Discovery World

The Hop’s L-Line to Fully Open April 11

The streetcar’s first new extension to begin operating seven days per week and provide service to the lakefront via the new transit concourse inside the Couture

Granholm Touts ‘Investing In America’ Initiative On Milwaukee Visit

Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm cites impact on Milwaukee, three area companies.

‘Top Chef’ Premiere Dished Up Praise For Milwaukee, The Dairy State

The season's first episode highlighted Milwaukee's Lupi & Iris, Blu and a handful of local personalities.

8 Takeaways From Crowley’s State of the County Speech

And a new slogan: 'What’s good for Milwaukee County is good for the entire state.'

Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter Celebrates the Success of the 2024 Discovery Driving Hope Gala

Joshua L. Gimbel Joins Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee Board of Directors

Award for Women Leader Alumna Presented by PEARLS for Teen Girls

Why Do We Care About The Sturgeon?

How reintroducing sturgeon to the Milwaukee River connects all of us. Third story in series.

Alzheimer’s Association Names Jay Hill 2024 Gala Chair

VP of Advanced Technology at GE HealthCare supports research, treatment efforts

Museum Days Returns to Milwaukee

Experience world-class cultural institutions at discounted prices Jan. 18-28 in the Greater Milwaukee area

The new year brings new ways to experience the Harley-Davidson Museum

Become a tourist in your hometown when Milwaukee Museum Days returns this month.

42 Choices for Special New Year’s Dining

From pizza to lobster to duck rillettes, so many different dining and drink options.

Milwaukee Attorney Benjamin Wagner Inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers

Weather and Math Days Return to American Family Field

Milwaukee Wins $275 Million Grant To Fund Massive Waterway Cleanup

Generational effort will see Milwaukee waterways lose their "area of concern" designation.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Largest Ever Clean-up under EPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to Address Milwaukee Area of Concern

Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, new funding agreement between EPA and partners will invest an estimated $450 million to cleanup of nearly two million cubic yards of contaminated sediments

A Sailboat for Peace Will Visit Milwaukee

The 'Golden Rule' has a place in history and the movement to end nuclear weapons testing.

Bublr Bikes Celebrates 10 Years of Exploring Milwaukee

Feedback Sought On Federal Great Lakes Cleanup

EPA plans effort to clean up 'Areas of Concern.' Advocates and officials have ideas.

In Preparation for Independence Day Festivities, Port Milwaukee Issues Safety and Public Accessibility Update

Northwestern Mutual invests nearly $3 million to help increase community access, inclusivity at prominent Milwaukee attractions

Sensory Activity Center Planned For North Side

Puzzles, specifically designed for kids with autism or ADHD, would feature a variety of sensory-focused rooms.

Cruise Season Kicks Off in Milwaukee

Milwaukee could set another record as Viking adds second ship to Great Lakes roster. But when will new dock be ready?

10 Ways To Celebrate Milwaukee Day

Check out these food and beverage specials at restaurants, bars and breweries.

Marquette’s Institute for Women’s Leadership to honor inaugural group of ‘Transformational Leaders’ at annual IWL Gala, March 7

Mama Tried Motorcycle Show Rolls In This Weekend

Another chili event, a home improvement show and much more also in store this weekend.

Museum Days Returns for 2023

With special exhibits and free and reduced admission at 27 metro area museums.

Northwestern Mutual Strengthens Milwaukee’s Cultural Scene with Nearly $3 Million in Grants

Company contributes $1.5 million to Milwaukee Repertory Theater's Powering Milwaukee Campaign

STEM Forward Announces Excellence in STEM Awards Winners to be recognized at the 19th Annual sySTEMnow Conference, Focusing on STEM For All; Partnering for Greater Inclusion

China Lights and So Much More

Big week of fun also includes Jurassic Quest, Milwaukee Wine Fest, Bay View Bash and Yum Yum Cult.

Bartolotta Aims to Revitalize Historic Site

The Commodore, a restaurant and catering venue on Nagawicka Lake in Hartland, is planned to open next summer.

