AGP Executive Report

Democratic governor primary: Early in-person absentee voting begins Tuesday as five Democrats—Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, David Crowley, Francesca Hong, and Kelda Roys—head into their only debate at Marquette University ahead of the Aug. 11 primary, with the party split between Hong’s socialist wing and Barnes/Crowley’s more establishment push. Election law fight: The Democratic Party of Wisconsin sues the Wisconsin Elections Commission over guidance on spoiled absentee ballots, arguing voters should be able to retrieve and change ballots rather than being blocked once returned. Courts & voting access: Wisconsin election rules remain in the spotlight as multiple groups press lawsuits over absentee ballot handling and counting. UW-Madison lawsuit: A conservative legal group files suit challenging UW-Madison race-based scholarships and grants after a prior Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling struck down a similar state program. Public safety & privacy: Wisconsin’s debate over surveillance tech continues after reports of law enforcement firing staff over misuse of Flock cameras/ALPR tools, renewing questions about safeguards. Weather & recovery: A tornado hit the Fox Valley, with preliminary NWS surveys pointing to EF-3 damage in Appleton/Menasha and major power outages as communities coordinate restoration. State policy: Sen. Tammy Baldwin introduces the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative, aiming to improve water quality, habitat, and flood resilience—an issue tied directly to Wisconsin’s economy and outdoor recreation. Local governance: Ozaukee County advances a child-to-parent abuse intervention program, pairing youth behavior work with support for parents.

Democratic governor primary heats up: Wisconsin Democrats start early in-person voting Tuesday in a chaotic Aug. 11 primary, with five candidates set for their only debate at Marquette University. The race pits insurgent socialist Francesca Hong against Milwaukee’s Mandela Barnes, plus David Crowley (Evers-backed), Joel Brennan, and Kelda Roys—after Sara Rodriguez’s exit and Crowley’s return. Elections fight at the commission level: Two Elections Commission members (Ann Jacobs and Mark Thomsen) move to intervene in a lawsuit over guidance that lets absentee voters “revote” only in limited ways, arguing the policy shift is inconsistent with law and treats absentee voters worse than Election Day voters. Campaign finance complaint: Mandela Barnes’ campaign and his Long Run PAC face Wisconsin Ethics Commission complaints alleging the PAC failed to register on time after sponsoring a statewide poll. Police accountability spotlight: Madison’s Corey Ruiz shooting is driving renewed pressure for body-worn cameras; an independent review is set through the city’s oversight board, while the DOJ investigates as a homicide. Storm response: A confirmed tornado tore through the Fox Valley, with Menasha and Neenah declaring emergencies, road closures, and power restoration underway. Sports-politics crossover: NBA player Kyle Kuzma escalates backlash against NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Netanyahu-arrest comments, calling him “a mayor playing president.”

Wisconsin Governor Race: Gov. Tony Evers has endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley again, after Crowley’s earlier exit and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s withdrawal—an attempt to steady moderate Democrats as the Aug. 11 primary tightens. Campaign Scrutiny: Crowley is still getting pressed over his old “Dirt McGirk” Twitter account, with him saying he didn’t write many of the offensive posts and that multiple people had access. Police Accountability: Madison’s body-camera push is gaining momentum after the Corey Ruiz officer-involved shooting, with candidates and advocates renewing calls for transparency and independent review. Voting Access: WisDOT/DMV reminded voters that Wisconsin doesn’t require a separate “voter ID,” and that free ID options are available ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. State Legal Fight: Wisconsin’s AG joined a broader lawsuit challenging Trump administration conditions tied to emergency funding, including demands for voter data sharing with DHS. Local Governance: Rice Lake plans to buy seven condo units in the Medical Arts Building and its parking lot, aiming to reshape the site for city/commercial and tourism use. Public Safety & Privacy: Menominee is set to release draft guidelines for a data center ordinance, as privacy and local control concerns continue to grow.

