AGP Executive Report

Elections Integrity: The Wisconsin Elections Commission ordered an investigation into Green Bay’s city clerk after duplicate absentee ballots were mailed to voters in both the April election and again ahead of the August primary; the clerk, Celestine Jeffreys, was placed on administrative leave as the city and WEC work on a plan to prevent double-ballot errors. Immigration Enforcement Clash: Milwaukee leaders condemned ICE arrests in the city, arguing the federal agency is ignoring local limits, while the DOJ warned Wisconsin election officials they could face prosecution if noncitizens vote. Campaign Politics: Two Democratic gubernatorial candidates—Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley—pulled out of a Muslim forum after questions about Gaza and Israel were shared in advance; Crowley later exited the race and endorsed Rodriguez. Public Safety: A pedestrian fatally hit on I-43 has been identified as James Spears, 45, and the crash remains under investigation. Healthcare & Rural Funding: Rep. Derrick Van Orden and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz toured Marshfield Medical Center in Eau Claire, touting Wisconsin’s Rural Health Transformation funding. Local Government: Eau Claire scheduled its citywide property revaluation for 2027 under a new assessor. Community & Faith: De Pere Christian Outreach unveiled a community fridge and shared shelf, and Schoenstatt Family Camp returns July 31-Aug. 2 in Waukesha.

ICE Obstruction Case in Wisconsin: A former Wisconsin judge was fined $5,000 but avoided prison after being convicted of obstructing an ICE arrest by directing the defendant away from agents. State Government Staffing: A new fact brief says about 28.5% of Wisconsin state employees work for the Department of Corrections (excluding UW positions). Cash App Consumer Fallout: Wisconsin is set to receive $650,000 from a $45 million multistate settlement with Block over Cash App fraud and misleading claims about protections. Robocall Crackdown: Wisconsin’s attorney general joined a push urging the FCC to tighten rules so scammers can’t access legitimate phone numbers. Data Center Transmission Fight: A Port Washington-area coalition filed with the PSC arguing American Transmission Company’s data-center power line application is incomplete and should be rejected. Milwaukee Politics: Vice President JD Vance and Mayor Cavalier Johnson traded barbs over the FBI’s 2020 election probe during Vance’s Milwaukee visit. Governor Race Shakeup: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley withdrew from the Wisconsin governor race, narrowing the Democratic field. Local Public Safety: Sheriff’s-deputy impersonation scams are being reported in eastern Wisconsin, with victims urged to hang up and contact local law enforcement. Sports & Draft: The Brewers head into the 2026 MLB Draft with fewer top-100 picks after trading away No. 67 to Boston.

Fraud Crackdown: The SBA suspended 7,800 Wisconsin borrowers tied to $375 million in suspected fraudulent pandemic-era PPP and COVID EIDL activity, as part of a broader federal push to claw back money and bar repeat offenders. Homelessness Funding Fight: Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul and other states sued HUD over a new rule reshaping Continuum of Care funding, arguing it unlawfully limits long-term housing options. Robocall Pressure Campaign: Wisconsin DOJ joined a multi-state effort urging the FCC to tighten rules that let scammers access real phone numbers, citing massive annual losses from spoofed calls and texts. Immigration Court Fallout: Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan was fined $5,000 and avoided prison after a conviction for obstructing ICE during an arrest attempt. Milwaukee Infrastructure Debate: Mayor Cavalier Johnson backed reworking part of I-794 instead of replacing it, keeping the elevated freeway while freeing up land for development. Elections & Enforcement: VP JD Vance visited Milwaukee to spotlight anti-fraud efforts and election integrity messaging amid Democratic criticism of Trump’s economic agenda. Local Development: City planners moved forward on community input for developing Milwaukee’s Army Reserve site into mixed housing.

Federal Courts & Immigration: Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan is set for sentencing Wednesday after a conviction for felony obstruction tied to helping an immigrant evade federal officers, a case Republicans framed as an example in Trump’s immigration crackdown. Milwaukee Police Oversight: Milwaukee Common Council members are asking police to investigate reports of masked ICE agents operating in the city, including use of a police district station parking lot, and to hold a public hearing. Elections & Ballot Secrecy: Wisconsin election-law groups are pushing lawmakers to fix a statute they say can undermine absentee ballot secrecy in central-count systems. Open Records Fight: A citizens group is suing New Berlin to force release of records tied to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission’s New Journey project. AI Data Centers & Local Impacts: Residents near Microsoft’s massive AI data center in Fairwater/Mount Pleasant are suing over alleged constant, excessive noise. Local Housing Development: West Bend approved a developer’s agreement for a 400-unit multifamily subdivision, including road improvement language. Energy Storage Industry: ESS launched its modular sodium-ion battery system, targeting utilities and AI-driven data centers. Cybercrime: Northeast Wisconsin businesses are warning of fraud schemes that increasingly rely on social manipulation and AI-enabled phishing.

