Milwaukee, WI

Some Milwaukee homes undergo lead abatement for free

Published

1 year ago

October 23, 2024

Some Milwaukee homes undergo lead abatement for free

MILWAUKEE — Health officials said lead is still commonly found in older homes around Milwaukee. Lead paint was banned in the U.S. in 1978, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

So many of the city’s homes are contaminated with lead that the Milwaukee Health Department is calling it a crisis.

What You Need To Know

The Milwaukee Health Department said roughly 200,000 homes in the city are contaminated with lead. Since it’s so prevalent in Milwaukee homes, $20 million in federal funds have been put toward reducing the lead hazard in low-income communities

The health department is reducing lead contamination in nearly 100 homes a year

The older the home, the higher the levels of lead. That poses an array of health risks, especially for children

Tyler Weber, the deputy commissioner of environmental health at the Milwaukee Health Department, said there are 200,000 homes in the City of Milwaukee contaminated with lead.

He said the older the home, the higher the levels of lead. That poses an array of health risks, especially for children.

“It can prevent a child from learning to read earlier in life,” Weber said. “It can decrease their vocabulary. There’s impulse control [and] potentially ADHD. So there’s a number of behavioral challenges and that can have a lifelong impact.”

Weber said lead can be found in walls, windows, water and soil. He said because it’s so prevalent in Milwaukee homes, $20 million in federal funds have been put toward reducing the lead hazard in low-income communities.

“They’ve been significantly red-lined, segregated economically and they have older homes with more windows, bigger square-footage and 80% of the families we work with are renters,” Weber said.

In Milwaukee, a resident may qualify for the Wisconsin Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSHP) if they meet the following criteria:

“Your home was built before 1978
“Your taxes are paid to date or you are enrolled in a tax payment plan
“Children under age 19 or a pregnant woman living at or regularly visiting your home are on, or are eligible for, Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus. (“Regularly visiting” means visiting for at least three hours per day on two or more days per week, totaling at least 60 hours per year)”

The Morris sisters are just two of the many individuals impacted by lead exposure in the city. Their home was built in the early 1900s and riddled with lead.

A Habitat for Humanity flyer left in their mailbox that advertised free lead abatement services caught their interest.

“I told my sister, I said ‘Hey, I think this would be a good thing to look into,’ because it’s an older house. We have peeling paint and she had her two grandchildren living here with us,” Shawn Morris said.

They met the qualifications, as the grandkids living in the home had high levels of lead in their blood. Habitat for Humanity quickly got to work. The abatement took about three months to complete and was done free of charge.

“It’s a wonderful program,” Morris said. “They totally transformed our house. They gave us a new house. There’s no way we would have been able to afford it.”

The project saved the Morris family thousands of dollars and brought the grandkids’ lead blood levels back to normal. Weber is hoping to do just that for other families affected by lead exposure.

“Helping to get this crisis under control and bring awareness to the lead poisoning and the effects in can cause,” Weber said.

For more information on how to qualify and apply for free lead remediation in Milwaukee, click here.

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Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee shooting Thursday, 1 wounded near 51st and Center

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Press Room

Milwaukee shooting Thursday, 1 wounded near 51st and Center

article

Milwaukee Police Department (MPD)

MILWAUKEE – One person was shot and wounded on Milwaukee’s north side Thursday, Dec. 25.

51st and Center

What we know:

A 39-year-old victim was shot around noon. Police said the victim went to a hospital for treatment and is expected to survive.

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What we don’t know:

What led to the shooting remains under investigation. Police are looking for whoever is responsible.

MPD tips

What you can do:

Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at 414-935-7360; to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 tips app.

The Source: The Milwaukee Police Department released information.

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Milwaukee, WI

Holiday spending climbs as Milwaukee shoppers balance costs, giving

Published

19 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Press Room

Holiday spending climbs

Shoppers in downtown Milwaukee are feeling the squeeze — and still opening their wallets — as experts say this holiday season is shaping up to be one of the most expensive on record.

MILWAUKEE – Shoppers in downtown Milwaukee are feeling the squeeze — and still opening their wallets — as experts say this holiday season is shaping up to be one of the most expensive on record.

Local perspective:

“I started about three weeks ago. I would say it’s been on the more expensive side, especially when you have to grab gifts for more and more people every year,” said Andie, a Milwaukee shopper.

“I finished up my Christmas shopping today,” said Zack, another shopper.

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Both said they’ve become more strategic with how — and where — they spend, balancing convenience with a push to support local businesses.

“I definitely wanna support the local businesses around here so a healthy mix of online when it’s a little more convenient and local,” said Andie.

A report from Mastercard shows consumer spending rose 3.9% from Nov. 1 through Dec. 21 compared with the same period last year, reflecting stronger demand even as prices remain elevated.

“Yeah, I would say about $100 more, maybe $200,” said Zack.

What we know:

That uptick is being felt on the ground. Kerry Schannon said his downtown Milwaukee business has seen a steady flow of customers throughout the season.

“We had a very, very brisk business up until the unexpected cold blast in December, but otherwise it’ll be very good,” said Schannon, a downtown Milwaukee business owner.

Schannon said repeat customers helped anchor sales, while creative window displays and promotions brought in new shoppers despite broader economic uncertainty.

“People are not horribly happy about tariffs, but they are still coming. They’re still supporting local business and we are specifically here because we want to mark ourselves to an urban demographic, and they’re there, they’re coming in,” said Schannon.

What they’re saying:

For shoppers, many say cost isn’t the only consideration.

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“You have to your loved ones are still important no matter the price,” said Zack.

Andie said she’s found ways to manage expenses while still keeping traditions alive.

“I do you like a secret Santa situation, so we don’t end up buying another 10–15 gifts on top of that, so trying to keep costs reasonable,” said Andie.

Looking ahead, the National Retail Federation projects holiday spending will top $1 trillion for the first time, underscoring how consumers continue to spend even as budgets are stretched.

The Source: The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.

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Milwaukee, WI

Christmas Eve services in Milwaukee keep families connected

Published

1 day ago

December 24, 2025

Press Room

Christmas Eve services in Milwaukee keep families connected

MILWAUKEE – It’s a day of family and faith. That’s what people at Milwaukee’s Eastbrook Church said as they enjoyed one of four services offered on Christmas Eve.

What they’re saying:

From music to prayer to scripture, it’s a special night for those who attend. Families said they wanted to celebrate faith through connection and Christ.

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“It’s just a time of joy and hope, and it’s fun for us,” said one churchgoer. “It’s just a special moment.”

Eastbrook staff said the Christmas Eve service is one of their biggest of the year. They expect up to 2,500 people to attend across all four services.

The Source: FOX6 News interviewed people at Eastbrook Church.

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