AGP Executive Report

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.

Local Culture & Community: Cedar Grove’s Holland Festival kicked off Friday with the Klompen Dansers, wooden-shoe races, and a parade set for Saturday—plus plenty of hands-on family fun. Remembering Wisconsin: In Rudolph, WWII POW Elmer F. Blonien’s remains were returned home after more than 80 years, with memorial services at St. Phillips the Apostle Church. Public Safety & Health: Medical College of Wisconsin plans a Milwaukee Trauma Recovery Center at ThriveOn King, offering free mental health support for survivors of violent crime and injury. Elections & Voting Access: The League of Women Voters Wisconsin and Law Forward sued to let absentee voters who miss deadlines due to USPS delays cast provisional ballots at the polls. Tech, Work & Environment: Wisconsin governor candidates are clashing over data centers and AI—Kelda Roys backs ending subsidies and banning non-disclosure deals, while Joel Brennan and Francesca Hong push stronger regulation or a moratorium. Justice & Accountability: Corey Ruiz’s family, with civil rights attorney Ben Crump, is demanding accountability after a Madison police shooting, with calls for body cameras and transparency. Immigration Enforcement: The U.S. sued Milwaukee over its ordinance limiting law enforcement masking, as debate continues over local-ICE cooperation. Sports & Lifestyle: Tony Romo was arrested in Milwaukee on suspicion of OWI, while the Packers reported major revenue but an operating loss in their latest financial disclosure.

Madison Police Accountability: Protesters gathered after a homeless man, Corey Ruiz, was fatally shot by Madison police, with renewed anger over the department’s lack of body-camera footage and calls for transparency as the DOJ investigates. Voting Rights & Court Fights: Wisconsin voters sued to let absentee ballots be counted even if late, and another case seeks permission for voters to request a new ballot after a candidate drops out—issues that could shape the Aug. 11 primary. Heat & Health: Near-record extreme heat is forecast, with experts warning about who’s most at risk and how housing inequality can worsen heat exposure. Local Safety & Community Support: Marinette and Oconto are working together to prevent domestic-violence homicides through high-risk teams, while Oshkosh Area Community Pantry launched “Food for Health” to expand fresh local food access. Culture & Lifestyle: Alice in Dairyland’s 79th welcome kicks off for National Ice Cream Month, and Northern Lights Master Gardeners host Moth Night at Harmony Arboretum. Sports & Media: UW Athletics is partnering with Good Karma Brands to broadcast Badger games in the Milwaukee area, starting this fall.

Milwaukee Public Safety & Justice: A federal lawsuit targets Milwaukee’s ordinance banning law enforcement masks, arguing it’s unconstitutional—another flashpoint in the city’s fight over ICE enforcement. Madison Police Accountability: Officials identified Corey Ruiz as the man killed in a knife-related shooting that sparked protests and a tense, disrupted press conference. Local Crime & Community Safety: A Milwaukee woman faces charges after allegedly shooting a 12-year-old over a bottled water dispute, with Flock cameras tied to the investigation. Elections & Voting Rights: Three voters sue the Wisconsin Elections Commission over its stance that absentee ballots can’t be spoiled and recast after Democratic gubernatorial changes. Education & Youth: Hundreds of volunteers helped Milwaukee Public Schools prep campuses, and First Tee Southeast Wisconsin teamed with Neighborhood House of Milwaukee to build confidence in kids through golf. Culture & Weekend Life: German Fest returns to Milwaukee’s lakefront with music, beer gardens, and family events. Health & Policy: Wisconsin’s UW-Green Bay will launch a reduced-credit bachelor’s pathway in computer science starting fall 2026.

Immigration & Community: Salah Sarsour, leader of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, faced testimony in his deportation hearing in Chicago after months in ICE detention, with his supporters framing the case as retaliation for pro-Palestinian activism. Public Safety & Accountability: Madison is still reeling after a police shooting where officials say a man with a knife injured an officer; Gov. Tony Evers is calling for transparency as protests grow. Tech, Energy & Local Life: Wisconsin’s data-center boom keeps colliding with daily life—Marquette polls show voters increasingly think data centers cost more than they’re worth, and the PSC released a final environmental impact statement for Port Washington transmission lines. Culture & Weekend Plans: Families can plan their next outing with Washington County fair and Matilda at the Schauer Center, plus Goat Yoga and history rides at Wade House, and a Lake Country Triathlon road-closure heads-up in Oconomowoc. Sports & Health: Shell Lake brought lifeguards back for summer, while a New Berlin mother credits an awake kidney transplant program for helping her get her life back.

