AGP Executive Report

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.

Wisconsin Politics: Mandela Barnes has ended his bid for governor, leaving the Democratic primary field reshuffled just days before the Aug. 11 vote, with reporting also swirling around past concerns raised within the party. Voting Rules: A Dane County judge ruled that voters who already submitted absentee ballots can’t request a new one after ballot-spoiling guidance challenges. Community & Culture: Cedarburg Cultural Center named artist Paula Hare its August artist-in-residence, and Flatwater announced a managing editor change as it looks to keep local journalism growing. Health & Family: REBOS is organizing school-supply support for New Richmond students and families, while Grace Lutheran Church in Thiensville hosts a community blood drive Aug. 6. Local Sports & Fun: Scottville’s Rubber Duck Race returns Aug. 8 to benefit Mason County Central cross country, and Soberfest is back in Milwaukee with free music and recovery resources. Public Safety: Seattle’s police chief resigned after backlash over the city’s response to a deadly food-festival shooting.

Local Politics & Community Values: Madison’s progressive self-image is being tested after the Corey Ruiz police shooting, with protests and event cancellations raising questions about de-escalation and how the city handles homelessness and untreated mental illness. Elections & Voting Rights: A Dane County judge rejected a bid to let absentee voters replace ballots after a candidate withdrew, leaving more than 112,000 returned ballots locked in for the Aug. 11 Democratic governor primary. Immigration & Courts: Federal judges in Wisconsin are clearing a path for some ICE detainees to seek bond hearings, pushing back on the Trump administration’s mandatory detention approach. Campaign Watch (Governor): A Marquette Law School poll shows Francesca Hong leading at 38% in the Democratic governor primary, with 34% still undecided. Public Safety & Privacy: Flock Safety cameras face growing backlash, with cities including Madison moving to deactivate or cancel contracts amid concerns about surveillance. Outdoor & Conservation: Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund expired June 30, threatening future land conservation grants statewide. Culture & Family Fun: Oconomowoc Community Choir hosts its “There Was a Time” summer concert, and weekend listings across Waukesha and Washington counties highlight music, fairs, and family events. Local Rules for Mobility: Cedarburg is considering an e-bike and e-scooter ordinance spelling out where riders can go and how devices must be parked.

Wisconsin Politics & Voting: Early in-person voting is underway for the Aug. 11 Democratic governor primary, with many voters still undecided as Marquette Law School polling shows Francesca Hong widening her lead while the field scrambles. Public Workforce & Courts: Wisconsin’s appeals court upheld Act 10, keeping limits on most public workers’ collective bargaining rights in place and setting up a likely Wisconsin Supreme Court showdown. Education & Community Values: A Detroit Lakes school board voted to ban non-school-funded political items in district buildings, including rainbow messaging, arguing the district must stay neutral. Immigration Enforcement: ICE conducted operations in Watertown, with local immigrant-rights groups urging residents to know their rights and use hotline resources. Culture & Arts: Green Lake Festival of Music announced its Aug. 6 Festival Party: BBQ Style fundraiser, supporting free concerts and music education. STEM for Kids: A free Full STEAM Ahead program in Rhinelander is getting students excited about STEM through hands-on lessons like baking-based math. Health & Wisconsin Pride: Dr. Beth Erickson, a Medical College of Wisconsin professor, was elected president of ASTRO. Lifestyle & Local Color: Minocqua Brewing’s alcohol permit is set to be revoked after a “free beer if Trump dies” controversy, adding another twist to Wisconsin’s culture-and-politics mix.

Wisconsin Elections: If you’re still holding a completed absentee ballot for the Aug. 11 primary, Wisconsin officials say don’t wait—mail it back ASAP (aim for Aug. 1) or use a clerk drop-off/early voting site so it arrives by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Democratic Politics: The governor’s Democratic primary stays chaotic as Francesca Hong holds a commanding lead in a new poll, while voters in Milwaukee and Madison split sharply over her “burst of energy” versus concerns about democratic socialism. Court & Voting Rules: The Wisconsin Elections Commission is again arguing do-over ballots aren’t allowed, even as voters and groups push back in court over absentee ballot guidance and counting. Public Safety & Community Life: National Night Out is set for Aug. 4 in Hayward with family-friendly activities and local first responders. Culture & Learning: Cedarburg’s quilt museum is hosting August artist talks and hands-on denim mending. Sports & Local Color: The Brewers’ “Chorizo” sausage race mascot turns 20, while a toe injury update shows why MRI follow-ups can change recovery timelines. Health & Faith: A court again rejects Amish vaccine exemption bids after a Supreme Court-related remand. Arts & Careers: Henry Chu has been named curator of Harvard’s Nieman Foundation for Journalism, and Milwaukee-area technical training continues to feed local jobs.

