AGP Executive Report

Fraternity Hazing Probe: Madison police arrested two AEPi leaders after about 30 men were found in a hot, humid basement “covered in food, condiments and other liquids,” with “visible injuries” tied to alleged assault; UW-Madison says it’s investigating and warns of sanctions, while AEPi national has suspended Madison chapter programming during the inquiry. Milwaukee Schools Discipline Under Federal Scrutiny: Milwaukee Public Schools is facing a U.S. Department of Education investigation over whether its discipline practices improperly considered race under Title VI, even as district leaders say they’ve worked to reduce suspensions and expulsions through early intervention. Gas Prices Watch (Sept. 19 week): Fuel costs stayed uneven across Wisconsin, with the lowest regular gas flagged at $3.79 in Outagamie County and $3.97 in Marathon and Marquette counties, while diesel lows ranged from $5.49 in Sheboygan County to $5.79 in Burnett County. Wisconsin Politics & Governance: Gov. Evers set an Oct. 5 deadline for Wisconsin pardon applications, and Wisconsin election officials continue warning voters about unofficial third-party mailers ahead of the Nov. 3 cycle.

Fraternity Hazing Crackdown in Madison: Madison police say they found about 30 men “partially clothed” and covered in food and liquids in an Alpha Epsilon Pi basement after an anonymous tip; several had visible injuries consistent with assault, and two 20-year-olds were arrested for hazing and disorderly conduct. National Fraternity Response: AEPi national issued a cease-and-desist order suspending Madison chapter programming during the investigation. Labor Watch: SSM Health Dean Medical Group nurses at 10 Dane County outpatient clinics voted to unionize with SEIU Wisconsin, citing understaffing and burnout; the vote was 71%. Elections Security: Wisconsin elections officials warned voters about unofficial third-party mailers that look official and may include pre-filled absentee applications with errors. G20 in Milwaukee: U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will host G20 trade ministers in Milwaukee next week, with talks on forced labor, food trade, and industrial overcapacity. Data Center Fight in River Falls: A protest targeted Wisconsin’s sales-tax exemption for hyperscale data centers, arguing it’s a “blank check” for big tech.

Milwaukee County Courthouse Overhaul: A county finance committee recommended moving forward on the nearly $1B Public Safety Building replacement and courthouse improvements, including cutting about $45.7M by removing an east entrance addition, while still pushing to borrow beyond the bonding cap. Utility Rates: WPS is seeking more than 14% residential electric rate hikes over two years; consumer groups want lower profit margins instead, with PSC hearings set for Sept. 29 in Green Bay. School Funding Fight: State Superintendent Jill Underly used her State of Education address to press for changes to Wisconsin’s school funding formula, arguing years of underfunding have consequences as midterm control hangs in the balance. Public Safety & Courts: Dane County DA Ismael Ozanne is reviewing DOJ findings in the Corey Ruiz police shooting; no charging timeline yet. Elections & Voting Rules: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration to use an expanded DHS citizenship verification system (SAVE) to remove noncitizens from voter rolls, though most states can’t act close to Election Day. AI Regulation Push: Wisconsin AG Jeff Jackson joined multistate efforts urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI systems acting unsafely. Local Accountability: Wisconsin Rapids alderperson Michael Timm will face a recall election Oct. 27 after petitioners alleged intimidation of a local business owner. Health & Safety: CDC reported measles cases rising to 3,659 nationwide as of Sept. 24, with Wisconsin among the reporting jurisdictions.

