AGP Executive Report

Education Watch: U.S. News released its 2026-2027 Best High Schools rankings, with Milwaukee-Waukesha topping metro-area performance (56% of ranked schools in the top quarter) and charter schools dominating national STEM standouts. Local Government & Infrastructure: MMSD’s panel has recommended Jacobs Solutions over Veolia for the next wastewater operator contract, a decision that could shape Milwaukee-area water quality and costs starting in 2028. Public Safety & Community Life: The Wisconsin State Fair saw police attacked during a “teen brawl,” while a separate Milwaukee case moves forward with $1M bail for a man accused in a triple homicide. Politics & Kids/Schools: Wisconsin lawmakers backed bills on Internet crimes against children enforcement (AB957) and limits on confidentiality agreements in education employment (AB1004), as the governor’s race remains tight in early polling. Culture & Sports: Brewers unveiled a new Fitchburg mural celebrating ballpark traditions, and UW-Stevens Point announced a two-year tuition freeze plan tied to state investment. Health & Environment: Western Wisconsin drought concerns are rising for farmers, homeowners, and shoppers.

Education & Accountability: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced AB1004, limiting school employers’ ability to hide or erase alleged “immoral conduct” records and adding civil immunity rules for what gets shared with prospective employers. Public Schools & Funding: DPI announced a five-year, $10.5M federal grant to tackle the special education teacher shortage, backing STAIRS-WI “earn while you learn” apprenticeships and retention efforts. Child Safety Online: The state Senate backed AB957 with added DOJ funding to expand Internet crimes against children enforcement. Local Governance & Schools: A judge sided with the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty to end Milwaukee County’s budget “carve out” that withheld money from the Common School Fund. Politics Watch: A Badger Battleground Poll shows Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley leading Tom Tiffany 48%–44% early in the governor’s race. Community & Culture: OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center announced a move to the Williamson-Marquette neighborhood, and Supermoon Beer closed its Bay View taproom while continuing distribution. Outdoor & Heritage: DNR is recruiting volunteers to teach hunter education and outdoor skills statewide.

AI & Tech Supply: A Guardian investigation says Microsoft’s AI chip rollout may lag its own targets, raising questions about whether new data centers are fully operational. Sports Betting & Pop Culture: Polymarket launched a $20 referral code “OREGON,” boosting sign-up funds across MLB and even politics markets. Wisconsin Politics: PBS Wisconsin’s “Here & Now” recaps how David Crowley narrowly beat Francesca Hong for the Democratic governor nod, setting up a Crowley vs. Tom Tiffany general election. Milwaukee & Justice: The state DOJ released details on the officer involved in the fatal shooting of Corey Ruiz; his funeral drew Al Sharpton and Ben Crump. Education Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced AB1004 and AB996, including rules aimed at school staff misconduct record handling and a pilot matching federal contributions to “Trump accounts” for eligible children. Community & Faith: Sherman Park faith leaders look back on the 10-year legacy of the uprising, describing it as a “scar” that pushed growth. Local Life: Heritage Hen Collective is restoring the 1938 Trimborn Farm chicken coop in Greendale, aiming to bring back community chickens.

Wisconsin Politics: A new “likely voter” poll has Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley leading Tom Tiffany for governor, with a bigger gap among independents, after Crowley’s upset Democratic primary win. Public Safety & Kids Online: The Wisconsin Senate backed AB957, boosting DOJ funding for Internet crimes against children enforcement. Education Policy: AB996 state-matching contributions for eligible children is still drawing split votes in the Assembly, while AB1004 would limit school deals that suppress alleged employee misconduct. Health Care: Wisconsin doctors warn Medicaid work rules could create heavy administrative and ethical burdens for providers. Culture & Community: Milwaukee’s pool community held a fundraiser for hit-and-run victims Amy Austin and May Daiber, and Racine’s Celebrity Bartender Battle returns for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. Sports & Local Life: UW women’s hockey adds Fond du Lac native Brynn Holventstot, and Wisconsin’s ATV/UTV safety push follows 29 deadly crashes tied to missing helmets and seatbelts. Social Issues: A Wisconsin race story highlights the danger of anti-Asian racism in politics.

