Tom Barrett

Activists Demand Police Firings But Mayors Can’t

Barrett, McBride lament lack of control over police chief. Law insulates police from elected officials.

Our Workload Is “Through the Roof”

How the closing of south-side station impacts Milwaukee Fire Department.

Giving Schools a Shot in the Arm

Vaccinating teachers would enable schools to reopen. But it’s not that simple.

Residents are Urged to Take Precautions as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

Milwaukee Health Department Invites Residents to Join a Virtual Town Hall Meeting on COVID-19 Vaccinations

Mayor Could Lose Control of Historic Preservation Commission

Bauman and council committee support council president appointing HPC members.

Subsidy for Unemployed Too High?

Businesses offering good jobs having trouble finding employees.

New Health Commissioner Wins First Endorsement

Kirsten Johnson gets backing of Public Safety & Health Committee.

Is the Eviction Moratorium Enough?

Some tenants may not be protected, and rental assistance still needed to pay back-rent.

Study Released For 6.7-Mile 30th Street Trail

Plan envisions shared-use trail for bikers, pedestrians, perhaps commuter rail across the middle of city's North Side.

Key Players Back Renaming Old World Third to MLK Drive

Westown Association, Mayor, all 15 council members back proposal. But there are complications.

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement on the renaming of Old World Third Street to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive:

Campaign Underway To Improve, Extend Beerline Trail

Trail would be transformed into park with a goal of uniting neighborhoods.

Health Commissioner appointment to be heard at next Public Safety and Health Committee meeting

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement regarding the passing of Hank Aaron:

Que El-Amin Is Growing City’s Affordable Housing

The developer and Milwaukee native prioritizes affordable housing in his buildings.

What Can City Do About Pension Crisis?

Milwaukee must find at least $90 million annually starting in 2023. All options are on the table.

How To Get a COVID-19 Vaccine If You’re 65 Or Older in Milwaukee

County residents should use HealthyMKE.com website.

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

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

Council Okays Federal COPS Grant, But…

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

Barrett Seeks to Reverse Racial Disparity for Vaccines

Majority of vaccine doses have gone to white, young Milwaukee County residents.

Milwaukee Leaders Commit To Addressing Homicide Pandemic

"There is a tremendous amount of work to be done, and we will do it together," said Mayor Tom Barrett.

Program Teaches Tenants Rights for Renters

Rent For Success gives renters information and practical advice for safely renting in Milwaukee.

Kirsten Johnson Appointed Milwaukee Health Commissioner

Current leader of joint Washington Ozaukee Health Department would take helm in Milwaukee, lead COVID-19 response.

New City HR Director Impresses Alders

Makda Fessahaye's appointment as employee relations director wins unanimous committee approval.

City of Milwaukee Health Department Vaccination Site to Open at the Wisconsin Center

City Shows Off Wisconsin Center Vaccination Hub

Public could be vaccinated there in future weeks. Effort starting with frontline workers.

Committee Rejects Ann Wilson’s FPC Reappointment

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

Wisconsin Center Could Become Vaccine Hub

City working to set up COVID-19 vaccine distribution hub.

New City Engineer Must Tackle Reckless Driving

Committee approves Kruschke to job. And alders want him to focus on safety.

2020 Mayor’s Design Awards Announced

23rd annual awards program goes virtual, but still finds 31 winners across the city.

Willie Smith Named to City Plan Commission

Northwest Side CDC Director would replace Darryl Johnson, whose term expired

Jerrel Kruschke Appointed City Engineer

Mayor Barrett finds a familiar face to replace Samir Amin.

City Opening Fourth COVID-19 Testing Site

It's Milwaukee's first mobile testing site, starting off at Custer Stadium on December 29th.

Inside The Redevelopment of Viets Tower

MSOE is transforming its oldest residence hall, adding a 13-story addition.

New Program for Lead-Poisoned Children

Medical College of Wisconsin program seeks improved response to kids testing positive.

Mayor Barrett Is Asleep At The Switch

His handling of Fire and Police Commission is just one example of increasingly negligent leadership.

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.

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement:

Morales Prepared to File Federal Lawsuit

Ousted Milwaukee police chief seeks damages, potential return to his position.

Good Karma Brands’ 101.7 The Truth Launching January 4th, 2021

The station announces a lineup diverse in life experiences and thought

The Election Official Behind Milwaukee’s Recount

How Claire Woodall-Vogg got through an unprecedented election.

The Hop celebrating the spirit of the season with new ‘Holidays with The Hop’ station decoration initiative

Tony Snell Appointed Head of Equal Rights Commission

VISIT Milwaukee volunteer coordinator now leads city commission.

Before Picking New Chief, Fix Policing

Milwaukee’s system of policing has been broken for years. We need to rethink it.

Council, Mayor Clash Over Police Grant

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

Has Defunding Police Movement Failed?

Not entirely, but it’s fallen well short of its goals.

It’s Not Just About 30 Police Officers

The debate about the federal COPS grant is really about long-term commitments and generational change

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout A Collaborative Effort in Milwaukee

Things are moving quickly, but officials say a best-case scenario is still mid-spring before widespread availability.

