AGP Executive Report

Independence Day & Community Spirit: Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are set to represent Wisconsin in major July 4 parades in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., turning retirement into a message of unity and stamina. Immigrant Rights in Milwaukee: Volunteers with Voces de la Frontera and the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression held Barrio Walks to share “Know Your Rights” info as ICE activity rises. Sports & Fair Play: A Supreme Court ruling on girls’ sports is prompting backlash in some states, with Wisconsin-linked coverage highlighting the fight over transgender athlete participation. Local Culture & Arts: Longtime Milwaukee arts critic Dominique Noth is remembered for decades of reviewing and shaping the city’s cultural conversation. Environment & Food: Wisconsin regulators approved a Door County CAFO permit expansion despite environmental objections, while a new survey finds the cost of a July 4 cookout in Wisconsin hit a record high. History, With Complication: Wisconsin’s 1776 story is being retold through tribal presence and trade networks, alongside reminders that the nation’s founding ideals came with deep contradictions.

Voting Rights & Postal Politics: Wisconsin DOJ joined a multistate fight against a proposed USPS rule that would centralize voter info and restrict mail ballots, after a federal judge struck down a related Trump executive order. Immigration & Community Safety: Milwaukee saw renewed ICE activity and protests, with local leaders and advocates pushing back as arrests surge. Health Care & Families: Wisconsin expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage to a full year, while other states’ Medicaid work requirements raise fears that some sick and disabled people could lose coverage. Education & Local Budgets: Madison Metropolitan School District approved a preliminary 2026-27 budget, projecting lower state aid and a higher property tax levy. Holiday Life in Wisconsin: DNR and law enforcement are rolling out “Operation Dry Water” to curb impaired boating, and Milwaukee Fire is urging residents not to use fireworks. UW & Sports: UW-Madison named Shawn Eichorst as athletic director, and local sports headlines include new coaching hires and recruiting momentum. Culture & 250th Anniversary: Wisconsin communities are gearing up for Fourth of July celebrations, from parades and road closures to Independence Day history features.

Extreme Heat & Summer Safety: Forecasters warn of record-breaking Midwest heat as cooling centers open and outdoor plans get disrupted, with tips circulating for staying safe during dangerous temperatures. Immigration & ICE Tensions: Wisconsin Dells residents report an ICE detention involving a woman and her 8-year-old son, while Milwaukee leaders and advocates push back against “targeted enforcement,” including legal fights over city ordinances and ICE’s refusal to follow mask rules. Community Resilience & Local Culture: Stone Lake Pub reopened one year after a fire, a reminder of how Wisconsin towns rebuild their gathering spots. Nature & Wildlife Moments: Waukesha police helped rescue an injured hawk, and Shelby Township celebrated its first successful bald eagle nesting in years. Education & Youth Milestones: 18 county students graduated from UW-Stout Polytechnic, and a Lutheran marching band from across Wisconsin heads to Philadelphia for America’s 250th parade. Health & Family Support: Wisconsin expands postpartum Medicaid coverage to a full year, aiming to support new mothers and families. Sports & Entertainment (Wisconsin ties): Hoopfest 2026 got a big community thank-you, and Brewers-related offseason chatter continues to draw attention.

Immigration & Public Safety Clash: Milwaukee leaders and ICE are at odds after masked federal agents carried out arrests tied to a statewide operation, with the city accusing violations of local ordinances and ICE saying it won’t follow the mask ban. School Community Shock: A major fire destroyed Milwaukee’s Lincoln Avenue School, raising questions about safety upgrades as reporting notes only 28% of MPS buildings have sprinklers. Childcare Capacity Boost: Outagamie County secured a $250,000 grant to add 100 childcare slots in Grand Chute, aiming to ease long waitlists. Health Policy for Families: Wisconsin’s extended postpartum Medicaid coverage is now in effect, while the state also faces federal cuts to teen pregnancy prevention grants. Culture & Pride: The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are set to represent Wisconsin in Independence Day parades in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Environment & Outdoors: DNR released new pollinator-themed merch, and Three Shores CISMA is targeting invasive species across Wisconsin’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. Sports & Community Buzz: A big NBA trade sends Jaylen Brown to the 76ers for Paul George and picks, while local weekend plans spotlight Fourth of July events across the Milwaukee metro.

