Milwaukee, WI
Holiday spending climbs as Milwaukee shoppers balance costs, giving
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.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee police chase, 15-year-old driver arrested
Milwaukee Police Department (MPD)
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee police arrested a 15-year-old boy after a pursuit across the city’s north side Wednesday night.
What they’re saying:
The chase started around 9:20 p.m. MPD said officers saw a vehicle that was wanted in an armed robbery and tried to stop it near 33rd and Locust, but the driver took off.
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The chase ended roughly two miles away near 29th and Roosevelt, where the driver got out and ran. MPD said the suspect’s vehicle continued to roll and collided with another vehicle. Officers ultimately caught the 15-year-old and took him into custody.
What’s next:
Criminal charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
The Source: FOX6 News requested information from the Milwaukee Police Department.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee stabbing near 40th and McKinley; 1 wounded, 1 arrested
Milwaukee Police Department
MILWAUKEE – One person was taken to the hospital after a stabbing in Milwaukee on Wednesday night, Jan. 7.
What we know:
According to Milwaukee police, a 26-year-old was stabbed around 7 p.m. near 40th and McKinley.
Milwaukee police arrested a suspect on the scene.
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What you can do:
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or P3 Tips.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the Milwaukee Police Department.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee man charged; officer trapped in defendant’s getaway car
MILWAUKEE – A 26-year-old Milwaukee man is accused of fleeing police during an arrest attempt. An officer who was present to make the arrest ended up being trapped in the backseat of the defendant’s vehicle during an attempt to flee law enforcement. The accused is Kewane Daniels – and he faces the following criminal counts:
- First-degree recklessly endangering safety
- False imprisonment
- Operating a motor vehicle to flee or in an attempt to elude an officer
- Second-degree recklessly endangering safety
Property taken, arrest attempt
What we know:
According to the criminal complaint, Milwaukee police reported to the Comfort Suites near 118th and Silver Spring after a caller indicated that “property had been taken from her by the defendant,” the complaint says. The caller indicated location data alerted her that the property was in the hotel parking lot. Daniels also had two warrants for his arrest.
The caller reached out to Daniels to come outside and meet her. Law enforcement were going to assist with arresting Daniels and getting the property back.
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The complaint indicates Daniels approached his car, and an officer followed and positioned himself behind an open rear door. He “drew his service weapon knowing that Daniels was reported to frequently be armed,” the complaint says. The officer ordered Daniels not to place the car in drive, but the complaint says Daniels ignored the orders and “accelerated in reverse in an attempt to flee (the officer).”
Arresting officer trapped in defendant’s vehicle
Dig deeper:
The officer, who was now being forced to back pedal, “realized he could not keep up with the quickly reversing vehicle, and feared he may be overtaken and crushed beneath the auto. (The officer) stated that he had to jump into the open rear passenger’s seat in order to escape the possibility of being knocked down beneath the oncoming vehicle’s door and tires,” the complaint says.
The defendant quickly accelerated out of the hotel parking lot with the officer in the rear seat. The officer “continually ordered him to stop the car,” the complaint says. The officer stated, “Daniels fled at a high rate of speed near 90 mph east on W. Silver Spring Drive while losing control and mounting the curb several times,” the complaint says. During this entire incident, the officer said he “kept his service weapon aimed at Daniels while in the back seat. Due to the speeds and reckless driving, (the officer) could not exit the vehicle,” the complaint says.
The court filing says the officer having his firearm pointed had no effect on Daniels pulling over the vehicle. Later, he put his weapon away to try and convince Daniels that he was not in danger and to pull over the vehicle. Instead, the defendant continued fleeing and driving recklessly, the complaint says.
Defendant bails, car crashes
What we know:
Near 92nd and Birch Avenue in Milwaukee, the complaint says, “Daniels opened the driver’s door and abandoned the vehicle which was still moving at approximately 35 mph.” The officer remained trapped in the rear passenger seat of the driverless vehicle which “came to a stop when it mounted the curb, continued into a front yard, and eventually crashed into a tree,” the complaint says. It is noted that Daniels’ vehicle had the child locks engaged, so the officer was unable to exit the vehicle on his own.
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Officers in other squads quickly located Daniels. The complaint indicates the defendant was “missing footwear in extremely frigid temperatures.” His footwear was recovered in a grassy area near where he was taken into custody.
What’s next:
Online court records indicate Daniels is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Milwaukee County court on Thursday, Jan. 8.
The Source: Information in this post was provided by Wisconsin Circuit Court Access and the criminal complaint associated with this case.
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