AGP Executive Report

Wisconsin Politics & Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers and election officials are bracing for a fight over voting rules as federal pressure ramps up around the Nov. 3 midterms, with legal challenges aimed at mail ballots and new scrutiny of how states handle election administration. Energy & Infrastructure: The state is moving beyond interstates with $25 million in federal support for 42 new EV fast-charging sites, adding locations from Madison to the Door region and beyond. Environment & Utilities: Wisconsin also is pushing back on Enbridge’s Line 5 work after a major spill, with regulators demanding the company stop bypass construction. Public Safety (Milwaukee): Two weekend shootings left three people wounded, and police are still searching for suspects. Health & Accountability: A Tomah VA nurse faces charges after an alleged oxygen removal incident in a hospice ward, with prosecutors citing a patient’s prescribed continuous oxygen and a later reconnection. Sports (Local): Wisconsin football got its opener spark from QB Colton Joseph’s return, while Lake Mills snapped a long skid by beating Columbus 35-7; in Milwaukee, the Brewers marked 9/11 with a 102-year-old WWII veteran’s “God Bless America” at American Family Field. Community & Culture: UMOS drew hundreds for its Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival on Milwaukee’s south side.

Plane Emergency in Central Wisconsin: GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany, running for governor, survived a night emergency water landing on Lake Wausau after his plane lost power on approach to Wausau Downtown Airport; Tiffany and pilot Leonard Boltz swam to shallow water and were rescued by Wausau Fire Department, treated for minor injuries, and the FAA is investigating. Milwaukee Violence and Police Presence: Residents in Metcalfe Park say they’re uneasy after a Thursday night shooting left two people injured, following a fatal police-involved shooting on the same block earlier in the week and a heavier police presence. Local Government/Environment: Veolia sued MMSD in federal court, alleging the wastewater contract process was “predisposed” toward a competitor; MMSD says it followed its 2024 procurement plan. Conservation Update: About 100 trees were illegally removed from the Menomonee River Parkway restoration area in Wauwatosa, with damage estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Public Safety Data: Door County reported eight registered sex offenders in March, unchanged from February. Sports (Badgers): Wisconsin opened at Camp Randall with a 36-9 win over Western Illinois, with fans packing the stadium for the home opener. Culture & Community: Manitowoc’s Sputnikfest returns with events tied to the 1962 Sputnik IV crash, including a 5K and art walk/run.

Plane Incident in Central Wisconsin: GOP gubernatorial nominee Rep. Tom Tiffany and his pilot survived a small-plane emergency water landing on Lake Wausau after the aircraft lost power on approach to Wausau Downtown Airport; Tiffany says they called 911, exited the sinking plane, and swam to a shallow area until responders reached them by boat, with both taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for minor injuries while the FAA takes over the investigation. UW Football: Wisconsin opened its home slate with a 36-9 win over Western Illinois at Camp Randall, with early momentum sparked by Abu Sama’s 72-yard touchdown run and coach Luke Fickell praising the Badgers’ fast start, even as the team still has questions to answer. Election & Voting Watch: A federal voter fraud investigation in Wisconsin is drawing sharp criticism from state election officials. Milwaukee Public Safety: Milwaukee saw multiple serious incidents this week, including a deadly crash near 20th and Locust and separate shooting reports that sent people to the hospital. Health & Community: Wisconsin marked 25 years since 9/11 with remembrance events statewide, including ceremonies and memorial efforts. Sports Calendar: A busy slate of college and high school football action is set for the week starting Sept. 14, with Wisconsin-area alumni and local games highlighted.

Public Safety: Green Bay police say four officers were injured when a suspected drunk driver barreled into a crowd near a food truck, sparking a short chase that ended with a PIT maneuver; the driver was taken into custody. Milwaukee Crash: A 22-year-old died after running a red light near 20th and Locust early Saturday; two others were injured, and police are asking for tips. Campus Privacy Fight: UWM Police ended its use of Flock cameras and covered the devices after privacy and civil-rights concerns. PFAS & Clean Water: Gov. Tony Evers and the DNR released $10 million from the PFAS Trust Fund to provide safe drinking water, testing, and well fixes tied to the Tyco Fire Products settlement. Abortion Rights in Court: Planned Parenthood filed suit challenging Wisconsin’s physician-only abortion rule and a mandatory 24-hour waiting period, arguing the state constitution guarantees access. 9/11 Remembrance & Education: Wisconsin’s 9/11 memorial in Kewaskum marked 25 years with stories of lasting impact and launched a $4 million campaign for a permanent indoor education center. Sports: Wisconsin opens Week 2 at home vs. Western Illinois after a rough start, with betting lines swinging toward a Badgers bounce-back. Health Watch: Measles cases in southwest Wisconsin rose to 155 confirmed and 6 probable, prompting travel-related alerts.