Milwaukee Welcomes USA Triathlon This Weekend

Breakfast on the Beach at Lakeshore State Park

Sunday, July 10, 2022 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In Preparation for Independence Day Festivities, Port Milwaukee Issues Safety and Public Accessibility Update

How To Travel To Summerfest Without A Car

9 options for getting to the Big Gig.

Inspired to Lead Event Brings Milwaukee Area Leaders Together

PEARLS for Teen Girls Celebrates Impact of Sisterhood

Philanthropist, Entrepreneur Michael Cudahy Dies At 97

He co-founded Marquette Medical Systems, built Pier Wisconsin, was generous donor.

Public Museum Hosting Tyrannosaur Exhibit

Plus, another Dino event at State Fair Park, live music at Company Brewing, a makers market at Discovery World and more.

Joel Brennan Leaving Evers’ Administration To Head GMC

Top-ranking state official will lead Greater Milwaukee Committee.

Weather and Math Days Return to American Family Field

Light the Hoan Celebrates One Year of Lighting Up Milwaukee

Iconic landmark advances its bright future with new initiatives

S/V Denis Sullivan Seeks New Captain

Milwaukee ship inspired by 19th century lake schooners hasn't sailed since 2019.

Cultural Institutions and Businesses in Milwaukee’s Hospitality and Performing Arts Industries Urge Milwaukee-area Residents to Get Vaccinated

Harley-Davidson Breaks Ground On Museum Expansion

New venue replaces seasonal tent

The Get Down Returns to Mad Planet

Plus, lots of live music, a lakeside event at MAM, a virtual Shrekfest and an art walk on Brady Street.

Gov. Evers Signs Assembly Bill 406, Ensures Wisconsin Businesses Continue to Bounce Back

Milwaukee Makers Market at Discovery World

Plus, the 50th annual Juneteenth Day parade, a community rummage sale, drag racing and a free poetry event.

Port Wins Grant to Upgrade Cruise Ship Dock

City anticipates 2022 return of Great Lakes cruises.

Northwestern Mutual Bolsters Milwaukee Cultural Attractions with $1.4 Million in Grants

Funding will support local destinations in overcoming the impact of the pandemic

Harley-Davidson Museum Adding New Building

New event space will replace seasonal tent.

Milwaukee Museums Reopening to the Public in March

Discovery World, the Harley-Davidson Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum will reopen in March with robust health and safety protocols in place.

New Milwaukee Health Order Eases Capacity Restrictions

New order eases pathway to fans at Fiserv Forum events, opening other venues.

2020 Mayor’s Design Awards Announced

23rd annual awards program goes virtual, but still finds 31 winners across the city.

Jon C. Donahue, CWS® Joins Johnson Financial Group as Senior Vice President – Private Banking

Cruise Ship Operator Commits To 20-Year Lease

Milwaukee locking in Pearl Seas, while still anticipating Viking Cruises in 2022.

The Loveliness of Lakeshore State Park

Wisconsin’s only urban state park offers walkers unparalleled views of the lake, downtown skyline and prairie.

New Lease Agreement Solidifies Port Milwaukee As a Hub for Great Lakes Cruising

How Evers Spent $2 Billion to Fight Covid

A very long list of recipients. But the money runs out on January 1.

Milwaukee Museums Temporarily Closing

The institutions cited the surge in COVID-19 and the change to the city's health order.

The Bartolotta Restaurants Announces November 11 Reopening of Bacchus in Downtown Milwaukee

Northwestern Mutual Dedicates More Than $3 Million to Strengthen Milwaukee Cultural Attractions

Company supports seven destinations, including redevelopment project at Henry Maier Festival Park

It’s a WMSE Monster Mash!

Central Standard Craft Distillery Hires First-Non-Founder C-Level Executive

Industry and Community Leader Jim Kanter Named Chief Commercial Officer; Kanter to Oversee the Distillery’s Sales Operations and Midwest Expansion Efforts

Business Update

Tune Into the Minority Health Film Festival

Also, check out a dinosaur drive-thru, buy a burger for mental health and register to vote.

Business Update

Public Museum, Betty Brinn to Share New Facility

Not a merger but housing natural history and children's museums in one brand new facility.

