Tearman Spencer

Council, City Officials Celebrate Inauguration

'When you go into public service, you should feel the weight and responsibility.'

Court Suspends City’s Private Security Requirements

6 plaintiffs challenge ordinance tightening rules for businesses hiring security.

Crunching the Data on Spring Election

Which Milwaukee voters supported Biden, Trump, MPS referendum and City Attorney Tearman Spencer?

Evan Goyke Ousts Tearman Spencer As City Attorney

Spencer had been plagued by problems and controversies during his one term in office.

2024 Spring Election Results

MPS referendum and county exec, mayor, Common Council and County Board races all on ballot.

City Attorney Race Is Vitally Important

Incumbent Tearman Spencer has caused countless problems for City of Milwaukee.

Meet the Candidates For City Office

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

City Spends $77,000 To Resolve Harassment Claim Against Spencer

Embarrassing payoff comes amid city attorney's reelection campaign.

Cavalier Johnson Is All In On Growing Milwaukee

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

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

Council moves to approve settlement while Spencer seeks reelection.

Notables Attend City Birthday Party

The city's 178th birthday party offered fun, food and political chatter.

Rep. Ryan Clancy Settles With City Following 2020 Curfew Arrest

With trial already underway, Clancy secures the policy changes he long sought.

Will There Be a City Attorney Race?

Candidates must collect 1,500-3,000 signatures. Where is the incumbent?

How Will Council Handle Scathing Report on City Attorney?

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

City Attorney Spencer Faces Inspector’s Call For Ouster, Likely Violation Of Discrimination Law

Inspector General says attorney, deputy committed misconduct in office, state hearing coming on separate case.

Budget Amendment Would Boost Libraries, Streets, Voting and Lead Abatement

Proposal from Alderwoman Dimitirjevic and Council President Pérez aims to boost services across city.

Mayor Announces Reelection Bid, Kicks Off Spring 2024 Races

Cavalier Johnson seeks a full-term. All city officials are on the ballot.

Donations now being accepted for Bronzeville Sleepover for Education

City Attorney Pumps Brakes On Council’s Lobbying Changes

Decision is on hold until at least after the August recess.

Rusty Bolts Will Cost City $50,000

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

Police Settlement Will Cost Millions Less Than Expected

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

Milwaukee Hopes To Be Bellwether In Kia/Hyundai Suit

Could be central player in multi-city lawsuit, perhaps increasing size of any settlement.

City Will Sue Kia, Hyundai Over Repeated Thefts

City looking for 'payback' stemming from 'destruction' wrought by theft epidemic.

AG Kaul, 21 Other States Demand Kia, Hyundai Address Thefts

Could be precursor to multi-state lawsuit over autos' defect that makes thefts easy.

City Seeks Bids To Demolish Portion of Northridge Mall

Move comes in advance of hearing to acquire and demolish the entire complex.

Milwaukee Gets $2.5 Million In JUUL Settlement

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

New Vape Shop Will Beat City’s Ban

Temporary moratorium on new shops will begin Feb. 25. New shop on Ogden coming.

Another Former Assistant City Attorney Files Discrimination Claim

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

City Will Pay 2020 George Floyd Protester $270,000

Cameron Murdoch a 'victim of violent police,' suit claims, at 6th and McKinley fracas.

$175,000 Settlement For Violent 2018 Arrest

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

Council Approves Vape Shop Moratorium

No new e-cigarette stores until August. City must now craft a regulatory framework.

Milwaukee City Attorney’s Office-New Deputy City Attorney

More Funding Needed To Defend Against Police-Related Lawsuit

Sam Hadaway was wrongfully imprisoned, city now spending repeatedly on outside attorney to defend against $7.5 million claim.

Goyke Will Challenge Spencer for City Attorney

Democratic state representative plans run against highly controversial city official.

Milwaukee Sues Second Reckless Driver

LaShawn Thomas has received 37 traffic citations in five years

City Will Pay $237,480 For New Settlements, Lawsuits

One payout just the tip of the iceberg for incident that's cost taxpayers $518,000.

Former City Attorneys File Discrimination Claims

City will spend up $40,000 for outside counsel and could face future settlements.

Johnson Names Former Deputy City Attorney To Fire & Police Commission

Miriam Horwitz would be commission's ninth member, fulfilling mayor's campaign pledge.

