AGP Executive Report

State Fair Wrap-Up: Wisconsin State Fair’s final day in West Allis drew big crowds and a calmer scene than last year’s flood shutdown, with vendors and fairgoers pointing to strong food lines and a “good music, good food” vibe. Public Safety: Police say an officer was punched and multiple fights broke out late Sunday near Spin City, prompting calls for extra help. Milwaukee Politics & Elections: Milwaukee Election Commission again faced late-night ballot-count delays tied to a simple extraction error at Central Count; officials say results weren’t affected, but the recurring hiccups keep fueling scrutiny. Democratic Primary Aftermath: “Inside Wisconsin Politics” and related coverage zero in on David Crowley’s comeback win over Francesca Hong and what it means for the general election. Sports & Local Colleges: UWM Club Football was abruptly told to revoke its tackle format after a safety review, while Milwaukee’s Panthers rolled past UNI 4-0 and Northwestern fell to Milwaukee in a preseason volleyball matchup. Legal Fight Over Betting: Novig sued Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul over whether sports prediction markets should be treated as federal derivatives or state gambling.

Wisconsin Politics: A new Badger Battleground poll puts Gov. hopeful David Crowley ahead of Tom Tiffany, 48% to 44% among likely voters, with independents leaning Crowley 42% to 30%. FoodShare Fight: The Assembly advanced bills aimed at tightening FoodShare rules—one would push DHS to seek a federal waiver to block candy and soft drinks, while another would require FoodShare data reporting to the USDA. Public Safety & Health Policy: Lawmakers also moved measures tied to nursing-facility admissions by patient representatives and funding for identity verification in unemployment claims. PFAS & Environment: Multiple PFAS-related bills cleared the Assembly, including new programs and enforcement exemptions, plus a statewide battery collection and recycling funding plan. Local News: Milwaukee County is asking for help identifying a man found dead in Lake Michigan near Bay View Park. Business/Tech: A proposed FTC deal could expand access to John Deere repair software and tools for farmers and independent repair providers.

Election Watch: A new look at Wisconsin’s Democratic governor primary says the polling miss came largely from modeling the electorate too young—Crowley’s late surge helped him win by 0.5% after trailing by up to 29 points. 3rd District Stakes: The Cooke vs. Van Orden rematch in Wisconsin’s 3rd is already a major money race, with the seat seen as a potential swing piece for House control. Public Safety: A man was beaten outside a Milwaukee south-side pizza shop; police arrested a suspect. Crime Lab & Attorney General: Eric Toney campaigned in Eau Claire, pushing faster state crime-lab testing as he rematches AG Josh Kaul. Wildlife & Safety: DNR says helmet and seatbelt use are key factors in Wisconsin’s deadly ATV/UTV crashes. Arts & Culture: A Picasso etching stolen in 2018 was found in a vacant Milwaukee apartment and returned to the owner. Local Government & Storm Cleanup: Fox Valley residents warn of unsolicited contractors and price-gouging after storm damage. Sports: The Brewers made a quiet 4-year signing move during the Dodgers series.

Statehouse Watch: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced a stack of bills with big local impact, including AB839 to let the Town of Three Lakes create a tax incremental district under city/village rules, AB963 to tighten social media rules for minors (age checks, parental consent, and limits on addictive features), and AB131 to expand PFAS testing and grant programs while setting limits on enforcement. Public Safety & Health: The Natural Resources Board approved a wolf management plan that allows DNR to prorate wolf-attack payments due to a possible funding shortfall, while Wisconsin health officials continue to respond to a growing measles situation. Food & Families: The Wisconsin State Fair’s Sporkies crowned the Birria Flamin’ Bombs as best new food, even as some fair food winners sparked controversy; meanwhile, FoodShare restrictions targeting candy and soft drinks moved through the legislature, with votes split along party lines. Milwaukee & Community: Sherman Park marks 10 years since the 2016 uprising, with residents and leaders pointing to both public safety tensions and long-running disinvestment. Weather: Southeast Wisconsin is looking at small rain chances this weekend, with warmer, humid conditions Sunday.

