Milwaukee, WI
What does Giannis Antetokounmpo want? He wants to retire with the Milwaukee Bucks
Jim Owczarski on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s reaction to boos
What does Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski make of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo taking exception to booing at Fiserv Forum?
The word “Together,” perhaps fittingly, was positioned just over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s scarred left shoulder as he leaned against the wall that leads to the Milwaukee Bucks locker room.
In a short time, his teammates were about to take the court against the Chicago Bulls on Feb. 3. He would not, however, as he suffered a calf strain Jan. 23. He joked with onlookers. Would this be the last time he’d see them? He joked with teammates, too. He joked that after his wife, Mariah, was telling him he’s “everywhere” he asked which commercials did she see?
Between the jokes, he was posed a serious question: What do you want?
“You know,” he said. “What I want deep down in my heart is I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career and win here.”
He then outlined how he came back too quickly from his first calf strain Dec. 3 to play, only to get hurt again Jan. 23. He said the team told him to come out of the game in the first quarter.
“I said eff no, I’m not coming out,” he said. “I’m playing. Why do I play? Because I have something, I’m chasing something? Or because I love my team.
“I play because I bleed green. I play because I know what I’ve built here. For me, it’s a huge puzzle. It’s a huge Lego piece that I’ve built and I don’t like people taking out pieces from it. I want to keep on building as much as I can.
“What does that show? Does that show a guy that’s not gonna be here? Is that what my actions show? I could tell you whatever I want, but what does my actions show? That I want to be here. I want to be here with people that know what it takes to win.”
The joking had long stopped.
His dark eyes fixed, he had more to say in a pregame conversation with the Journal Sentinel.
“This is probably going to be the best story,” he began, “In 20 years, they’re going to be talking about this story right here.
“I came here when I was 18. A human being, when is the time they have their earliest memories? Around the age of what, 4, 5, right? So from 5 to 18 is 13 years. From the time I could remember. I came here from 18 to 31, which is 13 years. I’ve spent more time in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, than in my country.
“I’ve created more memories in this city than in my country. The only memory I knew from my country is sell stuff in the street, go to practice, live in fear, protect my brothers as much as I can and be a good kid, be a kind kid.
“So here, I’ll tell you what I’ve known here. I’ve known what it is to be an NBA player, what it is to make it to the NBA. I’ve learned what it is to be an all-star player. I’ve learned how to be a champion. I’ve learned how to be an MVP. I’ve learned how to be a father. I got married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And also, legally, from the courthouse. And also, I’ve had my kids here. My father is buried here. So tell me you, when I open the passport of my kids and it says born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my dad is buried here, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“So people have the audacity to come tell me and say ‘this guy really doesn’t love Milwaukee.’ I don’t love Milwaukee? Not the people that know. The people of the city know how much I love them. This city has let me be myself, let me be father, have let me [be] a husband, have let me be my own, true, self.
“I’m walking in the street. People don’t bother me. But there’s gonna be the whole other people, because here’s 8 billion people in this world that have their own opinion. Opinions are cheap, that’s why everybody has one.
“They let me be myself in this city. And I ask for one thing. One. Thing. Only. To make, bring joy back. To. This. City. Because this city deserves it. We’ve been at the top and I know we can have down years but we have to continue to have the mindset. Period. OK. And if that’s not the case, then …
“I’ve seen the love of the people and what they wish for me. If it’s not the case, and people have different agendas within our own team, something gotta change. That’s all.”
Which brings him to where the conversation began. By all accounts, the Bucks are open to trading Antetokounmpo, either by the Feb. 5 trade deadline, or perhaps at another point.
When asked what his input into those discussions are, he responded flatly, “Zero. Zero. I’m not.”
But what brought him, and the team to this point.
The record, for one. The Bucks opened play against the Bulls out of the playoff picture at 18-29. The team is 3-14 without Antetokounmpo. He acknowledged that while the team is not mathematically out of the playoffs, it will be difficult for them to reach the postseason even if he returns.
