Politics - Oct. 4, 2009
Barrett's MPS proposal brings drama
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has never been known for high drama. The genial, popular Barrett has run a steady-as-she-goes administration that has rarely created exciting political theater. But the curtain may have gone up on a performance that has gotten some brutal reviews from critics.
Tags: tom barrett, mps, riverside high school

Politics - Sept. 16, 2009
Can private sector ideas fix MPS?
Should the mayor be allowed to take over MPS? If so, what would the impact be? How have mayoral takeovers of public schools worked in other cities? What kinds of new ideas from the private sector could be replicated to help MPS improve its results?
Tags: MPS, Milwaukee Public Schools, Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Press Club, Cory Nettles

Politics - Sept. 4, 2009
Zielinski, Barrett clash over the classroom
Milwaukee Ald. Tony Zielinski got the brush off from Mayor Tom Barrett after Zielinski's challenge to debate the mayor's plan to take over running the Milwaukee Public School system. The mayor wants the authority to appoint the currently elected school board and the superintendent, as well.
Tags: MPS, Tom Barrett, Tony Zielinksi, Coast, Joe Czarnezki, Ellen's Catering, Grandview Management, Tamara Grigsby, UWM, Kyle Duerstein, Jay Burseth, Samantha Carter

Politics - Aug. 25, 2009
Navigating the school board controversy
As a new MPS parent, trying to figure out the basics of starting school is hard enough. Staying on top of the misinformation and lack on information flying around at the moment about Wisconsin's largest school district seems nearly impossible without making a full-time job of it.
Tags: MPS, school board, Tom Barrett, Jim Doyle

Politics - Aug. 21, 2009
Senate discusses erasing parental control of alcohol
The practice of parents allowing their children to tip back a few in their presence could be finished as the state legislative assault on drinking continues in the form of Senate Bill 30. The bill would ban parents from letting their kids drink until they are 18. There currently is no such prohibition.
Tags: MPS, underage drinking, Peter Blewett, Bill Sell, Milwaukee Public Schools Defense League, EZMONEY, Check cashing place

Politics - Sept. 18, 2009
MPS Mayoral Takeover: The Public Hearing
I'm a glutton for punishment.  I actually attended the MPS School Board's pep rally last evening.  I assumed that it would be more entertainment than enlightenment, but I came away embarrassed and saddened.  The concept of the Board hosting a meeting with the sole intent of bringin...
Tags: MPS, Barrett