Milwaukee Politics & Public Safety: The Common Council adopted a substitute ordinance tightening penalties for failure to notify residents about public road closures, raising fines to $1,000-$5,000 per day and adding digital signage and annual utility work-plan requirements. AI Oversight: Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul joined a multistate push urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules while preserving state authority, warning that unchecked AI could pose catastrophic risks. Campaign Finance & Elections: A new GOP-aligned dark money group, First Amendment LLC, reported nearly $13M in 2026 spending, including $9.3M targeting Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and millions more aimed at key state legislative races. Consumer Data Breach: Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul joined a multistate settlement securing about $2.3M and requiring reforms after the Labcorp/AMCA 2019 data breach exposed sensitive information for millions. Energy & Environment: DNR urged “Buy Local, Burn Local” firewood practices to slow invasive pests, while FBI probes fires tied to Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute and related sites. Local Governance: Wisconsin Rapids scheduled a recall election for District 7 alderperson Michael Timm on Oct. 27. Economy: Wisconsin reported record $2.13B in first-half 2026 ag exports, with Evers warning tariff fights could threaten momentum.

Election Security & Voting Access: Sen. Tammy Baldwin introduced the “Safe Access to the Polls Act,” aiming to block federal funds from sending ICE, CBP, or the National Guard to within a quarter-mile of polling places or interfering with voter access. Local Government & Courts: Shawano County supervisors voted to borrow $29 million for the first phase of a $121 million government center combining the courthouse and jail, despite public pushback. Public Safety & Policing Tech: Racine police chief credited Flock cameras with helping solve a recent homicide after the Common Council voted to bag the cameras. Health Care Labor: Unionized Allina hospital doctors reached a tentative first contract after a four-day strike, with key terms still awaiting ratification. Environment & Energy: The FBI is investigating fires tied to Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute and a Superior office fire, as tribal leaders accuse the company of poor communication. Campaign Finance & Midterms: National reporting says Republicans are increasingly grim as aligned groups pour money into GOP-leaning states while candidates try to distance from unpopular White House policies. Constitutional Amendments: The League of Women Voters hosted an event in La Crosse to explain three November ballot amendments on the governor’s partial veto, worship during emergencies, and government discrimination. Data Centers as a Political Flashpoint: A conservative bus tour hit Janesville to spotlight opposition to data centers, arguing voters want more transparency.

Absentee Voting Opens: Wisconsin’s 2026 midterm absentee voting is underway, with clerks mailing ballots to voters who already requested them; the WEC is urging people to use trusted sources and return ballots on time (with a recommended mail deadline now set for Oct. 20). Election Administration: After Aug. 11 primary delays, the WEC says Winnebago and Green counties faced equipment/settings problems that have been corrected, and officials stress audits show no miscounting. Constitutional Amendments: Voters will decide three amendments on Nov. 3, including one aimed at limiting governor partial vetoes tied to the “400-year” property tax increase, plus an “equality” amendment that critics warn could complicate equity programs. Data Centers & Local Politics: A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Port Washington’s $15B data center TID incentives, while elsewhere the data center debate is driving political attention and moratorium efforts. Public Health: Marathon County confirmed a third measles case and says there are no known public exposures yet. Education & Courts: Wisconsin’s DOJ is advising residents to check eligibility for compensation under a multistate generic drug antitrust settlement, and a court ruling in Illinois found K-12 teacher preparation grant terminations unlawful. Campaign Signals: GOP candidates are increasingly talking about ending the Iran war as gas prices and costs bite, with Tom Tiffany facing pressure over his voting record. LGBTQ+ Politics: Fair Wisconsin PAC announced endorsements, including David Crowley for governor and other statewide and legislative candidates. Milwaukee Governance: Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s proposed 2027 budget includes higher parking fees and more funding priorities, while rental inspection and public safety debates continue.

