Connect with us

Milwaukee, WI

Government shutdown ends but Milwaukee flyers still face cancellations

Published

on

Government shutdown ends but Milwaukee flyers still face cancellations


The nation’s six-week government shutdown – the longest in U.S. history – came to an end Wednesday night, but its fallout is still rippling through the aviation system.

What we know:

Advertisement

TSA officers resigned during the stalemate, and more than 10,000 flights were canceled in the past week.

Airline schedules remain thin with Thanksgiving approaching. Cancellations are already affecting Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, including flights to Boston, Newark and O’Hare.

What they’re saying:

Advertisement

Darrell English, a TSA officer and union representative for workers in Wisconsin and Illinois, said the loss of experienced staff has created lasting gaps.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

Advertisement

“Those people that have years in and experience level, and you lose that, that becomes a gap because that’s the experience level that takes years to build up to be able to replace,” English said.

Air traffic controllers also worked without pay throughout the shutdown. Adam Uhan, a commercial pilot, former Air Force pilot and leader of The Pilot Network with about 30,000 members, said the controllers remained steady through the strain.

“The most unsung of the heroes, the people that nobody ever sees or meets are the air traffic controllers,” Uhan said. “They did outstanding work throughout the shutdown.”

Advertisement

Uhan said frustration with the system was felt on the ground and in the cockpit.

“If you feel frustrated, your crew, the people that are working the gate, the people who are working in the bags, the air traffic controllers, they feel your frustration,” he said.

Advertisement

Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration directed major cuts at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports – beginning with a 4% reduction and originally slated to reach 10%. With the shutdown over, the Department of Transportation capped the cuts at 6% to relieve the pressure on controllers. 

Dig deeper:

Even so, Uhan said he felt safe in the skies.

Advertisement

“Safety was never, ever an issue in my mind. What was an issue in my mind was the people that were involved and their wellbeing. And as things progressed, if they got worse, more people were going to have to find other options to make those ends meet,” he said. “I never feared for my safety because I know the professionals that are involved, and they are simply some of the best people I’ve ever worked with in my life who could have done a number of other things at a very high level, but they chose this path because aviation is just, it’s like a calling.”

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

Advertisement

English cautioned that workers face long-term financial consequences.

“People have to realize that this is not going to be a quick fix, because officers had had devastated their credit ratings, their livelihood. They got behind on bills because of this. And it’s going to take a while for them to actually get themselves out of this hole. An additional on top of that. This may repeat itself in January,” English said. “They’re still struggling to get out of this hole. So when you see these officers, don’t think that, okay, you’re going to get paid, you should be good. It’s not good because these officers now are in debt, to someone or some other agency that they owe money to. So be patient with them. They still have a lot of issues on their mind or how they want to get things paid back. And again, they had that problem down the line in January. How do I prepare for that?”

What’s next:

Advertisement

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said air traffic controllers may receive partial pay within days. The Trump administration said backpay for federal workers could begin this weekend and continue into the middle of next week.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem handed out $10,000 bonus checks to TSA agents she said “served with exemplary service” in Texas on Thursday, with more bonuses potentially on the way. Air traffic controllers may also receive bonuses as flights try to ramp back toward normal levels ahead of the holidays.

Advertisement

The Source: FOX6 News spoke with TSA officer and union representative Darrell English, as well as Adam Uhan, a commercial pilot and leader of The Pilot Network.

Travel NewsMilwaukee Mitchell International AirportMilwaukeeNewsTransportation



Source link

Advertisement

Milwaukee, WI

Brewers’ No. 6 prospect gives glowing review of Milwaukee’s farm system

Published

on

Brewers’ No. 6 prospect gives glowing review of Milwaukee’s farm system


While the Milwaukee Brewers continue their battle for NL Central supremacy, 2025 first-round selection Andrew Fischer is working his way up the minor leagues. Now the No. 6 ranked prospect in the team’s farm system, the third baseman posted a .311/.402/.446 slash line in 19 games with the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Fischer’s recent performance warranted a promotion to the Double-A, where he is now competing as part of the Biloxi Shuckers. The 22-year-old is turning heads around the league, leading him to join Foul Territory TV for a recent interview about his experience in the Brewers’ farm system so far:

“The talent in here is unreal. I think that’s why the Brewers do such a good job of developing their guys, is they put you in environments where you’re literally competing every day with the best of the best,” Fischer explained. “For me, it’s going to make my batting practice sharper. It’s going to make my in-game reps sharper. It’s going to make our communication on the field sharper. It’s honestly really special what they have over here.”

