AGP Executive Report

Voting Rights Fight: Trump’s executive order and a new Postal Service rule would let the USPS refuse to deliver ballots in states that don’t meet new voter-list requirements, raising major compliance and logistics worries for election clerks—especially in rural areas. Milwaukee Data Centers: Milwaukee’s Zoning Code Technical Committee is moving a proposal toward a Plan Commission hearing that would ban data centers over 60,000 square feet and tightly regulate smaller ones, citing noise and energy concerns. PFAS Oversight: Local officials and environmental groups are calling for stronger protections after a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation found lax worker protections at the Lower Fox River PCB cleanup site. Local Government Accountability: Cedarburg rejected a forensic accounting review of the former Amcast property, citing costs and the TID’s negative balance. Courts & Power Infrastructure: A judge dismissed a bid to challenge a Menomonee Falls-area high-voltage transmission line approval because the parties missed the 30-day filing window. Democratic Politics: Attorney General Josh Kaul said he expects a “strong nominee” for governor but wouldn’t confirm whether he’s comfortable running with all seven Democrats on the Aug. 11 ballot. Animal Welfare: Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin beagle breeding and research facility tied to protests, is closing and transferring its remaining dogs to a Florida rescue.

Voting Rights Fight: The Trump administration is appealing a federal judge’s dismissal in its push for Wisconsin Elections Commission to hand over unredacted voter registration data, arguing it could prevent “fraudulent” absentee ballots. Local Organizing: Hundreds of western Wisconsin residents packed an Eau Claire event to coordinate against AI data centers, saying the projects threaten jobs and the driftless region’s land and water. Courts & Accountability: Madison’s independent police monitor is challenging a Dane County DA decision in the Richard Lee Johnson police-custody death case, alleging officers used force that wasn’t reflected in official reports. State Politics: Sen. Romaine Quinn announced he’ll seek re-election in the newly drawn 23rd District, while GOP 7th District candidate Niina Baum says she secured ballot access first. Federal Environment: Wisconsin lawmakers joined a push to stop the NSF from dismantling the $386M Ocean Observatories Initiative. Health Policy: Sen. Tammy Baldwin urged Senate leaders to bring her bipartisan insulin bill to a vote capping costs at $35/month. Public Safety: Milwaukee’s City Attorney Evan Goyke says a reckless-driving prosecution shift is boosting convictions, and a Brady Street safety pilot targets late-night disruptions. Rural Health: Gov. Evers and DHS opened applications for $40M in rural health grants.

Democratic Gubernatorial Race: At the Wisconsin Democratic Party convention straw poll, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez led with 28% and Francesca Hong followed with 23%, while former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes landed sixth in a field of seven. Campaign Trail: Seven Democratic candidates then made their pitches to voters in Madison, with each leaning on affordability, health care, and education—Hong spotlighting an AI data center moratorium and Roys pushing an open enrollment health plan. AI & State Politics: WUWM’s “Capital Notes” zeroed in on how AI fears and data center fights are showing up in governor ads and legislative talk, even as lawmakers struggle to slow projects. Energy Costs: The Journal Sentinel asked governor candidates where they stand on utility rates and energy policy, including how they’d weigh consumer costs against grid reliability and Public Service Commission appointments. Public Health Debate: Sen. Ron Johnson held a hearing exploring a COVID-19 vaccine-to-cancer link, despite major medical bodies saying there’s no evidence for it. Environment & Federal Policy: A Senate wildfire bill amendment would roll back the “roadless rule,” affecting national forest protections in Wisconsin. Legal Services Push: Wisconsin AG Dave Sunday joined a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to keep funding the Legal Services Corporation. Local Crime & Courts: A Wausau man pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering in a $14.25 million investor scheme.