The Bartolotta Restaurants Announces Reopening Of Harbor House On Lake Michigan On August 20 And Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse In Brookfield On September 2

Milwaukee favorites to welcome guests into a new era of service and hygiene protocols with enhanced dining experiences and upgraded amenities

2019 Mayor’s Design Awards Recipients

Here are winners of annual awards for the best in Milwaukee design.

Discovery World Breaks Ground on Major Addition

New 10,000 square foot pavilion, and remodeling of existing building planned.

Northwestern Mutual Furthers Its Commitment to Milwaukee with More Than $700,000 in Grants to Area Cultural Attractions

Grants will provide funding to nine local destinations

Discovery World Plans Major Investments on Milwaukee’s Lakefront

The first phase of the project features a 10,000 square foot expansion that will be located on Discovery World’s north lawn.

​M​adisen Maher Architects announces three ASID Wisconsin Awards for Historic Restoration and Office/Corporate

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) advances the interior design profession and communicates the impact of design on the human experience.

Learn to Love Your Great Lakes with Discovery World and Fund for Lake Michigan

Family-friendly event features fun and interactive educational experiences aimed at introducing our community’s connection to fresh water through local organizations.

New Summerfest Name, New Amphitheater

American Family gets naming rights to Summerfest, helps pay for amphitheater.

Bublr Bikes Names Veteran Non-Profit Leader Sally Sheperdson as New Executive Director

Operations Director James Davies Promoted to Senior Director of Operations and Planning

M-WERC Hosts December Member Meeting

Features Panels on Smart Cities Technologies

Martin Moore

"Milwaukee is not just downtown."

City Launches Effort To Combat Violence

100 attendees from across spectrum of the community attend strategic planning session.

City of Milwaukee and Bublr Bikes Complete Installation of 10 New Bike Share Stations

Expansion continues into more Milwaukee neighborhoods

MPS, Bartolotta Restaurants gala event expands culinary arts education

Career-readiness program coming to four MPS high schools; gala September 28 at Discovery World

How to Strengthen City Neighborhoods

Social service leaders hope new partnerships lead to stronger neighborhoods.

Foundation continues Gifts to the Community with free admission to lakefront sites

The Foundation’s Gifts to the Community are being presented this year in partnership with Fund for Lake Michigan.

How Zach Espinosa Became a Master Chef

The one-time history major gravitated to the “chaos and camaraderie” of the kitchen.

Joe Ewing volunteers in many roles on board ship

“I came here because of the boat. I’ve stayed because of the people.”

Northwestern Mutual Annual Meeting Draws 10,000 to Milwaukee Venues

Annual event for Milwaukee-based financial security company to pump about $12.9 million into local economy

UWM Alumni Assocation to Honor More Than 20 Indivduals, Businesses

The 22 individual recipients and one corporate partner were chosen for awards based on their outstanding professional achievements, civic involvement and partnerships with the university.

Harbor House Is a Waterfront Wonder

Great views, elegant atmosphere and 89-cent clams and oysters are hard to beat.

Menomonee Valley Partners announces new board leadership

"I am in awe of what has been accomplished, but we must sustain it and continue to grow," said Keyes.

Planning Ahead Offers Advantages When Attending Summerfest 2016

Transportation Options and Other Tips to Plan Your Visit

Architect Jim Shields’ Home Is… Okay

The city's best architect lives in a... solid East Side home. But those plaster cracks!

Summerfest Offers Fun Activities for the Whole Family

Offering free or discounted admission each day of the festival, Summerfest is a budget-friendly opportunity for families to enjoy a day at Milwaukee’s lakefront.

Lincoln Memorial Dr. Was Under Water

A 20-year landfill project created the road and the city’s waterfront playground.

Celebrate Kohl’s Family Day and Kohl’s Captivation Station at Summerfest 2016

As part of Kohl’s Family Day, on Sunday, July 3 from noon – 3 p.m., the first 2,500 patrons who donate three non-perishable food items for kids will receive one FREE Summerfest admission ticket valid for that day.

Building a Safer Milwaukee

Crime is a big issue for Millennials, who may have tough questions for Barrett and Flynn.

