AGP Executive Report

Brewers Playoff Push: Milwaukee took a 1-0 lead in the NLDS, beating the Padres 3-2 in Game 1 after Ty France’s ninth-inning drive hit a roof cable and was ruled an out under American Family Field ground rules. NLDS Game 2 Preview: Sunday’s matchup has Michael King for San Diego vs. rookie Logan Henderson for Milwaukee, with FS1 carrying the early game. Tragic Loss: Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger died after falling from an I-94 bridge during a traffic pursuit while deploying a tire deflation device. Local Safety: One person was transported to a hospital during the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon after first responders loaded them onto a stretcher near the Hoan Bridge. State Trails Conservation: Menominee cyclist Sarah Widder is riding 1,700 miles across Wisconsin’s state trails to spotlight the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Weather: Sunny, pleasant conditions dominate much of the state, but southeast Wisconsin braces for rain later this week.

Brewers Postseason: Milwaukee opens the NLDS at home against San Diego with Jacob Misiorowski starting and Padres countering with Robbie Ray; Walker Buehler sits out Game 1 after being placed on the postseason paternity list. Badgers Football: Wisconsin rolled past Michigan State 31-3 at Camp Randall as Colton Joseph threw three TDs and ran for another, extending the Badgers’ win streak to four. Hospital Tax Explained: A new explainer breaks down how Wisconsin’s hospital assessment now totals about $1.51B a year, with most flowing back through Medicaid and added federal money. Data Center Debate: A Wisconsin Policy Forum report says data centers could push peak electricity demand up as much as 30%, while local governments may benefit from tax incentives. Energy Help: WHEAP applications are open for the heating season, with average benefits of $441 for heat and $257 for electric. Milwaukee Safety: Police investigated three shootings in about an hour Friday night, with victims expected to survive. Trade Talks in Wisconsin: At the G20, the U.S. faced pushback as only Mexico and Argentina backed a forced-labor supply-chain statement, while excess-capacity talks also exposed divisions.

Milwaukee Brewers Playoff Boost: Visit Milwaukee says Brewers postseason home games could generate about $5.1 million per game, with local spots like Third Street Market Hall and the Milwaukee Brat House gearing up for bigger crowds. Public Safety: Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger died after injuries from a Sept. 21 incident on I-94 near the Dunn/Eau Claire line while deploying a tire deflation device during a pursuit. Local Weather: Saturday looks sunny and mild for Milwaukee—highs in the low to mid 60s—with only a small chance of a late-night sprinkle and possible patchy frost Sunday night. Sports (Madison & UW): The Badgers men’s soccer held No. 15 Washington to a 0-0 draw after a red card; and Wisconsin football hosts Michigan State at 12:30 p.m. at Camp Randall. Health: Wisconsin agencies are urging residents to get ready for flu, COVID-19, and RSV season with updated immunization recommendations.

Brewers Postseason: Milwaukee opens the NLDS Saturday at American Family Field against the surging San Diego Padres, with Jacob Misiorowski (1.80 ERA) on the mound versus Robbie Ray, as fans pack bars and watch parties for a big Game 1 crowd. Local Economy & Culture: Milwaukee bars are stocking up for postseason spillover, and Culver’s is rolling out “Brew Crew Cheesecake” custard for the series. Public Safety: Milwaukee leaders are pushing tougher penalties for illegal fireworks after hundreds of calls and dangerous incidents, including fireworks hitting a crowd. Elections & Cybersecurity: A Votebeat report says hundreds of Wisconsin election offices still aren’t using cybersecurity best practices, raising concerns for small jurisdictions. G20 Trade in Milwaukee: Trade ministers condemned “weaponisation of food,” while U.S. officials also flagged talks that could increase global diesel supplies; India and Canada set a new round for Oct. 5. Health & Community: Milwaukee-area MATC graduates began careers as correctional officers after training, while a Milwaukee police shooter case moves toward conditional release.

