As we celebrate Black history, we also must acknowledge the oppressive 400+ year relationship between the Black community and the tobacco industry.
Edgar Mendez
Raised in a South Side neighborhood where he still lives, Edgar Mendez is the managing editor of the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service. Mendez is a proud graduate of UW-Milwaukee, where he double majored in journalism and sociology, and of Marquette University, where he earned a master’s degree in communication. He won a 2018 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and 2014, 2017, and 2018 Milwaukee Press Club Awards for his reporting on taverns, marijuana law enforcement, and lead in water service lines. In 2008, he won a Society of Professional Journalists’ regional award for columns dealing with issues such as poverty, homelessness and racism. His writing has been published by the Associated Press, Reuters, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and other media. He has also co-authored three articles published in scholarly journals.
Posted inCommunity, Health and Wellness
Ace Boxing Club damaged in fire, will remain closed for repairs
The South Side club suffered at least $6,000 in damages. Club’s leader hopes for community support to help it reopen.
Posted inArts and Recreation, Community
A ‘big blow for the city’: Milwaukee reacts to the possibility that Giannis leaves town
Many in Milwaukee have strong emotions about the basketball superstar potentially being moved by the Bucks before the NBA trade deadline.
Posted inCommunity, Economic Development
Residents navigating the 16th Street Bridge closure can expect more travel delays soon
A section of the 16th Street Bridge should reopen to traffic in April, while residents can expect a much longer wait when the 27th Street Bridge closes.
Posted inOpinion: Community Voices
Opinion: A call to action for equitable food access in Milwaukee
The African American Roundtable, in collaboration with 11 community residents, has launched a food access campaign focused on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side.
Posted inPosts from Community
Post From Community: Free driver education grants now available for Milwaukee students
Do you know a teen that can’t afford driver education? Wisconsin’s Driver Education Grant Program re-opened for new applicants on Tuesday Jan. 20.
Posted inCommunity, Public Safety
Forward Latino leader urges residents to prepare for potential wide-scale ICE operation in Wisconsin
The unrest in Minneapolis after the death of Renee Good has fueled concerns by Milwaukee residents and leaders
Posted inCommunity
Memorable story of 2025: Your Right to Know: Data center secrecy is unacceptable
Community Ambassador Delicia Morris writes about why Tom Content’s opinion piece about data centers was her most memorable story of 2025.
Posted inCommunity, Inside the NNS Newsroom
What are you thankful for this season?
This Thanksgiving, NNS wants to uplift the people, organizations and spaces that make Milwaukee a better place.
Posted inCommunity, Inside the NNS Newsroom
Do you have an ofrenda or spooktacular outdoor Halloween setup you’d like to showcase? Let us know!
NNS plans to feature ofrendas and Halloween displays in photo essays celebrating beauty and creativity across Milwaukee.