Milwaukee, WI
Doug Gottlieb goes on postgame tirade after Milwaukee beats Green Bay late
Cancer fight recalled in tattoos of Milwaukee basketball’s Stevie Elam
Stevie Elam was lost his right kidney to cancer at age 3. His journey and the faith that helped him persevere are chronicled on his body.
Because the whistles had been so plentiful, Stevie Elam’s defense in the waning moments had to be perfect.
It was ‒ depending on who you ask.
As a foul-ridden contest between rivals came to a close at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena on Feb. 15, UW-Green Bay guard Preston Ruedinger wisely attacked the rim with his team trailing by a point and the clock under 10 seconds. Expecting at the very least to draw some contact and a whistle, all he instead encountered was Elam stripping the ball away.
The freshman stripped Ruedinger, then sank two free throws to ice a 75-72 win for the Panthers to avoid what would have been the first sweep to their in-state foes since 2018-19.
“He had to get that ball pretty clean,” Milwaukee head coach Bart Lundy said. “They were driving with force. We had a couple plays before that where it looked like we stopped them and we did get whistled. But Stevie Elam’s strength as a true freshman, his hand strength is off the charts; it’s probably NFL-level.”
Lundy’s counterpart disagreed, to say the least.
“The last play of the game, just to get the ball they were grabbing us and holding us,” Phoenix head coach Doug Gottlieb said. “Again, I understand if you’re not calling that, that’s fine. You had the exact same play at both ends in the last play of the game.”
Gottlieb paused, ever so briefly, then aggressively slammed his fists into the table atop the dais.
“The exact same [expletive] play,” Gottlieb yelled. “The exact same play.”
Gottlieb was fed up with the officiating crew from the afternoon after receiving a technical foul and seeing his team shoot 18 free throws compared to Milwaukee’s 37. He specifically called out the technical he received in the second half with just under 7 minutes to play and his team up three, as well as a loose-ball foul on CJ O’Hara with 4:25 to go and his team up four.
“I need the new commissioner of the Horizon League to explain to me what a technical foul is when I don’t leave the box, I don’t curse, I’m not demonstrative,” Gottlieb said. “There was nothing, nothing that should have been called a technical foul. I know when I earn one. I did not earn one. The CJ play, we’re up [four] points, that dramatically changed the [trajectory] of the game.”
Postgame tirades aside, the Panthers had to overcome a huge night from Green Bay’s Marcus Hall to do so, as the junior from Schofield, Wisconsin, had 32 points and seven rebounds.
Central to Milwaukee’s efforts in doing so: free throws and Chandler Jackson, who scored 23 points.
Twenty-four of the Panthers’ free throws came in the second half, and they hit 22 of them – despite being one of the worst free-throw shooting teams in the country at 68.5% entering the day.
Milwaukee led for only 1 minute, 53 seconds in total.
After cutting the lead to one three times prior in the final minutes, the Panthers took the lead with 69 seconds left when Esyah Pippa-White was fouled going for a defensive rebound and hit a pair of free throws.
On the other end, Hall corralled his own miss and laid it back up with 45 seconds left to put the Phoenix up 72-71.
But Amar Augillard wisely drove to the basket on the other end, where he drew a foul much to Gottlieb’s chagrin and hit Milwaukee’s 19th and 20th free throws of the half.
“Our end, [if] you don’t want to call a foul, he drove into traffic, whatever,” the Phoenix second-year coach and former radio host said. “It’s the exact same play as the other end. Could not be more similar. And yet every time they drove in there it was a foul, and every time we did it was a miss.”
Milwaukee shot 19 more free throws than Green Bay despite drawing only five more fouls.
Jackson went 8 for 8 from the stripe as he finished two points shy of his career-high of 25 points, which he set in Milwaukee’s most recent game, Feb. 10 at IU Indy.