Democratic governor race momentum: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez won a WisPolitics straw poll at the Wisconsin Democratic Party convention, edging out state Rep. Francesca Hong, as activists also picked Pete Buttigieg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. Party strategy and Trump pushback: Delegates offered mixed views on whether Democrats are effectively resisting President Donald Trump, with some arguing national leaders aren’t doing enough and others saying the GOP trifecta makes progress harder. Campaign pitches to activists: In speeches to convention-goers, Democratic gubernatorial contenders tried to frame themselves as the best path to beating presumptive GOP nominee Tom Tiffany while attacking Trump’s agenda and costs. Labor in Madison: Nurses at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison voted 511-63 to form a union, citing understaffing and pay concerns. Local governance & public life: Milwaukee’s summer fruit truck season returns with Tree-Ripe pop-ups, and a new student mural at Hamilton High School spotlights South Side diversity and the city’s water ecosystem. Wisconsin courts: The Wisconsin Supreme Court accepted another appeal aimed at redrawing the congressional map.

Wisconsin Democrats Convene in Madison: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin told activists the party is “fighting back” against Trump while warning Republicans control Congress, as Gov. Tony Evers closed the convention urging unity ahead of the Tiffany matchup. Young Democrats in Milwaukee: Party officials announced Milwaukee will host the Young Democrats of America national convention in 2027, underscoring Wisconsin’s battleground role. State GOP Election Fight: AG Josh Kaul attacked Eric Toney’s election-skeptic ties and framed the rematch as a test of whether Wisconsin will trust Trump-aligned politics. SNAP Battle Reaches Wisconsin: Attorneys general urged Senate leaders to reverse SNAP cuts in the Farm Bill, arguing hunger and state costs will rise. Redistricting Court Update: The Wisconsin Supreme Court accepted a second appeal aimed at redrawing the congressional map. Milwaukee Public Safety: Deputies arrested a Milwaukee woman after shots were fired during a Lake Park family picnic; no injuries reported. Sports & Community Loss: Milwaukee Bucks mourn minority owner Nancy Gruber, a longtime philanthropist and courtside fixture. Elections & Ballot Access: State Sen. Mark Spreitzer qualified for the ballot for re-election.

Wisconsin Supreme Court & Redistricting: The Wisconsin Supreme Court agreed to take up a second appeal over a lawsuit seeking to redraw the state’s congressional map, keeping the fight over which party controls House seats front and center. Milwaukee County Budget Leadership: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s pick for budget director, Nick Sinram, cleared his first confirmation hearing, with supervisors weighing his MPS budget background amid recent local fiscal turmoil. State Politics & Elections: A separate redistricting-related dispute continues to churn as courts weigh challenges to candidate access and map lines heading into fall. Public Safety & Local Rules: Wausau police warned parents about confusion between e-bikes and illegal e-motorcycles, urging families to check vehicle paperwork and avoid letting unlicensed kids ride. Agriculture & Courts: Wisconsin farmers, backed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, sued over the federal “Got Milk?” dairy checkoff program. Democrats’ Convention Hospitality: Wisconsin Democrats’ state convention is leaning into themed hospitality suites—from dive bars to classrooms—showing how campaigns are courting activists as the party heads toward major votes. National Election Pressure: FBI agents searched an Ohio voter-registration group’s office as part of a broader federal push tied to alleged election fraud. Military & Readiness Debate: A new look at Navy shipbuilding failures spotlights Littoral Combat Ship and other surface-program setbacks, feeding renewed questions about U.S. warship design and mission planning.