MMSD Contract Fight: Veolia sued the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District in federal court, asking a judge to halt MMSD’s planned 10-year wastewater operations contract award to Jacobs Solutions, alleging procurement rule violations and improper influence. Water Street Shake-Up: Milwaukee rolled back the food-truck curfew in the Water Street entertainment district from 10 p.m. to a 1 a.m. close, after a court challenge, as safety concerns and business closures keep pressure on the district’s future. Line 5 Pressure: Great Lakes tribes and Wisconsin groups urged Gov. Tony Evers to stop Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute after a major spill, citing incident risk to the Great Lakes. Abortion Laws in Court: Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit challenging parts of Wisconsin’s abortion restrictions, setting up another legal fight with pro-life groups. Milwaukee Police Shooting: The family of Printis Smith, killed in a Milwaukee officer-involved shooting, questioned police accounts after reviewing body-camera footage. Sports—Brewers Clinch: Milwaukee clinched a postseason berth for a fourth straight year with a 20-0 shutout of Cincinnati, while local high school football and UW football home opener coverage kept fans busy. 9/11 Remembrance: Wisconsin communities marked the 25th anniversary with ceremonies, including events in Kewaskum and other local tributes.

Abortion Rights Fight: Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin filed a Dane County lawsuit challenging two Wisconsin abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period and a rule limiting who can provide abortions, arguing they violate the state constitution. Privacy vs. Surveillance: The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty sued to block warrantless use of Flock location data, saying constant camera surveillance should require Fourth Amendment safeguards. Line 5 Standoff: Wisconsin regulators told Enbridge to stop building a temporary Line 5 bypass near an Iron County leak, citing missing approvals after the spill and warning the company is prioritizing a restart over compliance. Public Health Alert: Wisconsin confirmed its first Eastern equine encephalitis activity of the year after a horse tested positive in Portage County, urging residents to prevent mosquito bites. Higher Ed Update: Universities of Wisconsin enrollment stayed near steady at about 163,260 students, but the first drop since 2021 was driven by fewer international students. Local Notes: Racine approved landmark status for the historic D.P. Wigley Building; and Ripon’s free Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series closes Saturday with Rebel Grace on the Village Green.

Planned Parenthood vs. Wisconsin abortion limits: Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is back in court, arguing the state’s abortion restrictions violate the Wisconsin Constitution and seeking to overturn key limits, while pro-life groups and Catholic leaders respond. Flock cameras fight in court: Multiple Wisconsin groups and municipalities are challenging Flock surveillance, with lawsuits arguing Fourth Amendment problems and pushing for tighter rules on how data is accessed and used. Milwaukee public safety and policy: Milwaukee continues to deal with shootings and jail policy questions, including a clarification from the Milwaukee County Sheriff on inmate tablet rules and a fatal hit-and-run that prompted calls for intersection safety changes. Energy and infrastructure pressure: Dane County urges delay and more review of a proposed 765-kV transmission project, while regulators and officials keep pushing over pipeline and utility work tied to leaks and permits. Arts and community calendar: The 14 South Artists Regional Art Tour returns Sept. 19-20 with studio stops across South Central Wisconsin, plus local events and sports updates keep the weekend packed.

Road Safety: Wisconsin State Patrol is planning aerial enforcement through the weekend, with Air Support Unit patrols scheduled on I-94 (Eau Claire), WIS 57 and US 53 (Door and Washburn), plus I-39/90/94 and US 10 (Columbia and Waupaca), aiming to spot speeding and aggressive driving and coordinate stops on the ground. Reproductive Rights Court Fight: Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin filed Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin v. Ozanne, challenging Wisconsin’s physician-only abortion rule and a 24-hour waiting period; WisDems and pro-choice allies back the suit, while Wisconsin Catholic Conference and Wisconsin Right to Life denounce it. 9/11 Remembrance: Gov. Tony Evers ordered flags at half-staff and declared a state Day of Service and Remembrance for Sept. 11, urging Wisconsinites to volunteer. Energy Politics: Both gubernatorial candidates, Democrat David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany, say they oppose the proposed BECI 765-kV transmission line, a project critics link to disruption in the Driftless region and data-center needs. Local Government & Privacy: A new legal fight is brewing over Flock camera policies, with a local group suing Waukesha County officials and the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filing suit over the system. Sports & Community: Edgewood University announced a women’s flag football team launching in spring 2028, and the Packers’ Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage, receiving a fine and deferred judgment.