Initially thought of as a likely redshirt candidate, Jackson has become arguably the heavily injured Panthers’ most-consistent scorer of late. He’s averaging 14.1 points over his past eight games.
“To see Chandler from June to where he is now, he’s just a different guy, different player,” Lundy said. “When we inserted Chandler, we really inserted him for his communication. He helps everyone get better defensively. That’s what got him the opportunity and everything has grown from that. It wasn’t like he was in practice scoring at will on everyone. He talked. He communicated. He cared.”
Elam was the only other Milwaukee player to reach double-digit scoring, finishing with 11 points.
With the win, the Panthers moved a half-game clear of Youngstown State and Cleveland State for eighth place in the Horizon League, which matters because the 10th and 11th place teams face off in a play-in for the conference tournament.
Green Bay left the building, meanwhile, in a tie for third – and forcefully demanding answers from the conference.
“All we ask is that there’s a fair game. That’s what we ask,” Gottlieb said. “CJ O’Hara goes and gets an offensive rebound, their player dives at his legs and CJ gets called for a foul. I need [Jill Bodensteiner] at the league, our new commissioner, to explain to me the disparity in the officiating. That’s what I need explained to me.
“I have no problem with their team, their staff. They played hard. They did what they do. They played tough and they played aggressive. I need somebody to explain to me, just those two. There are others I have massive issues with, including every time we touched them there was a foul in the second half.”
Milwaukee, WI
‘Peace on Every Block’ brings Milwaukee community together to fight gun violence
Milwaukee community members gathered at pop-up events across the northwest side Wednesday as part of “Peace on Every Block,” a week of activities aimed at building community, mentorship and sharing resources for violence prevention.
The week is organized by Advance Peace Milwaukee, Milwaukee Community Cross Roads and Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services.
“We want to see everybody win, and that’s the whole theme about it, about healing, coming together, stopping the violence,” Desilynn Smith of Uniting Garden Homes said.
Lorenzo Davis of Advance Peace said the northwest side was a deliberate focus for the effort.
“Because this is where the gun violence is happening, and we’re trying to end the gun violence in the city of Milwaukee. We really want to do what’s best for Milwaukee,” Davis said.
The Milwaukee Police Department reported a 30 percent drop in homicides during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. But community members say that progress doesn’t always reflect what people are experiencing on the ground.
Watch: ‘Peace on Every Block’ brings Milwaukee community together to fight gun violence
‘Peace on Every Block’ brings Milwaukee community together to fight gun violence
“The data doesn’t lie, that’s true, but when it’s like every day we’re hearing about a shooting, or we’re so connected to it, and so many people connected to it, it just doesn’t appear that way,” Smith said.
The events come as Milwaukee has seen several violent deaths in recent days. 42-year-old Kristy Syed was found shot to death on Milwaukee’s south side.
The Medical Examiner’s Office also identified 19-year-old Savannah Lynn, who was killed after gunfire broke out following a fight on the Fourth of July.
Nine-year-old Jade Riser died after a shooting that happened near East Burleigh Street last Thursday.
Smith said healing is central to any lasting change.
“If we don’t heal, we can’t stop anything, because violence is actually the secondary emotion that is really driven off a lot of pain,” Smith said.
Davis said the young people in these neighborhoods are ready for something better.
“They want to see a better inside Milwaukee. They want to see a better chance for Milwaukee, and they want to do something better for themselves. So, these kids out here, we promote peace with them, and we’re going to back them, and we want to see them win,” Davis said.
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Milwaukee, WI
Former Judge Hannah Dugan fined $5,000, won’t serve prison time, judge rules
MILWAUKEE — Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan won’t serve prison time or probation and has been fined $5,000, a judge determined on Wednesday during her sentencing hearing.
It comes after a jury found her guilty of obstruction last year for helping an immigrant evade federal agents.
During the hearing, Dugan’s defense team called two character witnesses to the stand to speak on her behalf, including Rev. Gregory J. O’Meara, who is also a Marquette University Law School faculty member, and Janine Geske, the retired director of the Andrew Center for Restorative Justice and a law professor at Marquette.