Wisconsin Attorney General Race: Voters head to the polls in six weeks for a rematch between Democratic AG Josh Kaul and Republican Eric Toney, with polling showing many still undecided and both candidates trading attacks over crime lab testing speed and capacity. School Voucher Fight: Democrats and education experts are pushing Congress to repeal a new federal school voucher program, warning it will siphon money from public schools as states opt in ahead of a 2027 rollout. Milwaukee Housing Oversight: The Milwaukee Common Council approved filing for a new rental inspection pilot aimed at improving habitability in smaller properties, with inspections tied to complaint patterns and repair timelines. Local Government Structure: La Crosse council members revisited options after an administrator plan narrowly failed, with consultants floating an administrator/chief-of-staff model alongside an elected mayor. Campaign Gas Pressure: Lt. Gov. hopeful Sarah Godlewski and other candidates are centering record gas prices, including calls to repeal Wisconsin’s minimum markup law. Offshore Wind Legal Battles: New York and partner states sued to block Trump-era offshore wind lease buybacks, arguing the deals are unlawful and redirect investment away from Democratic-led states. Public Safety Tech Backlash: More Wisconsin communities are moving to limit or remove Flock Safety cameras, citing damage, delays, and privacy concerns. Health Care & Courts: A coalition led by AG Kwame Raoul won a court order blocking federal rules that would gut key health and social service programs for low-income families.

Columbia County Energy Fight: Supervisors sparred for hours over data center and transmission-line decisions, with a proposed moratorium and a separate wind-development pause both drawing sharp, partisan-tinged debate. Milwaukee Streets Funding: The Common Council unanimously redirected up to $300,000 for street, alley, pothole, and concrete repairs, sending the measure to the mayor. Milwaukee Pay Policy Reversal: The council voted 10-5 to redo elected-official pay rules after the city attorney said prior advice was wrong, setting a new 2028-32 schedule. Evers/WisDOT Federal Roads Money: Wisconsin is set to receive nearly $370 million for 195 local road and bridge projects. Tomah VA Oversight: Sen. Tammy Baldwin demanded a VA investigation after a hospice nurse arrest, citing staffing and care lapses. Data Center Backlash Continues: Port Washington residents toured Vantage’s $15B Oracle/OpenAI site as concerns persist over power, environment, and noise. Election Process Q&A: “Ask a Clerk Anything” is set for Sept. 23 on voting rules and ballot counting. Generic Drug Claims: AG Josh Kaul urged consumers to file for compensation tied to inflated generic drug prices. School Spending Dashboard: A new performance dashboard aims to make Wisconsin school data easier to compare. Flock Camera Exit: Cottage Grove voted to end its Flock contract, joining other Wisconsin communities backing away from license plate readers.

Milwaukee Budget Fight: Mayor Cavalier Johnson is set to unveil a $2.26 billion Milwaukee budget that boosts police and fire staffing and pours record money into streets, but it depends on tapping reserves to close a $96.8 million structural gap. Election Rules at the Polls: A new Votebeat report says Wisconsin election policy is stuck in gridlock, with courts increasingly driving changes—meaning November’s governor and Legislature results could shape how ballots are cast and counted in 2028. Campaign Pressure From Gas Prices: In Kewaunee County, diesel costs are becoming a central campaign issue as both David Crowley and Tammy Baldwin blame federal policy tied to Iran, while Tom Tiffany attacks Crowley’s record; both back repealing Wisconsin’s minimum markup law. Voting Rights Clarification: A letter to readers pushes back on claims that convicted felons can’t vote, reiterating Wisconsin’s rules that voting rights return after completing sentence requirements and may require re-registration. Health Care Oversight: Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul’s office joins a coalition opposing a proposed federal CMS rule that could threaten Medicaid funding and state control of exchanges. Public Safety: Wisconsin State Patrol is running Operation Safe Stop Week targeting illegal passing of school buses and other dangerous driving.