Police & Public Safety: Monona Police arrested a Sun Prairie man after a chase that began with a warrant request and escalated on US-12, ending with the Jeep towed. Another Chase: Separately, an Oregon man was arrested after fleeing a Monona stop attempt on a motorcycle that hit speeds above 120 mph, with help from State Patrol aircraft. Election Watch: President Trump promised a $5,000 “dividend” to every U.S. adult if Republicans keep the House and Senate—an offer already drawing ethical and political questions. Constitution & Health Policy: The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin urged voters to oppose a November constitutional amendment that would bar government “preferential treatment,” warning it could disrupt equity work in healthcare and education. Weather: A cold front is set to bring cooler temps and scattered showers, with a Friday severe-storm threat for parts of the Upper Midwest. Health Advisory: Wisconsin DHS warned residents to avoid mosquito bites after Eastern Equine Encephalitis was confirmed in a Portage County horse. Education: Gov. Tony Evers visited Superior schools as part of his back-to-school tour, calling for more stable school funding. Arts & Community: Verona installed a new Tai Chi-themed animal sculpture in Century School Park.

Driftless Power Line Fight: Wisconsin lawmakers from the Driftless region asked developers of the $1.2 billion 765-kV BECI transmission line to delay their Public Service Commission filing until at least May 2027, saying residents were “blindsided” and overwhelmed by the rushed process. Wildlife & Hunting: Wisconsin’s 2026 bear season opens Sept. 9 and runs through Oct. 13, with rules that vary by bear management zone, including where dogs are allowed. Education & Community Safety: DeForest will host an internet safety presentation on sextortion and “digital red flags” on Sept. 30, partnering with the Wisconsin DOJ and NCMEC. Local Economy & Growth: Moraine Park Technical College reports 7.4% FTE growth for 2025-26, its strongest in the Wisconsin Technical College System. Great Lakes Watch: Port Green Bay’s symposium brought together officials to discuss port development, flooding, and the region’s role in the global economy. Public Health: Wisconsin health officials are reminding residents about mosquito bite prevention after EEE was confirmed in a Portage County horse. Sports: The Milwaukee Brewers rallied to beat the Cubs 4-3 in 10 innings, with Jackson Chourio sparking the comeback.

Tariffs & Dairy Shock: Canada’s new retaliatory tariffs took effect Tuesday, hitting Wisconsin dairy hard—50% on whey and 25% on cheese—raising costs for cheesemakers and threatening demand in the state’s biggest export market. Lake Superior Health Watch: Scientists say Lake Superior is seeing more frequent cyanobacteria blooms than expected for a cold, clear lake, and they’re mapping next steps to protect water quality. Homelessness Update (La Crosse): La Crosse officials report progress toward “functional zero,” with the unhoused population down from about 300 in Nov. 2024 to just under 200 now. Behavioral Health Expansion: Emplify Health by Gundersen won accreditation to launch a psychiatry residency program to address regional psychiatrist shortages. Public Safety & Privacy: Stevens Point officials moved to cover Flock license plate readers with plastic bags, citing eroded trust and data concerns. Courtroom Crossroads: The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments on whether a 10-year-old charged in a Milwaukee homicide should have easier paths to juvenile court. Crime & Campaigns: A governor race issue is growing around jail-issued tablets, after allegations of inmates contacting victims/witnesses from jail. EHD Deer Warning: Ahead of bow season, the DNR says nearly 900 deer have died from EHD in parts of southeastern Wisconsin.

Trade War Fallout: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin says Canada’s retaliatory tariffs that start today are hitting Wisconsin dairy and paper hard, warning of layoffs and shuttered rural businesses. Consumer Protection: Wisconsin DOJ and DATCP secured a $48 million judgment against a Cudahy used auto parts operation after a jury found mileage and other claims were misleading across millions of sales quotes. EV Charging Buildout: Gov. Evers announced $25 million for 42 new EV charging stations statewide, including sites in Watertown, Prairie du Chien, and Viroqua. Courts & Rights: A Milwaukee court reversed a Shorewood Lake Michigan beach access ruling, shaping how public shoreline access disputes may be handled. AI & Child Safety Law: A federal appeals panel ruled First Amendment protections apply to a Wisconsin case involving AI-generated child sexual images, leaving Wisconsin’s related law still standing but raising new legal questions. Outdoors & Safety: DNR is urging deer hunters to use harnesses and haul lines as archery/crossbow season opens Sept. 12. Local Watch: WMC hailed a court win striking down unlawful “fire protection fees” in Pewaukee and Dousman. Politics & Media: The WBA Foundation canceled its Oct. 9 gubernatorial debate after not enough candidates accepted invitations. Community & Work: Wausau’s “New Jobs on the Block” returns Sept. 17 with a downtown job fair and immediate interviews.

