Milwaukee, WI

Raindrops livened up IndyCar at the Milwaukee Mile. What a delightful twist for State Fair Park

Published

10 months ago

August 24, 2025

Raindrops livened up IndyCar at the Milwaukee Mile. What a delightful twist for State Fair Park

WEST ALLIS – In perhaps the most ironic twist possible in this 15-day span at State Fair Park, a five-second sprinkle made all the difference in the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250.

Two Sundays earlier, the final day of State Fair, itself, was canceled after 10 inches of rain had flooded the grounds, leaving cars parked on the Milwaukee Mile swamped to their windowsills.

The turnaround already was going to be a challenge.

A staff already exhausted from 11 days of their namesake event – or 9.8 days as it turned out – had less than two weeks to prepare for IndyCar. In 2024, the series helped organize its return to the historic venue, but this time full responsibility would fall on the facility’s staff.

So seeing a favorable forecast for race weekend did everything to lift spirits.

It’s no sure thing, selling Indy car racing, even at a track that’s been around longer than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a town that used to support more than one race a year. Several promoters found that out in the 2000s, resulting in a nine-year gap from the most recent failure to the latest return.

The stands were largely full Aug. 24, and advance sales were enough in the week leading up to the race that additional sections of the grandstand were opened for ticket sales.

In turn, the fans were rewarded with a surprise ending and a first-time winner, Christian Rasmussen.

“We’d returned to this track a couple times since I’ve been doing this,” said winning team owner Ed Carpenter, a longtime participant in the series as driver and car owner. “But it seems like it’s finally working.

“The combination and the growth and the strength of (Milwaukee) and also Road America (in Elkhart Lake), we’ve got a strong fan base. We need to keep building on it.

“I’d love to see when we come back next year that we don’t have to have the sponsor covers on the stands coming down into Turn 1. We want to keep pushing that and getting it better and better. It’s a great racetrack, a ton of history. The past two years it’s been a great show. So I’m happy it’s working.”

Some perspective is needed here.

The grandstand holds about 19,000 people. It was mostly full but not completely. Counting spectators in the infield is tough, but they do count the same as the hospitality guests on the outside of the track and they are hardcore fans, the people who lobbied for IndyCar to give the Mile another try.

As Carpenter mentioned, tarps cover many sections of bleachers. Those seats were needed 30 years ago, around the time the stands were rebuilt. But the IndyCar of today isn’t what the sport was 30 years ago, or 50, when USAC filled the place.

So no, this isn’t the golden age, but pushing 20,000 for a race on a short oval is a very solid effort for this point in history. Smiles outnumbered complaints hundreds of times over.

The first 200 laps of the race weren’t as compelling as either end of the 2024 doubleheader, but blame that on two factors. First, that weekend set a ridiculously high bar. And second, Alex Palou was doing what he has done often in 2025, carving up the field with surgical precision.

But a funny thing happened on Palou’s way to a ninth win in 16 races.

It rained.

Nothing like the 1,000-year flood, mind you, not the sort that swamps Fair-goers’ cars parked on the track up to their windows. But a couple of drops, from who knows where. And so flew the yellow flag.

“Even though it was not good for me, I agree with the decision,” said Palou, the already-crowned four-time champion. “Maybe in Turn 1 or Turn 3, suddenly you spin because they didn’t call the yellow, so …”

So it was decision time.

If there was one thing learned from 2024 it was the value of fresh tires. Palou had stopped with 54 laps to go, and the caution flag came out 13 laps later. Some teams would bring their drivers back in and hope to make up the distance on new tires. If Palou pitted again, someone else would have gambled and stayed out to try to beat him that way.

For Palou, the call was 50-50. For Rasmussen, sitting in seventh, it was a no-brainer.

“We talked about this before the race, knowing if there’s going to be a late yellow, we set kind of the margin if you can have a 20-lap advantage on the other cars, that’s going to make a big difference,” Rasmussen said. “That’s what we did.

“I’ve been very comfortable on especially the new tires even passing other cars (on the same strategy). We were doing that pretty well early in the stints. I was feeling good.”

The aggressive, 25-year-old Dane restarted seventh, cut his way through the field, went wheel-to-wheel with Palou for a lap and then pulled away over the final 16 laps.

“I knew he was going to race hard,” Palou said. “He was going to pass me or go to the wall.”

Rasmussen’s reputation is that he is aggressive and fearless, but he is more than that.

As he pointed out, he has not fallen out of any races this season because of mistakes he has made, only due to mechanical issues. Rasmussen sat out three races in his 2024 rookie season while Carpenter drove the short-oval races at Iowa Speedway and World Wide Technology Raceway before Rasmussen took over the No. 21 Chevrolet completely. Five of his six top-10 finishes in 2025 have come on ovals. Rasmussen’s first win was only a matter of time.