Education & Testing: Wisconsin’s latest Forward Exam and ACT results show less than half of students in grades 3-11 are proficient—48.4% in reading/ELA and 48.7% in math—despite small gains in some middle-school reading scores. State Politics: A Marquette Law School poll finds Gov. race tight: David Crowley leads Tom Tiffany 49% to 46% among likely voters, with 5% undecided, as voters cite inflation and cost of living as top concerns. Health Policy: The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is launching a monthlong “Love — Until the Last Breath” campaign starting Oct. 3-4 to educate Catholics about assisted suicide and encourage parish support for people who are suffering. Energy & Environment: Wisconsin DOJ joins a coalition challenging the EPA’s rollback of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, arguing it will worsen extreme weather and health harms. Local Government & Energy: Kenosha County officials oppose a proposed 200-megawatt battery project in Wheatland after Robin Energy filed with the PSC, saying it sidesteps the county’s moratorium and raises safety and land-use concerns. Business & Agriculture: DATCP is accepting applications for Export Expansion Grants through Nov. 4, and dairy processors can apply for Dairy Processor Grants by Nov. 3. Sports & Community: The Packers Foundation awarded $1.6M to 402 Wisconsin nonprofits, and the WIAC will air seven football games live on News 8+ and Television Wisconsin.

Governor Race Watch: Marquette polling finds David Crowley leading Tom Tiffany 49%-46% among likely voters, with the race tightening since last month as fundraising and messaging intensify. 3rd District Spotlight: Rebecca Cooke is campaigning to flip Wisconsin’s competitive 3rd District seat, pitching outreach to Trump voters, independents, and ticket-splitters. Milwaukee Public Safety: A judge found Darreon Parker-Bell, convicted in the 2022 MPD District 5 shooting, is a candidate for conditional release—prompting sharp backlash from the Milwaukee Police Association. Education Update: DPI data shows slight statewide gains in reading and math, but achievement gaps remain wide, especially between Black and white students. Local Mobility Rules: Waunakee and other communities are rolling out new e-bike and e-scooter regulations after crash spikes. Health & Community: The Milwaukee Bucks and DHS launched a statewide domestic violence prevention partnership. Trade in Milwaukee: At the G20, U.S. trade chief Jamieson Greer says the India-US deal is in “short strokes,” while talks with Canada still have “gaps.” Weather: Rain is winding down in southern Wisconsin, with cooler conditions moving in.

Brewers Playoffs: The Milwaukee Brewers open the NLDS Saturday, Oct. 3, hosting the San Diego Padres at American Family Field. The series runs through Oct. 9 if needed, with Game 1 at 7:30 p.m. CT on FS1. AI in Politics: In western Wisconsin’s congressional race, Democrat Rebecca Cooke says Republican Derrick Van Orden’s campaign used AI deepfake ads and sent a cease-and-desist letter. Courts & Safety: Wisconsin’s Court System launched an online portal for victims to file temporary restraining order petitions, aiming to make urgent protection easier to access. Milwaukee Police Shooting: A father identified a 17-year-old shot by a Milwaukee officer; police say the teen had a rifle and refused commands. Health Watch: Wisconsin raised the reporting threshold for “blue baby syndrome” (infant methemoglobinemia) to improve statewide surveillance. Outdoors: The DNR posted October hunting and trapping season opening dates, including duck, bear, youth gun deer, and multiple trapping periods. Local Culture: Madison-born actor Bradley Whitford received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Public Health: Wisconsin health officials are urging residents to get updated flu and COVID shots now, with RSV vaccination recommended for older adults and pregnant women as respiratory virus season ramps up. Elections & Politics: A Marquette Law School poll finds Gov. Tony Evers’ successor race is a statistical tie—David Crowley leads Tom Tiffany 49% to 46% among likely voters. Trade & Industry: G20 trade talks in Milwaukee opened with U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer pushing action on food trade “weaponization,” industrial overcapacity, Most-Favored-Nation rules, and forced labor, while a “Milwaukee Framework” targets global steel excess capacity. Immigration: An immigration judge ruled Salah Sarsour, president of Milwaukee’s Islamic Society, can be deported under a Cold War-era law; he says he’ll appeal. Local Government: Milwaukee ordered new flood-response protocols for heavy rain, aiming to clear sewer grates and deploy crews before storms. Environment & Wildlife: DNR says an endangered western ribbon snake is slowing a Highway 59 construction project in Jefferson County; public comments are due Oct. 25. Community & Culture: UW–Eau Claire’s Blugold Marching Band was selected for the 2027 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Election Access in Milwaukee & North Shore: Early in-person absentee voting for Nov. 3 opens Oct. 20 at Milwaukee sites north of I-94 and at North Shore village/city halls, with hours posted by the Election Commission and local clerks; absentee requests are due Oct. 29 and photo ID is required. Voting Rules Across Western Wisconsin: Similar early-voting windows run Oct. 20–Nov. 1 in La Crosse and southwest, Rock/Green, Kenosha, and northwestern counties, and the Sept. 14 Supreme Court mail-voting order didn’t change Wisconsin’s absentee rules. Brewers NLDS Pitching: Milwaukee set Jacob Misiorowski for Game 1 and Logan Henderson for Game 2 as the playoffs begin. Data Centers & Jobs: Construction is driving Wisconsin job growth, with data-center projects cited as part of the boom despite public backlash. EHD in Wisconsin Cattle: Wisconsin confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease in non-lactating dairy cattle in Waukesha County, urging producers to review herd health and insect control. Measles Surge: Wisconsin measles cases topped 200, concentrated in counties with lower vaccination rates. Milwaukee Flock Camera Pushback: A Milwaukee County parks committee advanced a plan to ban Flock-style license plate cameras from parks, with replacement funding still unclear. G20 Trade in Milwaukee: India’s Piyush Goyal arrived for G20 Trade Ministers’ talks, meeting U.S. industry leaders. Immigration Court Ruling: A judge ruled Salah Sarsour, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, can be deported on foreign-policy grounds.

Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks opened training camp Tuesday as they adjust to life without Giannis Antetokounmpo, with coach Taylor Jenkins and GM Jon Horst emphasizing a new team culture. Badgers Football: Wisconsin looks to clean up after its 24-20 comeback win at Penn State, hosting Michigan State Saturday in Madison. Milwaukee County Privacy Fight: A parks committee voted unanimously to remove fixed Flock Condor and ALPR cameras from county parks, sending the resolution to the full board Oct. 1. Elections & Courts: The Wisconsin Supreme Court agreed to hear a DNC challenge over whether judges can extend polling hours after Election Day disruptions, but won’t fast-track it before the midterms. Public Health: Wisconsin measles cases climbed above 200, with southwest counties hit hardest. Cost of Living/Utilities: WPS is seeking a 15% residential rate increase over two years, drawing public pushback at a PSC hearing. Sports Playoffs: Brewers open the NLDS this weekend in Milwaukee; the team is being cautious with Joey Ortiz’s right knee. Wildlife & Hunting: DNR is reminding hunters about October season openers, including the youth deer hunt Oct. 10-11.

Data Centers & Taxes: A Wisconsin Policy Forum report says the state could lose $1.5B in sales tax revenue from data center construction (2024-2028) and forgo $369M a year from operations, even as incentives help attract major projects in Mount Pleasant, Port Washington and Beaver Dam. Milwaukee Public Safety: The family of a rideshare driver killed in a police chase crash has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and officers; separately, Milwaukee firefighters responded to a building fire near 38th and North with a partial floor collapse, with no injuries reported. Elections & Voting Oversight: The Wisconsin Elections Commission is reviewing election fraud, with staff reporting only small numbers of felon voting and substantiated fraud claims in recent elections. Health & Environment: Wisconsin DNR warns wildfire smoke makes air monitoring more critical after severe asthma spikes; DNR also reports about 1,770 deer sick or dead from EHD in southeastern Wisconsin, without expected impact on fall deer season. Sports & Community: Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell earns coach-of-the-week after the Badgers’ late comeback over Penn State; the Brewers announce free NLDS watch parties in Milwaukee and Greendale.

Badger Football: Luke Fickell’s Wisconsin Badgers pulled off their biggest road win of his tenure, stunning No. 13 Penn State 24-20 with a late comeback after a 17-point deficit. Milwaukee Sports: The Brewers head into the Wild Card Series after a 103-win regular season, with fans weighing who to root for in the Cubs-Padres matchup. Local Crime: A Milwaukee man faces charges tied to a fatal shooting at a Kenosha bar and a shootout with police. Public Safety: Skydivers helped after a plane crash into an East Troy cornfield, jumping in to assist before crews arrived. State Politics/Policy: Wisconsin expands rural suicide prevention partnerships, adding training through Aspirus Health and CALM America. Transit & Travel: Amtrak’s Borealis service has topped 500,000 riders between St. Paul and Chicago. Business/Cost of Living: Synthetic oil shortages are pushing up repair-shop prices across Wisconsin.

