AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather & Recovery: Another round of storms is expected across southern Wisconsin, with a Tornado Watch for Kenosha, Racine and Walworth until 9 p.m. and a Flood Watch in place as crews respond to damage from Wednesday’s high winds and hail. Storm Damage Photos: New images show cleanup and damage in Horicon, Oshkosh, and other areas, including major destruction in Beaver Dam. Local Impact—Culver’s Barn: Culver’s “Thank You Farmers” barn in Beaver Dam collapsed after winds around 85 mph; the company says no one was hurt and recovery is underway. Traffic Disruption: Southbound I-39/90 near Janesville reopened after a morning cleanup of spilled animal byproducts. Milwaukee 250: Milwaukee is gearing up for America’s 250th with drone shows, fireworks and other events. State Parks Made Easier: Gov. Evers announced a DMV-DNR partnership letting residents order annual state park/forest passes when renewing vehicle registration. Legal Fight Over Federal Contracts: Wisconsin DOJ joined a multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration changes to federal contractor terms tied to DEI restrictions. Madison Schools: MMSD is seeking state approval for a tiebreaking process in the Wisconsin Guarantee ranking system. Sports & Community: WIAA baseball state tournament runs June 15–18, and Packers mandatory minicamp photos continue to roll in.

Milwaukee Public Schools Electric Fleet: MPS will roll out 50 new electric buses this fall, with another 100 planned over the next three years, funded by federal pandemic relief and about $40 million in EPA grants—aimed at cutting costs and emissions and helping reduce childhood asthma. Severe Storm Damage Across SE Wisconsin: Thunderstorms battered Horicon and Lomira, with officials urging residents to avoid damaged downtown areas; power outages hit thousands statewide, including Alliant Energy reporting thousands without service. Beach Season Watch: Wisconsin DNR says most local beaches are open, but Big Bay Beach in Whitefish Bay briefly closed after E. coli spiked above standards before reopening the next day. Milwaukee PrideFest Breaks Record: PrideFest drew a record 24,167 people in a single day and 41,305 over three days, despite heavy rain Friday. State Budget Fight: A $1.8 billion special education and technical college deal backed by Gov. Tony Evers and GOP leaders failed to pass after budget analysis projected a deficit. UW-Madison Campus Life: Incoming students are getting a reality check on UW-Madison orientation from sophomores who say SOAR didn’t prepare them enough. Public Safety & Health: Wisconsin officials are monitoring the northward spread of New World screwworm, and tick activity remains high statewide.

Severe Weather: Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings hit parts of southeast Wisconsin, including Fond du Lac County, with damaging winds, hail, and dangerous flying debris; power outages climbed into the tens of thousands as storms rolled through. Local Roads/Utilities: Verona reported multiple impassable streets after downed trees and powerlines, while WisDOT closed WIS 80 in Grant County due to a utility emergency. Public Health & Outdoors: Wisconsin DHS says tick activity is rising, driven by more young deer ticks that are harder to spot; the DNR also updated beach monitoring, with one Milwaukee-area beach briefly closing earlier this season for high E. coli. Agriculture & Food: Wisconsin cheesemakers are cashing in on the protein boom, producing record dry whey; meanwhile, Wisconsin experts are monitoring the northward spread of New World screwworm in livestock. Milwaukee Safety: Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke says a crackdown on reckless driving has boosted conviction rates and reduced charge reductions. Politics: The Wisconsin Elections Commission denied Minocqua Brewing owner Kirk Bangstad ballot access over signature shortfalls, and Democrats renewed calls for state birth control protections. Sports/Entertainment: The Packers’ TV-rights fight is back in the spotlight as a Wisconsin lawmaker targets the Sports Broadcasting Act, while UW hockey named a new assistant coach.

Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers and Athletics are tied 1-1 in their Las Vegas series after Milwaukee dropped a 7-5 game Tuesday; Henry Bolte hit his first MLB homer and Athletics power kept coming, while Brewers lefty Brian Fitzpatrick is seeking a second opinion on an elbow injury. Prospects: Milwaukee also reportedly agreed to a 7-year deal with outfielder Luis Lara, continuing its push to lock in young talent. Elections & ballot access: Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad was denied ballot access for Wisconsin governor after falling short of required signatures. Public safety: A Silver Alert was issued for a missing Delavan man with short-term memory loss. Arts & culture: Summerfest and FuzzPop Workshop unveiled “Radiant Echoes,” a bigger, more immersive interactive installation returning for a third year. Statewide spotlight: Wisconsin tourism hit another record in 2025, topping $27B in economic impact and 117.9M visits. Weather watch: Severe storms and large hail are forecast for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Brewers & Local Economy: Milwaukee’s tourism keeps setting records, with Milwaukee County hitting $4.431B in total economic impact in 2025 and Wisconsin topping $27B statewide—new numbers highlight jobs, tax revenue, and visitor growth. Business & Innovation: Seven small Wisconsin companies are splitting up to $675,000 in SBIR Advance grants to commercialize new ideas, part of a push to connect startups with customers and investors. Public Safety: A Montello man, Mark Steffen, died in a Monday UTV crash in Marquette County; investigators are still working to determine what happened. Immigration Detention: Attorneys for Milwaukee mosque president Salah Sarsour say his health is deteriorating in ICE custody, citing diabetes care and weight loss. Local Politics: Ald. Alex Brower’s plan to replace We Energies with a publicly owned utility is headed to a June 24 City Hall hearing. Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of a potentially significant severe storm threat Wednesday, with timing depending on morning conditions. Sports: The Brewers agreed to a seven-year extension with top prospect Luis Lara, and the team also unveiled plans for a new Truss Club and beer garden opening in 2027.

WIAA Softball: The state tournament begins Wednesday, June 10 at Goodman Diamond in Madison, with Central Wisconsin represented by six schools, including Marathon’s first-ever trip to state as it faces Mineral Point in the Division 3 bracket. Milwaukee Cold Case: A 1982 Milwaukee River mystery has been solved after decades, with DNA finally identifying the woman and bringing closure to her family. Public Safety & Community Tensions: After Sunday’s Fiesta Puerto Rico events, Milwaukee saw a debate over whether a street takeover was celebration or danger, with tickets, tows, and at least one arrest reported. Consumer Scam Warning: Wisconsin officials warn pet owners about missing-pet scams that demand upfront fees and use AI-made images to trick families. Brewers Baseball: Christian Yelich scored the winning run in the 12th as the Brewers beat the Athletics 15-14 in a homer-filled, 12-inning opener in Las Vegas. Weather Watch: Forecasters are tracking a severe storm threat for Wednesday and Thursday across northern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin, with damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes.

MMSD Oversight: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District commissioners approved an independent, third-party performance audit of wastewater operations after weeks of public scrutiny, with no MMSD management involved and an advisory committee overseeing the work. Local Government Accountability: The Wisconsin Center District board voted to terminate CEO Marty Brooks’ contract over alleged fund misuse, starting a 30-day contractual process. Schools & Policy: Madison-area UW La Follette grad students helped MMSD prepare for Act 42, the new statewide K-12 cell phone restriction law, with a proposed policy built around an all-day ban for K-8 and looser rules for high school. Transportation & Climate: Milwaukee Public Schools rolled out 50 electric school buses, aiming to cut emissions and stabilize costs amid rising diesel fuel expenses. Agriculture Update: Timely rains are helping some Wisconsin crops after a dry stretch, with farmers reporting improved corn and soybean conditions. Courts & Funding: Brown County says a judge shortage is forcing it to spend millions to cover a felony backlog, delaying trials and raising jail costs. Sports: The Badgers women’s basketball schedule is set for 2026-27, and the Big Ten released Wisconsin’s home/away matchups.

Child Care Funding: Wisconsin childcare providers are bracing for the end of the last “bridge” support that helped keep centers open and staff paid after federal stabilization funds; the loss hits providers who say it prevented a system collapse. UW System: The UW Board of Regents will consider a 2% resident undergraduate tuition increase for 2026-27, with officials calling it a measured move to cover rising costs while keeping UW affordable. Higher Ed Branding: UW-Stout Polytechnic in Menomonie officially gets its new name after regents approved the “polytechnic” designation. DNR Safety: New ATV/UTV rules took effect June 1, and the DNR is stepping up patrols as fatalities remain a concern. Milwaukee Pride: Thousands packed Walker’s Point for Milwaukee’s Pride Parade, celebrating LGBTQ+ community and unity. Brewers Baseball: Milwaukee swept the Rockies with a 12-4 win Sunday, and Monday’s series opener vs. the Athletics goes with Kyle Harrison on the mound. Politics in Wisconsin: President Trump walked out of an NBC “Meet the Press” interview after a heated exchange with Kristen Welker over election claims. Milwaukee Public Safety: Police responded to an apparent south-side street takeover near 13th and Mitchell; details on arrests or injuries weren’t immediately available.

