Milwaukee Daily Briefing: Warming Temps, Youth Jobs & Courts

Unseasonable warmth wraps up after record-challenging stretch

Milwaukee is coming off an unusually warm Presidents Day stretch, with temperatures pushing into the 50s and near 60 degrees, far above normal for mid-February. Forecasters say the mild spell peaked around February 16 and will fade as the week goes on, with colder air and a chance for rain and snow returning by late week. Residents are being reminded that any remaining lake or pond ice is unstable despite the recent sunshine and should be avoided.

Teen enters guilty plea in 2023 killing of 5-year-old Prince McCree

An 18-year-old Milwaukee resident has pleaded guilty in the 2023 beating death of 5-year-old Prince McCree, whose body was found in a dumpster on the city’s northwest side. The defendant, who was a juvenile at the time of the crime, admitted in court to first-degree intentional homicide, hiding a corpse and multiple counts of recklessly endangering safety. A second man previously pleaded guilty and is already serving a life sentence.

The case drew citywide outrage when Prince was reported missing in October 2023 and later discovered dead. Prosecutors say the guilty plea spares McCree’s family from reliving the full details at trial. Sentencing is scheduled for early June, and the teen faces the possibility of life in prison.

Employ Milwaukee launches ‘AI Ready’ program for local youth

A new partnership is aiming to help Milwaukee teens and young adults break into fast-growing technology fields. Employ Milwaukee has teamed up with Milky Way Tech Hub and the United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee to launch the ‘AI Ready’ program, announced in recent days. The initiative will introduce participants to artificial intelligence tools, coding basics and digital literacy, with a focus on preparing them for future education and careers tied to automation and data.

Organizers say they want to make sure students from city neighborhoods are not left behind as employers adopt new technologies. The program will combine classroom-style instruction with hands-on projects and exposure to local tech professionals.

County parks ramp up lifeguard training ahead of summer

Milwaukee County Parks is already looking ahead to beach and pool season, continuing its push to build up the lifeguard corps. The county is promoting training sessions that run from late winter into spring, offering paid roles starting above $17 per hour for qualified guards. Recruits go through swim testing, in-water rescue practice and emergency medical responder training before taking posts at outdoor pools, water parks and lakefront beaches.

Officials say a stronger lifeguard lineup is key to opening more aquatic sites and extending hours in 2026 after several summers of staffing shortages. Young people as well as career changers are being encouraged to apply now so they can be certified in time for Memorial Day.

Sources

• https://www.jsonline.com
• https://people.com
• https://urbanmilwaukee.com
• https://county.milwaukee.gov
• https://news.google.com