MILWAUKEE — Two large residential fires displaced dozens of tenants and left two people with injuries on Sunday.

A four-unit building near 87th St. and Villard Ave. was heavily damaged after catching fire around 2 a.m. One firefighter and one resident suffered minor injuries. 14 people from that building are without a home.

Then a 14-unit building near 45th St. and Hampton Ave. went up in flames around 11:45 a.m. No injuries were reported in that fire. The American Red Cross is helping some of the 23 displaced residents at the St. Paul Lutheran Church on 28th St. and Wisconsin Ave.

According to Milwaukee Fire Department Chief Aaron Lipski, neither building had sprinklers.

We NEED to stop sacrificing SURVIVABILITY for AFFORDABILITY.

— Aaron Lipski (@alipski1) June 1, 2025

The lack of building code requirements for sprinklers in older buildings has come under scrutiny after a deadly Mother’s Day fire killed five people.

The cause of both fires is under investigation.

Embark on a Cocktail Adventure at the Second Annual Botanical Battle Royale!

Sunday, June 1st  – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join us at Milwaukee’s charming Ivy House for a spectacular day of craft cocktails, gourmet bites, and vibrant competition. Hosted by Bittercube Bitters and Heirloom Liqueurs, in collaboration with the Two Birds Group, this event promises an unmatched showcase of Wisconsin’s finest bartenders.

Tantalize Your Taste Buds: A Seasonal Sensation

Dive into a sensory journey at each booth as top bartenders from around Wisconsin compete, each bringing their unique style to the forefront with concoctions that highlight the unique botanicals in Bittercube and Heirloom, paired with a selection of exceptional spirits.

Be Part of the Action

Your palate, your vote! Engage directly in the competition by voting for your favorite cocktail, and collect exquisite recipe cards photographed professionally, capturing the essence of each creation.

A Feast for the Senses

Experience the thrill as all bartenders present their signature cocktails on stage, each vying for the judges’ favor. Complement your tastings with delectable offerings from premier local food trucks, and don’t miss out on sampling the spirits, liqueurs, and bitters that inspired their creations.

An Art Exhibit to Inspire

Join us for a special exhibition featuring the talented artist and Heirloom collaborator, Josh Stover. As a guest judge at this year’s event, Josh will premiere the five unique posters he designed for each of the Heirloom liqueurs. Attendees will not only get a chance to view these captivating pieces but also purchase signed copies. In addition, Josh will showcase a variety of other artworks, adding an artistic flair to the cocktail experience.

An Unforgettable Experience Awaits

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a food lover, or simply in search of a remarkable day out, the Botanical Battle Royale is set to dazzle. Celebrate the artistry of cocktails, the beauty of botanicals, inspiration art, and the spirit of community at this one-of-a-kind event.

Secure your spot now for a day where botanical magic comes to life at the grand Botanical Battle Royale!

Participant List

• Agency – Milwaukee
• Bavette La Boucherie – Milwaukee
• Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge – Milwaukee
• Explorium Brewing – Wauwatosa
• Hill Valley Dairy – Milwaukee
• Lost Whale – Milwaukee
• Lowlands Group – Milwaukee
• Public Parking – Madison
• Pufferfish – Milwaukee
• Screaming Tuna – Milwaukee
• Station No. 6 – West Allis
• Wiscocktail – Baraboo

Judges

Robert Simonson

Robert writes about cocktails, spirits, bars, and bartenders for the New York Times. He has authored a number of award-winning cocktail books and has been nominated for multiple James Beard Awards. His work has also been featured in Vinepair, Punch, Imbibe, Saveur, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, New York magazine, and Lucky Peach. 

Toby Maloney

Toby was Sasha Petraske’s first hire at the legendary Milk & Honey in 1999. After years behind the stick at Milk & Honey and other New York cocktail emporiums, Toby opened The Violet Hour in Chicago, and is Bittercube founder Ira Koplowitz’s first mentor in the industry. Toby has won multiple James Beard awards for his cocktail programs, and continues to innovate in the industry. He recently authored his first cocktail book, The Bartender’s Manifesto.

Immortal Girlfriend

Immortal Girlfriend is an alternative electronic retrofuture band and production duo made up of brothers Kevin and William Bush. Their music, a captivating mix of synthesizers and cinematic influences, defines a genre all its own. As accomplished composers and producers, their work has graced some of the most popular TV shows and video games around the globe. As self-proclaimed foodies and cocktail aficionados, they bring a unique skill set and aesthetic to the judging table. 

Mikel McGee

Mikel is a chai tea connoisseur and the proud owner of 414loral,  a renowned Milwaukee florist specializing in seasonal floral designs. She is inspired by interesting color palettes, seasonal-locally sourced materials and the community connections that are created through floral design. She was awarded a 40 under 40 award by the Business Journal and has been featured in various publications in Milwaukee. Her love of all things botanical brings an interesting dynamic to the judging table.

Josh Stover

Josh is an artist and sign painter based in Richmond, VA. His work depicts part imagined – part seen environments and still life scenes. In his paintings and drawings, curvy rounded shapes and repetition are a nod to art deco design and the shapes of vintage signs. Josh has exhibited art in Portland, San Francisco, Tokyo, and many other cities. Commissioned by Heirloom Liqueurs in 2024, Josh created posters for each of the five Heirloom liqueurs, utilizing the stories, flavors, and botanicals from each product to develop the artwork.

Spirit Sponsors

• Great Lakes Distillery
• Great Northern Distillery
• Hatch Distilling Co.
• J. Henry & Sons Bourbon
• Knowlton House Distillery
• Ten to One Rum
• Rooster Rojo Tequila
• Wollersheim Distillery

MILWAUKEE — According to the Milwaukee Police Department, an 18-year-old is dead following a shooting early Saturday morning.

The shooting happened Saturday, May 31, around 5 a.m. in the area of 41st St. and Glendale Ave.

Police say the 18-year-old victim died at the scene.

The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating and is in search of unknown suspects.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or P3 Tips.

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