AGP Executive Report

Storm Recovery: After Monday’s EF-3 tornado ripped through the Fox Valley, tens of thousands of Wisconsinites were still in the dark Tuesday, with We Energies reporting 46,000+ customers without power as crews work around snapped poles and downed lines. Democratic Primary Watch: Five candidates faced off in the Democrats’ only televised governor debate in Milwaukee, largely agreeing on raising taxes on millionaires and requiring body cameras statewide, while Francesca Hong defended her “pause” approach to AI data centers. Milwaukee Safety & Transit: Downtown residents packed a town hall on traffic calming, reckless driving, and proposed Lime scooter rules, with debate over speed limits and fines. Public Health & Access: Disability groups marked the ADA’s 36th anniversary with a statewide push to share resources, including emergency and accessibility supports. Local Courts & Crime: Milwaukee prosecutors charged a former MPS student teacher with trying to coordinate a child sex crime, while separate new bodycam footage continues to fuel attention on Tony Romo’s Milwaukee OWI arrest. Culture & Community: The “Ueck” film about Brewers legend Bob Uecker is screening in select Wisconsin theaters.

Severe Weather: Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency after an EF-3 tornado tore through the Fox Cities, with Menasha and Appleton/Neenah hit hard and crews working through outages, debris, and curfews. Elections & Voting Access: Wisconsin Democrats sued the Wisconsin Elections Commission over guidance on spoiled absentee ballots, arguing voters should be able to retrieve and change ballots. Police Surveillance Debate: Democratic candidates for governor faced questions on Flock and other camera-based police surveillance, as advocates warn the tech can enable broad tracking. Education Watch: Wisconsin high schoolers are scoring higher on AP exams, but some educators question whether changes in scoring, not learning, explain the jump. Health Care: CMS star ratings show Wisconsin hospitals performing strongly on quality measures, with a larger share earning top ratings than the national average. Public Safety/Crime: State Patrol identified a fatal I-94 rollover in Eau Claire County, and separate reporting highlighted a Milwaukee-area fatal pedestrian crash. Economy & Agriculture: USDA announced millions for agricultural wetland mitigation banks, supporting wetland restoration credits for farmers. Brewing & Business: Wisconsin moved to revoke Minocqua Brewing’s permits amid alleged tax violations, escalating a dispute with the owner.

Tornado Aftermath: An “extremely dangerous” tornado tore through Menasha and south of Appleton, with officials warning residents to shelter in place as roofs were ripped off and debris and downed lines blocked roads; Menasha declared a local state of disaster and set a city-wide curfew, while Neenah also declared an emergency and WPS restored power to about 12,000 customers after storms. Election Chaos: Wisconsin Democrats kicked off early in-person voting Tuesday in a chaotic governor’s primary, with five candidates battling for the nomination amid debate over who can unify the party before the Aug. 11 vote. Police Accountability Debate: Madison’s Corey Ruiz shooting continues to fuel calls for body cameras and transparency, as the state’s political fight over policing heats up. Health & Money Pressure: After pandemic relief ended, Wisconsin student loan defaults surged, with federal data showing more than 108,000 borrowers in default. Road Safety: A fatal rollover crash closed out the week in Eau Claire, where a driver died after a vehicle rolled on I-94. Politics Watch: Complaints filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission allege Mandela Barnes’ campaign and a related PAC violated state campaign finance rules.

Madison Police Aftermath: Concerts on the Square in Madison is canceled again this week as the community continues to heal after the officer-involved shooting that killed Corey Ruiz last week, with organizers saying it’s time to make space for grief and processing. Democratic Governor Race: Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial debate is set for Tuesday night with five candidates (Mandela Barnes, Francesca Hong, Joel Brennan, David Crowley, and Kelda Roys) ahead of the Aug. 11 primary, as lawsuits over absentee ballot rules continue to swirl. Milwaukee Missing Person: Milwaukee police are asking for help locating 14-year-old Atoria Goodman, last seen near 52nd and Mill on July 24. Heat & Storm Watch: Severe storms and extreme heat are in the forecast for Monday, with Milwaukee on the edge of a thunderstorm complex and heat advisories in parts of the state. Local Government/Infrastructure: WisDOT awarded a $167.8M contract to keep Interstate 41 widening work moving in Appleton through 2029. Sports/Local Ties: Former Badgers standout John Tonje signed a two-way deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Madison Police Shooting Fallout: Hundreds marched again in Madison after Corey Ruiz was fatally shot by officers; protesters say it was an “execution,” while an independent investigation is still underway and no officer has been identified or charged. Milwaukee Violence: Milwaukee police are investigating a fatal Sunday shooting near 7300 W Beckett Ave that left a 19-year-old dead; authorities are seeking unknown suspects. Public Safety—Wanted: U.S. Marshals are looking for lifetime sex offender registrant Darnell Morton, who disappeared after a probation violation. Consumer Protection: Wisconsin warns travelers about hotel booking scams using fake websites and pre-checked “refund protection” add-ons. Politics & Voting: A lawsuit and court fight over Wisconsin absentee ballot rules continues, with guidance challenged over whether voters can request a new ballot if their candidate drops out. Weather: Milwaukee faces hot, stormy conditions with a severe threat early, then a drier midweek before more rain later. Sports & Community: Jordan Love hosted a free Milwaukee youth football camp ahead of Packers training camp.