Council Beefing Up Negotiation Team In Advance of Public Safety Contract Talks

Funding comes from City Attorney's Office.

Milwaukee Spending $1.5 Million On Lawsuits, Including Two Police Conduct Cases

And another $1.5 million in settlements is pending.

Judge Rules Northridge Mall Must Be Demolished

Ruling is a win for city, but issues remain with demolishing building.

MPD Struggles Identifying Source of Crime Guns

Police Department does not maintain a data set on origin of thousands of confiscated firearms.

Council Approves Paying Four Settlements

Taxpayers on the hook for yet more city settlements.

Donations now being accepted for Bronzeville Sleepover for Education

Police Begin Suing Reckless Drivers

MPD files lawsuit against driver with 44 violations, warns 20 more repeat reckless drivers they could be sued.

27-Page Complaint Blasts City Attorney

Tearman Spencer and top deputies face new complaints of misusing public funds, kickbacks and more.

City Faces $9.5 Million In Legal Claims

Allegations of coerced confession, wrongful termination and underpayment of wages.

Outside Counsel Will Represent City On Complaint Against City Attorney

City Attorney Tearman Spencer is being sued for harassment, discrimination.

DNS Could Drop City Attorney, Hire Its Own

Council debates, then holds off proposal to help Department of Neighborhood Services.

City Attorney Halts Plan To Sue Reckless Drivers

Spencer submits last minute opinion saying the proposal is too broad.

Spencer Faces Sex Discrimination Claim

The City Attorney also accused of bypassing city ordinance to hire outside counsel.

MPD Moving To Seize Vehicles Via Court System

Policy would apply to repeat offenders that don't change their driving behavior.

More Turnover In City Attorney’s Office

6 attorneys recently resigned or were fired; 24 have left in less than two years. Non-attorneys also quitting.

Fessahaye Leaving For Chief Human Resources Job At UWM

With the city since Jan. 2021, HR director will become associate vice chancellor at UWM.

Council Ends Battle Over Couture, City Attorney

Acting Mayor reverses position and now supports ending the fight.

Putin-Backing Assistant City Attorney Fired

Jennifer DeMaster terminated after pro-Russian remarks on Russia Today. But City Attorney says comments weren't the issue.

Council Could End Fight Over Couture Provision

But City Attorney and Acting Mayor object. Legality of requiring $100,000 donation at issue.

Tearman Spencer Attacks Robert Bauman

City Attorney says alderman broke local, state and federal laws and has bullied and exceeded his authority at great cost to taxpayers.

Spencer Alleges Multiple City Hall Politicians Face Criminal Probes

Which officials? What are the charges? Who is investigating? City Attorney won't say.

City To Pay $50,000 For Church Crushed By Collapsed Building

City owned foreclosed building. Near north-side church submitted $1.1 million claim.

$650,000 Settlement For Police Shooting Victim

Jerry Smith, Jr. shot three times in 2017 on rooftop: he called it a case of mistaken identity.

City Needs Act of Congress Because of Couture-Streetcar Delay

City officials admit project is behind schedule.

Milwaukee Has a Singing Mayor Again

Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson tries singing at city's 176th Birthday Party, before a big turnout of politicians.

Anti-Harassment Policy Expanded After City Attorney Case

Effort took more than a year, from investigation to enactment.

Council Ends Redistricting With Anger, Tears

Council members call process unfair, unjust and infuriating. How did things go wrong?

New Assessment Commissioner Chosen

Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson picks Nicole Larsen to first serve as Chief Assessor, then Assessment Commissioner.

Latino Leaders Could Sue Over Redistricting

They demand council hire outside counsel. City Attorney defends his closed-door advice.

Half of Mayoral Candidates Bounced From Ballot

City Attorney Tearman Spencer leads list of those that failed to submit signatures.

Milwaukee Starts Over On Redistricting, Only To Adopt Same Map Again

Effort to expand Latino influence won't stand up to legal challenges says City Attorney. Alderwoman says council "hoodwinked" and "railroaded."

City Could Sue Reckless Drivers in Civil Court

Could allow seizure of repeat offenders' cars. But is City Attorney trying to delay civil suits?

Chris Larson Drops Out of Mayoral Race

But the field is still growing, with 12 candidates now in the race.

