AGP Executive Report

EPA & Energy: The Trump administration moved to eliminate EPA rules regulating climate emissions from coal and natural gas plants, a shift that could hit Wisconsin as electricity demand rises with new data center growth. Workforce & Training: Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin opened the Center for Apprenticeship Excellence in Madison, adding classrooms and labs and training hundreds of apprentices. Public Safety: AG Josh Kaul highlighted what he calls record-low violent crime and major opioid settlement progress during a La Crosse campaign stop. Higher Ed: UW–Platteville temporarily suspended its men’s cross-country season amid hazing and conduct allegations. Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s mail-in ballot changes, keeping Wisconsin’s current process in place for the November midterms. Milwaukee Schools: Milwaukee Public Schools is rolling out ParentSquare for family communication and joining a national push to expand access to advanced coursework. Local Economy & Farms: CHS plans a $700 million soybean crushing plant in Evansville. Sports: The Brewers beat the Pirates 5-1, trimming their NL Central magic number to one.

UW System Budget: The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved major 2027-29 operating and capital requests, including a tuition-freeze plan for resident undergrads and more funding aimed at affordability, workforce growth, and healthcare access. Wildlife & Public Health: Wisconsin’s 2026 epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak is now estimated at at least 1,100 dead deer, the worst in state history, as wildlife managers urge people not to feed deer. Politics (Milwaukee/1st CD): The DCCC is adding Mitchell Berman to its “Red to Blue” effort to flip Wisconsin’s First Congressional District held by Bryan Steil. Higher Ed Costs: New data shows in-state tuition and required fees at UW-Eau Claire rose to $9,642 in 2024-25. Weather: Southeast Wisconsin is dealing with a soggy Tuesday morning with scattered showers and breezy conditions, then drier weather later. Agriculture: USDA reports corn harvest is underway in parts of the state, with topsoil moisture still tight but improving in some areas. Milwaukee Housing/Health: Behavioral Health Clinic is expanding outpatient mental health services with new locations across the metro area, including Cedarburg.

Wisconsin Supreme Court: The state high court is set to hear a major congressional map gerrymandering case Wednesday, with arguments focused on whether Wisconsin’s U.S. House boundaries were drawn to “lock in” safe seats. Elections & accountability (Milwaukee): Milwaukee election officials faced public scrutiny after an Aug. 11 absentee ballot reporting mistake, with residents urging more trust and clearer safeguards. Public safety (Milwaukee police): The Milwaukee Police Association president disputed claims from the family of Prentis Smith, saying bodycam footage shows a close-range struggle rather than an “execution,” as the public awaits release. Energy & data centers: Clean energy advocates warn Wisconsin’s data-center boom could push utilities toward costly new fossil fuel plants, arguing the state’s utility rules may steer decisions before alternatives are fully weighed. Gov race (Tom Tiffany): Republican candidate Tom Tiffany is recovering after a small plane emergency landing on Lake Wausau; the aircraft was later pulled from the water for investigation. Sports (UW football): Wisconsin released its two-deep for the Week 3 matchup against Eastern Michigan, with the new eligibility format now listing players by class (freshman through fifth-year).

PFAS Cleanup Funding: Wisconsin lawmakers approved $10 million from the Tyco Fire Products settlement to the WDNR and the Evers Administration, directing money into the PFAS Trust Fund to support clean drinking water efforts in northeastern Wisconsin, including Marinette and Peshtigo. Health Care Costs & Transparency: The Wisconsin Hospital Association is pushing back hard on a “flawed” hospital price transparency report, saying a nonprofit’s Wisconsin findings rely on outdated or incorrect data, while the report claims only 61% of assessed hospitals fully comply. Politics & Courts: Wisconsin’s congressional map is set to return to the state Supreme Court for arguments this week. Plane Crash Update: GOP gubernatorial candidate Rep. Tom Tiffany survived an emergency landing on Lake Wausau after his plane lost power; he and the pilot swam to safety and were treated for minor injuries. Public Health: Wisconsin measles cases rose to 163 total (155 confirmed, 6 probable) across three outbreak counties, with officials urging vaccination. Wildlife & Safety: Deer hunters face a DNR budget squeeze as deer hunters age out and license sales stagnate, while the DNR also reminds waterfowl hunters to wear life jackets and follow boating and firearm safety rules. Milwaukee Crime: A 22-year-old was shot and killed near 14th and National on Sunday night; police say they’re looking for suspects. Weather: Southern Wisconsin is bracing for soaking rain that could bring minor flooding in low-lying areas, with cooler fall-like temperatures following.

