AGP Executive Report

PFAS Accountability: Gov. Evers says Wisconsin reached a $10M settlement with Tyco over PFAS contamination, while Save Our H2O argues the deal shortchanges residents by narrowing Tyco’s responsibility. Food Assistance Fight: Wisconsin’s AG Josh Kaul joined a coalition urging Congress to restore SNAP benefits and protect food aid in the Farm Bill. State Budget/Health Cuts: Evers pressed Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to oppose major cuts in President Trump’s FY2027 budget, warning they’d hit health, housing, and energy programs. Election & Transparency: Wisconsin prison policy bars incarcerated people from letting journalists record phone calls, raising new concerns about access and transparency. Milwaukee Justice: Tremaine Jones was sentenced to life in prison for the killing of Officer Kendall Corder. Local Governance/Data Centers: St. Croix County’s Community Development Committee is set to discuss a data center moratorium and ordinance framework. Environment & Outdoors: DNR and DMV teamed up so drivers can buy annual state park passes during vehicle registration renewals. Transportation: Amtrak officials say a Madison–Milwaukee “Hiawatha West” line could open the door to more rail corridors in Wisconsin. Business/Tax Dispute: Wisconsin seized canned beer from Minocqua Brewing Co. owner Kirk Bangstad amid an excise tax and permit dispute. Sports & Community: Wisconsin volleyball lands Puerto Rican recruit Decelise Champion earlier than expected; Green Bay and Allouez declared June 12 “Bellin Run Day” ahead of the 50th Bellin Run.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Map Fight: The court agreed to hear an appeal challenging the GOP congressional gerrymander, a procedural win that keeps the case alive and could reshape Wisconsin’s U.S. House map for 2028. State Parks Made Easier: Gov. Tony Evers announced a new DMV-DNR partnership letting drivers buy a 12-month state park and forest pass when they renew vehicle registration. Federal Contract DEI Lawsuit: Wisconsin DOJ joined a multistate challenge to Trump administration contract terms aimed at “purging” DEI, arguing the rules are unlawful and impose penalties without clear guidance. Milwaukee Water Oversight: MMSD approved an independent third-party audit of Veolia’s wastewater operations, and Veolia says it will commission its own audit amid claims of mismanagement. Education Reading-Help Dispute: Forward Literacy asked DPI to remove misleading K-3 early literacy guidance and stop districts from adding extra requirements to the state’s reading support rules. Immigration Detention Health Claim: Lawyers allege a Milwaukee-area community leader detained by DHS has been denied adequate medical care and religious access while in custody. Local Honor Project: Medford schools plan a “Wall of Honor” to recognize alumni veterans, aiming to post names by next fall.

Local Courts: Oconomowoc attorney Ron Sonderhouse cleared a key step toward becoming the next Lake Country Municipal Court judge after the court’s administrative committee voted to recommend him to the 22 communities for appointment. Local Transportation: Hartland advanced a proposed ordinance regulating e-bikes, e-scooters and other electronic mobility devices, setting up more debate over safety, helmets, and where riders can operate. Environment & Public Safety: The Town of Merton adopted wake-boat restrictions on Moose Lake and Lake Keesus, citing shoreline erosion, environmental impacts, and safety concerns raised at a public hearing. State Elections: Two Democrats filed to challenge Treasurer John Leiber, Wisconsin’s only GOP constitutional officeholder, in the November election. Campaign Access: Wisconsin Elections Commission decisions denied ballot access for some candidates, including in the 7th Congressional District and a governor’s race bid by Kirk Bangstad. Receiverships & Housing: A Milwaukee landlord’s empire faced another setback as 86 properties were ordered into receivership after missed deadlines. Agriculture & Legal Fight: Three Wisconsin farmers sued over dairy checkoff funds, arguing the program is being used for ESG-related initiatives beyond the law’s intended purpose. Weather Disruption: Severe Midwest storms knocked out power for hundreds of thousands and caused major flight delays/cancellations at Chicago airports, with Wisconsin damage reported as well.