Brewers Playoff Push: Milwaukee closed the regular season with a franchise-best 103 wins, beating St. Louis 6-4, and Jacob Misiorowski capped a historic year by leading MLB in ERA (1.80), strikeouts (252) and opponents’ batting average (.157). Housing for Adults With Disabilities: West Allis approved plans for “The Homes at Orchard Place,” adding three duplexes to create independent, supported living for adults with developmental disabilities. Health & Research: UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health received an NIH grant to study how social and environmental factors—including toxin and heavy metal exposure—may link to Alzheimer’s risk. Measles Update: Wisconsin confirmed 192 measles cases in 2026, with new travel-linked cases reaching Marathon and Chippewa counties. Legal/Policy: Wisconsin’s Supreme Court heard arguments tied to the Lindsay Clancy case, and Gov. Tony Evers set Oct. 5 as the final deadline to apply for pardons. Public Safety Staffing: A police union warns staffing shortages are driving burnout through mandatory overtime and extended shifts. Local Business & Culture: Wauwatosa launched Milwaukee County’s first “social district” (“Sip Thursdays”) starting Oct. 29. Sports (College): Wisconsin rallied late to stun No. 13 Penn State 24-20 in the Big Ten opener.

UW-Madison Cancer Fundraiser: Hundreds walked, ran and biked in Madison’s 11th annual Badger Challenge to raise money for cancer research, including a 100K rider who said the event honors loved ones and supports UW treatment. Brewers Postseason Push: Milwaukee closed the regular season with a 6-4 sweep of St. Louis, going 103-59, as Jacob Misiorowski struck out five and allowed two hits in 5 1/3 scoreless innings; Brice Turang drove in his 100th run. Badgers Volleyball: Wisconsin swept No. 10 Purdue 3-0 in West Lafayette, led by freshman Decelise Champion, as the Badgers kept Purdue from taking control in any set. Measles Update: Wisconsin confirmed 192 measles cases, with 180 in southwest counties, and most among people not vaccinated; Illinois reported 23 cases. Local Justice: A fired Milwaukee County Transit bus driver was sentenced to six years for a drunk driving crash that killed a pedestrian in 2025. Sports Shockwave: Penn State fell out of the coaches poll after losing to Wisconsin, with the Badgers’ late surge flipping the game’s momentum.

Big Ten Football: Wisconsin stunned No. 13 Penn State 24-20 in State College, erasing a 17-point halftime deficit with two late TDs and a 72-yard go-ahead strike from Colton Joseph to Jacob Harris with 1:13 left. Sports—Brewers: Milwaukee kept rolling, beating St. Louis 3-2 to extend its win streak to four and clinch a first-round bye; Jacob Misiorowski is set to start Sunday’s season finale. Mental Health & Veterans: In “In Focus,” Wisconsin lawmakers and advocates spotlight suicide prevention, including Sen. Kelda Roys’ mental health access push, WCS reentry impacts, and ReachOutWis efforts targeting veteran suicide. Public Safety: Enbridge says a Line 5 gas leak in northern Wisconsin will cost at least $15.1 million, after a truck hit an open excavation site. Milwaukee Community: A Milwaukee mother is demanding justice after her 16-year-old son was fatally shot; prosecutors say a classmate is charged and still at large. Local Culture: Racine’s Art Museum will host “Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures in Wisconsin” starting Feb. 24, 2027.

Badgers’ Shock Win: Wisconsin erased a 17-point deficit to stun No. 13 Penn State 24-20 in the Big Ten opener, capped by Colton Joseph’s 72-yard TD pass to Jacob Harris with 1:13 left. Brewers’ Late-Season Push: Brice Turang hit a go-ahead two-run homer as Milwaukee beat the Cardinals 3-2 for its 102nd win, and the team named Christian Yelich its first-ever franchise captain. Local Food Dollars: A new Madison west-side farm market, Grandad’s Farm Stop, is set up to help small farmers sell on consignment and keep more of each grocery dollar. Community Support: Milwaukee Diaper Mission handed out 40,000 diapers and essentials at a drive-thru event, with Gov. Tony Evers joining volunteers. Housing Costs: A WalletHub study says Wisconsin saw one of the biggest mortgage rate jumps in the nation in Q2, adding pressure for homebuyers. Public Safety & Grief: Family and friends gathered in Milwaukee to honor 21-year-old Iyannah Pryor, killed Tuesday while walking to a bus stop.