Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Almost 500 new COVID-19 cases potentially linked to Deer District gatherings
With a crowd of about 100,000 fans packed in the Deer District, cheering on the Milwaukee Bucks last month, the game not only produced a long-awaited NBA championship, but also a much-dreaded surge in the number COVID-19 cases across the state.
Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson said the contact tracing and testing for cases associated with Deer District gatherings are ongoing. She said the Milwaukee Health Department has been working closely with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and has identified almost 500 cases statewide, including Milwaukee, Dane, Ozaukee and Waukesha counties.
The state Department of Health Services reported that 491 people with confirmed or probable cases said they had attended the Deer District or Bucks game "during their exposure or infectious periods" but the department could not say definitively that they caught the virus while viewing the game downtown or elsewhere.
The department also said the figure was likely an undercount.
"We anticipated an increase in positive cases due to the delta variant but 155% increase in one week is distressing," Johnson said.
She urged people to get tested if they have attended any large gatherings.
"I think it is important to recognize that any time there is a large gathering of people, we are going to see the virus spread," Johnson said during a Tuesday COVID-19 briefing.
Health officials said the city has entered into the "extreme transmission" category, and the number of cases has reached 193.2 per 100,000 as of Tuesday.
Officials also raised concerns about statewide hospitalization rates.
"We have four times as many people hospitalized with COVID in Wisconsin as we did one month ago, from 74 individuals to 310 today," said Dr. Ben Weston, director of medical services at the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, during the briefing.
Additional action could come from the city, according to Johnson, who said she was working with the city’s Department of Employee Relations on a measure mandating vaccines for city employees, a step taken by Los Angeles, the state of California and New York City.
“We are currently working through what that may look like,” Johnson said.
She did not have a timeframe for implementing such a policy.
Milwaukee Ald. Robert Bauman this week proposed legislation that would require city employees to prove they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or test negative for the virus weekly as a condition of coming to work.
Six other council members previously put forward legislation that would require masks inside if the transmission level in the city reaches 100 or more cases per 100,000 people
The Health Department has issued an advisory that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks inside when with people outside their households.
Johnson on Tuesday did not rule out a return at some point to capacity limits for bars, restaurants and other venues but said there are no plans at this time to bring the limits back.
The council is on its August recess but there are rumblings about a potential special session this month to take up COVID-related legislation.
Johnson also said that she had been in conversation with multiple entertainment venues about potentially requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend events.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday that the city would require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for people to come into indoor restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues starting Aug. 16.
Saturday, July 24, 2021
Friday, July 23, 2021
Milwaukee celebrates the Bucks with parade, party decades in the making
MILWAUKEE (AP/TMJ4) — Hundreds of thousands of people squeezed into the streets of downtown Milwaukee to catch a glimpse of the Milwaukee Bucks in a parade that celebrates the city’s first NBA championship in half a century.
The team’s ascendance has invigorated a Midwestern city that is far from the league’s more cosmopolitan venues, like Los Angeles or Boston. And fans have embraced NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who decided to stay with the team that selected him eight years ago with the 15th overall pick in the draft when he was just 18 years old.
- BUCKS BRING IT HOME: MORE COVERAGE
- See Thursday's Parade Route Here
- Bucks Fan Makes Laverne and Shirley-Inspired Video Of Giannis and Khris
- Bucks Fans Celebrate At Parade After 50-Year Wait For Championship [PHOTOS]
- Giannis Celebrates Championship With Live Trip To Chick-fil-A
The players and owners boarded five double-decker buses Thursday as they rolled through the heart of the city. They finished with a celebration outside Fiserv Forum in the city’s Deer District.
Read and see more: https://www.tmj4.com/sports/basketball/milwaukee-bucks/live-updates-milwaukee-celebrates-the-bucks-with-parade-party-decades-in-the-making
Thursday, July 22, 2021
3 people shot, 2 arrested, officer injured in Milwaukee during Bucks championship celebration
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| Photo by: TMJ4 |
MILWAUKEE — Over the entirety of the Bucks incredible playoff run and with hundreds of thousands of fans coming to the Deer District, very few issues happened. However, during game 6 when the Bucks won the championship, three people were shot, multiple arrests were made, and an officer was injured, according to Milwaukee Police.
Before the game finished around 8:30 p.m., fans breached a metal security gate at 400 W. Highland Ave. People rushed through and trampled over a police officer, officials said. The officer sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Thirty minutes later in the same location, a 21-year-old was arrested for possession of a gun.
