Milwaukee, WI

What do readers think about Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo playing for the Greek national team this summer?

Published

2 years ago

June 6, 2024

What do readers think about Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo playing for the Greek national team this summer?

In early July, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to be back on the court for the first time since suffering a left soleus (calf) strain on April 9 that ended his season. Antetokounmpo will suit up for the Greek national team during an Olympic qualifying tournament July 2-7, and should it advance will earn a spot in the Olympic Games for the first time since 2008.

He did not play for Greece in the 2023 World Cup as he underwent left knee surgery. Antetokounmpo played 73 games for the Bucks last season – his most since 2017-18 – and was the first player in NBA history to score at least 30 points per game while shooting at least 60% from the floor.

The 29-year-old missed the Bucks entire six-game playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers with the muscle strain. He missed two of the Bucks’ five games in a 2023 first-round playoff loss to Miami when he injured his back after being undercut by Heat forward Kevin Love after just 10 minutes of action in Game 1. He also suffered injuries in the 2020 and 2021 playoffs.

The Journal Sentinel recently ran a poll simply asking fans “should Giannis play for the Greek national team this summer?”

More: How Giannis Antetokounmpo learned to get over himself to play the best basketball of his career

Bucks fans react to Giannis playing for Greece

Of the Bucks fans weighing in on the poll, 62.8% said he should not play for Greek team this summer.

Why Giannis should play for Greece

Here is a sampling of some of the comments that came with “yes” votes (answers lightly edited for clarity):

Tony: Many NBA players are doing the same.

Mike B: He should be able to represent his country.

Mary S.: The US players are playing for their country.

Rich W.: It’s hard to believe you’re even asking this question. Giannis’ love of playing for his country is well documented. He has earned the right to make this decision without being questioned by Bucks fans, and it’s the worst sort of greed and entitlement to suggest he ignore the call of his national team.

Bill: He’s a professional basketball player at the peak of his powers. If the doctors clear him, it’s totally his decision.

Alex: Nationalism is a great thing. This is the prime of his career and he will have limited opportunities. Go Giannis!GP: Giannis needs to get back into basketball shape. Playing for the Greek national team can help facilitate that. His body should not be as tired since he did not play as much as in other years. He should probably be on minutes restrictions.

More: Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo named first-team all-NBA to cap historic season

Why Giannis should not play for Greece

Here is a sampling of some of the comments that came with “no” votes (answers lightly edited for clarity):

Jeremy: He missed all of this year’s playoffs and most of last year’s. Greece will not win anything special and he’s risking injury for all of this.

Jim C.: If he can’t make it to the playoffs because he is injured and tired, why risk it.

Mark B.: If he wasn’t often injured, fine, but the Bucks need Giannis healthy for a full season.

Bubba: The obvious. He was unable to make it through the last full NBA season. He should rest his body so he can actually contribute to the Bucks playoff run … which is what he gets paid for.

Peter: He wore down this season, international bb will leave G with no real off-season!

Tom: He’s paid to play for the Bucks and let’s face it, if he isn’t going to be healthy in the playoffs then what good is he to the team?!

Steve: He is always getting hurt. He doesn’t seem to realize that his body is starting to break down. He says he wants to stay healthy but yet he decides to put more stress on what is going to be a fragile body. Very ill-advised to go and play. Beginning to think that he really doesn’t care about the NBA. Seems like his heart is in Greece. He is not long to be in Milwaukee and a Buck. Getting tired of his antics.

What is Giannis’ history playing for Greece?

Antetokounmpo first played for Greece in the 2014 World Cup, in which it took ninth place. He then played in the 2015 EuroBasket tournament, the 2019 World Cup and 2022 EuroBasket.

In the 2014-15 Bucks season, Antetokounmpo started 71 of 81 games and finished seventh in the Most Improved Player voting after averaging 12.7 points per game. The Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs in six games to Chicago.

In the pandemic-affected 2019-20 season, Antetokounmpo won his second MVP while also winning the defensive player of the year award, becoming just the third player to win both in a single season. He sprained an ankle in the “bubble” playoffs vs. Miami, however, and the Bucks were bounced in the second round.

In the 2022-23 campaign, Antetokounmpo finished the year averaging a career-high 31.1 points per game in leading the Bucks to the top-seed in the Eastern Conference. But after taking a hard fall in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series with Miami, the Bucks lost to the Heat in five games as Antetokounmpo missed Games 2 and 3.

Source link

Click to comment

Milwaukee, WI

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Published

6 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.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

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.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

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

Source link

Milwaukee, WI

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

Published

18 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.

Source link

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.

Source link