“Hannah models what it means to be a Christian,” O’Meara said.
Dugan herself also spoke for the first time since the case against her began.
She told U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman that she tried to “maintain a courtroom with the decorum and safety the public deserves.”
Dugan added her actions on April 18, 2025, when the incident occurred, were “not done with any malicious intent or to advance any personal interest.”
Wrapping up her remarks, Dugan said to the court she has been cast as a scofflaw and a hero, but considers herself neither of those things.
“I am a public servant who’s just trying to do my job,” Dugan said, adding that she has had to retire from public life due to threats against her and her family.
A prosecutor then acknowledged that “she has experienced collateral damage because of her conduct,” but said “judges can’t choose to disregard the law.”
Prosecutors argued that Dugan’s actions amounted to an “abuse of trust” and asked the court’s sentence to reflect that.
Adelman then spoke, saying Dugan made a bad decision and that he doesn’t believe prison is necessary.
“This is a few minutes of conduct for someone who has dedicated her life to public service,” the judge said. “It’s a marked deviation from an otherwise law-abiding life.”
He also noted that Dugan’s actions didn’t stop the ICE agents from arresting the defendant outside the courthouse.
In April of last year, federal agents showed up at the Milwaukee County Courthouse to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who had reentered the country illegally. On that particular day, he was appearing before Dugan’s courtroom for a state battery case.
Dugan confronted the federal agents in a hallway outside the courtroom and directed them to the chief judge’s office. Following that, she helped Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out a private jury door. Agents eventually caught up to him outside the courthouse.
Dugan was later arrested and charged for her part in the incident, and she was found guilty of obstruction last December; she was acquitted on her concealment charge.
Her lawyers argued during her trial that President Donald Trump’s administration sought to “crush” Dugan in an effort to ensure judicial compliance with the ICE strategy of targeting immigrants as they showed up for court hearings.
Dugan resigned the Milwaukee County circuit judgeship she had held for nine years in January amid threats of impeachment from Republican state lawmakers who labeled her an activist judge. In her resignation letter, she said her prosecution threatened “the independence of our judiciary.”
Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has the backing of Trump in his race for governor, urged authorities to “lock her up” in a social media post following her conviction.
Milwaukee, WI
13 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: July 9-12
Featured Events
1. Bastille Days
ALL WEEKEND AT VARIOUS TIMES | CATHEDRAL SQUARE PARK
Milwaukee’s French-themed festival is coming to Cathedral Square Park this weekend. The festival will feature French and Cajun cuisine, live entertainment, a 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica and more. The Storm the Bastille 5K run/walk is Milwaukee’s only nighttime 5K, kicking off the festival at 9 p.m. on Thursday. Entrance to Bastille Days is free all weekend.
2. Festa Italiana
FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT VARIOUS TIMES | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Festa Italiana is serving up authentic Italian eats, live music, cultural performances and more this weekend. Don’t miss out on the Milwaukee’s Best Sauce contest! General admission is $18 and tickets can be purchased online in advance.
3. Whitefish Bay Art Fest
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. | EAST SILVER SPRING DRIVE
Check out 100 original artists making their way to Whitefish Bay for their annual art fest. Artists will be selling everything from jewelry to photography alongside cold beer and good food. A Kids Art Zone will be hosting art projects and face painting and live art demos allow guests to get to know the artist’s process. Entrance to this event is free, but you can reserve up to two tickets for complimentary food, drinks and desserts.
Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating great design!
More Events
4. Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!
THURSDAY FROM 7:30 P.M. TO 9:30 P.M. | RIVERSIDE THEATER
Peabody Award-winning comedy news quiz show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! Is coming to the Riverside Theater. Hosted by Peter Sagal, a rotating panel of comedians, writers and celebrities review the week’s news before contestants are quizzed for the chance to win a custom-recorded greeting by a cast member for their voicemail. Tickets start at are $35 each and can be purchased online.