Public Safety & Accountability: Madison police fatally shot a man after he allegedly injured an officer with a knife, and cellphone footage sparked protests as the chief urged people to view the incident in full context. Domestic Violence Services: Wisconsin courts are testing a new online portal that lets survivors file domestic abuse restraining order petitions from phones or computers, with eight counties participating before statewide rollout. Elections & Voting Access: Democrats are pushing the Wisconsin Elections Commission to let absentee voters recast ballots after candidate shakeups, arguing the current guidance conflicts with a Supreme Court ruling. Politics & Community Trust: Milwaukee’s Deputy Sheriffs’ Association endorsed Tom Tiffany for governor, joining other law enforcement groups as the Democratic primary remains volatile. Health & Home Life: A Wisconsin homeowner insurance guide warns hail and wind damage can hide until later, urging careful documentation before filing claims. Local Economy: Prairie Farms Dairy will close two Shullsburg plants and lay off 118 workers, while school districts continue grappling with budget gaps driven by enrollment and funding limits. Culture & Learning: Marquette Law School polling shows Francesca Hong leading the Democratic governor primary, but 45% of voters remain undecided.

Wisconsin Politics & Voting Rights: Wisconsin Democrats are asking the Elections Commission to let absentee voters “recast” ballots after candidates drop out, warning that more than 80,000 already-returned ballots could become effectively worthless under current guidance. Local Governance & Community Life: Barron County supervisors approved $20,000 for a “Uniquely Wisconsin” production to spotlight the county and back a broadband expansion partnership letter. Outdoor & Public Safety: A kayaker who faked a death on Big Green Lake was ordered to pay restitution that helped fund about $9,000 in DNR sonar equipment used for underwater emergency searches. Culture & Family: Ripon’s Summer Concert Series returns with two free late-July shows at the Village Green—rock with Road Trip (July 24) and country with Rebel Grace (July 31). Agriculture & Learning: UW–Madison Extension hosts a free manure composting field day Aug. 5 in Lancaster, with lunch and CEUs for livestock producers. Aviation & History: Warbirds of America unveiled a new WWII “triple ace” statue at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh honoring Brig. Gen. C.E. “Bud” Anderson.

Milwaukee Accountability: A Milwaukee police officer was disciplined after a sexual assault survivor said her initial report was handled in a dehumanizing way, adding pressure on how officers respond to victims. Election Access Fight: Wisconsin Democrats are pushing the Elections Commission to let absentee voters recast ballots if a candidate drops out, arguing voters should keep control of their choice. Campaign Shake-Up: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez withdrew from the Democratic gubernatorial primary over major campaign financial problems, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entered with Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement—raising fresh questions about who can win in November. Community & Family Fun: Appleton’s YMCA “Rock the Block” brought kids and families downtown for games, climbing, and animal encounters. Housing Progress in Amani: A $1.2M housing tax-credit award moves 40 new affordable homes forward in Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood. Wildfire Smoke Health: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed Wisconsin air quality to hazardous, historic levels, with guidance focused on protecting people indoors. Local Learning: Marathon County Public Library branches host free August story times for kids and caregivers. Wildlife Education: Coulee Region Humane Society’s Wildlife Rehab program welcomed Yuki, a young albino fox ambassador, to teach safe coexistence. Tech in the Air: EAA AirVenture highlighted electric planes and drone tech, including crop-spraying drones. Sports & Pride: Wisconsin Amateur Championship action tightened the leaderboard as defending champ Vince Sigl surged into contention.

Politics & Voting Rules: Wisconsin voters can’t change an absentee ballot after it’s been returned to the municipal clerk—even if a candidate drops out—after guidance updated July 9 following a court decision, with Sara Rodriguez and Missy Hughes still on the Aug. 11 ballot due to filing deadlines. Public Health: Health officials are urging clinicians to test for cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora) as cases rise sharply this summer, including a major multi-state cluster still under investigation. Milwaukee Accountability: City leaders are pressing the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for answers after a clogged combined sewer pipe may have worsened Bay View flooding, demanding timelines and compensation plans. Back-to-School Care: Eye exams are being pushed as a key part of kids’ back-to-school routines since screenings don’t check how eyes work together. Community & Faith: Waukesha residents can honor the late Paul Farrow through a new community fund, and St. Joseph Church in Waukesha is set to reopen after a seven-month restoration. Culture & Family Fun: Eaux Claires returns July 24-25 in Eau Claire with a big lineup and art-meets-music programming, while Oshkosh’s Caramel Crisp Bookstore plans aviation and Harry Potter-themed events. Sports: The Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward set three women’s world records, and Powerball’s jackpot is nearing $600 million as the game expands to the UK.