Plane Crash Survival in Wisconsin Politics: GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany says his seatbelt and the pilot’s warning helped him survive a night emergency water landing in Lake Wausau; Tiffany and pilot Len Boltz swam to shallow water and were rescued, with Tiffany reporting minor injuries and stitches. Public Safety & Crime: MATC Oak Creek briefly went into lockdown after police searched for an armed suspect near campus, and Milwaukee police are investigating a Sunday shooting that left a 20-year-old injured near 28th and Wright. Transportation Costs: Diesel prices hit a new Wisconsin record average of $5.89 a gallon, with gas also climbing as drivers feel the strain. Weather Watch: Northern Wisconsin may see the first widespread frost of the season Monday morning, with frost advisories and rain/thunder returning later. Local Economy & Policy: Wisconsin industries are bracing for uncertainty from new U.S.-Canada tariffs, with impacts expected to show up within months but fully filter through over a year or two. Sports (Brewers): The Reds beat the Brewers 4-3 in Sunday’s finale, using pitching, defense, smallball, and Eugenio Suárez’s three-run homer.

Plane Incident in Central Wisconsin: GOP governor candidate Rep. Tom Tiffany says his small aircraft lost power and made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau; Tiffany and the pilot escaped, swam to safety, and were rescued by boat, then taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for minor injuries. Weather Watch: Southeast Wisconsin stays cooler with a few light showers Sunday, then more widespread rain and thunderstorms move in Monday into Tuesday, with a small severe risk but no big severe event expected. Milwaukee Sports: The Brewers kept rolling, beating the Reds 13-9 Saturday; Garrett Mitchell drove in runs and William Contreras hit a go-ahead homer, and Milwaukee is now just three wins from clinching the NL Central. Local Community & Policy: Wisconsin Rapids residents are organizing a community meeting on hyperscale data center impacts, with concerns ranging from noise and pollution to energy use. Civil Liberties: A report says facial recognition concerns linger in Milwaukee’s criminal justice system, even after the department halted the tech’s use earlier this year.

Brewers Playoff Push: Garrett Mitchell went 4-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs as Milwaukee beat the Reds 13-9, with Brice Turang and William Contreras adding key blasts. The Brewers’ NL Central magic number is down to three after their recent run. Packers Contract News: Green Bay extended TE Tucker Kraft on a four-year, $75 million deal (max $92 million), keeping him in Wisconsin as he returns from a torn ACL. IRONMAN Tragedy: An athlete died during IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin in Madison after a medical emergency during the swim; Madison Fire and EMS transported the patient to a hospital. Local Safety: Milwaukee police are investigating a fatal crash near 20th and Locust after a driver ran a red light; one person died and two were hurt. Elections Watch: Milwaukee’s absentee ballot tabulator error after the August primary sparked claims, but audit logs show no sign of tampering. Cost of Living: Diesel prices are rising in Milwaukee, pushing up transportation and grocery costs. Politics: Wisconsin’s congressional delegation is split over Trump’s proposed $5,000 “Trump Dividend” checks. Community & Culture: Wellpoint Care Network hosted a back-to-school bash for Milwaukee families, offering supplies and support.

Brewers Postseason Clinch: Milwaukee officially punched its ticket to October with a 20-0 rout of the Cincinnati Reds, their fourth straight postseason appearance and a magic number now down to 4 for the NL Central. Local Sports & Schools: Wisconsin’s football home opener is set for Saturday vs. Western Illinois, while Wisconsin schools begin rolling out student cell phone policies under Act 42. State Policy Watch: Wisconsin DOJ is urging the FCC to tighten rules against illegal robocalls, and the state is also joining lawsuits challenging Trump administration endangered-species changes. Environment & Hunting: DNR shared tips for deer hunters on how to tell elk from white-tailed deer as archery and crossbow seasons open. Milwaukee Area Governance: Veolia sued MMSD to block the next wastewater operations contract award, and Bayside is using goats again for stormwater-area vegetation control. 9/11 Remembering: Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial & Education Center launched a $4 million campaign for a permanent indoor education center in Kewaskum.