Madison Police Accountability: Corey Ruiz was shot and killed by a Madison officer on July 22, sparking protests and event cancellations as residents demand police reforms and racial-justice answers. State Capitol Spotlight: Rep. Shelia Stubbs joined attorney Ben Crump and Ruiz’s family for a press conference at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Surveillance Fight in Milwaukee: A new report highlights police misuse of Flock license-plate reader cameras, including cases tied to stalking and secret tracking—fueling calls to ban or restrict the tech. Housing Scam Warning: Milwaukee renters say they were scammed after a Zillow listing appeared legitimate; they paid cash and were later locked out. Food & Community: Jefferson’s Kikkoman Cookout sold out 500 tickets, drew 800+ people, and raised thousands for the local food pantry. Outdoors & Accessibility: Kohler-Andrae State Park added ADA accessible beach wheelchairs, picnic spots, and campsites. Health & Safety: Wildfire smoke is choking tourism up north and worsening conditions at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Nuclear Policy Watch: The NRC is proposing to drop the long-standing ALARA radiation-safety principle. Sports Notes: The Brewers keep rolling with smart roster building, and local fans get a Sunday matchup preview vs. the Rockies.

Milwaukee Community & Safety: A youth football camp in Milwaukee is drawing kids and families together after the death of 11-year-old Deon Sargent, with organizers pushing a no-violence message and plans to bring the event back next year. Brady Street Fest: Milwaukee’s Brady Street Fest returned with a stronger safety plan, including more police/security and wristbands at beer tents as the summer safety pilot runs through Labor Day. Protests After Corey Ruiz: Hundreds marched through Madison, merging into one large downtown protest and a vehicle parade as families and supporters demand transparency and accountability after Ruiz’s fatal police shooting. Heat & Weather: Extreme heat warnings hit much of western Wisconsin (heat indexes up to 115), while Milwaukee faces a stormy stretch with a high chance of thunderstorms tonight and possible severe conditions early Monday. Public Health & Fire/Crash Updates: A chlorine spill at Carver Park sent three firefighters and one civilian to the hospital; separate Wauwatosa hit-and-runs left one woman critically injured and led to two arrests. Courts & Voting: Wisconsin election rules remain in legal fights, including absentee ballot guidance and voter access challenges. DNR Hunting: The DNR released fall hunting regulations and forecasts for 2026-27, with an online filter to help hunters find what they need faster.

Madison Police Accountability: A deadly Madison police shooting of Corey Ruiz has reignited protests and calls for reform, with experts questioning whether officers did enough before firing after Ruiz was injured during a knife encounter; the fallout has also disrupted major summertime events. State Government & Food Assistance: Gov. Tony Evers says Wisconsin will avoid up to $205 million in new federal FoodShare penalty fees in 2027 after boosting state funding to reduce payment errors. Elections & Voting Rights: Wisconsin election officials warn that people who bet on election outcomes through prediction markets could face felony exposure if they still vote, citing a decades-old state statute. Milwaukee Public Safety: Wauwatosa police arrested a 46-year-old man for OWI after a wrong-way hit-and-run crash injured a 21-year-old Milwaukee woman. Local Culture & Community: Milwaukee Irish Fest continues its scholarship partnership with the University of Limerick’s Academy of Music and Dance, bringing students to perform on a major stage. Weather: Saturday stays mostly dry and mild, but Sunday and Monday bring the best chance for hot, stormy—and possibly severe—weather.

Public Safety & Courts: Wisconsin’s OWI prison population hit a record high in 2024 and stayed elevated in 2025, with 2,750 adults in state prisons for intoxicated driving as of December 2025—driven by harsher penalties for repeat offenses and more new admissions. Madison Police Accountability: Corey Ruiz, 38, was identified as the man killed in a Madison officer-involved shooting; his family and attorney Ben Crump spoke publicly, calling the killing an “execution” and pressing for more de-escalation and transparency as the state investigation continues. Elections & Voting Access: The League of Women Voters Wisconsin is suing the Wisconsin Elections Commission to let absentee voters whose ballots arrive late vote via provisional ballots at the polls. Local Government & Health: Eau Claire City Council will consider asking the state for more funding for the city-county health department, plus redevelopment districts and downtown parking changes. Tech & Data Centers: In the governor’s race, candidates including Kelda Roys are pushing for stronger data center regulation, transparency, and limits on subsidies. Sports: The Packers say they’re financially strong but must be “more aggressive” in revenue as the NFL’s spending arms race grows.