Missing Persons: Milwaukee police are asking for help locating critically missing 39-year-old Jonathan D. Smith, last seen June 6 near N. Commerce Street, described as 5’9” and 220 pounds, wearing a tan shirt and camouflage shorts and carrying a Roku remote. Historic Places: Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee have been added to the Wisconsin Historical Society’s State Register of Historic Places. Politics: President Trump abruptly walked out of an NBC “Meet the Press” interview with Kristen Welker after she pressed him on election-fraud claims and his “anti-weaponization” fund, with the exchange turning into accusations of “crooked” media. Public Safety & Health: Wisconsin lawmakers approved extra funding to help clear a waitlist for job services for Wisconsinites with disabilities. Weather Alert: Forecasters warn of a severe storm outbreak Wednesday into Wednesday night, with tornadoes, damaging hail, and strong winds possible across parts of Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. Sports: Jacob Misiorowski powered the Brewers to a 7-1 win over the Rockies, including a record-setting 103.7 mph pitch; the series continues Sunday in Denver.

Brewers’ Pitching Surge: Jacob Misiorowski lit up Coors Field with a record 103.7 mph pitch—the fastest by a starter since 2008—as Milwaukee beat the Rockies 7-1, with Brice Turang launching two of the Brewers’ five solo homers. Injury Moves: With Brian Fitzpatrick sidelined after a left UCL strain, the Brewers added reliever Joel Kuhnel from the Athletics for cash, while multiple other pitchers remain on the injured list. Milwaukee Baseball Event: American Family Field drew a sold-out crowd for Milwaukee’s first banana ball game, featuring the Party Animals vs. the Loco Beach Coconuts. Local Politics: Isaia Ben-Ami kicked off his bid for Madison’s 76th Assembly District seat, focusing on affordable housing and keeping the area’s progressive direction. Community & Sports: Wisconsin’s WIAA state tennis titles went to Brookfield East and Catholic Memorial doubles teams, and the American Family Championship at TPC Wisconsin saw Darren Clarke and Ben Crane take the early lead.

Milwaukee Crime: Police are investigating a Saturday shooting near Sherman Park that left a 21-year-old wounded; a suspect has been identified and is being sought. UW System: The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27 and elected Regent Kyle Weatherly as president, with Ashok Rai as vice president. Trump in Wisconsin (Agriculture): President Trump held a farm roundtable in Chippewa Falls, touting trade gains and promising lower fertilizer and energy costs, while farmers pressed on input prices and fair markets. Missing Persons (Milwaukee): A 2-month-old infant and a 16-year-old mother reported missing were found safe; police also previously issued alerts for other “critically missing” cases. Weather (SE Wisconsin): Expect mostly sunny, warm and sticky conditions today, with rain/storm chances returning later in the week. Sports (Brewers): Milwaukee beat Colorado 9-7 in 10 innings Friday, setting up another matchup Saturday at Coors Field.

Brewers Baseball: Milwaukee rallied late to beat the Rockies 9-7 in 10 innings at Coors Field, snapping a skid after going hitless through much of the game. Trump in Wisconsin: President Trump returned to Chippewa Falls for a farm-focused roundtable, promising lower fertilizer and energy costs while spending much of the event on Washington and the Iran conflict. Health Care & Labor: Nurses at SSM Health St. Mary’s in Madison filed for a union election, citing unsafe staffing, security concerns, and pay falling behind costs. UW System: The UW Board of Regents approved a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27, plus higher fees, marking the fourth in four years. Public Safety: Flight for Life and ThedaStar announced a merger to expand air ambulance coverage across eastern Wisconsin while keeping their brands. Weather & Travel: Milwaukee got much-needed rain, and drivers should plan for Mitchell Interchange closures June 5-8 at the airport exchange. Sports & Community: UW-Whitewater received $225,000 to build a regional Emergency Operations Center.