Bucks Arena Design Is Anti-Urban

Its generic, well-mannered and probably won’t improve with “tweaks.”

County Executive Chris Abele Announces That Summerfest Will Join Milwaukee County’s Purple Heart Pass Program

Purple Heart Recipients to Receive Eight Free Admissions to Summerfest

MAM Offers To Buy O’Donnell Park, War Memorial

County taxpayers will save at least $9 million in non-cash transaction.

Behold The ECO Mayor

Barrett touts green efforts, changes name of environmental sustainability office to ECO.

What Will WCD Board Do About Marcus Center?

Abele wants them to take over arts center but WCD board members would rather wait till 2020.

Marcus Center Cast Into Limbo

No one seems to agree with Abele's plan to have it absorbed by sprawling Wisconsin Center District.

The Design Competition That Wasn’t

Lakefront Gateway competition picked a team, not a design. So what will that mean for the lakefront?

Could Marcus Center become downtown’s orphan venue?

Wisconsin Center District postpones plans to take over Marcus Center

The Food Trucks Cometh

A new truck specializing in Dutch food. And the Falafel Guys open a sit-down restaurant.

Greater Milwaukee Foundation presents free day at Holiday Folk Fair International

November Gift to the Community provides access to final day of cultural celebration

Conservation Voters Convene

Former congressmen Obey and Petri make a League of Conservation Voters fundraiser a stop on their bipartisan road trip.

Neighborhood House Welcomes Will Allen at Upcoming Gala

Community center celebrates 70 years with fundraiser and silent auction

Lakefront Gateway Design Winner Named

Local firm Graef Selected for $23 million project to create a "beautiful" and "active" plaza.

Lakefront Gateway Plaza National Design Competition Culminates with the Selection of the Graef Team

Water, Year-Round Activity Featured Among Ideas

Milwaukee’s Lakefront Gateway Plaza National Competition Culminates with the Selection of a Design Team

Announcement Tuesday Advances Important Downtown Project

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces $14.2 Million in Federal Funding for Milwaukee Streetcar Lakefront Line

Baldwin Helped Secure TIGER Grant Investment from U.S. Department of Transportation

Clybourn Was Once the City’s Main Street

All the lake traffic got off at Clybourn and hotels and restaurants lined the street.

UWM Chancellor Mark Mone to be Inaugurated Oct. 2

UWM will celebrate the inauguration of Chancellor Mark Mone at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the Zelazo Center

Greater Milwaukee Foundation announces free weekend at Discovery World, Oct. 3-4

All access, special activities await guests of the Foundation’s next Gift to the Community

500th Purple Heart Pass Issued

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office Announce Issuance of 500th Purple Heart Pass

The Spirit of the Drift Bench

Now a popular fixture in Mitchell Park, there is quite a story -- and many builders -- behind it.

Port Director Paul Vornholt’s Surprising Success

Criticized as "unqualified" and a "patronage appointment," Vornholt has pleased even his critics.

Natty Nation at LIVE @ the Lakefront August 26th!

August 26th, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

14 Fun Facts About the Port of Milwaukee

Everything you wanted to know about the city’s most entrepreneurial department.

Will Milwaukee Choose High Line’s Designer?

James Corner is one of four finalists to create $30 million lakefront bridge. It’s a great design.

The City’s $30 Million Design Project

National competition for lakefront bridge could have huge impact, but city’s process raises questions.

Locations of Next 35 Bike Stations Announced

New Bublr stations will blanket East Side with other locations in 12 neighborhoods. Here is complete list.

Northwestern Mutual Annual Meeting Draws 10,000 to Milwaukee Venues

Annual event for Milwaukee-based financial security company to pump about $12.9 million into local economy

City Youth Jobs Program Fights Crime?

"The way you reduce crime is you employ people," says Ald. Russell Stamper.

Discovery World and Rockwell Automation Unveil Brand New Music Factory Exhibit

The Music Factory is designed to delight visitors of all ages and inspire children to explore careers in engineering and automation.