Madison Police Accountability: Protesters kept pressure on city leaders after Corey Ruiz was killed in an officer-involved shooting; Milwaukee held a vigil for Ruiz and his family as Madison demonstrations continued, with critics pointing to circulating video and the lack of body cameras. Election Law Fight: A state Democratic Party-backed lawsuit targets Wisconsin Elections Commission guidance on “spoiling” absentee ballots, arguing voters should be able to request a new ballot when a candidate drops out. Governor Primary Politics: Marquette Law School polling shows Francesca Hong leading in the Democratic governor race while a large share of voters remain undecided, as candidates sharpen strategy around electability and labels. Data Center Politics: Rock County townships are weighing data center moratoriums amid proposed projects, with local control and zoning authority driving the debate. Milwaukee Federal Court: The Justice Department sued Milwaukee over an ordinance requiring officers to show ID and banning face coverings, escalating the legal fight over policing rules. Public Safety & Courts: WEAU reports on how the “Brady List” affects local sheriff races, after credibility concerns were raised about Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes.

Madison Police Accountability: Corey Ruiz was shot and killed by a Madison officer after a knife struggle, sparking protests and event cancellations; the Legal Defense Fund is calling for a swift, transparent, independent investigation, with renewed focus on the department’s lack of body cameras. State Capitol & Justice Policy: Rep. Shelia Stubbs joined Ben Crump and Ruiz’s family at the Wisconsin State Capitol, tying the case to years of work on racial disparities and community-centered justice reforms. Elections & Courts: Wisconsin is again in the legal fight over absentee voting rules as lawsuits challenge guidance that could lock voters out, while Wisconsin DOJ joins broader efforts targeting federal attempts to pressure states on election administration. Federal Nuclear Safety: The NRC is proposing to drop the long-standing ALARA radiation-safety principle, a major shift that keeps dose limits but changes how facilities manage exposure. Tech & Privacy in Milwaukee: A new report highlights growing police misuse of Flock license-plate readers, adding to Wisconsin’s privacy and surveillance debate. Gov. Evers: Evers’ radio address says Wisconsin will avoid $205.5M in new federal FoodShare penalty fees, and he appointed Jeffrey Erickson to the Grant County Circuit Court. Local Public Safety: A 14-year-old died after an e-bike crash in Sheboygan when the rider failed to stop at a stop sign.

Madison Police Accountability: Corey Ruiz’s family and civil rights attorney Ben Crump are demanding charges and body cameras after Ruiz was shot following a knife confrontation, with protests continuing as Democrats push for an independent, transparent investigation. Election Law Fight: The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin sued the Wisconsin Elections Commission over absentee guidance that blocks voters from casting an in-person ballot if a mailed ballot won’t arrive by Election Day. Governor’s Race: Gov. Tony Evers endorsed David Crowley again in the Wisconsin governor contest, as the Democratic field reshuffled after other candidates exited. Data Center Politics: Wisconsin’s data-center debate is heating up with new polling showing voters increasingly think costs outweigh benefits, and candidates are being pressed on regulation and impacts. Federal Courts, National Stakes: A First Circuit panel refused to lift an injunction tied to Trump election-integrity actions in 23 states, keeping limits on citizenship-list distribution and mail-ballot requirements. Public Safety & Crime: A Wisconsin mother faces serious charges after prosecutors say she shot a 12-year-old during a dispute over a neighborhood water-selling spot, then led police on a chase. Health & Community: A Northwoods Benefit Concert at Hodag Park is raising money for terminal cancer “final dreams” and care across Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. Cyber Threats: A hacker group claimed it hit a Madison internet provider, disrupting businesses and government networks.

