Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee election official reacts to drop box decision

Published

2 years ago

July 5, 2024

Milwaukee election official reacts to drop box decision

MILWAUKEE — In the midst of a busy election season, the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted Friday to reinstate the use of ballot drop boxes across the state.

What You Need To Know

The 4-3 ruling overturned a decision the state’s high court made less than two years ago; the previous ruling banned the use of ballot drop boxes. Spectrum News was there when crews removed all ballot boxes from Milwaukee back in 2022

Now, the city is putting those boxes back out ahead of the August partisan primaries

Ballot drop boxes were used in Wisconsin since the 1980s and became more popular during the pandemic. However, their legality and security were questioned by many Republicans following President Joe Biden’s victory over former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election

The 4-3 ruling overturned a decision the state’s high court made less than two years ago; the previous ruling banned the use of ballot drop boxes. Spectrum News was there when crews removed all ballot boxes from Milwaukee back in 2022.

Now, the city is putting those boxes back out ahead of the August partisan primaries.

“This is just another opportunity for us to provide a safe and secure way for people to drop off their absentee ballots here to the city of Milwaukee,” said Paulina Gutierrez, the executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission.

Gutierrez said ballot drop boxes are an especially helpful option for people with special needs.

“People with American Disability Act considerations, you know, most of our ballot boxes we attempt to put in places where people can just drive up to them,” said Gutierrez.

Ballot drop boxes were used in Wisconsin since the 1980s and became more popular during the pandemic. However, their legality and security were questioned by many Republicans following President Joe Biden’s victory over former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election.

Gutierrez described the process that goes into making sure ballot boxes are extremely secure.

“We have a very robust paper trail and chain of custody process,” said Gutierrez. “Every time we are handling ballots, it’s always more than one person. We have security cameras at all of our drop box locations. There’s a whole process of making sure that information is completed. Pictures are taken. The ballots are then removed and put into a safe and secure ballot bag. They’re secured, sealed and transported immediately from the box over to our operations center where again all ballots come through and are handled in a secure fashion.”

She said she believes adding back this voting option is a crucial step in making sure everyone in Wisconsin can cast their votes.

“It’s an opportunity to increase voter engagement and opportunities for people to submit their ballots to us in a secure way. It’s a great way to increase voter turnout,” said Gutierrez.

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Milwaukee, WI

City funding awarded for redevelopment at 2618 N. Milwaukee

Published

53 minutes ago

July 15, 2026

Press Room

City funding awarded for redevelopment at 2618 N. Milwaukee

The City of Chicago has awarded a $3 million Community Development Grant for the redevelopment of the former Grace’s Furniture building at 2618 N. Milwaukee. Planned by Bluestar Properties and Marc Realty, the building was built in 1914 as a storage warehouse and sits within the Logan Square Boulevards District.

2618 N. MilwaukeeGoogle Maps

With K2 Studio serving as the architect, the existing structure will be converted into a four-story health club with a ground floor restaurant and cafe. Set to be known as Logan Square Athletic Club, the health club will be operated by Chicago Athletic Clubs.

The redevelopment will rehabilitate the existing brick facade along N. Milwaukee Ave while creating a new brick facade on the south elevation.

2618 N. MilwaukeeK2 Studio

The $11 million development will be supported in part by the $3 million Community Development Grant, which is funded through the city’s Housing and Economic Development bond.

According to Block Club Chicago, the project is expected to begin construction in Fall 2026 with construction expected to last for one year, with the gym set to open in late 2027.

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Milwaukee, WI

16-year-old shot in Milwaukee; police seek suspects

Published

13 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Press Room

16-year-old shot in Milwaukee; police seek suspects

A teen was shot in Milwaukee on the afternoon of July 14, and the Milwaukee Police Department is asking the public for information about the incident.

Police said a 16-year-old was shot in the 2700 block of North 44th Street around 4:23 p.m., according to a news release. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.

Milwaukee police are looking for unknown suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or submit a tip through the P3 Tips app.

Adrienne Davis is a general assignment and breaking news reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.

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Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee cooling centers, heat advisory tips; what to know

Published

1 day ago

July 14, 2026

Press Room

Milwaukee cooling centers, heat advisory tips; what to know

article

MILWAUKEE – The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Milwaukee and all of southeastern Wisconsin from noon Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday, with heat index values expected to reach the upper 90s to around 100 degrees.

While the advisory is expected to end Wednesday evening, hot and humid conditions are forecast to continue through the remainder of the week.

Forecast conditions can change, so everyone is encouraged to monitor local forecasts and follow guidance from the National Weather Service.

Milwaukee County cooling sites

What we know:

Cooling sites are available throughout Milwaukee County.

For an updated list of cooling locations, heat safety information, and resources on preventing heat-related illness, visit the City of Milwaukee website or call 211.

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Staying safe during extreme heat

What you can do:

Stay cool

Limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible such as libraries, shopping centers, or community centers.
If you have an air conditioner, make sure it is installed and working properly.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Take cool showers or baths, or use cool, wet towels to lower body temperature.
Fans may provide comfort but should not be relied upon as the primary cooling method during extreme heat.

Stay hydrated

Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
Encourage children, older adults, and others at higher risk to drink fluids throughout the day.

Protect yourself and others

Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in vehicles. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become deadly within minutes.
Check on older neighbors, family members, and others who may need assistance staying cool.
Many public cooling sites are located along Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) routes. Visit RideMCTS.com for transit information.