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Content referencing Sylvia Ortiz-Velez
Rep. Ortiz-Velez Charged With Disorderly Conduct
Milwaukee Assembly member charged with 'personal attacks' against a colleague.
Feb 25th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Democrat Faces Primary Challenger
Challenger will take on three-term Democrat who has fallen out of favor with colleagues.
Feb 20th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Do Sales by Home Bakers Need Regulation?
Republican bill creates regulatory system for cottage food industry in Wisconsin.
Jan 21st, 2026 by Henry Redman
Assembly Passes Constitutional Amendments
One would outlaw DIE programs in Wisconsin.
Jan 14th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Nearly All County Supervisors Running Unopposed
15 of 17 incumbents have no opponent in spring election.
Jan 11th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
‘Sextortion’ Now A Crime in Wisconsin
Gov. Evers signs several bills into law.
Dec 11th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Assembly Passes Resolution Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Unanimous vote after uproar involving its author Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez.
Sep 15th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Assembly Passes Bills to Restrict Pride Flags
Republicans also approved bills to require state employees work in-person 80% of the time, restrict Medicaid access for undocumented.
Sep 12th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Milwaukee Democrat Splits from Caucus After Tensions Boil Over
State Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez abandons party after arguments, allegations.
Sep 5th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Will Evers Sign Bill Making Gig Drivers Independent Contractors?
Would exclude Uber, Lyft, DoorDash drivers from rules protecting workers.
Jul 30th, 2025 by Erik Gunn
Bill Gives Milwaukee More Leeway to Impound Recklessly Driven Cars
Proposal passed Assembly, Senate okay likely. Will police use expanded authority?
Jun 10th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Some Legislators Want ‘Safe Havens’ to Stay Safe
Proposed bill would keep immigration officers out of all 'safe havens' in Wisconsin.
Feb 18th, 2025 by Devin Blake
Wisconsin’s Gun Laws Get a ‘C’ Grade, Milwaukee Leaders Want That To Change
Despite being on a downward trend, the city has seen more than 100 homicides already this year
Oct 28th, 2024 by Evan Casey
Milwaukee Partisan Primary Election Results
A number of winner-take-all primaries on the ballot will reshape Milwaukee's legislative delegation.
Aug 13th, 2024 by Urban Milwaukee
Milwaukee Senate and Assembly Races
A handful of partisan primaries will also determine the winner of the general election in November.
Aug 10th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Bernie Sanders to Host Private Brunch in Milwaukee
Event canceled after publication.
Jun 21st, 2024 by Michael Horne
Mayor, Democrats Target Rep. Ryan Clancy
Why are they opposing incumbent Democrat? In a word, they hate him.
Jun 11th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Board Supports Professional Licensing for DACA Recipients
Bipartisan state legislation failed to pass, but county supervisors get behind the policy.
Mar 18th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Biden Promotes ‘Life-Changing Improvements’ in Milwaukee Visit
Speech at Pieper Hillside Boys & Girls Club promotes effort to rebuild 6th Street.
Mar 13th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Assembly Advances Constitutional Amendment Banning Use of Race in Government Hiring
Supporters criticize DEI initiatives. Opponents say issue is manufactured.
Feb 15th, 2024 by Rich Kremer
Legislative Hearing a Debate Over DEI
Proposed constitutional amendment bars 'preferential treatment' by state offices, universities.
Jan 31st, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Legislators Push Judicial Security Bills
142 threats against Wisconsin judges in past year, with 44 threats of death or physical harm.
Jan 28th, 2024 by Rich Kremer
Bill Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession Under 14 Grams
Bipartisan bill creates a standard $100 fine for possession of a half ounce or less.
Jan 15th, 2024 by Rich Kremer
DACA Recipients Could Get In-State Tuition, Professional Licenses Under Bipartisan Proposal
Wisconsin GOP lawmakers have previously blocked proposals to help DREAMers.
Dec 5th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Bill Prevents Write-In Campaigns by Losing Primary Candidates
'Sore loser bill' follows write-in campaign that nearly defeated Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.
Oct 24th, 2023 by Rich Kremer
Parties Bicker Over How to Do Iowa-Style Redistricting
Democrats charge that Vos plan will hand ultimate power to Republican legislators.
Sep 18th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Bill Would Make It Harder For Candidates To Be Kicked Off Ballots
Proposal, which touches on a 2022 Milwaukee school board race, would add clarity to signature process.
Aug 31st, 2023 by Sarah Lehr
Augustine Prep Opens $49 Million Elementary School
New building allows for major growth. And an even bigger project is planned.
Aug 23rd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
President Sells ‘Bidenomics’ In Visit To Milwaukee
Biden touts green jobs, low unemployment, rebuilding middle class in factory floor speech.
Aug 15th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Johnson Signs 2% Sales Tax Into Law
"Something huge, something major, something extraordinary," says Johnson of revenue deal, averting fiscal cliff.
Jul 14th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
County Public Hearing Debates Sales Tax
Most speakers favor sales tax hike, citing the specter of massive cuts to government services.
