Observers often make the mistake of thinking that Russian disinformation is designed to pit the American left against the American right to sow chaos. But, in fact, Russian disinformation is designed to pit the American left and the American right against the American...
Fond memories from four decades of family, friends, and fish fries at Fritz’s Pub
Fritz’s Pub opened on September 28, 1978 as a simple bar, until it was remodeled and expanded to serve food in 1981. After that, it became known for is Serbian menu – particularly the “Fritzburger” and its Friday Night Fish Fry. Operated by the Djuric family for...
Excellence in Journalism: Milwaukee Independent recognized as Finalist for 13 awards
The Milwaukee Press Club announced the winners of its 90th Annual Gridiron Awards for Excellence in Wisconsin Journalism, and Milwaukee Independent was selected as a finalist for 13 features. The recognition exceeds 2018’s total of 10, in competition against all major...
Who Counts and When: On African-American suffrage, census, and the incremental steps for Civil Rights
2020 marks the 150th anniversaries both of the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution confirming male African American suffrage, and of the first full United States census of African-Americans. Commemorating these consequential milestones prompts reflection...
Being Positive during a Pandemic: 5 tips for getting through the coronavirus as a better person
The arrival of COVID-19 to Milwaukee brought a great deal of uncertainty in its wake. Beyond the obvious health risks is an economic vulnerability that has not been experienced before. Many people feel that the routine of daily life has been sidelined, because...
One of Wisconsin’s first two COVID-19 Deaths confirmed in Ozaukee County
Together with state health officials at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Governor Tony Evers confirmed two deaths in Wisconsin due to COVID-19 on March 19. The first death was a male in his 50s from Fond Du Lac County. The second death was a male in...
Wisconsin residents reminded to take precautions against COVID-19 scams and price gouging
Attorney General Josh Kaul urged Wisconsin residents on March 16 to be on the lookout for potential scams or instances of price gouging stemming from the outbreak of COVID-19. Wisconsin’s laws prohibiting price gouging are now in effect after Governor Evers issued...
MCTS encourages riders to limit non-essential bus travel to help prevent spread of COVID-19
Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and out of an abundance of caution for Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) employees and the general public, MCTS made the request hat riders limit non-essential bus travel until further notice. MCTS is working with...
