AGP Executive Report

Brewers Postseason Boost: Milwaukee is gearing up for the NLDS opener Saturday at American Family Field, with Visit Milwaukee projecting more than $5 million in economic impact per home game as bars and shuttle services prepare for visiting fans. NLDS Matchup & Picks: The Brewers host the Padres in Game 1, and national outlets are split—ESPN’s staff leaned Milwaukee heavily, while other writers expect a tight series that could go the distance. Local Food Fun: Culver’s is rolling out a limited-time “Brew Crew Cheesecake” frozen custard flavor timed to Games 1 and 2. Public Health Alert: Walmart and Trader Joe’s expanded a recall of frozen organic berries tied to an E. coli outbreak that sickened 17 people, adding more lots after CDC and FDA updates. Housing in Waukesha: Officials say a redevelopment plan for the former UWM at Waukesha site would create about 650 households, including 70 Habitat homes, to address local housing gaps. Civic Infrastructure: Milwaukee County approved an $812 million courthouse renovation plan, with financing and staging now moving from proposal to execution. Weather: Saturday looks sunny and mild, with highs in the low to mid 60s.

G20 Trade Talks in Milwaukee: U.S. trade officials say a “handful” of G20 members rejected calls to curb excess industrial capacity, while ministers did reach rare consensus condemning the weaponisation of food. India Trade Position: Piyush Goyal told the G20 that India has no “structural excess capacity” and urged WTO-compliant tools, warning against shifting adjustment costs to developing countries. Local Business & Jobs: Yaskawa America announced a major robotics manufacturing expansion in Franklin, aiming to build high-volume industrial robots in Wisconsin. Mental Health Access: Wisconsin’s 988 hotline is restoring the “Press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth after a 2025 cut. Great Lakes Environment: The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2026 cleared the Senate, setting up reauthorization through 2030. Community & Safety: Brown County is reminding residents about rules after a viral “tattoo” video outside a Green Bay Kwik Trip. Sports (Wisconsin): The Badgers open Week 5 vs. Michigan State, with Wisconsin coming in 3-1.

Wisconsin Politics & Money: New campaign finance filings show three MAGA billionaires have poured more than $24.7 million into Wisconsin GOP legislative efforts, using party loopholes to funnel unlimited cash to candidates. Governor Race: Separate reporting says Republican Tom Tiffany’s bid is surging, with most of his latest haul tied to the same billionaire backers. Energy & Environment: Wisconsin and other states are suing to block Trump-era rollbacks of federal fuel economy rules, arguing they violate law and will raise costs while increasing pollution. Local Economy/Tech: EMD Electronics opened a new 38,000-square-foot R&D facility in Sheboygan Falls, backed by Wisconsin incentives, as part of a broader semiconductor materials expansion. Public Safety/Workplaces: RF Technologies’ Help Alert staff pendant advanced to the final 16 in Wisconsin’s “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” contest. Business & Innovation: New North will host six pitch events during Startup Week, feeding into a regional pitch event in Green Bay. Culture & Science: A diver in Pewaukee Lake found a 1,000-year-old dugout canoe, with experts saying it was likely intentionally sunk.

Milwaukee County Budget: County Executive David Crowley’s proposed 2027 budget would lower the property tax rate while raising the overall tax levy 2.5% (about $7.87 million more), a key issue in the governor’s race. G20 Fuel Pressure: At the Milwaukee G20, the U.S. urged European allies—especially France and Germany—to release diesel reserves “immediately” to cool prices, as officials warn energy costs could hurt Republicans. Governor Race Money & Polls: Marquette polling shows Crowley leading Tiffany 49%-46% among likely voters, but fundraising reports highlight Tiffany’s massive edge driven by three billionaire donors. New Berlin Records: Public records released after Mayor Dave Ament’s anti-Muslim comments show both backlash and support in emails, including staff criticism and concern about lack of apology. Trade & Critical Minerals: India’s Piyush Goyal pushed trade talks at G20, warning fertilizer shortages could turn into a food crisis, while Canada and India discussed scaling critical-minerals cooperation. Local Economy: Racine launched a low-interest, partly forgivable downtown loan program to help fill vacant storefronts, and UW-La Crosse and Western Technical College earned federal maritime workforce recognition. Health & Community: The 988 LGBTQ youth “Press 3” option is back after Congress and Sen. Tammy Baldwin helped restore specialized crisis services.