During the post game celebration around 12:40 a.m, a shooting happened near the 200 block of E. Juneau Avenue. Multiple shots were fired and a victim was struck. Police said that the victim, a 19-year-old Wauwatosa woman, did not seem to be the intended target. She had non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. An 18-year-old male from Wauwatosa was taken into custody.
Minutes later, MPD said there was another shooting near the 200 block of E. Knapp Street. Multiple shots were fired hitting two people and multiple vehicles. Both victims, 22- and 32-year-old males, had non-life-threatening injuries. A 25-year-old Milwaukee man has been arrested, but police are looking for more suspects.
The circumstances leading up to both shootings are still under investigation.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Shooting reported on Water Street during Bucks championship celebration
MILWAUKEE — As fans were celebrating the Bucks NBA championship, multiple gunshots were heard near Water and Knapp Street.
TMJ4 Reporter Ben Jordan was on scene and reporting live as gun shots rang out from a parking lot near that intersection.
It is unclear if any people were injured or how many people were involved. One arrest was captured by our TMJ4 cameras.
There is no official word from police on this matter. We will update this story as we learn more.
Bucks bring it home: Milwaukee wins first championship since 1971
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo capped one of the greatest NBA Finals ever with 50 points — and a championship Milwaukee waited 50 years to win again.
Antetokounmpo had 50 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots as the Bucks beat the Phoenix Suns 105-98 on Tuesday night to win the series 4-2.
CHASING A CHAMPIONSHIP: MORE COVERAGE:
- The Legend Behind 'Bucks In Six' Explained
- Local Jeweler Giving Up To $5,000 In Refunds If Bucks Win Title
- No Saving Spots For Potential Bucks Championship Parade, DPW Says
- Bucks Expand Deer District To Fit Up To 65,000 Fans
- See All Stories At TMJ4.com/Bucks
It was the third game this series with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds for Antetokounmpo, a dominant performance that in just his first appearance takes its place among some of the game’s greats.
He shot 16 for 25 from the field and made 17-of-19 free throws.
Older updates:
10:00 p.m. -- All tied up with one quarter to play
With just one quarter left, the Suns are tied with the Bucks 77-77.
9:47 p.m. -- One MPD officer hurt at Deer District
MPD District 1 confirms to TMJ4 News that one MPD officer has so far suffered minor injuries from the crowd at Deer District. We'll update you as we learn more.
9:40 p.m. -- Bucks off to hot start in second half
On the strength of MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks went on a 16-8 run to start the second half to re-take the lead in Game 6.
Read and see more: https://www.tmj4.com/sports/basketball/milwaukee-bucks/live-updates-bucks-one-win-away-from-claiming-first-nba-title-in-50-years
Monday, July 19, 2021
Sunday, July 18, 2021
Bucks win Game 5 on the road, now one win from NBA Championship
PHOENIX (AP) — Jrue Holiday’s steal and alley-oop pass to Giannis Antetounmpo for a dunk sealed a wild Game 5 and gave the Milwaukee Bucks a 123-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Antetokounmpo had 32 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Khris Middleton added 29 points and Holiday had 27 points and 13 assists. Booker had 40 points for the Suns.
CHASING A CHAMPIONSHIP: MORE COVERAGE:
- 'It's Really Inspiring': Sheryl Crow Shares Love Of Bucks With TMJ4
- How The Milwaukee Bucks Got Their Nickname In 1968
- 'Buck Moon' Coming Day After Game 7 Of NBA Finals
- 50 Years Later: An Oral History Of The 1971 Championship Bucks
- See All Stories At TMJ4.com/Bucks
The Bucks shot their way out of an early 16-point hole but then won it by making a huge defensive play for the second straight game.
They can win their first title since 1971 in Milwaukee on Tuesday night.
Read and see more: https://www.tmj4.com/sports/basketball/milwaukee-bucks/live-updates-back-in-phoenix-back-to-even-suns-bucks-ready-for-game-5
Friday, July 16, 2021
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Wisconsin venues go cashless, offer options to visitors without plastic
From Fiserv Forum to Summerfest and Lambeau Field, popular destinations are turning to contactless purchases.
All three of the previous sites offer cash-to-card kiosks free of charge for people who do not have the plastic to pay.
"It’s a different way of doing business," said Lora Reinholz, an instructor of practice and finance at Marquette University.
