This story is part of a collaboration between Wisconsin Watch, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and The Appeal. Four decades ago, a newspaper investigation described Milwaukee’s municipal legal system as “cash register justice.” Thousands of impoverished residents with mental health or substance use issues languished in county jails due to unpaid civil violation fines, costing taxpayers […]
Author Archives: Devin Blake / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Devin Blake started as a journalist at Patch, writing about the Southern California neighborhoods he grew up in. He focused on local business communities throughout the area and was drawn to stories about unemployment, worker resources, and businesses that were filling unmet needs in their communities.
Watching the homelessness crisis continue to deepen over those years, he began working as a resource and information coordinator for community groups and nonprofits so they could better serve populations without stable housing—populations that included the elderly, developmentally delayed and those with HIV/AIDs, among others.
Blake has contributed to a number of publications, including New York magazine, The Onion, and McSweeney’s. He loves spending time with his wife and negotiating with his 2-year-old son.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
Here’s where to find Narcan in Wisconsin — and how to reverse an opioid overdose
A guide for responding to an opioid overdose in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin.
Posted inJustice & Safety
Milwaukee County Jail sees four deaths since June. Advocates want answers.
Jail safety advocates want Sheriff Denita Ball to meaningfully engage about conditions and protocol.
Posted inEducation
Ban that prohibits incarcerated students from using Federal Pell Grants ends in July
A nearly 30-year ban on the use of federal grant money by incarcerated students will end this summer.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
Safety concerns mount at Milwaukee County’s Granite Hills psychiatric hospital
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services flagged several violations, and dozens of calls to West Allis police concerned patients assaulting other patients or staff.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
What to know about medical costs in Wisconsin as federal public health emergency ends
The federal public health emergency is a key COVID-19 pandemic tool. It is scheduled to end on May 11.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
What Wisconsin’s BadgerCare Plus recipients should know to keep their benefits
BadgerCare Plus recipients should be ready to reapply for coverage after March 31. A health care navigator can help.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
Ascension to close South Side Milwaukee’s only labor and delivery unit, prompting questions and protest
Health care giant to close St. Francis Hospital Birthing Center on Dec. 23. Staff and patients see new hurdles for expecting mothers.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
Although free and available, few young children in Milwaukee are getting COVID-19 boosters
Experts cite COVID fatigue, parental skepticism and structural barriers in explaining low rates of vaccination.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
Milwaukee County sees rise in suicides in Black communities
Groups seek to destigmatize mental illness and highlight resources.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
Confused about health insurance during open enrollment? A navigator can help.
Navigators with Covering Wisconsin and other groups help residents make health insurance choices.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
Unhoused and underserved: Milwaukee sees increase in homeless resident deaths
At least 52 Milwaukee County residents died while experiencing homelessness in 2021 — a significant increase that’s likely undercounted, officials say.