Severe Weather & Recovery: A powerful tornado ripped through Menasha and the Fox Valley Monday, with NWS preliminarily confirming EF-2 damage and officials warning assessments may take days; Red Cross opened a shelter in Menasha and crews are still working to restore access, power, and water. Democratic Politics: Wisconsin’s governor primary is in full swing with early voting underway and a televised debate where candidates largely avoided direct attacks on frontrunner Francesca Hong, while the main tension landed between Mandela Barnes and David Crowley. Health & Science: UW Health has begun offering proton therapy for adults through a clinical trial, aiming to target tumors while reducing side effects. Community & Culture: The Annika Women’s All Pro Tour brings rising women’s golfers to Wisconsin for the Wisconsin Women’s Championship at TPC Wisconsin, and the Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series debuts Rebel Grace in downtown Ripon. Local Governance: Janesville is moving ahead with its city manager search, with 24 applicants in the running. Faith & Clean Energy: Interfaith leaders gathered at the Capitol urging the next governor to accelerate Wisconsin’s clean energy transition.

Severe Weather & Recovery: A powerful tornado tore through Appleton and Menasha, with the National Weather Service preliminarily upgrading damage to EF-3 and reporting tens of thousands without power as crews work through outages and curfews. Democratic Politics: Early in-person voting kicked off in Wisconsin’s chaotic Democratic governor primary, with five candidates heading into a single debate before the Aug. 11 vote. Election Rules in Court: A ballot lawsuit is adding new twists to the governor race, including fights over absentee ballot guidance and whether voters can “spoil” and recast. Health & Education: UW Health began offering proton therapy at Eastpark Medical Center, while Kids Win Wisconsin released a candidate side-by-side and walk-and-talk interviews focused on improving reading outcomes. Community & Culture: A new Midwest Racecar Graveyard opened at Madison International Speedway to preserve Rockford Speedway history, and UW-Green Bay received a $2.3M gift to boost music, veterans’ services, and athletics. Local Support Programs: Ozaukee County launched a Step Up program for teens who’ve used violence toward parents, pairing skills-based treatment with restorative practices. Sports Media: UW Badgers broadcasts are returning to Milwaukee radio via a multi-year deal with WTMJ-AM and WKTI-FM.

Severe Weather & Recovery: A suspected tornado tore through Appleton and Menasha, with the NWS confirming a radar-indicated tornado and officials urging residents to avoid travel, watch for downed lines, and use cooling shelters as power and water systems struggle. Public Health: Fox Crossing issued a boil-water advisory after storm-related pressure loss, asking residents to boil water and conserve until the system stabilizes. Local Accountability: In the wake of Madison police shooting of Corey Ruiz, his family and civil rights advocates are pushing for body cameras and faster transparency, reigniting debate over how Wisconsin cities handle oversight. Elections & Voting Rights: Wisconsin Elections Commission absentee ballot “spoiling” guidance is headed back into court as commissioners seek to intervene, with voters arguing they’re being treated unfairly. Community & Culture: Milwaukee’s Bronzeville Week invites residents to decorate huge BRONZEVILLE wood letters—public art that turns neighborhood history into hands-on creativity. Sports & Wisconsin Pride: UW-Oshkosh named Bronson Schultz its new women’s basketball head coach, while Wisconsin’s Fox Valley tornado damage and heat-storm disruptions continue to shape daily life.

Weather Watch: Extreme heat warnings hit much of southern Wisconsin (heat index up to ~105, through 9 p.m.) while severe thunderstorm warnings roll across parts of southeast Wisconsin, with hail and damaging winds possible. Gov Race Buzz: Gov. Tony Evers is back in the mix, endorsing Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley after a chaotic Democratic primary shuffle. Labor & Politics: The UAW Wisconsin State CAP Council endorses Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes for governor, framing it around restoring union rights and middle-class jobs. Local Justice & Privacy: Madison police body-camera momentum continues after a fatal shooting, as the city weighs broader rollout. Reproductive Rights: A Milwaukee clinic escort shares what it’s like volunteering every Saturday to protect abortion access amid harassment. Public Safety Online: Experts warn parents about online predators using Roblox and Discord to target kids, including sextortion and coercion tactics. Health Alert: The Red Cross declares a national blood crisis, with type O especially critical, urging immediate donations. Culture & Community: Milwaukee activists host a vigil for a Madison shooting victim, reflecting ongoing grief and calls for accountability. Business/Local Life: The state plans to revoke Minocqua Brewing Co.’s permit in August, escalating a dispute over alleged transport and tax issues.