Jul 12th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Mayor Johnson Touts “One Milwaukee” Vision In State of City Speech
Public safety, an end to reckless driving, more bike lanes, lead lateral replacement and a city government back from the brink.
Jun 26th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Resolution Supports Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
Resolution instructs county lobbyists to push for such state legislation.
Jun 20th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Assembly Passes Bills Making It Harder To Access Unemployment Benefits, BadgerCare
Republicans, in casting party-line vote, say policies will help state workforce shortage.
Apr 26th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Sanchez, Gómez-Tom Advance From County Board Primary
Three candidates ran in primary of special election for county board's vacant District 14 seat.
Apr 4th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
County Board Primary Race Has Three Candidates
Special election called to fill District 14 seat left vacant by Dyango Zerpa resignation.
Mar 1st, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Bill Allows DACA Recipients To Become Police Officers
Bipartisan bill could help immigrants, boost recruiting for state's law enforcement agencies.
Feb 28th, 2023 by Rich Kremer
State Should Restore Driver’s Licenses for Immigrant Workers
Make our roads safer and help economy and undocumented workers.
Feb 26th, 2023 by Ruth Conniff
Crowley Calling Special Election for Vacant Board Seat
Election for seat vacated by Sup. Dyango Zerpa will coincide with spring election dates.
Feb 1st, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Dyango Zerpa Resigns From County Board
Freshman supervisor expensed unapproved hotel stay to county credit card.
Jan 27th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Lawmakers Plan Another Go At Unifying Pot Possession Fines
Report shows a patchwork of marijuana fines in Milwaukee County. Would require city to raise its fine.
Dec 30th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
New Policy Would Require County To Study Demolishing The Domes
County board considering replacing repair-focused 2016 policy after limited progress.
Dec 1st, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
State Has Many Uncontested Legislative Races
Why newcomers Ryan Clancy on East Side, Dave Maxey in New Berlin face no opponent.
Nov 8th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
A Map of County’s Overdose Deaths
78% of deaths last year involved fentanyl. But use of new drug, Xylazine, rising.
Aug 24th, 2022 by Isiah Holmes
Biden’s Infrastructure Czar Visits City, Touts Lead Lateral Funding
City has replaced 524 laterals this year, but Biden administration says that will greatly increase with federal funding.
Jul 13th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Supervisors Seek Marijuana Referendum
Question to voters on legalizing pot would be identical to 2018 advisory referendum.
Jul 5th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Clancy Runs As Double-Dipping Socialist
Running for Legislature, but would continue as county supervisor, collecting both salaries.
May 24th, 2022 by Bruce Murphy
Ryan Clancy Launches Campaign For State Assembly
County supervisor is backed by Rep. Brostoff, who he is running to replace.
May 2nd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Election Shakes Up County Board
Five of 18 supervisors will be new. Longtime Sup. John Weishan, Jr. upset by Peter Burgelis. A sixth new face could be coming.
Apr 5th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Evers Signs Bill Legalizing Fentanyl Test Strips
Milwaukee legislators led charge to legalize them as a way to save lives.
Mar 16th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
State Near Top In Slashing County Funding
Only two states have cut county funding more. Huge funding decline has hurt Milwaukee.
Mar 16th, 2022 by Bruce Murphy
Supervisors Push Federal Review of State Funding
Is huge decline in state aid to county a violation of residents' civil rights?
Jan 18th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Bipartisan Support for Legalizing Fentanyl Testing Strips
Republicans and Democrats say bill will save lives.
Jan 17th, 2022 by Isiah Holmes
Three Candidates for Board’s New Hispanic Districts
Incumbents unopposed in most districts but a majority Hispanic district will be contested.
Dec 21st, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Pension Costs Decimated County Services
New generation of leaders has inherited government unable to pay for parks, buses, buildings and basic services.
Dec 14th, 2021 by Bruce Murphy
Lawyers Caution Against Changing Bail System
Waukesha parade killings spark calls for higher bail, more punitive pretrial detention.
Dec 5th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
Bipartisan Bill Changes Pot Possession Penalties
Lighter penalties for much of the state but tougher for cities like Milwaukee, Madison.
Nov 17th, 2021 by Laurel White
County Board Committee Backs Redistricting Maps
After rejecting independent redistricting committee, supervisors pick two maps they like.
Oct 28th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Board Takes Over Redistricting, Rejects Independent Effort
Board rejected third and final map from its Independent Redistricting Committee.
Oct 23rd, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Independent Committee Submits Final Map for Supervisor Districts
But independence of the Independent Redistricting Committee is now in question, as county board could face lawsuits.
Oct 20th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
So Much For An Independent Redistricting Process
County committee rejects its own independent redistricting committee's recommendations.
Oct 1st, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Hispanic Districts Key to Board Redistricting
Current Hispanic districts potentially run afoul of 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Sep 30th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
New Map For Supervisor Districts Submitted
But independent committee made no effort to protect incumbents. How will board vote?
Sep 29th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Board Gets Messy With Vaccine Mandate
Board muddies county executive order with procedural issues, duplicative legislation.
