AGP Executive Report

Canada-U.S. Trade War: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on $20B in U.S. goods kicked in just after midnight, with levies ranging from 15% to 50% and potential hit to Midwestern manufacturers and Wisconsin dairy. Milwaukee Justice & Tech: Milwaukee’s facial recognition pause doesn’t end concerns—cases still being prosecuted involved the technology, raising questions about disclosure and misidentification risk. Courts & Mental Health: Wisconsin circuit courts are seeing a sharp rise in court-ordered competency evaluations, with findings of unfitness for trial increasing since 2013. Data Centers: Lawsuits are targeting Microsoft and xAI over alleged low-frequency noise and other harms tied to Wisconsin data center operations. Local Business & Community: Kwik Trip bought former Sendik’s Fresh2Go and Mobile gas sites in Hales Corners; on Water Street, new openings and closures show how construction and safety perceptions are reshaping downtown. Tourism & Labor Day: Wisconsin Dells businesses are wrapping a longer-than-usual season, while Labor Day travel and gas prices remain a strain for many. Sports & Culture: Green Bay’s Lambeau Field saw a homecoming moment as James Flanigan scored his first career TD; Bronzeville Center for the Arts announced a new speaker series tied to its Black arts museum plans.

State Budget & Politics: Wisconsin’s projected $3 billion surplus is back in the spotlight as Gov. hopefuls Tom Tiffany and David Crowley clash over what to do with the extra money—Tiffany promises tax returns, while Crowley points to property tax relief plus more school and health care investment. Higher Education Outcomes: New federal data show uneven six-year bachelor’s completion rates across Wisconsin counties and UW-Milwaukee—Winnebago County’s Hispanic/Latino rate is 48.9% and UW-Milwaukee’s Asian completion rate is 52.9%, while Dane County’s white rate hits 90.3%. Local Government Spending: A municipal spending update finds Wisconsin cities and villages increased per-capita net operating spending 4.4% in 2024, outpacing inflation, with big jumps in general government, street maintenance, fire/EMS, and police. Data Centers & Transparency: A national look at AI-driven data center growth highlights concerns about local governments signing NDAs that limit what officials can disclose about major projects. Labor Day & Work: Coverage marks Labor Day’s worker-first message alongside warnings about weakened labor rights and the real-world impact on working families. Community & Culture: Watertown’s new library director, Mary Lopez, is settling in and emphasizing outreach to non-users and “something for everyone.” Food & Dairy: Wisconsin dairy companies dominated World Dairy Expo’s product contest, with Chocolate Shoppe’s ice creams also taking top honors.

Lambeau Football Spotlight: Notre Dame’s James Flanigan scored in the Irish’s 41-13 win over Wisconsin at Lambeau, continuing a family Packers-and-Notre-Dame tradition. Milwaukee Public Safety: The city is using a new “cluster” approach, with 26 zones where 90% of 2026 shootings occurred over Labor Day weekend, as officials say homicides and non-fatal shootings are down year-to-year. Police Accountability Debate: Ben Crump and Rep. Sheila Stubbs renewed calls for body-worn cameras in Madison after an officer-involved shooting, arguing cameras should be required statewide. Education Outcomes (UW System): New county-by-county six-year bachelor’s completion figures show Dane County at 86.4% for Black students, La Crosse at 63.2% for Hispanic students, and Grant County at 62.7% for white students. Local Community & Housing: Old National Bank Foundation’s 20-for-20 grants include $ for Milwaukee’s Housing Resources, Inc., aimed at helping families reach homeownership. Wildlife Research: Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance tagged monarchs at Goose Pond Sanctuary with tiny trackers to follow their migration toward Mexico. Sports Betting Culture: Multiple promos from Polymarket and Kalshi are pushing Labor Day and Notre Dame–Wisconsin markets, reflecting how prediction betting is now part of the sports weekend.

Prison Capacity Debate: Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany says Wisconsin should expand and build prison capacity as the state hits record incarceration levels, aiming to safely close Green Bay Correctional without releasing violent offenders. Education Numbers: UW-Green Bay’s only public four-year campus in Brown County reported a 48.1% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for students of two or more races entering in 2018, well below the statewide pooled rate. Local School Funding: Beloit schools face funding pressure as declining enrollment threatens the district’s current-year budget. Health & Seniors: Two upcoming Senior Fairs—Janesville Sept. 11 and Beloit Oct. 6—will offer flu shots plus help on health care, scams, housing, and finances. Milwaukee Violence: Milwaukee police are investigating six shootings over Labor Day weekend, including four Sunday morning. Big Weekend for Green Bay: Wisconsin and Notre Dame meet at Lambeau Field Sunday, with local businesses projecting a major economic boost. Mail Voting Fight: A report says Trump’s mail-in voting push is running into court and logistics problems as Wisconsin begins mailing ballots.