ActBlue Fallout: ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones repeatedly pleaded the Fifth at a House hearing on alleged fraudulent donations, even refusing to answer a basic question about her name. Elections & Ballot Access: The Wisconsin Elections Commission rejected signature challenges tied to the 7th CD GOP primary, clearing candidates including Fred Clark and Republicans Michael Alfonso and Kevin Hermening. Milwaukee Election Probe: A Votebeat report says FBI agents questioned a Milwaukee 2020 poll worker whose claims were central to Trump’s failed Wisconsin vote-challenge effort. Antisemitism Watch: Wisconsin’s 2025 antisemitism audit found confirmed incidents jumped 83% year over year to 174. Foreign Policy/Defense: Cirrus Aircraft—based in Wisconsin—was added to the Pentagon’s list of Chinese military companies operating in the U.S. Local Governance: Madison’s mayor ordered agencies to plan for 2% budget cuts for 2027 amid rising costs. Housing & Public Safety: Baldwin and Cramer unveiled a bipartisan bill to help volunteer first responders afford homes, aiming to boost rural recruitment.

ActBlue Probe: ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones is set for a Capitol Hill grilling tied to allegations the group misled Congress about overseas donor vetting, as House Republicans push the case toward possible subpoenas. Redistricting Dollars: A Democratic-aligned super PAC is pouring tens of millions into state legislative races to shape future House maps, underscoring how Wisconsin-style state-level lines can drive national outcomes. Reproductive Rights in Wisconsin: Wisconsin Democrats and advocates marked Griswold’s 60th anniversary by calling for state birth control protections, warning access is “in the crosshairs.” Data Center Policy: A Wisconsin report explains how state law can block county “development moratoriums,” while Manitowoc’s workaround shows how local governments try to slow data center growth anyway. Immigration & Courts: A Door County judge tossed a case aimed at stopping demolition of a historic lodge, while separate coverage highlights ongoing legal fights tied to immigration detention and access to care. Milwaukee Housing Enforcement: Milwaukee nuisance-property advocates pressed for stronger enforcement as a property manager facing the city’s lawsuit appeared at City Hall. Sports & Contracts: The Brewers agreed to a seven-year extension with outfield prospect Luis Lara, continuing a push to lock up top talent.

Milwaukee County Oversight: A new audit of the Milwaukee County Transit System says millions in contracts weren’t reviewed or approved by the county board, raising questions about oversight and potential open-meeting issues. Data Privacy: The FTC finalized an order against Wisconsin-based Illuminate Education, requiring tighter security and shorter data retention after a breach exposed data for 10.1 million students. SNAP Access: A Trump USDA policy threatens rural SNAP availability in Wisconsin, and adds new stocking rules that could be nearly impossible for small stores to meet. Utility Fight in Milwaukee: Ald. Alex Brower’s plan to replace We Energies with a public utility heads to a June 24 City Hall hearing on the legal framework. Elections & Ballot Access: The Wisconsin Elections Commission denied liberal candidate Kirk Bangstad ballot access for governor after he fell short of valid signatures. Tourism & Economy: Wisconsin tourism hit record levels in 2025, with Chippewa and Eau Claire counties reporting strong growth. Public Safety: WisDOT warns drivers to watch for pavement buckles as temperatures rise. Local Culture/Nonprofits: Wisconsin’s DMV launched a new Iola Car Show special license plate to support the event’s nonprofit beneficiaries.

