AGP Executive Report

Wisconsin Politics & Community: With Wisconsin’s Aug. 11 governor primary days away, Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong keeps leading in polling, while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley fights to close the gap in a race that’s turning into a referendum on how far Democrats should go left. Early Childhood & Education: The Trump administration’s proposed Head Start rule changes are raising alarms in Wisconsin about weaker standards and bigger impacts on vulnerable kids and families. Health & Youth: New research links teen cannabis use to slower growth in memory and thinking skills, and Wisconsin providers are also watching for rising e-bike and e-scooter injuries among children. Local Culture & Food: Madison’s Great Taste of the Midwest and the Madison Mini Marathon are moving forward after disruptions, and Sheboygan’s Cruise and Brews is back with classic cars and live music. Housing & Neighborhoods: Milwaukee affordable townhomes are breaking ground on the south side as a nonprofit pushes a repeatable model for homeownership. Sports & Wisconsin Life: Kenosha County’s Summer Youth Employment program wraps up its 18th season, pairing paid work with life skills for at-risk teens.

Local Recreation: Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion cut the ribbon on a new 18-hole disc golf course, built for championship-level play and expected to draw major events and visitors. Public Safety & Justice: Monona police arrested a 72-year-old youth coach on multiple felony child pornography charges after digital devices were seized and reviewed. Immigration & ICE: Alex Vindman is ramping up ICE criticism in the final stretch of his primary, backing funding cuts and sweeping reforms while arguing enforcement is politically weaponized. Health & Community: Nominations are open for the 2026 Paula Tower Memorial Award, honoring local breast cancer advocates, with a submission deadline of Aug. 22. Education & Families: The Trump administration proposed major Head Start deregulation, alarming advocates who say it could weaken safety and quality standards for vulnerable kids. Milwaukee Neighborhood Life: Carmen Schools of Science and Technology Northwest is set to open Aug. 24 in Harambee, moving into the former HOPE Christian High School building. Local Politics: Winnebago County voters head to the Aug. 11 partisan primary, with races including governor and U.S. House. Student Debt: Wisconsin student loan borrowers face rising default pressure as federal repayment changes roll in. Culture & Food: A new look at Milwaukee-style pizza spotlights how the city’s tavern-square tradition became its own thing.

Wisconsin Primary Watch: With days left before the Aug. 11 vote, Democratic governor frontrunner Francesca Hong is back on the road in Chippewa Falls, doubling down on universal healthcare, child care, and public school funding while insisting she won’t defund police—after fresh scrutiny of past “Cancel Thanksgiving” and social media posts. Local Housing & Community: Milwaukee’s Common Council approved $3.6 million in tax-incremental financing to move 94 affordable homes forward in the Amani neighborhood, aiming for homeownership opportunities through multiple builders and models. Early Childhood & Child Care: Wisconsin Head Start leaders are raising alarms over proposed federal HHS changes that could affect staffing, services for students with disabilities, and family supports for more than 12,000 enrolled kids statewide. Public Health & Daily Life: Milwaukee Water Works cut fluoride levels in drinking water due to supply chain shortages, saying the water remains safe while the reduced supply lasts about 3–4 months. Workforce & Hiring: A Dodge County Workforce Forum highlighted skills-based hiring, urging employers to assess real competencies instead of using degrees as a proxy. Culture & Community Events: The Wisconsin State Fair kicks off as a 175th-year celebration, with plenty of food, music, and family-friendly traditions—plus Milwaukee weekend event picks for Aug. 7–9.

State Fair Buzz: USA TODAY ranked Minnesota’s state fair No. 1, with Wisconsin’s Great State Fair close behind at No. 2—pushing the spotlight on local food, new treats, and big economic impact. Youth Mental Health: A bipartisan Senate push led by Tammy Baldwin and others passed to block high-concentration sodium nitrite from public sale, aiming to curb youth suicide. Early Childhood Watch: Wisconsin Early Childhood Association is sounding the alarm over a federal proposal that would weaken Head Start Program Performance Standards, including classroom safeguards and support for kids with disabilities and multilingual learners. Primary Politics: The GOP race for Wisconsin secretary of state is heating up with four candidates vying to replace Sarah Godlewski, while Democrats line up endorsements—Sen. Dora Drake backing David Crowley for governor. Local Infrastructure: Grafton is moving toward repairing its broken Bridge Street Dam lift gate, expediting bids after months of delays. Public Safety & Privacy: Rural law enforcement use of license plate readers is under scrutiny, with reporting raising concerns about surveillance reach. Food Safety: CDC/FDA confirm a Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños from Mexico, with 345 sickened across 27 states. Community & Culture: A new AC Hotel is breaking ground in Milwaukee’s Deer District, and Plymouth’s Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl fundraiser is set for Aug. 14.