Milwaukee Police: Police are asking for help finding critically missing 11-year-old Kylah Allen, last seen Friday near Sherman and Glendale. Art Crime: A Picasso etching stolen from a Milwaukee gallery in 2018 was found in a vacant apartment by a landlord; police say the investigation continues. Courts: Judge Chris Taylor was sworn in to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, giving Democrats a 5-2 majority. Public Safety: Wisconsin leads the nation in fatal ATV/UTV crashes, with most victims not wearing seatbelts or helmets. Environment & Water: North-central river levels are dropping fast as drought persists, and freshwater mussels face higher risk as streams shrink. Health: Wisconsin confirmed a measles outbreak tied to Iowa County, with additional cases expected; officials urge people to check vaccination status. Politics: After the Democratic primary, David Crowley heads to face Tom Tiffany in November, with campaign focus on affordability and data centers. Local Governance & Privacy: Milwaukee’s use of car tracking cameras is under scrutiny as Flock Safety rolls out tighter safeguards. Business & Accountability: Wisconsin Cheese Group was sentenced to probation and fined $237,500 for Clean Water Act violations. Sports & Community: Wisconsin State Fair youth livestock auction raised $403,000 through the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction.

Milwaukee Election Glitch: A Milwaukee election worker pressed the wrong tabulator button during absentee results download, sending audit logs instead of vote totals on five of nine flash drives and delaying primary results. Lake Michigan Access Fight: A Shorewood resident’s appeal over whether the public can walk between the water’s edge and the ordinary high-water mark heads to a county court decision. Health Care Costs: A new report says Wisconsin hospitals charge 25.6% more than Illinois for the same in-person services, pointing to consolidation and weaker competition. Education & Safety: Surveillance footage was released from the June 30 Lincoln Avenue School fire that destroyed the building; officials say chemical-soaked rags sparked spontaneous combustion. Politics & Taxes: Multiple lawmakers took votes on bills tied to tax incremental districts, overtime deductions, theft-loss income tax subtractions, and appointive office vacancy rules. Art & Crime: A Picasso etching stolen from a Milwaukee gallery in 2018 was found in a vacant apartment and recognized by the owner. Local Life: The Wisconsin State Fair marks 175 years rooted in farm families, and a Milwaukee seniors event (“Senior Stacks & Stories”) offers a free pancake breakfast and conversation.

Politics & Power: David Crowley’s Democratic win over Francesca Hong is already sparking fresh fights over Milwaukee’s primary-night process, with claims of election-system “audit log” exports instead of results and renewed scrutiny of how the vote was handled. Public Health: Wisconsin DHS says the measles outbreak is growing fast—15 confirmed cases and 6 probable—after new reports tied to Iowa and Lafayette counties, with officials warning more exposures are likely. State Government & Economy: UW Regents will vote next week on the 2027-29 budget proposal aimed at workforce growth, including “Tech for Tomorrow” and “Accelerate Wisconsin.” Local Safety: Milwaukee police are asking for help finding a critically missing 28-year-old woman, and they’re also investigating a brutal beating outside Beto’s Pizza. Environment & Weather: Drought continues to worsen in Michigan, with the Upper Peninsula near the Wisconsin border hit hardest. Sports & Community: Topgolf opens its first Wisconsin location in Monona, and Dunkin’ kicks off its 13th annual “Cop on a Rooftop” fundraiser for Special Olympics Wisconsin.

Democratic politics: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who upset socialist Francesca Hong in the Aug. 11 Democratic governor primary, says he won’t campaign with far-left streamer Hasan Piker, arguing he doesn’t want to “lend credibility” to platforms that divide Democrats. Primary fallout: Crowley’s win is being tied to chaotic late-campaign shifts and unreliable polling, with turnout described as “phenomenally high” for Democrats even as overall participation stayed low. Healthcare fight: Gov. Tony Evers is blasting President Trump and Congressional Republicans over ACA enrollment drops in Wisconsin, saying thousands are being priced out as coverage costs rise. Statehouse bills: The Assembly advanced AB996, a pilot for state-matched contributions to “Trump accounts” for eligible children; lawmakers also moved SB439 to adjust Dane County levy limits for joint fire/EMS services, and SB181 to create a levy-limit exemption for regional EMS systems. Tech and youth protections: AB963 passed to regulate social media for Wisconsin minors, including parental consent and tighter default privacy settings. Economy and housing: WEDA honored Rep. Randy Udell with a development award, and Milwaukee is set to receive $11.2M in state loans for six housing projects. Public safety & environment: DNR is accepting applications for a special trapping season at Sandhill Wildlife Area through Sept. 18. Sports: WIAA named 28 Wisconsin high schools as 2025-26 Award of Excellence recipients.