Democratic Governor’s Race: Former DOA Secretary Joel Brennan is the first Democrat to buy statewide TV ads, launching a six-figure buy ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Election Integrity & GOP Strategy: A Votebeat report says the Trump administration is expanding investigations into 2020 election claims, including renewed questioning of a Milwaukee poll worker whose allegations were previously rejected. Trump on Wisconsin TV: Trump’s “Meet the Press” walkout after Kristen Welker pressed him on 2020 election fraud and a proposed “anti-weaponization” fund continues to dominate coverage, with Trump blaming rain and calling NBC “crooked.” Milwaukee Community & Policing: After the Fiesta Puerto Rico parade, Milwaukee saw a debate over whether a late-night street takeover was celebration or unsafe behavior, with tickets, tows, and an arrest reported. Health & Rights in Detention: Lawyers for Milwaukee Islamic Society leader Salah Sarsour say his diabetes care and religious needs are being denied in immigration detention, prompting a federal judge to order facility review. UW System: UW regents approved a 2% resident tuition increase for 2026-27. PFAS Cleanup: Wisconsin and Tyco reached a $10M settlement tied to PFAS contamination in Marinette County. Local Housing/Disability: Door2Dreams is advancing a plan for more independent living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in central Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Police Oversight: Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman told a city council committee he “took his eye off the ball” as nuisance-violation letters to landlords dropped sharply, while residents complain about slow responses to quality-of-life calls. Milwaukee Education Funding Fight: Milwaukee education leaders say DPI reneged on promised support for an early literacy initiative, putting the Reading Coalition’s teacher training and materials in jeopardy. Wisconsin Center District Scandal: The Wisconsin Center District board voted to terminate CEO Marty Brooks for cause amid allegations tied to misuse of district funds, bylaws/handbook violations, and misrepresentation to the board. Sewer District Audit: MMSD commissioners approved an independent third-party audit of Veolia’s wastewater operations after Common Ground and whistleblowers raised concerns about mismanagement and overflow risk. Elections Administration: Milwaukee County hired outside attorneys to keep 2020 absentee ballots secret as federal investigators interview election workers; the state elections commission chair also warned court orders could still reshape 2026 rules. PFAS Settlement: Wisconsin reached a $10M settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination, following earlier state and DNR action on cleanup. Energy & Jobs: Trump administration funding includes up to $500M for coal modernization, with Wisconsin’s Alliant co-owned Columbia Energy Center among the projects. Public Safety: A Wisconsin teen was sentenced to life for the 2023 killing of a 5-year-old boy found in a dumpster. Environment & Land Use: A town hall in Rhinelander addressed the Trump administration’s rescinding of the Roadless Rule, with debate over wildfire risk and forest access.

Wisconsin Politics & Elections: Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor race is set for a major shake-up after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez opted out, leaving Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski as the lone Democrat while Republicans line up for an Aug. 11 primary. Trump & Media: President Trump abruptly walked out of NBC’s “Meet the Press” interview in Wisconsin after Kristen Welker pressed him on unsupported election-fraud claims, with Trump again attacking major networks as “crooked.” US-Iran & Israel: Trump said he’s “not happy” about renewed strikes as Israel and Iran trade attacks, complicating U.S. ceasefire efforts; the administration also faces pressure over whether the “no new wars” promise still holds. Health Care & Housing: Milwaukee’s “Healthy Homes” program is returning after a pause tied to federal grant cuts, while Menasha secured $1.2M in tax credits for new affordable senior apartments. State Policy Watch: Wisconsin’s Joint Finance Committee is weighing options for bringing Amtrak back to Madison, with a land-purchase path on the Monona Lakefront gaining momentum. Medicaid Fraud: A new push to crack down on Medicaid fraud highlights Wisconsin’s own recent cases as states face tougher federal scrutiny.