9/11 Commemoration: Wisconsin marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with ceremonies across the state, including Kewaskum’s remembrance for local victim Andrea Haberman and new memorial additions honoring Wisconsin ties. Local Crime & Safety: Madison firefighters said improperly discarded cigarettes sparked a small apartment fire on Milwaukee Street, displacing three people. Milwaukee County Parks: The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after 100 newly planted trees were cut down near Dineen Park, with officials estimating $4,000 to $6,000 in damage. Taxes & Budget Pressure: A Wisconsin Policy Forum report says the total local tax levy jumped 9.9% in Dane County on December bills—the biggest increase since 1992—setting up likely 2027 debate over property taxes and local funding. Courts & Privacy: Wisconsin privacy groups sued over warrantless searches of Flock camera data, arguing Fourth Amendment violations. Energy & Environment: Tribes and Great Lakes groups urged Gov. Tony Evers to halt Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute after a major spill. Higher Ed: UW system enrollment is holding steady this fall after three years of growth, with preliminary totals near 163,260 students. Sports: The Brewers opened a series with the Reds and pushed early to a big lead, while Packers fans in Wisconsin may still rely on over-the-air access for many games.

9/11 Remembrance: Gov. Tony Evers ordered flags at half-staff Friday and declared a statewide Day of Service and Remembrance as southeast Wisconsin marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, with ceremonies planned across Milwaukee and beyond. Abortion Rights Fight: Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin filed a new lawsuit in Dane County challenging two state abortion restrictions, arguing they violate rights under the Wisconsin Constitution, including a 24-hour waiting period and limits on who can provide certain abortion care. Power Line Scrutiny: The Dane County Board is asking for more review and public input on a proposed 190-mile, 765kV transmission line, calling the current timeline too short and seeking independent analysis of costs, necessity, and impacts. Roadwork & Travel: WisDOT crews begin Monday repairs on a roughly five-mile stretch of I-39/90/94 in Columbia County, with lane and ramp closures; tonight also brings short-term closures around WIS 60 and I-41 ramps in Slinger for an interchange project. Milwaukee Safety Update: Two people were injured in a Thursday night shooting near N. 37th St. and W. Meinecke Ave.; police say the victims are expected to survive and there’s no indication it’s connected to a nearby deadly police shootout earlier this week. Community Health: Behavioral Health Clinic opened a new West Bend location and added three other facilities across the metro as it expands access to mental health care. Sports & Local Life: The Packers Foundation announced $1.6 million in grants statewide, while high school football Week 4 kicks off with major matchups across western Wisconsin.

Prairie Revival: Wisconsin is restoring former farmland into native prairie, and bumblebee surveys show more diversity—including the rusty patched bumblebee returning to parts of southeast Wisconsin. Milwaukee River Investigation: Loved ones of Milwaukee DJ Austin Soppa, ruled a suicide after he jumped into the Milwaukee River, are asking for a second look, saying the response was “rushed” and pointing to details they believe don’t fit suicide. Wildlife Legal Fight: Wisconsin DOJ joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging Trump administration rules that weaken federal protections for threatened and endangered species. Milwaukee Housing Watch: For the week ending Sept. 5, 96 Milwaukee home sales were reported, with a median price of $215,000. Public Safety Numbers: Milwaukee County reported 25 public order bookings and 27 weapons bookings for the week ending Sept. 6. Health Alert: Wisconsin confirmed its first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, urging mosquito-bite prevention and prompt care for symptoms. 9/11 Commemoration: The Wisconsin Veterans Museum highlighted Madison combat medic Rachel Hugo, and multiple north-central Wisconsin communities held 25th-anniversary ceremonies. Environment & Weather: BirdCast tracked 550 million migrating birds over the U.S., with the highest concentration over Wisconsin.

Flock Camera Lawsuits: Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed a new lawsuit in Waukesha County challenging AI-powered Flock surveillance without warrants, arguing it violates the Fourth Amendment and places residents under near-constant monitoring. State Policy: Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is pushing for tighter rules on automated license plate readers, while local leaders weigh whether to end or limit Flock contracts. Marijuana Outlook: Rep. Mark Pocan says Wisconsin could legalize marijuana as soon as next year, depending on November control and leadership changes in the Assembly. Elections: The Wisconsin Elections Commission ruled former Green Bay clerk Celestine Jeffreys violated state election law by mailing duplicate absentee ballots. Public Safety & Courts: A 90-year-old Milwaukee woman was found not competent for trial in an alleged hit-and-run that injured a 9-year-old girl. Local Government & Land: Barron County is starting a second round of bidding on seven remaining surplus parcels after price cuts. Sports: The Milwaukee Brewers completed a key sweep of the Chicago Cubs, winning 8-6 after leading 8-1.

