Tom Barrett

“We’re Not Doing Enough Tests” Says State Disease Expert

"I think it's very safe to say that we're not doing enough tests," says Dr. Ryan Westergaard.

Mount Mary, Partners Hold Groundbreaking for Trinity Woods

Seniors, students, religious sisters and children will all live under same roof.

City Expands Program To Fight Overdoses

Housed in fire department, the MORI program aims to reduce drug addiction, overdoses.

Health Commissioner Kowalik Resigns

Led the department's turnaround after lead crisis. Will take Washington D.C. job.

Republicans Angry Yet Asleep on Policing

Unwilling to meet yet offering legislation to micro-manage police reforms in Milwaukee and Madison.

Miller Park, Fiserv Forum Will Be Early Voting Sites

Pro sports facilities will serve as two of the city's 18 early voting sites.

Recall Effort Launched Against Evers

Organizers oppose his policies on pandemic and Kenosha unrest.

Budget Testimony Includes Repeated Ask For $75 Million Police Cut

Two-thirds of those that testified at preliminary budget hearing want funds to go towards health, housing.

Budget Process Kicks Off On Wednesday

Virtual hearing Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mayor will outline city's financial situation.

Activist Coalition Holds Largest March of DNC

But tensions nearly boiled over when counter-protesters disrupted the demonstration.

Last Night Brings Little Exposure for Milwaukee

Tammy Baldwin and Tom Perez are only Milwaukee speakers Thursday.

With A “Holy Mackerel” Tony Evers Kicks Off DNC

Evers says Biden will bring civility, respect, empathy and kindness to White House.

Perez, DNC Support Wisconsin Lawsuit

Will federal court allow more time to request absentee votes and count all ballots postmarked by Nov. 3?

Mayor Gives Welcome Remarks On Night Two

"These are not conventional times," says Barrett in opening convention proceedings.

The Hop Now Wears a Mask

"Spread the word, not the virus" is message in new rolling mask billboard.

DNC Security Costs Down 50 Percent

Event will cost $20 to $25 million to secure, feds will reimburse city.

You Can Help City Balance Its Budget

Residents can take survey, use simulation tool to fix $53 million structural deficit.

Virtual DNC Dims City’s Moment in the Sun

Lost chance to show Milwaukee can compete with the bigger cities.

Milwaukee Police Gobble Up City Budget

MPD got 62 cents of every new city budget dollar over last ten years.

Nine Election Takeaways

Big turnout, delayed votes, new faces in the Assembly and the Constitution Party.

Don’t Patronize City’s Bars, Restaurants, DNC Says

DNC organizers ask convention goers to sign pledge to avoid establishments where social distancing isn’t possible.

Democrats Release List of DNC Speakers

Big names like Obama, Sanders, Clinton to speak virtually, state pols like Evers, Baldwin to orate in person.

9 Takeaways on Change of Police Chiefs

What's the impact of Morales firing, Brunson hiring, and where is the city headed on police?

Many Back Ramon for Register of Deeds

Appointed by Evers in 2019 to fill the vacant office, he has racked up many endorsements.

Viewaukee Provides Look at Milwaukee’s History

10 tower viewers provide historic Milwaukee views.

Police Chief Alfonso Morales Demoted

Accused of unbecoming behavior and lying. Morales' attorney says it's a ploy to distract from problems at commission.

Evictions Rising, Activists Call For Moratorium

Pandemic is worsening the crisis of evictions in Milwaukee.

Barrett Disappointed Biden Won’t Attend DNC

The biggest party in Democratic politics may be nothing more than a local get-together.

Joe Biden Won’t Travel to Milwaukee For DNC

Party confirms Biden and VP pick will speak remotely.

Baldwin Jobs Bill Has Support of Employment Agencies

Legislation would direct federal funds to transitional jobs programs.

Private School Skirts Health Order, Moves Classes to ‘Tosa

Wisconsin Lutheran High School is sidestepping the City's health order, holding summer classes in Tosa.

Aldrete Discusses FPC’s Turbulent Year

The outgoing executive director blames City Hall, critics for current environment.

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.

Assessment Commissioner Keeps His Job

Once expected to face a close vote, Steve Miner gets council approval on 13-2 vote.

Council’s Police Reform Wish List Grows

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

The Curious Campaign of Michele Bryant

Why is a Democratic state senator’s chief of staff running against another Democratic senator?

Johnson Will Lead City’s Public Library System

Joan Johnson will be first Black director in the library's 142-year history.

Bay View’s Most Polarizing Home For Sale

Former Alderman Tony Zielinski selling house for $2.1 million.

Can Police Be Defunded?

Milwaukee spends 125 times more on cops than violence prevention. Chief Morales fights call to change funding priorities.

Clarke Square Apartments Open

New buildings bookend south side park, provide affordable housing.

Trump Sending Federal Agent “Surge” to Milwaukee, State, Local Officials React

Attorney General calls it a "facist tactic." MPD says support not for civil unrest.

Bipartisan Group Will Promote Voting By Mail

And in-person voting. Former GOP Attorney General dismisses fraud claims on mail-in ballots

Council Might Fire Assessor Steve Miner

Assessment Commissioner finds little support from Judiciary & Legislation Committee.

