AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather & Recovery: An EF-3 tornado ripped through Wisconsin’s Fox Cities, hitting Menasha and nearby communities with major damage and power outages; Menasha declared a local state of disaster and the Red Cross opened a shelter in Menasha as officials urged patience during cleanup. Workplace Safety: A tree-trimming worker in Whitewater died after a suspected lightning strike while working for The Davey Tree Expert Company on a We Energies job. Local Business & Permits: Minocqua Brewing Co., known for anti-Trump posts, had its Wisconsin alcohol permit revoked effective Aug. 4 after state action tied to transporting beer without required permits/taxes. Milwaukee Education Hiring: Milwaukee Public Schools is holding a hiring fair to recruit laid-off Chicago Public Schools teachers, aiming to fill hundreds of roles. Tech/Policy: Wisconsin and other state AGs are pushing the FCC to tighten “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Markets/Finance: Milwaukee-based Artisan Partners reported Q2 results, with profit of $80.9 million and revenue of $307.9 million. Sports Business: The Giants placed Casey Schmitt on the IL with a torn meniscus, while Osleivis Basabe was selected to replace him.

Severe Weather & Business Continuity: An EF-3 tornado hit the Fox Cities, with the NWS upgrading damage in Appleton and Menasha; officials report widespread roof loss, downed power lines, and thousands without power as cleanup and curfews begin. Local Economy & Manufacturing: Maag Group signed an agreement to buy Cloeren, which has an Eau Claire manufacturing footprint, expanding Maag’s plastics-processing reach. State Policy & Higher Ed: Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty sued UW-Madison over alleged discriminatory race-based scholarships and grants, escalating legal pressure on admissions-style aid. Elections & Voter Access: Early in-person voting started in Wisconsin’s chaotic Democratic governor primary, with five candidates set for a single debate before the Aug. 11 vote. Agriculture & Grants: DATCP opened Dairy Processor Grant applications, with funding aimed at modernization, food safety, and training; applications are due Sept. 1. Regulation & Industry: The Wisconsin Department of Revenue moved to revoke permits for Minocqua Brewing amid alleged tax violations, setting up an Aug. 4 appeal. AI Infrastructure Backlash: Congress and lawmakers pushed back against the Pentagon’s plan to allow private AI data centers on military land, citing strain on power and water.

Severe Weather & Local Business Disruption: A suspected tornado tore through the Fox Valley, hitting Appleton and Menasha, knocking out power for tens of thousands and forcing road closures and water conservation as shelters opened and officials urged residents to stay away from damaged areas. Energy Costs: Gas prices in the Twin Cities jumped to about $4.09 a gallon, above the national average, with Wisconsin also rising to roughly $3.88—another pressure point for household budgets and local retailers. Higher Ed & Student Debt: Wisconsin student loan defaults surged after pandemic relief ended, with federal data showing more than 108,000 borrowers in default—an economic drag that can ripple into hiring, housing, and consumer spending. Public Safety & Accountability: Madison’s debate over police body cameras reignited after the Corey Ruiz shooting, with renewed calls for cameras to improve transparency and trust. Sports Business: Packers shareholders gathered at Lambeau for updates on finances and long-term plans, while the Nuggets’ second-apron payroll rules are reshaping NBA roster decisions that could affect Wisconsin fans and regional sports commerce. Tech & AI Infrastructure: A rare look inside Vantage’s data center in Virginia fed into Wisconsin’s ongoing fight over a planned Port Washington AI facility and the costs/benefits for the state.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: With Aug. 3 looming, the Mets are signaling they’ll sell, and Freddy Peralta’s Sunday start against the Dodgers could be his last in a New York uniform as his value becomes a deadline question. Brewers Roster Shake-Up: Milwaukee designated Lance McCullers Jr. for assignment just 11 days after acquiring him from Houston, a fast turnaround that underscores how quickly pitching plans can change. Local Justice & Public Safety: Madison protests kept rolling after the police killing of Corey Ruiz, with demonstrators demanding arrests, independent investigation access, and civilian oversight power. Law Enforcement Accountability: A WEAU investigation digs into how placement on the Brady List can affect Wisconsin sheriff races and officer credibility claims. Wisconsin Economy & Jobs: Rock County’s unemployment ticked up in June, while nearby labor markets showed steady hiring momentum. Business & Community: A Menominee Nation team is compiling a community cookbook using USDA grant support, pairing recipes with local food stories.

Milwaukee Police & Privacy: A new report details how Milwaukee officers have used Flock license-plate reader cameras to track people for personal reasons, adding to a growing national backlash over surveillance misuse and privacy. Brewers Roster Moves: The Milwaukee Brewers designated veteran pitcher Lance McCullers for assignment just 11 days after trading for him, recalling Garrett Stallings as the team reshapes its bullpen. Local Housing Scam: Milwaukee renters say they were scammed after a Zillow listing appeared legitimate, with cash payments demanded in person and victims later locked out or ghosted. Data Center Negotiations: A Wisconsin-focused opinion argues communities should negotiate data center deals with enforceable, contractual protections for property values, noise, traffic, and taxpayer benefits. Community & Business Events: Jefferson’s Kikkoman Cookout drew 800+ attendees and raised money and food for local causes, highlighting how corporate-community events can boost small-town activity. Food Safety Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of organic lentil soup in multiple states due to a pull-tab defect that can raise spoilage risk. Sports Betting Watch: A national analysis says Americans wagered about $166B on sports in 2025, with total wagering potentially nearing $300B when including prediction markets and undisclosed tribal activity.