Gubernatorial Race & Accountability: Rep. Tom Tiffany says a future “Taxpayer Accountability Plan” would mean more state fraud investigations and additional auditors, pointing to the collapse of northeast Wisconsin nonprofit Newcap as a case for tighter oversight. Health Policy & Licensing: Wisconsin’s APRN Modernization Act lets advanced practice nurses practice without a physician’s name on collaborative agreements, but Medicare billing rules may still require physician involvement. Elections & Voter Access: Milwaukee election officials warn voters about confusing, partially pre-filled third-party registration mailers that aren’t official; the state deadline for Nov. 3 registration is Oct. 30. Public Safety: Wisconsin launches Operation Safe Stop Week (Sept. 21-25), cracking down on drivers who fail to stop for school buses with flashing red lights. Surveillance Cameras: Watertown residents strongly oppose Flock Safety cameras, arguing they enable warrantless, searchable surveillance. State Government & Taxes: Former Gov. Scott Walker attacks David Crowley over rising taxes under Tony Evers, citing property and income tax trends. Water Quality: Gov. Evers and DNR kick off PFAS Awareness Week, highlighting $125 million from the PFAS Trust Fund and additional settlement funding for contaminated communities. Milwaukee Local Life: Doors Open Milwaukee returns with 190+ free sites, including major UW-Milwaukee participation.

Election Integrity & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s push to restrict mail ballots for the midterms, keeping states’ existing processes in place as voting already ramps up. DOJ Election Crackdown: The Justice Department announced charges against 16 people across multiple states for alleged illegal voting and related crimes, including cases involving noncitizens in federal elections. Wisconsin Voting Data: A new report says DHS is pursuing a contractor to collect publicly available voter registrations nationwide, raising privacy and Wisconsin election-law concerns. Governor’s Race Politics: Rep. Tom Tiffany is campaigning on transparency and taxpayer accountability in Altoona, contrasting his plan with Milwaukee County under David Crowley. Surveillance Debate (Milwaukee): A local discussion highlights community concerns about Flock Safety cameras and the broader surveillance footprint. UW System & Immigration: UW System schools saw a first drop in international enrollment in three years, tied to tighter federal visa policies. Public Health: A turtle-linked salmonella outbreak has more than doubled to 20 cases across 12 states, with young children most affected. Community & Civic Life: UWRF hosts a live reading of the U.S. Constitution, and Wisconsin communities continue honoring veterans and service members.

Election Integrity & Voting Access: DOJ announced charges against 16 people across multiple states, including Wisconsin, alleging illegal voting and voter registration fraud by noncitizens and others, with a warning message aimed at would-be cheaters. Voter Data & Privacy: A new DHS procurement effort seeks a contractor to capture publicly available voter registrations nationwide for ICE/HSI, raising concerns about privacy and state limits on releasing voter records. Wisconsin Maps in Court: Wisconsin Supreme Court arguments continue over congressional redistricting, with attorneys defending the current map and a new “anti-competitive” theory that could force changes. Attorney General Race: Eric Toney is challenging Josh Kaul for Wisconsin attorney general, with the campaign framing election and privacy issues. Local Cost Pressures: In Sauk County, voters say property taxes and the cost of living are driving decisions, with data centers also entering the conversation. Data Centers: Wisconsin Rapids’ data center fight is intensifying as officials push for a moratorium, saying there’s no playbook for proactive planning. Milwaukee Roads Budget: Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s 2027 proposal includes a record local investment for road repairs and pothole fixes.

Election Integrity Crackdown: The U.S. Justice Department charged 16 people across multiple states, including Wisconsin, alleging illegal voting and related election crimes, with several cases involving noncitizens. Wisconsin Supreme Court & Redistricting: Justices heard arguments tied to whether new congressional map challenges can proceed, with gerrymandering claims aimed at districts drawn by the 2011 Legislature. Governor’s Race Messaging: In PBS Wisconsin interviews, David Crowley and Tom Tiffany traded competing plans on affordability, taxes, and crime, with gas prices and war-related votes also surfacing in the campaign. DEI/Constitutional Referendum Push: Wisconsin Watch reports GOP-led constitutional amendments on the November ballot would limit partial veto power, restrict discrimination in government and public education, and address emergency limits on religious gatherings. Milwaukee Civic & Community: Milwaukee unveiled a life-size statue honoring Beechie Brooks in Halyard Park, and the city crowned an honorary “Champagne of Beers” mayor. Public Safety: A 16-year-old died after a shooting on Milwaukee’s South Layton Boulevard; police are investigating. Local Infrastructure: McFarland is moving ahead with a U.S. 51 reconstruction segment, including lane closures and a planned roundabout. Data Centers & Land Use: A reader urged residents to attend public hearings on a Town of Mukwonago solar project, arguing state rules make local scrutiny more important.