Reinholz said transactions happen more quickly when people use plastic over paper, and in a pandemic, this approach offers another sense of cleanliness and security.
However, there are potential downsides if people do not have access to a card or are uncomfortable with the process.
"It does require I think a little bit more education from the different venues, such as Fiserv Forum, to let people know actually how to go about doing this, let them know that there are no costs, and also to let them know what they can do if they do have any balances remaining on the cards," Reinholz said.
Bucks officials said cards from their kiosks can also be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, as well as online purchases.
The Wisconsin State Fair is going cashless in some ways.
"For the 2021 Wisconsin State Fair, we will be going cashless for our admission entrances and parking entrances only," the fair's chief marketing officer, Jen Puente, stressed.
Tickets can be purchased with cash in advance at the ticket office or fair partners, including Bank Five Nine and Sentry Foods.
Puente said the choice to go cashless is in response to the pandemic and a way to help operations with less staff. More than 500 vendors at the state fair still have the option of accepting cash.
"Our vendors still have the option to take cash, because they are their own individual businesses," Puente said. "From some of our local mom-and-pop vendors to some of our bigger vendors that are here locally, or traveling exhibits, it would be really challenging for us to put those limitations on them for this year‘s fair."
No matter which destination you visit, it is best to check how they are handling transactions ahead of time.
Monday, July 12, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks beat Phoenix Suns in Game 3, win first NBA Finals game since 1974
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, and the Milwaukee Bucks pounded Phoenix 120-100, cutting the Suns’ lead to 2-1 in the NBA Finals.
The first Finals game in Milwaukee since 1974 went to the home team in a romp, with Antetokounmpo and the bigger Bucks overwhelming the smallish Suns to the tune of a 20-2 advantage in second-chance points.
Game 4 is Wednesday night, with the series now guaranteed to go back to Phoenix afterward.
Read and see more: https://www.tmj4.com/sports/basketball/milwaukee-bucks/live-updates-milwaukee-bucks-down-0-2-against-phoenix-suns-look-for-life-at-home-in-game-3
Sunday, July 11, 2021
The city is buzzing with excitement as the global spotlight shifts on Milwaukee
Many downtown hotels begin to book out for the week ahead of the NBA Finals
Business is booming throughout downtown as visitors begin to settle in ahead of Game 3.
Hotel Metro and Aloft Milwaukee Downtown are among the many hotels that are fully booked this weekend. The Pfister Hotel has some last-minute rooms available but managing director, Tim Smith, says they're expected to fill quickly.
"Last summer obviously with the DNC that didn’t happen and so forth, that was definitely the low point for our industry here in Milwaukee but this is definitely the high point," said Smith.
Fan, Sean Thomson, grew up in Milwaukee but left years ago to attend college. The moment he realized his home team had made it to the finals he quickly booked a flight home.
"As soon as we saw they won game six against the Hawks it was an instant phone call like I’m coming back we got to go to the game," said Thomson.
Thomson saw the excitement building from the moment he stepped onto his plane. "I actually talked Bucks with the flight attendants and there were a couple of other bucks fans."
Returning back he's stunned to see how far the downtown Deer District area has come.
"The best thing about it is just coming here and seeing how the city has changed in just a few short years since I haven’t come back and it’s like it’s amazing. It’s sprawling with amazing entertainment and you can tell the city is really just buzzing."
Friday, July 9, 2021
Racine's Monument Square will transform into 'Deer District Racine' for remaining NBA Finals games
RACINE — For the remainder of the NBA Finals, Monument Square in Racine will become “Deer District Racine.”
The City of Racine and the Bucks made the announcement Thursday, just hours before Game 2 between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns taking place in Arizona.
The watch party started on a whim. Last week, “Pub on Wisconsin” was holding a bags tournament in the park and they brought TVs so that they didn’t miss the Bucks action.
The idea gained traction and now for the rest of the finals, watch parties will be held on the square.
CHASING A CHAMPIONSHIP: MORE COVERAGE:
- Live Updates: Bucks Take On Suns In Game 2 Of NBA Finals
- NBA Finals Schedule Set: Here's When To Watch The Bucks
- Bucks To Open Fiserv Forum For Watch Parties During Away Games
- Street Closures, Parking Restrictions In Place During NBA Finals Games
- NBA Finals Tickets For Fiserv Forum Averaging $750
- 50 Years Later: An Oral History Of The 1971 Championship Bucks
Racine County resident Magda Gabbey said she was happy to have the event so close.