Food Truck Ban for Downer Ave. Proposed

Business owners upset that trucks have loud generators, take up parking spaces.

Ethics Board Launches Probe of FPC Chair

Steven DeVougas will be investigated for ethical conflicts; his lawyer blasts "political gamesmanship" by police union.

State Law Allows Suspended Cops on Payroll

Sometimes for years. Grothman supported 2007 bill to add restrictions, which didn’t pass.

Council Spending Hours Reviewing Barrett’s Appointments

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

400 Businesses Will Split $4 Million For COVID-19 Readiness

City grant program only allocates 20 percent of expected budget. Designed to retool businesses to adapt to COVID-19 dangers.

Why Are Bars Still Open?

They are key spreaders of COVID-19. So why are city and county health officials okay with bars being open?

Don’t Call 911 On City Mask Mandate

Emphasis on voluntary compliance. "We don't want a bunch of Karens making complaints."

Zamarripa Defends Her Double Dipping

Alderwoman will collect second full-time salary as state legislator for eight months.

MPD Wants Beef Jerky, Pepper Spray

DNC security purchase list includes 50,000 bottles of Gatorade, 4,000-pound concrete barriers and tear gas-delivering battering ram.

Milwaukee Adopts Mask Mandate

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

City Announces Upgrades for Fall Election

Steps to improve voting by mail, higher pay for poll workers, plan for 171 polling places.

Demolition Underway for Adams Hotel

Plus: DCD gets new leadership team

Council Seeks Police Reform, But Will It Happen?

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

Milwaukee Mask Mandate Scaled Back

Special council committee to debate it. Outdoor requirement scaled back, minimum age raised.

Election Commission Leader Barely Confirmed

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

What Is And Isn’t In Milwaukee’s Mask Mandate

Proposal requires a mask indoor and outdoors, fines up to $500 for repeated violations.

Fire & Police Leader Withdraws

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

MSOE Reshaping Its Campus

New STEM center, redeveloped residence hall just the latest changes.

Milwaukee Moves Backward In Fight Against COVID-19

City's positive case rate climbs to 12.1 percent.

Milwaukee’s Homicide Rate Has Doubled

86 homicides already in 2020, versus 43 at same point in 2019.

Racial Disparities Found in Safer-At-Home Arrests

The vast majority of those cited for violations of the order were Black.

COVID-19 Cases Exploding Among Younger Population

COVID-19 in Milwaukee County appears stable, for now. But the disease remains widespread and is not being suppressed.

Giannis Protest Mural Planned for Bay View Bar

Mural is designed to keep focus on protest marches.

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.

“Defund the Police” Painted On Street In Front of Milwaukee City Hall

Mural as long as a city block, covers 13,000 square feet.

Who Benefits From the Madison Vandalism?

History suggests it could change the narrative, change voters’ views.

Feds Won’t Cover $1.6 Million Hazard Pay

Changing guidance leaves Milwaukee holding the bag for COVID-19-related bonus.

Crump Wins Committee Support to Head DCD

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

Vaun Mayes Released From Jail

DA reviewing charges on protest organizer. Activists call it targeted harassment, call for Chief Morales to step down.

Dimitrijevic Introduces Mask Mandate

Mayor Barrett and council President Johnson endorse a city-wide mandate.

75 Businesses Demand a City Mask Mandate

Pabst Theater Group, Colectivo, Fiserv Forum, Bartolotta join call for action.

Historic Church Will Become High Tech Office Space

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

Milwaukee Increases Bar Capacity to 50% As Cases Spike Statewide

Changes go into effect July 1st. City also unveils plan to allow 100 percent capacity.

The Couture Developer Secures Financing

No construction date announced, but private financing commitment marks major milestone.

Election Director Appointee Pulls Out

Says she was working 18-hour days in worst year of her life and told to be less honest to be confirmed.

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.

DNC Will Be Largely Virtual, Not At Fiserv Forum

Delegations urged not to travel to Milwaukee, convention moved to Wisconsin Center.

Villard Commons Rises

New apartment building rises on Old North Milwaukee main street.

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.

City Offering New Subsidies For Homes In Two Urban Subdivisions

Grants would offset cost of new construction in two infill housing developments.

Community Paints Black Lives Matter Mural at MLK and Locust

Barrett Calls For Police To Stop All Chokeholds

Decision rests with powerful Fire & Police Commission.

Housing Authority Accepting More Voucher Applicants

For first time since 2015, city accepting new applicants for subsidized housing.

Council Wants No Pay for Suspended Officers

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

COVID-19 Testing Down Significantly

Officials worry about drop in testing here as COVID-19 cases spike across the nation.

Council Okays Planning for 10% Police Cut

Requires city budget office to model what cut would look like, in time for fall budget debate.

Common Council Threatens City Shakeup

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

Better Than Breier Isn’t Good Enough

Milwaukee Police aren’t using bullets and billy clubs on protesters. But that’a low bar by which to measure improvement.

Protesters Kneel in Front of Mayor Barrett’s Home

Police Blame Mayor, Council For Murder Rate

Department uses official account to say budget cuts driving murder rate higher. Data doesn't prove link.

City Attorney Moving To Drop Curfew Charges

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

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.

Police Groups Have Big Capitol Clout

They spent $2.3 million on state lobbying and elections over 10 years, pushing many bills they favor.