Milwaukee Public Schools: A new push urges the MPS school board to stop treating a $355M “Great Schools” consultant report as a talking point and instead fight in Madison to regain control of vacant district buildings. Privacy & federal overreach: Wisconsin DOJ won a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from demanding a massive driver-data database from AAMVA and from cutting federal funds over refusal. Local policing accountability: Greenfield’s mayor moved to oust Police Chief Jay Johnson after criminal charges tied to alleged misuse of department surveillance to watch his home during a divorce. Elections logistics: Municipal clerks have started mailing absentee ballots in Washington County, with key deadlines leading into Nov. 3. Tech and surveillance debate: Waukesha officials voted to end Flock Safety funding after 2026, joining other local concerns about privacy and Fourth Amendment issues. Courts & local tax fights: An Ozaukee County judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging a Port Washington data-center TID, focusing on pleading standards rather than the merits. Public safety: A child was seriously injured in a Milwaukee hit-and-run-style crash near Washington Park, renewing scrutiny of that intersection. Local government planning: Sheboygan County approved a 2027-20211 spending plan for public works and public safety projects.

Governor Race: Tom Tiffany hit Altoona touting a “Taxpayer Accountability Plan” to add auditors, modernize OpenBook Wisconsin, and return the state’s estimated $3B surplus via tax cuts, while Democrats press him on his Iran-war votes and gas-price responsibility. Energy & Infrastructure: Tiffany also reaffirmed opposition to a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line, as Crowley argues for less disruptive alternatives. Elections & Voting: DOJ announced charges against 16 people tied to illegal voting and voter-registration schemes, while a report says a senior DOJ official warned prosecutors they could face termination if they don’t pursue voter-fraud cases. Public Safety & Courts: A Franklin man was charged after allegedly pointing a gun at a school employee during a property dispute; in Fond du Lac, authorities arrested a former roommate in the 1995 disappearance of James “Jim” Ruland. Health & Veterans: Sen. Tammy Baldwin demanded a VA inspector general probe into Tomah VA care failures after a former hospice nurse faced patient-abuse charges. Local Government: Milwaukee’s MCTS budget deficit is driving proposed route changes that a blind rider says could cut access for visually impaired workers. Environment: A fire damaged Enbridge Line 5 construction equipment south of Ashland; investigators haven’t determined a cause.

Election Integrity & Federal Role: U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany says DOJ officials will be in Wisconsin for the Nov. 3 election, while Wisconsin election offices keep tightening procedures for absentee ballot mailing and handling after past mistakes. Courts & Voting Policy: Wisconsin Supreme Court activity continues around election rules and congressional map challenges, with Democrats warning against attempts to restrict mail voting. Milwaukee Surveillance Oversight: Milwaukee facial recognition cases are still moving even after the department paused use; advocates renew concerns about accuracy and whether defendants were told. Local Public Safety: Milwaukee’s 911 response delay tied to a dispatcher reportedly falling asleep is under scrutiny. Criminal Justice & Police Accountability: A Racine deputy faces charges in a turkey-hunt shooting involving a fellow deputy and a 7-year-old; in Kenosha, a former deputy is accused of tracking a girlfriend with Flock and GPS. Greenfield Leadership Fight: Greenfield’s mayor seeks removal of Police Chief Jay Johnson after alleged misconduct, with a public hearing set. Energy & Infrastructure: Line 5 work faces new scrutiny after a suspicious fire damaged drilling equipment; data centers remain a flashpoint in Wisconsin’s 3rd District race, with a power-cost bill drawing partisan pushback. Professional Discipline: Wisconsin Supreme Court suspends a Shorewood attorney for spitting on a Black teen during a 2020 protest.