So, now the crux of the matter. He’s 31. He’ll be generous and give himself five more seasons of prime play. That gives him maybe five more chances to compete at a high level to win a championship.
His biological clock is ticking.
He insists he’s listening to Bucks ownership, led by Wes Edens and Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and general manager Jon Horst. He will not say he’s lost faith in their ability to build a contending roster around him.
“I always listen,” Antetokounmpo said. “That’s why I’m still here. I always listen and trust. But what I’m trying to say, how many chances do I have left to win a championship? So, you just gotta [be] more careful and more urgent in every decision that you make moving forward. It doesn’t change. I think I’ve listened since day one and that will never change. I have great respect, love and likeness for Jon and the ownership and that will never be different. Won’t change. But at the end of the day …”
He looked off and took a nearly 8-second pause.
“You gotta look.”
But does the recent past, winning the most games in the NBA from 2018-25, the huge trades for Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard show they can do it again?
“You cannot say,” he said. “I’ve always been, always, always, this is the NBA, I love watching it, I always make hypothetical scenarios. What if I play with LeBron [James]? What if I play with [Kevin Durant]? What if play with [Michael] Jordan? What if I play with Kobe [Bryant]? Everybody makes hypotheticals scenarios. What if you could get, blah blah blah. But at the end of the day, you have to commit somewhere, right? You have to commit somewhere. And I think for 13 years I’ve committed here more than anybody, any player, ever committed.
“If you ask me what do I really want, deep down in my heart? I want to be a Milwaukee Buck until I retire and win a championship here. End of sentence.
“If that is not possible to happen, and if then you realize maybe that’s not the case and maybe they’re looking elsewhere and that’s not what they’re trying to do, then automatically you have to be in the plans of what they’re trying to do or weigh the other options. It’s normal.”
And now comes the crux of it.
For him, he’s not sure what course ownership has for the franchise in the near and long-term.
“I know what my goal is,” he said. “I don’t know what their goal [is]. I know that I talk to them but I don’t think that it’s fair that to share the conversations that I talk with them. They haven’t come to the game recently; we haven’t been so good. So they’re probably upset. I bet you can, like, talk to them. Ask them, what’s your goal? What do you want to do? They might want to reveal. They might even want to … sell. They might want to do some other things. Maybe, I don’t know.”
The Journal Sentinel reached out to the Bucks, who said they have no comment.
But Antetokounmpo couldn’t just leave it at that.
A smile returned.
“My wife has said, she told me, ‘they said that you asked out!’”
They do say that, was the reply.
“I ask out every year!” he exclaimed. “It’s true! Every year. Not this year. It’s every year I’ve asked!”
But this? “This is the closest we’ve been to it?”
He grinned again. He reminded that every summer, he evaluates and re-evaluates where he and the team are at, and where they’re going.
“That’s what you’re supposed to do,” he said. “That’s what you’re supposed to do. I’ve committed. I’ve been 13 years here. Thirteen man. Do you really think I want to leave? Do people really think I want to leave?”
And with that, he darted quickly back into the Bucks locker room.
This story was updated with new information.
July 3 drone show at McKinley Beach
Watch the first-ever July 3 drone show at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee County will again opt for drones over fireworks for its Independence Day festivities this summer.
The county had its first-ever Fourth of July drone show in 2025, with officials saying at the time that drones would be better for the environment, safer and less costly than fireworks.
The show costs about $150,000 less than fireworks, Milwaukee County officials told the Journal Sentinel this week.
“Milwaukee County is at its best when we come together to create memorable, inclusive experiences for everyone,” County Executive David Crowley said in an April news release. “This drone show is another example of how we’re investing in our parks, our neighborhoods and our shared sense of community pride.”
How did residents react to last year’s drone show?
Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith said in a news release last year the show is “an exciting and environmentally conscious way to celebrate our community.”
“Unlike traditional fireworks, drone shows reduce noise and air pollution while still delivering an unforgettable experience,” Smith said. “It’s about making memories and ensuring everyone feels welcome in these shared spaces.”
But the Journal Sentinel polled readers after last year’s show and a majority responded that they would prefer the county bring back fireworks.
This year’s show will debut pyrotechnic drone technology, adding spark effect for an “even more dynamic and visually stunning performance,” the news release says.
How long is the Milwaukee drone show?
The show is 45 minutes long and features 900 drones, county officials said. It is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. July 3 along the lakefront at McKinley Beach.
Milwaukee police audit shows Flock camera uses
The Milwaukee Police Department released a sample Flock camera audit showing outlier uses tied to serious crimes as scrutiny continues over officer misuse and community privacy concerns.
MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Police Department is giving the public a closer look at how officers use license plate reader cameras, part of an effort to be more transparent about how the technology affects community safety.
What we know:
For the first time, FOX6 got a look at a sample of audit results from the MPD involving the license plate reader system, also known as Flock.
The transparency effort comes after former officer Josue Ayala was charged with using the license plate readers to track someone he was dating and that person’s ex. Earlier this month, the department said a second officer was under investigation for possible misuse of the Flock camera system.
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On Thursday, May 28, FOX6 obtained MPD’s Flock audit report from April. It is something the department does every month.
In the report, MPD shared 24 “outlier uses” of the system. Those are possible red flags. The list is not all of them, but it gives a glimpse into how MPD uses the Flock system and how the department checks for misuse.
Of the 24 outlier uses, some plate numbers were associated with a wanted homicide suspect, a felony narcotics trafficking suspect and a suspect vehicle used in the abduction of a 5-year-old. According to the audit, that vehicle was located, the child was returned safely and a suspect was arrested.
The audit also listed a homicide investigation in which detectives developed plate numbers for both a suspect and victim, as well as a plate connected to a person wanted for second-degree sexual assault who was later arrested.
What they’re saying:
“Those audit logs are what was used to hold the officer accountable,” said Paris Lewbel, Flock Safety spokesperson.
Lewbel said Flock Safety is partnered with 220 law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin.
“We think it is important that communities are talking about their technology and how they use it,” Lewbel said.
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The company does not release how many cameras there are, but Lewbel said there have been fewer than 15 misuse cases across the country among the 140,000 users on the platform.
“Within the FLOCK system from day one, we built an immutable audit log in the system that allows law enforcement command staff and internal affairs in these cases to be able to see exactly what is being searched in the law enforcement system and FLOCK system specifically,” Lewbel said.
Dig deeper:
In Milwaukee, license plate readers have faced pushback from people who fear the data could be misused. Critics have called the system an invasion of privacy, saying it tracks innocent people as the debate over how the cameras are used continues.
FOX6 asked the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday whether the second officer under investigation had been charged. The office replied, “not at this time.”
What you can do:
The full list of outliers from the audit is available on the FOX Local app.
The Source: FOX6 obtained the Milwaukee Police Department’s Flock audit report and utilized prior coverage.
Every week, Milwaukee With Kids answers a simple question for families across the area: What are we going to do this weekend? From indoor activities to outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered. For the full weekend list, make sure to visit the Milwaukee With Kids website.
Featured event
Summer Reading Kickoff
Milwaukee Public Library | Central Branch
May 30 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kick off a summer of learning with hands-on activities for kids and teens, special exhibits and early registration for the summer reading program. Special guests and partners include Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Discovery World, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum and Urban Ecology Center.
Up close with animals
Summer Exhibit: Powerful Pollinators
Milwaukee County Zoo
Through Oct. 4
Explore life-sized animatronic pollinators and discover how the Zoo helps protect them through native gardens, honeybee hives, and conservation initiatives. Entry fee: $4 after general zoo admission.