Milwaukee Trolley Loop adds vehicle and extends hours for July 3rd service

Downtown service to assist in alleviating congestion during Summerfest and U.S. Bank Fireworks

Bublr Bikes Offers Summerfest-Goers New Transit Option

Summerfest attendees can use the Bublr station located in front of Discovery World.

Downtown’s summer trolley bells will toll again beginning June 4

The service will run Thursdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., June 4 through Sept. 5.

Kelsey Ingle

"What I love about Milwaukee is that it measures up to the global market."

Plans Proceed to Enhance Lakefront

An internationally unique visitors center announced for Lakeshore State Park. And the Lakefront Gateway Project proceeds.

Celebrating 45 Years of Service & Building Brighter Futures by Creating a College Culture

Anniversary Celebration will honor Friends of the Hispanic Community & Badger Mutual Wall of Fame Awardees and Commemorate Expanded Partnerships to Benefit Students

Planning and a Pint Series Takes on Lakefront Planning and Development

Please join the Urban Planning and Public Administration Chapters of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Alumni Association onWednesday, January 21 at 6:00 p.m

Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar

Mayor offers historic address to council committee on streetcar and it gains their approval. Only one person speaks in opposition.

RACM Approves Tax Funding for Streetcar

The TIF funding approved will also pay for infrastructure for The Couture high-rise, whose architect promised it will "push the boundaries of urban design."

A big league city needs big league public transit options

Statement of Alderman Nik Kovac November 19, 2014

The Tragedy of O’Donnell Park

The proposed sale to NML suggests the city has yet to learn from its folly in building this eyesore.

Bublr Bikes Bring Convention Attendees and Visitors a New Way to Get Around Town

Milwaukee has rolled out its new Bublr Bikes bike share program.

Do You Want A Bike Station in Your Neighborhood?

Bublr Bikes is seeking input from community members on where to locate its new bike stations.

Bublr Bikes

I’m Milwaukee’s bike share program!

“Bublr” Bike Share System Is Launched

The $3 million system is now installing 10 bike sharing stations and could expand to 100 stations and 1,000 bikes.

“ Bublr Bikes” To Hit Milwaukee Streets With 10 Inaugural Bike-­‐Share Stations

Riders Can Bike From 10 Downtown Loca7ons In Next Few Weeks, In Advance of 2015 System Launch

Sherdian Park Centennial Celebration is Theme of Cudahy 4th of July Parade on Friday

Re-dedication of Patrick Cudahy Statue to Follow

Greater Milwaukee Foundation invests nearly $30,000 toward Milwaukee area summer programs, activities

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation awarded $29,800 in grants to area agencies

Mike Cudahy Steps Down as Co-Chair of Discovery World Board of Directors

Randy Crocker to serve as Board Chair.

Downtown trolleys begin summer loop Thursday

Milwaukee Trolley Loop – Thursdays through Saturdays, June 5 – September 6, 2014

JS Critic Likes New Art Museum Addition

Schumacher gives it thumbs up but big issues remain.

VISIT Milwaukee Celebrates National Travel & Tourism Week

With “Tour Your Town” Campaign and Annual Meeting

Point Fish Fry & A Flick Returns

Dates Announced

Downtown’s summer trolleys to ring again June 5

Downtown Milwaukee’s trolley service, the Milwaukee Trolley Loop presented by VISIT Milwaukee, will roll out Thursday, June 5.

Why the Art Museum Addition Must Not Be Built

This could be the biggest architectural mistake Milwaukee has ever made.

Top Architect Quit Project for Museum Addition

Architect Jim Shields had falling out with Milwaukee Art Museum; new addition was designed by committee, not Shields.

All MPS K5 students to see their science curriculum come alive at a working farm

The grade-specific, highly-developed programs are aimed at engaging the senses and imaginations of students.

President Hines to vacate Common Council seat

Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr., who has served as Milwaukee’s 15th District Alderman since 1996 and Council president since 2004, announced today that he is resigning his seat on the Council effective tomorrow, February 1, 2014.

Transit system bidders will address Public Transportation Review Board

Veolia, MV Transportation to make their pitches.

