Milwaukee, WI

Lori Nickel: On four-game skid, the Bucks are hurting and the red flags are up and waving

Published

11 months ago

April 1, 2025

Press Room

Lori Nickel: On four-game skid, the Bucks are hurting and the red flags are up and waving

The Milwaukee Bucks are struggling due to injuries, suspensions, and questionable roster moves.
The team’s recent performance has been disappointing, with a lack of energy and a string of losses.
Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP-caliber play, the Bucks face an uphill battle to avoid another first-round playoff exit.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has put the Milwaukee Bucks on his back before, to save the day.

But trailing the Atlanta Hawks 104-85 midway through the third quarter Sunday night, Antetokounmpo drove to the basket, was blocked on a close-range shot and was not rewarded with a foul. Looking around in disbelief, he took an uncharacteristic one-second break before getting back on defense.

Nine seconds later, the Bucks called time out and Antetokounmpo took a few seconds more to put his hands on his knees and stare down at the court, alone with his thoughts, before joining his mates at the bench.

Totally understandable. How can this be anything other than frustrating?

The Bucks have fallen two places in the Eastern Conference standings since March 15, lost two straight at home, four straight overall and 6 of their last 10 − but pointing out their many shortcomings feels like kicking a wounded animal. Maybe it is just this simple: Damian Lillard is out indefinitely with a terrifying blood clot, Bobby Portis is serving a suspension for his poor judgment until April 8, his backup Jericho Sims is hurt and AJ Green is hurt. The Bucks are severely undermanned.

But when the Bucks found a unique and mysterious way to lose as they did Sunday to Atlanta − shooting 69% at the half and still trailing, and then losing, to the fast-breaking Hawks − Milwaukee’s red flags are now raised and waving, with coach Doc Rivers trying everything to rally his guys.

“You try to build guys up and you try to teach them,” Rivers said Sunday. “We watched a long film today. It wasn’t necessarily the most positive film, because it showed all our mistakes, but it is positive if you take it as a teacher and as, we have to get better at these things. That’s how I made it. It wasn’t a screaming thing; it was just matter of fact. Things we have to do.

“And I stopped and asked, am I right? Do you see this? And guys were very engaging, and they talk, but then we came out and (lost to Atlanta).”

How did they get here?

Absent Bobby Portis leaves a big hole

A year ago, he was a heavy contender for the NBA sixth man of the year. In 2021 and 2022, he saved the Bucks while Brook Lopez underwent back surgery and missed significant time.

Now Portis is grounded for taking an unapproved medication, and is sitting out 25 games on unpaid leave because of it. His energy is missed.

Antetokounmpo said recently the Bucks have to play scrappy, gritty, defensive basketball, because regardless of talent level and interchanging parts, it is the one thing any competitor can fall back on.

Portis would have helped in this area as the scrappiest of all. Instead, he’s not available for his teammates. Portis was also the kind of leader to call BS when he saw it. He would fire up the home crowd. The NBA is not at fault for his suspension. This is on Portis.

Some of Jon Horst’s moves have been questionable

The Bucks general manager began blowing up this team a little less than two years ago. When Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat destroyed Milwaukee in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Horst fired coach Mike Budenholzer – who had won the NBA title just two years earlier.

Then Horst was responsible for the debacle of hiring Adrian Griffin with great pep rally-like fanfare, before dumping him months later and making the midseason hire of Rivers in 2024. The Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs again.

It would be shortsighted to lay all of the Bucks woes the past two years on Horst. But he does share responsibility.

He drafted 19-year-old AJ Johnson, who was too inexperienced to help the Bucks in any way this season, so Horst subsequently dealt Johnson in a trade in February.

And then there’s this about Horst’s decisions with the coaching changes:

Budenholzer had two years and $16 million left on his contract when he was fired.
Griffin had a multi-year contract worth approximately $4 million per season.
Rivers is scheduled to make $40 million through 2026-27.

The owners will have to determine if the Bucks look any better for it?

The Bucks haven’t caught any breaks

There are other issues that stand out, too. Lots of roster turnover and little time to gel. Half a dozen close losses by two or three points; too many games where the Bucks have trailed early and had to fight to come from behind. That might just indicate the team doesn’t have what it takes to meet outside expectations.

Another kick in the teeth is that Sunday was the first of five games for the Bucks in seven days this week, and that includes travel to Philadelphia, Miami and New Orleans to make up for a snow out. What a dismal way to follow up a recent West Coast trip at the end of the season when everyone already is exhausted.

To withstand an NBA schedule that is more grueling than the NFL’s and more demanding than MLB’s, a team simply needs a disaster plan B, C and D. Milwaukee looks like it bet everything on Giannis and Dame.

