Tony Meier added 17 points, and was 5 for 7 beyond the arc; Rob Jeter’s Panthers (18-12, 10-7 in Horizon) close out the regular season Saturday against last-place Loyola (Ill,)

Behind the career-high 33 point performance of Matt Gatens, the host took control early and often and led by double digits; as usual, the Badgers fought back but could never get over the hump.

Josh Gasser and Ryan Evans topped UW with 14 points apiece.  The Badgers have to finish the season at No. 8 Ohio State on Sunday.

Click HERE to see the Associated Press’ version.

Beyond having his good name and reputation restored (at least for the most part, no thanks to ESPN leaking the story in December), the Brewers won’t have to try and defend their division championship without the National League’s reigning MVP.

Questions remain, however; not the least of which is how Braun could have been put in such a difficult situation.  What about the validity of Major League Baseball’s testing process-one agreed to by the players as well as the owners?

Perhaps as time unfolds, we’ll know the answers; some of them should be forthcoming in Ryan’s news conference in Arizona on Friday at noon Milwaukee time.

In the meantime, gnashing of teeth among those in Brewer Nation has been replaced by excitement; the face of the franchise maintained his innocence all along; now he has the backing to prove it.

CLICK HERE to read more on the Braun announcement.

CLICK HERE to see responses on Twitter re: Braun’s exoneration.

CLICK HERE to read Braun’s statement after the announcement Thursday.

CLICK HERE to read a statement from the Brewers.

The Panthers (18-12), who close out the regular season Saturday against last-place Loyola (Ill.), are tied with Detroit and Youngstown State for fourth place at 10-7 in the Horizon, one game-behind Butler and Cleveland State, who share second place at 11-6. The top two teams earn first-round byes in the conference tournament.

Tony Meier added 17 points and Ryan Allen had 11 for Milwaukee, which hit 14 of 25 3-pointers en route to its eighth straight victory over Chicago. Meier was 5 for 7 beyond the arc while Williams hit 4 of 7 3-pointers.

The Flames (8-20, 3-14) got 17 points from Marc Brown, 13 from Hayden Humes and 11 each from Gary Talton and Darrin Williams.

It was the second straight career-high for Gatens, who had 30 points in Iowa’s win over then-No. 18 Indiana on Sunday.

Wisconsin (20-8, 9-6 Big Ten) lost for just the third time in 11 games. The Badgers got within 65-63 on Jordan Taylor’s layup with 4 seconds left, but Gatens made two free throws to cap his brilliant night for the Hawkeyes (15-13, 7-8).

Taylor’s meaningless 3-pointer at the buzzer was the closest the Badgers would get in the second half.

Josh Gasser and Ryan Evans each had 14 points for Wisconsin, which never led and got swept by Iowa in the regular season for the first time since 1994-95.

This comes on the heels of Aurora Health Care announcing it also wants to offer a health insurance plan. These insurance plans would be available to businesses that would make a commitment to a health system exclusively in exchange for lower costs.

The move by these systems to offer health insurance coverage in conjunction with insurance companies is a result of national health care reform.

For more on this story, check out the Milwaukee Business Journal website by CLICKING HERE.

Generac Holdings Inc. was founded in 1959 and was the first to engineer affordable home standby generators, along with the first engine developed specifically for the rigors of generator use.  Generac Holdings now sells more home standby generators than all other competitors combined.

Generac Holdings Inc. has consistently grown even through economic struggles. Their consistent success in 2011 allowed them to provide 400 new jobs at all Generac locations and 70 new jobs at their newly-purchased company.

The Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) program recognizes industries all of sizes that contribute to the state of Wisconsin. The winners of the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award were selected by an independent panel of judges representing education, industry, and the public sector.

For additional information, click here.

Last year, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was sworn into office with a promise: no tax increases, and a problem: a huge budget deficit. Wisconsin had a $3.6 billion budget deficit, and Walker proposed closing the gap with massive cuts to education and new demands on union workers, including effectively ending collective bargaining for most public employees. That, of course, touched off a year of political turmoil in Wisconsin.

At the same time, Illinois was dealing with its own fiscal meltdown.

In Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn confronted a fiscal mess four times as large – a $13 billion deficit, including $6 billion in unpaid bills to social service agencies, schools and contractors. His plan was equally controversial: raising taxes by an unheard of 67 percent, and borrowing $3.7 billion to fund the pension system.

Illinois Republicans predicted a mass exodus of businesses.

Illinois tourists bring millions of dollars across the border every year. However, this year, when they get to the state line, they see a new sign: “Wisconsin is open for business.” That’s the slogan Walker unveiled in his victory speech on election night, and it is the phrase that defines his pro-business agenda. Walker made it clear the state is open for businesses to come to the state from Illinois. “They see not only higher taxes, they see dysfunction in Springfield, and they see a government that can’t get their act together, that’s out of control, that has no solutions, that has no long-term plan and they want to get out,” Walker said.

Walker admits his policies haven’t exactly brought political stability to Wisconsin either. “There’s a difference. I would say temporary political instability, if it leads to long-term fiscal sanity and economic security is worth it,” Walker said.

In the year since the Illinois tax hike, Walker has rarely missed an opportunity to publicly criticize Quinn’s course of action. Governor Quinn says the fiscal house was burning, and Democratic lawmakers say raising taxes was the only choice they had.

Outspoken Illinois Democratic State Senator Mike Jacobs says Walker’s plan to lure businesses from Illinois is upsetting. “I thought it was ridiculous because some of the people escaped from Wisconsin to my area to hide out from their own governor. What kind of political system are we living in that legislators feel so threatened by their own governor that they need to abandon their state?” Jacobs said.

The Illinois tax hikes gave the state a seven percent corporate income tax rate, putting it just below Wisconsin’s 7.9 percent rate. “Illinois, even with our increase, has the lowest overall effective tax rate on new investments in the country,” Jacobs said.

Illinois actually has one of the highest rates in the country, because it requires businesses to pay an additional 2.5 percent “personal property replacement” tax. “They say it’s seven percent versus 7.9 percent, that is failing. It ignores that there’s a 2.5 percent surcharge that is put on every corporation in the state,” Walker said.

However, the baseline rate is something different than the effective rate. Almost two-thirds of the businesses in Illinois don’t pay the top rate. “The interesting thing has been in the last couple of months, the debate in Springfield has been about going back and carving out exemptions for businesses like a Sears, Motorola and down the line. For us, that shows how bad of an idea it was in the first place,” Walker said.

Those are companies that threatened to leave Illinois, but didn’t, because Illinois offered side deals. One business that did bolt across the border is the online savings company FatWallet.com. “It was really about getting to Wisconsin and getting to a more small-business-friendly atmosphere,” Ryan Washatka, COO of FatWallet.com said.

The 12-year-old company with 55 employees moved to Wisconsin from Illinois to get away from tax increases. “In a quick time frame, we had to find a different state to work in,” Washatka said.

The company left behind a brand new building, which now sits vacant in Rockton, Illinois. The company moved its operations, employees and tax revenue five miles north to Beloit. “Small business is going to go where it can flourish. We weren’t just going to sit back and play victim to the policies and procedures that were being put on us,” Washatka said.

Neither Illinois, nor Wisconsin could provide a list of all the businesses that have moved over the last year, but it has happened both ways. Hotel Compete, for example, moved its operations from Glendale, Wisconsin, to downtown Chicago.

Jacobs says midwestern states should work together and craft a regional approach to economic development. “We’re not competing against Iowa or Indiana. We’re competing with those people across the pond. Until we realize that, our kids are going to be speaking Chinese. No one’s ever going to be speaking Wisconsin-ease,” Jacobs said.

“We shouldn’t ignore, when you’ve got such a compelling argument about where one state is headed forward, and one state is headed backwards, we think that’s an issue. We should not be afraid to tell the story,” Walker said.

Walker points to a stream of bad news about Illinois’ economic policies. In January, Moody’s lowered Illinois’ credit rating, giving the Land of Lincoln the lowest rate of any state in the country, including California. “There is no state worse when it comes to a bond rating than the state of Illinois. In contrast, Moody’s called (Wisconsin’s) budget credit positive. It is an amazing contrast just a few miles apart,” Walker said.