Madison Police Accountability: Protesters are demanding answers after a fatal shooting of Corey Ruiz, but Madison still lacks body-worn cameras—leaving only cellphone video to shape the public record and reigniting debate over a planned $414,800 rollout. Election Mail Fight: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Gov. Tony Evers warned USPS about “severe delays” that could affect absentee ballots, while Wisconsin voters and groups sue to allow provisional options or ballot do-overs if mail arrives late. Federal Funding Lawsuit: Wisconsin joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging FEMA and DHS conditions tied to disaster and counterterrorism grants, including demands to share voter lists and help enforce immigration. Milwaukee DOJ Mask Case: The Justice Department filed a complaint targeting Milwaukee’s ordinance restricting federal officers’ masks and requiring identifiers. Public Safety & Courts: A Plover woman faces charges after allegedly putting eye drops in a man’s drinks, and Wisconsin’s ICE detention numbers show a sharp rise in jail detainees without criminal convictions. State Fair Shock: The Beach Boys canceled their 2026 Wisconsin State Fair concert, with refunds underway. Local Economy: Prairie Farms laid off nearly 100 in Shullsburg, and a Seattle-based company says it will buy the plant to add jobs.

Madison Police Shooting Fallout: Protests and calls for transparency are growing after Corey Ruiz, a homeless man, was fatally shot by Madison police after a struggle involving a knife; officials say bodycam footage won’t be available because Madison doesn’t require it, while the state DOJ is set to run an independent investigation and lawmakers and candidates trade accusations ahead of the Aug. 11 governor primary. Milwaukee Schools & Safety: New data shows Milwaukee’s school resource officers handled 689 calls for service in 2025-26, with 46% labeled “trouble,” and issued 70 citations—less than 1% of students covered—while 25+ SROs staff 12 MPS high schools daily. Elections Court Fight: Three voters sued the Wisconsin Elections Commission to allow absentee ballot “spoiling” and revotes after Democratic primary changes, arguing the WEC’s stance violates election rules and equal protection. Local Governance & Community Impact: In Grafton, residents are urging action to “save the Bridge Street Dam and our mill pond” after a hydraulic failure left the mill pond drained and exposed sediment and dead trees. Public Safety, Small-Town Story: Pewaukee police safely recovered and disposed of decades-old blasting caps turned in by a resident cleaning out a deceased father’s home. Sports & Community: Beloit’s 16U Junior Bandits host the Wisconsin American Legion state tournament this week, and Spencer Turtz won the 125th Wisconsin Amateur Championship.

Madison Police Shooting: Protests are erupting after a Madison officer fatally shot a knife-wielding man during an arrest struggle, with critics pointing to cellphone video and questions about body cameras and use of force. Gov. Evers on DACA: Evers urged President Trump and Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to answer for delays renewing DACA applications, warning the backlog threatens Wisconsin’s workforce. Courts Make Restraining Orders Easier: Wisconsin’s court system is piloting a mobile-first online portal in eight counties to help survivors file domestic abuse temporary restraining order petitions, aiming for statewide rollout by late August. Milwaukee Muslim Leader’s Deportation Fight: Salah Sarsour’s deportation case continues after his 80-day ICE detention, with lawyers arguing it’s retaliation for pro-Palestinian activism. Northern Wisconsin Walleye Decline: State and tribal biologists say walleye are dropping in parts of the Northwoods, citing habitat loss and warmer-water pressures. Road Work: Highway 213 between Beloit and Orfordville is closed to through traffic for resurfacing and related upgrades, with a roundabout expected by October. Domestic Abuse Filing Help: The restraining-order portal pilot includes Adams, Barron, Brown, Dane, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Sauk, and Waukesha. Local Politics/Run for Governor: Milwaukee County Exec. David Crowley says his campaign raised $550,000 since re-entering the governor’s race. Data Center Debate: A new look at Wisconsin’s data center boom highlights concerns about sales-tax losses and strain on energy and water. Sports/Badgers Radio: UW Badgers broadcasts are returning to Milwaukee stations under a new multi-year deal.