Green Bay Game-Day Buzz: Notre Dame and Wisconsin fans flooded downtown and Titletown ahead of the season opener at Lambeau Field, with road closures and big crowds turning the city into a two-team celebration. Labor & Health Care: Allina doctors at Unity and Mercy hospitals filed a strike notice after three years without a contract, citing stalled bargaining and pay-cut proposals. Local Government: Milwaukee is weighing a rollback of its downtown 10 p.m. food truck curfew, after legal challenges and complaints from vendors. Elections & Voting Security: A Wisconsin-focused discussion highlights renewed federal pressure around election integrity, including claims about noncitizen voting and efforts that could affect mail ballots. Tech & Privacy Politics: Flock automated camera backlash keeps spreading, with Wisconsin tied to the wider national fight over warrantless-style surveillance. Economy & Work: A Wisconsin “state of working” segment points to mixed job growth locally even as median wages rise. Education Outcomes: New county-by-county UW graduation figures show persistent gaps by race and ethnicity. Business Moves: Milwaukee restaurateurs bought the former The Cheel building in Thiensville, planning a new concept. Scams Watch: BBB Scam Tracker lists Milwaukee and other Wisconsin cities among the highest for scam reports in July.

Community Development: Town of Phelps held a ribbon cutting for its new Community Center and library, a $5.5 million project funded by a $4.25 million Flexible Facilities Grant from Gov. Tony Evers’ administration, plus local fundraising and donations. Surveillance & Elections: A national tracker says more than 150 U.S. communities have rejected or paused automated license plate reader systems, as opposition to Flock-style cameras keeps spreading into local politics. Education Outcomes (WI): New federal data show gaps in bachelor’s completion rates by race across Wisconsin’s public four-year campuses, including UW-Milwaukee (36.9% for Black students in the 2018 cohort) and UW-Whitewater (51% for two-or-more races). AI Law: A federal appeals ruling on Wisconsin’s AI child sexual abuse materials law doesn’t immediately remove the state statute, but attorneys may use the precedent in future challenges. Immigration Case: A Milwaukee family says a man wrongly accused by DHS over alleged threats to President Trump remains stuck in deportation proceedings while they seek damages. Business & Jobs: Rock County’s private-sector employment stayed nearly flat year over year, with health care and construction posting the biggest gains.

First Amendment in Schools: An Arrowhead High School graduate reached a settlement after being blocked from using a Bible verse in a graduation slide; the district paid $12,500, apologized, and agreed to stop allowing any student-written graduation slideshow messages. Local School Funding: Swallow School District voters will decide Nov. 3 on an operational referendum seeking $500,000 a year for five years to cover rising costs under state revenue limits. Health & Research: UW–Madison researchers are working on treatments for DIPG, the rare brain cancer that killed an Oak Park boy, with a connection to the scientist’s daughter’s pre-K class. Immigration Enforcement: ICE arrest data shows Wisconsin hit new highs this summer, with more than 2,100 detentions since January 2025, as the state’s political debate heats up. Voting by Mail: Midterm mail ballots began going out as courts weigh Trump administration limits and concerns about Postal Service changes. Public Safety Contracts: Shawano is adjusting its 33-year ambulance service agreement, including notice timing and how the city pays the provider. Tech & Community: UW–Stevens Point’s census-based interactive history map won the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Governor’s Award for Archival Innovation. Sports & Economy: Green Bay braces for major Notre Dame–Wisconsin weekend spending, projected at $15M–$20M.

Workforce & Education: Wisconsin technical colleges are asking the state for an extra $168 million in the next two-year budget, including $59.4 million for general operations, plus funding for dual enrollment, adult basic education, and industry grants to tackle workforce shortages. Elections & Voting: The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to lift a block on new Postal Service mail-ballot rules as midterm ballots start going out, with legal deadlines looming and states warning the changes could disrupt voting. Higher Ed Outcomes: New data shows UW-Madison had an 85% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for two-or-more-races students entering in 2018, while UW-Eau Claire and UW-Parkside reported lower county rates for the same group. Property Tax Scam Warning: California officials warned residents about a fake federal “Form 1098-SR” pitch circulating online that claims to freeze or cut property taxes. Agriculture & Trade: Wisconsin farmers are bracing for fallout from new U.S.-Canada tariffs, with dairy supply chains caught in the middle. Local Business/Real Estate: Mandel Group is moving to transfer about 40% of its Milwaukee-area apartment holdings in a major deal involving Cottonwood Communities.