Disinterested parties make for a bad look

Sunday night’s crowd, which had many celebrations for Pride Night, had little else to cheer about. The Bucks gave up 118 points to Atlanta in the first three quarters, smothering their own impressive offensive output.

It was so flat at times in Fiserv Forum that a fan at the end of the third quarter could be heard as clear as day shouting: “Let’s go! We have a whole other quarter!”

There have been gaps of empty seats at Fiserv Forum all season long. Nothing to cause alarm, but noticeable, nonetheless.

It’s hard to remember the last time Antetokounmpo was on the court with 3 minutes left in the game, fighting for his life and his team’s comeback attempt while disinterested spectators headed toward the aisles and streamed for the exits like they did Sunday.

By the time Antetokounmpo finished his postgame workout and treatment, and addressed questions from the media, the handful of reporters who had been there to cover the whole game had shrunk to just two.

Even in the darkest days in Green Bay, the Packers draw so much interest that losses are covered and analyzed ad nauseam because fan interest demands it.

Antetokounmpo doesn’t deserve this. He’s played another season at MVP-caliber status. He’s played tough and smart, taking essential-only days off when needed to stay healthy. He’s the heartbeat of the team, the backbone of its drive, the leader in every way. And with so many roles that he fills already, now he’s traffic cop as well, directing new teammates to the spots where they are supposed to be on offense and defense.

Just three years after the Bucks were in a ferocious playoff war with the Boston Celtics to try to defend their NBA championship title, they are now faced with the most unthinkable task of all.

Trying to find a way to not lose in the first round of the NBA playoffs once again.

“We’ve just got to come in and have pride,” Kyle Kuzma said. “And take criticism constructively. Be better than we were. The best thing about this league is we always play another game …

“At least now. In the regular season. So we got another chance to get back on track.”

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Milwaukee, WI

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Published

5 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Illegal dumping plagues closed Pick ‘n Save

Neighbors say since a Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save at 35th and North closed in 2025, the parking lot has been filling up, but not with cars or people. It has been attracting illegal dumpers.

MILWAUKEE – Neighbors say since the Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save at 35th and North closed in 2025, the parking lot has been filling up, but not with cars or people. It has been attracting illegal dumpers.

Trash piling up

What we know:

There are old mattresses and furniture in the parking lot. There are piles of garbage at the entrance of the old grocery store. Behind the building, there are tires, more mattresses and more trash.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

The Pick ‘n Save stores closed in July 2025. Since then, the building has sat empty.

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FOX6 News was contacted by a man who manages senior and family housing in the area. He said in the last couple of months, he has noticed the stile turn into a place for illegal dumping. The man said he was so fed up, he called the office of Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper about the problem. The man said the whole site is an eyesore, and something needs to change.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

Change sought

What they’re saying:

“As the snow melts, it’s full of garbage. People are dumping furniture on it, tires,” said Jeffrey Sessions, who manages nearby property. “If you drive around it, it’s garbage everywhere. It’s unsightly for the neighborhood, and it’s probably going to create rats and mice problems.”

FOX6 News reached out to the Department of Neighborhood Services. Officials said the dumping has not been reported. They said the department’s commercial team will now be made aware of the issue.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

“It makes the whole neighborhood look like garbage, like nobody’s taking care of anything around here,” Sessions said. “It’s a detriment, it’s unsightly, and it needs to be addressed.”

Illegal dumpers could face fines

Dig deeper:

If the dumpers are caught on camera, they could face fines.

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The owner of the property may also be ordered to clean it up.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

The Source: Information in this post was provided by a person who owns property near the former grocery store, as well as Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services.

Crime and Public SafetyMilwaukeeNews

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Milwaukee, WI

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

Published

17 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

Travel to Ireland, learn how to catch a fish, visit wildlife at the zoo, and see costumed characters this weekend in Milwaukee.

Anime Milwaukee

The 2026 “Magical Academy” themed animation convention comes to the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., and Hilton Milwaukee City Center March 6-8. The weekend features Japanese industry guests and cultural experts, artists and official merchandise, gaming, music, dance, manga, cosplay, anime and Asian fashion. New this year is the Nocturna Anime Bar with a lounge and specialty drinks, including nonalcoholic beverages. Exhibit hall hours are 1 to 8 p.m. March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8. Full weekend access is $100; single day access is $50-$75. animemilwaukee.org

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show

The 85th year of the Sports Show is at State Fair Park’s Wisconsin Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, from noon to 7 p.m. March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 8. Along with outdoor exhibitors, see what’s swimming in the trout pond, watch the lumberjack show and the fastest retriever race, or catch the archery and air rifle tournaments. General admission tickets at the door are $15; youth tickets (ages 6-14) are $6. In honor of Women’s Day on March 8, all women receive $10 admission at the door. Check out the full schedule at jssportsshow.com.

