Chantia Lewis

Bay View Speedway Must Close Early After Robbery String

Police visited gas station 14 times between January 1st and February 11th.

Milwaukee Could Suspend Street Lighting Fee

But property owners will need to pay at least once.

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.

Committee Approves 122-Room Hotel

Woodspring Suites' extended-stay hotel planned for far northwest edge of city.

Council Committee Rejects MPD Request To Be Featured on Crime Show

MPD sees it as public relations improvement. Alderman sees it as "trauma porn."

Another Council Committee Opposes Wilson

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

City Will Conduct Mental Health Survey

Seeking information about impact of pandemic on residents.

City Pushes Century City to Make USPS Trucks

Council members and mayor urge Oshkosh Corporation to consider Milwaukee location.

New Health Commissioner Wins First Endorsement

Kirsten Johnson gets backing of Public Safety & Health Committee.

City Bans Discrimination Based on Hairstyle

In unanimous vote, Milwaukee passes local version of CROWN Act.

Council Overrides Mayoral Veto, Wants Power To Fire Police Chief

Council wants Legislature to give it firing power. Mayor's veto of this fails.

Council Okays Federal COPS Grant, But…

Police department agrees to certain conditions for grant intended to reform operations.

City Moves to Ban Discrimination by Hairstyle

Proposal makes hairstyles a protected class alongside sex, religion, race.

Milwaukee Seeks Data for Vision Zero Push

Consultant would identify dangerous interactions, develop predictive model.

Committee Rejects Ann Wilson’s FPC Reappointment

But even if council affirms rejection, Wilson could continue to serve.

Why So Many Police Chiefs?

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

Barrett Sticks With Ann Wilson for FPC

Reappointing her to Fire & Police Commission though she backed its reckless decision to demote Chief Morales.

Council, Mayor Clash Over Police Grant

Nine council members blast Barrett, claiming he's not committed to police reform.

Barrett Picks Makda Fessahaye for Human Resources Director

Attorney to replace longtime Employee Relations director Maria Monteagudo.

Council Wants Control Over Police and Fire Chiefs

Seeking changes to state law to give city's elected officials control.

Council Moves To Reject Federal COPS Grant

Means 30 fewer officers, leaving Milwaukee down by 150 officers in 2021.

Avalos Confirmation On Hold Because of FPC Misstep

Committee voted for her without necessary background check.

Committee Backs Leon Todd to Lead FPC

Attorney gets council committee approval to run troubled Fire & Police Commission.

Council Delays on Federal COPS Grant

Would fund 30 positions, prevent more police reductions, but presents future fiscal issues.

Council Overrides One of Two Barrett Vetos

Veto of added funding for lead abatement program was overriden on 11-4 vote.

COVID-19 Violations Going From Max of $2,000 to $20,000

Health department hopes cost increase yields more voluntary compliance.

Troubles at Fire & Police Commission

12 staff vacancies, no director, three board vacancies. Committee grills Barrett aides for answers.

$1.6 Billion Adopted Budget Raises Fees, Cuts Police

City's fiscal challenges continue to mount under state restrictions, rising costs.

Alders Want Police Chief Search Paused Following FPC Resignations

City struggles to find stability in police oversight body.

Budget Amendment Would Move Milwaukee Towards “Vision Zero”

Proposal start of an effort to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Committee Approves Over 20 Amendments To Milwaukee Budget

Amendments target violence prevention, housing, lead abatement and more.

Almost Half of Budget Amendments Are Policy Footnotes

Footnotes call for a racial equity audit, benches in vacant lots, lead-safe property database and much more.

The “Molotov Cocktail” That Wasn’t

MPD admits the 6th and McKinley weapon was just a plastic water bottle.

Police Chief, Alderman Fight Over Use of Canines

Chief says it's an infrequently used safety tactic, Rainey say it's "barbaric."

Milwaukee Getting More Aggressive On COVID-19 Order Fines

62 warning letters issued, but city only inspecting businesses on a complaint basis.

FPC Announces Three Finalists for Police Chief

All outsiders, although one finalist has Milwaukee ties.

Council Backs New Handling of 911 Calls

Wants MPD and FPC to develop approach where unarmed professionals handle non-violent social issues.

Palzewicz Goes Progressive in Deep Red District

Democrat opposing Fitzgerald in 5th Congressional District backs guaranteed annual income.

Inside the New Good Hope Library

Years later than expected, new library is open. Was it worth the wait? Yes.

Task Force Plan Targets Reckless Driving

City-County Carjacking and Reckless Driving Task Force contains strategies to combat problem.

Council’s Police Reform Wish List Grows

Council wants still more changes, but can only request Fire & Police Commission to enact them.

Council Spending Hours Reviewing Barrett’s Appointments

Plenty of praise and criticism for department heads, including Jeff Polenske and Jeanette Kowalik.

Taking Back Our Streets

Reckless driving plagues the city. An new coalition of concerned citizens wants your suggestions.

Milwaukee Adopts Mask Mandate

Council unanimously adopts indoor and outdoor mandate. Goes into effect Thursday.

Council Seeks Police Reform, But Will It Happen?

Common Council has a growing wish list. Will Fire & Police Commission act?

Mask Mandate Passes Committee

Proposal would require masks indoors and outdoors, but with limited enforcement.

Black Members Blast Council President

Chevy Johnson won't take on 'status quo and complacency,' says former president Hamilton and six others.

Election Commission Leader Barely Confirmed

Approved by 8-7 vote, with council members charging she lied during approval process.

Should Police Report Every Time They Draw Weapon?

MPD says it's a paperwork burden. Alderman says he's not looking for a Master's thesis.

What Should Or Shouldn’t Be in Milwaukee Mask Mandate?

Council debates ordinance before its written.

Crump Wins Committee Support to Head DCD

New commissioner would serve in one of most visible, influential administration roles.

Historic Church Will Become High Tech Office Space

Northern Ground buys Walker's Point building. Northridge owners appeal court decision.

Fire & Police Commission Director Wins Committee Support For Reappointment

Griselda Aldrete gets committee support, but needs to pick up five votes from the full council to keep her job.

Council Committee Debates Oversight For Police Military-Grade Purchases

Would require approval for all purchases.

Black Lives Matter Mural Covers Milwaukee Intersection

MLK and Locust now sports colorful mural with powerful message.

Juneteenth Flag Flies Over City Hall Complex

City flies flag for the first time as county and state follow suit.

Community Paints Black Lives Matter Mural at MLK and Locust

Juneteenth Flags Will Fly at Capitol, City Office Building For First Time

Move is part of growing recognition for holiday.

City Launches Active Streets for Business

Policy allows restaurants, bars to use space on sidewalks, streets, but details worry alders.

Council Wants No Pay for Suspended Officers

Seeks change in state law so city can stop paying suspended cops charged with felonies.

Council Calls For ‘I Can’t Breathe’ Policy

Measure would require interventions when anyone in custody says they're having trouble breathing.

Common Council Threatens City Shakeup

Votes to hold every Barrett cabinet appointment, wants systemic change in all city operations.

Council Proposes 10% Police Budget Cut

11 council members back $30 million cut and investing in other programs.

City Holds Emergency Council Meeting To Approve Voting Sites, Why?

Move expands early voting access from three to 16 sites.

Can the Police Union Prevent Reform?

Milwaukee’s powerful union has long gotten its way. But this time may be different.

Chief’s Crucifixion Message Panned by Council

13 members sign letter urging Morales: stop chiding protesters and listen to their message.

Is Chief Morales Doing a Good Job?

Council members ask for citizens' views in preparation for performance review of police chief.

City Officials Grill Police on Tactics

Still more questions on 6th and McKinley, as council, mayor disagree with police tactics.

Judge Rules Northridge Mall Must Be Demolished

City scores victory in bid to take control of vacant mall.

Symphony Hangs New Sign

The former Grand Avenue looks more like the entertainment hub it once was.

Johnson Chooses Powerful Committee Chairs

Not every supporter rewarded. New council president says picks reflect experience, not politics.

Health Clinics To Offer Drive-Thru Tests

350 tests per day by 5 community centers including drive-thu tests handled by Wisconsin National Guard.

Council Okays Fines for “Safer at Home” Violators

107 arrests so far by Milwaukee Police; now can issue fines of $500 to enforce state order.

How Hamilton Lost Council Presidency

Will bad feelings linger over Cavalier Johnson’s victory?

7 COVID-19 Cases From In-Person Voting?

Likely to rise as Health Department reviews all data. Council pushes for absentee voting.

City Clerk Faces Surprise Opposition

Nikiya Dodd leads charge to replace Jim Owczarski with Theodore Lipscomb.

Five Women Make Council History

The Milwaukee Common Council now looks more like the city it represents.

Johnson Elected Council President

Second-term Ald. Cavalier Johnson defeats Ashanti Hamilton and Milele Coggs.

White City Worker Wins Racial Bias Payout

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

Plastic Straw Ban Went Into Effect, Did Anyone Notice?

As of yesterday, city restaurants and bars must obey. Which is the least of their concerns.

12 Election Takeaways

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

Council Delays Convention Expansion?

9-4 vote seeks to prevent convention center expansion during pandemic.

UWM Gets Okay to Partially Demolish Columbia Hospital

Plus: Council could delay convention center expansion, MSOE expanding nursing facilities.

Emergency Housing Program Stalls

Proposal for 10 homes for those at-risk could face funding gap, other issues.

Council Bans “Racist” Hotel Policies

Metro residents must be allowed to stay in Milwaukee hotels says new ordinance.

A Herro For Our Time?

Developer Lew Herro building affordable housing near Marquette, next wants to take on Northridge.

27 Apartments Planned Near Marquette

Plus: MU plans new business school, Rivecca brothers buy out disgraced Ganos, Abele gives $300,000 to new project.

Good Hope Commons Opens

Apartment building is now open, library could soon follow.

Council Inches Toward Universal Basic Income

Proposal will create a framework, needs philanthropic support.

Meet the Candidates for City Offices

Packed spring election features 46 candidates for 19 city offices.

Officials Advance $500/Month Basic Income Plan

Are you low-income and want $500 per month? The city has a pilot plan, almost.

Langley Has Raised Just $2,500

Incumbent city attorney way behind his challengers in campaign donations.

Council Mulls Next Move on “Racist” Hotel Policy

Ald. Lewis considering license options. Three hotels have policies rejecting area residents.

Racist Policy? Committee Rejects Hotel Sign

Comfort Suites hotel simply wanted a new sign. Then things got strange.

“Officer Ray’s” FPC Appointment Okayed

Committee approves appointment of retired officer to police oversight board.

Council Bans Most Plastic Straws

Use by bars and restaurants prohibited unless customers request them.

MPS School To Become Apartments

Plus community programming in unused expanded building on far northwest side.

Barrett Issues 8 Budget Vetoes

Vetoes attack borrowing, garbage truck replacement, blight elimination.

Rite-Hite May Move to Reed Street Yards

Plus: Water leak delays BMO Tower, city exploring Plan B for former Schlitz tavern.

Police Overtime Costs a Budget Problem

Council discusses how to trim annual cost of $17 million. Unfunded service for Summerfest an issue.