Flock cameras and election politics: Wisconsin governor candidates are facing a growing backlash over Flock’s license-plate surveillance network, with campaigns pushing limits, funding cuts, or warrant requirements as the issue spreads beyond party lines. Voting access uncertainty: Midterm mail ballots begin going out Friday as legal fights over President Trump’s efforts to restrict mail voting collide with concerns about Postal Service changes and rejected ballots. Milwaukee business fallout: Water Street closures are drawing scrutiny after a strip club announced a temporary shutdown tied to gun violence, while another restaurant permanently closed downtown. Workforce and training bottlenecks: Wisconsin students are facing long waitlists—up to two years—for high-demand career training programs, as colleges cite financial limits. Rural health strain: Rural Wisconsin is dealing with a critical shortage of veterinarians, leaving farmers and pet owners farther from care. Wildlife and environment: The DNR is reducing 2026 ring-necked pheasant stocking, and southeastern Wisconsin is seeing dead deer linked to disease spread.

DNR & Hunting: Wisconsin’s DNR says it will stock fewer ring-necked pheasants this fall—cutting the goal from 75,000 to 65,000—and ending the stocking season Nov. 19, while the hunting season stays Oct. 17, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027. Data & Regional Planning: Northeast Wisconsin Data Exchange (NEWDEX) expanded from 3 to 11 counties, adding a free online hub with 130+ community indicators on housing, health, workforce and more. PFAS Relief: Wisconsin lawmakers approved releasing $10 million from the PFAS trust fund tied to a Tyco settlement, aiming to speed safe-water work in Marinette and Peshtigo. Milwaukee Cameras: Milwaukee’s Common Council says the mayor’s new limits on Flock license-plate readers don’t settle the policy fight over how the system is used. Immigration Enforcement: New data shows ICE detained and arrested more people in Wisconsin in June and July than any other month this administration, with a spike in late June. Education & Costs: Gov. Evers’ back-to-school radio address highlighted rising family costs and pushed for action on the state’s growing surplus. Local Sports/Community: Oconomowoc advanced rules for bikes and scooters on sidewalks, and McFarland High School earned a top-8% statewide ranking from U.S. News.

Elections & Voting Integrity: DHS is launching a voter-fraud investigation surge in Wisconsin and eight other states, focusing on claims of noncitizen voting, raising concerns about trust in the November midterms. Local Utilities & Costs: Superior residents will vote next spring on whether to shift from private control of the city’s water utility to a community-owned system, with pricing set by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. Education Policy: A Wisconsin lawmaker proposes screen-free classrooms for pre-K through 2nd grade, arguing early tech use harms kids’ academic and social development. Public Safety & Surveillance: Milwaukee firefighters spent hours battling a fire at a Waste Management transfer station; separately, Wisconsin communities keep debating the use of Flock-style license plate readers and related data rules. Health & Research: UW-Madison and Morgridge researchers report new optical imaging that reveals the metabolic activity of individual immune cells from blood samples. Community & Economy: A $2 million gift moves Three Gaits closer to its $4.5 million plan to build a new arena and barn for all-abilities programs.

COVID-19 Update: The CDC reports late-summer COVID cases are rising across nearly every state, with the FDA approving an updated vaccine for people at higher risk—though deaths and hospitalizations remain far lower than in earlier years. Data Centers & Local Control: Barron County officials discussed a potential data center moratorium as Wisconsin weighs rapid growth in server facilities tied to AI and cloud demand. Utility Rates: We Energies is facing pushback over a proposed 14% residential rate hike, with residents warning regulators they can’t absorb another round of big increases. Sports & Tourism: Wisconsin hockey is set to return to Lambeau Field for the first time in 20 years with the Travel Wisconsin Frozen Tundra Faceoff on Feb. 20, 2027, featuring UW men vs. Michigan and UW women vs. Ohio State. Legal & Courts: A federal appeals ruling raises questions about Wisconsin’s AI child pornography law, protecting private possession of AI-generated child sexual abuse material when it doesn’t depict a real person. Business Moves: F.L. Putnam Investment Management is acquiring Milwaukee-based Red Granite, keeping the team in place while expanding its Wisconsin presence.