Online Gambling Fight: A new lawsuit challenges Wisconsin’s online sports betting law as unconstitutional, arguing the state constitution bars authorizing gambling and that the law’s “tribal servers” setup still needs approvals. Local Economy & Jobs: Watertown unveiled a new economic development plan built around agriculture, skilled trades, healthcare, and agritourism—aimed at filling the workforce gap. Brain Drain: A Wisconsin Policy Forum analysis says the state has one of the worst “brain drain” rates, with college-educated Wisconsinites leaving faster than others move in. Politics & Culture: Francesca Hong walked back her “cancel Thanksgiving” remarks, now calling Thanksgiving her favorite holiday—keeping the campaign’s culture-war spotlight burning. Public Health: A CDC report links four unvaccinated children in four states to tetanus cases, including Wisconsin, with long hospital stays. Community & Lifestyle: REAL Shows Network launched “Real Wisconsin,” a locally hosted Eau Claire series spotlighting neighborhoods, businesses, and everyday stories. Health Reminders: Essentia Health urged parents to catch up on back-to-school vaccines and physicals. Sports: Wisconsin’s Timber Rattlers beat the Beloit Sky Carp to tighten the Midwest League race.

Back-to-School Support: A Madison giveaway from Pemberton Personal Injury handed out 500 backpacks with supplies, plus free activities and prizes for families. State Fair Season: The 175th Wisconsin State Fair runs Aug. 6–16 in West Allis, with hours, ticket info, and parking/transport tips for day-trippers and families. Local Education & Pride: UW–Madison named 201 Washington County students to its spring 2026 Dean’s List, highlighting strong academic momentum. Community Faith & Service: Milwaukee’s Women’s Care Center spotlighted free holistic care and counseling for expectant moms, while an Archdiocese of Milwaukee workshop drew nearly 200 parish leaders to talk stewardship beyond fundraising. Sports & Youth: Cedar Grove-Belgium’s Ira Hilbelink earned Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association Division 3 Player of the Year honors; Rice Lake girls hockey is expanding fast, and a Wisconsin Supreme Court “Justice on Wheels” stop is set for Chippewa Falls. Culture Spotlight: Marinette’s Katie Wilsey earned runner-up honors at Miss Amazing, celebrating opportunities for women with disabilities. Politics Watch: A Milwaukee imam’s deportation hearing was delayed to September, and Wisconsin’s online sports betting law faces a new lawsuit.

Legal Fight Over Family Data: More than 20 states and D.C. sued the Trump administration to stop broad access to personal information for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients, arguing the plan would expose Social Security numbers, immigration status, and other sensitive details. Youth Health: Wisconsin’s Office of Children’s Mental Health released a vaping risk facts sheet urging parents and schools to address nicotine addiction and stress-related mental health impacts. Family & Community Support: Milwaukee-area resources highlight how to talk with kids about separation and divorce, while MPAC’s Broadway Bridges program gives local teens arts access through performance and mentorship. Madison Protest Cleanup: Protest encampment actions tied to Corey Ruiz’s police shooting site were cleared and arrests followed. Milwaukee Criminal Case: Radio Milwaukee’s former executive director was charged with felony child sexual assault. Education & Vouchers: A Sheboygan council resolution pushes for transparency on private school voucher costs on local property tax bills, and La Crosse teachers’ union leaders discussed vouchers, Act 10, and a donated Trane building. Elections Watch: La Crosse County Clerk Ginny Dankmeyer emphasized election machine testing and public observation ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Sports & Culture: The Dodgers’ Tarik Skubal trade sparked national backlash; locally, Milwaukee’s underage tobacco/alcohol/THC sales fines were increased.

Community & Culture: The “Rattlin Bog Sisters” (Patrice and Clodagh O’Connor) are set to make their U.S. debut at Irish Fest in the Barn in Madison on May 26, bringing their viral Irish sing-song tradition to a family-friendly lineup of music and dance. Local Education: Milwaukee Public Schools is moving students and staff from the fire-damaged Lincoln Avenue School to Pulaski High School, while MPD District 2 runs a Back to School Supply Drive through Aug. 24 aiming for 250 book bags. Public Safety & Neighborhood Life: Sun Prairie’s National Night Out is Aug. 6 at Cannery Square (6–8 p.m.), with police, fire, and EMS joining for community connection and safety demos. Health & Workforce: UW-Oshkosh hosts the Healthcare Forward Symposium Aug. 5, focusing on building Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce through digital change, rural care, and talent pipelines. Politics (Wisconsin): The WEC is urging voters to use MyVote for polling places and ballot info ahead of the Aug. 11 partisan primary, with in-person absentee voting already underway. Sports (Wisconsin ties): Wisconsin’s own Giannis Antetokounmpo is headed to Miami after a Bucks-to-Heat blockbuster trade.