Pew Center on the States recently ranked Illinois as the state with the worst-funded pension system in the country.

“While the governor of Wisconsin is fighting with his own people, and losing thousands of jobs, we in Illinois have acted like adults and done what we’ve had to do, and that’s increase the tax. As a result, people said the world was going to end, and it didn’t,” Jacobs said.

Senator Jacobs may be right. In each of the last six months for which statistics are available, Wisconsin has lost jobs, leading the nation in that category, while Illinois has been leading the nation in job growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers from September to October of last year, show Wisconsin dropped 9,700 jobs, while Illinois added 30,000. “We’ve seen more permits to open new businesses this year than any year we’ve ever had,” Jacobs said.

Wisconsin and Illinois are tough to compare, as the population of the Chicago metropolitan area is almost twice as large as the entire population of Wisconsin.

Political observers say there’s no question Walker is a tough and smart politician, but Jacobs says the 44-year-old governor’s penchant for picking fights, whether it’s with unions or with Illinois, could end up being his political downfall. “I think you really ought to have grey around your temples, and learn to deal with people and not get into a situation where you’re fighting with everybody, or you begin to look like a mad dog. What happens when you look like a mad dog? Eventually, you get shot down,” Jacobs said.

Within a month, we may know whether Governor Walker will have to defend his policies in a recall election. In many ways, the campaign has already begun.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn refused FOX6′s requests for an interview for this story.

Braun tested positive in October for elevated testosterone, and ESPN revealed the positive test in December. The decision in favor of Braun is significant because it is the first time baseball player successfully challenged a drug-related penalty in a grievance.

Thursday was the first day fans could begin camping out at Miller Park to get tickets for next season. Tickets go on sale Saturday, and for fans at Miller Park, the news about Braun made it feel like a win in the books before the season even starts!

Even Milwaukee in February can be a warmer place with good friends and good news! Thursday afternoon, fans camping out for Brewers tickets got word their National League MVP would not have to serve a 50-game suspension. “I was really excited! The place went nuts!” one fan at Miller Park said.

Janis Kling doesn’t call Braun the MVP. She calls him the reason she goes to Miller Park! “I was so relieved because that’s who I go to see! We were at his first game – the first game he played, my daughter and me, and we both said, ‘that’s our guy!’” Kling said.

This good news provided just a little more warmth for fans camping out in the cold Thursday night, as the boys of summer will return soon, including the man called one of baseball’s best.

CLICK HERE to read more about Thursday’s announcement.

CLICK HERE to read Twitter messages regarding Braun’s arbitration decision.

CLICK HERE to read Ryan Braun’s statement Thursday.

CLICK HERE to read a statement from the Brewers.

The ruling came down Thursday afternoon, and the phone lines began buzzing on local sports radio. Callers say they’re thrilled with the decision, but some radio hosts say they’re still skeptical.

Sports Radio 1250 delivers the big news to rush-hour drivers. Hosts Josh Vermier, Gary Ellerson and Leroy Butler took calls from elated Brewers fans Thursday. “I think all Brewers fans have been waiting for this,” Ellerson said.

Callers said Thursday they’re thrilled #8 will be playing on Opening Day. “Without Ryan Braun, it’s an average, at best, line up. Now, it’s something that we could make a case that it’s the best in the National League Central,” Vermier said.

Despite Thursday’s ruling, “The Big Show” isn’t going easy on Braun. The hosts talked about some reports that Braun only won his appeal because of a chain-of-custody dispute. “I don’t know that you can completely say that he’s innocent,” Ellerson said. “He was found innocent really on a technicality, rather than being exonerated through facts,” Vermier said.

“The Big Show” guys say Brewers fans are ready to move on. “Ryan Braun is our guy. We’ll wrap our arms around him and we’ll move on from there,” Ellerson said.

Outside the state of Wisconsin, they predict not all baseball fans will let this go. “He’s going to take the heckling from a lot of fans, just like the people in Milwaukee did to Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa,” Vermier said.

