Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee schools face a $46M budget deficit

Published

5 months ago

February 10, 2026

Milwaukee schools face a M budget deficit

The Milwaukee Public Schools board of directors will consider several mid-school-year cuts Tuesday after auditors found the district spent $46 million more than it budgeted in 2024-25.

After completing three financial audits in 13 months — two of which had been significantly overdue—the district now has a clearer picture of its current financial position, Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said in a statement Friday evening.

“The audits have identified an estimated $46 million gap between revenues and expenditures,” Cassellius continued. “MPS is working to reduce that imbalance by June 30 to lessen the need for future cuts.”

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To do this, the district will:

Review unspent funds set aside in the budget
Freeze non-essential new positions and contracted services
Increase participation in federal nutrition programs
Conduct a study on transportation costs
Review existing district contracts
Seek additional reimbursements for high-cost special education services
And fully leverage state and federal grant opportunities to accelerate initiatives

“These decisions are not easy,” Cassellius wrote. “They reflect our unwavering commitment to putting students first, protecting classrooms, and ensuring the long term wellbeing of Milwaukee Public Schools.”

MPS has to continue to look at spending in the next fiscal year, plus the cost of negotiated wage increases.

Cassellius said one way MPS plans to address the shortfall is by reducing staffing at the central office.

This week, an updated capital improvement budget will be presented to the school board.

But Cassellius said students will remain at the center of the proposal.

The plan will limit class sizes at elementary schools to 28 students, with smaller classes in K3-K5 and a middle school cap of 32.

“Our budget is a reflection of our values, and for us that begins with students and classrooms,” Cassellius wrote. “Even as we confront significant financial challenges, we are making deliberate choices to protect teaching and learning, invest in our staff, and ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.”

Colleston Morgan Jr., who leads City Forward Collective, a nonprofit and advocacy group in Milwaukee, says even if the school board agrees to Cassellius’s planned cuts, the long-term financial outlook for MPS is concerning.

“The district projects a cumulative deficit of $420 million by the end of the 2030-31 school year if it continues on its current trajectory,” Morgan said.

Editor’s note: This story will be updated

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Milwaukee, WI

City funding awarded for redevelopment at 2618 N. Milwaukee

Published

31 minutes ago

July 15, 2026

Press Room

City funding awarded for redevelopment at 2618 N. Milwaukee

The City of Chicago has awarded a $3 million Community Development Grant for the redevelopment of the former Grace’s Furniture building at 2618 N. Milwaukee. Planned by Bluestar Properties and Marc Realty, the building was built in 1914 as a storage warehouse and sits within the Logan Square Boulevards District.

2618 N. MilwaukeeGoogle Maps

With K2 Studio serving as the architect, the existing structure will be converted into a four-story health club with a ground floor restaurant and cafe. Set to be known as Logan Square Athletic Club, the health club will be operated by Chicago Athletic Clubs.

The redevelopment will rehabilitate the existing brick facade along N. Milwaukee Ave while creating a new brick facade on the south elevation.

2618 N. MilwaukeeK2 Studio

The $11 million development will be supported in part by the $3 million Community Development Grant, which is funded through the city’s Housing and Economic Development bond.

According to Block Club Chicago, the project is expected to begin construction in Fall 2026 with construction expected to last for one year, with the gym set to open in late 2027.

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Milwaukee, WI

16-year-old shot in Milwaukee; police seek suspects

Published

13 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Press Room

16-year-old shot in Milwaukee; police seek suspects

A teen was shot in Milwaukee on the afternoon of July 14, and the Milwaukee Police Department is asking the public for information about the incident.

Police said a 16-year-old was shot in the 2700 block of North 44th Street around 4:23 p.m., according to a news release. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.

Milwaukee police are looking for unknown suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or submit a tip through the P3 Tips app.

Adrienne Davis is a general assignment and breaking news reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.

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Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee cooling centers, heat advisory tips; what to know

Published

1 day ago

July 14, 2026

Press Room

Milwaukee cooling centers, heat advisory tips; what to know

article

MILWAUKEE – The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Milwaukee and all of southeastern Wisconsin from noon Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday, with heat index values expected to reach the upper 90s to around 100 degrees.

While the advisory is expected to end Wednesday evening, hot and humid conditions are forecast to continue through the remainder of the week.

Forecast conditions can change, so everyone is encouraged to monitor local forecasts and follow guidance from the National Weather Service.

Milwaukee County cooling sites

What we know:

Cooling sites are available throughout Milwaukee County.

For an updated list of cooling locations, heat safety information, and resources on preventing heat-related illness, visit the City of Milwaukee website or call 211.

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Staying safe during extreme heat

What you can do:

Stay cool

Limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible such as libraries, shopping centers, or community centers.
If you have an air conditioner, make sure it is installed and working properly.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Take cool showers or baths, or use cool, wet towels to lower body temperature.
Fans may provide comfort but should not be relied upon as the primary cooling method during extreme heat.

Stay hydrated

Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
Encourage children, older adults, and others at higher risk to drink fluids throughout the day.

Protect yourself and others

Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in vehicles. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become deadly within minutes.
Check on older neighbors, family members, and others who may need assistance staying cool.
Many public cooling sites are located along Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) routes. Visit RideMCTS.com for transit information.