School Mental Health Funding: A federal judge temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Education from cutting school mental health grants, keeping Wisconsin’s funding in place while a lawsuit plays out. The order pauses grant terminations through Aug. 24, protecting about $12.5 million tied to UW and the state Department of Public Instruction. Milwaukee Politics & Community: The Congressional Black Caucus PAC endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley for Wisconsin governor, citing his executive experience and backing from Evers, Gwen Moore, labor unions, and local officials. Bronzeville Week: Milwaukee’s Bronzeville Week (now in its 16th year) continues with family-friendly events blending culture, wellness, art, and local business—panel discussions, makeup tutorials, and community gatherings through the week. Sports Spotlight: Wisconsin women’s soccer is entering the season with big expectations after multiple players earned “Players to Watch” honors and a spot on the MAC Hermann Trophy watch list. Local Culture & Outdoors: The 53rd Green Lake Fine Art Show returns Aug. 8-9 with 100+ artists, live music, local food vendors, and a Youth Art Zone. Health & Safety: Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway says a protest encampment blocking an intersection tied to a police shooting “needs to end now,” urging protesters to leave immediately. Baseball Deadline Buzz: The MLB trade deadline is over, with major moves including Tarik Skubal going to the Dodgers—while the Brewers return home to face the Pirates after their own deadline roster changes.

U.S. House Race Watch: The Forward Party endorsed Niina Baum, a Republican running Wisconsin’s 7th District, praising her community service and problem-solving focus. Local Politics: Wisconsin’s governor primary is tightening after Mandela Barnes dropped out, leaving Francesca Hong out front in recent polling as the Aug. 11 contest heads into its final stretch. Election Access: Wisconsin officials are urging voters to mail absentee ballots ASAP amid USPS delays, with the state requiring ballots to arrive by 8 p.m. on Election Day to count. Consumer Safety: An Oshkosh woman says a gold buying scam wiped out $433,000, after scammers locked her computer and impersonated officials. Community & Culture: Uppa Yard is bringing Jamaican food and live music to downtown Milwaukee’s Water Street location, opening mid-August. Health & Food Trends: New research from UW-Madison suggests “proteinmaxxing” may not be for everyone, with lower protein intake linked to healthier aging in some people. Public Health Policy: Attorney General William Tong announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition limits. Sports & Wisconsin Life: Wisconsin’s own Luke Fickell faces mounting pressure as the Badgers look to turn around a tough stretch heading into the 2026 season.

Wisconsin Politics: The GOP governor primary is down to Tom Tiffany and Andy Manske, with candidate profiles spotlighting cost-of-living, property taxes, and “not a politician” messaging as voters head toward Aug. 11. Wisconsin Politics: On the Democratic side, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is back on the trail in western Wisconsin, pitching a bid aimed at independents and Republicans “exhausted by MAGA,” while the field also includes Francesca Hong, Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan. Madison Community & Justice: After the July 22 Corey Ruiz shooting, Madison officials say they’ll tow vehicles blocking streets near the memorial/encampment site, as the city tries to reopen a key intersection. Civil Rights & Culture: Milwaukee’s Bronzeville Week keeps rolling with music, food, and local business spotlights celebrating African-American culture across Historic King Drive. Lifestyle & Community: Beloit’s Back to School Community Health Fair offered free haircuts, backpack giveaways, and screenings to help families get ready for the school year. Sports & Local Flavor: Road America hosted IMSA endurance racing in Elkhart Lake, with Wayne Taylor Racing ending a win drought in a big emotional victory. Immigration & Courts: A federal appeals court decision in the 7th Circuit blocks a mandatory immigrant detention rule, potentially opening bond hearings for detainees in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

MLB Trade Deadline: The Dodgers pulled off the biggest splash, acquiring two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal from the Tigers for three prospects (Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, Brady Smith), instantly supercharging a rotation already led by Yoshinobu Yamamoto and backed by stars returning from injury. Wisconsin Sports & Community: Adam Thielen returned to Mollberg Field for his annual Youth Football Camp, bringing hundreds of kids through drills and mentorship in his hometown. Milwaukee Culture: A new free web app, MKE JAZZ.LIVE, helps fans find live jazz across Milwaukee venues and makes it easier for musicians to list shows. Local Events: Racine-area Night Market returns Aug. 22 at the Franksville Craft Beer Garden with free admission, live music, food trucks, and dozens of makers. Wisconsin Politics & Identity: A fresh spotlight on Democratic governor frontrunner Francesca Hong revives scrutiny of her past “Cancel Thanksgiving” post and broader socialist messaging. Health & Aging: UW-Madison researchers highlight a major review suggesting eating less protein may support healthier aging for many adults.

