Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Bucks made several big gambles and might pay high price

Published

2 years ago

February 23, 2024

Milwaukee Bucks made several big gambles and might pay high price

Before the season when the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Damian Lillard and paired the long-time Portland Trail Blazers star with Giannis Antetokounmpo, they were heralded as an Eastern Conference contender reborn after a disappointing playoff run.

A few months later, however, those takes are starting to get freezer burn. The Bucks entered the All-Star break with a number of cracks showing in their armor, including an embarrassing two-game losing streak—the first a 123-97 loss to the Miami Heat without Jimmy Butler, the second a 113-110 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies who were led in scoring by Ziaire Williams and two-way player G.G. Jackson.

“We had some guys here,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers quipped postgame. “We had some guys in Cabo.”

Rivers himself, of course, is a product of the Bucks’ difficult season. Rivers replaced Adrian Griffin at the helm after Milwaukee fired the first-time head coach 43 games into his tenure. That came on the heels of Mike Budenholzer’s firing last year after the Bucks became the rare 1-seed to lose to an 8-seed when they fell to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat. Budenholzer’s 2021 run to the franchise’s first championship in nearly 50 years wasn’t enough to save his job.

The returns are still very early, but Rivers hasn’t fared much better to date. The team is 3-7 since his tenure began on January 29, with a negative net rating (points generated per 100 possessions minus points allowed per 100 possessions) at -1.7. The offense has cratered to 24th overall at 111.9, which has negatively countered the fact that the defense has actually been two points per 100 possessions better compared to their season average.

But the Bucks’ problems pre-date Rivers. Lillard is shooting 34.1 percent from 3-point range on 8.5 attempts per game, and he shot just 27.8 percent in January, to go with 32.6 percent in February.

Meanwhile, the Bucks can’t survive lineups with Antetokounmpo off the floor at all. They outscore opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions when he plays, per the website Cleaning the Glass, which is solid—the Los Angeles Clippers have the fourth-best net rating in the National Basketball Association (NBA) at 7.2 as well. But when Antetokounmpo leaves the floor, the Bucks are outscored by nine points per 100 possessions. With Lillard and former All-Star Khris Middleton on the floor and Antetokounmpo off, that total falls even further to -14.1 (albeit in a small sample size).

Those are disastrous numbers, and they are indicative of the kind of problems the Bucks will face in the postseason. Antetokounmpo is shouldering an MVP-level load and doing it admirably—30.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.

Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks is seen at Fiserv Forum on February 12 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks are in a precarious situation going forward.

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

But blue-blood contenders like the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets have surrounded their MVP/MVP-adjacent stars with talent that complements and enhances them, which is a symbiotic relationship. If a role player can make Nikola Jokić or Jayson Tatum’s life easier, they will in turn make life easier for the role player. The Bucks don’t seem to enjoy that luxury with Antetokounmpo.

If Lillard heats up from 3-point range, and if the defensive improvements are real, the Bucks have plenty of time to turn things around once they get back from All-Star break, even if some players mentally left for Cabo a little early. The Celtics appear to have a stranglehold on the Eastern Conference’s top seed, but the Cavaliers are just 1.5 games ahead for the 2-seed, and they won 18 of their last 20 games before the break to reach that point.

If the Bucks don’t get it together, however, they are staring at a very uncomfortable situation. To acquire Jrue Holiday from the Pelicans in 2020, the Bucks dealt the right to swap their 2024 first-round picks, their unprotected 2025 pick, the right to swap their 2026 first-round picks, and their unprotected 2027 first-round pick. To acquire Lillard this summer, the Bucks traded the right to swap their 2028 first-round pick to the Trail Blazers, their 2029 first-round pick unprotected, the right to swap their 2030 first-round pick…and Holiday.

In other words, the Bucks won’t control their own draft pick again until 2031. If things go wrong and the Pelicans and Blazers start swapping picks with the Bucks immediately (unlikely but possible), the Bucks may have traded every pick from 2024 to 2030 just to acquire a 33-year-old point guard sharpshooter who is hitting just 34 percent of his threes.

Other possibilities exist. The Bucks could rediscover their best form in the postseason, Lillard could catch fire, Antetokounmpo could overwhelm opponents, and the Bucks could storm to a championship. If that happens, Milwaukee fans in 2029 staring at what might be a chilly roster can warm themselves with memories of two titles in 2021 and 2024.

But with the (justifiable) goal of maximizing Antetokounmpo’s tenure with the team, the Bucks took some enormous gambles over the last four years, and they pushed all of their chips into the middle of the table this summer. With every loss to a Heat team sans Butler, or a Grizzlies team fielding G-Leaguers and 10-day-contract players, the Bucks see a few more of those chips go into the dealer’s pocket.

The Bucks return to action Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who currently hold the top seed in the Western Conference, at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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Milwaukee, WI

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Published

2 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

14 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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