Brewers vs. Dodgers: Milwaukee ace Jacob Misiorowski struck out six and allowed one run in a 4-1 win, keeping the Brewers rolling atop the NL. Sports & culture: Galway’s soccer team visited Wauwatosa for an Irish Fest friendly, celebrating decades of sister-city ties. Community food fest: Madison’s Breese Stevens Field hosted Curd Fest, turning cheese curds into everything from curd burgers to curd Bloody Mary pairings. Local faith & milestones: School Sisters of St. Francis marked major jubilees with a Jubilee Mass in Milwaukee. Public safety push: Wisconsin DNR says helmet and seatbelt use are key factors behind 29 deadly ATV/UTV crashes this year, urging riders to take safety courses. Politics with a human scale: Wisconsin DHS says its childhood vaccine guidance stays put after a federal executive order, while lawmakers advanced bills including extra funding for Internet crimes against children enforcement. Milwaukee parenting focus: A local gun-violence panel highlighted parenting as a turning point for kids growing up amid gunfire. Arts & kids: Oconto children’s author Annie Frances announced two new book launches, and a Milwaukee art-supply thrift shop opened to make crafting more affordable.

Wisconsin Politics & Schools: The Wisconsin Assembly advanced AB1004, a bill aimed at stopping education employers from hiding or destroying records tied to alleged immoral conduct by school employees, with lawmakers voting both Yes and No across the state. Child Safety & Law Enforcement: AB957 cleared the Wisconsin Senate to boost DOJ funding for Internet crimes against children investigations, while AB996 moves a state pilot that matches federal contributions into “Trump accounts” for eligible children. Public Health: Wisconsin DHS says childhood vaccine guidance will stay put despite a federal executive order pushing changes to the national schedule. Elections & Voting Access: A Dane County judge blocked a last-ditch bid to let voters “spoil” returned absentee ballots after candidates dropped out. Community & Family Life: Community Clothes Closet expands its Traveling Closet program to Shawano, bringing free clothing and essentials to families facing hardship. Youth & Learning: Oconto County 4-H fair spotlights hands-on projects and skills for kids and teens. Outdoors & Safety: The DNR points to helmets and seat belts as top factors behind Wisconsin’s 29 fatal ATV/UTV crashes this year. Local Development: Waukesha County expects to approve a purchase offer for the former UW–Milwaukee at Waukesha site in September, with demolition targeted for 2027. Arts & Culture: Oconto children’s author Annie Frances launches two new books Aug. 23 in Oconto.

Madison Police Accountability: Corey Ruiz’s funeral drew major civil rights voices, with Rev. Al Sharpton and Ben Crump urging “stand up for Corey” as the DOJ investigates the July shooting. Public Safety & Mobility: Wisconsin’s e-bike rules are getting tested as riders face confusion over class speeds and whether “e-motos” fit state law. Health Watch: Wisconsin is tracking a measles outbreak tied to Iowa County, with 15 confirmed and 6 probable cases, as federal vaccine guidance shifts raise alarm. Milwaukee Privacy & Tech: Changes to license-plate tracking oversight are still unfolding after reports of misuse and new safeguards from the camera vendor. Community Care: Milwaukee’s Bread of Healing Clinic keeps serving uninsured patients through donations and volunteers, while a Special Olympics Wisconsin fundraiser at Dunkin’ brought in support. Lifestyle & Learning: Google is expanding Gemini access in Classroom for students of all ages, pushing the AI-in-schools debate into everyday homework. Rural Life & Politics: The Democratic primary outcome is fueling fresh arguments about what polls missed and how campaigns, not just data, moved voters. Off-Highway Safety: The DNR reports Wisconsin leads the nation in fatal ATV/UTV crashes, urging helmets and seatbelts.

Governor Race Ad War: Tiffany’s campaign is already firing off “seven-figure” statewide ads after Crowley’s Democratic primary comeback, while the DGA counters with its own buy aimed at “pandering.” Election & Polling Fallout: Wisconsin’s primary has reignited debate over polling accuracy, with Marquette Law Poll director Charles Franklin pointing to late voter shifts and polling methodology concerns. Milwaukee Education Momentum: Two new Catholic school campuses in Milwaukee (Seton Catholic Schools) open for 2026-27, and local coverage frames it as part of a broader school-choice surge. School Readiness: Wisconsin’s “Get Kids Ready” program will cover 437 hours of preschool readiness for 4-year-olds through participating child care providers. Public Health & Vaccines: DHS says it’s sticking with established childhood immunization standards amid a federal childhood vaccine order. Safety Outdoors: DNR reports helmets and seatbelts are top factors in Wisconsin’s fatal ATV/UTV crashes so far in 2026. Higher Ed Costs: A new Niche ranking lists Wisconsin’s best colleges and what they cost students, highlighting big price gaps. Workforce & Healthcare Training: Universities of Wisconsin is seeking major budget support to expand workforce and healthcare training. Arts & Community: MOWA’s Contemporary Auction is live, and the Wildlife In Need Center is taking votes to name a new striped skunk ambassador.