Wisconsin Politics: Mandela Barnes has dropped out of the Democratic governor race, leaving Francesca Hong as the clear front-runner heading into the Aug. 11 primary, with new debate and poll fallout reshaping the field. Local Elections & Civic Life: A judge dismissed the DOJ’s push to force Illinois to hand over voter rolls, underscoring how election data access remains a flashpoint nationwide. Community & Culture: Black Arts Fest MKE returned to Henry Maier Festival Park, celebrating African heritage through art, music, dance and food despite rainy weather. Health & Support: Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families is offering free in-person support meetings in Oshkosh for adults working through recovery and the 12 Steps. Sports & Wisconsin Pride: Lilou Wadoux grabbed her first IMSA GTD pole at Road America, while Rice Lake CF’s Women’s Cup run ended with a 2-1 loss to Island City FC. Environment & Outdoors: New research suggests Great Lakes lake sturgeon may live far longer than previously thought, with some estimates reaching centuries. Milwaukee Services: Centers for Independence is closing its home care program by end of October, affecting about 100 workers, mostly caregivers.

Local Hiring: Sacred Heart Seminary & School of Theology in Franklin is seeking two full-time English instructors for its English and Culture Studies Program, teaching ESL/ESOL for international priests and seminarians; applications open now with interviews after Aug. 10. Community Remembrance: Swanville is mourning Royal Loven, remembered for kindness, service, and a life built around family and community. Brewers & Baseball Culture: A Brewers playoff watch guide lays out remaining home games, key Cubs matchups, and when to start planning for postseason tickets. Family & Summer Events: Ely Watercross Race and concert returns Aug. 7-9 at Longbranch in Winton after wildfire uncertainty, with racing, a “Run What You Brung” event, and a Saturday concert. Education Watch: Wisconsin Policy Forum data shows math/reading and absenteeism still haven’t bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, even as graduation rates rise. Public Safety & Service: Eau Claire Fire Department honors fallen firefighter Bryce Jungbluth with a community procession and flags at half-staff through Aug. 10. Health & Parenting: Essentia Health urges families to schedule well-child/teen visits and sports physicals during summer downtime. Immigration & Care: A woman detained by ICE at a Kentucky jail has been released after family and lawmakers raised concerns about medical care. Local Justice: A Delafield restaurant owner faces charges after allegations of sexual assault of two employees. Weekend Plans: Janesville’s Tallman Arts Festival runs Aug. 1-2 with free admission, juried art, food trucks, kids’ activities, and demonstrations.

Milwaukee Politics & Elections: Sen. Tammy Baldwin toured Milwaukee’s Elections Operations Center, praising local security and accuracy while warning Trump’s administration is trying to undermine confidence in 2026 voting. Wisconsin Immigration: Haitian immigrants in Wisconsin are feeling the fallout after Temporary Protected Status protections ended, with court fights still shaping what happens next. State Courts & Rights: Kansas voters face a high-stakes Supreme Court election fight that could reshape abortion and voting rules—an issue Wisconsin readers are watching closely. Community Culture: Bronzeville Week returns to Milwaukee’s Harambee/Halyard Park with music, art, food, fashion, and natural hair workshops running Aug. 1–8. Family Fun: The Wisconsin State Fair is set for Aug. 6–16 in West Allis, with hours, ticket prices, and discount days spelled out. Local Sports & Entertainment: WWE SmackDown hits Green Bay’s Resch Center as CM Punk and Cody Rhodes square off again before SummerSlam, plus a final qualifier for the Interim Women’s Championship ladder match. Health & Safety: A new boxing club in Manitowoc, Concrete Jungle Boxing Club, is using sport to build community and second chances.

Wisconsin Politics: Congresswoman Gwen Moore endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley for Wisconsin governor, adding to momentum as the Democratic primary nears. Utility & Data Centers: At a Milwaukee forum, Democratic candidates zeroed in on the Public Service Commission’s role in protecting residents from energy and environmental costs tied to hyperscale data centers. Election Rules: A judge ruled Wisconsin absentee voters who already returned ballots can’t void them and request a new one—an issue that hit Democrats hard after candidate shakeups. Storm Recovery: Menasha tornado damage assessment teams fanned out as residents begin the long rebuild, while FEMA and SBA disaster assistance deadlines for April storm impacts run out Aug. 31. Community & Culture: A Clintonville archery club landed a major federal grant to expand its range and facilities, and a stained-glass workshop at De Pere’s Mulva Cultural Center drew local makers. Local Business Support: WEDC opened applications for Small Business Technical Assistance grants starting Aug. 3. Sports & Pop Culture: Tony Romo was placed on leave by CBS Sports after his Milwaukee OWI arrest.