Meet the Press Fallout (Wisconsin): President Trump abruptly walked out of NBC’s “Meet the Press” interview taped in Chippewa Falls after moderator Kristen Welker pressed him on unsubstantiated California election fraud claims and his “anti-weaponization” compensation plan, with the exchange turning into insults like “crooked or stupid” before he removed his mic and left amid heavy rain. Iran Tensions: In the same Wisconsin sit-down, Trump tried to soften his “no new wars” message, saying he “didn’t guarantee” there would be no war while defending U.S. strikes and arguing the Iran conflict isn’t “endless.” Milwaukee Transit: MCTS summer route and schedule changes took effect Sunday, with officials pointing to a projected budget surplus and fare-evasion improvements. Local Education & Workforce: Milwaukee School of Engineering released its Spring 2026 honors list, and a grant-funded K-12 medical assistant pathway helped six Milwaukee students graduate with medical certification. Community Calendar: Lincoln Creek Week returns with free, family-friendly outdoor events across Milwaukee, and the Fiesta Puerto Rico Parade & Festival highlighted Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez as grand marshal.

US-Iran Tensions: Trump told reporters Iran hasn’t agreed to a deal because leaders are “strong” and “proud,” as the war nears its fourth month and the ceasefire stays shaky. Elections & Voting Access: A PBS Wisconsin segment spotlights the USPS citizenship-verification push tied to Trump’s order, while Wisconsin Elections Commission chair-elect Don Millis discusses the coming fight over absentee rules and the FBI’s Milwaukee probe into 2020. Campaign Optics in Wisconsin: Trump’s Wisconsin farm roundtable drew fresh scrutiny after he repeated dubious claims, including a “record low” Black unemployment figure he couldn’t source. State Politics—Healthcare & Data Centers: A Wisconsin governor candidates forum centered on healthcare affordability, education, and the future of data centers ahead of the August primary. Local Governance—Rural Schools: “Here & Now” reports rural Wisconsin districts are permanently closing schools after failed ballot referendums. UW-Madison & Free Speech: UW-Madison is investigating a student animal-rights group over a flyer tied to the Ridglan Farms beagle raid, fueling debate over protest tactics and conduct rules. Public Safety: A teen was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 5-year-old Prince McCree in Milwaukee.

Wisconsin Politics & Elections: Trump’s Wisconsin stop in Chippewa Falls doubled as a campaign moment—and a fact-check headache—after he claimed Black unemployment hit a record low, then admitted he didn’t know where the statistic came from; federal data puts the latest rate at 6.6%, not a record low. Agriculture & Rural Economy: At a farm roundtable in the 3rd Congressional District, Trump and allies pushed trade and cost-cutting themes, telling farmers fertilizer and energy prices would drop as negotiations over Iran continue. Higher Education: UW System Board of Regents approved a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27 and elected Regent Kyle Weatherly as board president, with Regent Ashok Rai as vice president. Public Health & Local Spending: A West Allis Medicaid spending snapshot shows dental claims up 76% in 2024, highlighting how local billing patterns can shift public health dollars. Governance & Safety: Wisconsin DNR is stepping up ATV/UTV patrols as fatal crashes rise, while Madison courts sentenced a felon to nearly six years for possessing firearms and ammunition. National Security: U.S.-Iran tensions spilled into the news cycle as the U.S. reported shooting down Iranian drones and intercepting missiles toward Gulf allies, with ceasefire talks under strain.

Rural Politics & Agriculture: President Trump returned to western Wisconsin for a Chippewa Falls roundtable with farmers, pitching lower input costs and rural tax incentives while acknowledging many producers still feel squeezed by tariffs and the Iran war. Public Safety: The Wisconsin DNR is stepping up ATV/UTV patrols as fatal crashes rise, pairing enforcement with new rules that took effect June 1, including seatbelt requirements for UTVs and limits on towing people. Higher Education: The UW System Board of Regents approved a fourth straight tuition increase, raising in-state undergraduate tuition 2% and fees about 3.5%. State Government & Health Policy: Dane County supervisors urged UW Health and Children’s Wisconsin to resume gender-affirming care for transgender youth after UW Health paused puberty blockers and hormones. Infrastructure & Jobs: UW-Whitewater will manage $225,000 in federal funding to build a more advanced regional Emergency Operations Center. Transportation: A Milwaukee conference will kick off a statewide push to expand Wisconsin passenger rail, aiming for faster, more frequent intercity service. National Legal Fight: A federal judge blocked new SNAP funding conditions tied to a lawsuit by Democratic-led states. Foreign Policy: US-Iran tensions flared again in the Gulf after US forces shot down Iranian drones and struck radar sites, with Bahrain and Kuwait reporting missile/drone attacks.