“I think this is really awesome. It’s great for the kids and it’s something to do in our city, so it’s good," said Gabbey.
Racine resident Debra Turner sees the watch party as a turning point against the pandemic.
“It’s showing that the pandemic is not over, but it’s almost over, and we can socialize,” Turner said.
The city plans to add food trucks to the upcoming events. The parties will be held every game day weather permitting.
The remaining NBA Finals Schedule is as follows:
- Game 3: Sunday, July 11 | Phoenix at Milwaukee, 7 CT, ABC
- Game 4: Wednesday, July 14 | Phoenix at Milwaukee, 8 CT, ABC
- Game 5: Saturday, July 17 | Milwaukee at Phoenix, 8 CT, ABC (if necessary)
- Game 6: Tuesday, July 20 | Phoenix at Milwaukee, 8 CT, ABC (if necessary)
- Game 7: Thursday, July 22 | Milwaukee at Phoenix, 8 CT, ABC (if necessary)
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Bucks donate two player signed balls to city of Racine vaccine prize drawing
RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Get vaccinated and you could win a Milwaukee Bucks' signed basketball.
The Bucks announced they teamed up with the city of Racine with the donation to encourage support vaccination efforts.
“The Bucks are proud to support the City and County’s efforts to vaccinate their residents. As we head into the NBA finals and look forward to our fans filling Fiserv Forum, and thousands more joining us outside in Deer District to watch the game, we recognize that the COVID-19 vaccine is key to hosting these great events in person, in Milwaukee. We encourage Racine County residents to get vaccinated, to get entered to win a signed ball, and join us in Deer District to support the Bucks in the NBA Finals,” said Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin.
As a reminder, Racine County residents can enter the drawing by getting vaccinated through July 17. The city and county have the goal of getting 3,000 more County residents vaccinated in the 30 days between the drawing’s announcement on June 17 and its conclusion on July 17.
There are more prizes to win! The city and county have each donated $5,000 ($10,000 total) and will give out 66 prizes through a random drawing that will occur on July 20. The drawing is open to anyone who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine – those under 18 need parental consent. To enter the prize drawing, vaccine eligible residents must get vaccinated at one of the following locations:
- AMI’s Regency Mall Vaccination Clinic;
- City of Racine’s Vaccination Clinic at City Hall;
- Other City of Racine-sponsored ‘pop up vaccination clinics’ that may become available.
“I thank Peter and the Milwaukee Bucks for partnering with us to help encourage our community to get vaccinated. The Bucks are the Eastern Conference Champions, headed into the NBA Finals, and having the donated signed basketballs is really great. Everyone eligible to get vaccinated can sign up to win one of these great prizes, including now one of these signed basketballs, so please, get vaccinated before July 17th to get entered to win,” said City of Racine Mayor Cory Mason.
The 66 prizes include the following, valued at a total of $10,000; the full list of prizes is available at VaccinateRacine.org:
- IPads
- Chromebooks
- One month rent (up to $700, paid directly to landlord)
- $100 towards utility bill of winner’s choice (paid directly to the utility)
- Weber propane gas grill
- $50 gas cards
- $50 grocery cards
- 65″ Smart TVs
- Lunch with the Mayor
Full details can be found HERE.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Sterling Brown's lawyer calls city's $400,000 offer to settle false arrest case an abuse of the litigation process
Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Friday, May 25, 2018
"Candidates respond to Sterling Brown incident, Bryce, Myers critical of police actions"
RACINE COUNTY — The release of a video on Wednesday of an incident between Milwaukee Bucks player Sterling Brown and the Milwaukee Police Department has received nationwide attention and some local candidates have weighed in on the topic.
In January, Brown was approached by police for illegally parking horizontally across several spaces in a Walgreens parking lot in Milwaukee around 2 a.m.
The body camera from one police officer shows several officers around Brown and asking him to take his hands out of his pockets. Shortly after that, Brown was tackled to the ground, and a police officer clearly yells “Taser, Taser,Taser.” A moment after that, Brown is heard groaning while being shot with a stun gun.
During a press conference, MPD Chief Alfonso Morales apologized to Brown and said the officers “acted inappropriately.”
The incident has caused multiple officers to be suspended.
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/candidates-respond-to-sterling-brown-incident-bryce-myers-critical-of/article_69259923-b614-5609-8264-0f4c7f37a113.html
Wtf is the matter with the police? See next video for more police use of excessive force.
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