Federal Funding & Transit: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced $14.7 million in federal BUILD grant money for MCTS to modernize aging infrastructure, with work expected to start in 2027 and aimed at cutting operating costs and service disruptions. Gubernatorial Politics: GOP governor candidate Andy Manske says he’s the “most electable” option in the Aug. 11 primary, arguing he’s a working-class outsider with no special interests and claiming he’s not dropping out. Milwaukee Election Probe: Mayor Cavalier Johnson blasted the FBI’s 2020 election probe ahead of Vice President JD Vance’s Milwaukee visit, saying there’s no justification and inviting Vance to tour election operations. Crime & Public Safety: Milwaukee reported a 30% drop in homicides in the first half of 2026, but Sherman Park saw a sharp rise in shootings, fueling neighborhood safety concerns. Voting Access: Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell urged absentee voters to mail ballots early—at least two weeks before Election Day—so they arrive by the 8 p.m. cutoff. Housing & Homelessness Lawsuit: Wisconsin and other states sued HUD to block new rules that would cap permanent housing funding, arguing it could push tens of thousands toward homelessness. Local Governance: Jefferson County approved moving forward on a development grant application tied to Breselow’s Family Market’s site, as the county weighs next steps for redevelopment. Environment: DNR confirmed pale swallow-wort, an invasive vine, in Oconto and Shawano counties, calling for rapid response to prevent spread. Health & Community: Milwaukee County Office of Equity and the Youth Commission added an “Equity in Action Youth Leadership Award” for teens 13–18.

Wisconsin Supreme Court & Voting Records: The court rejected a bid by a conservative activist to force release of guardianship records tied to claims about ineligible voters, keeping privacy protections in place. Elections Administration: Wisconsin election officials again sent duplicate mail-in ballots to Green Bay voters, and WEC staff found a law violation tied to the earlier duplicate-ballot incident. Planned Parenthood/Medicaid: Medicaid billing for Planned Parenthood and other providers resumed after being cut off for most of a year, though clinic losses and service gaps remain. UW Regents Holdover: Two UW regents with expired terms are still serving without reappointment plans, continuing a holdover fight over board control. Milwaukee Midtown Center: A proposed computing research facility was removed from the Midtown Center redevelopment after public opposition, while the plan keeps affordable housing and a library branch. Local Public Safety: Waukesha advanced City Hall security upgrades aimed at prevention, and FEMA disaster assistance opened for Waukesha County residents after April storms. Immigration & Hate Incidents: Kenosha community leaders condemned anti-immigrant posters as police investigate. Education Calendar: Green Bay-area districts will start school in late August or early September depending on waivers and Labor Day timing. Health & Courts: A judge dismissed a family’s suit challenging a WIAA ineligibility ruling, though sanctions could still follow. Trade & Economic Development: Gov. Evers and WEDC plan an Africa trade mission to Ghana and South Africa.

USPS & voting access fight: Gov. Tony Evers and other Democratic governors urged the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule tied to Trump’s mail-in voting order, warning it could undermine voter confidence and let USPS refuse ballots if states don’t comply. Immigration enforcement in Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Supreme Court stayed a case over ICE detainers, pausing it until federal judges weigh in on where the dispute should be handled. Milwaukee public safety: After the Fourth of July weekend, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson condemned violence that injured two officers, while residents and businesses complained about unsafe streets in entertainment districts; police also reported being about 200 officers short. Courts & ICE detainers: The Supreme Court also stayed a related challenge to ICE detainers, keeping the legal fight in limbo. Housing & development: A newly enacted Wisconsin law is already speeding up some housing construction, and a Midtown Center redevelopment plan is moving forward after a developer agreed to remove a computing facility. Geneva Lake tragedy: Investigators released new details on the July 3 storm that killed three children after a boat capsized; the kids were found inside the sunken vessel. State roads push: Gov. Evers wrapped up his “Pothole Patrol” stop in Superior, pressing for more road and bridge funding.

Gubernatorial race & campaign finance: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez says she won’t take “any corporate PAC money,” but recent campaign finance records show past donations from corporate-member PACs, including WEC Energy Group and the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association. Congressional primary stakes: In Wisconsin’s 7th District, Michael Alfonso—son-in-law of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy—faces pushback from within his own party over age and experience as the Aug. 11 primary approaches. Elections & voting access: A Votebeat review finds Mequon election workers used an unusually strict, now-illegal standard for absentee ballot witness addresses, with uneven application that may have led to wrongful rejections. School funding pressure: DPI preliminary estimates show more than half of districts will see lower state aid next year, shifting the impact toward property taxpayers even as overall general school aid stays flat. Public safety & emergencies: Lake Geneva storm cleanup continues after a deadly boat capsized during severe weather, with the mayor declaring an emergency and dozens of agencies responding. Local government calendar: Multiple city and county meetings are scheduled across North Central, Southern, Southwest, and West Central Wisconsin this week, including several Rock County committees and multiple city councils. Rural economy & services: A Wisconsin Policy Forum report highlights how volunteer fire and EMS staffing has fallen sharply since 2020, pushing more departments toward paid roles and regional collaborations.