At Miller Park, they expect Braun will always get a warm reception. It’s Wrigley Field they’re concerned about.

At the end of the day, they say what matters is Braun will be playing, and they say having that one player, raises the team from a good team to a borderline great team next season.

CLICK HERE to read more on the Braun announcement.

CLICK HERE to see responses on Twitter re: Braun’s exoneration.

CLICK HERE to read Braun’s statement after the announcement Thursday.

CLICK HERE to read a statement from the Brewers.

The following statement was issued by Chairman and Principal Owner Mark Attanasio on behalf of the Milwaukee Brewers:

“Since joining our organization in 2005, Ryan Braun has been a model citizen and a person of character and integrity.  Knowing Ryan as I do, I always believed he would succeed in his appeal.

“I also want to reiterate my support for Major League Baseball’s strict substance testing program.  It is unfortunate that the confidentiality of the program was compromised, and we thank our fans and everyone who supported Ryan and did not rush to judgment.

“The team is looking forward to seeing Ryan in camp Friday. With this now behind us, we return our focus to the ballpark and defending our NL Central Division title.

CLICK HERE to read more about the announcement regarding Braun Thursday.

CLICK HERE to read Braun’s statement.

CLICK HERE to see Twitter messages following Thursday’s announcement.

CLICK HERE to see fan reaction at Miller Park.

“I am very pleased and relieved by today’s decision.

“It is the first step in restoring my good name and reputation. We were able to get through this because I am innocent and the truth is on our side.

“We provided complete cooperation throughout, despite the highly unusual circumstances.

“I have been an open book, willing to share details from every aspect of my life as part of this investigation, because I have nothing to hide. I have passed over 25 drug tests in my career, including at least three in the past year.

“I would like to thank my family and friends, my teammates, the Brewers organization led by Mark Attanasio, Doug Melvin, Gord Ash and Ron Roenicke, and other players around the league who have expressed their support and our great fans in Milwaukee and around the country who stuck by me and did not rush to judgment.

“I’d also like to offer special thanks to Michael Weiner and the Players Association for believing in me since day one and to my attorneys.

“I’d like to thank my agent Nez Balelo and Terry Prince of CAA Sports and Matthew Hiltzik of Hiltzik Strategies for all of their help and counsel through the process.

“This is not just about one person, but about all current and future players, and thankfully, today the process worked.

“Despite the challenges of this adversarial process, I do appreciate the professionalism demonstrated by the Panel Chair and the Office of the Commissioner.

“As I said before, I’ve always loved and had so much respect for the game of baseball.

“Everything I’ve done in my career has been with that respect and appreciation in mind.

“I look forward to finally being able to speak to the fans and the media on Friday and then returning the focus to baseball and working with my Brewers teammates on defending our National League Central title.”

Braun tested positive in October for elevated testosterone, and ESPN revealed the positive test in December. The decision in favor of Braun is significant because it is the first time baseball player successfully challenged a drug-related penalty in a grievance.

CLICK HERE to read Ryan Braun’s statement on Thursday’s decision.

CLICK HERE to read a statement from the Brewers.

“Today the arbitration panel announced its decision, by a 2-1 vote, to sustain Ryan Braun’s grievance challenging his 50-game suspension by the commissioner’s office,” a statement from the players’ association said.

Major League Baseball Executive Vice President for Labor Relations Rob Manfred issued the following statement today:

“Major League Baseball considers the obligations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program essential to the integrity of our game, our Clubs and all of the players who take the field. It has always been Major League Baseball’s position that no matter who tests positive, we will exhaust all avenues in pursuit of the appropriate discipline. We have been true to that position in every instance, because baseball fans deserve nothing less.

“As a part of our drug testing program, the Commissioner’s Office and the Players Association agreed to a neutral third party review for instances that are under dispute. While we have always respected that process, Major League Baseball vehemently disagrees with the decision rendered today by arbitrator Shyam Das.”

An evidentiary hearing on Braun’s appeal was held Jan. 19-20 in New York, ending the day before the player accepted the NL MVP award at a black-tie dinner.