Immigration & Public Safety: Advocates say ICE activity in Milwaukee and beyond has stayed elevated, with reports of dozens of arrests and families describing tense, forceful detentions. Maternal Health: Wisconsin’s postpartum Medicaid coverage now extends to 12 months, expected to help more than 16,000 new moms and address care gaps after birth. Kids’ Health: Children’s Wisconsin warns of a spike in critical asthma cases during June’s heat, including two deaths, urging families to take extra precautions. Community & Culture: Milwaukee Film’s “Cinematic Sisterhood” spotlights female-led storytelling with a new lineup, while Ripon’s Selfridge Park ribbon cutting brings a fresh community gathering space. Family-Friendly Events: The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show returns to Madison with youth and themed “Semiquincentennial” entries, and Waukesha County hosts “Bats and Brews” nature programs. Outdoors & Safety: DNR’s Operation Dry Water runs July 3-5 to curb impaired boating. Local Governance: A Wisconsin law firm sues DPI over a steep open-records fee, arguing public access is being blocked.

Immigration & Due Process: ICE says it arrested 39 people in Wisconsin over the weekend, calling it targeted enforcement; advocates like Voces de la Frontera dispute the scope and say many detainees have no criminal record, while the federal government says those arrested will get full due process. Courts & Citizenship: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, striking down Trump’s order; Wisconsin lawmakers reacted sharply, with Democrats warning it fuels attacks on immigrant families and Republicans warning it could incentivize abuse. Public Safety & Health: Wisconsin’s Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center is expanding to treat girls for the first time, as the state moves toward closing its only youth prison. Extreme Heat & Community Life: A Midwest heat wave is driving cancellations and opening cooling centers, with Wisconsin communities urging hydration and safety. Culture & Tradition: Gov. Evers marked Wisconsin Kringle Day at O&H Danish Bakery, celebrating the state’s official pastry. Local Events: Winona County Fair announced its 2026 Hall of Fame honorees, recognizing longtime community and agriculture supporters. Sports & Wisconsin Pride: A Wisconsin-to-world sports roundup highlights southeast Wisconsin’s impact as the U.S. marks 250 years.

Extreme Heat & Cooling Help: Southeast Wisconsin is under an Extreme Heat Warning, with heat indexes pushing into the mid-100s and little overnight relief. Local health and fire officials are urging hydration, shade breaks, and using cooling centers. Public Safety & Weather Watch: The Midwest is also tracking a “ring of fire” severe storm setup for late Thursday into early Friday, with damaging wind and tornado risk possible. Workforce + AI Literacy: Waukesha County Technical College says employers want AI-skilled workers, not fewer jobs, and is building training around what regional companies are asking for. Local Culture & Community: The African Center for Community Development keeps expanding in Dane County, focusing on cross-cultural education and integration for African residents. Outdoors & Conservation: DNR outdoor skills programming brings Waterfowl Wednesday to Hubertus, plus a Great Lakes Landing Blitz reminds boaters to stop invasive species spread. Wisconsin Summer Fun: WATA’s free Summer Digital Passport is live through Sept. 20, linking fairs, festivals, and food stops across the state. Sports Notes: Cubs’ Alex Bregman publicly regrets not hustling on a key play, while Brett Larson is set to bring “blue-collar grit” to Minnesota hockey as coach.

Constitutional Power Grab: Wisconsin Republicans are pushing conservative policy changes through constitutional amendments, aiming to make them harder to undo and shifting key decisions away from the governor and toward lawmakers. College Sports Pay Rules: A bipartisan college athletes’ compensation bill cleared a major Senate committee hurdle, but big conference opposition could still stall it before summer recess. Extreme Heat Prep: Marathon County and Middleton are urging residents to cool down, hydrate, and use libraries as cooling centers as dangerous heat moves in. Childcare Bridge Ending: Wisconsin’s childcare bridge payments expire June 30, with many providers warning of rate hikes and possible closures. LGBTQ+ Crisis Support: Sen. Tammy Baldwin is pushing to restore an LGBTQ+ option on the 988 hotline as demand rises. ICE Activity in Milwaukee: Advocates say ICE arrests spiked over the weekend, raising questions about scope, tactics, and use of force. Venezuela Relief in Milwaukee: Brewers players and community partners are collecting supplies for earthquake victims, with lines of cars and volunteers packing donations. Local Culture & Learning: UW-Oshkosh opened “The India Corner,” and Milwaukee’s mahjong scene keeps growing as a community hub. Invasive Species Watch: State and local partners kick off a Great Lakes “Landing Blitz” to stop aquatic invasives from spreading.

