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Gun violence down across state, including Milwaukee, report says | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

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Gun violence down across state, including Milwaukee, report says | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service



Friends and family of Nelson Manuel Lopez Correa, a 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed on the South Side on Oct. 28, created a memorial in his honor. An Americans for Progress report found that shootings are down nearly 20% this year in Milwaukee. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)

Gun violence homicides dropped by nearly 17% in Wisconsin over the first eight months of 2024 compared to the same time period in 2023, according to a report by the Center for American Progress, a nonpartisan policy institute.

The report, released in September, also found that gun violence victimizations, defined as all firearm-related injuries and deaths, dropped in Milwaukee nearly 20% over that same time period.

“I think this decrease is happening for a number of reasons, but one is due to community violence intervention measures that are working,” said Nicholas Matuszewski, executive director of Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, a statewide grassroots organization.

Local violence intervention efforts include 414 Life, a violence interruption program; and Project Ujima, which provides services to families and children who’ve been impacted by violence.

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In addition, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced in late October the launch of the national gun violence program, “Advance Peace.”

“Advance Peace is an investment in solutions to decreasing gun violence that will help ensure Milwaukee County is a safe and healthy community where families and children can thrive,” Crowley said in a news release announcing the program.

‘Numbers are dropping’

Matuszewski said Milwaukee and the state are national leaders in community violence intervention efforts, citing the work of the City of Milwaukee Office of Community Wellness and Safety and also programs supported statewide through Wisconsin Community Safety Fund grants.

The Wisconsin Community Safety Fund grants provided 10 organizations, including the Alma Center in Milwaukee, with $10.4 million in funding to reduce violence stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After the pandemic, we had a huge increase in gun ownership and gun purchases which naturally led to more gun violence,” Matuszewski said. “Those numbers are dropping now.”

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While many cities cited in the report have seen gun violence return or drop to pre-pandemic levels, Milwaukee is still on pace to experience more shootings this year than in 2019, the year before the pandemic.

According to data from the Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission dashboard, there were 442 nonfatal shootings in 2019. Those numbers rose to more than 750 each year from 2020 to 2023. So far this year, the city has experienced 471 shootings, according to information on the dashboard. 

‘Too many shootings’

Travis Hope, a community activist who conducts street outreach on the South Side, said gun violence still occurs at an alarming rate in the city.

“Too many shootings are still happening and impacting families, communities, and especially young people,” Hope said.

According to data from the Milwaukee Police Department, there have been 119 homicides in the city so far this year, compared to 153 during the same time period in 2023 and 192 in 2022.

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The number of nonfatal shootings in Milwaukee also is down significantly, with 471 so far this year, compared to 769 at this time in 2023 and 788 in 2022.

Officials address drop in gun violence in Milwaukee

During a news conference discussing the reduction in shootings, among other crimes in the city, Mayor Cavalier Johnson cited the work of the Milwaukee Police Department as one reason for the drop in shootings and other crime this year.

“The work that they do is a big factor, a huge factor, in making Milwaukee safer,” he said.

Johnson said that in addition to law enforcement, intervention efforts have also been key in reducing crime.

“When we prevent a crime through intervention, that makes each and every one of us safer,” he said.

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Ashanti Hamilton, director of the Office of Community Safety and Wellness, said that while the decrease in homicides and nonfatal shootings is promising, more work needs to be done.

“Reducing violence is an ongoing process,” he said. “Sustainable change requires addressing the root causes of crime, and this means looking beyond the immediate crime reduction strategies and focusing on broader social, economic and systemic changes that contribute to violence.”


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Milwaukee, WI

15 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: April 16-19

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15 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: April 16-19


Featured Events

1. Art in Bloom

ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

MAM’s iconic spring tradition is back filling the space with fresh energy. The galleries are filled with floral arrangements inspired by works of art including works in the brand new Modern Wing. Check out the full schedule to read about the special events happening each day. Tickets to the museum are $40 for nonmembers and $15 for members. Student, senior, military and teacher discounts are available.