Wisconsin Politics: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley pulled off a razor-thin upset in the Democratic governor primary, beating Rep. Francesca Hong by about 0.4 points and immediately pivoting to a unity push ahead of the November matchup with GOP nominee Tom Tiffany; Sabato’s Crystal Ball moved the race to lean Democratic, citing Crowley’s coalition-building. Elections & Trust: Multiple reports spotlighted why polls missed so badly, pointing to shifting support late in the race and Milwaukee’s election-night delays tied to missing USB sticks and download problems. Public Safety: Milwaukee police asked for help locating critically missing 10-year-old Jalynn Lacefield, later reporting she was found safe; separately, two pedestrians were seriously injured after a driver hit them near State Fair Park. Infrastructure: The Town of Oregon won a $157,720 state grant to replace two deteriorating small bridges, with work slated for 2027. Health & Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced PFAS and other measures, while Wisconsin health officials confirmed new measles cases and urged residents to check vaccination status. Local Life: Madison College’s “She Builds Wisconsin” camp gave middle and high school girls hands-on construction experience. Sports: Milwaukee women’s soccer was picked first in the Horizon League preseason poll.

Wisconsin Governor Primary: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley won the Democratic nomination for governor in a stunning, razor-thin upset over state Rep. Francesca Hong, setting up a November matchup with Republican Tom Tiffany. Election Process & Recounts: Reporting delays in Milwaukee and other counties left the margin tight enough that a recount could be on the table if the final numbers hold. Party Divide: Coverage framed the result as a check on the Democratic socialist wing, with moderates energized by the late surge around Crowley. Housing Push: Gov. Tony Evers and WHEDA announced $50 million in affordable housing loan awards to help create nearly 1,900 workforce units statewide. Workforce & Training: The Universities of Wisconsin unveiled budget proposals aimed at building a larger workforce pipeline and supporting new businesses. Statehouse Bills: Lawmakers advanced measures including PFAS regulation and grants, FoodShare limits on candy/soft drinks, and student-athlete name/image/likeness compensation—plus tax and apprenticeship changes. Local Watch: Milwaukee continues to see public-safety concerns, including shootings and a school board lawsuit involving an ex-member.

Governor Primary Fallout: Wisconsin Democrats are still stuck in a nail-biter for governor, with Francesca Hong and David Crowley trading leads and separated by only a few thousand votes as absentee-ballot processing delays results in Milwaukee. Recount Rules: Wisconsin has no automatic recount; a candidate must request one after county canvassers meet, and recounts are allowed only if the race is within 1% (with costs depending on the margin). GOP Nominee Locked In: Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany cruised to the GOP nomination, framing the race as about “the soul of Wisconsin” and promising property-tax and utility-cost relief. Congress Watch: In the 7th CD, Democrat Fred Clark won the nomination and will face Michael Alfonso; in the 8th CD, Democrat Rick Crosson won and will challenge Rep. Tony Weid. Statehouse Change: Madison-area progressive Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford won the Democratic primary for Assembly District 76, setting up a bid to become the first transgender member of the Wisconsin Legislature. Public Health: Health officials confirmed two new measles cases in southwest Wisconsin, with possible additional exposures as they notify contacts.

Tornado season watch: Wisconsin has tied 2010 with 46 tornadoes so far this year, but the bigger story is strength—four EF-3 tornadoes, the most in about 40 years, fueled by an unusually warm, stormy April. Primary election focus: Wisconsin voters head to the polls Tuesday in a crowded governor race, with Democratic front-runner Francesca Hong facing Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and others; the contest is framed as a clash between progressives and the party’s establishment. Milwaukee crime: A Monday stabbing sent a 15-year-old to the hospital; police took an 11-year-old into custody, and prosecutors will review potential charges. Data center backlash: Wisconsin Rapids planning officials approved a 12-month moratorium on new data centers, aimed at future projects as residents press for more transparency. Youth nutrition push: The Wisconsin Beef Council is raising money for Boys & Girls Clubs to provide beef snacks to kids statewide. Weather beyond Wisconsin: A severe storm system hit the Chicago area with damaging winds and possible tornado checks underway.