Public Safety & Local Government: Delafield’s Town Hall will host two public info sessions on a proposed Aug. 11 referendum to raise its levy $450,000 annually (2027-2030) to fund Lake Country Fire & Rescue staffing and avoid service “brownouts.” Courts & Civil Rights: A Milwaukee judge kept the downtown food-truck curfew change on hold after a contentious hearing; the case challenges moving the closing time to 10 p.m., with the city citing shootings and safety concerns. State Law Basics: Wisconsin’s elevator rule requires annual inspections by a licensed inspector for shared building elevators. Housing: Menasha is moving ahead with a 53-unit affordable senior housing project, with eligibility tied to age 55+ and income at 60% or less of county median. Criminal Justice: Wisconsin DOJ says a former Walworth County correctional officer, Samuel Pieper, was sentenced to 10 years initial confinement and 10 years extended supervision for trafficking a child. Elections & Federal Power: The CFTC sued New Mexico over efforts to apply state gambling rules to federally regulated prediction markets, escalating the Kalshi fight. Education: Two columns examine Milwaukee north-side school decline, focusing on Hi-Mount’s long fall from a reform showcase to low enrollment and lowest report-grade performance. Weather: Severe storms and tornadoes across the Midwest left at least one person dead and knocked out power for thousands, including impacts in Wisconsin.

PFAS Accountability: Gov. Evers says Wisconsin reached a $10M settlement with Tyco over PFAS contamination, while Save Our H2O argues the deal shortchanges residents by narrowing Tyco’s responsibility. Food Assistance Fight: Wisconsin’s AG Josh Kaul joined a coalition urging Congress to restore SNAP benefits and protect food aid in the Farm Bill. State Budget/Health Cuts: Evers pressed Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to oppose major cuts in President Trump’s FY2027 budget, warning they’d hit health, housing, and energy programs. Election & Transparency: Wisconsin prison policy bars incarcerated people from letting journalists record phone calls, raising new concerns about access and transparency. Milwaukee Justice: Tremaine Jones was sentenced to life in prison for the killing of Officer Kendall Corder. Local Governance/Data Centers: St. Croix County’s Community Development Committee is set to discuss a data center moratorium and ordinance framework. Environment & Outdoors: DNR and DMV teamed up so drivers can buy annual state park passes during vehicle registration renewals. Transportation: Amtrak officials say a Madison–Milwaukee “Hiawatha West” line could open the door to more rail corridors in Wisconsin. Business/Tax Dispute: Wisconsin seized canned beer from Minocqua Brewing Co. owner Kirk Bangstad amid an excise tax and permit dispute. Sports & Community: Wisconsin volleyball lands Puerto Rican recruit Decelise Champion earlier than expected; Green Bay and Allouez declared June 12 “Bellin Run Day” ahead of the 50th Bellin Run.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Map Fight: The court agreed to hear an appeal challenging the GOP congressional gerrymander, a procedural win that keeps the case alive and could reshape Wisconsin’s U.S. House map for 2028. State Parks Made Easier: Gov. Tony Evers announced a new DMV-DNR partnership letting drivers buy a 12-month state park and forest pass when they renew vehicle registration. Federal Contract DEI Lawsuit: Wisconsin DOJ joined a multistate challenge to Trump administration contract terms aimed at “purging” DEI, arguing the rules are unlawful and impose penalties without clear guidance. Milwaukee Water Oversight: MMSD approved an independent third-party audit of Veolia’s wastewater operations, and Veolia says it will commission its own audit amid claims of mismanagement. Education Reading-Help Dispute: Forward Literacy asked DPI to remove misleading K-3 early literacy guidance and stop districts from adding extra requirements to the state’s reading support rules. Immigration Detention Health Claim: Lawyers allege a Milwaukee-area community leader detained by DHS has been denied adequate medical care and religious access while in custody. Local Honor Project: Medford schools plan a “Wall of Honor” to recognize alumni veterans, aiming to post names by next fall.

