Author: Staff

Terracotta and Photogrammetry: How UWM’s Historic Preservation Institute uses new tech to save the past

The Pabst Mansion is currently seeking permission from the City of Milwaukee’s Historic Preservation Commission to deconstruct and preserve its 1893 terracotta pavilion. While a decision is not expected until a May 1 meeting, the complex process of digitally documenting the structure is already underway. Built with terracotta as a temporary interior structure for the World Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago, the pavilion was added to the Pabst Mansion as an auxiliary airing porch in 1895. Italian for “baked earth,” terracotta has been used by artisans and architects in everything from cookware to the ornate facades of Cathedrals...

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Detour Ahead: Wisconsin Policy Forum’s report rings alarm for state action on local transit funding

The independent research group, Wisconsin Policy Forum (WPF), released sobering findings on March 30 concerning Milwaukee County’s fiscal cliff and the massive impact it will have on a key quality of life service relied on by thousands of residents: the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS). The WPF report found that MCTS could face a gap as large as $25.6 million in 2025, and more than $40 million by 2028, without prompt action. MCTS provides a critical source of mobility for the most vulnerable county residents and is a vital cog in the regional economy. Whether harmful impacts to those...

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Making mobility more equitable: MCTS launches fare capping system for public transit with WisGo

Beginning April 1, Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will offer customers enhanced flexibility and convenience through WisGo, its new fare payment system powered by the Umo Mobility platform. With fare capping enabled, riders now pay as they go, saving money the more they ride, without the need to pay upfront for a daily, weekly or monthly pass. After more than a year of preparation, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, County Supervisor Priscilla Coggs-Jones, MCTS Chief Financial Officer Tim Hosch, and Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly, held a press conference at the MCTS Fleet Maintenance Building on March 29 to welcome...

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Milwaukee photojournalist narrowly misses flash flood that kills 14 in earthquake-battered Türkiye

Floods caused by torrential rains hit two Turkish provinces that were devastated by last month’s catastrophic earthquake, killing at least 14 people and increasing the misery for thousands who were left homeless, officials said on March 15. Milwaukee Indpenent’s senior photojournalist was in Adiyaman on the same day, documenting the condition of survivors with the assistance of Türk Kizilay, the Turkish Red Crescent. Heavy rains hampered some of the team’s outdoor work, but they relocated later on March 15 to Antakya and narrowly missed the impact of the flooding. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said rescue teams had searched for...

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Thinking about the best way to help survivors in Türkiye when the unthinkable happens

Earthquake Mission in Türkiye: A massive earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria on February 6, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions homeless. Milwaukee Independent was invited by a team of American doctors and clergy to document conditions in the hardest hit parts of Türkiye a month later, embedded with the Turkish Red Crescent, Türk Kizilay. This special series offers a snapshot of the situation in Adiyaman and Antakya in images, with stories from first responders and survivors of the unfolding natural disaster. mkeind.com/earthquakemissionturkiye Dr. Abrar Qureshi, who just returned from a SAMS medical mission in January, was a co-organizer...

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Türk Kizilay: Providing emergency relief to those affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquake

Earthquake Mission in Türkiye: A massive earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria on February 6, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions homeless. Milwaukee Independent was invited by a team of American doctors and clergy to document conditions in the hardest hit parts of Türkiye a month later, embedded with the Turkish Red Crescent, Türk Kizilay. This special series offers a snapshot of the situation in Adiyaman and Antakya in images, with stories from first responders and survivors of the unfolding natural disaster. mkeind.com/earthquakemissionturkiye Türk Kizilay, the Turkish Red Crescent, has been at the forefront of relief efforts in Türkiye...

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