Gardens & Gears: Steampunk Faire

Celebrate the industrial age at the Gardens & Gears art fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7 at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. The immersive garden event features creators, costumes and live entertainment, with gears, goggles and handcrafted mechanical curiosities on display in the gardens. Domes admission required. mitchellparkdomes.com

Milwaukee County Zoo Family Free Day

Everyone receives free admission at the Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 7. See the red pandas in their outdoor habitat, lions, penguins and more. Parking and regular attraction fees still apply. milwaukeezoo.org

Irish Family Day

Travel to the Irish countryside during “Passport to Ireland” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at the CelticMKE Center, 1532 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa. With Irish dance, arts, crafts and storytelling, each county will be featured with an activity that celebrates Irish culture, history and traditions. Buy one, get one free Irish Fest tickets will be available to purchase, with lunch, beverages and snacks served in the Celtic Café. Admission is $10 at the door. celticmke.com

What’s new in Milwaukee-area theaters this weekend

Marcus Theatres: See a marathon of the 2026 Best Picture nominees at select theater locations. Day one of the marathon is March 7 and features “Sentimental Value,” “F1: The Movie,” “The Secret Agent,” “Bugonia,” and “Sinners.” The marathon resumes March 14 with a new set of films. Visit marcustheatres.com.

Milwaukee Film: Women’s History Month programming features the action films of Michelle Yeoh. See her Oscar-winning performance in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” screening at 6 p.m. March 6 at the Oriental Theatre.

“Hoppers”: A robotic animal with a human mind helps real animals thwart a plot to destroy their habitat in this Disney and Pixar feature film. See it at AMC Mayfair Mall; Avalon Theater; Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas; Rosebud Cinema.

“The Bride!”: A lonely Frankenstein (Christian Bale) travels to 1930s Chicago to ask a scientist (Annette Bening) to create a companion. See it at AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas.

“Protector”: A veteran war hero (Milla Jovovich) must use the violent skills she thought she left behind to save her daughter. See it at Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas.

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Milwaukee, WI

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

Josue Ayala has resigned from the Milwaukee Police Department days after he was charged with a crime over his alleged misuse of license plate-reading Flock technology.

Ayala, 33, pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted misconduct in public office during his initial court appearance on March 4.

The charge is a misdemeanor that carries a potential maximum penalty of nine months in jail and $10,000 fine.

Milwaukee is one in a growing number of communities nationally that have started using Flock cameras to help locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles used in violent crimes, and track vehicles associated with missing persons. The technology is controversial and been criticized by civil rights and privacy advocates.

Conducting searches for personal reasons is a violation of department policies.

Prosecutors say Ayala used the Flock camera system while on duty more than 120 times to look up the license plate of someone he was dating. They believe Flock technology also was used on a second license plate, one belonging to that person’s ex, 55 times, according to a criminal complaint, filed Feb. 24 in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

Ayala joined the Milwaukee Police Department in 2017, and his total gross pay was about $120,000 in 2024, according to the most recent city salary data available.

Milwaukee police confirmed in a March 4 email to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Ayala has resigned from the department.

Ayala and his attorney Michael J. Steinle, of Milwaukee, would not speak to reporters as they left the courtroom.

Prosecutors say the department became aware of the allegations against Ayala after a driver saw that they were the subject of searches through the website, www.haveibeenflocked.com, which collects and publishes “audit logs” of searches of the Flock system by police agencies.

The driver saw that Ayala had searched the plate numerous times, which prompted the driver to file a complaint with the Milwaukee Police Department.

Detectives then audited Ayala’s searches in the Flock system from March 26, 2025, through May 26, 2025.

Ayala is at least the second Wisconsin officer to face criminal charges for misuse of the Flock system. A Menasha police officer was charged in January for tracking an ex-girlfriend’s car.

Milwaukee police began using Flock cameras in 2022. MPD has a $182,900 contract with Flock for the use of the technology. That contract is active through January 2027.

Court Commissioner Dewey B. Martin released Ayala on a $2,500 signature bond March 4.

Signature bonds, sometimes referred to as a personal recognizance bond, allow a defendant to leave custody without paying cash as long as they sign a promise to appear for their upcoming court dates.

Martin also ordered Ayala not to contact the two victims in the case.

Ayala also must report to the Milwaukee County Jail to be booked on March 9. If he doesn’t show up, a bench warrant will be issued for his arrest.

Ayala is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial conference on April 17.

David Clarey of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this story.

Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@usatodayco.com.

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