AGP Executive Report

Medicaid & Reproductive Health: A federal Planned Parenthood Medicaid ban is set to expire July 3, shifting decisions to states after the Supreme Court’s Medina ruling—Wisconsin is among the states where Planned Parenthood provides a large share of contraceptive care. Immigration Oversight: California AG Bonta and other states warn an ICE directive to stop investigating and reporting detainee deaths will reduce transparency as deaths rise. Elections & Voter Data: A federal appeals court upheld Michigan’s limits on sharing voter personal data, and Wisconsin is among states where judges have rejected similar Trump administration efforts. Tribal Sovereignty: The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled the Menominee Nation can buy back reservation land free from local lawsuits and taxes, reaffirming tribal sovereign immunity. Food Assistance: Gov. Evers says Wisconsin will avoid up to $205M in federal FoodShare/SNAP penalty fees next year due to low error rates. Local Government & Health Costs: Madison sued state Rep. Darrin Madison over an unpaid ambulance bill, seeking payment plus fees. Milwaukee Public Safety & Schools: MPS and the Milwaukee teachers union reached a deal on phased cost-of-living wage increases, ending a months-long dispute. Community Violence Prevention: Milwaukee County launched a $1.5M state-funded violence reduction initiative connecting residents to jobs, housing, mental health, and intervention services.

Passenger Rail Push: Gov. Evers and WisDOT filed a federal grant request for $218.2M to expand Amtrak’s Hiawatha into Dane, Jefferson, and Waukesha counties, with service targets around 2030. Opioid Funding: Milwaukee County Exec. David Crowley is asking the County Board to approve about $7.5M from opioid settlement funds for treatment and prevention initiatives. Child Care Costs: A new DCF report says Wisconsin childcare tuition is rising faster than inflation, squeezing families as Wisconsin Shares support nears its end. SNAP Rules & Errors: Wisconsin’s SNAP error rate remains low, but federal cost-sharing penalties loom for states with higher error rates under the new law. Elections in the Courts: Federal judges blocked parts of Trump’s efforts to control voter lists and mail voting, including a ruling limiting centralized citizenship verification and USPS authority. Data Center Fight: Wisconsin Rapids’ data center proposal is on hold as residents and local groups keep pressing for protections. Public Safety Tech: Appleton ordered Flock Safety to disable its surveillance cameras by June 30 and verify they stay off. Health Care Protest: Doctors and voters launched a statewide ambulance tour protesting GOP-backed healthcare cuts tied to the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Milwaukee Shooting: A Milwaukee man faces charges after a wedding reception shooting injured two people near 56th and Fond du Lac. Environment/Industry: Wisconsin DOJ reached a $275,000 settlement with Enbridge over a 2019 Line 13 spill in Jefferson County.

Reproductive Rights: On the Dobbs anniversary, Wisconsin Democrats and advocates renewed warnings that abortion access still isn’t secure, pointing to ongoing gaps in care and the political fight ahead. Election Integrity: Wisconsin election officials and voting-rights advocates addressed fears about election security as national attention stays fixed on whether states can be pressured to hand over voter data and undermine trust. Milwaukee Power Fight: Milwaukee aldermen held a hearing on creating a publicly owned utility to replace We Energies, with labor and residents weighing what “public power” would mean for rates and jobs. Public Safety & Mobility: Reports show rising e-bike and e-scooter injuries, including local ER surges, as communities consider tighter rules. Education: Wisconsin’s new DPI literacy director is set to implement Act 20, aiming to boost reading outcomes with statewide support and literacy coaches. Local Government: Muskego kept a key road closed while it waits on state funding for failing culverts, and Mequon residents raised water-runoff concerns over a proposed large subdivision. Healthcare & Labor: A union organizing dispute at a Madison-area healthcare co-op is headed toward a member vote over governance and labor strategy. State Politics: A new straw poll from the Democratic convention highlighted Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s strength among party activists.

Milwaukee Utility Fight: Milwaukee’s Public Transportation, Utilities and Waterways Review Board held a long hearing on whether the city should take over We Energies’ infrastructure to create a publicly owned electric utility, with supporters arguing for lower costs and local control and critics warning about risks. Police Accountability: The Milwaukee Common Council unanimously adopted changes to police SOP 460 requiring officers to intervene and report unreasonable uses of force, clarifying it covers federal officers too. E-bike/E-scooter Safety: Dane County and UW Health warned of a looming injury crisis as e-scooter crashes reportedly jumped 260% over four years, urging parents to treat these devices like motor vehicles and push helmet use. Abortion Anniversary Politics: Wisconsin Democrats and Republicans marked four years since Dobbs, with Democrats renewing calls for expanded access and Republicans continuing efforts to restrict abortion. Voting Rights in Court: A federal appeals court dealt the Trump administration its first voter-roll appellate loss, rejecting DOJ demands for unredacted Michigan registration data. Data Centers vs. Communities: La Crosse County’s 18-month data center moratorium drew praise from state Rep. Jill Billings, though she said real protections still require state or federal rules. Medicaid Fraud: Wisconsin DOJ announced charges against two women accused of defrauding Wisconsin Medicaid through fraudulent time cards. Prediction Markets: The CFTC sued Kentucky over prediction market crackdowns, and the agency says it has legal actions pending against Wisconsin and other states.