Madison Police Accountability: Protests and calls for reform are escalating after Corey Ruiz, a homeless Black man, was fatally shot by Madison police; community members say officers acted too quickly and that no body cameras were worn by the detaining officers, while the DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation leads an independent probe and officers are on administrative leave. Election Integrity & Voting Access: Wisconsin election officials are warning voters that betting on election outcomes via prediction markets like Kalshi could make them ineligible to vote under a 1849 state law, raising felony concerns if they still cast ballots. Medicaid Work Requirements: Gov. Tony Evers says Wisconsin will avoid up to $205 million in new FoodShare penalty fees, even as Racine County prepares to implement federal Medicaid work rules affecting 7,441 BadgerCare members. Milwaukee & Federal Oversight: The DOJ is suing Milwaukee over an ordinance requiring officers to show ID and banning face coverings, adding to the pressure on local police policy. Democratic Primary Politics: State Sen. Kelda Roys is campaigning for governor in La Crosse as the Democratic field stays in flux amid national attention. Other Wisconsin Notes: Wisconsin’s veteran employment services remain top-five nationally under Evers; and Tony Romo was arrested in Milwaukee on suspicion of OWI.

Madison Police Shooting Fallout: Wisconsin’s Madison community is still roiled after Corey Ruiz was killed in an officer-involved incident, with protests, family demands for accountability, and a DOJ-led DCI investigation drawing scrutiny; the Wisconsin Professional Police Association urged the public to stay peaceful and let the probe run its course, while AG Josh Kaul said DCI’s work should be trusted as it informs any charging decision. Campaign Trail: Democratic Sen. Kelda Roys hit La Crosse to pitch her governor bid on schools, wages, and housing, while her rivals are also sharpening their data-center and AI positions. Data Centers & AI: In the governor race, Roys, Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, Francesca Hong, and David Crowley all outlined competing plans—ranging from moratoriums and ending subsidies to stronger regulation, transparency, and limits on non-disclosure deals. Election Law Fight: The League of Women Voters Wisconsin and Law Forward sued to let absentee voters whose ballots arrive late vote at the polls via provisional ballots, arguing current rules disenfranchise voters. Federal Grants Lawsuit: Oregon and 25 other states sued over FEMA/DHS grant conditions tied to election and immigration policy changes. Milwaukee Public Safety: The DOJ is challenging Milwaukee’s law enforcement masking/identification requirements, while Milwaukee also reopened part of I-43 after a law enforcement investigation.

Milwaukee vs. DOJ: The U.S. Department of Justice sued Milwaukee and city leaders over an ordinance barring federal officers from wearing masks and requiring individual identifiers, arguing it’s unconstitutional and endangers officer safety. Madison Police Accountability: Protests and a state investigation continue after a Madison officer-involved shooting of Corey Ruiz; candidates are clashing over how to describe it, and residents are pressing for transparency, including renewed debate over body cameras since Madison doesn’t require them. Absentee Ballot Fight: A lawsuit seeks to let Wisconsin voters use provisional ballots if mailed absentee ballots arrive after Election Day, as Democrats and Gov. Tony Evers and Sen. Tammy Baldwin warn USPS delays could swing close races. Election Rules in Court: Another lawsuit challenges Wisconsin guidance that blocks voters from requesting replacement absentee ballots, as the Aug. 11 primary nears. Campaign Finance Scrutiny: A complaint filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission alleges Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley violated contribution limits and accepted illegal lobbyist donations. Statewide Mail Pressure: Baldwin and Evers also warned USPS about severe delays that previously caused ballots to arrive too late to count. Air Travel Impact: United Airlines is cutting several O’Hare regional routes, including La Crosse and Wausau, citing FAA flight-cap limits.

Madison Police Shooting Fallout: Madison officials identified the man killed by police as Corey Ruiz, as protesters interrupted a chaotic press conference and city leaders renewed calls for transparency while Wisconsin DOJ investigators take over the case. Accountability Debate: A legal expert questioned how “independent” Wisconsin’s DOJ police-shooting process really is, pointing to differences in how officer interviews are handled. Election-Year Pressure: The shooting is already colliding with the Wisconsin governor’s primary, with candidates trading accusations and demanding an independent investigation. Milwaukee vs. Federal Immigration Enforcement: The Trump administration sued Milwaukee over the city’s ordinance restricting law enforcement mask use, arguing it unlawfully regulates federal officers. Gubernatorial Primary Chaos: A new lawsuit challenges Wisconsin Elections Commission guidance on absentee ballot “spoiling” after the Democratic ticket shakeup, while another report finds nearly half of Democratic voters still undecided. ICE Detention Scrutiny: Wisconsin coverage highlights increased ICE detentions in the state, adding to the pressure on immigration enforcement policy.

