Michael Murphy

ICE Can Build Whatever Facility It Wants in Milwaukee

Council learns federal immigration agency can simply bypass local authorities.

Does Summerfest Get Special Treatment?

Its bar license owned by private company never gets a thorough review by the city.

Council Retreats On For-Profit College

Opponents call Arizona College of Nursing predatory. Committee decides to allow zoning change for it.

Common Ground Gets National Attention

Group’s battle with city housing authority becoming embarrassing for Milwaukee.

Don Smiley Paid $3.3 Million in 2022

Summerfest boss has collected $9.9 million in 6 years for running tax-exempt charity.

Choice of Committee Chairs Criticized

Council president Jose Perez 'shut all four Black women members out,' Ald. Pratt complains.

New Council Most Diverse In Milwaukee History

The largest number of Black, women and LBGTQ+ members in history. Meet all 15.

City’s New Historic District On Hold

But Common Council approved historic protection for Berrada building.

Council Bids Farewell To Alders Murphy, Borkowski and Rainey

Trio leaves, but not before singing, doing impersonations and issuing a challenge.

Over Objections and a Death Wish, Committee Endorses New Historic District

Full council will render its decision on April 9.

Gratitude and optimism on cusp of new Common Council term

Statement of Alderman Lamont Westmoreland April 4, 2024

Sharlen Moore Wins Race To Replace Ald. Michael Murphy

Youth violence prevention leader is new westside alderwoman.

Meet the Candidates For City Office

And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.

Committee Punts On For-Profit College Approval

But without approval, Arizona College of Nursing issue seems likely headed to court.

Vacant Building Would Become Gaming Center

Building at 16th and Walnut would see new life as "PrimeTime Gaming"

Cavalier Johnson Is All In On Growing Milwaukee

Annual State of the City speech places growth plan front and center.

How A Billboard Saved A Vacant Building

Printing business will relocate to vacant, city-owned building on Appleton and Burleigh.

New Plan Would Save Former Acapulco Restaurant Building

And a new brunch restaurant would fill the popular restaurant's space.

Milwaukee Will Pay More Than $60,000 To Settle Tearman Spencer Harassment Claim

Council moves to approve settlement while Spencer seeks reelection.

Eitel Cancels Plans For Vel Phillips Plaza Cafe After Council Questions, Public Opposition

After Milwaukee Turners "pilloried" Eitel on Tuesday, things appear to have snowballed behind the scenes.

Milwaukee Will Build 45 Traffic Calming Projects in 2024

'Reckless drivers, they infuriate me,' says Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

City Won’t Fully Regulate Airbnb In Milwaukee

Mayor's staff recommends letting status quo stand, council wants more discussion.

Council Approves Raises For Elected Officials, Administrators

Vote was 9-6. Elected officials will get 15% hike, non-elected leaders even more.

Elected Officials Pay Hike Wins First Endorsement, Opposition

Multi-million dollar proposal also includes raises for dozens of department, division leaders.

City Expects to Take Northridge In Foreclosure, Demolish Mall

'Checkmate' says alderman of mall owners missing the foreclosure redemption date.

Committee approves ordinance creating enhanced safeguards against environmental contaminations

Election Commission Boots Griffin From Ballot

Griffin vows appeal, and warns that those involved will 'probably go to prison.'

Mayor Vetoes Controversial Insurance Partnership

Council narrowly endorsed idea, only for Mayor Cavalier Johnson to kill initiative.

Is Milwaukee Being Sold An Insurance Scam?

Or is exclusive contract with company offering water and sewer line warranties a good deal?

Statement on the Confirmation of Jezamil Arroyo-Vega as the Commissioner of Neighborhood Services

From members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Lamont Westmoreland, Alderperson Jonathan Brostoff, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey

Council Overrides Mayor’s Veto, Adopts 2024 Milwaukee Budget

Mayor Johnson attempted to lower property tax increase using federal grant.

Nonprofit executive and community advocate Sharlen Moore files for candidacy to serve residents of the 10th Aldermanic District

Mayor’s Veto Reduces Property Tax

Cavalier Johnson issues single veto, replacing small tax hike with federal grant money.

How Will Council Handle Scathing Report on City Attorney?

Deputy city attorney's moonlighting and Tearman Spencer's lax oversight at issue.