City Attorney Tearman Spencer Is Running For Mayor

10th candidate in the race is a polarizing one.

Dettmer’s Appointment As Public Works Head Is Historic

First female to lead DPW, first time that no major mayor-appointed leaders are white males.

Council Split On Hiring Its Own Attorney

Just the latest twist in the council's ongoing conflict with City Attorney Tearman Spencer.

Predator Cop Costs Milwaukee $400,000

Officer ultimately spent four years in jail after using his job to prey on teenage girls.

Summerfest Lands One of the City of Milwaukee’s Top Attorneys

Mary Schanning will become general counsel, chief administrative officer at Milwaukee World Festival.

Gene’s Supper Club Still Open Despite Shootings

Police oppose its operation, council voted to close it, but owner fighting this in courts.

Milwaukee Poised To Pay Additional $150,000 For Predator Police Officer

Officer Sonthana Rajaphoumi finished four-year prison sentence earlier this year.

The Council’s War With Tearman Spencer

Lots of grumbling, but City Attorney scores wins in two of three battles Tuesday.

Council Blasts Extra Cost For Morales’ Lawsuit

City Attorney Spencer knew outside counsel handling case exceeded authorized cost.

Council, Mayor At Odds Over City Attorney

Council wants to hire its own attorney. City Attorney oppose this and Barrett vetoes proposal.

Morales Demotion Debacle Will Cost City Additional $19,000

City's outside counsel exceeded its budget.

Milwaukee Adopts ‘Calm Before The Storm’ 2022 Budget

No fee increases and small tax increase as city bolsters pension reserve fund in anticipation of fiscal cliff.

City Attorney New Hire Worked For Anti-Muslim Group

Muslim advocacy group calls on Spencer to fire new assistant city attorney.

Hate Has No Place at City Hall

Statement of Alderman Scott Spiker November 2, 2021

Tearman Spencer Adds Media To List Of Those Inhibiting Him

Conditions at City Attorney's office would improve if media quit "erroneously" reporting on them says City Attorney.

Committee Recommends Few Budget Amendments

No fee increases and few changes as council braces for next year's fiscal cliff.

Milwaukee Will Comply With Subpoenas, But City Attorney Won’t Say How

Spencer big on promises, but short on details.

Latest City Attorney Controversy Causes Council Infighting

Dodd vs Zamarripa is an extension of Tearman Spencer vs City Hall

City Attorney Accused of Politically-Motivated, Retaliatory Staff Directive

Latest issue causes public infighting amongst Common Council.

Turmoil, Toxic Work Environment at City Attorney’s Office

Resignation forms cite ethical violations, poor treatment of women & more by Tearman Spencer.

Mayor’s Race Looks Like a Wild One

Wide open, with lots of candidates, no obvious favorites and so much at stake.

310W Owner Sues City for $5 Million For Sewer Backup

Massive 2020 rainstorm caused damage but city attorney says city wasn't negligent.

Council Approves Morales Settlement

Former chief will get $500,000 and now a finalist for job in Dane County suburb.

Morales Payout Rises Still Higher

City must also pay its private legal team. Total cost of lawsuit will exceed $668,000.

Morales Reaches Tentative, $626,000 Settlement With City

Ousted chief won't return to Milwaukee Police Department.

No Settlement Yet, Morales Will Be Police Chief Again On July 15th

Demoted police chief Alfonso Morales will return to old job.

Council Ends City Attorney’s Review Power

Unanimous vote strips Spencer's ability to halt contracts and overrides Barrett veto.

Morales Potential Return As Police Chief Delayed Until July 12th

Extension gives parties more time to negotiate settlement.

New Ordinance Could Remove Elected Officials

For undefined 'inefficiency' or 'neglect of duty.' Alders slam the proposal.

Morales Or Milwaukee, Who Will Blink First?

Former chief continues to gain leverage for any potential settlement.

$250,000 Settlement for Minor Pursued by MPD Officer

Officer finishing four-year prison sentence.

Barrett, Officials Celebrate Couture Groundbreaking

Nine years after building was first proposed. 'Like making sausage. It's not pretty.'

Ethics Board Must Hire Outside Counsel. Why?

Confidential opinion involves City Attorney. Bauman thinks he's solved the mystery.

City Could Spend $100,000 To Argue Over $100,000

Fight between City Attorney Tearman Spencer and Common Council getting worse.

