AGP Executive Report

Energy & Prices: Wisconsin diesel hit record highs again after Memorial Day, with analysts pointing to Midwest refinery disruptions and oil supply pressure tied to the Strait of Hormuz. Politics & Budget Math: GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany says he’d send the surplus back to taxpayers, cut property taxes, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, and roll back Gov. Tony Evers’ school funding increase—while still boosting school, transportation, and healthcare priorities. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved more than $15.3 million for Wisconsin and other Midwest states for disaster recovery and resilience, including reimbursements for healthcare and grant management. Broadband Push: Evers and the Public Service Commission are putting $60 million into a state broadband grant program for locations left out of federal coverage. Business Growth: Modine inked a $4 billion cooling deal tied to a data center customer, and DF Seeds is expanding across Lake Michigan into Wisconsin. Local Watch: A Sheboygan Falls mother won release from ICE detention after a court fight.

Cleveland’s Collapse: Donovan Mitchell’s Cavaliers got past the second round—then got crushed by the Knicks, losing 130-93 in Game 4 and getting swept to send Cleveland into a likely roster overhaul after a blockbuster Harden trade didn’t click. Milwaukee Police Liability: Milwaukee is weighing a $250,000 settlement for the family of Hayley Linville, killed after a 2025 welfare-check incident involving an officer. Data Center Pressure in Wisconsin: Oneida County has a one-year data-center moratorium even as officials say no proposals are pending; elsewhere, Janesville-area workers and unions argue hyperscale projects could mean hundreds of jobs, while groups warn about energy and water strain. Workforce & Wages: Cargill suspended beef processing at a Colorado plant after a union contract fight and a worker vote against the company’s latest offer. Local Fraud Prevention: Oshkosh Public Library is hosting a free fraud-prevention session June 3 with Winnebago Community Credit Union.

NBA Trade Buzz: Celtics and Heat are drawing the most “current” intrigue in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s next move, but any Celtics path likely means a three-team deal that reroutes Jaylen Brown. Local Public Safety: Milwaukee police say three people were shot in three separate incidents Sunday, and they’re still looking for suspects. State Politics & Oversight: UW–Madison is denying access to payments and a contract tied to economic-impact consultant Tripp Umbach, even as the university touts a massive statewide impact report. Energy & Environment: Oneida County is set for a public hearing on a one-year data center moratorium, as residents and groups warn about power and water strain. Wildlife & Land Use: Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge’s management agreement decision could reshape oversight of the former Jefferson Proving Ground. Sports (Local): Jacob Misiorowski dominated the Cardinals for a 5-1 Brewers win, setting a major-league mark with 57 pitches at 100 mph or faster.

NCAA Baseball Bracket Watch: The NCAA field of 68 is set to be announced Monday, and Wisconsin’s likely path is already taking shape—projected as a No. 3 seed in the Los Angeles regional behind UCLA (1) and Liberty (32), with Arizona State and South Dakota State also in the mix. Local Business & Travel: Milwaukee’s National Avenue construction is hitting foot traffic hard, with one longtime restaurant owner saying customer counts dropped 60% to 70% due to parking disruptions. Tourism Momentum: Great Lakes cruises are expected to hit a record year, with more than $300 million in projected economic impact and 23,000+ passengers—good news for Wisconsin ports. Environment & Health: Jumping worms are showing up in Wisconsin yards, while a salmonella-related specialty drink recall includes Wisconsin among 25 states. Community Notes: After 86 years, a Rhinelander WWII soldier has finally been identified and buried at home.

Memorial Day logistics: Milwaukee-area services are largely shut down Monday, May 25—federal offices and post offices closed, and Milwaukee Public Schools and libraries off—while some big retailers keep doors open with location-by-location hours. Sports & local business buzz: The Brewers’ Memorial Day slate is packed, with Dodgers vs. Brewers drawing attention at American Family Field, and the wider Wisconsin sports conversation still circles the Bucks’ June 23 draft-day decision on Giannis Antetokounmpo as trade chatter stays “tepid.” Politics: Wisconsin lawmakers are still defending their “no” votes on the failed tax relief deal as a new Marquette Law School poll approaches. Regulation & markets: A New York Times report says the Trump administration has stacked the CFTC with industry insiders and sidelined regulators who pushed for oversight of prediction markets—an issue that’s spilling into state fights. Public safety: Kiel crews responded to a Saturday garage fire that spread to a home, with about $150,000 in damage and no injuries. Beer history: Schlitz production is ending after 175 years, with Milwaukee’s brewing legacy heading into its final chapter.

Food Safety Alert: A nationwide recall of specialty drink powders tied to possible salmonella contamination has been posted by the FDA, with products distributed across 25 states including Wisconsin. Memorial Day Costs: AAA expects more than 800,000 Wisconsinites to travel this Memorial Day weekend, but higher gas prices are already reshaping plans—drivers in the Milwaukee area say they’re delaying fill-ups and staying closer to home. Local Business & Community: Unwrapped Milwaukee’s fundraiser is back, challenging chefs to build dishes using McDonald’s ingredients while proceeds support elementary schools. Wisconsin Brewing History: Wisconsin Brewing Company in Verona is brewing a final limited batch of Schlitz using 1948 recipes, as the brand’s production winds down. Outdoor Safety: The Wisconsin DNR is urging drivers to slow down and report turtle crossings during nesting season to reduce road mortality.