G20 Trade Talks in Milwaukee: India’s commerce minister Piyush Goyal met U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer and U.S. manufacturing and tech leaders at a National Association of Manufacturers roundtable, pushing deeper investment and manufacturing ties as G20 ministers wrap up meetings amid tariff uncertainty. Trade Tensions Abroad: Canada’s trade minister Maninder Sidhu met Greer on the sidelines, warning about the impact of trade uncertainty, while Russia’s economic minister Maxim Reshetnikov criticized U.S. moves as destabilizing the global trade order. Local EMS Governance: Jefferson County’s EMS Working Group paused indefinitely after its first stage, as supervisors review next steps and consider reshaping the group. Bird-Safety Effort: Milwaukee volunteers with Wisconsin Night Guardians for Songbirds track window collisions and route injured birds to rehab, using the data to push building changes. Health Care Leadership: Noble Community Clinics named Kristin Blanchard Stearns CEO effective Oct. 1 after the April integration with Lakeshore Community Health Care. Environment & Daily Life: Wisconsin’s Food Waste Prevention Week highlights the scale of wasted food and practical steps to cut landfill trash and grocery costs. Cybersecurity Reminder: Wisconsin agencies urged residents and organizations to boost digital hygiene during Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Trade & Industry (G20): U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer opened the G20 Trade Ministerial in Milwaukee calling for a “new international economic order,” pushing action on weaponized food, global excess production, Most-Favored-Nation rules, and forced labor. Local Economy & Business (G20): India’s Piyush Goyal met Greer and other G20 leaders, including talks with Poland, Brazil, and U.S. manufacturing and tech executives, aiming for an interim India-U.S. trade deal and deeper investment ties. Steel Overcapacity: A U.S.-led steel forum agreed to a “Milwaukee Framework” to coordinate responses to global steel excess capacity, including subsidy scrutiny and steps to curb tariff circumvention. Healthcare (ACA refunds): Trump administration began sending $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wisconsin. Politics (WI governor race): A Marquette Law School poll shows David Crowley leading Tom Tiffany 49%-46% among likely voters. Milwaukee Data Centers: Milwaukee’s proposed data center moratorium cleared an early hurdle after debate over legal limits and zoning definitions. Public Health (ticks): HHS awarded nearly $3M for research testing tick-killing deer feed and rodent baits to reduce Lyme and alpha-gal risks. Arts & Community (Milwaukee): Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy raised $1.6M at its gala to support K4–12 programs. Environment (coastal grants): Gov. Evers and DOA announced $1.3M in grants for resilient Great Lakes coastal communities.

G20 Trade Talks in Milwaukee: India’s trade minister Piyush Goyal is in Wisconsin for the G20 trade ministerial, aiming to advance India-U.S. trade talks as tariff disputes and excess-capacity concerns hang over negotiations. Data Center Power Crunch: A new analysis of Oracle/OpenAI’s Port Washington data center warns meaningful load may not arrive until mid-2028, citing delays tied to grid interconnection and Public Service Commission steps. Healthcare Merger Watch: HealthPartners and Essentia Health have approved a plan to merge, with a combined system expected to operate across Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. Wisconsin Courts Backlog: Wisconsin’s “not competent to stand trial” findings nearly tripled from 2013 to 2025, pushing officials to consider more outpatient competency restoration. Election Logistics: Early in-person absentee voting for Nov. 3 opens Oct. 20 across multiple Wisconsin regions, with voters directed to check local clerk hours and MyVote.wi.gov. Local Public Safety: La Crosse officials warn of email scams impersonating the city’s Planning and Development Department. Health Coverage Leadership: Children’s Wisconsin named Bill Hanna president of Chorus Community Health Plans. Consumer Tip: Consumer Reports urges shoppers to compare car-loan offers and seek preapproval before dealership visits.