Madison Protests: Hundreds marched again Saturday after the police killing of Corey Ruiz, with protesters demanding accountability as the officer who shot him remains unidentified and no charges have been filed. Elections & Voting Rights: Wisconsin absentee ballot rules face another court test, as Democrats and voting groups push back against guidance that limits voters’ ability to request new ballots. Local Justice & Law Enforcement: WEAU reports on how the “Brady List” can affect sheriff races, spotlighting credibility concerns and political fallout in Chippewa County. Housing & Community Support: Newcap’s closure has left rural counties scrambling for shelter, with Safe Haven warning there’s “nowhere for them to go” for many people. Culture & Food Heritage: The College of the Menominee Nation is compiling a Menominee Mecem community cookbook, collecting recipes and the stories behind them. Sports & Local Pride: UW volleyball’s Grace Egan threw out the first pitch at a White Sox game, while Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski set a Brewers strikeout start record. Weather Watch: Extreme heat and storm threats are forecast across Wisconsin into Monday.

Madison Accountability & Community Impact: A police shooting of Corey Ruiz has triggered renewed calls for racial justice and police reform, with protesters disrupting major events and Madison canceling signature summertime gatherings as the city grapples with fallout. Local Safety & Health: In Cedarburg, a Jackson PD lieutenant and his father were critically injured in a shed explosion; investigators say the cause is still unknown. Community & Culture: Jefferson’s Kikkoman Cookout drew 800+ people to Rotary Park, sold out 500 sampling tickets, and raised food and cash for the Jefferson Area Food Pantry. Sports—Wisconsin Angle: The Milwaukee Brewers are surging with a strong record despite a smaller payroll, leaning on scouting, development, and analytics. Food Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of Organic Lentil Soup due to a pull-tab seal defect that could lead to spoilage—check lot 60D0924 (best-before April 2027). Faith & Local History: The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Champion, Wisconsin marked 250 years of faith and freedom with an exhibit honoring Catholic saints tied to U.S. history. Women’s Sports Spotlight: WNBA star Sophie Cunningham’s advocacy for fairness in girls’ athletics is resonating with Wisconsin high school athletes.

Madison Police Accountability: Corey Ruiz’s family is demanding charges and body cameras after a fatal shooting that sparked protests and renewed debate over how police handle knife threats and mental health calls. Voting Rights & Elections: The League of Women Voters is suing over Wisconsin absentee ballot guidance that could block voters from casting a new ballot if mail is delayed, while courts also weigh election-integrity moves tied to federal citizenship verification. Community & Culture: Cedar Grove’s Holland Festival parade drew families and community groups, including a 9/11 memorial float, showing how Wisconsin towns blend remembrance with celebration. Sports & Local Pride: Wisconsin runners made noise at national meets—Kylie Finger placed ninth in the 1500 and set a Wisconsin record in the semis, while track standout Kenny Bednarek earned bronze in the 100. Public Safety & Youth: A Wisconsin mother faces serious charges after prosecutors say she shot a 12-year-old during a dispute over a neighborhood water-selling spot. Faith & Civic Life: A Wisconsin Catholic shrine marked 250 years of “faith and freedom,” highlighting saints’ roles in shaping U.S. history.

Madison Police Accountability: Protests kept building after Corey Ruiz, a homeless Black man, was fatally shot by Madison police this week; community groups and bystanders are demanding transparency and changes as city events get canceled or disrupted. Local Culture & Community: Eaux Claires 2026 kicked off in Eau Claire with Justin Vernon and friends turning a baseball-stadium setting into a “field of dreams” for music and writers. Arts & Heritage: Milwaukee Irish Fest is continuing its long-running partnership with the University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, bringing student performers to the big stage. Family-Friendly Mobility: More Wisconsin families are using cargo bikes to haul groceries and kids, with local shops and lending programs helping make the switch. Faith & Freedom: The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion near Green Bay marked 250 years of faith and freedom with an exhibit honoring Catholic saints tied to U.S. history. Health & Care: A film on palliative care, “Winter Hymns,” is touring to Magic Lantern Theatre, spotlighting end-of-life conversations with patients and families. Local Notes: Waukesha’s “Run With The Cops” 5K is set for Aug. 21, and a Jackson liquor store theft led to three arrests.