Milwaukee, WI
Reaction to meteorologist Sam Kuffel’s firing from Milwaukee CBS for saying Elon Musk ‘Nazi saluted twice’
Elon Musk’s gesture at inaugural event stirs controversy
Elon Musk’s gesture to Donald Trump supporters at post-inauguration rally stirs controversy.
A Milwaukee TV meteorologist lost her job Wednesday for posting to Instagram that Elon Musk “Nazi saluted twice” on Inauguration Day.
Employees at WDJT-TV (Channel 58) were told Wednesday that weather forecaster Sam Kuffel was no longer with the station, as reported by the Journal Sentinel.
As news of Kuffel’s firing reached the community, a number of people, nationally and locally, both supported and opposed the move by the local CBS affiliate.
Musk was speaking during the inauguration celebration Monday and was thanking supporters of President Donald Trump for the election result when he put his right hand to his heart and then fiercely threw his arm forward with palm facing down akin to a Nazi salute. Musk then did it a second time.
There’s debate on when that gesture originated, but many argue the Roman empire, hence why some refer to it as the Roman salute. Italy’s fascist leader, Benito Mussolini, his party, and the Nazis in Germany copied the idea, adopting a similar gesture with a slightly lower extended hand. The move is illegal in several countries, including Germany.
After making the gestures, the billionaire, born in South Africa, continued his speech, saying, “My heart goes out to you” while placing his hand on his chest. “It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.”
The Anti-Defamation League, an antisemitism and human rights watchdog, called it an “awkward gesture” and urged caution in jumping to conclusions, but some self-identified white supremacists said they were emboldened by the gestures.
In one post on her personal Instagram account, Kuffel posted a picture of Musk at the podium, saying, “Dude Nazi saluted twice. TWICE. During the inauguration.”
She added, “You (expletive) with this and this man, I don’t (expletive) with you. Full stop.”
Kuffel then posted a GIF from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” on Instagram along with the saying, “Screw that old (expletive). He’s a Nazi.”
On Tuesday, conservative radio host Dan O’Donnell sharply criticized Kuffel for her two Instagram posts, accusing her of “spreading the lie that Elon Musk was giving a Nazi salute.” He labeled her posts “vulgar.”
Kuffel’s biography and picture had been removed from Channel 58 website by Wednesday afternoon.
“Meteorologist Sam Kuffel is no longer employed at CBS58,” said the staff memo from news director Jessie Garcia that was obtained by the Journal Sentinel. “A search for a replacement is underway.”
A spokeswoman for Weigel Broadcasting Co. confirmed via email late Wednesday that Kuffel was no longer with Channel 58. But the spokeswoman said she couldn’t comment further because this was a personnel issue.
Kuffel, 31, developed a social media following locally, typically commenting on Wisconsin sports teams and providing weather updates. She couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday.
According to her LinkedIn page, Kuffel joined Channel 58 more than five years ago. She previously worked at WAOW-TV (Channel 9) in Wausau after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2016. She was also a regular on the all-sports radio station WRNW-FM (97.3).
O’Donnell’s tweet and Kuffel’s subsequent firing set off a firestorm of social media reactions.
Supporters say Kuffel called it accurate and she should ‘sue’
Some support Kuffel’s firing and are joyous
Reddit photo likens O’Donnell to Hitler, radio host responds
Debate on Reddit heated up quickly. A photo of O’Donnell with a drawn on Adolf Hitler mustache began to circulate. The conservative radio host took to X on Wednesday:
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee shooting Monday, 29-year-old hurt; resulted from dispute
MILWAUKEE – One person was injured in a shooting in Milwaukee on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, the shooting happened at about 11:30 a.m. near Darien and Green Tree.
The suspect shot into the 29-year-old victim’s vehicle, striking the victim.
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The victim went to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.
Police say the shooting resulted from an ongoing dispute, and they are looking for a known suspect.
MPD tips
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 use the P3 Tips app.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the Milwaukee Police Department.
