Valarie Hill

Cavalier Johnson Is All In On Growing Milwaukee

Annual State of the City speech places growth plan front and center.

JusticePoint Continues Jail Alternatives Program for Municipal Court

Nonprofit group suing city after municipal judges sought to cancel its services contract.

Court Blocks Judges’ Quick Termination of Court Alternatives Program

But exactly why two judges pursued terminating decades-old JusticePoint partnership is unclear.

Municipal Court Cancels Alternatives Contract, Sparks Controversy

Opponents say the change could hurt vulnerable defendants, increase incarceration.

Judge Derek Mosley Resigning For Marquette Job

Popular judge will now lead Lubar Center at Marquette Law School.

Municipal Court Attendance Way Up

Huge reduction in no shows in Zoom era. Even a court appearance from Saudi Arabia.

Safe & Sound Announces Building Neighborhood Bridges Campaign

Five Women Make Council History

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

Neubauer Campaign Endorsed by 13 More WI Judges

Chief Judge Lisa Neubauer has 98% of the judicial endorsements in the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Judges Rally Behind Danielle Shelton in Race for Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge

"It’s an honor to have the support of so many renowned leaders from across Milwaukee County who know what it takes to serve the court."

Court Offers Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday

On November 14 Milwaukee Municipal Court offers chance to clear up minor warrants, license suspensions, other legal issues.

4th Street Rededicated Vel R. Phillips Ave.

A who's who ceremony of politicians and candidates turns out to honor legacy of Vel Phillips.

Contribution to Milele A. Coggs of $25

Will City Reform Municipal Court?

Too many judges, indigent defendants treated badly, reform needed.

Municipal Court Gets Creative

Court holds "Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday” at church on northwest side.

7 Election Winners and Losers

Unions, Hmong community and county infighters were among the winners.

Vote Tuesday

Learn more about the many races and candidates for this overlooked election

Milwaukee Bar Association Poll Deems Crowley as More Qualified Candidate in Municipal Race

“I am honored to have the confidence of the members of the Milwaukee Bar Association.”

Chisholm For Governor?

Will District Attorney run against Walker? DA's son encourages speculation.

5 Election Takeaways

A horrible turnout, a big night for Evers, and who the heck is William Crowley?

Vote Tuesday

Learn more about the races and candidates for this overlooked election

Four Candidates For Muni Court Judge

Incumbent Judge Valarie Hill faces three challengers and many questions.

Muni Court Data Withheld From Public?

Judge says data from Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday won’t be publicly released.

Muni Court “Warrant Withdrawal” Draws Thousands

Special one-day clemency program a success, but treatment of indigent questioned.

Judge Hill May Face Three Challengers

Valarie Hill, a judge since 2004, is being challenged for municipal court’s failings.

Judge Valarie Hill Faces Challenger

Legal Aid Society attorney Brian Michel will run for Municipal Court, arguing it needs reforms.

Contribution to Johnny Thomas of $50

MPS schools celebrate reading as American Education Week comes to a close

Community members help students celebrate reading; share their professional experiences

Girls’ Day at City Hall showcases public service careers for young women

The palette of speakers and role models for young women interested in public service continues to expand in the third annual Girls’ Day at City Hall, hosted TOMORROW, March 20, 2013 by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs.

Scott Walker and the Milwaukee Curse

Milwaukee has not been the home of many of Wisconsin’s governors.

Race For Governor is On!

Well, it is official

The Inaugural

Marvin Pratt did not stand up with the crowd when Tom Barrett was inaugurated mayor, and the press has made a good deal of the slight. However, just after Judge Louis Butler administered the oath of office to the new mayor, Barrett’s first comments were to commend Pratt, and the former acting mayor did stand up and take a bow. The ceremonies were held April 20th outside of City Hall in some perfectly dreadful Milwaukee spring weather. So, who was the idiot who came up with that idea? “I’m the idiot who thought to hold it outside,” fessed up Kris Martinsek. After all, the president is inaugurated outdoors in January. However, January in Washington is not nearly as unpleasant as Milwaukee in April. The stage was set up on Wells Street, facing east. Upon the stage sat Milwaukee’s new leaders, including the mayor, the common council, the comptroller, treasurer, city attorney, city clerk and a municipal judge. Their families sat out in the street and in the adjacent park next to the Frank P. Zeidler Municipal Building. Frank P. Zeidler was there himself, sandwiched between Marvin Pratt and Senator Herb Kohl. Kohl was dressed as he always is around here. He wore a shirt, a tie, a Milwaukee Bucks cap and a windbreaker. Except for the tie, he pretty much looked like the guy who harvests aluminum cans from my recycling bin. If he tried to walk on to the floor of the United States Senate in that getup, the sergeant-at-arms would toss him out. But this is Milwaukee, the “come as you are” capital of America, and he fit right in. Barrett has made a list of 18 things he wants to accomplish in his first hundred days in office. I don’t know if reducing the police overtime budget is one of them, but the men in blue were certainly racking up the hours during the interminable ceremony. The aldermen were sworn in sequentially according to district. Each alderman then gave a little speech. The last district, the 15th, is occupied by Willie Hines, who is now the Common Council president. He then gave a big speech. He began by saying, “my ascent to the Council Presidency is not a compromise or consolation prize for the African-American community.” This was an effective way to defuse speculation that his election was a compromise or consolation prize, and was a rather sharp thing to do. Hines also insisted that corruption will not taint his council. (We’ll check back on that in four years.) His delivery was generally quite good, and had a hint of religious fervor to it. Moments earlier, he did have a slip up. When Valarie Hill was about to be sworn in as municipal judge, Hines said, “The City Clerk will now come to the altar – er, the podium – to take the oath.” Also, when Hines introduced the new mayor he called him “Mayor Marvin Pratt – er, Mayor Barrett.” These things happen. The Common Council […]

No Challenge to Hill Papers

But Halbrooks says Election Commission’s Extended Hours Helped Opponent