Democratic primary fight: A democratic socialist, Francesca Hong, is trying to rise above the party’s endorsed pick in Wisconsin’s chaotic governor primary, with Democrats aiming to keep the governor’s office and flip the Legislature. Data center backlash: Wisconsin Rapids planning leaders approved a 12-month moratorium on data centers after a packed public hearing, as residents push for clearer rules and more public input. Public utilities & pollution: The EPA will reconsider stricter ozone rules for southeast Wisconsin, with state and business groups arguing the approach is costly and misses the root cause. Health care workforce: UW System leaders are seeking $90 million to train 35,000 health care workers statewide, while UW campuses also pitch new cancer and disease research funding. COVID vaccine texts: GOP senators Ron Johnson and Rand Paul released Fauci-era texts discussing COVID vaccine risk and pregnancy, reigniting national debate. Milwaukee public safety: A police chase ended in a crash with one injured and one in custody, and three people face charges in a burglary at the fire-damaged Lincoln Avenue School. Food safety: A jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall is hitting major retailers, including Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Target.

Wisconsin Primary Countdown: Voters head to the polls Tuesday in the state’s governor race, with Democrat Francesca Hong leading in surveys while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley pushes back after Tony Evers’ endorsement. Campaign Clash Over Housing: Crowley attacks Tom Tiffany’s economic record, while Tiffany unveils a homeownership plan aimed at boosting supply and cutting regulations. Election Access: The Wisconsin DMV is extending service-center hours through Tuesday for voters needing photo ID, with options like provisional ballots and overnight ID documents. Milwaukee Schools: Milwaukee Public Schools expands literacy training for teachers ahead of the new school year, including an instructional summit and new materials aligned to the science of reading. Public Safety & Courts: Wisconsin DOJ identified the officer who shot and killed Corey Ruiz in Madison; separate reporting says no charges are expected in a McHenry dad/toddler missing case after they were found safe. Health & Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalls jalapeño products tied to a multi-state salmonella risk, including items distributed in Wisconsin. Community & Culture: Sumner Days in Canton dedicates a new ballfield concessions stand and honors local baseball legends. Business & Jobs: Mid-State Technical College wins a $5 million SBA grant to train workers for manufacturing credentials.

Democratic primary sprint: Wisconsin’s governor race is in the home stretch as progressive Francesca Hong and establishment-backed rivals crisscross the state ahead of Tuesday’s vote, with national figures weighing in and voters focused on what candidates say now—not what they said before. UW-Madison lawsuit: Young America’s Foundation and the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty are challenging UW–Madison race-based scholarships and grants, arguing the programs use race criteria in taxpayer-funded aid. Milwaukee shootings: Police are investigating multiple overnight shootings that left three people dead and two others injured, including a fatal incident near 21st and Pierce and another near 39th and Townsend. Public safety and health: A Wisconsin mother faces charges after a 3-week-old died from meth toxicity, and the state is also tracking severe storm chances across southeastern Wisconsin. Sports and culture: Hall of Famer Don Nelson, a Milwaukee Bucks legend, has died at 86; and a new padel club is set to open in Milwaukee’s northwest side.

Severe Weather & Power Outages: A severe thunderstorm swept through southeastern Wisconsin Sunday, leaving more than 16,000 We Energies customers without power, with the biggest hits in Milwaukee and nearby suburbs, while the NWS warned of heavy rain, lightning, and possible hail or strong winds. Milwaukee Violence: Overnight shootings in Milwaukee left three people dead and two others injured, including a 15-year-old, as police continue searching for suspects. Tick Alert: Researchers say tick activity is expanding across the Midwest, with rising Lyme-related emergency visits and more ticks showing up in backyards and parks. Wisconsin Politics (Governor Primary): With days left before the Democratic primary, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley says his campaign pause was driven by bad data and higher stakes after the lieutenant governor dropped out, while Gov. Tony Evers signals he’ll back Crowley if Hong wins. Campaign Firestorm: Francesca Hong’s rise as a Democratic socialist candidate continues to draw scrutiny, including renewed debate over old social media posts and her campaign’s staffing. State Fair Dairy Spotlight: Wisconsin State Fair milk is traced back to family farms, including a Brown Swiss cow named Twylight, tying the fair’s dairy tradition to local producers.