2. Milwaukee Zine Fest

SATURDAY FROM 10:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. | MILWAUKEE CENTRAL LIBRARY

Zine Fest is back for its 17th year! The event will include vendor sales, scheduled workshops, hand-on experiences and more. This event is completely free including all workshops and hands-on experiences. A full list of the vendors and the workshop schedule can be found at their website.

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3. Renaissance Threads Workshop with Harmonic Harvest

SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. TO 10 A.M. | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET

Join Harmonic Harvest in the Madame Kuony’s Demonstration Kitchen (Milwaukee Public Market second level) to create a community tapestry. The workshop invites participants to reflect on a positive moment, person, or experience in their lives and make that story into a piece of art work. Fabric squares and art materials will be provided and no prior experience is necessary. This event is free to the public and suitable for all ages.


Architects, interior designers, renovators and landscapers: Submit your best work for consideration!

 


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4. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Community Access Day

THURSDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 7 P.M. | BETTY BRINN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

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Admission to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is completely free this Thursday! Kids can immerse themselves in the Home Town exhibit to learn about the responsibility and teamwork it takes to run a town, test their skills on the Hot Lava obstacle course, create art in the Be a Maker Space and more. This event is open to everyone and the museum is fit for children of all ages.

5. Sculpture Milwaukee Talks

THURSDAY FROM 4:30 P.M. TO 6:15 P.M. | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER

Artist Joel Otterson and conductor and music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Ken-David Masur are exploring the connections between art and music and the role the arts play in civic life. Moderated by the curator of Kohler Co.’s Arts/Industry Collection, Michelle Grabner, the conversation is sure to be inspiring. Due to limited seating, registration is recommended. This event is free to the public. 

6. PRIDE Night: Mrs. Christie

THURSDAY AT 6 P.M. | MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is celebrating Pride Night with a special pre-show social hour. Drag Queen’s Dear Ruthie and BJ Daniels will be hanging out with members of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce before the Thursday night show of Mrs. Christie. DJ Femme Noir will be spinning tracks and snacks and complimentary wine, beer or soda will be served. The show follows the curious disappearance of Agatha Christie, famous 1926 author. Tickets are $50 each and include pre-show festivities and the show.

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7. Glow After Dark: Yoga Sculpt Girls Night Out

THURSDAY FROM 6 P.M. TO 8 P.M. | THE BOX MKE 

Yoga by Analisia is hosting the perfect girls night out. The sculpt class will be bodyweight and music-driven with a live DJ and black lights to make neons pop. After class, the social hour will feature the Glow Tarot Lounge, DIY Glow Bar, Glow-in-the-Dark Affirmation Wall, permanent jewelry and other local vendors. General admission tickets start at $59 each with the opportunity to bundle and save.

8. Book Talk: A Conversation about Black Feminist Resistance in Trying Times

FRIDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 1 P.M. | KUUMBA JUICE & COFFEE

Dr. Stacie McCormick and Dr. Nessette Falu are hosting a conversation surrounding Black Feminist Resistance and the power of storytelling during trying times. The conversation will cover McCormick’s book We Are Pregnant with Freedom and Falu’s book Unseen Flesh. This event is free to attend.

9. Make a Difference Day

SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. | UW-MILWAUKEE

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Volunteer with UW-Milwaukee to help older adults prepare their yards and neighborhood for spring. Volunteers can sign up as an individual or as a team and service assignments will be given out on the day of. Volunteering ends around 1 p.m. and free pizza will be provided. Registration is open to everyone.

10. Second Hand Purrs Spring Vendor, Craft Fair and Bake Sale

SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. | KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Spring time is kitten season and Second Hand Purrs is back with another craft fair and bake sale. Over 25 vendors, artists and crafters along with a raffle and bakery sale will donate 100% of their proceeds to benefit the kittens. The event is held at the Knights of Columbus headquarters and admission is free. 

