AGP Executive Report

Democratic Primary Watch: A new poll shows Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong leading Wisconsin’s governor primary by double digits, with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley trailing—while campaign finance reports say Crowley raised more money than Hong in the pre-primary period. Public Safety & Tech: Milwaukee police and Brookfield police are trading explanations after a Flock license-plate alert led to an I-94 stop of two people tied to a homicide—Brookfield says officers acted on sufficient info, while Milwaukee blames human error for leaving the alert active. Storm Recovery: Gov. Tony Evers declared a period of abnormal economic disruption in four storm-hit counties and ordered enforcement against price gouging on essentials and lodging. Milwaukee Courts: A foreclosure suit targets the historic Mackie Building downtown after J. Jeffers & Co. defaulted on a $6.7 million loan. Health & Justice: A Milwaukee family sued a former OB-GYN alleging he used his own sperm to impregnate a patient decades ago. Sports (Local): Twins rookie Kaelen Culpepper homered in his MLB debut as Minnesota rallied past the Brewers 8-6.

Data Center Fight in Wisconsin Rapids: Mayor Matt Zacher says the city can’t legally “dictate” a ban, but residents are pushing back hard on a proposed data center at the former mill site; a planning commission meeting is set for Monday as the project’s pace and oversight remain central to the backlash. Voting Rights: A Dane County judge ruled Wisconsin’s absentee voting system illegally discriminates against voters with print disabilities, setting up further proceedings on what changes are needed before November. Milwaukee Schools: Milwaukee Public Schools is expanding literacy training for teachers and support staff ahead of the new school year, rolling out new materials and an instructional summit focused on reading proficiency. Governor Primary Poll: A new poll shows Francesca Hong leading in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, with David Crowley trailing and other candidates far behind as Aug. 11 nears. Health Care Upgrade: HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital released renderings for a $17.2 million NICU renovation with a Wisconsin meadow theme, with construction planned to start in fall 2026. Local Crime: Milwaukee police report a shooting Friday morning near 49th and Meinecke left one teen wounded; investigators are seeking a suspect. Tech College Jobs: A new WTCS employer satisfaction report finds 97% of employers are satisfied with technical college graduates and 96% would hire again. State Fair Buzz: The Wisconsin State Fair debuts “Soft Serve Beer” at the Bud Pavilion, blending craft beer and Wisconsin dairy.

Wisconsin State Fair: The 175th Wisconsin State Fair opened Thursday and runs through Aug. 16, with opening-day photos showing big crowds, livestock events, and the return of the fair’s signature food and fun. Milwaukee Public Safety: Milwaukee police say a lost child reported Thursday has been found safe at Carver Park, and investigators are asking the public to help identify the child’s parents or guardians. Art & Crime: A Picasso etching stolen from a Milwaukee business in 2018 has been recovered after a community member turned it in to police; an authenticator confirmed it matched the stolen “Torero.” Health & Food Safety: A multistate salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeños has sickened hundreds across 27 states, with Wisconsin included; health officials say affected peppers were removed by major restaurant chains. Politics & Campaign Trail: National attention keeps turning to Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race as Democratic candidates spar over issues like public safety, vouchers, and past remarks ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Local Business: Germantown approved a conditional use permit for Barrel & Bottle, a new liquor store with a “bottle your own bourbon” experience planned for spring 2027.

Milwaukee 911 Scrutiny: The Milwaukee Common Council may end its August recess early as a probe into a mishandled 911 call looks at how call-takers handled a third-party call and why police response took hours. Public Safety Tech Debate: Multiple reports keep spotlighting Flock license-plate camera use, including claims it helped police track someone across state lines and use that as a lead for a search. Water & Sewer Fallout: After the Aug. 1 storm, Milwaukee’s sewer system discharged about 96 million gallons of untreated wastewater into waterways and Lake Michigan, with officials calling it the smallest overflow since 2020. State Fair Kicks Off: Wisconsin’s 175th State Fair opens Aug. 6, and Gov. Tony Evers gets a surprise honor with a newly named “Tony Evers Bakery” for the cream puff tradition. Voting Rights Ruling: A judge ruled Wisconsin’s absentee voting system illegally discriminates against voters with print disabilities, ordering discussion of a remedy. Health Alert: A Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has reached 27 states, with Wisconsin among the top reporting states. Workforce & Training: Northwood Technical College employers report very high satisfaction with graduates’ readiness and education. Local Projects: DNR says North Shore parking lot reconstruction at Devil’s Lake State Park starts in early August, with phased work through spring 2027.