Public Health Alert: Wisconsin DHS is urging residents to prevent mosquito bites after Eastern Equine Encephalitis was confirmed in a Portage County horse, with higher risk for people over 50 and kids under 15. Milwaukee Safety: Police are still searching for a suspect in a fatal Teutonia Avenue hit-and-run that killed 24-year-old Nora Winkles, as neighbors push for traffic-calming near a school. Local Government & Privacy: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley says the county won’t renew its Flock license-plate camera contract in 2027, citing privacy guardrails while more communities drop the tech. AI Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers held a two-day hearing on regulating AI in healthcare, focusing on data safety and who’s responsible for patient care. Sports—Brewers/Cubs: Milwaukee rallied past Chicago 4-3 in 10 innings with Jackson Chourio’s ninth-inning homer, while Cubs closer Jacob Webb’s late-game struggles keep bullpen questions front and center. Sports—Badgers: Wisconsin men’s soccer is rolling into Big Ten play after a five-game win streak, and transfer WR Malachi Coleman is finding his stride after moving from Minnesota. Wildlife & Weather: A 4-foot boa constrictor was rescued from under a car hood in West Allis, and deer deaths from EHD continue to rise.

Brewers Playoff Push: Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski keeps stacking history, becoming the first pitcher to throw 1,000+ 100-mph pitches in a single season as the Brewers chase another milestone and a possible 100th win. Public Safety & Crime: A Milwaukee officer was injured and a 23-year-old suspect was shot and killed during a chase tied to a Glendale “shots fired” incident; video is expected later. Health Alert: Southwest Wisconsin’s measles outbreak climbed to 157 confirmed or probable cases, with nearly all cases among unvaccinated people and five hospitalizations reported. Privacy Fight Over Surveillance: Wisconsin cities and counties are suspending Flock Safety cameras over concerns about data collection, retention, and trust, including Sheboygan’s contract questions. EV Charging Buildout: Gov. Tony Evers announced $25 million in grants for 42 new fast-charging stations statewide, including Kwik Trip sites. Outdoors: Wisconsin’s deer archery and crossbow seasons open Saturday, with DNR saying herd numbers look strong. Consumer Watch: DATCP warns shoppers about counterfeit sports merchandise, especially when buying online.

Milwaukee County Jail Tablets: Republican Gov. candidate Tom Tiffany held a press conference accusing Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley of failing to fix inmate tablet problems after reports of threats and witness intimidation, and demanded answers on whether contractor penalties were triggered. Trade & Dairy Costs: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs took effect, hitting Wisconsin dairy and paper; Wisconsin exporters and cheesemakers warn costs may be passed on and demand could drop. Governor Race Crime Debate: The tablet issue is now a central campaign talking point, with candidates clashing over public safety and accountability. Public Safety: A Milwaukee police officer was shot near 37th and Wright during a chase of a homicide suspect; the suspect was killed in the exchange. Transit Planning: Milwaukee County Transit System redesign meetings are set for September and October as the agency faces major budget gaps and possible service cuts. Sports & Community: IRONMAN Wisconsin is extended through 2030 in Madison, and DNR says archery/crossbow deer seasons open Saturday with strong herd conditions. Elections & Courts: Federal prosecutors charged a Beloit man with illegal voting as Wisconsin’s Supreme Court weighs whether a 10-year-old can be tried in adult court.

Brewers & Cubs: Milwaukee rallied to beat Chicago 4-3 on Labor Day and will host the Cubs again Tuesday at American Family Field, with FOX6 carrying the game and a second soft-serve margarita stand now serving fans. Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin: The Irish pulled away after a 13-10 halftime lead to beat Wisconsin 41-13 at Lambeau, with CJ Carr steadying the offense and the defense turning up after the break. Summerfest 2027: Zac Brown Band is set as the first headliner for June 25, 2027, with tickets on sale Sept. 11. Milwaukee shooting: A 50-year-old man was shot near 23rd and National Monday morning; police are still searching for suspects. DNR outdoors: Wisconsin’s bear season opens Wednesday, and the DNR is also expanding its Voluntary Public Access program with a $3 million federal grant to boost hunting access on private land. Weather: Rain chances rise Tuesday night into Wednesday, with most of the stronger storm risk staying west.