Rare Earth Recycling: A UW-Madison expert says the U.S. may secure rare earth supply chains faster by recycling the “rare” metals already sitting in decades of waste, not just by opening new mines. Medical Education Overhaul: Ghana’s education minister says the government plans to decentralize and expand medical training, aiming to boost doctor supply across regions. UW-Madison Athletics: Shawn Eichorst has been named UW-Madison Director of Athletics, returning to Wisconsin after top roles at Texas, Nebraska, and Miami. Open Records: A Wisconsin piece reiterates that “any person” can request public records, pushing back on limits like redactions and access barriers. Campaign Finance: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down limits on coordinated party spending, a move that could further amplify wealthy donor influence in elections. USPS Voting Rule Fight: Democratic governors, including Wisconsin’s, urged the Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule tied to a Trump “citizenship list” plan. Milwaukee Gun Violence Research: A study links prior motor vehicle crash injuries with later firearm injuries among kids and teens, pointing to new prevention angles for Milwaukee. World Cup Prediction Markets: Kalshi and Polymarket are posting record volumes, but Wisconsin readers are reminded that state felony bans could make participation risky. Lake Geneva Storm Tragedy: AP reports three deaths and seven rescues after a boat capsized during severe weather on Lake Geneva. Milwaukee World Cup Shooting: A World Cup watch party on the south side turned deadly; a St. Francis man faces homicide charges. Egg Price-Fixing Settlement: The Justice Department and states reached settlements with major egg producers over alleged collusion that inflated egg prices.

Severe Weather & Public Safety: A fast-moving storm on Lake Geneva killed three children and left seven others rescued, with authorities investigating the capsizing after winds and waves overwhelmed a boat; the Lake Geneva community held a Fourth of July tribute and moment of silence as power outages and damage were reported across Walworth County. Elections & Voting Access: Attorneys general—including Wisconsin’s Aaron Ford—are pushing back on a U.S. Postal Service plan tied to election administration, arguing it could restrict mail-in voting; separate reporting also highlights Wisconsin’s ongoing primary-election focus as absentee ballots near the Aug. 11 runoffs. State Government & Policy: Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund is set to expire after decades, raising questions about what happens to land and outdoor recreation projects; meanwhile, Wisconsin’s extended postpartum Medicaid coverage continues to roll out statewide. Local Governance & Housing: Dane County’s funding for Madison’s homeless shelter and plans for outdoor sleeping drew criticism as a “shell game,” fueling debate over accountability and public spending. Milwaukee & Civic History: A profile of the Wisconsin Policy Forum shows how it’s packing more than a century of Milwaukee County records ahead of a move—highlighting the nonprofit’s role in shaping local and state policy debates.

Severe Weather & Public Safety: A fast-moving storm over Walworth County turned a Lake Geneva holiday outing deadly, killing three children and leaving seven others rescued after a recreational boat capsized and sank; officials say strong winds and waves overwhelmed the vessel, and the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency and Wisconsin DNR are investigating. Holiday Disruptions: Across the region, heat and storms marred America’s 250th, with major event adjustments and widespread power outages reported as utilities struggled with downed lines and storm damage. Boating Enforcement: Wisconsin DNR wardens are joining Operation Dry Water to crack down on impaired boating over the July 3-5 weekend, pairing education with compliance checks and increased patrols. Health Policy: Wisconsin’s extended postpartum Medicaid coverage is now in effect, expanding eligibility to a full year after pregnancy for eligible moms, with DHS estimating 16,000 people will benefit in the first year. Local Government & Community Life: Milwaukee’s public debate continues over ICE enforcement and local rules, while communities across Wisconsin marked July 4 with parades and events tied to America 250.

Storm Response: Three children died and seven people were rescued after a boat capsized on Lake Geneva during severe weather, as Walworth County saw downed trees, power lines, and widespread damage; Lake Geneva declared a state of emergency and investigators are still sorting out what happened. Disaster Aid: FEMA approved a major disaster declaration for Wisconsin tied to April storms, tornadoes, and flooding, unlocking recovery help for multiple counties and the Oneida Nation. Election Integrity Fight: Democratic governors, including Wisconsin’s, urged the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule tied to a Trump order that they say could restrict mail-in voting by using federal “citizenship” lists. Tech & Local Impact: Wisconsin residents filed a class-action lawsuit against Microsoft over alleged noise from the company’s Fairwater data center in Mount Pleasant/Sturtevant area. Public Safety & Courts: A Madison man was arrested and charged after threatening the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, with a court date set for July 8. Community Grants: Theisen’s More For Your Community grants are open for 2026, with nonprofits able to apply through July 31 for projects supporting basic needs for children and families.

