Common Council votes to launch investigation into Health Department over lead testing efforts
MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Common Council voted unanimously on Wednesday morning, January 17th to launch an investigation into the city's troubled Health Department -- and the management of Milwaukee's lead abatement efforts.Wednesday's action comes just days after Mayor Tom Barrett admitted the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) failed to adequately notify families of children who have been tested for lead -- and exhibited elevated levels of lead in their blood.
'He's got to go:' Activist groups demand Mayor Barrett's resignation over lead testing failure
MILWAUKEE -- Members of several activist groups demanded Tuesday, Jan. 16 that Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett step down in response to the revelation Friday, Jan. 12 that the Milwaukee Health Department may have failed to notify thousands of families with children who tested positive for elevated levels of lead.
Aldermen ask Mayor Tom Barrett to answer questions about lead scandal Wednesday
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Council President Ashanti Hamilton is asking Mayor Tom Barrett to appear before a special meeting of the council's Steering and Rules committee on Wednesday afternoon to answer questions about his administration's botched response to blood-lead levels in children.However, the 1:30 p.m. meeting is scheduled to remain behind closed doors and will be off-limits to the public, a Hamilton aide told FOX6.The city's health department is supposed to send letters to the families of all children who test high for lead.But Barrett on Friday admitted that his administration did not know how many letters it had actually sent out in the years 2015, 2016, and 2017.Health Commissioner Bevan Baker resigned under pressure late last week, and Barrett blamed his health department for the issue.Aldermen vowed that the issue would mark a "new day" in how they held the administration accountable, and several have since made critical statements about Barrett's response to the lead issue.Meanwhile, Mayor Barrett's office released this statement to FOX6 News:
Officials accused of failing to notify families of elevated lead levels in kids; mayor is "angry, disappointed"
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced on Friday, January 12th that officials with the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) failed to adequately notify families of children who have been tested for lead -- and exhibited elevated levels of lead in their blood.
"Milwaukee needs a fresh start:" Mayor, alderman share what they'd like to see in Chief Flynn's successor
MILWAUKEE -- After Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn on Monday, Jan. 8 announced he'll retire from the Milwaukee Police Department effective Feb. 16 after 10 years on the job, and 47 in law enforcement, an alderman said "Milwaukee needs a fresh start, and a new direction." Alderman Bob Donovan and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on Tuesday reflected on the qualifications they're looking for in a new police chief.Barrett and Donovan agreed that addressing community and police relations will be a priority for the next chief, but they disagreed as to how to protect the resources at the chief's disposal.Alderman Donovan on Tuesday hosted a news conference addressing public safety.
"I am here to say 'thank you:'" Milwaukee mayor applauds Northwestern Mutual for its commitment to hiring
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett applauded Northwestern Mutual on Tuesday morning, January 9th for its commitment to hiring within the City of Milwaukee as it relates to the construction of its new high-rise business tower.
Ald. Bob Donovan on public safety: "Milwaukee needs a fresh start and a new direction"
MILWAUKEE -- Alderman Bob Donovan delivered on Tuesday morning, January 9th an address he called the State of Public Safety in the City of Milwaukee."I offer these comments out of a sense of urgency -- and the realization that safety is the one overriding factor inhibiting Milwaukee from reaching its full potential," Donovan said.
Red Cross ZIP code policy involving on-site response to be extended; mayor meets with regional CEO
MILWAUKEE -- A controversial policy change made by Southeast Wisconsin chapter of the American Red Cross will be extended.
"It was the right thing to do:" Milwaukee mayor honors officers who rescued teens from burning car
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett honored two Milwaukee police officers on Thursday, December 28th for the actions taken after a wreck that happened near 55th and Villard.
Federal tax law changes: *When* a homeowner pays property taxes could have financial consequences
MILWAUKEE -- The new federal tax law that takes effect in 2018 changes the way local taxes are deducted.
"We've never taken this issue lightly:" Mayors sign contract, allow Milwaukee to sell water to Waukesha
WAUKESHA -- It's official!
"I don’t do things like everybody else:" Ald. Tony Zielinski launches bid for Milwaukee mayor
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Alderman Tony Zielinski launched his campaign for Milwaukee mayor on Wednesday, November 29th, telling reporters that jumping into the race more than 2 years before election day was the best way to win."I'm not gonna wait a year before the election like everybody else and do the same thing like everybody else and have the city go no place," Zielinski said from the Milwaukee Police Association headquarters.
"We are ready:" Milwaukee DPW prepared to tackle what winter brings to the city
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and members of the Milwaukee Department of Public Works announced on Monday, November 27th that they are ready to handle what the season may bring to the city in terms of wintry weather.Mayor Barrett mentioned the Milwaukee DPW has 344 individuals who are trained and ready to jump behind the wheel of a salt truck or plow to clear the streets in the city.
Donate toys for kids: Milwaukee kicks off 11th annual Holiday Drive to benefit USO Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE -- The City of Milwaukee kicked off on Monday, November 20th the 11th Annual Holiday Drive to benefit USO Wisconsin by collecting toys for local children of currently serving US Military.
Milwaukee officials unveil "Blueprint for Peace," agenda to reduce and prevent violence
MILWAUKEE -- City leaders have unveiled a plan Friday, November 17th, to curb violence in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Common Council adopts $1.5 billion budget for city in 2018
MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Common Council adopted a $1.5 billion budget for the city on Friday, November 10th.The budget moved forward on an 11-to-4 vote.Some of the big takeaways -- the cit will be eliminating 27 police officer positions instead of the 33 that Mayor Tom Barrett proposed.
Dear Tom: Milwaukeeans who wrote Mayor Barrett about streetcar overwhelmingly oppose project
MILWAUKEE -- People who wrote to Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett about the downtown streetcar oppose the project by a five-to-one margin, according to emails and letters obtained by FOX6 News through an open records request.