Tom Barrett

BMO Tower Officially Opens

Ceremony was delayed following water main break and then pandemic.

Action Needed on Reckless Driving

Time is of the essence. Task force submitted report in June. City officials must act.

120 Officer Cut May Be Just The Beginning

The Milwaukee Police Department will have fewer officers in 2021, but the question is how many?

Milwaukee Debuts New Ballot Drop Boxes

Approximately 150,000 people expected to vote absentee.

Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes Available at 15 Locations across the City, Including 13 Milwaukee Public Library Branches

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The City of Milwaukee Health Department Office of Violence Prevention Implores City Residents to Increase Awareness and Action for Suicide Prevention

Mayor Tom Barrett to dedicate a Proclamation in honor of September’s National Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month

Officer Accused Of Reckless Homicide Resigns

Michael Mattioli pleaded not guilty yesterday in death of Joel Acevedo and has resigned from police department.

High-End Hotel Planned Across From Fiserv Forum

Bucks and partners hope to break ground in 2021.

Milwaukee Art Museum Won’t Recognize Union

Management refuses to recognize a worker supported union, forcing an NLRB election.

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement:

Health Commissioner Says She Faced Racism, Sexism

"A constant power struggle from Day One," says outgoing commissioner Jeanette Kowalik.

Election Commission Urges Milwaukee Residents to Vote Absentee Ahead of November Election with SafeVote Postcard

“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.

There is still time to be counted in the 2020 Census

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.

Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI) Announces 2020 Winners for Improving Milwaukee Neighborhoods during Virtual Event

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.

American Family Insurance, Brewers Community Foundation partner on $200,000 donation to bridge digital divide for families at Milwaukee Public Schools

BLOC Statement on the shooting of Jacob Blake

Budget Process Kicks Off On Wednesday

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

Statement Regarding the Shooting of Jacob Blake

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.

Democratic National Convention Committee and Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee to Donate Laptops, Other Resources to Milwaukee Public Schools

Convention team to donate over 75 Macbook Air computers to help MPS bolster tech resources for the upcoming school year

Milwaukee Police Gobble Up City Budget

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

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement in support of the 150 workers at the Milwaukee Art Museum who are organizing with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 66 union:

Charter Communications Outlines Additional $100,000 Contribution to Support the City of Milwaukee and its Residents

Nine Election Takeaways

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

City of Milwaukee Announces $15 Million in CARES Act Funding for Rent Support and Assistance

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.

Democrats Announce Wisconsin Speakers and Schedule Updates for 2020 Democratic National Convention: “Uniting America”

Convention Committee Unveils Official Commemorative Credential, which highlights the vibrant history and spirit of Milwaukee

9 Takeaways on Change of Police Chiefs

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

Rep. Bowen Statement on Weekend Incident in Wauwatosa

“The Victim Narrative… is Totally Inaccurate, Irresponsible and False.”

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Outlines Vision to Achieve Racial Equity

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.

MPD Chief Morales and FPC Chairman DeVougas deserve removal

Statement of Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa August 6, 2020

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.

Wisconsin Support Grows for Senator Baldwin’s Legislation to Provide Federal Funding for Local Jobs Programs

Legislation would support long-term economic recovery by providing dollar-for-dollar federal funding of state jobs programs when unemployment rate is above 7%

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?

Moore, Barrett Endorse Palzewicz for Congress

Johnson Will Lead City’s Public Library System

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

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement:

When protests go from peaceful to illegal

City must come up with enforcement strategy to address specific behaviors and traffic issues

Bay View’s Most Polarizing Home For Sale

Former Alderman Tony Zielinski selling house for $2.1 million.

DNR Issues Final Site Closure for State’s Largest Brownfield Cleanup Project

Can Police Be Defunded?

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

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement regarding Bo Black:

Clarke Square Apartments Open

New buildings bookend south side park, provide affordable housing.

MPD responds to reported deployment of federal agents in Milwaukee

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.

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement:

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement:

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.

SafeVote Postcard Hitting Milwaukee Mailboxes this Week

Mayor Barrett to Continue Moving Milwaukee Forward Safely Series with New Webinar Tuesday

Milwaukee Businesses Call on Milwaukee Common Council and Mayor in Support of “MKE Cares” Ordinance

As COVID-19 Cases Grow, Now is the Time to Enact this Life-Saving Measure

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.

Milwaukee-Area Company Offers 1 Million Free Masks To Help Residents Comply With Proposed City Mandatory Mask Ordinance For Public Places

Company is part of business, citizen coalition urging city to approve ordinance

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.

Contribution to Justin Bielinski of $100