University Leadership Search: Two higher-ed leaders are set to interview next week for a new university president role, with Dr. Jay Johnson and Dr. Lenny Klaver both appearing in the same Wisconsin-area venue. Election & Tech in the Spotlight: Wisconsin’s Democratic governor primary upset is still reverberating—prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are facing backlash after Francesca Hong’s loss, despite both platforms giving her about a 95% chance. Public Health: Wisconsin DHS says its measles “intensive effort” is ongoing as confirmed cases jump to 15 with six probable, and officials warn low MMR rates are making spread more likely. Community & Inclusion: Dunkin’ is running its 13th annual “Cop on a Rooftop” fundraiser for Special Olympics Wisconsin, helping support year-round training for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Local Politics Watch: La Crosse County DA is investigating election bribery complaints tied to Elon Musk after Wisconsin Elections Commission findings. Lifestyle & Livability: WalletHub ranks Wisconsin No. 3 for livability, citing education, safety, and affordability. Sports & Culture: UW women’s hockey released its 2026-27 non-conference schedule, starting with St. Lawrence and Boston University.

Wisconsin Politics: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley pulled off a major Democratic upset, winning the state’s governor primary by just over 3,000 votes and setting up a November matchup with GOP nominee Tom Tiffany—then immediately pivoted to party unity and fundraising, including more than $1.5 million raised in the first 24 hours. Election Integrity & Process: Milwaukee election officials said USB drives used on election night contained the wrong files (audit logs instead of vote totals), delaying absentee results and fueling questions online. Campaign Culture & Community: Crowley’s win follows a chaotic primary that left Francesca Hong narrowly short, with pundits pointing to late-deciding voters and the impact of endorsements and messaging. Schools & Families: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced AB1004, aimed at stopping school agreements that could suppress reporting about alleged immoral conduct by employees, alongside SB23 extending postpartum Medical Assistance benefits. Arts & Inclusion: Milwaukee’s East Side is getting a new creative reuse shop, while “Horsegirls” lands in August’s Cinematic Sisterhood program—spotlighting authentic representation and community storytelling. Local Life: Spooner’s Jack Pine Savage Days returns, celebrating northern Wisconsin culture with food, music, and family events.

Wisconsin Politics & Elections: Wisconsin Democrats are regrouping after a shock: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly beat democratic socialist Francesca Hong in the governor primary, setting up a November matchup with GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany and sparking fresh debate over why polls missed the mark and how Milwaukee election-night delays factored in. Party Unity: Crowley and other top Democrats held a unity breakfast with former rivals, while Hong publicly backed Crowley to defeat Tiffany. Surveillance & Privacy (National, with Wisconsin relevance): A viral backlash over Flock automated license-plate cameras is pushing “DeFlock” efforts to map ALPR networks and challenge how vehicle-location data is used. Community & Youth Skills: Madison College’s “She Builds Wisconsin” camp gave middle and high school girls hands-on construction experience, from measuring and cutting to building birdhouses. Culture & Local Sports: Milwaukee’s Horizon League women’s soccer team was picked first in the preseason poll, and a Cudahy artist Ric Stultz is teaming with the Brewers for a big hat giveaway. Baseball (Milwaukee vs. Padres): The Padres swept the Brewers with a 4-3, 11-inning win.

Wisconsin Politics: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley pulled off a razor-thin upset in the Democratic governor primary, beating democratic socialist Francesca Hong by less than 1% and setting up a November matchup with GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany. Election Culture: The race also fueled a broader “change” message inside Democrats, even as progressives and moderates split on direction. Public Safety Debate: Police defended Flock/ALPR cameras as safeguards, while residents in places like Chetek raised privacy concerns and demanded more public discussion. Local Schools: Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Area School District named Susan Bayer as the new Roselawn Elementary principal for 2026-27. Community & Animals: Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds is closing and releasing its final 155 beagles to a rescue after years of controversy. Wisconsin Life & Learning: United Way of Wisconsin launched a no-cost laptop and digital navigation support program for eligible residents. Environment & Outdoors: Researchers are testing fungi-based methods to fight invasive buckthorn, aiming to reduce herbicide use.