Wisconsin Governor Race: Longshot Republican Andy Manske says he respects the state Supreme Court’s abortion-access ruling but wants changes on taxes and growth, including a flat-rate property tax, fines for delayed construction, and tighter rules on data centers; he also criticized GOP fundraising and campaign performance. State Courts: The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the state’s race-based Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant Program, dealing another blow to race-based aid. Milwaukee Immigration Policy: Milwaukee’s Common Council approved an ordinance requiring police to intervene and report unreasonable force by any law enforcement officer, including federal agents, as part of its “ICE OUT” package. Local Transportation Rules: Hartland Village Board reviewed an ordinance regulating e-bikes and e-scooters, largely tracking Wisconsin’s three-class e-bike system and setting limits on scooter use. Local Recovery Facility: New Berlin’s board cleared the way for a Milwaukee Rescue Mission recovery campus after upholding the city’s zoning interpretation that the project qualifies as a church use. Public Safety/Justice: An Iron County burglary suspect, Toby Mullins, was arrested in Fond du Lac County after a bicycle sighting and a K-9 track through marshland. State Government & Economy: Xcel Energy filed a Wisconsin rate proposal that would require data centers to pay all costs tied to new transmission and power projects. Federal/Global Watch: US-Iran nuclear talks continue in Switzerland, with uranium enrichment rights at the center of negotiations.

Transportation Funding Fight: Green Bay is pushing the Wisconsin Legislature for a “comprehensive, sustainable” fix for road and bridge maintenance, warning cities are resorting to borrowing, deferring projects, and local wheel taxes. PFAS Settlement Spending: Marinette County residents weighed how to use $10M from a PFAS lawsuit settlement, with residents and the DNR saying the money may not cover all contaminated-well impacts without more legislative action. Election Integrity Politics: A new Wisconsin poll finds broad support for statewide ballot drop box standards, while 71% of Republicans say election workers should be monitored. Federal Voting Data Setback: A federal judge dismissed a Justice Department bid to force Maryland to turn over detailed voter records—another loss for the Trump administration’s voter-data push. Immigration Enforcement in Milwaukee: ICE detained a mother and 8-year-old boy at a Wisconsin Dells home and moved them to Milwaukee’s ICE office, drawing fresh calls to stop family separations. Public Health & E-Cigs: AG Rob Bonta welcomed Shopify’s ban on all e-cigarette sales on its platform, part of a broader crackdown on online nicotine sales. Conservation Funding Deadline: Advocates warn Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program funding expires June 30, threatening future land protection and recreation projects. Governor Race Forum: Seven candidates faced rapid-fire questions at a WISDOM forum covering legal system, immigration, environmental justice, and affordability.

Knowles-Nelson Conservation: Wisconsin’s land-conservation flagship could run out after June 30 if the Legislature doesn’t act, with Gov. Tony Evers pushing to preserve the program while Republicans debate oversight concerns. Energy & Local Control: Washington County advanced an advisory resolution urging the Legislature to give local governments more say over large solar and wind projects, citing farmland and “unchecked expansion.” Milwaukee Water Utility Fight: Superior’s mayor is making the case to take over the city’s privately owned water utility, arguing it’s the only private utility in Wisconsin and that residents pay more for Lake Superior water. Elections Watch: The ACLU says it will spend $50M on the 2026 midterms, including monitoring election certification in battleground states like Wisconsin. Dem Governor Primary: State Sen. Kelda Roys is pitching her experience in a crowded Democratic field after Missy Hughes suspended her campaign and endorsed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Milwaukee County is racing to stabilize crumbling Sheridan Park bluffs that threaten the Oak Leaf Trail, roads, and nearby homes. Local Ballot Measures: Delafield is asking voters to raise its levy limit to fund fire and EMS, and Delafield’s Aug. 11 referendum would increase annual taxes for residents.