5. PRO’S 20TH Anniversary Party
FRIDAY FROM 6 P.M. TO 10 P.M. | THIRD SPACE BREWING
Performance Running Outfitters is celebrating 20 years serving the running community in Milwaukee. The celebration takes place at Third Space Brewing and will feature interactive activations from many of the top running gear brands. The party will also include local food trucks, live music and craft beer.
6. Sip and Strut 2026
FRIDAY AT 6 P.M. | CORK WINE AND COCKTAIL BAR
KenVogue LLC is transforming Cork Wine Bar into a Paris-inspired runway featuring local brands, designers and models. The night combines fashion and elegance with local pride and creativity. General admission tickets are $30 each and VIP tickets include an exclusive gift bag and dinner provided by Sydney Serving.
7. Starry Nights: Rockin’ Robins and Classic Car Show
FRIDAY FROM 6:30 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M. | GERLACH/HAACK OUTDOOR THEATER
Jam out to music from the 50’s and 60’s with the Rockin’ Robins while celebrating National Collector Appreciation Day with the Wilson Center Classic Vehicle Show. This joint event is a part of the Starry Nights concert series and both are free to attend. If you plan to stay for the music, make sure to bring chairs or a picnic blanket.
8. Wine Glass Painting Workshop
FRIDAY FROM 6:30 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M. | A STROKE OF GENIUS PAINT WINE STUDIO
Join the staff at A Stroke of Genius Paint and Sip for a fun and relaxing wine glass painting workshop. The team will lead lessons on simple painting techniques including brush strokes, patterns and decorative techniques. A ticket to the class includes the lesson, practice exercises, two wine glasses to paint, all painting supplies and access to the full bar. Tickets are $305 each and can be purchased online.
9. The Fine Arts Quartet 80th Anniversary Series
FRIDAY FROM 7:30 P.M. TO 9 P.M. | ZELAZO CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Fine Arts Quartet will celebrate 80 years with a free concert featuring Brahms Piano Quartet #3. The program features Gisele Witkowski and Fabio Witkowski as guest pianists. No ticket is required to attend this show.
10. 2026 Dragon Boat Festival
SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. TO 4 P.M. | SOUTH GATE PLAZA
Spend Saturday on the shores of Lake Michigan and celebrate the spirit of teamwork, cultural heritage and more at the Dragon Boat Festival. Dragon boating teams from across the region will compete in multiple divisions throughout the day while family-friendly activities, traditional performances and authentic cuisine offer an immersive experience on land. Entrance to the festival is $5 per person over the age of 13.
11. Time Travelers Vintage Expo
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. | BAIRD CENTER
Travel back in time at the Time Travelers Vintage Expo and enter a retro wonderland. The expo brings together small businesses, curators and artists from across the US to offer the best vintage clothing, home goods, retro-inspired handmade items and more. Sellers offer a wide range of styles and price points, so there’s something for everyone. Tickets to the expo are $11 each and can be purchased online.
12. The Allis Fiber Festival
SATURDAY FROM 12 P.M. TO 4 P.M. | CHARLES ALLIS ART MUSEUM
Explore the many rooms of the Allis mansion and discover the world of fiber arts. Each room will include a different fiber or textile practice and include live demonstrations. In the courtyard, guests can meet fiber-bearing animals including llamas, alpacas and rabbits. Participation in this event is included with museum admission and free for members.
13. Bop to the Top
SATURDAY AT 9 P.M. | THE RAVE
Calling all Disney Channel girlies, it’s the Bop to the Top Tour! In honor of 20 years of Hannah Montana and High School Musical, this dance party will feature all the hits from Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Camp Rock, Lemonade Mouth and more. Full audience participation is expected, including screaming all of the lyrics. This event is 18+ and general admission tickets start at $28.
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