Local Courts: Oconomowoc attorney Ron Sonderhouse cleared a key step toward becoming the next Lake Country Municipal Court judge after the court’s administrative committee voted to recommend him to the 22 communities for appointment. Local Transportation: Hartland advanced a proposed ordinance regulating e-bikes, e-scooters and other electronic mobility devices, setting up more debate over safety, helmets, and where riders can operate. Environment & Public Safety: The Town of Merton adopted wake-boat restrictions on Moose Lake and Lake Keesus, citing shoreline erosion, environmental impacts, and safety concerns raised at a public hearing. State Elections: Two Democrats filed to challenge Treasurer John Leiber, Wisconsin’s only GOP constitutional officeholder, in the November election. Campaign Access: Wisconsin Elections Commission decisions denied ballot access for some candidates, including in the 7th Congressional District and a governor’s race bid by Kirk Bangstad. Receiverships & Housing: A Milwaukee landlord’s empire faced another setback as 86 properties were ordered into receivership after missed deadlines. Agriculture & Legal Fight: Three Wisconsin farmers sued over dairy checkoff funds, arguing the program is being used for ESG-related initiatives beyond the law’s intended purpose. Weather Disruption: Severe Midwest storms knocked out power for hundreds of thousands and caused major flight delays/cancellations at Chicago airports, with Wisconsin damage reported as well.

ActBlue Fallout: ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones repeatedly pleaded the Fifth at a House hearing on alleged fraudulent donations, even refusing to answer a basic question about her name. Elections & Ballot Access: The Wisconsin Elections Commission rejected signature challenges tied to the 7th CD GOP primary, clearing candidates including Fred Clark and Republicans Michael Alfonso and Kevin Hermening. Milwaukee Election Probe: A Votebeat report says FBI agents questioned a Milwaukee 2020 poll worker whose claims were central to Trump’s failed Wisconsin vote-challenge effort. Antisemitism Watch: Wisconsin’s 2025 antisemitism audit found confirmed incidents jumped 83% year over year to 174. Foreign Policy/Defense: Cirrus Aircraft—based in Wisconsin—was added to the Pentagon’s list of Chinese military companies operating in the U.S. Local Governance: Madison’s mayor ordered agencies to plan for 2% budget cuts for 2027 amid rising costs. Housing & Public Safety: Baldwin and Cramer unveiled a bipartisan bill to help volunteer first responders afford homes, aiming to boost rural recruitment.

ActBlue Probe: ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones is set for a Capitol Hill grilling tied to allegations the group misled Congress about overseas donor vetting, as House Republicans push the case toward possible subpoenas. Redistricting Dollars: A Democratic-aligned super PAC is pouring tens of millions into state legislative races to shape future House maps, underscoring how Wisconsin-style state-level lines can drive national outcomes. Reproductive Rights in Wisconsin: Wisconsin Democrats and advocates marked Griswold’s 60th anniversary by calling for state birth control protections, warning access is “in the crosshairs.” Data Center Policy: A Wisconsin report explains how state law can block county “development moratoriums,” while Manitowoc’s workaround shows how local governments try to slow data center growth anyway. Immigration & Courts: A Door County judge tossed a case aimed at stopping demolition of a historic lodge, while separate coverage highlights ongoing legal fights tied to immigration detention and access to care. Milwaukee Housing Enforcement: Milwaukee nuisance-property advocates pressed for stronger enforcement as a property manager facing the city’s lawsuit appeared at City Hall. Sports & Contracts: The Brewers agreed to a seven-year extension with outfield prospect Luis Lara, continuing a push to lock up top talent.

Milwaukee County Oversight: A new audit of the Milwaukee County Transit System says millions in contracts weren’t reviewed or approved by the county board, raising questions about oversight and potential open-meeting issues. Data Privacy: The FTC finalized an order against Wisconsin-based Illuminate Education, requiring tighter security and shorter data retention after a breach exposed data for 10.1 million students. SNAP Access: A Trump USDA policy threatens rural SNAP availability in Wisconsin, and adds new stocking rules that could be nearly impossible for small stores to meet. Utility Fight in Milwaukee: Ald. Alex Brower’s plan to replace We Energies with a public utility heads to a June 24 City Hall hearing on the legal framework. Elections & Ballot Access: The Wisconsin Elections Commission denied liberal candidate Kirk Bangstad ballot access for governor after he fell short of valid signatures. Tourism & Economy: Wisconsin tourism hit record levels in 2025, with Chippewa and Eau Claire counties reporting strong growth. Public Safety: WisDOT warns drivers to watch for pavement buckles as temperatures rise. Local Culture/Nonprofits: Wisconsin’s DMV launched a new Iola Car Show special license plate to support the event’s nonprofit beneficiaries.