Green Lake Economic Stakes: A new study from the Green Lake Association puts hard numbers on what the lake means for the local economy—$88M to $123M in annual activity and 973 to 1,400 jobs tied to the area, with most impact concentrated near the shoreline. It also warns the downside of water quality slipping could mean $11.4M in annual losses and up to 115 jobs at risk. Milwaukee Housing & Power: Milwaukee’s Bronzeville Advisory Committee is weighing three bids to redevelop the former Career Youth Development building and the Victory Over Violence Park site, with a June 1 recommendation expected and proposals built around affordable housing tax credits. Healthcare Contract Fallout: Milwaukee County supervisors are demanding answers over how a roughly $450M employee health benefits contract was allowed to lapse, after HR staff changes followed the public disclosure. Rural Mental Health Push: A southern Wisconsin family is launching a Farmer Angel Network chapter in Lafayette and Grant counties, backed by local law enforcement and 988 signage, in memory of a farmer who died by suicide. Local Business Spotlight: Kemola, a new Nigerian restaurant on Milwaukee’s north side, opened May 16, and a Red Lodge couple is restoring a trolley for historic tours through Labor Day.

NBA Offseason Watch: The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chatter is heating up again, with reports tying Milwaukee to a package built around Tyler Herro, Jamie Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, and draft picks—another reminder that Bucks cap flexibility is still the big question. Local Business & Travel: Memorial Day demand is holding up in Wisconsin Dells even as gas prices rise, while a Southern Wisconsin boat rental operator says fuel costs are forcing rate hikes and tighter travel plans. Infrastructure & Public Works: Milwaukee’s Lincoln Ave. is closed through mid-June for lead service line replacement, with possible Memorial Day weekend relief. Health & Consumer Alerts: Wisconsin officials warned soy-allergic shoppers about undeclared soy in Starzer Meats bratwursts sold in Marinette County. Community Policy: Milwaukee County advanced resolutions for flood preparedness coordination and a City-County food access task force—both aimed at reducing “after the fact” fallout. Sports & Culture: The Brewers launched a City Connect-themed mural series in West Allis, starting with “The Launch.”

Election Courtroom Clash: A judge blocked the Trump administration from accessing Wisconsin’s voter registration list, keeping the state’s records off-limits for now. Disaster Aid Push: Gov. Tony Evers is urging a federal disaster declaration after April storms and flooding topped $27 million in damage, seeking FEMA individual and public assistance plus hazard mitigation. Passenger Rail Momentum: Amtrak’s latest plan could add stops in Madison, Watertown and Pewaukee by 2029–2030, reviving a decades-long push for rail service back to the capital. Business & Consumer Watch: The FTC moved against Cox Media Group over a deceptive “Active Listening” AI ad service, while Wisconsin’s Supreme Court let stand a ruling in a Skechers tax fight. Local Economy & Community: Pizza Hut franchisees are bringing back 90s-style dine-in decor, and West Allis unveiled a Brewers City Connect mural, “The Launch.”

Sports & Construction: The Athletics’ $2B Las Vegas Strip stadium is still on track for a pre-2028 opening, with the lower-suite level “progressing substantially” and upper-deck work already underway—though a temporary northwest plaza may be needed if Bally’s financing for the full mixed-use plan slips. Wisconsin Politics: A CNN KFile review spotlights Democratic state Rep. Francesca Hong’s past calls to “defund then abolish” police, a sharp contrast to many party norms as Wisconsin’s governor’s race heats up. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge is weighing whether Milwaukee landlord Samuel Stair stays jailed pending trial, with prosecutors alleging an ongoing drug operation and defense calling the claim speculative. Local Business & Community: Kinship Community Food Center won a $900,000 state grant to build a new food resource hub in Milwaukee. Health & Summer Prep: The EPA is sending $220,000 to monitor Wisconsin beach water quality and warn the public when swimming is unsafe. Travel Watch: Michigan is pausing 100 of 168 road projects over Memorial Day to ease holiday traffic.

Healthcare Deal Watch: Allina Health and Sutter Health signed a definitive agreement to combine, aiming to close by end of 2026 pending regulators—promising better access, affordability, and AI help with admin work, while some Wisconsin-area clinicians worry about costs and uncertainty. Public Safety & Compliance: Wisconsin’s drinking-water PFAS limits could face a legal challenge after the EPA proposed rolling back standards for some chemicals, putting state rules in the spotlight. Local Business & Community: Madison’s first 7 Brew multi-story location is set for a June 17 ribbon cutting, and six companies were named volunteer affiliates for Concerts on the Square. Immigration & Rights: Sen. Tammy Baldwin and colleagues renewed calls to release detained Milwaukee community leader Salah Sarsour, citing inadequate medical care. Food & Consumer Risk: FDA flagged black particulate contamination in thousands of vitamin supplement bottles, triggering a multi-state recall. Sports Business: The NHL and CFTC formalized a partnership to safeguard hockey-related prediction markets.