Trump Wisconsin Ag Roundtable: President Donald Trump returned to Chippewa Falls for a farm-focused roundtable, promising diesel prices will drop and touting new/possible farmer payments tied to trade and tariffs, while also using the stop to push broader political themes. Rural Politics Backlash: Local Democrats countered the visit with gas cards for residents, arguing the cost of fuel is still crushing families. Energy Deal Talks: Negotiations between Xcel Energy and St. Croix County over a joint development agreement for a proposed solar farm fell apart, with Xcel saying it may restart talks after filing with the state Public Service Commission. Coal Push With Wisconsin Stakes: Trump’s $700M coal investment—using the Defense Production Act—could extend life for coal plants, including potential impacts for Wisconsin utilities and grid reliability. Higher Ed Governance: The UW System Board of Regents renamed UW-Stout to UW-Stout Polytechnic, emphasizing hands-on, lab-heavy career training. Public Finance Watch: A new audit of Milwaukee County Transit System points to weak financial oversight and governance problems behind a major budget deficit. PFAS Cleanup Update: Wisconsin reached a $10M settlement involving Tyco/Johnson Controls over PFAS contamination tied to Marinette County cleanup. Court & Voting: A federal judge blocked Trump administration asylum freeze on 39 countries, while separate reporting highlights election-fraud investigations opened in California.

Trump in Wisconsin: President Trump is set to visit a key battleground district in the state, with a Marquette poll putting his approval at 38% in Wisconsin as Republicans face political headwinds. Elections & courts: The Wisconsin Supreme Court voted to create a committee to study judicial recusal rules, a move that delays immediate changes amid rising scrutiny of impartiality. Milwaukee election probe: Milwaukee city and county officials are seeking outside legal help as the FBI has interviewed local election and police personnel tied to the 2020 election. PFAS cleanup: Gov. Evers announced Wisconsin’s first settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination in Marinette, including a $10 million payment to the state PFAS trust fund and long-term clean-water obligations. Energy & policy: A Senate majority leader says the legislature may reconvene to revisit a $1.8B surplus package if two votes flip, while UW System approved another in-state tuition increase. Environment & weather: West-central Wisconsin is in a worsening dry stretch, with rainfall deficits growing and drought conditions expanding. Public health & care: Dane County is urging UW Health and Children’s Wisconsin to resume gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Local governance & services: Milwaukee’s transit system reported a surplus after fare hikes and route changes, and the city/county are also responding to federal scrutiny.

State Senate Tax Deal: Wisconsin Senate Republicans say they’re open to a fresh vote on the failed $1.8 billion surplus relief package if “two or more” senators flip, setting up a potential return to the chamber after the plan died when all 15 Democrats and three Republicans opposed it. PFAS Cleanup: Wisconsin reached a $10 million settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination tied to its Marinette operations, with money going into the state PFAS trust fund and Tyco continuing replacement wells and remediation. Energy & Jobs: President Trump announced $700 million in federal support for coal plants and a new export terminal, using the Defense Production Act—funding upgrades across multiple states including Wisconsin. Dairy Month Politics: Gov. Evers highlighted dairy investments during a Tomahawk stop ahead of Trump’s western Wisconsin visit. Campaign Trail: A busy week of Wisconsin politics includes Trump’s return to the state and ongoing filing activity for governor. Local Governance: Wauwatosa is reviewing plans that could replace a proposed mixed-use development with a specialty grocery store and bank at 7501 W. North Ave. Civil Rights/Health: A report challenges whether Wisconsin’s health care price transparency is actually helping consumers, sparking pushback from hospitals and insurers.