Democratic Governor Race: Missy Hughes suspended her campaign and endorsed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, urging other Democrats to coalesce to beat Republican Tom Tiffany in November. Housing Policy: The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan housing package by a wide margin, aiming to cut red tape, boost supply, expand financing (including for manufactured housing), and curb Wall Street’s role in single-family home buying. Elections & Voting Security: Wisconsin Elections Commission chair Don Millis urged the state AG to push for faster destruction of Milwaukee’s 2020 absentee ballots after an FBI probe, arguing the secret ballot should be protected. Immigration & Voting Rights: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from using a revamped SAVE database to help states screen voter rolls for noncitizens ahead of the 2026 midterms. Milwaukee Public Safety & Schools: Students questioned MPS priorities as a new police union contract is expected to raise costs for the school resource officer program. Local Government & Courts: A judge blocked Milwaukee’s food truck curfew ordinance, keeping enforcement from taking effect while litigation continues. State Environment: Wisconsin DOJ announced $325,000 in settlements with an Eau Claire hazardous waste firm over alleged air and hazardous waste violations. Infrastructure: Gov. Evers kicked off his annual “Pothole Patrol” tour in Onalaska, touting road and bridge improvements since 2019 and new funding in the 2025-27 budget.

Education & Elections: Wisconsin Democrats’ push to end school choice is heating up, with candidates Francesca Hong and Mandela Barnes pledging to abolish vouchers and a new legal challenge arguing the state constitution requires “sufficient resources” for traditional public schools. Public Land & Conservation: The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is set to expire June 30 after lawmakers couldn’t agree on reauthorization terms, and governor candidates are now scrambling to define what comes next for conservation funding. State Politics & Courts: The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down race-based scholarships/aid programs as unconstitutional, a ruling that reshapes how minority student support can be structured. Immigration & Civil Rights: A federal judge ordered the release of Salah Sarsour from ICE custody after finding the government targeted him for his support of Palestinian rights, drawing renewed attention to how immigration enforcement intersects with free speech claims. Health & Safety: The CDC reports measles has reached 2,104 confirmed cases across 41 jurisdictions in 2026, putting the U.S. elimination status at its greatest risk since 2000. Local Governance & Services: Milwaukee’s reading coalition work has stalled amid a dispute with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, while Bayfield County EMS coverage is strained as missed ambulance calls rise sharply.

Wisconsin Supreme Court: The court struck down the state’s race-based college scholarship program as unconstitutional, renewing the fight over how Wisconsin funds student aid and what a “packed” court could change next. Elections & voting access: A new dispute is heating up over Milwaukee absentee ballots, with the elections commission chair urging the attorney general to intervene. Immigration & civil liberties: A federal judge ordered the release of Salah Sarsour, the president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, from ICE custody, after a ruling tied to free-speech retaliation claims. State government & budgets: Milwaukee County leaders are projecting a major budget shortfall, pointing to structural cost pressures even after earlier revenue changes. Local community: Madison’s Open Doors for Refugees hosted a potluck meant to signal welcome for newly arrived refugees, while Milwaukee marked Juneteenth with its 55th Jubilee Parade and Festival. Public safety: Fond du Lac County charged a 16-year-old in a fatal crash tied to driving without a valid license.

Wisconsin Elections & Courts: A federal judge ordered ICE to immediately release Salah Sarsour, the Milwaukee Islamic Society leader, after finding a likely First Amendment retaliation claim tied to his Palestinian-rights activism. State Government & Policy: Wisconsin’s Senate session wrapped up work on key bills, while Gov. Evers continued appointments to the Commutation Advisory Board. Health Policy: The Trump administration finalized Medicaid work requirement rules, setting expectations for how states will enforce participation requirements starting next year. Environment & Natural Resources: The Wisconsin Invasive Species Council announced 2026 Invasive Species Action Award winners, including Marinette and Oconto County efforts against European frog-bit. Local Civic Life: Green Bay hosted a hero’s welcome for Korean War, Vietnam, and Vietnam-era veterans returning from a Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Public Safety: La Crosse officials reminded residents which fireworks are legal in Wisconsin and warned about penalties for illegal types.

Wisconsin Supreme Court: The court struck down a race-based minority college grant program, dealing another blow to state efforts to use race in higher-ed aid and raising fresh concerns about college affordability options. Elections & voting access: A Wisconsin appeals court was asked to reject a demand for Wisconsin’s voter lists, keeping the focus on election administration and access. COVID vaccine politics: Sen. Ron Johnson again pushed claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety and alleged media stonewalling, as he circulated an op-ed and interim report. Data centers & local governance: Wisconsin lawmakers and communities are facing mounting backlash over data centers; one Wisconsin city moved toward a moratorium after community feedback, while other coverage highlights the broader utility-cost and infrastructure fight. Medicaid spending watch: New reporting tracks sharp local Medicaid billing spikes across Wisconsin communities, including large jumps in categories like administrative services and durable medical equipment. Congressional politics: Republican Paul Wassgren suspended his 7th District campaign, saying a divisive primary would only help Democrats and shifting support to Tom Tiffany.