Advertisement

Before diving into the specifics of what he discussed — this was a great first impression as someone who had never seen Fischer in an interview before! He’s well-spoken, he seems passionate, and he has a good sense of the value of the opportunities around him. As the Brewers search for answers at third base, he’ll certainly be in the back of GM Matt Arnold’s mind. If he can keep producing the way he has thus far, it won’t be a hard decision down the line.

Advertisement

But more importantly in the short-term, Fischer pinpointed the exact winning recipe that has been driving sustainable long-term success for the Brewers all decade.

Andrew Fischer just summed up one of the hardest lessons the Brewers organization has ever learned.

When you’re considered a small market in a league like the MLB where spending can equate to success, the only way to compete is to double down on what you’re good at. For the Milwaukee Brewers, that’s become scouting and development.

Advertisement

From rookies to reclamation projects, the Brewers help players find the best in themselves by simplifying the game, building good habits, and having players lead by example. As Fischer discussed, surrounding talented players with other like-minded individuals is a recipe for building sustainable growth. Those incremental steps toward success stack up until eventually, you’ve got a winning ballclub on your hands.

Advertisement

It starts with the front office, where GM Matt Arnold and the Brewers’ elite scouting team identify players with the traits that fit on and off the field. That trickles down to the managers and coaches, who see the potential in these players and use their expertise to draw it out of them. That, along with the camaraderie these players build along the way, is the recipe for a culture that could bring success to Milwaukee for many years to come.

Add us as a preferred source on Google



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Milwaukee, WI

Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20

Published

on

Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20


Every morning throughout Summerfest 2026, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2026 Summerfest lineup here).

Today at the AmFam Amp + Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1

Carín León, 7 p.m.

For the first time in the festival’s 58-year history, a Spanish-language artist is headlining the main amphitheater. As a Mexican, it’s super exciting to see rising stars bring our music and vibrant dancing to an entirely new crowd. Hearing live banda is a whole new world and something everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Think of it as a taste of what Mexican Fiesta brings to the lakefront every August (coming very soon, too!). Grab a beer your boots and your tickets to witness a very special moment.

— Leslie Garcia Ramirez

Advertisement

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2

The Academy Is… @ Miller Oasis, 10:30 p.m.

In the midst of the emo and screamo wave of the early to mid 2000s, this Midwest band made a name for themselves. Still, you may have missed The Academy Is… like I did.

Fortunately, I got some help after becoming a diehard fan boy of the Milwaukee indie-rock outfit Whips (RIP! 😢) and discovered that band wasn’t Milwaukee-based drummer Andy Mrotek’s first rodeo. Mrotek was with The Academy Is… almost from day one, did his own thing when the group broke up and returned when they got back together a few years back.

Since reconnecting, the band have been touring and recording, and this past March they released their most recent album — their first in nearly 20 years. Whether you’re a fan of The Academy Is… or just loved the genre, reunite with your mid-2000s self and check them out at the Miller Oasis (and come early to check out fellow emo greats Braid, which you may hear about momentarily).

— Jay Burseth

Advertisement

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3

Braid @ Miller Oasis, 8:30 p.m.

Hailing from the Midwest Emo Holy Land of Champaign, Ill., Braid is the sonic personification of everything it means to grow up in the chilling plains of Middle America. The stinging lyrics and pouting guitars amalgamate to anthems that have had angsty teens in a chokehold since well before their landmark 1998 album, Frame and Canvas.

This posse of sad dads is set to take on the Miller Oasis, making their return to the Summerfest grounds for the first time since 2015, when they closed the set with their love note for our great city, “Milwaukee Sky Rocket.” Braid’s irrefutable impact on our city’s emo scene will be sure to draw in kickers and screamers from all over, and you won’t want to miss it.

— Matthew Poulton

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #4

Trapper Schoepp @ Uline Warehouse, 5:30 p.m.

Advertisement

It’s always a special treat to see Milwaukee bands playing Summerfest. I get excited to think about all the new fans our local artists reach when they hit the stage — something singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp has experienced a time or two over his wonderful career.

One of Milwaukee’s true artists, Schoepp’s career in music literally started as an accident. While recuperating from a BMX-related back injury, he heard Bob Dylan’s “Hurricane” and was inspired to pick up a guitar as a “safer” hobby. He put out his first record at the age of 17 with his brother Tanner; he’s collaborated with Bob Dylan, Nicole Atkins and Wilco; and — almost two decades later — he’s still one of those musicians who seems to thrive onstage.

Schoepp’s songs are a slice of Americana with a bit of a punk-rock edge. He sings about the nostalgia of his youth on Bay Beach Amusement Park, and his journey through addiction and recovery on new album Osborne. Will he come out into the crowd and play guitar while standing on the benches with you? Check out the show this today and find out for yourself.