Wisconsin Politics: The Democratic governor primary is heating up as Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, backed by Gov. Tony Evers, tries to hold off democratic socialist Francesca Hong—after national progressive wins in Michigan raised the stakes for Wisconsin’s leftward shift. Sports Betting Lawsuit: A new court challenge argues Wisconsin’s online sports betting law is unconstitutional, targeting the state’s plan to require betting servers on tribal lands. Public Safety & Crime: Milwaukee police are investigating a Wednesday shooting that killed a 33-year-old, and they’re also asking for help finding a critically missing 17-year-old and her 4-month-old baby. Environment & Health: Student research at UW–La Crosse links PFAS well pollution concerns in French Island to similar problems in Peshtigo, with residents reporting cancer cases. Local Government & Infrastructure: The Town of Oregon is set to receive $157,721 for bridge repairs through a state program aimed at fixing small, deteriorating rural spans. Community & Culture: Racine opened new apartments at the former Regency Mall site, part of a push to address the city’s housing shortage. State Fair Prep: Wisconsin’s State Fair ride inspections are underway, including the America 250 Wheel.

Wisconsin Politics & Elections: SEIU Wisconsin endorsed Francesca Hong for governor, backing her push to expand Badgercare and strengthen labor protections, while a WPR report says Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley outraised Hong in the closing stretch of the Democratic primary despite briefly leaving the race. Campaign Finance: Another WPR report details the chaotic end of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s campaign, including reimbursement and donations that raised questions about how the operation was run. Voting Rights: A Dane County judge ruled Wisconsin’s absentee voting system discriminates against disabled voters by denying private, independent electronic options, setting up a later fight over whether electronic ballots must be offered. Sports & Local Culture: The Toronto Raptors signed former Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr., and Sheboygan A’s won a 14-inning Northeastern Wisconsin Baseball League title. State Government Access: WisconsinEye secured $250,000 in legislative funding through the end of the year to keep state proceedings accessible online. Local Government: Milwaukee County announced budget listening sessions for residents ahead of the 2027 budget process.

Milwaukee Public Safety & Courts: A former Milwaukee radio executive, Jordan Lee (44), has been charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child, with prosecutors saying the case began after a therapist reported an email describing abuse. State Politics: Wisconsin’s attorney general race is heating up: Republican Eric Toney says the DOJ crime lab system is testing less despite more resources, while Democratic incumbent Josh Kaul seeks a third term. Education & Vouchers: Democratic governor candidate Francesca Hong says she would eventually eliminate Wisconsin’s private school voucher programs, including Milwaukee’s long-running voucher system. Health: The state’s Office of Children’s Mental Health released a new vaping risk facts sheet, warning that high-potency nicotine can worsen anxiety and depression. Environment & Wildlife: Wisconsin’s deer disease watch continues after CWD was confirmed in wild deer near Stillwater, with officials noting it’s about 30 miles from known cases in western Wisconsin. Community & Culture: A Fitchburg artist began a Brewers mural collaboration, and Milwaukee’s Rooted & Rising–Washington Park is inviting families to a free “Cultural Art Vibes” event. Sports: Justin Mondeik won the ASA Midwest Tour Gandrud 250 at Wisconsin International Raceway, and the Wisconsin Lottery posted Aug. 4 Mega Millions and Pick 3 results.

Wisconsin Politics: A Wisconsin Senate candidate is pushing back hard on residency and tax-credit accusations, saying an independent accountant found nothing illegal as the Aug. 11 primary nears. Campaign Trail: In the 5th Congressional District, Andy Beck’s “Blue 5th Coalition” launched with 13 candidates across state and local races. Legislative Stakes: With sparse polling, legislative primaries are framed as the key to whether the next governor can move major priorities—Medicaid, taxes, and education. Elections & Voting: Wisconsin officials are urging voters to mail ballots ASAP amid USPS delays, while courts weigh mail-voting rules in other states. Energy & Infrastructure: We Energies broke ground on three Wisconsin projects—Darien battery storage, Dawn Harvest solar-plus-storage, and Badger Hollow wind—approved by the PSC. Local Planning: Milwaukee County released a proposed 30th Street Corridor Trail route spanning 20 north-side neighborhoods, with public feedback open until Aug. 28. Public Safety: The DNR warned Wisconsin water utilities after hacks in Minnesota and Michigan. Housing Basics: DATCP highlighted landlord-tenant complaint trends and offered tips for renters before moving. Culture: Milwaukee’s Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival returns with music, art, and food.