Madison Police Shooting Sparks Protests: Madison Police Chief John Patterson said officers responded to reports of a man checking parked vehicles, then a knife fight left an officer injured before the man was shot and killed; cellphone video is fueling anger and hundreds protested at the Capitol as the Wisconsin DOJ investigates. Immigration Court Update in Milwaukee Deportation Case: In Chicago federal immigration court, attorneys for Islamic Society of Milwaukee leader Salah Sarsour argued his Israeli convictions were coerced and he didn’t understand the process; the judge didn’t rule and more testimony is set for July 29. Domestic Abuse Restraining Orders Go Online: Wisconsin’s court system is testing a new online portal to file temporary restraining order petitions, with eight counties participating and support partners helping survivors submit forms. Milwaukee Food Safety at Night Market: City inspectors are stepping up checks at events like the Milwaukee Night Market; officials say they can’t test directly for Cyclospora but coordinate with state and federal partners on recalls. Local Tragedy and Safety: A Fond du Lac County minivan crash killed an 11-year-old after multiple rollovers; in Wisconsin Dells, a hit-and-run on I-90 killed an Illinois man and closed lanes for hours. Politics and Voting Fight: State Democrats asked the Elections Commission to reconsider absentee ballot “do-over” limits after candidates dropped out, arguing it conflicts with a Supreme Court ruling. Weather Watch: Southeast Wisconsin is bracing for drought impacts after Milwaukee’s driest July since 1936, with farms reporting stunted growth.

Campaign Shake-Up: Wisconsin Democrats are pushing to recast more than 80,000 absentee ballots after the primary imploded—Sara Rodriguez quit, then Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entered and got Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement, reigniting fights over whether voters can “do-over” ballots when candidates drop out. Election Integrity & Voting Rules: Milwaukee County Supervisor Anne O’Connor backed a resolution after reports of FBI interviews tied to 2020 election workers, while the Wisconsin Elections Commission warned voters not to bet on their ballots via Polymarket or Kalshi. Energy Costs & Coal: Gov. Evers urged Congress to stop federal orders extending coal plant lives, warning Wisconsin ratepayers could face about $117 million in added costs. Local Government & Community Identity: In Grafton, the millpond drained after a Bridge Street Dam gate failure, and residents are watching whether the village board repairs it or moves on. Health & Research: Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin awarded $10.6M in grants for community health projects and UW research. Outdoors & Wildlife: DNR released fall hunting regs and forecasts, and Merrick State Park hosts “Bats of Wisconsin” July 25. Sports: The Mets and Brewers play a rubber match Wednesday at American Family Field.

Election & voting rules: At a Wausau forum for Wisconsin’s 7th District, candidates sparred over ballot and election administration, with Democrats arguing federal involvement is unconstitutional and Republicans saying election decisions should stay at the state level. Primary fallout: Wisconsin Democrats are pushing the Elections Commission to let absentee voters recast ballots if a candidate drops out, after guidance says ballots can’t be changed once returned. Public safety & justice: Wisconsin’s prison system is holding a record number of people convicted of drunk driving, with OWI incarceration near 2,800. Milwaukee accountability: A Milwaukee police officer faces discipline after a sexual assault survivor complained about how she was treated when she reported the assault. Immigration enforcement: Immigrant rights groups say ICE detained at least 28 people in Rock County during a July enforcement surge. Local crime: A St. Francis woman was shot and killed hours after filing for a restraining order against her ex, who faces homicide and stalking charges. Natural resources: Gov. Evers appointed Mike Amman to the Natural Resources Board, and DNR is investigating a possible fall at Devil’s Lake State Park. Community & culture: Wade House Historic Site in Greenbush is hosting goat yoga and outdoor pizza nights this summer.

Absentee Ballot Fight: Wisconsin Democrats are urging the WEC to rescind guidance that blocks voters from changing returned absentee ballots after candidates drop out—an issue tied to the governor primary shakeup and already tens of thousands of ballots in. Election Rules Warning: The Elections Commission also warns voters not to wager on election outcomes on prediction markets like Kalshi or Polymarket and then vote in the same race, saying it could trigger felony-level disqualification. Milwaukee Public Safety: A sanitation worker was hospitalized after oxygen tanks improperly tossed into a garbage truck exploded during compaction. State Politics & Labor: Wisconsin AFL-CIO endorsed Rebecca Cooke in the 3rd Congressional District, while Milwaukee’s city attorney defended the ICE mask ban against DOJ challenge. Natural Resources & Outdoors: DNR is offering up to $75,000 in grants to recruit and retain hunters through its Hunter R3 program. Local Culture: Cedarburg Art Museum’s Palette to Plate fundraiser returns Aug. 22. Sports: Richfield/Holy Angels’ Nina Slingsby finished second at the USA Clay Target Nationals with a 99.