Wisconsin Governor Primary: The Democratic race for governor is a nail-biter, with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley edging socialist Francesca Hong—both around 259,000 votes as results tightened—setting up a general election fight against GOP nominee Tom Tiffany. GOP Governor Nomination: Tiffany, an election denier and longtime Trump ally, won the Republican governor primary and will face the Democrat winner in November. 1st Congressional District: Emergency room nurse Mitchell Berman won the Democratic primary and will take on incumbent Bryan Steil in a key House matchup. 3rd Congressional District: Rebecca Cooke won the Democratic primary and will rematch Derrick Van Orden after narrowly losing in 2024. 7th Congressional District: Michael Alfonso won the crowded GOP primary for the open seat, powered by Trump’s endorsement, while the Democratic side remains split among three candidates. Treasurer Race: Yee Leng Xiong won the Democratic primary for Wisconsin treasurer and will face incumbent John Leiber. Local Politics: Wood County Clerk of Courts incumbent Kimberly Stimac won her GOP primary and is set to run unopposed in the fall.

Wisconsin Primary Day: Voters head to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 11, in a partisan primary that will shape November races, with the governor’s contest drawing the biggest attention and a Democratic field split between establishment and progressive energy. Democratic Divide: Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is trying to rise above Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and other remaining candidates, as Democrats argue over the party’s direction heading into 2028. Ballot Confusion Warning: The Wisconsin Elections Commission says “ghost” candidates remain on printed ballots, and crossover voting mistakes can silently discard votes—so voters are urged to double-check party columns before marking. Public Health & Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a salmonella-related recall tied to jalapeño products sold across 26 states, including Wisconsin. Everyday Life, Real Costs: A Milwaukee parking-ticket explainer breaks down when private lot operators can ticket drivers and how to dispute charges. Local Health Watch: Fort Atkinson Medicaid billing for certain non-oral drug services jumped sharply in 2024, highlighting how public health spending can shift locally. Culture & Community: A rural childcare push in Coleman gets state support to expand daycare capacity—an affordability issue families feel fast.

Affordable Housing Push: WHEDA awarded $355,000 in grants to two La Crosse nonprofits—Couleecap for homebuyer counseling and Habitat for Humanity for a Washburn Neighborhood build/renovation—aimed at expanding affordable housing and homeownership. Primary Election Basics: Rock County Clerk Lisa Tollefson urged voters to bring photo ID, pick a party at the top of the ballot in Wisconsin’s open partisan primary, and follow strict rules so votes count. Food Safety Alert: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled more than a dozen jalapeño-containing dips, salsas and prepared foods sold at Walmart, Target and Trader Joe’s after a Salmonella-linked jalapeño supplier issue; consumers should not eat affected items. Public Health Fallout: Newly released Fauci-era texts show private concerns about COVID vaccine risks for pregnant women, even as public messaging emphasized safety—fueling fresh debate nationwide. Community & Recovery: A Multi-Agency Resource Center opened at the former UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities campus in Menasha, already serving 214 tornado-impacted households with help ranging from housing to mental health. Local Sports & Community Pride: Beloit will rename its stadium to honor longtime coach John Heineke on Aug. 21, with a halftime dedication and community events.

Wisconsin Primary Countdown: Early, in-person and absentee voting wrapped up Sunday afternoon with 265,725 early voters statewide, including 48,339 in Milwaukee County, setting up Tuesday’s governor showdown between Francesca Hong and David Crowley. Campaign Pulse: Crowley’s side is airing its first negative ad against Hong, while Gov. Tony Evers says he’ll be “helpful” only if Crowley wins the nomination. Party Divide: National Democrats and progressives are trading barbs over how far the left has gone, with AOC distancing herself from past “defund” rhetoric and the broader “Woke 1” debate spilling into Wisconsin. Public Health & Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products sold across 26 states, including Wisconsin, due to possible salmonella contamination—check “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 16. Community & Culture: Milwaukee will unveil a permanent memorial honoring civil rights leader Vel R. Phillips on Aug. 21, and UW-Stout’s Cadaver Lab is feeding STEAM camps that let high schoolers explore real anatomy. Local Lifestyle: Canton Day Off returns Aug. 14-16 with free kids’ events, food trucks, music, and a long-running community tradition. Sports & Hometown Pride: Brewers coverage highlights Luis Rengifo’s turnaround with the Padres, while Wisconsin’s youth sports and alumni reunions keep the spotlight on local talent.