“We provided complete cooperation throughout, despite the highly unusual circumstances. I have been an open book, willing to share details from every aspect of my life as part of this investigation, because I have nothing to hide,” Braun said in his statement. “I have passed over 25 drug tests in my career, including at least three in the past year.”

Braun was expected to arrive at spring training in Arizona Thursday afternoon. FOX6′s Tim Van Vooren is in Arizona — and will have much more information as soon as it becomes available.

Braun is the reigning National League Most Valuable Player. He hit .312 with 33 homers and 111 RBIs last year and led Milwaukee to the NL championship series, where the Brewers lost to the eventual World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers are counting on his offense following the departure of Prince Fielder, who became a free agent and signed with the Detroit Tigers.

Braun already was signed through 2015 when the Brewers gave him a new deal running through 2020 that added $105 million and guaranteed him a total of $145.5 million over a decade.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.

Take a look at a few of the tweets posted Thursday afternoon.

MLB and cable sports tried to sully the reputation of an innocent man. Picked the wrong guy to mess with. Truth will set u free
#exonerated—
Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) February 23, 2012

All I can say is that Braun has exemplary character is continuing to handle this in an unbelievable manner. #ThereBetterBeSomeApologies—
John Axford (@JohnAxford) February 23, 2012

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Great News for Brew Crew!!! The Hammer has been exonerated!!!—
Nyjer Morgan – T Dot (@TheRealTPlush) February 23, 2012

Happy for my friend Ryan Braun. EXONERATED by the TRUTH!!—
Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) February 23, 2012

I know the Nation is excited bout the Great news for the Brew City!!!—
Nyjer Morgan – T Dot (@TheRealTPlush) February 23, 2012

I'll let my buddy take it from here. All u idiots talking about technicality open up for some crow too. See if Espn gets pressured not to..—
Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) February 23, 2012

…let the people hear the truth. Should get interesting.
#exonerated
#shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh—
Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) February 23, 2012

good news for baseball today braun is clean now lets move on and have fun—
Ozzie Guillen (@OzzieGuillen) February 23, 2012

Good news for #RyanBraun, the @Brewers, and Milwaukee! How soon is Opening Day?!—
Tom Barrett (@Barrett4WI) February 23, 2012

BREAKING: @Brewers OF Ryan Braun has won his appeal challenging his 50-game suspension by the Commissioner's Office.—
  (@MLB) February 23, 2012

Daniel Barrios-Perez is charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.

According to the criminal complaint, Perez admitted to speeding along Forest Home Avenue back on November 22nd. He also admitted the car belonged to his mother, and he took it without her permission.

Witnesses told police they saw Perez and another driver racing up to 60 miles-an-hour along Forest Home Avenue, where the speed limit is just 30 miles-an-hour.

At the 34th Street intersection, Perez crashed into another car, killing 58-year-old Barbara McIntosh of Waukesha. The complaint says McIntosh died of multiple blunt force trauma injuries.

Perez did wait at the scene for police to arrive. Perez now awaits his preliminary hearing in adult criminal court.

Bond for Perez was kept at $10,000, although he is not in custody.

Investigators say the girl’s stepmother, Melinda Drabek-Chritton and father, Chad Chritton forced the girl to live in their basement and denied her food.

The father and stepmother have been charged with child abuse, reckless endangerment and child neglect. The 18-year-old stepbrother, Joshua Drabek, has been charged with sexually assaulting the girl.

Preliminary hearings were set for Thursday for all three, but Judge Amy Smith postponed the proceedings for the father and stepmother because neither has hired an attorney yet.

In court Thursday, Chritton said he’d like to help investigators. “I’ve been wanting to sit with police to help their investigation, but because of my learning disability and comprehension disabilities, I wanted to have an attorney present,” Chritton said.

The judge granted Chritton and Drabek-Chritton another week to find attorneys. Drabek-Chritton wiped away tears as she was wheeled into the courtroom.

The stepbrother waived his right to his hearing. His attorney declined to comment.

A fund has been created for the victim in this case — set up by her biological family. CLICK HERE to learn how you can help.

For more information on this child abuse and neglect case, click here.