Campaign Trail: In Watertown, four gubernatorial candidates sparred over schools, healthcare, and data centers, with Francesca Hong backing a one-year moratorium on new AI data centers and pushing for tighter community control. Democratic Primary Momentum: Hong’s campaign reported nearly $488,000 raised since July 1, including $406,117 cash on hand, as Gov. Tony Evers crisscrossed the state to boost Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in a bid to stop Hong. Workforce Funding: The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development highlighted a $168 million investment aimed at helping people reenter work, including support for housing stability, childcare, and training. Public Safety: Two 20-year-olds from Kane County died after kayaking near Washington Island; authorities say they were missing without life jackets and search efforts shifted to recovery. Arts & Culture: Prominent Wisconsin artist Michelle Grabner announced a major gift of 2,000+ works to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, expanding its role as her main institutional home. Local Flavor: Bronzeville Week continues in Milwaukee with panels, events, and community programming.

Data Center Fight in Wisconsin: A $10 billion AI data center proposal in central Wisconsin quietly collapsed after a local official insisted the process be public, raising fresh questions about transparency in big projects. Utility Cost Shielding: American Transmission Co. and We Energies are seeking state approval for transmission-cost arrangements tied to a Microsoft data center, aiming to keep customers from paying for capacity built for the load. Election Prep: Wisconsin DMV laid out how voters can get acceptable photo ID before the Aug. 11 primary, including options like a free voting receipt for those who can’t obtain ID in time. Schools Watch: Wisconsin exam scores and absenteeism still haven’t bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, even as graduation rates keep rising. Public Safety & Justice: Madison’s mayor urged removal of barricades at a protest site after a police shooting, while Milwaukee’s 911 investigation is under scrutiny after delayed response claims. Local Courts: A Milwaukee jury convicted former city attorney Tearman Spencer of felony misconduct in public office. Environment & Community: Kohler-Andrae State Park is hosting invasive removal and family nature programming, and DNR reported a deer-shining case that ended in a conviction and penalties.

Teachers & AI: A watchdog group says Wisconsin-linked K-12 unions are pushing “guardrails” into AI lesson material so answers skew toward political correctness, not accuracy, with training funded by major AI firms. Milwaukee Politics & Protest: Far-left activists in Madison have set up an “autonomous zone,” with claims of checkpoints and disruption tied to the Corey Ruiz death. Governor Race: Francesca Hong drew national attention by hosting Hasan Piker at a Milwaukee rally, deepening scrutiny of her socialist ties as the Democratic field tightens. Immigration Courts: A federal appeals ruling blocks a mandatory immigrant detention policy, potentially opening bond hearings for people held in Wisconsin and neighboring states. Public Safety: Milwaukee sentencing news includes a life term for a fatal 2024 shooting case and a 12-year prison term after a high-speed chase and crash involving a police squad. Weather & Recovery: Tornado cleanup continues in the Fox Cities, while forecasters warn more storms could bring damaging winds and hail across the region. Community & Culture: Bronzeville Week spotlights African-American arts and commerce across Milwaukee.

Wisconsin Politics: Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist leading the Democratic governor field, heads into the Aug. 11 primary as Republicans ramp up attacks and Democrats scramble after rivals dropped out, with David Crowley trying to rally as a more moderate alternative. Voting & Courts: A judge blocked Illinois from having to hand over voter information to the federal government, a reminder of how election-data fights are playing out nationwide. Health Care: Wisconsin DHS says new federal Medicaid work requirements are coming for about 200,000 BadgerCare Plus adults, with tens of thousands at risk if they can’t document qualifying activity or exemptions. Public Safety: Milwaukee police are investigating two separate double shootings, with four non-fatal victims reported, and are seeking suspects. Local Life & Culture: Manitowoc’s Malt City Brewfest drew crowds despite light rain, and Milwaukee’s new free web app, MKE JAZZ.LIVE, aims to help fans find live jazz shows around town. Outdoors: The DNR opened online submissions for 2027 Conservation Congress resolutions and released fall hunting regulations.