How to get in free today

Briggs & Stratton United Way Diaper & Wipe Drive

Help United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County provide essential diapers and wipes to families across the community. Between noon and 3 p.m., the first 1,500 patrons who donate new unopened wipes or diapers with a total minimum value of $10 per person will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All donations benefit United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Diaper Bank network.

Advertisement

Summerfest schedule for Saturday, June 20

American Family Insurance Amphitheater

American Family Insurance House

  • 4 p.m. — Weston Estate
  • 2 p.m. — Flipturn

BMO Pavilion

  • 9 p.m. — David Lee Roth
  • 7:15 p.m. — Kirstie Kraus
  • 5:30 p.m. — Substitute: Tales From The Who

Miller Lite Oasis

  • 10:30 p.m. — The Academy Is…
  • 8:30 p.m. — Braid
  • 6:30 p.m. — The Juliana Theory
  • 4:30 p.m. — Colin Bracewell
  • 2:45 p.m. — American Progress
  • 1:15 p.m. — IDKCONUNDRUM

T-Mobile Stage

  • 10:15 p.m. — Nate Smith
  • 8:15 p.m. — McCoy Moore
  • 6:15 p.m. — Scott Wolverton
  • 4:15 p.m. — Rhys Rutherford
  • 2:30 p.m. — Will Terry
  • 12:45 p.m. — Lauren Gottshall

Generac Power Stage

  • 9:30 p.m. — Flipturn
  • 7:30 p.m. — Penelope Road
  • 5:30 p.m. — Winyah
  • 3:30 p.m. — Old Mervs
  • 2 p.m. — Tobacco Road
  • 12:30 p.m. — The Band Solstice

Uline Warehouse

  • 9:30 p.m. — Christopher Cross
  • 7:30 p.m. — Don Felder
  • 5:30 p.m. — Trapper Schoepp
  • 3:30 p.m. — A.J. Croce
  • 2 p.m. — Kenneth Brian Band
  • 12:30 p.m. — Milly & The Mayhem

Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

  • 10 p.m. — Connor Price
  • 8 p.m. — Weston Estate
  • 6 p.m. — Graham
  • 4 p.m. — SM6
  • 2:30 p.m. — Noah Richardson
  • 1 p.m. — Sarah Krohn

Aurora Pavilion

  • 9 p.m. — Aspen
  • 7 p.m. — Dexter & The Moonrocks
  • 5:45 p.m. — Red Leather
  • 4:30 p.m. — Altered By Mom
  • 3:15 p.m. — Cigarettes @ Sunset
  • 2:15 p.m. — Candy Cigarette
  • 1:45 p.m. — Woraz
  • 1:15 p.m. — Take Back the Sun
  • 12:45 p.m. — White Paper Walls
  • 12:15 p.m. — Mala Mala





Source link

Continue Reading

Milwaukee, WI

South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display

Published

on

South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display


SOUTH MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A South Milwaukee homeowner is pushing back after the city ordered him to take down his year-round skeleton display, calling it a violation of property maintenance codes.

Sean Oster and his wife have maintained the display — featuring skeletons named Hector and Henrietta along with other decorations— for nearly two years, dressing them up for holidays, sports events, and other occasions.

Mike Beiermeister

The display in Sean’s front yard.

The display has drawn attention from neighbors and passersby, with some saying it has become part of the neighborhood’s character.

Advertisement

Watch: South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display

South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display

“It’s like an expression of the owner’s passion… and I think it’s cool they can use their lawn that way,” neighbor Jeremy Payment said.

Advertisement
Jeremy Payment

Mike Beiermeister

Jeremy Payment lives in the neighborhood and enjoys the display.

Last month, Oster received a letter from the city of South Milwaukee describing the skeletons as Halloween decorations being displayed outside the appropriate time of year and ordering him to remove them by July 7.

Under the city’s property maintenance code, yards must be kept free of anything considered an “unreasonable blighting influence,” which the city says can include displays left up out of season. The notice also flagged an inoperable vehicle on the property. Each violation could result in fines of up to $500 per day if not corrected by the deadline.

Oster says he understands part of the city’s concern.

“They have a few points… I’ve got a couple collector cars… I understand those shouldn’t be out,” Oster said.

Advertisement
Sean in his yard

Mike Beiermeister

Sean in his yard

He plans to move the cars into the garage and clean up the yard, but says the skeletons are staying.

“I don’t think it’s hurting anybody. It’s literally a victimless crime,” Oster said.

Oster also had a message for whoever filed the complaint.

“Live with it… more people like it than hate it. And if we’re enforcing this, then we should go around and take down Christmas lights that are up year-round,” Oster said.

Advertisement

The city administrator did not respond to a request for comment.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.


Let’s talk:

Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.


It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.

Advertisement

Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.


Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip





Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending