The Milwaukee Public Schools board of directors will vote on the district’s $1.17 billion budget in June which includes a reduction in 400 full-time equivalent positions. The 2013 budget is 1.7 percent less than the current budget, which included unprecedented cuts in MPS this year, including $66.6 million in school operations and construction funds. Overall, fiscal year 2013 revenue for school operation is expected to be stable, according to MPS. However, $8.2 million additional revenue from... ... Read More

Milwaukee Ald. Bob Donovan Tuesday reiterated his call to stop the downtown streetcar project, hold a public referendum and gain federal approval to spend a $54.9 million grant to the project on city roads. In a letter to Mayor Tom Barrett’s office, Donovan asked Barrett whether he would dedicate state money to operate the streetcar if he is elected governor in the recall election next month. If not, Donovan said, then the project should be put on hold. “The major problem is going to be future... ... Read More

A weeklong inspection of Milwaukee City Hall’s exterior began today as investigations into the cracking sculptures of the building’s exterior continues. The city will close a northbound driving lane on North Water Street to move in a 100-foot crane to give inspectors access to the building. Inspectors also will look at the southern end of the building on East Kilbourn Avenue and its eastern exterior. This is the third inspection of the building exterior since the problems with the cracking sculptures... ... Read More