Author: Editor

Hollow Patriotism: Reconciling the honor that veterans are due with the disrespect of their service

In the aftermath of the 2024 election, as Americans reflect on Veterans Day, a familiar narrative emerges across the nation as it has every year since it was first observed in 1919, before being recognized as a Federal holiday in 1954. There are genuine and heartfelt expressions of gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces. Social media platforms state the day buzzing with posts adorned with flag emojis and patriotic slogans proclaiming, “Thank you for your service!” Yet, this veneer of patriotism often serves a dual purpose, to shame those who may...

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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 Times buckle under the weight of fear surrounding Donald Trump, the Milwaukee Independent believes that journalistic integrity and civic responsibility demand an active stand. Where others have faltered in their duty to call out the erosion of democratic principles, the Milwaukee Independent editorial board feels compelled to go on record, marking this moment as too critical to remain silent. Kamala Harris stands as a defender of the...

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Milwaukee Voices with Korean Experiences: The groundbreaking series exploring culture and identity

Since the fading days of the COVID-19 pandemic and the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Milwaukee Independent has been committed to reporting international stories with local roots in Milwaukee. In its most ambitious journalism project yet, the publication took readers on an extraordinary journey in October. From the streets of Milwaukee to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of Korea, the news service documented the lives, histories, and cultural experiences that have connected the two communities for decades. Exploring Korea: Stories from Milwaukee to the DMZ and across a Divided Peninsula is an unprecedented editorial series in scope and...

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Urban beekeeping: How essential pollinators sustain agriculture and ecosystems in Milwaukee

Honeybees were introduced to America by European settlers in the 16th century and became indispensable to modern agriculture. In Milwaukee, that relationship has been exemplified by the apiary at Forest Home Cemetery, a unique urban sanctuary for essential pollinators. “Bees have pollinated a wide variety of native plants and helped create nature’s ecosystem, but without honeybees our food system would collapse and billions would die of malnutrition,” said Chad Nelson, an apiculturist and co-founder of Fairy Garden Hives. Honeybees have a unique ability to survive over the winter and can be transported from one blooming crop to another, setting...

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