Madison Police Shooting Fallout: Gov. Tony Evers and WisDems are calling for transparency after a downtown Madison officer-involved shooting killed a Black man armed with a knife; protests erupted, and Williamson Street stayed closed as investigators review what happened amid viral video and questions about bodycam coverage. Democratic Primary Chaos: Wisconsin Democrats are scrambling toward the Aug. 11 governor primary as Marquette polling shows Francesca Hong leading but nearly half of Democratic voters still undecided, with the field further reshuffled by candidate exits and re-entries. Data Center Backlash Meets Energy Policy: New Marquette polling finds only 22% of voters think data centers’ benefits outweigh costs, while Midwest utilities are asking federal regulators to suspend competitive bidding for major transmission lines—sparking fears of higher customer costs. Immigration Court in Milwaukee: Salah Sarsour’s deportation case continues in Chicago immigration court, with DHS alleging misstatements on his green card application and his team arguing the case targets his activism. SNAP Funding Risk: Federal rules tied to payment accuracy could push many states to pay more for SNAP, raising concerns some may cut benefits. Local Government & Infrastructure: Beaver Dam is accelerating lead service line replacements under updated drinking-water rules, and Cedar Grove is getting nearly $8M for water and wastewater upgrades. Rural Economy: Prairie Farms laid off 97 workers in Shullsburg, a major hit for a small community.

Police Accountability in Madison: Madison police shot and killed a man after he allegedly produced a knife and injured an officer; the DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation is probing, while leaders including Dane County Exec. Melissa Agard and Gov. candidates call for independent, transparent review. Governor’s Race Shakeup: With the Democratic field still volatile, Marquette polling shows Francesca Hong leading but 45% of Democrats remain undecided; Crowley’s return after Sara Rodriguez’s exit is reshaping momentum and messaging. Election Rules Fight: Wisconsin Democrats are pressing the Elections Commission to let absentee voters recast ballots after candidate changes, arguing the current approach conflicts with Supreme Court guidance. Law License Fallout: Wisconsin’s Office of Lawyer Regulation is seeking to suspend former Judge Hannah Dugan’s license after her conviction tied to obstructing immigration enforcement. Surveillance Cameras Debate: A divided council is weighing whether to continue a Flock Safety license-plate camera contract amid privacy and potential federal use concerns. Immigration Court in Milwaukee: Salah Sarsour, head of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, is fighting deportation in Chicago over claims tied to immigration paperwork and alleged past convictions. Cost of Living Angle: A new minimum-wage analysis compares Wisconsin’s $7.25 baseline to neighbors, highlighting affordability pressure.

Democratic primary ballot fight: Wisconsin Democrats are asking the Elections Commission to let voters “recast” absentee ballots after candidates dropped out, arguing the current ballot-spoiling guidance would leave more than 80,000 returned ballots effectively useless in the Aug. 11 governor primary. Campaign momentum in the governor’s race: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced a statewide TV ad buy and new endorsements, including Gov. Tony Evers, as he pushes to defeat Tom Tiffany. Elections enforcement warning: The Elections Commission chair says there’s no plan to reverse guidance that blocks absentee ballot changes after submission, setting up likely litigation. Local governance & surveillance: Wisconsin’s Flock camera debate keeps spreading, with new reporting on how cities handled “deFlocking” after votes to stop using the systems. Environment & recycling: The DNR is accepting applications for E-Cycle Wisconsin electronics collection grants, offering up to $150,000 total for sites and events. Energy infrastructure: Updates continue on the proposed 765kV transmission line through the Driftless Region, with landowner meetings and ongoing legal opposition. Public safety outdoors: DNR reports continued enforcement against UTV/ATV operators lacking safety certification, alongside broader safety reminders.