11. Enchanted Afternoon: A Fairy Tea and Craft Party

SATURDAY FROM 12 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | DRESDEN CASTLE

Inject some whimsy into your life and explore life as a fairy. Sip on tea, browse a variety of vendors and shop for whimsical craft kits at the Dresden Castle. Fairy dress-up is encouraged! Admission tickets are available online for $7.60 with upgrade options available.

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12. Spring Fling Art and Maker Thing

SATURDAY FROM 1 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | PUDDLER’S HALL

10 local artists are coming together for the fourth annual spring art and maker show at Puddler’s Hall. The artists mediums vary, and include photography, painting, prints, sculptures, pottery and more. This event is free to attend and suitable for all ages. 

13. Urban Ecology in Bloom

SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 11:30 A.M. | URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER

Take a tour of the land with Urban Ecology’s Land Management staff. The class will cover native ephemeral and spring blooming plants, fauna and their relationship to the early blossoms and native plant purchasing. Registration is encouraged and tickets cost $5 each.

14. Restorative Yoga

SUNDAY FROM 4 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | VILLA TERRACE DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM

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Rest and recharge with restorative yoga at Villa Terrace. The class is meant to help participants fully unwind and will include a slow, deep flow using supported poses and calming breathwork. This class is suitable for all levels and guests must bring their own mat. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased online.

15. Eastwinds Chamber Ensemble Concert

SUNDAY FROM 3 P.M. TO 4 P.M. | ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Eastwinds Chamber Ensemble is presenting original compositions, brass ensemble and organ works at their Spring Concert. The show is free to attend and donations will go directly to the program.

 

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Milwaukee flooding traps drivers and leaves thousands without power

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Milwaukee flooding traps drivers and leaves thousands without power


MILWAUKEE — Severe storms swept through Milwaukee, causing significant flooding and leaving thousands of residents without power.

Near Timmerman Airport at 97th Street and Hampton Avenue, rapidly rising water trapped multiple drivers. At least five vehicles became stuck in the floodwaters. TMJ4’s Mike Beiermeister called 911 after finding four people inside one of the submerged cars. Emergency services responded, and all drivers and passengers were able to get out safely.

Watch: Milwaukee flooding traps drivers and leaves thousands without power

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Multiple cars stuck in flooded streets

The high water concealed a median on the road. As drivers attempted to turn around to avoid the flooding, they did not see the median and drove straight into it, becoming stuck.

Atrilla Wilson witnessed the scene unfold.

“It was pretty much like last year in August. It just came and so fast that you couldn’t control it, and watching them go into those medians was the dangerous part,” Wilson said.

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Wilson noted that other drivers created additional hazards by not paying attention to the people trying to stop traffic.

“People just driving through here and not stopping, they just going through here and then filming while they’re driving, and it’s just been a whirlwind,” Wilson said.

The storms knocked out power for 24,500 customers across the area. Wilson and his neighbors were among those left in the dark.

“Everybody around here has got to go to work in the morning, so they depend on the electricity to get them up and getting them going, so hopefully before the end of the night we get electricity,” Wilson said.

Flooding and ponding were also reported on Silver Spring Drive and Mill Road. Authorities advise residents to stay home and avoid driving through flooded roadways.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.


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Milwaukee shooting near 12th and Locust; 20-year-old wounded

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Milwaukee shooting near 12th and Locust; 20-year-old wounded


Milwaukee Police Department (MPD)

Milwaukee police say a 20-year-old was shot and wounded near 12th and Locust on Tuesday, April 14. 

12th and Locust

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What we know:

Officials said the shooting happened around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment. 

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Milwaukee police are seeking an unknown shooter.

Call with tips

What you can do:

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Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or the P3 Tips App.

The Source: Information in this post was provided by the Milwaukee Police Department.

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