“People talk about they don’t like everything he does,” Carpenter said. “We haven’t asked him to change one thing. He’s attacking and being aggressive, not settling for anything. That’s the mentality we want to have as a team.”

And to think, a sprinkle made the outcome possible.

Had Palou won again, fans would remember his dominance, a hallmark of the NTT IndyCar Series in 2025. The number of laps Palou led – 199, and it would have been 215 – would have overshadowed the fact that the race included 685 passes, second-most in series history to the first Milwaukee race in 2024, including 48 by Rasmussen.

Cheers overpowered engine noise when Rasmussen won. The donuts he turned on the front stretch were as popular as a cream puff.

The race and celebration were the sort of lift State Fair Park needed as it tries to rebuild a tradition and as it begins negotiations to extend its contract to bring IndyCar to the Mile beyond 2026.

“Personally I had a bunch of my family here, in the stands, hanging out,” said Scott McLaughlin, the New Zealander who finished third. “Not far from the city. The fairgrounds at the back … it’s unreal.

“Massive credit goes out to Wisconsin State Fair Park. … I was really happy to have a big crowd today, seeing them in the grandstands, it was awesome.”

So was the devilish twist delivered by an unseen cloud.

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Milwaukee, WI

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

Published

3 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Press Room

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

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

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.

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.

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

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Milwaukee, WI

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

Published

13 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Milwaukee, WI

Giannis’ quiet trade market could keep him in Milwaukee

Published

23 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

Giannis’ quiet trade market could keep him in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Bucks’ impending trading of Giannis Antetokounmpo to a new team has been the buzziest NBA story since the New York Knicks won the title. But what if it never happens?

The stars are aligning for the Bucks to pitch a narrative to Giannis that for the second straight transaction cycle they’ve dangled him to the rest of the Association and gotten a tepid response.

A few teams, like the Miami Heat, have been clearly interested. Many others, like the Boston Celtics, seem much more cautious and coy about their pursuit of the Greek Freak. Juggernauts like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are less than a Giannis away from winning the championship, and neither team even seems willing to bid.

Even Miami’s dogged pursuit may not include exhausting every possible means to add Giannis. After all, he’s into his 30s now, with a lot of basketball miles between NBA and international competition, and his representatives want a seat at the table, plus the injury history is getting extensive…

The important distinction, as @Anthony_Chiang and I, and @EthanJSkolnick have noted, is while only Bam is off limits, the Heat cannot in good conscience offer every single good young player and every single available first and every pick swap. Most, sure. But offer everything…
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) June 18, 2026
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And then there’s the Bucks, an organization so committed to winning with Giannis they waived and stretched Damian Lillard last summer because they thought adding Myles Turner would lead to the next great Milwaukee frontcourt following Brook Lopez’s decline. There’s a pitch to be made right now from Jon Horst and the Bucks’ leadership that there’s no other NBA team out there who wants to win with Giannis as badly as they do.

Outside from the human element of feeling wanted, there are more tangible elements in play. Giannis can’t sign his next massive extension until October 1 with Milwaukee, or six months following a trade if he is dealt. If his next team is hesitant to give up players or picks to trade for Giannis, is there really any guarantee that a max extension is on the table in 2027?

The collective bargaining agreement’s extension rules offer somewhat of a double-edged sword in this case. It hurts the Bucks’ ability to keep Giannis that he can’t formally extend until the draft and free agency are over, but also the prospect of being able to sign before suiting up in 2026-27 is more appealing to Giannis than having to wait until January or February. Especially given the series of injuries that have plagued him.

All of this sentiment and security still isn’t enough in itself for Milwaukee. The Bucks would require a plan to improve quickly to get Antetokounmpo bought in again to avoid ending up back here, but in an even more desperate spot, come February. Upgrading from Doc Rivers to Taylor Jenkins is a great start, but executing trades and smart free agent signings will be crucial.

Is it serendipitous timing that the Bucks biggest position of need is wing players and the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly want to get into the range of the 2026 NBA Draft where Milwaukee is slated to pick, with rival teams eyeing young wings Trey Murphy and Herb Jones? Notably, those same Pelicans infamously overpaid to “get their guy” last Draft.

This is more than likely some combination of pipe dream and fairy tale, given most of the reporting around Giannis continues to conclude he’ll be departing Milwaukee in the coming weeks. But even that is strangely optimistic for the Bucks, as they’ve reportedly quietly walked back ownership’s stated timeline of having a decision made by the draft.

All of that said, it still feels more likely that Giannis is traded than not. But this saga has had its share of twists and turns so far and throughout all the noise Giannis has re-signed with the Bucks. Who’s to say that couldn’t happen one more time?

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