Bike-sharing program moves forward with committee approval

A public bike-sharing system for the City of Milwaukee picked up the endorsement of a key Common Council committee on Wednesday.

John Gurda’s Home of History

Just one block north of the suburbs in Bay View, he's written most of his 19 books from this home base.

Bikes Can’t Lose in Cities

They're cheaper, require less spending by cities than on cars, and are often faster. Expect ever-more bicyclists in Milwaukee.

Midwest BikeShare installs Milwaukee’s first bike share kiosk.

This kiosk, funded with the support of the City of Milwaukee, local businesses, institutions and foundations, is the first of 24 kiosks that are scheduled to be installed throughout the City of Milwaukee.

Bike Sharing and Permeable Pavement

City committee approves spending $100,000 on bike sharing in Walker’s Point, and the MMSD will experiment with permeable pavement.

How to Go Green

Expert panel at a Project Milwaukee conference agrees Wisconsin needs to improve, but disagreed as to how.

County Executive Abele Presents John Malan with Purple Heart Pass

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will honor WTMJ-TV Meteorologist John Malan’s military service during the Marcus Center’s annual Flag Day celebration on Friday, June 14th.

Learning to Dig Archeology

A Discovery World program teaches students while excavating history in Bay View.

Downtown trolleys start engines tomorrow

Milwaukee Trolley Loop to operate Thursdays through Saturdays, May 23 – August 31, 2013

MPS debuts online schools catalog as enrollment is underway

District offers city’s greatest variety of high-quality schools – and programs exclusive to MPS

All 5,000 MPS 3rd-graders to experience part of science curriculum at Milwaukee Public Museum

Newest Learning Journey partnership to be announced Thursday morning

Veterans Receive Purple Heart Passes

Pass Benefits All Wisconsin Vets Injured in Service

Bradley Tech students to unveil Milwaukee Observatory in historic Walker’s Point

The Milwaukee Observatory will be open Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 23 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Milwaukee’s East Side Hosts 12th Summer Soulstice Music Festival

The East Side Business Improvement District is hosting its 12th annual Summer Soulstice Music Festival on Saturday, June 23 from noon to midnight on East North Avenue, between Prospect and Oakland.

Better Connecting the Lakefront to Downtown

There is no question that the connection between Milwaukee's lakefront and downtown is underwhelming. Despite the fact that they meet at Lincoln Memorial Drive, there is no grand connection between the two, which is unfortunate as the intersection of Lincoln Memorial Drive and Michigan Street is a gateway to the city.

Bike-sharing is coming to Milwaukee!

Bike-sharing is coming to Milwaukee, or at least to Discovery World for a limited time. On Thursday June 23rd, from 11am-2pm, B-cycle, a partnership between Humana, Trek Bicycle and Crispin Porter + Bogusky, will be bringing their 5-bike, demonstration station to Discovery World.

Going home

On small farms and in oversized fish tanks, pioneers create a new sense of place - and of home.

A Postcard Location for UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences

It's certainly good that we value our parks, public places, and the lakefront, so a public debate over the appropriateness of placing UWM's School of Freshwater Sciences on Lake Michigan is worth having, but the downtown lakefront is the right location.

Broydrick, Lobbyist for Disaster Preparedness Group Faces Own Disaster in D.C. Whore Scandal

Bill Broydrick linked to the “Washington Madam.”