Democratic Primary Shakeup: Wisconsin Democrats are scrambling after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez quit the governor’s race over campaign finance problems, clearing the way for Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley to re-enter with Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement, as the Aug. 11 primary decides who can win in November. Election Rules Fight: The Wisconsin Elections Commission is at the center of a new fight over whether absentee voters can recast ballots if a candidate drops out; Democrats want guidance rescinded, while the WEC warns it would create an “administrative nightmare.” Election Betting Warning: The WEC also reiterated that betting on election outcomes and voting in the same election can disqualify voters, drawing sharp pushback from Kalshi. Legislative Control Watch: Democrats are targeting majorities in both chambers, with the Aug. 11 primaries shaping the path to flipping the Senate and Assembly under the new maps. Local Justice: Two people were charged in a Milwaukee Soldiers Home sex trafficking case tied to alleged repeated abuse of a foster-care-aged victim. Kenosha Energy Hearing: A public hearing is scheduled on a proposed Kenosha County natural gas plant, with residents divided over impacts and jobs. Courts Appointments: Gov. Evers appointed Katie York and Judge Todd Ziegler to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Public Safety Tech: Fitchburg is exploring new policing technology, including drone first responders and analytics, amid staffing and crime-rate concerns. Economy at the Grocery Counter: Madison-area shoppers are seeing ice cream prices fall as dairy production ramps up.

Wisconsin Governor Primary: The Aug. 11 Democratic race is still in flux after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and Missy Hughes dropped out, but their names remain on ballots because of filing deadlines; guidance from the Wisconsin Elections Commission says absentee ballots can’t be changed or reissued once returned, even if a candidate later exits. Milwaukee Flood Accountability: Bay View officials are pressing the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for a timeline and compensation after a clogged combined sewer pipe allegedly worsened flooding, with local leaders demanding answers and a joint meeting. Milwaukee Police Oversight: Mayor Cavalier Johnson nominated Jordan Morales to the Fire and Police Commission despite a past incident where he left a gun in an airport bathroom; Morales calls it a mistake and says it was known during the background check. State Politics & Voting Rules: A separate explainer lays out what voters can and can’t do with absentee ballots if their preferred candidate drops out, as the primary approaches. Local Government: Hartford approved updates to its e-bike and recreational vehicle rules to keep pace with rising usage and safety complaints. Workforce & Economy: Prairie Farms is closing its Shullsburg Creamery and White Hill Cheese, laying off nearly 100 workers. Public Health: The DNR’s limited private well PFAS testing offer is winding down in Oneida County, with more results still coming in. Immigration & Civil Rights: Wisconsin’s largest mosque president describes “dehumanizing” treatment during 80+ days in ICE custody, saying it echoed his past experiences in occupied Palestine.

Governor Primary Shakeup: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entered the crowded Democratic race after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez exited over campaign finance problems, with Gov. Tony Evers backing Crowley—while Democrats warn the chaos could help GOP frontrunner Tom Tiffany. Campaign Economics & Childcare: Candidates traded plans at a childcare forum, with debate focused on affordability, childcare worker wages, and the minimum wage. Local Business Priorities: La Crosse-area lawmakers heard from chamber leaders about housing, childcare access, and health care costs heading into the 2027 session. Data Centers & Water: Cottage Grove is considering an 18-month data center moratorium, joining other Wisconsin communities pushing pauses over water, utilities, and environmental impacts. Disaster Recovery: Milwaukee County will open a FEMA/SBA Disaster Recovery Center for April storm and flooding impacts, with applications due by Aug. 31. Voting Rules: Wisconsin Elections Commission guidance says absentee ballots can’t be changed after return to the clerk, even if a candidate drops out. Public Safety & Weather: NWS confirmed a tornado near Marshfield and issued additional tornado warnings across central Wisconsin. Healthcare Workforce: Gov. Evers approved an emergency rule allowing qualified RNs to teach clinical courses to ease nursing shortages.