Raptor Encounter
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center | Bayside
May 30 | 1-2 p.m.
Come to the Great Hall to see two birds from the nature center’s raptor program. During this meet-and-greet experience, you can talk with raptor handlers about the specific skills, traits and adaptations that are unique to that bird. The program educates about raptor ecology, conservation and these birds’ important roles in the ecosystem, with an emphasis on hawks, owls, eagles and falcons, plus an American Crow. Free with membership or admission.
Strong body, strong mind
MKE REC Family Day of Play
Wick Playfield
May 30 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Families are invited to enjoy 10+ engaging activities, including an obstacle course, bubble bash, lava land, crafts, games and various types of sports equipment available for free play. The day also features delicious food available for purchase, raffle drawings for amazing prizes and live music filling the air. You’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch, but a limited number of tables and chairs will be available, so bring your own if you have them.
Moms Mental Health Initiative Summer Social
Wilson Park
May 30 | 9 a.m.-Noon
The fifth annual event doubles as a celebration of MMHI’s 10 years supporting the strength of the organization’s participants and the immeasurable power of togetherness. Funds raised from the silent auction, pluck-a-duck, raffle and donations will allow MMHI to continue offering hope and help to perinatal people struggling in Southeast Wisconsin and Dane County.
Music and movement
MSO Sensory-Friendly Concert: Musical Influencers
Bradley Symphony Center
May 31 | 2:30 p.m.
Good times and great music will be trending as onstage influencers from Pink Umbrella Theater introduce you to some of the most influential composers of all time. This special performance is designed for people of any age on the autism spectrum or with a sensory sensitivity and their families, but all are welcome!
Concert modifications include dimmed house lights remaining on during the performance, flexible seating, relaxed house rules, on-stage hosts, available sensory kits, noise-reduction headphones, quiet areas, concert social narratives and more. Patrons are encouraged to come early and enjoy an hour of special pre-concert activities.
Kid Boogie Down
The Cooperage
May 31 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Get your groove on as DJ Lukewarm introduces young audiences to genres ranging from classic disco and funk to modern hits synced with matching music videos. Plus, you’ll enjoy lots of kid-friendly fun: music, foggy bubbles, videos, temporary tattoos, a ring toss, snacks, cotton candy, and a vintage clothing and toy pop-up shop. Grab a four-pack of tickets for a $10+ discount.
Ferns, fossils and trees
FernGully: The Last Rainforest
Oriental Theatre
May 30-31 | Noon
Enjoy this family-friendly classic as Milwaukee Film wraps up its “Ani-May” movie series. When a sprite named Crysta shrinks a human boy named Zak down to her size, he vows to help the magical fairy folk stop a greedy logging company from destroying their home: the pristine rainforest known as FernGully. Zak and his new friends fight to defend FernGully from lumberjacks and the vengeful spirit they accidentally unleash after chopping down a magic tree.
Tree Climbing Festival
Riveredge Nature Center | Saukville
May 30 | 10 a.m.-Noon
Encounter the giants of the forest and explore trees from a new perspective as you climb into the canopy under the guidance of trained facilitators. Adults and children ages 7+ are invited to ascend to the top, swing from a branch or try a “bat hang.” Registration for this event includes 20 minutes of climb time, a scavenger hunt along the trails a naturalist-led hands-on nature investigation and access to picnic areas for lunch (please pack a lunch and be mindful of single-use plastic waste).
Family Fossil Hunting
Kenosha Public Museum
May 30 | 10 a.m.-Noon
Join Nick Wiersum from the Dinosaur Discovery Museum to explore the local fossils of Kenosha’s lakeshore. Meet at the museum to learn about the prehistoric life that called this area home and discuss how to locate fossils, then head out to the Simmon’s Island beach house to collect fossils of your own! The museum will provide you with any tools you will need, including a collection bag, fossil guide and magnifying glass.
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