The 36-year-old victim told police the suspect followed her into a restroom in the Lake building of the Gateway campus just before noon on Tuesday, February 21st. He then sexually assaulted her and left. The woman spoke with FOX6 Wednesday about the incident. She says though she knows the suspect is locked up, she’s still scared to get on the bus to go to school at Gateway.

The woman told FOX6 it all started when the suspect approached her at a bus stop as she was heading to Gateway. She says the man saw her Gateway ID and rode his bicycle to the college. There, he tracked her down. “I went into a building, went to the bathroom, and he followed me right in there, and then started attacking me,” the woman told FOX6.

The woman says the man pulled her pants down and sexually assaulted her. “I was too scared to do anything. Gateway is supposed to make us feel safe, and I don’t feel safe,” the woman said.

Officers were able to get a detailed description of the bicycle used by the Cephus.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22nd, an investigator spotted a person who closely matched the description of the suspect, riding a bicycle matching the suspect’s, in the area of State St. and North Memorial Dr. 26-year-old Ronald Cephus was stopped and transported to the Racine Police Department. Cephus has been taken into custody and is considered a person of interest in this incident.

Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information that you may have about this crime. You are urged to call the Racine Police Department at 262-635-7700 and ask for the Investigations Unit, or Crimestoppers at 262-636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message.

The Gateway campus has been notified of this incident, and many of the students are how questioning how secure the college is. “This is supposed to be a safe, positive environment, and now I have to watch and look over my back,” one student said.

Campus administration says this is the first serious incident to happen on campus in at least two decades. In addition to security cameras, they’ve brought on additional staff to patrol the campus.

Despite the added security, the victim who was studying for a cosmetology degree says her dream may have ended with the attack, unless the school adopts an ID check procedure.

Edwin Almestica of Milwaukee has been charged with one count of first degree reckless homicide, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

Cudahy police say 19-year-old Dawid Opalinski was killed via a gunshot wound to the chest during a party at a home. The medical examiner pronounced Opalinski dead at the scene, after police and fire officials attempted to revive him unsuccessfully.

According to the criminal complaint in this case, police interviewed a woman who said there was a party at a residence, and Opalinski and Almestica were at the party. The woman told police Opalinski was talking with a man, when he was approached by Almestica and a scuffle ensued, during which Opalinski apparently punched Almestica in the face. The woman told police she heard a “pop,” and saw a “red spot” on Opalinski’s chest and realized he had been shot. The woman says Almestica then fled the residence.

Police also interviewed a man, who said Opalinski was upset towards the end of this party, and mentioned he was about to punch Almestica in the face. The man told police Almestica came through the door wielding a small handgun, and pointed it at Opalinski, before he heard a “pop.” The man says he was shoulder to shoulder with Opalinski when he was shot.

Police also have a 21-year-old man in custody and say they will be seeking charges of second degree recklessly endangering safety.

The shooting took place inside the residence around 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Police say a party was being held at the home.

Cudahy police were assisted by officers from St. Francis and South Milwaukee as well as the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Thursday, the Milwaukee Common Council’s Finance and Personnel Committee approved the $2 million civil settlement for Jude, and the money to pay for it.

The 2004 incident happened in Bay View. The off-duty officers accused Jude of stealing a police badge at the party, after he and some friends came to the party uninvited.

Three former officers, who plead “not guilty” to civil rights violations are still in prison, with about 10 more years to serve. Three other former officers, who plead “guilty,” have served their time and have been released.

The Finance and Personnel Committee authorized up to $2 million of contingent borrowing to pay for the settlement. The budget director says the city may be able to finance it internally, and avoid interest cost.

“We believe the immediate impact, in terms of any new borrowing or additional debt service will be relatively limited and managed because of some refinancing activity that is going on,” Milwaukee Budget Director Mark Nicolini said.

Once the civil settlement is done, there is still an issue stemming from the beating that the city must address: claims for legal fees by the former officers.

State law says if an employee is acting within the scope of their employment, the governmental employer is liable to pay any judgement. Only two officers were actually on duty at the time of the incident. Six were off-duty – claiming they put themselves on duty in search of the alleged theft of a police badge.

No badge was ever found.