Hi reader,

When I joined Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, I wasn’t just switching jobs. I was stepping up in a newsroom that shows up — for the city I’ve called home my whole life.

This summer, I spent time with 414LIFE, a violence interruption team that hits the streets when tensions spike. On hot days when tempers sizzled, they intervened in situations that could easily have ended in tragedy. Many times, thanks to listening, de-escalating and connecting, the worst outcomes were avoided.

You might not have heard about those efforts. That’s why I’m here.

At NNS, we report on neighborhoods we live in. We stay after the cameras leave. And we tell stories that recognize the pride, effort and solutions shining through every day from people across Milwaukee’s North and South Sides.

That’s what makes this newsroom different. And it’s why your support matters.

If our reporting has ever helped you better understand your neighbors — or yourself — I hope you’ll consider supporting our work today.