End-of-life care in Oconto Falls: Unity and Meadowbrook opened a dedicated hospice wing, adding around-the-clock hospice support and caregiver relief in a home-like setting. Extreme heat safety: An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect across much of Wisconsin, with heat index values pushing past 100; officials urge hydration, shade breaks, and checking on kids, older adults, and pets. Public health + mobility: Wisconsin reports sharp rises in injuries from e-bike and e-scooter crashes, with parents urged to focus on safe riding and helmets. Community & culture: UW-Oshkosh dedicated “The India Corner” with 75 books and learning materials, while Latino Entrepreneurial Network opened registration for a fall small-business training program in Milwaukee and Racine. Local human stories: A Madison priest was stripped of clerical duties after child sex crime charges, and a Milwaukee relief effort continues for Venezuela earthquake victims. Sports & youth: Sun Prairie’s Piranhas took a road meet loss, and Waunakee’s Christian Sylvester returned from Special Olympics USA Games with three medals. Road tragedy: A head-on crash in Itasca County killed two women, including a driver from Luck, Wisconsin.

Extreme Heat Watch: Wisconsin is bracing for a dangerous heat wave starting Monday, with heat indexes hitting about 100–110 degrees across much of the state and little overnight relief—especially for inland areas. Community Fundraising: Bayside’s Friendship Circle Bike-4-Friendship event drew participants of all abilities and raised more than $180,000 for programs supporting people with disabilities. Outdoor Stewardship: The Wisconsin DNR is joining the Great Lakes Landing Blitz to remind boaters and anglers to inspect gear, remove plants, and drain water to stop invasive species from spreading ahead of the Fourth of July. Venezuela Relief in Milwaukee: The Brewers’ William Contreras, Jackson Chourio, and coach Nestor Corredor are teaming up with Forward Latino and local churches for a “United for Venezuela” donation drive running through July 3. Culture & Local Fun: Utica’s Mrs. Roper Romp is turning into a summer must-do, with residents dressing in red wigs and over-the-top outfits for a playful throwback. Education Policy: Gov. Evers signed a bipartisan bill requiring Wisconsin high schools to teach at least one semester of financial literacy starting with the class of 2028.

Teacher lifestyle watch: A new national roundup spotlights the “best cities for teachers,” weighing pay, school quality, and cost of living—useful for Wisconsin educators thinking long-term. Local history & culture: Lakewood’s Holt & Balcom Logging Camp Museum keeps Wisconsin’s White Pine era story alive, including how the camp treated workers and ran on strict rules. Arts in the community: Whitewater’s “Collage x Five” spotlights five women artists with free workshops and free admission through June 29. Family fun: Summer car-show picks include Iola’s big swap-meet weekend and other must-sees for gearheads and families. Sports, Wisconsin ties: Milwaukee’s basketball pipeline gets another chapter as Alex Antetokounmpo returns to Greece after his Bucks stint; meanwhile, Cubs updates bring a Wisconsin connection with Hoby Milner’s injury and David Peterson’s debut. Health & safety: Consumer Reports shares practical summer safety tips for kids, especially around water and supervision. Wisconsin civic life: A Wisconsin Supreme Court election debate is echoed in national commentary about how judicial races can turn partisan and expensive.

ICE Watch in Milwaukee: Forward Latino says it’s issued a weeklong alert about “elevated activity” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Southeast Wisconsin, citing reports from Voces de la Frontera and noting Milwaukee police were aware of “targeted enforcement” tied to criminal activity. Youth Decline: A new Wisconsin population projection warns the state’s under-18 numbers keep falling, threatening future school enrollment and the workforce. State Budget Snapshot: Wisconsin’s finances ended 2023 strongest on record, but analysts warn reserves could soften as tax collections cool. Community Support: Milwaukee’s Voces de la Frontera collected donations for Venezuela earthquake victims. Family & Health: A Cumberland 12-year-old awaits a heart transplant in Milwaukee; a separate piece highlights that exercise can help people during cancer care. Outdoors & Fun: Wisconsin DNR’s Free Fun Weekend waives park fees and fishing licenses. Local Culture: Milwaukee’s Mitchell Park Domes opens the rare corpse flower “Penelope” for 24–48 hours. Kids in Motion: Milwaukee’s Summer Bike Giveaway drew a line around the block.