AI & Elections: A Wisconsin congressional race is getting heat over AI deepfakes, with Derrick Van Orden’s campaign posting fake-looking videos that Rebecca Cooke says are deceptive and damaging. State Politics & Courts: The Wisconsin Supreme Court is set for a busy fall docket under a new 5-2 liberal majority, with Act 10 still a major fight but not yet on the court’s docket. Energy Costs: We Energies is seeking a 14% rate hike by 2028, and public hearings drew sharp pushback from residents worried about affordability. Local Schools: Janesville is pursuing FEMA disaster aid that could help reopen flood-damaged Washington Elementary, while Milwaukee Public Schools is investing $18M in upgrades across six north side schools. Tribal Land: UW Law’s Great Lakes Indigenous Law Center won a $116,024 grant to create a Wisconsin-focused handbook to help Native Nations with tribal land acquisitions. Health Tech: UW researchers are building an AI “digital mentor” to train clinicians on high-risk newborn intubation. Milwaukee Safety & Infrastructure: A Walker’s Point warehouse partially collapsed, and officials are also moving ahead with major bridge work tied to the Blatnik replacement. Election Security Probe: DHS is reportedly launching a voter fraud investigation “surge” that includes Wisconsin, raising concerns about timing and fear-mongering.

Wisconsin Governor Debate: WISN-TV confirmed a debate between Gov. candidates David Crowley and Tom Tiffany on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at Marquette Law School, with early voting starting Oct. 20. Data Centers & Power: A new push argues AI-driven data centers should be treated as power infrastructure, as utilities face multi-year grid strain and demand growth projections. Mental Health on Campus: Two Bridge’s Future Friends Campus Series announced Mt. Joy, Dasha, Chelsea Cutler and others for Wisconsin and universities nationwide, targeting loneliness and youth mental wellness. Banking Watch: Wisconsin banks reported strong mid-2026 performance, with assets and deposits up year over year and improved net interest margin. Disability Services Funding: Gov. Evers and DWD secured $11M+ to end Wisconsin’s vocational rehab waitlist by next year’s federal fiscal timeline. Courts: Judge Lisa Neubauer endorsed Ben Glicksman for Milwaukee County Circuit Court. Local Government Budgets: Wisconsin counties are warning of deep fiscal gaps as levy limits squeeze public safety and health services. Sports: Wisconsin football’s rebuilding focus is in the spotlight as Luke Fickell leans on transfers from past Badger contenders.

Data Center Politics: President Trump escalated the fight over AI data centers, telling protesters they’re “backwards and poor” and warning China “could not be happier,” as a billionaire-backed group launches a new ad push in battleground states including Wisconsin. Utility Costs: We Energies is asking state regulators to approve a 14–15% residential electric rate increase through 2028, with a public hearing Sept. 1. State Budget: Wisconsin’s projected surplus is trending toward $3 billion after tax collections beat expectations, setting up a new debate over whether to return money to taxpayers or fund services. Infrastructure: Groundbreaking began for the Blatnik Bridge replacement linking Superior and Duluth, a multi-year project with major regional economic impact and a full closure expected starting in early 2027. Local Governance & Safety: Madison’s finance committee rejected extra funding for the independent police monitor, while Milwaukee’s Water Street continues to see closures tied to public safety concerns. Health & Research: UW-Madison’s Chazen Museum opened a new collection exhibit, and Medical College of Wisconsin highlighted rapid progress in pancreatic cancer care after an FDA-approved KRAS-targeting drug. Community & Economy: Milton commissioned a hotel feasibility study, and southern Wisconsin residents are organizing against proposed high-voltage transmission lines.

Workforce & Disability Services: Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development secured over $11 million in federal funding to keep vocational rehabilitation services available statewide and avoid restarting a waitlist through federal fiscal year 2027. Workforce Development: Wisconsin’s workforce boards are set to use a RESTART grant to prepare justice-involved youth and young adults for in-demand careers, including advanced manufacturing, construction trades, and emerging AI-related industries. Local Health Care Access: Spooner is welcoming two new dentists—Dr. Bryce Carroll and Dr. Joshua Carroll—back home after earning their Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees at the University of Iowa and joining their family practice. Education & Career Pathways: Lakeshore College highlights how technical education is translating into real job opportunities for students and employers, pointing to enrollment and program breadth. AI & Data Centers Politics: A pro-AI group says it plans to spend in Wisconsin to build support for AI infrastructure, as backlash to data centers continues to shape midterm politics. Business & Agriculture: USDA Rural Development highlighted a nearly $50,000 investment supporting a Viroqua hazelnut business and local jobs. Sports Business: A Wisconsin tie-in shows up in national headlines, from Brewers coverage to a Madison concert tied to an Amazon Ads back-to-school campaign.