Fight At City Hall Over Control of Board of Zoning Appeals

Council wants board to be independent of administration, but responsive to aldermanic input.

Full Legalization of Scooters Ends Up In City Budget

But it doesn't mean it immediately goes into effect.

2024 Milwaukee Budget Increases Services, Taxes

New sales tax allows city to avoid drastic cuts, but comes at a cost.

Common Council votes to reauthorize anti-displacement housing policy

Longest Tenured Council Member, Michael Murphy, Not Seeking Reelection

But he could run for Comptroller. First elected in 1989, Murphy announces he won't run for reelection.

Tentative Deal Would Salvage Milwaukee’s Deconstruction Program

Northcott Neighborhood House could step in to do work for long-delayed program.

Council Might Hold Up Mayor’s Changes To Zoning Board

At issue is new chair, two new appointments and oversight by Department of Administration.

Bill Would Allow New Bars To Offer Indoor Cigar, Pipe Smoking

City of Milwaukee could support the bill, but raised questions over regulation.

Council Wants New Deal, Says Convention Center ‘Outsmarted’ City

No revenue sharing payments to city expected for next two years under 2020 deal.

Milwaukee Wants More Reckless Drivers Towed

United council backs state law change. But proposal could die in Legislature.

New Housing Center For Those Recovering From Substance Abuse

Wisconsin Community Services to build project near W. Capitol Drive.

Council Delays Housing Authority Crackdown To January 1

Delay due to uncertainty how many building inspectors will be needed.

Mayor Johnson Backs Pay Hikes For Elected Officials, Including Him

Raises for 81 employees defended by mayor's chief of staff in exclusive interview.

After IKON Hotel Issues, Council Moves To Assert More Control of TIF Districts

City has foregone $540,000 in interest payments at discretion of administration.

Council, Residents Seek Solutions For Housing Authority Woes

Common Ground's complaints concern city officials, but can they fix problems?

Statement on stadium financing package proposal

From Common Council members: José G. Pérez, Marina Dimitrijevic, JoCasta Zamarripa, Michael J. Murphy, Lamont Westmoreland, Mark A. Borkowski, and Scott Spiker

City Evacuates 27th Street Building Over Safety Concerns

It's expected to be months before residents can move back in.

576-Unit Bay View Apartment Complex Wins Key Approval

Bear Development seeks to start construction, but what about environmental remediation?

Court Blocks Judges’ Quick Termination of Court Alternatives Program

But exactly why two judges pursued terminating decades-old JusticePoint partnership is unclear.

Council Members Want Better Pay For Museum Food Service Workers

Zoning vote could hinge on oft-overlooked city policy.

Council Demands Control of Lobbying, Despite Mayoral Pushback

Mayor and council president at impasse, council set to take more control.

Common Council Approves 2% Milwaukee Sales Tax

But members blast policy provisions state is imposing. Mayor says vote was equal to one to create city in 1846.

E. North Ave. Apartments Moving Forward

Council committee endorses land sale, zoning change, TIF for long-sought development.

Rusty Bolts Will Cost City $50,000

Plus: City settles lawsuit with McDonald's franchisee and reduces Hal Leonard's property taxes.

Joint Statement on SCOTUS college admissions ruling

From all members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Milele A. Coggs, Andrea M. Pratt, Mark Chambers, Jr., Jonathan Brostoff, Robert J. Bauman, Lamont Westmoreland, Khalif J. Rainey, JoCasta Zamarripa, Larresa Taylor, Michael J. Murphy, Mark A. Borkowski, José G. Pérez, Scott Spiker, Marina Dimitrijevic, and Russell W. Stamper, II

Council Committee Endorses 2% Sales Tax

And blasts state policy restrictions while insisting tax is far from a 'Milwaukee bailout.'

City employees asked for ideas to generate new revenue

Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderman Lamont Westmoreland, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Jonathan Brostoff, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa

Don Smiley’s Latest Paycheck Was $991,154

Summerfest boss has collected $6.56 million in five years for running tax exempt charity.

City Could Regulate Airbnb, Other Services

Short-term rentals have proliferated beyond Downtown, but no public database of who is participating exists.

Milwaukee Will Ban Most New Vape Shops

City zoning code change aims to deter teens from using tobacco.

Milwaukee Has Very Ambitious Climate and Jobs Plan

Alderwoman Dimitrijevic and ECO director Erick Shambarger seek to transform the city.