Election & voting rights: A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to access Michigan voter registration data, saying the personal details sought (like birth dates and partial Social Security numbers) weren’t covered by the law the DOJ relied on. Education & community: La Crescent-Hokah Superintendent Walter Gnewikow praised school board members and the behind-the-scenes staff who keep districts running. School choice debate: A Wisconsin State Capitol event is set for Jan. 27 as school choice advocates push vouchers and other alternatives, arguing parents need more control. Workforce & tech literacy: Waukesha County Technical College leaders say employers want AI-ready workers, not fewer jobs. Local culture & faith: Palm Sunday public actions are planned across Wisconsin, with events in cities including Madison, Milwaukee, and Eau Claire. Sports & leadership: Little Falls named Joey Leonard head football coach, emphasizing accountability and building program culture. Community spaces: In Milwaukee’s Metcalfe Park, My Kousin’s House is creating a “third space” clubhouse for neighbors to learn and connect.

Immigration & Work: A Supreme Court green light is accelerating the shift from legal status to a U.S. “shadow workforce,” as Temporary Protected Status and other protections are rolled back for hundreds of thousands. Public Safety & Privacy: Wisconsin’s debate over surveillance gets sharper after reports of police misuse of license plate readers and database tracking—raising calls for tighter limits and warrants. Education & Early Learning: Beloit’s Discovery PLAYce project aims to rebuild the library’s children’s space for ages 0–6, betting that early brain development can’t wait for later school years. Culture & Community: Milwaukee’s Pink Energy Run returns as a lakefront 5K tied to cancer support, blending festival energy with a cause-driven mission. Local Sports & Pride: Jefferson shot-put standout Michael Koleosho wins a state title before heading to Penn, while Wisconsin’s sports scene keeps buzzing with new coaching moves and draft updates. Faith & Tradition: Tribal veterans gather at Highground Memorial Park for U.S. 250th celebrations, and ISKCON Chicago’s Ratha Yatra draws Wisconsin visitors for chariots, music, and free vegetarian meals. Housing & Affordability: A Beloit housing column argues today’s problem isn’t just unemployment—full-time workers still can’t meet outdated rental screening rules.

Wisconsin Supreme Court & Tribal Sovereignty: The Menominee Nation won a landmark ruling allowing it to buy back reservation land, blocking a non-tribal group from suing to stop the transfer into federal trust status. Local Spotlight (Onalaska): Jordenne Butler, an Onalaska native, reflected on a long, six-attempt path to becoming Miss Wisconsin 2026. Education & Milwaukee Schools: Milwaukee Teachers Education Association and Milwaukee Public Schools reached a deal on phased cost-of-living wage increases, ending months of dispute, while MPS also weighs bus-system changes after an outside review flagged late buses and inefficiencies. Housing & Community Life: A sweeping federal housing bill is moving forward but may hinge on voter ID politics, with Wisconsin experts warning it won’t be a quick fix for affordability. Public Safety & Health Equity: A Wisconsin story highlights the gap between law and reality for incarcerated mothers—state programming ordered by a judge still hasn’t been implemented for newborn custody. Culture & Community: Madison’s Goodman Community Center welcomed its new CEO, Christopher Talton, as he settles into a 73-year mission of local support. Environment & Conservation: Great Lakes Aquarium is rearing lake sturgeon for a St. Louis River release, part of a long-running restoration effort. Local Events (Schlitz): Verona’s Wisconsin Brewing Co. is hosting “Celebrate Schlitz” as a final batch of the classic beer hits shelves June 27.

Childcare Crunch: Wisconsin’s bridge program for childcare is set to end June 30, and the state warns about 25% of providers could close without the funding—tuition is rising faster than inflation, and families say it’s squeezing budgets. Public Safety & Health: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley proposes about $7.5 million from opioid settlement funds to expand treatment and prevention as overdose deaths decline but remain a major concern. Schools & Students: A Milwaukee Public Schools paraprofessional facing a slapping incident involving a disabled student is back in court over paperwork tied to a plea deal, with a judge warning the agreement could be revoked. Community Meals: Milwaukee Summer Meals Collaborative launches with free breakfast, lunch and dinner at 130+ sites across the county while school’s out. Local Culture & Inclusion: The Penguin Project brings young artists with disabilities to the stage in Wausau, pairing performers with mentors to build confidence and theater skills. Sports & Community Pride: The Bucks introduce lottery picks Brayden Burries and Nate Ament as the franchise turns the page after the Giannis trade. Wisconsin History: Manitowoc’s Hungry Hollow show spotlights Allis Chalmers, and a new “900 District” vision breathes life into the former Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.