Democratic Governor’s Race: Former DOA Secretary Joel Brennan is the first Democrat to buy statewide TV ads, launching a six-figure buy ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Election Integrity & GOP Strategy: A Votebeat report says the Trump administration is expanding investigations into 2020 election claims, including renewed questioning of a Milwaukee poll worker whose allegations were previously rejected. Trump on Wisconsin TV: Trump’s “Meet the Press” walkout after Kristen Welker pressed him on 2020 election fraud and a proposed “anti-weaponization” fund continues to dominate coverage, with Trump blaming rain and calling NBC “crooked.” Milwaukee Community & Policing: After the Fiesta Puerto Rico parade, Milwaukee saw a debate over whether a late-night street takeover was celebration or unsafe behavior, with tickets, tows, and an arrest reported. Health & Rights in Detention: Lawyers for Milwaukee Islamic Society leader Salah Sarsour say his diabetes care and religious needs are being denied in immigration detention, prompting a federal judge to order facility review. UW System: UW regents approved a 2% resident tuition increase for 2026-27. PFAS Cleanup: Wisconsin and Tyco reached a $10M settlement tied to PFAS contamination in Marinette County. Local Housing/Disability: Door2Dreams is advancing a plan for more independent living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in central Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Police Oversight: Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman told a city council committee he “took his eye off the ball” as nuisance-violation letters to landlords dropped sharply, while residents complain about slow responses to quality-of-life calls. Milwaukee Education Funding Fight: Milwaukee education leaders say DPI reneged on promised support for an early literacy initiative, putting the Reading Coalition’s teacher training and materials in jeopardy. Wisconsin Center District Scandal: The Wisconsin Center District board voted to terminate CEO Marty Brooks for cause amid allegations tied to misuse of district funds, bylaws/handbook violations, and misrepresentation to the board. Sewer District Audit: MMSD commissioners approved an independent third-party audit of Veolia’s wastewater operations after Common Ground and whistleblowers raised concerns about mismanagement and overflow risk. Elections Administration: Milwaukee County hired outside attorneys to keep 2020 absentee ballots secret as federal investigators interview election workers; the state elections commission chair also warned court orders could still reshape 2026 rules. PFAS Settlement: Wisconsin reached a $10M settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination, following earlier state and DNR action on cleanup. Energy & Jobs: Trump administration funding includes up to $500M for coal modernization, with Wisconsin’s Alliant co-owned Columbia Energy Center among the projects. Public Safety: A Wisconsin teen was sentenced to life for the 2023 killing of a 5-year-old boy found in a dumpster. Environment & Land Use: A town hall in Rhinelander addressed the Trump administration’s rescinding of the Roadless Rule, with debate over wildfire risk and forest access.

Wisconsin Politics & Elections: Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor race is set for a major shake-up after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez opted out, leaving Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski as the lone Democrat while Republicans line up for an Aug. 11 primary. Trump & Media: President Trump abruptly walked out of NBC’s “Meet the Press” interview in Wisconsin after Kristen Welker pressed him on unsupported election-fraud claims, with Trump again attacking major networks as “crooked.” US-Iran & Israel: Trump said he’s “not happy” about renewed strikes as Israel and Iran trade attacks, complicating U.S. ceasefire efforts; the administration also faces pressure over whether the “no new wars” promise still holds. Health Care & Housing: Milwaukee’s “Healthy Homes” program is returning after a pause tied to federal grant cuts, while Menasha secured $1.2M in tax credits for new affordable senior apartments. State Policy Watch: Wisconsin’s Joint Finance Committee is weighing options for bringing Amtrak back to Madison, with a land-purchase path on the Monona Lakefront gaining momentum. Medicaid Fraud: A new push to crack down on Medicaid fraud highlights Wisconsin’s own recent cases as states face tougher federal scrutiny.