Municipal Court Cancels Alternatives Contract, Sparks Controversy

Opponents say the change could hurt vulnerable defendants, increase incarceration.

Police Settlement Will Cost Millions Less Than Expected

Plus: costs grow in claim against Tearman Spencer and a firefighter conspiracy defense.

Assessment Error Costs Milwaukee $750,000

AT&T building was given improper tax bill after 2021 sale. Whoops.

Potato-Focused Restaurant Planned For Historic Schlitz Tavern

Potato Heads will open at 27th and Lisbon.

25-Story Tower Wins Crucial Endorsement

High-end, 318-unit apartment complex would replace parking lot on N. Farwell Ave.

MPD Joins the Hope Kit Initiative

MPD Can Tow New Group of Repeat Reckless Drivers

City enacting its part of state law change. But how big of a loophole does the policy have?

Construction Starts on Century City Park Expansion

Revamped Melvina Park at 29th and Melvina will nearly quadruple in size.

MATC Will Use Vacant Lot For Training Program

Partnership with city and We Energies will help train electrical line mechanics.

Pérez Shakes Up Council Committees

Changes after new members added: Ald. Scott Spiker gets his first gavel, Zamarripa loses hers.

Work Starts on Redeveloping 150 Vacant Homes

Homes MKE aims to create new homeowners, improve neighborhoods.

Did Brooks Exceed His Authority At Wisconsin Center?

CEO’s decision to remove art works raises questions about governance of public entity.

Milwaukee Could Ban TikTok

Security-driven decision could end free advertising medium for public library and other uses by city.

Revised Letter to Wisconsin Center District CEO Marty Brooks

West Side Freeway-to-Boulevard Study Advances

City has first-of-its-kind formal role in study of 1.5-mile Highway 175.

Council Strongly Supports Northwestern Mutual Deal

City would provide $30 million subsidy for $500 million tower redevelopment.

Ruby’s Bagels Moving To Oklahoma Ave.

Owner buying vacant building on 11th and Oklahoma in the 'Crisol Corridor.'

Milwaukee Sales Tax Expected As Separate Legislation, Outside of Budget

Republicans expected to strip Gov. Evers' proposal from budget, but might not kill proposal.

Milwaukee Gets $2.5 Million In JUUL Settlement

E-cigarette maker was sued more than 5,000 times for its youth-focused marketing.

Common Council approves settlement in youth e-cigarette lawsuit

Wisconsin Supreme Court ‘dark store’ decision a huge win for state’s taxpayers, municipalities

Statement from Milwaukee Common Council Members Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, and Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr.

Court Strikes Down City’s Towing Policy

No more public filing of towing costs required of companies. But ruling allows drop fees.

Another Former Assistant City Attorney Files Discrimination Claim

Four former employees of City Attorney Tearman Spencer pursuing legal action against city.

Area residents invited to join Coffee with a Cop tomorrow

Local Officials Hope Lawsuit Settlement Funds Can Reduce Drug Overdoses

644 overdose deaths in county in 2021. 'We're finally getting some resources.'

$175,000 Settlement For Violent 2018 Arrest

Demetrious Lowe alleges police beat him after knocking him to the ground during mental health episode.

Council adopts file to bolster traffic calming installations

City Approves Funding For $37.2 Million Library Redevelopment

New MLK Library designed as community hub.

Joint Statement on Death of Milwaukee Police Officer

From Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderman Jonathan Brostoff, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Northwestern Mutual To Create Second Glassy Tower With $500 Million Investment

Company will completely overhaul existing building, create pedestrian street and relocate Franklin employees to Downtown.

City Seeks To Limit New Vape Shops

But questions abound on the legality and strategy of any bans or limits.

Master Electrician Will Redevelop Building at 58th and Burleigh

Baron Hentz and BKH Electric have big plans for vacant, city-owned building.

Can Milwaukee Circuit Court Clear Backlog By 2024?

Chief judge expresses doubt, but progress is being made and hope remains.

Bernadette Karanja Named Milwaukee’s Chief Equity Officer

Longtime city workforce leader is new CEO of improving racial and equity outcomes.

25-Story Prospect Ave. Tower Headed For Approval

No opposition to revised design. Groundbreaking, construction could start this year.

Contribution to Michael Murphy of $72