Immigration & Civil Rights: Federal judges ordered the release of Milwaukee Islamic Society leader Salah Sarsour from ICE custody after 80 days, with his attorneys arguing the detention was retaliation for his Palestinian rights advocacy; Sarsour vowed to keep speaking as his case heads back to immigration court. Elections & Courts: Wisconsin DOJ pushed back in federal appeals court against a Trump administration demand for unredacted voter lists, arguing the feds have no authority and offered no basis for claims about ineligible voters. Higher Education: The Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously struck down the state’s race-based Minority Undergraduate Retention scholarship program as unconstitutional. Public Safety & Local Policy: Hartland’s village board will consider an ordinance regulating e-bikes and e-scooters, aligning with Wisconsin’s class system and setting safety limits. Local Government & Infrastructure: Milwaukee County approved a $1.1M study to design and permit repairs for erosion threatening Sheridan Park bluff and nearby Oak Leaf Trail infrastructure. Environment & Research: DNR marked the 80th anniversary of the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area in Vilas County, including long-running creel surveys and new work on sonar and habitat impacts. Community & Data Centers: Western Wisconsin residents rallied against hyperscale AI data centers, pressing for stronger statewide safeguards and local control.

Immigration & Free Speech: A federal judge ordered ICE to release Salah Sarsour, president of Milwaukee’s Islamic Society, after finding his detention raised a “substantial” First Amendment retaliation claim; he’s back in Milwaukee while his immigration case continues. Courts & Voting Rights: Wisconsin DOJ argued in federal appeals court that the Trump administration has no right to demand Wisconsin’s unredacted voter list, and said it offered no basis for claims that ineligible voters would get absentee ballots. Higher Ed & Civil Rights: The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the state’s race-based college grant program as unconstitutional, raising new concerns about college affordability and options for minority students. State Politics: Sen. Kelda Roys launched her first statewide ad buy for the Democratic governor primary, pitching health care expansion and public school funding. Elections & Campaigns: Wisconsin Democrats and candidates keep sharpening contrasts after the party’s straw poll, with attention on who can broaden beyond the base. Local Governance: Barron County backed a wakesurfing regulation push, while Milwaukee continues to debate e-scooter rules after sidewalk-safety complaints. Public Safety: A guide to Wisconsin fireworks rules highlights how local ordinances can be stricter than state law.

Election Security & Federal Overreach: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin joined a new “Protect Our Polls Act” push to block President Trump from deploying military or federal law enforcement at polling places, arguing voters shouldn’t face troops or ICE-style intimidation. Immigration & Free Speech: A federal judge ordered the release of Salah Sarsour, president of Milwaukee’s Islamic Society, from ICE detention, saying his First Amendment retaliation claim was “substantial.” State Government & DEI: Wisconsin DOJ joined a multistate lawsuit challenging new federal contract terms aimed at restricting DEI-related activities by government contractors. K-12 Policy: A conservative group sued DPI over a 2024 Wisconsin Dells conference tied to changes to the Forward Exam, alleging open meetings law violations. Education Costs: A Wisconsin Policy Forum report finds enrollment is down but costs aren’t automatically falling, putting districts under pressure as funding lags. Local Governance: Washington County approved extra legal fees and incentives tied to the UWM-Washington County campus sale process. Community & Culture: Evers raised the Juneteenth flag at the Capitol for a seventh straight year, while Milwaukee’s Juneteenth coverage spotlights leaders like Mike McGee Sr. and Howard Fuller.

Immigration & Free Speech: A federal judge ordered the immediate release of Salah Sarsour, president of Milwaukee’s Islamic Society, ruling his ICE detention likely targeted his Palestinian-rights advocacy and violated First Amendment protections. Courts & Civil Liberties: The decision keeps Sarsour in Wisconsin while his immigration case continues, after he spent about 80 days in custody and raised a “substantial” retaliation claim. State Higher Ed: The Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously struck down the Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant Program, prompting Democrats to warn of broader cuts to opportunity for Black and Brown students. Wisconsin Politics: Wisconsin senators weighed in on President Trump’s tentative Iran agreement, with Tammy Baldwin expressing skepticism and Ron Johnson emphasizing economic stakes and the option to escalate. Local Government & Growth: Data-center moratoriums are gaining momentum, with Dane County advancing an 18-month pause and Brown County facing renewed calls for safeguards. Education & Parents: A Pittsville School District settlement ended a dispute over a mother’s viral homeschooling video, with the district acknowledging the post was protected speech.