Education & Taxes: Madison Metropolitan School District is proposing a mostly balanced 2027 budget, but warns the “stable” plan won’t last once the 2024 operating referendum fully phases in, with property taxes projected to rise 8.3% and a possible need for another referendum by 2028. UW System: The UW Board of Regents approved a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27 and elected Regent Kyle Weatherly as president, with Ashok Rai as vice president. Milwaukee Public Safety: Milwaukee is upgrading 911 dispatch with real-time translation, improved GPS tracking, instant call transcription, and texting 911, plus a new non-emergency line. Health Watch: Milwaukee health officials are monitoring three travelers from central Africa for Ebola as a precaution, saying they’re at very low risk and there’s no public health concern. PFAS Accountability: Gov. Evers and DNR announced a major PFAS settlement with Tyco for Marinette County, including clean water requirements and an additional $10 million payment into the PFAS Trust Fund. Politics & Oversight: Wisconsin Senate leaders made a second request for records from the DOJ tied to outside influence and a DOJ hiring freeze. Community & Culture: AART launched “Feed the Change MKE” to expand healthy food access on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side with a $1 million goal.

Brewers Injury Update: Milwaukee’s bullpen took a hit in Thursday’s 12-9 loss to the Giants, with relievers DL Hall (left subscapular/pectoral pain; MRI planned) and Grant Anderson (forearm bruising after being struck) both exiting early. Local Sports & Events: The Milwaukee Brewers open a three-game set at Colorado Friday, while Madison-area readers also got a look at WIAA boys tennis state action in Madison and local youth sports coverage like USM girls lacrosse’s 17-11 win over Franklin. Health & Community: Dane County supervisors urged UW Health and Children’s Wisconsin to resume gender-affirming care for transgender youth after a pause on puberty blockers and hormones. Public Health Watch: Milwaukee Health Department is monitoring three very low-risk travelers for Ebola after recent travel, stressing no suspected cases and no public health concern. Education Costs: UW System regents approved a 2% in-state tuition increase for 2026-27, plus a 3.5% bump in segregated fees. PFAS: Wisconsin reached a $10 million settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination.

War Powers Vote: Wisconsin Republicans in the U.S. House all voted against a June 3 resolution to end the war in Iran, while Wisconsin Democrats voted yes—highlighting a sharp split ahead of the governor’s race. PFAS Cleanup: Wisconsin reached a $10 million settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination tied to its Marinette facility, with money going to the state PFAS Trust Fund for water and well replacement. Air Quality: Ozone alerts hit 21 Wisconsin counties Thursday, with unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups expected through late afternoon and evening. Milwaukee Transit: Milwaukee County leaders say MCTS is on track for a modest 2026 surplus, but warn a major structural funding gap looms in 2027. State Budget Talks: Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu says the chamber could reconvene to revive a failed $1.8B surplus/tax relief deal if two more GOP senators switch their votes. Local Life in Milwaukee: Dulce Diabla Bar is planning a new southside location, and Bay View’s Piggly Wiggly is rolling out a major renovation this weekend. Sports & UW: UW Athletics named Chris Solinsky as the new director of track and field and cross country.

Emergency Communications Upgrade: Milwaukee’s Department of Emergency Communications is rolling out Motorola Solutions’ next-gen 9-1-1 system (VESTA 911), adding better call handling, real-time info sharing, translation, and text/multimedia support for faster coordination. Courts & Immigration: A federal judge postponed sentencing for former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan and will weigh whether to overturn her obstruction conviction tied to helping an immigrant evade ICE. Housing Investment: WHEDA awarded $47.5 million in housing tax credits across 35 developments, including 10 projects in Milwaukee County, aiming to create or preserve 2,100+ affordable units. Public Safety Ordinance: Milwaukee County signed a new reckless-driving impound ordinance under its Vision Zero plan, giving deputies authority to impound vehicles used in reckless offenses. Milwaukee River Cold Case: Investigators identified a woman found dead in the Milwaukee River in 1982 as Berline Trammel using genetic genealogy. Coast Guard Reward: The Coast Guard is offering $1,000 for info after a navigational beacon was stolen from Wisconsin Point’s Superior Entry Lighthouse. Sports (Milwaukee): Logan Webb carried a no-hitter into the seventh as the Giants beat the Brewers 1-0; Victor Bericoto hit his first career homer. Weather: SE Wisconsin faces a warmer stretch with storms possible late Thursday night and Friday.