G20 Trade Talks in Milwaukee: U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Trump administration will consider tariff caps from trade deals as it weighs new duties tied to excess industrial capacity, with ministers touring Rockwell Automation and discussing how to keep trade moving. Data Center Pushback: Janesville approved a one-year data center moratorium while it reviews impacts; nearby, Mount Pleasant got nearly $5M back after Microsoft waived a development incentive. Energy Costs & Grid Debate: The Public Service Commission heard WPS’s request for a 15% residential rate increase over two years, as residents warned it’s unaffordable. Healthcare Merger: HealthPartners and Essentia Health approved a plan to combine, aiming to expand access and affordability across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Wisconsin Economy & Tourism: Madison and Dane County drew 9 million visitors in 2025, spending $1.6B. Local Justice Update: Wauwatosa approved a $95K settlement for former officer Joseph Mensah, citing PTSD. Science & Research: UW-linked IceCube in Antarctica detected mysterious neutrino interactions, and UW’s Badger Challenge raised $1.2M for cancer research.

Data Centers & Local Taxes: Jefferson County is drafting a notice ordinance for large data center projects, aiming to address infrastructure strain and the lack of clear public info. Property Tax Math: A Wisconsin Policy Forum analysis says data center incentives can raise short-term property tax bills inside tax increment districts while shifting relief later. Mount Pleasant Microsoft Update: Microsoft scaled back its Mount Pleasant AI data center plan after local pushback, and the village says Microsoft is redirecting a $5 million incentive to help stabilize local property taxes. Milwaukee Housing: A 25-story, 226-unit downtown condo project (Zenith) cleared the Plan Commission and heads to Common Council review. Election Rules: A Wisconsin ballot measure would bar government from closing places of worship during emergencies. Workplace Rights: The EEOC reached a settlement with Franklin’s Rock Snowpark over alleged religious discrimination. Health Care: HealthPartners and Essentia Health approved a merger plan that would create a major regional nonprofit system. Sports & Community: UW-Eau Claire will host chess master John Bartholomew for a simul and Q&A.

Wisconsin Politics & Elections: The race for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District is heating up in traditionally Democratic northern Wisconsin, with GOP Michael Alfonso pushing “dirt, sweat, and trades” in Ashland while Democrat Fred Clark targets affordability and warns about outside special interests. 3rd District Debate Standoff: In WI-03, negotiations for a nonpartisan debate between Rebecca Cooke and Derrick Van Orden collapsed, with both sides trading accusations over scheduling and participation. Local Government & Transit: Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell urged Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to protect federal transit funding as Congress weighs the BUILD America 250 Act. Data Centers & NDAs: Rock County residents backed resolutions limiting county staff NDAs tied to hyperscale data centers, arguing for more transparency. Housing & Community Needs: A La Crosse YMCA community discussion focused on reducing food insecurity, including school referrals and partnerships with Feeding Wisconsin. Milwaukee Public Safety/Infrastructure: A self-sanitizing public restroom is under construction in West Town’s Polish Triangle, drawing mixed reactions from residents.

Data Centers & Transparency: A bipartisan bill would ban government NDAs that block the public from learning about proposed data center projects, aiming to force more open dealmaking as AI infrastructure expands. Milwaukee & Business: The Brewers set a franchise-best 103-59 record and drew 2.79 million fans at American Family Field, up 5.2% from last year. Elections & State Government: Wisconsin voters may hear less about secretary of state and treasurer races, even as candidates argue over what those offices should control. Health & Science: A new study links frequent cannabis use with worse seizure outcomes in drug-resistant epilepsy patients, raising concerns but not proving cause. Immigration Policy: A federal judge blocked a Trump rule requiring immigration-status checks for people using federally funded programs like Head Start and adult education. Local Economy & Education: Madison College launches “Promise to Complete,” a last-dollar scholarship for adult learners 23+ to finish associate degrees or technical diplomas. Public Safety: A New Berlin man was arrested after a hit-and-run injured two pedestrians; injuries were non-life-threatening.

Apostle Islands Debate: A federal bill would redesignate the Apostle Islands from a national lakeshore to a national park, but the Red Cliff Band says the change could threaten sacred homelands and asks for protections before more tourism. Lead Pipes in Wausau: Wausau is pushing to replace remaining lead service lines, and a city finance committee voted to cover 100% of resident costs—about $6,700 per line on average—aiming to finish by 2028. Education Funding: State Superintendent Jill Underly used her State of Education address to argue Wisconsin is underfunding public schools and called for a funding overhaul. AI-First Business: 7Rivers named Ben Kerford CEO as the Milwaukee-based AI consultancy scales its data and AI services. UWM Engineering Program: The University of Seoul and UW-Milwaukee signed an agreement to launch a dual-degree engineering program. Health & Community: Madison’s Badger Challenge drew hundreds and raised $1.2M for UW cancer research, while a Milwaukee clinic braces for more patients after Medicaid changes. Brewers Playoffs: Milwaukee opens the NLDS Saturday at American Family Field with home-field advantage after finishing 103-59.