Brewers’ Sweep: Kyle Harrison struck out 11 and Milwaukee beat the Cubs 5-0 at Wrigley Field to sweep the first NL Central series of the season, with David Hamilton driving the offense and Chicago committing three errors. Education Funding Fight: Wisconsin’s budget debate keeps circling back to schools, with critics arguing more money won’t fix test scores and pointing to special education spending and political messaging. Student Loans Lawsuit: Wisconsin AGs joined a coalition suing the U.S. Department of Education over a rule narrowing “professional degree” eligibility, warning it could cut access for healthcare and other critical workers. Prediction Markets Crackdown: Gov. Evers issued an order barring state employees from using insider info to bet on prediction markets. Housing Pressure Near UW: Madison growth is straining housing supply around campus as student demand collides with limited on-campus options. Local Business & Jobs: Wisconsin Heavy Fabrication plans to hire 100+ in Manitowoc, while Appleton adds a first-ever nonstop seasonal flight to Los Angeles. Public Safety & Health: Milwaukee County highlighted emissions progress, and EMS leaders rolled out a statewide plan aimed at stabilizing rural emergency care.

School Culture Clash: Watertown’s Emmanuel Lutheran community performance tonight spotlights composer Omar Thomas after the Watertown School Board banned his “A Mother of a Revolution” from a high school wind ensemble, citing “celebration of violence,” while students walked out. NBA Shakeup: Jason Kidd is out as Dallas Mavericks coach after five seasons, with new team president Masai Ujiri saying it’s time for a “new direction.” Public Safety & Justice: Convicted cop killer Ted Oswald is petitioning for early release, and the Waukesha DA who prosecuted him says he’ll fight it. Local Government Watch: Calls are growing for an audit of Veolia’s management of MMSD wastewater plants as whistleblowers allege chronic mismanagement and higher pollution risk. Food Safety: Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons are recalled in 17 states over possible salmonella linked to powdered milk. Business & Industry: Pabst Brewing is ending Schlitz production after 177 years, with Wisconsin brewers preparing “last batch” sendoffs.

NBA Shake-Up: Jason Kidd is out as Dallas Mavericks coach after five seasons, with the team citing a “new direction” just two weeks after hiring Masai Ujiri as president and governor. Local Politics: In Sheboygan, residents are collecting signatures for a TID direct-legislation petition that would require a referendum before the city approves big tax-increment financing deals—Mayor Ryan Sorenson calls it obstructionist and warns it could worsen housing costs and timelines. Ballot Access: Dylan Helmenstine says he already collected more than 2,700 nomination signatures to qualify for Wisconsin State Treasurer on the fall 2026 ballot. Public Safety & Courts: A complaint alleges a former Columbus Baseball Organization treasurer used club money for personal expenses. Agriculture: Red crown rot is spreading north in soybeans, with Wisconsin now confirmed and researchers warning growers to stay alert. Business & Tech: Zillow’s access to a Midwest listing database is at risk in a legal fight, threatening what home shoppers can see online.

Student Loans Fight: Wisconsin DOJ is joining a coalition lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that limits access to federal student loans for “professional” degree programs—aimed at fields like nurse practitioner and physician assistant programs—arguing the department narrowed eligibility beyond what Congress authorized. Elections & Redistricting: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats are preparing to redraw congressional maps in seven more states ahead of 2028, even after major court setbacks for Democrats. Workforce & Local Growth: Wausau landed a $500,000 grant to attract and retain workers, while Milwaukee Tool opened its first Canadian Service Hub in Georgina to speed repairs for trades across Canada. Food & Consumer Alerts: Kroger recalled certain homestyle cheese garlic croutons over possible salmonella risk, and Kwik Trip again topped USA Today’s best gas station food list. Health Care Costs: New analysis shows many ACA enrollees are shifting to lower-premium plans with higher deductibles as enhanced subsidies expire.

Food Safety Recall: Straus Family Creamery recalled organic ice cream sold in 17 states, including Wisconsin, after FDA flagged possible metal fragments; customers are told not to eat affected lots and can request free replacements. AI Data Center Pushback: Rural Wisconsin continues to brace for big tech’s next move—Vernon County is moving to block data centers “for now,” citing water and energy concerns, while other communities debate what protections should come with any massive build. Education & Workforce: UW System awarded the first bachelor’s degrees to incarcerated students in more than 50 years through the Prison Education Initiative, part of Gov. Evers’ broader push to prepare workers for the future. Telecom Access: Evers and the Public Service Commission announced $1.7 million in grants to improve affordability and access to phone, cellphone, and internet services statewide. Weather Watch: SE Wisconsin faces an overnight severe storm risk, with wind the main threat.