Flock Safety backlash: Milwaukee County Supervisor Justin Bielinski is urging Sheriff Denita Ball to stop using Flock license-plate reader cameras, pointing to privacy and transparency worries as more southeastern Wisconsin agencies end contracts. Public safety and privacy: The broader Flock controversy includes concerns about traffic data and out-of-state access to camera-linked information. Milwaukee infrastructure trouble: A water main failure near 38th Court and Helena Street bubbled water up over Labor Day, flooding fears rising for nearby basements while crews worked to replace the broken line. Sidewalk scooter injuries: Lime rolled out new rider safeguards after a Brady Street sidewalk crash that fractured a woman’s wrist and elbow, renewing calls for accountability. Politics on the ground: In the 7th Congressional District, candidates for the Sept. 9 push focused on affordability and healthcare as election day nears. Labor and community: Milwaukee’s Labor Day parade and LaborFest highlighted union solidarity and the push to recruit the next generation of workers. Arts and culture: Bronzeville Center for the Arts announced a new speaker series tied to building Milwaukee’s future Black Arts and Culture Museum. Local business moves: Thiensville’s former The Cheel building was sold to Milwaukee restaurateurs behind Saffron and Aya, with plans for a new restaurant. Sports: Wisconsin volleyball slipped to No. 6 in the AVCA coaches poll after early-season wins, with big road matches ahead.

Corrections & Youth Justice: Wisconsin’s Lincoln Hills transition keeps moving: 33 new Department of Corrections staff graduated for Milwaukee’s $78.4 million Southeast Regional Care Center for Youth, part of a plan to replace Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake with regional facilities. Boating Safety: With drought lowering water levels, the DNR and local police urged extra caution on Pewaukee Lake over the holiday weekend after a sharp rise in boating crashes this year, often tied to not wearing life vests. Public Safety & Crime: Milwaukee police are investigating a Labor Day morning shooting that left a 50-year-old wounded near 24th and National. Scams Watch: Kenosha logged 10 scam reports in July, tying for sixth among Wisconsin cities tracked by BBB Scam Tracker. Politics & Taxes: A new GOP video attacks Democratic nominee David Crowley over his stance on a November constitutional amendment limiting governors’ partial veto power on taxes and fees. Arts & Culture: St. Croix Sounds founder Kris Tjornehoj joined the Wisconsin Arts Board, adding more arts leadership from the River Falls area. Local Business: Klement’s Sausage Co. sold its Bay View manufacturing complex for $13 million, with upgrades planned by its parent. Health Care Spotlight: Wisconsin topped a patient-experience ranking of rated hospitals, averaging 4.06 out of 5 in CMS survey scores.

Shamrock Series Fallout: No. 4 Notre Dame broke open a close game at Lambeau Field, scoring twice in the third quarter and cruising to a 41-13 win over Wisconsin. Local Business & Campus Life: Whitewater small businesses are leaning into the school-year rhythm, while UW-Whitewater music students are finding temporary practice spaces during Center of the Arts renovations. Public Safety & Rules of the Road: Wisconsin’s ATV/UTV road access depends on local designations and posted signs, with stricter limits on state highways and no travel on interstates. Crime & Justice: Whitewater police say a major internet crimes against children investigation has identified at least 4,000 victims. Community & Culture: Wisconsin Rapids’ firefighters and EMS memorial includes a World Trade Center piece honoring 9/11 responders. Sports Betting Backdrop: A wave of consumer lawsuits targets companies accused of keeping tariff refunds after raising prices—while Wisconsin fans also keep an eye on Week 1 betting lines for Notre Dame-Wisconsin.

Lambeau Spotlight: Wisconsin opens its 2026 season at Lambeau Field against No. 4 Notre Dame, with Green Bay bracing for a major weekend and local business leaders projecting a $15M–$20M economic boost. Sports & Pressure: Coverage also zeroes in on quarterback matchups and Wisconsin’s early-season stakes, with Notre Dame’s CJ Carr and Wisconsin’s Colton Joseph drawing attention in prop talk. Voting Fight in Wisconsin: President Trump’s push to restrict mail voting is back in court, with a judge blocking key changes as election officials warn there may not be enough time to carry them out. Public Safety: Milwaukee police are investigating six shootings over Labor Day weekend, including multiple incidents Sunday morning. Immigration: New reporting says ICE arrests in Wisconsin hit new highs in June and July, with more detentions occurring outside jails than before. Schools: Wisconsin districts are grappling with teacher retention and recruitment challenges as educators head back to class. Wildlife & Outdoors: Wisconsin’s bear season opens Sept. 9, running through Oct. 13, with rules varying by management zone.