9 Takeaways on Local Marijuana Laws

City and county moving toward reform but arrests and convictions still happening.

Judge Orders Alfonso Morales Gets His Job Back in 45 Days

Former police chief gets even more leverage on potential settlement.

A County Opinion on City Legal Dispute?

Dispute between council and City Attorney gets ever stranger, as committee requests county corp counsel's opinion.

Push To Change City Attorney Office Resisted

'I have been forced to defend myself against specious personnel complaints.'

Council Wants New Harassment Policy

In wake of report chastising city attorney, council unanimously votes to create policy for elected officials.

City Must Apologize to Sterling Brown

Council approves settlement, which includes apology and changes in how police are trained.

Council Okays $20 Million Milwaukee Tool Deal

Approved unanimously. Company wants to move quickly on occupying Westown building.

The Couture Construction Begins May 5th

After years of delays, financing secured for complicated project to build 44-story lakefront tower.

Tearman Spencer Vs. City Hall

New City Attorney is quite public with his frustrations with those he is tasked with representing.

Council Committee Amends Milwaukee Tool Deal

Reporting requirements on employee race, gender, residency and wages added.

Sterling Brown Settlement Approved

City will issue apology and adopt slew of police policy changes.

Curfew Tickets During Protests Look Biased

Black residents hit by 64% of curfew violations during Milwaukee’s Spring 2020 protests.

Spencer’s Conduct Could Spur New City Harassment Law

Six employees accuse City Attorney but report finds city law doesn't cover elected officials.

Thank You & Well-Wishes Week for City Attorney Tearman Spencer, April 11, 2021 thru April 17, 2021

Connecting ALL at the neighborhood level with the due diligence and STAMINA of our 1- year NEW city attorney

Meet the District 4 School Board Candidates

Aisha Carr and Dana Kelley both have a flock of endorsements.

City Rejects Hawley Rd. Flood Settlement

Residents left soaked with costs after settlement agreement falls apart. Their attorney thinks it might cost even more to sue.

Statement on LaKeshia Myers endorsement

Council Wants Ann Wilson Off Fire & Police Commission

9-6 vote against her reappointment. But they lack the authority to remove her.

Council Approves New Deal for The Couture

After infighting, City Hall clearing way for $188 million tower.

Deal on The Couture Pending

Common Council will review revised agreement for $188 million tower Friday morning.

City Attorney Blocking The Couture

Spencer won't sign off on revised deal for downtown tower, saying Ald. Bauman overstepped his authority.

Another Council Committee Opposes Wilson

Majority of council opposes Ann Wilson's reappointment to Fire & Police Commission.

FPC Members, City Attorney Blew Off Inspector General Interview Requests

Fallout and confusion from the Morales fiasco gets worse.

Attorney Didn’t Want Inspector General Report Made Public

Publication threatens the city's defense in Morales case argues Spencer.

Report Finds FPC Ignored City Attorney’s Advice

City Inspector General blames, adds more troubles for Fire & Police Commission.

Senseless act of violence takes the life of a promising young man

Statement of Alderman Khalif J. Rainey and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II February 8, 2021

Council Confirms Avalos, Adds Tie-Breaking Vote to Fire & Police Commission

But a potential issue awaits with looming rejection of Ann Wilson's reappointment.

City Attorney Issues Confidential Opinion Regarding Morales Demotion

Attorney has previously said commission denied Morales his due process rights.

Council Keeps Delaying on Sterling Brown Settlement

Alderman says deal isn't ready to be approved.

Hotels Fight City Hall, Win $500,000

Marriott and Springhill Suites win settlement. And council debates assessments.

Gwen Moore Positive for COVID-19

The congresswoman is a cancer survivor and recently contracted the virus.

Why So Many Police Chiefs?

Milwaukee's police leadership has become a surreal version of musical chairs. What’s going on?

Judge Restores Alfonso Morales As Police Chief

Milwaukee has at least two police chiefs at the moment.

Rep. Brostoff Statement on Police Union Smears Against City Attorney Tearman Spencer

Sterling Brown Payout Still Being Debated

Council committee meets for two hours, can't decide whether to accept the settlement.

City Admits Violating Morales’ Due Process

But City Attorney argues Morales must go back before Fire & Police Commission for a trial.