Data Centers in Janesville: A Wisconsin town panel backed a 12-month moratorium on data centers after residents packed a hearing, with concerns focused on impacts to homes, farmland, water, and power. Milwaukee Water & Weather: Milwaukee’s MMSD started a combined sewer overflow after heavy rain, affecting waterways and some beaches/boat launches. Public Safety: Milwaukee police are investigating a fatal bicyclist crash and a separate fatal shooting. Community & Culture: Black Arts Fest MKE drew crowds despite rain, and a Milwaukee store owner says she’s fighting to stay open after two break-ins. Sports & Local Business: The Brewers made a trade for catcher Bo Naylor and reliever Codi Heuer, and former Bucks center Larry Sanders returned to Milwaukee for a community initiative. Lottery: Wisconsin Lottery results for Aug. 1 included Powerball 06-17-27-48-50 (Powerball 05) and Pick 3 midday 6-8-2, evening 5-1-8. Health & Aging: A major review suggests eating less protein may help slow aging for many people.

Wisconsin Politics: A new letter to the editor argues Wisconsin “can’t afford a mistake” in the governor’s race, attacking Tom Tiffany as an election denier and urging voters to back David Crowley as a moderate who can work across party lines. Legion Baseball: Marinette’s Chase MacGregor was named a Wisconsin Legion All-Star, earning a spot at All-Star Weekend in Milwaukee. Health Care: Wisconsin hospitals score strongly in federal quality ratings, with 64% of rated facilities earning four- or five-star overall quality. Local Transportation: Milwaukee County released a plan for a new trail through the 30th Street industrial corridor, aiming to connect more neighborhoods to the Oak Leaf Trail network. Education: A Sheboygan student became the first high schooler accepted into UW-Green Bay’s BSN program, starting in January. Wildlife & Outdoors: The DNR invites residents to help with statewide deer and game bird surveys, using a mobile app to collect observations. Public Safety: DATCP warns storm victims to avoid repair scams and “storm chasers,” urging written contracts and proper permitting. Sports Business: The Brewers completed a trade with Cleveland, acquiring catcher Bo Naylor and reliever Codi Heuer.

Tornado Recovery & Public Safety: Menasha police issued a zero-tolerance warning for looters after an EF3 tornado, saying two people were arrested for failing to obey lawful orders while going through debris. Elections & Trust: Sen. Tammy Baldwin toured Milwaukee’s Elections Operations Center, arguing Wisconsin voting is secure while warning the Trump administration is trying to undermine confidence. Cybersecurity for Water Systems: Wisconsin DNR warned utilities about possible hacking threats tied to malicious cyber actors, with Milwaukee officials saying they took action and aren’t aware of specific devices compromised. Politics Watch: With Mandela Barnes out of the Wisconsin governor race, voters in Rock County described mixed feelings as Francesca Hong leads in polls and David Crowley follows. Local Community & Culture: Bronzeville Week returns to Milwaukee’s Harambee/Halyard neighborhoods with music, art, food, and natural hair workshops running Aug. 1-8. Sports & Giving Back: Former Badger Brian Butch is hosting a benefit basketball camp in Appleton Aug. 6 to raise funds for Fox Valley tornado relief.

Surveillance Backlash: Flock Safety camera systems are getting vandalized and deactivated across the country, including Madison, as privacy critics say the network enables mass tracking while the company argues it improves public safety. Absentee Ballot Timing: Wisconsin election clerks are urging voters to return absentee ballots at least 10 days early due to mail delays seen in past elections, with some recommending drop boxes or in-person voting. State Politics—Residency Question: A Wisconsin state Senate candidate, Michele Magadance Skinner, is facing scrutiny after records show she claimed primary residence in both Wisconsin and Georgia in 2025. Health Watch: Wisconsin DHS reports 160 cyclosporiasis cases, tied to a broader national surge linked to contaminated produce, with no active outbreak identified in the state. Storm Recovery & Consumer Safety: After the Fox Valley tornado damage, the National Guard is being mobilized for cleanup, and state officials warn homeowners to avoid “storm chaser” repair crews. Gov. Evers Pardons: Evers granted 210 more pardons, bringing his total to 2,237. Sports & Media: Tony Romo has been placed on leave from CBS Sports after an OWI arrest in Milwaukee. Democratic Primary Momentum: Congresswoman Gwen Moore endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley for governor ahead of the Aug. 11 Democratic primary. Utility/Data Center Oversight: We Energies CEO says Oracle can meet Wisconsin’s data-center financial rules, while candidates debate how the Public Service Commission should protect residents.