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.

Tech Firm Opening Third Ward Office

The Expert Institute, a legal industry software firm, expects to create 75 jobs here.

Avalos Confirmation On Hold Because of FPC Misstep

Committee voted for her without necessary background check.

Gov. Evers Announces Software Firm Expert Institute Selects Milwaukee for Midwest Office

Company is latest tech business to invest in southeastern Wisconsin

Committee Backs Leon Todd to Lead FPC

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

New MPD Policy Bans Most Chokeholds, Adds “I Can’t Breathe” Rule

Changes reflect national "Eight Can't Wait" reform effort.

Commission Ties Again on Picking Milwaukee’s Next Police Chief

Mahaley or Aziz? Commission still can't decide.

For Third Year in a Row, City of Milwaukee Celebrates 100 Percent Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index Score

Less Testing May Hide Rise In COVID-19

Rising rate of positive tests may show a post-Thanksgiving surge in pandemic, public officials warn.

Mayor Tom Barrett endorses Judge Jon Richards

Should Mayor Appoint Police and Fire Chiefs?

Council members think system is broken; many support change in state legislation.

Legislature Refuses to Change Absentee Vote Counting Law

This past election shows why election officials want to count absentee votes early.

Viets Tower’s Rise

MSOE redeveloping 1960s residence hall into modern complex accessible to all students.

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement regarding the Fire and Police Commission’s Decision on the Milwaukee Police Chief:

Fire & Police Commission Ties On Next Police Chief

Will meet again on December 10th.

New Lease Agreement Solidifies Port Milwaukee As a Hub for Great Lakes Cruising

City Reduces Capacity for Restaurants, Bars

New health order restricts capacity further, effective December 3rd, ending January 15

City Will Issue Higher COVID-19 Fines

New maximum fine for businesses disobeying a health order is $5,000 per violation.

Amanda Avalos Named to Fire & Police Commission

Community organizer and policing critic named by Barrett to embattled oversight board.

As Temperatures Drop, the Milwaukee Continuum of Care Will Provide Shelter for Milwaukee’s Homeless

Public Safety and Health Committee meeting set for Tuesday, December 8th

Agenda includes mayor’s nomination of FPC executive director, appointment and reappointment of FPC board members

Waukesha, Milwaukee Celebrate Huge Water Project

$286 million, 36-mile-long project begun, will bring Milwaukee water to Waukesha.

Nonprofit Seeks 60,000 Men to Help End Human Trafficking

Five-week HEMAD Campaign launches Nov. 23 to raise awareness and seek an end to societal scourge.

South Side Group Builds COVID-19 Clinic

In heavy duty tents, Sixteenth Street Health Centers will offer drive-thru testing, follow-ups and urgent care.

Council Delays on Federal COPS Grant

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

Barrett Picks Leon Todd to Lead Fire & Police Commission

Public defender would be fourth executive director in three years.

Mayor Names Leon Todd as Executive Director of the Fire and Police Commission

Council Overrides One of Two Barrett Vetos

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

Beerline Trail Equitable Implementation Plan Wins Prestigious Spark Award from the American Planners Association Wisconsin Chapter

Couture to Start Construction in January

Barrett Lo raises equity needed for federal loan guarantee for 44-story lakefront tower.

The Couture Secures Financing For $188 million Project Construction to Begin January 2021

44-story mixed-use skyscraper will create new public amenities and thousands of new jobs

Cities Across State Facing “Painful” Budgets

Pandemic slashes revenue streams for cities large and small.

Recount Will Be at Wisconsin Center, Streamed Live

Just where does that $2 million go? We examine.

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement:

Barrett Issues Two Budget Vetoes

Mayor targets funding source for lead abatement, neighborhood watch programs.

Police Will Accompany Health Inspectors

Inspectors need protection, city decides, after deaths threats and a physical altercation.

Free COVID-19 Testing Expanded to Saturday

The city's Miller Park site will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

Wisconsin Teachers’ Unions Defend Local Health Departments’ Authority and Call for Even Stronger Action!

Michels Launching Marine Division in Milwaukee

Ever growing company could create up to 100 jobs at its second Harbor District site.

Aurora Cuts Back Electives, Redeploys Staff

Healthcare provider feeling strain from surge in COVID-19 cases, but is optimistic.

Port and Michels Corporation Sign Agreement for Grand Trunk Lease

Company Expands and Extends its work at Port Milwaukee

Three Businesses Fined for Violating COVID-19 Order

City cites businesses in Bay View, Bronzeville and the Lower East Side.

Milwaukee Restart 2.0 Begins Grant Distribution

Program Provides Assistance to Small Business During Pandemic

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

Health department hopes cost increase yields more voluntary compliance.

Get A Free Flu Shot This Week

Free vaccinations available on Wednesday and Thursday.

Barrett Blasts Aurora for ‘Pausing’ Community Testing

They "have a responsibility" to continue partnering with city and county on testing.

Brown Appointed To City Plan Commission

City Hall veteran, former DCD Deputy Commissioner Martha Brown to fill vacant seat.

Contribution to Justin Bielinski of $100