Milwaukee, WI
Wisconsin icy lake incidents, safety reminders
There were at least three ice-related incidents that first responders were called to over the weekend in southeast Wisconsin.
Pewaukee Lake
What we know:
The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department said a man died after he fell through the ice on Pewaukee Lake on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 25.
According to Lake Country Fire & Rescue, crews were called to the lake just after 3 p.m. for reports that a UTV operator had gone through the ice. Bystanders tried to rescue the person but lost sight of them.
The sheriff’s department identified the person as a 61-year-old man and said he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Big picture view:
No ice is safe ice
Lake Country Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Jeremy Wachtl reminds people if you’re in a similar situation, don’t get in the water to help, as it’s dangerous.
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“All ice is never completely safe,” Wachtl said.
If you’re going on the ice, he says wear a floatation device, don’t go alone, and have a way to call for help.
“All ice is never completely safe,” Wachtl said.
Wachtl reminds people if you’re in a similar situation, don’t get in the water to help, as it’s dangerous.
If you’re going on the ice, he says wear a floatation device, don’t go alone, and have a way to call for help and watch out for natural springs.
“The ice was actually relatively thick in most of the area but the immediate area where the ATV had gone through was relatively thin,” he said.
More instances
What we know:
At Wind Lake, the Norway Fire Department said three men were rescued after their ATV went through the ice. One of those men was taken to the hospital.
Officials say this is the fifth vehicle to go through the ice this winter, blaming the natural springs.
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“It’s nothing you can see from the surface and until something happens – or you put a foot through – you’re not going to know it’s thin when it is six-eight inches everywhere else,” Wachtl said.
At Big Muskego Lake, another person on an ATV fell into open water, but the water was shallow. That person is okay.
The Source: Lake Country Fire and Rescue and past reporting contributed to this article.
Milwaukee, WI
NBA Trade Rumor: Milwaukee Bucks' proposed blockbuster trade could bring $215 million Bull's All-Star on board with Khris Middleton as key asset | NBA News – The Times of India
The Milwaukee Bucks are eyeing a trade to bolster their roster for the 2025 season, and their sights are set on a few big-name stars. With the season halfway through, rumors have emerged about the team’s interest in Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine, and Bradley Beal. According to The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, the Bucks may only manage to land one of these superstars, but LaVine could be the ideal option.
A proposed five-team trade scenario outlined by Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor involves the Milwaukee Bucks making a major move for LaVine. In this deal, the Bucks would acquire Zach LaVine, while the Chicago Bulls would receive Beal and draft capital. The Phoenix Suns would trade Butler to the Bucks, the Miami Heat would land Khris Middleton, Pat Connaughton, and draft capital, and the Detroit Pistons would receive Bobby Portis.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Khris Middleton tries to get past Orlando Magic’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup tournament quarterfinals basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
One of the main hurdles in making this trade happen is the Milwaukee Bucks’ position with the NBA’s tax apron. Since they’ve exceeded the second tax apron, they cannot aggregate players in a trade unless it keeps them below the tax threshold. This situation makes players like Connaughton and Portis valuable trade assets. While Connaughton could be moved to a team like the Pistons to absorb his contract, Portis is more likely to go, given his role in the Bucks’ rotation.
The real appeal of Zach LaVine, however, lies in his youth and current form. Unlike Butler and Beal, LaVine offers the Milwaukee Bucks a star with more prime years ahead of him. This season, LaVine has been playing at a high level, averaging 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He is also shooting career-highs across the board, with 51.3% from the field and 45.1% from three-point range.
In contrast to Butler and Beal, who are both older, Zach LaVine’s upside is clear, and he has been more effective this season. If the Bucks are serious about making a playoff run, LaVine could be the key piece to push them forward.
Also read: LA Lakers Trade Rumor: GM Rob Pelinka eyes $41 million Pacers center to support LeBron James and co. prior trade deadline; upgrade from prior trade speculations?
While no trade is without its complications, this proposal shows that if Milwaukee is looking to make a bold move, LaVine might be their best bet for both immediate and long-term success.
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