Boating Safety Crisis: A fast-moving storm over Walworth County killed three people and left seven rescued after a boat capsized on Geneva Lake during the Fourth of July weekend; authorities say downed trees and power lines slowed response and the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency is investigating. Election & Voting Fight: Democratic governors, including Wisconsin’s, urged the U.S. Postal Service to drop Trump-linked changes that would tighten mail voting and create a federally managed voter list, as lawsuits continue over the rules. Immigration Enforcement Backlash: Milwaukee-area ICE arrests drew renewed outcry, with city officials weighing legal action as advocates push back against detention tactics. Courtroom Watch: Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan heads toward sentencing in a federal obstruction case, with prosecutors seeking a serious penalty and the defense asking for time served. First Amendment/Religion Clash: Wisconsin Christian counselors are challenging a state rule limiting certain gender-related counseling, arguing it violates a recent Supreme Court ruling on viewpoint discrimination. Local Governance & Privacy: Wisconsin communities continue grappling with ALPR/“Flock” camera controversies, with Stoughton adding cameras even as critics warn of expanded surveillance.

Student Loan Fight: A multistate AG coalition led by Wisconsin’s Kwame Raoul won a court ruling blocking a U.S. Department of Education rule that would have tightened Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, a move that could affect Wisconsin’s future workforce. Higher Ed Impact: UW-Madison officials warned that proposed federal borrowing limits could worsen rural staffing shortages, with medical students facing especially steep debt. Milwaukee Courthouse Costs: Milwaukee County’s courthouse overhaul price tag jumped to about $897 million, doubling earlier estimates and raising questions about property-tax pressure and timing. City Hall Security: Waukesha approved $319,000 for City Hall security upgrades after threats to staff, including plans for access controls and protective barriers. AI Regulation Clash: Wisconsin lawmakers joined a national push against federal “preemption” that would block state and local AI rules, arguing Wisconsin needs room to regulate. Immigration on the Ground: Milwaukee volunteers held “know your rights” walks amid a surge in ICE activity, while local officials weigh legal responses. Sports Betting Delay: Wisconsin’s mobile sports betting is still waiting on tribal compacts and federal approval, even after state law cleared. America 250 in Schools: A Milwaukee teacher built a year-long America 250 curriculum as concerns grow about declining U.S. history education.

Medicaid Fight: Nevada AG Aaron Ford and 23 other attorneys general sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rule wrongly narrows exemptions for medically frail people. Voting Rights/USPS: Wisconsin DOJ joined a multistate push urging USPS to withdraw a proposed rule that would create a centralized voter list and restrict mail ballots, after a federal judge struck down the underlying executive order. Milwaukee vs. Federal Agents: A legal question is now front and center after video showed masked federal agents in Milwaukee; city leaders say local rules are being violated, while attorneys argue federal supremacy may decide whether ordinances apply. ICE Pressure in Milwaukee: Milwaukee leaders and advocates are escalating scrutiny as arrests surge, including calls for legal action and disputes over whether federal agents will follow local mask rules. School Funding: DPI released 2026-27 general school aid estimates showing flat overall state funding at $5.58B, with most districts facing decreases under the equalization formula. Public Safety: Wisconsin DNR and law enforcement launched “Operation Dry Water” for the July 4 weekend, targeting impaired boating with extra patrols and sobriety checks. Campaign Trail: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez unveiled her “Wisconsin Promise” education plan ahead of the Aug. 11 Democratic primary, pitching more school funding and a transparency dashboard.

Immigration & Local Enforcement: Milwaukee and advocates are reacting to a surge in ICE arrests, with the city pushing back on federal tactics and legal fights over local rules. State Budget & Federal Cuts: Gov. Tony Evers is urging Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to oppose Trump’s FFY27 budget proposals, warning they would gut programs tied to clean water, natural resources, infrastructure, and disaster readiness. Elections Administration: The WEC is reviewing a complaint involving duplicate absentee ballots sent to Green Bay voters, adding fresh scrutiny to ballot handling. Sports Policy: Wisconsin’s approach to transgender girls’ participation in girls sports is effectively reinforced after a U.S. Supreme Court decision upheld state authority in the issue. Health Care: Wisconsin’s expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage is now in effect, extending benefits to a full year for new moms. Environment & Public Safety: A potentially record-breaking heatwave has prompted emergency measures and cooling-center plans across the region, with Wisconsin officials urging residents to stay hydrated and limit exposure. Natural Resources: DNR data shows ruffed grouse drumming counts fell in 2026 across Wisconsin’s priority zones, signaling habitat and population pressures.