As drug overdose deaths continue to scourge the community, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has announced a series of new projects aimed at stemming the tide of death and destruction caused by opioid addiction.
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
Michael Totoraitis reflects on first year as health commissioner, looks forward to full term
Michael Totoraitis brings his unique skill set and stability to the role of Milwaukee commissioner of health, a position that has seen extremely high turnover over the past several years.
Posted inCommunity, News, Public Safety
Family of man killed by officers during RNC seeks answers
Angelique Sharpe, the sister of Samuel Sharpe Jr., is outraged over his fatal shooting by Columbus, Ohio, police who were in town to work the Republican National Convention.
Posted inCommunity, Public Safety
How the RNC security zone will impact services for residents
The security zone established for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which takes place July 15-18, has led several organizations to close their doors and shift services online or remote.
Posted inCommunity, NNS Spotlight, Public Safety
Faith inspires new executive director to lead Franciscan Peacemakers
Megan O’Halloran’s new position as executive director of the Franciscan Peacemakers is part of her ongoing faith journey.
Posted inCommunity, Education, News
Quick action helps 39 displaced SDC students graduate on time
Thirty-nine students who were enrolled in the SDC/s high school equivalency diploma program were able to graduate on time, thanks to the quick work of others.
Posted inCriminal justice, Education
Milwaukee program prepares first cohort of women for successful reentry
Building a Path to Success, a workshop of My Way Out, gives participants skills to help them thrive upon release. The program recently graduated its first cohort of women.
Posted inCommunity, Public Safety
$100,000 grant will allow Milwaukee nonprofit to serve more sexually exploited women
A $100,000 grant from the City of Milwaukee will help Inner Beauty Center increase staffing and provide additional support for sexually exploited women.
Posted inCommunity, Health and Wellness, Public Safety
Overdose deaths highest among African Americans in Milwaukee County
African Americans comprise 40% of victims of fatal drug overdoses in Milwaukee County, with 73% of those deaths involving cocaine.
Posted inCommunity, Economic Development
How $15,000 ‘Pay It Forward’ grant gives underserved business owners a chance to soar
Barbecue restaurant owner Robert Meredith said he’s greatly benefited from Spectrum Reach’s Pay It Forward Program, getting free TV and streaming ads as well as additional support.