The U.S. Department of Education will stop funding a local program helping local teachers delve into Milwaukee’s lesser-known history. Program staff are appealing the decision.
Devin Blake
Devin Blake began his career as a journalist at Patch, covering the Southern California communities he grew up in, with a particular focus on local businesses, unemployment, and organizations addressing unmet community needs. As he witnessed the growing homelessness crisis, he transitioned into working as a resource and information coordinator, supporting community groups and nonprofits serving unhoused populations, including the elderly, developmentally disabled, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to his community-focused work, Blake has contributed to publications such as New York Magazine, The Onion, and McSweeney’s. He enjoys spending time with his wife and navigating the daily adventures of parenting his young son.
Posted inPublic Safety & Criminal Justice
Milwaukee’s juvenile prison on track for 2026 completion
State officials expect construction of the juvenile prison on the Northwest Side to be completed in summer 2026. Once complete, it will allow boys from Milwaukee who are sent to a maximum-security facility to stay closer to home.
Posted inCommunity, Multimedia
Photos: Strengthening community by celebrating fatherhood, one plate at a time
The first Dinner With Dad brought fathers, father figures and mentors together for a night of love and connection.
Posted inNNS Spotlight, Public Safety & Criminal Justice
Here’s why some in Milwaukee say we can’t afford to lose Emily Sterk
Emily Sterk is completing a national fellowship at the Milwaukee Turners, where she humbly blends rigorous research and coalition-building to confront mass incarceration.
Posted inHealth and Wellness, Public Safety & Criminal Justice
Lawmakers seek to expand alternatives to incarceration for people with mental illness
A bill would give counties more resources to help people with mental illness who’ve committed certain crimes.
Posted inPublic Safety & Criminal Justice
MPD pushes for more facial recognition technology as a federal report shows persistent bias
Community groups are speaking out against the police department’s plan to expand its use of facial recognition technology. But MPD says it is a valuable crime-fighting tool.
Posted inCommunity
The SDC responds to the state’s lawsuit. Here’s what’s you need to know
In a formal response to a state lawsuit over unpaid wages, the Social Development Commission disputes key facts but also raises familiar questions about who is responsible for the agency’s future.
Posted inCommunity, Resources
‘I work for 950,000 people’: County official reminds residents of their rights amid ICE arrests
Despite recent ICE arrests at the Milwaukee County Courthouse complex, Milwaukee County Register of Deeds Israel Ramón says all residents – regardless of immigration status – have a right to access his office.
Posted inHealth and Wellness, Resources
Changes to federal food aid raise alarm as summer nears. Here’s what you need to know.
Summer meal programs have not been targeted, but lawmakers warn thousands of families could lose access to similar support due to budget cuts from the Trump administration.
Posted inPublic Safety & Criminal Justice
Milwaukee workers set to benefit from court’s ruling on municipal citations
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that noncriminal municipal citations count as arrest records under state law – meaning employers can’t use them to discriminate.