Sep 21st, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Saga Of The Domes Continues
Years after task force report and consultant analysis, county officials finally reviewing the options.
Sep 15th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Create Independent Redistricting Committee
An historic first. But six retired judges must act fast to create new legislative maps.
Aug 16th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Legislators Push Legalizing Fentanyl Test Strips
Community advocates working with addicts say test strips would save lives.
Jun 28th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
State Assembly Passes Transgender Athlete Bill
Legislation would bar transgender women from playing on female athletic teams.
Jun 17th, 2021 by Laurel White
9 Takeaways on Local Marijuana Laws
City and county moving toward reform but arrests and convictions still happening.
Jun 2nd, 2021 by Edgar Mendez
Voces Protests GOP Cutting ID’s for Immigrants from Budget
The group and other activists also protested the elimination of tuition aid for immigrant students.
May 7th, 2021 by Henry Redman
Nicholson Boots Weishan Off Committee
Board's leader takes away both his transportation chair position and committee membership. "It's unheard of."
Apr 20th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Push To Be Bike Trail Czars
Parks committee approves resolution giving it approval power over bike trails maintenance, alterations.
Apr 14th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Meet the District 5 School Board Candidates
Alex Brower and Jilly Gokalgandhi compete to replace outgoing school board director Larry Miller.
Apr 4th, 2021 by Sam Woods
Board Changes Pot Possession Fine to $1
Under state law county can't fully decriminalize.
Mar 26th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Committee Okays $1 Fine For Pot Possession
Under state law county can't fully decriminalize. Full board next considers proposal.
Mar 16th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Resolution Cuts Pot Possession Fine to $1
Sup. Ortiz-Velez's county resolution will be mirrored by Glendale proposal, says Mayor Kennedy.
Feb 9th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
County Supervisors Back $1 Pot Penalty
8 board members push plan slashing $500 penalty for possession.
Feb 6th, 2021 by Gretchen Schuldt
Crowley Calls Special Election for Supervisor
Board seat open with Sup. Supreme Moore Omokunde's election to State Assembly.
Dec 22nd, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Board Adopts 2021 Budget
Tax levy increase of 0.59%, many amendments and delays to electric buses and hemp growing.
Nov 10th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Committee Rejects Sheriff Cuts
But it also passed a widely supported increase in spending for services like housing and youth justice.
Nov 5th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Your Guide to Down Ballot Races
Trump versus Biden isn't the only ballot item. Here's information on 13 other races across the county
Nov 2nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Nine Election Takeaways
Big turnout, delayed votes, new faces in the Assembly and the Constitution Party.
Aug 12th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Candidate List and Election Guide
Long list of candidates, but ballots will be short for most Milwaukeeans.
Aug 6th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Supports Ride Share Tax
Wants Legislature's okay to levy user fee for companies like Uber and Lyft. Similar tax raises $25 million per year in Seattle.
Jun 10th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Nicholson Elected County Board Chairwoman
Marcelia Nicholson beats Willie Johnson, Jr. out for leadership of the county board.
Apr 24th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
County Supervisors Push Free Bus Rides
Passengers could use side door, away from bus drivers, to protect them from getting virus.
Mar 24th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Ballots Won’t Have Duplicate Gerrymandering Questions
City rescinds its referendum question after Milwaukee County passed a similar measure.
Feb 27th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Delivery Tax Isn’t Legal, Says City Attorney
But Lena Taylor disagrees. Is 60 cent fee on food deliveries a tax or a fee?
Jan 8th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Delivery Tax Could Help Fix Potholes
Ald. Dodd's proposal imposes 60 cent fee on third-party deliveries like Uber Eats.
Jan 6th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Bloomberg Comes to Town
Presidential candidate opens campaign office in Milwaukee and tours Public Market.
Dec 23rd, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Hemp Proposal Passed By Committee
4-1 vote okays plan for high-end hemp operation in Mitchell Park greenhouse. Next comes full board.
Oct 30th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Board Adds Domes Funding to Budget
Abele's budget had no funding. Board members embrace consultant's $60 million domes plan
Oct 29th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Hemp Could Make Money for County
New report says Mitchell Park greenhouses could grow valuable hemp clones.
Oct 14th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Domes Task Force Recommends $66 Million Plan
Plan to radically alter the domes and Mitchell Park demands fast decision making.
Aug 14th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Sup. Alexander Wants More Public Input
County board, less than excited, votes to have the ordinance undergo a review.
Jul 25th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Five Takeaways from Yesterday’s Election
The race for Terry Witkowski's seat had surprises -- and key lessons.
Jul 17th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
The County’s Queen of Hemp
Why Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez is pushing so hard for county to grow hemp.
Jul 1st, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Could The County Clone Hemp Plants?
Report on county growing hemp is not positive. But expert says the study all wrong.
Apr 24th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
4 Questions and Answers on The Domes
What's going to happen? That could be the toughest question of all.
Mar 30th, 2019 by Ana Martinez-Ortiz
Rumors of Domes’ Demise Exaggerated
Despite report recommending their death, county board members want to save domes.
Mar 18th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