The Kerry Rally

Senator John Kerry paid another visit to Milwaukee on Monday, August 2nd at a public rally in Pere Marquette Park. Gates to the park opened at 4:30 p.m. while the presidential candidate was still racing across Lake Michigan on the Lake Express ferry. Access to Kerry these days requires a thorough screening by security personnel, so by 6 p.m. a line stretched from Plankinton and Kilbourn, the park’s entrance, across the river to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, at which point it headed north, wrapped itself around the building, headed east on E. State Street and finally tapered off at N. Edison Street. For pictures click here. The line moved slowly as security guards checked the attendees, emptied pockets, etc. Once inside the secure enclosure, the crowd was able to buy bottled water and pizza from Amazon Pizza, a fun new spot on W. Wells St. However, many people never made it to the security screening, and they simply camped out along the riverfront, enjoying the event from the Marcus Center riverwalk. It made for a nice sight for cameras, since Candidate Kerry, speaking from a raised platform on the north end of the park, would gesture from time to time toward those on the distant shore. Alas, milwaukeeworld had almost resigned itself to distant coverage of the event, but as it turns out there was a special entrance to the event, and we designed to make it ours. Joe Klein and I headed to Kilbourn and N. Third Street where an officer was in place to tell us that we could not advance to the press table set up in our sight, but out of our reach. Meanwhile, he waved in such prominent figures as Sen. Herb Kohl, Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, Steve Marcus and others, all of whom had red tickets, while we had none. Providentially, Margaret Henningsen showed up on the scene with an extra red ticket, which we begged for and received. The red ticket made us legit for the officer, and we proceeded through our screening, after watching several of the people mentioned above get screened themselves. (Steve Marcus does not look like a guy who gets frisked a lot.) Inside the gates of the special section, where the red-ticketed people go, we were treated to a fascinating caste system in which our “Kerry Edwards From Sea to Shining Sea Believe in America Tour” Press pass marked us as scum. The real media stars, and there were dozens of them, were members of the “Traveling Press.” The Traveling Press spends its time apart from the regular press, and they dine together in a fancy tent. The food was from Chef Pat’s catering. Pat Houlihan said the campaign kept changing its meal plans, but he settled on roast pork sandwiches, a couple of salads, pretzels, soft drinks and Miller Beer. The Traveling Press drinks very little beer, which in the end turned out to be a blessing for Chef Pat’s weary and thirsty crew. The […]

Lavender, Black and Green

The Green Party’s national convention will be in Milwaukee this week, with voting by delegates to be held on Saturday. The big question: will the outfit endorse Ralph Nader? This vexing question will put Milwaukee, however briefly, once again in the national spotlight. The party has endorsed the formation of several subgroups including the Black Greens, and the Lavender Greens. The first group consists of African-American members of the party, and the second with its Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and “Intergendered” (a new one for me) members. As of May there were 297,964 registered greens from 22 states, along with an undetermined number from states like Wisconsin where voter registration does not specify political party. Candidates for the party include four for U.S. Senate, 38 for the House of Representativees, one for Governor, one for Lieutenant Governor and 94 for State Legislatures. According to the party, at least 204 Greens hold office in 27 states, including Wisconsin. Nader, who received the party’s nomination in 2000, has 50 delegates thus far, behind David Cobb, with 194 and Peter Camejo with 112. Over 200 delegates support none of the above or are uncommitted. Nader wrote the party in March to say “I am running as an Independent and am not seeking nor accepting the Green Party nomination. If you do not choose a presidential candidate in Milwaukee, I would welcome your endorsement.” You can figure out for yourself whatever that means. Whomever the candidate, the party promises to run television ads in the presidential race, another first. One of the featured speakers at a post-convention rally will be Frank P. Zeidler, a former presidential candidate himself (Socialist Party) and reason enough to attend the event. A Man in a Hurray: Marc “Leadfoot” Marotta Department of Administration head Marc Marotta has a date in the Jefferson County intake court on June 29th at 9 a.m. in conjunction with his citation on May 24th for speeding on the freeway. The 41-year old attorney and former basketball star was busted for exceeding the speed limit by 20 – 24 miles per hour, an offense that carries a $255.40 bond. Officer Michael Meyers of the Jefferson County Sheriff Department collared the Mequon resident after clocking him going 21 miles over the limit. Earlier this year, on February 25th (the day after Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager was busted for drunk driving) Peter Moe of the State Patrol cited Marotta for speeding on the freeway, also in Jefferson County. It was a more easy-going Marotta that time, since he was caught speeding 16 – 19 miles per hour above the speed limit. On April 22nd, that charge was amended to Speeding on Freeway 1 – 10 miles above the limit. Marotta pled no contest to that charge and was fined $181. The vigilant officer Moe also noted that Marotta, a senior government official, had expired plates (PUR108), so we assume it is his personal vehicle in which he was hot-rodding, but that charge was dismissed. His attorney was Michael […]