Local Control vs. Big Farms: Wisconsin towns weighing rules on large livestock operations are facing a new legal and political fight after farm groups filed public-records requests tied to CAFO regulations, with Polk County communities rolling back rules and officials now wondering if more towns will be targeted. State Politics & Elections: Marquette Law School is set to release a new Wisconsin poll Wednesday covering the governor’s race (Crowley vs. Tiffany) plus views on the economy, AI, and data-center costs and incentives. Data Centers in the Crosshairs: Democrats are betting anti–data center anger can help flip a long-held Assembly seat in River Falls, where residents and activists are challenging tax breaks tied to big tech buildouts. Business & Tech: Accuray and Samsung NeuroLogica announced a volumetric imaging collaboration for the CyberKnife platform. Weather: Southeast Wisconsin stays dry with fog possible Sunday morning and rain chances building late Tuesday into midweek.

UW-Madison Caregiving Support: UW-Madison is launching a free Badger Caregiving Clinic next week, pairing students and staff with telehealth and in-person help for unpaid caregivers, with eligibility tied to UW Health patients. Local Housing & Jobs: Waukesha County Business Alliance backs redeveloping the former UW–Milwaukee at Waukesha campus into mixed housing, arguing it’s key to attracting and keeping workers. Healthcare Research: UCLA Health will lead a $25M, five-year national effort to test AI tools for Alzheimer’s and dementia care, with UW and Mayo among partners. State Politics & Counties: Four candidates for governor and attorney general laid out priorities for Wisconsin counties at the Wisconsin Counties Association conference, focusing on local control and reducing mandates. Workforce & Training: New Tecumseth is pursuing a Skilled Trades and Technology Training Centre after meetings with post-secondary partners ahead of a feasibility study. Economy Watch: Rock County’s unemployment stayed steady in August but was higher than a year ago, while payroll jobs were slightly down. Sports: Wisconsin rallied to beat Penn State 24-20 after leading late, snapping long-running Badgers streaks at Beaver Stadium.

Wisconsin Politics & Elections: Illinois voters started early voting and mail ballots ahead of Nov. 3, with Wisconsin observers watching how fast-changing election rules can still ripple into active cycles. Business & Housing: Wisconsin REALTORS report August home sales fell 8.3% statewide as affordability slid; median price rose to $362,000. Local Economy & Education: Wisconsin’s Pierce County colleges awarded 1,230 degrees and certificates in 2023-24, while Eau Claire County tallied 5,407 and Winnebago County 2,233. Statewide Health/Research: Wisconsin researchers won $11.1M to improve tobacco-use treatments. Community & Public Life: White Stone Warriors says donations are down and it can keep serving hot meals only until January. Sports & Culture: Wisconsin volleyball beat Oregon in its Big Ten opener; Wisconsin vs. Penn State college football odds and picks are circulating. Weather: Dry weekend ahead, with rain returning Tuesday.

G20 Trade Talks in Milwaukee: U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer will host G20 ministers Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in Milwaukee, with talks on forced labor, food trade, industrial overcapacity, and possible updates to the Most-Favored-Nation rule; India’s Piyush Goyal is set to join. H-1B Fee Fight: A coalition of 22 state attorneys general opposes a proposed $103,265 H-1B fee, calling it unlawful and warning it could worsen shortages for teachers, doctors, and nurses. Wisconsin Health & Privacy: Wisconsin is part of a $2.3M multistate settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach tied to a medical debt collector, affecting more than 16,000 state residents. Local Politics & Schools: Winnebago County voters face five referenda Nov. 3, including school funding questions for Ripon and Weyauwega-Fremont. Campus Safety: Alpha Epsilon Pi suspended its Madison chapter as police investigate a suspected hazing incident involving arrests of two fraternity leaders. Data Centers Clash: Protesters in River Falls rallied against Wisconsin’s sales-tax exemption for hyperscale data centers, arguing it’s a “blank check” for big tech.