Bucks Player, City Reach $750,000 Settlement

City admits police violated Sterling Brown's constitutional rights in notorious incident.

Alders Want Police Chief Search Paused Following FPC Resignations

City struggles to find stability in police oversight body.

MPS Joins Suit Against E-Cigarette Companies

Suit alleges that e-cigarettes are deliberately marketed to minors.

FPC asked to halt process to hire new Police Chief

City Attorney OKs $4 Million Settlement with Sylville Smith Family

Smith was killed by a Milwaukee Police Office in 2016, igniting unrest in Sherman Park.

Community Groups Propose Changes

Twelve groups invited to speak and push less spending on police and more on lead abatement, other programs.

Mayor Barrett’s 2021 Executive Budget Address

Fire & Police Leader Withdraws

FPC Executive Director Griselda Aldrete says council values spectacle over merit.

Election Director Nominee Is Back In

Claire Woodall-Vogg would like to run Milwaukee Election Commission after all.

Council Grilling, But Advancing Mayoral Appointees

Most being confirmed unanimously after long meetings.

City Attorney Moving To Drop Curfew Charges

Charges will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but at least one lawsuit still likely.

Police, Mayor, Hospital Workers March to Sherman Park

March is markedly different from larger marches that have circled city.

City Attorney Tearman Spencer Statement on Peaceful Protests

Spencer says the City Attorney’s Office hears the people of Milwaukee

Council Debates Assessment Process

Alders unhappy. Assessor gets grilled about home value hikes in certain neighborhoods.

Up From 53206

New generation of leaders in their early 30's, Crowley, Nicholson, Johnson, all raised in poorest ZIP code.

White City Worker Wins Racial Bias Payout

Health department employee's claims involve former interim commissioner Patricia McManus.

12 Election Takeaways

How high was turnout, lawyers will be busy, girl power, streetcar wins again and a new council president?

21 Winners and Losers

Beyond the candidates, what was the election about, who were the other winners and losers?

2020 Spring Election Results

Live City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County results for the April 7th Spring Election.

Judge Mosley Hospitalized With COVID-19

Derek Mosely improving after 8 days in ICU. "The most frightening experience of my life."

City Attorney Candidates

Langley versus Spencer for a four-year term as city's lawyer.

Dark-Money Group Slings Mud in Comptroller Race

Group backing Rep. Jason Fields produces attack ads against his opponent, Aycha Sawa.

Tearman Spencer Has Delinquent Tax Bill

City Attorney candidate hasn't paid tax bill. If he wins, and is still delinquent he would have to sue himself.

Deputy City Attorney Accused of Racism

Defense attorney calls for investigation of Deputy City Attorney Jan Smokowicz.

Tearman Spencer Statement on $1.67 Million Payout for Police Stop

Jury awards victim due to excessive force, false arrest

14 Election Winners, Losers

Beyond the ballot totals, behind the scenes, who were the other election winners and losers?

9 Election Takeaways

What did we learn? The results versus 2016. And the coming ad blitz and voter turnout.

City Attorney Candidates

Three candidates running to lead independent Milwaukee City Attorney's office.

Meet the Candidates for City Offices

Packed spring election features 46 candidates for 19 city offices.

Langley Has Raised Just $2,500

Incumbent city attorney way behind his challengers in campaign donations.

Contribution to Milele A. Coggs of $250

Bobot Will Attack Langley. Sort Of

Vince Bobot has (mostly) changed his mind about going negative in race for city attorney.

Grant Langley Will Run for Reelection

City attorney's decision sets up race against his old friend, attorney Vince Bobot.

Contribution to Peter Burgelis of $50

City Attorney candidate Tearman Spencer releases statement on Sterling Brown case

"It’s unfortunate that the City Attorney has been ineffective in his representation of the city, escalating the fight with the plaintiff rather than bringing the matter to a close."

Spencer for City Attorney campaign announces more than $100,000 on hand for spring campaign

"The City Attorney has a tremendous ability to affect city policy, and it’s time for new leadership that will bring public accountability to the office."

City Attorney Grant Langley Retiring?

Vince Bobot announces for job, leading to speculation Langley may retire after 36 years.

Tearman Spencer announces candidacy for Milwaukee City Attorney

"I’m ready to put my experience to work for my fellow residents of the City of Milwaukee."