Brewers & MLB Trade Talk: Milwaukee’s trade-season buzz got a boost from rookies Cooper Pratt and Luis Lara, who combined for key hits and runs in an 8-5 win over the Rockies, underscoring the team’s “build from within” approach as the Aug. 3 deadline nears. Deadline Movers: The Nationals are “listening” on All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams, with reports tying him to interest from both the Yankees and the Brewers, even as Washington weighs whether to buy or sell. Injury Watch: The Mets dealt another blow by placing Juan Soto on the 10-day injured list with a left calf strain, expected to cost him significant time. Wisconsin Business & Tech: A claimed cyberattack by the Handala Hacker Group disrupted an internet provider in Madison, affecting businesses and government networks. Food Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 184,000 cans of lentil soup due to a pull-tab defect that can raise spoilage risk. Local Economy/Community: Milwaukee’s Riverwest 24 cycling event wrapped up after 24 hours of neighborhood rides without relying on corporate sponsorships.

MLB Trade Deadline: Teams are lining up for the Aug. 3 deadline, with Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, Boston’s Aroldis Chapman, and San Francisco’s Luis Arraez among the names drawing the most buzz as contenders weigh bullpen and rotation upgrades. Wisconsin Sports Business: Packers CEO Ed Policy says the team may need to get more aggressive on revenue after releasing 2026 fiscal-year numbers showing an operating loss and sharply higher player costs. Madison Public Safety & Local Economy: A Madison police shooting has disrupted major summer events and reignited calls for police reforms, with cancellations hitting local businesses that rely on event foot traffic. Housing & Disability Services: Waukesha is reviewing a proposed Milwaukee-based development with affordable units and accessibility features for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Local Business Growth: Hartland’s chamber welcomed B2E Solutions, a payroll/HR workforce management firm partnering with UKG Ready. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Eldorado tied for 52nd in Wisconsin for June scam reports, with Milwaukee and Madison leading the state. AgrAbility Support: AgrAbility of Wisconsin highlighted how farmers with disabilities can keep working through equipment access and on-farm support.

Right-to-Repair: The FTC and multiple state attorneys general reached a settlement with John Deere that lets farmers and independent shops access diagnostic and repair tools, pushing back on years of software and dealer-only repair restrictions. Data Centers & AI Politics: Wisconsin governor candidates are lining up on data-center regulation and AI oversight, with proposals ranging from moratoriums and ending tax subsidies to requiring upfront payments, banning non-disclosure deals, and giving communities a direct say. Milwaukee Health Care: The Medical College of Wisconsin plans to open a Milwaukee Trauma Recovery Center for survivors of violent crime and injury, offering free mental health care and support in the Bronzeville area. Food Safety: Taylor Farms issued an updated statement amid the national cyclosporiasis investigation, saying it removed potentially affected produce and expanded recalls while reviewing safety processes in central Mexico. Local Water Planning: Pewaukee is weighing a Lake Michigan pipeline to replace contaminated aquifer wells, with studies required before any Great Lakes diversion. Business & Growth: Vector Science & Therapeutics, based in Mequon, filed its first quarterly public-company financials after going public, projecting peptide manufacturing revenue starting in August. Community & Crime Prevention: A Wisconsin woman is warning others after losing $433,000 to a government imposter gold scam, highlighting how fraudsters use fake “hacked” alerts and NDAs to drain accounts. Veterans & Community: A WWII POW soldier’s remains were returned to Rudolph, Wisconsin, with memorial services held more than 80 years after his death.

Food Safety Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled Organic Lentil Soup – Light in Sodium after a defect in the cans’ “easy open tab” raised spoilage concerns; the affected lot (60D0924, best-by April 2027) covers 15,530 cases (12 cans each) and was distributed across multiple states, with Michigan reported as unaffected. Elections & Courts: A lawsuit filed by Democratic-backed voters seeks an absentee ballot “do-over” in Wisconsin’s Aug. 11 governor primary, challenging Elections Commission guidance that blocks voters from requesting replacement ballots after a candidate drops out. State Politics & Campaign Finance: A complaint alleges Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley violated Wisconsin campaign finance rules, including exceeding contribution limits and accepting illegal lobbyist donations. Energy, Tech & Regulation: Oracle’s AI data-center push in Wisconsin faces regulatory friction after the Public Service Commission refused to ease collateral requirements tied to the company’s credit rating. Housing & Markets: Wisconsin home prices rose nearly 6% in June, with the median existing-home price hitting $360,000 as sales stayed brisk. Local Business & Growth: Milwaukee-area hospitality news includes UW Badgers broadcasts shifting to Good Karma Brands’ Milwaukee stations starting this fall.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: The Brewers have “been on the phone a lot,” checking prices with the Tigers and Padres for Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller as Aug. 3 nears, while Milwaukee’s second-half surge continues behind Shane Drohan’s start vs. Colorado. Trade & Industry: Manitowoc won a U.S. antidumping victory tied to lattice-boom crawler cranes from Japan, a win aimed at restoring fair competition for its Wisconsin manufacturing base. Immigration & Public Safety: Wisconsin is seeing increased ICE detentions, with reporting saying many detainees lack criminal convictions, as Madison also faces fresh scrutiny after a fatal knife shooting sparked calls for transparency. Labor: The NLRB certified a union election for nurses at SSM Health St. Mary’s in Madison, clearing the way for the next phase of bargaining. Local Business & Growth: Madison’s Public Market postponed its grand opening after a death, while Milwaukee’s Antetokounmpo Academy returns for a third year with the foundation reaffirming its Milwaukee commitment. Housing & Community: A raised crosswalk in Milwaukee failed after extreme heat, prompting repairs and more closures.

SNAP Funding Risk: New federal rules tied to payment accuracy could push many states toward higher SNAP costs, raising fears some may cut food assistance if they can’t absorb the added burden. Data Center Power Fight: Wisconsin regulators released a final environmental impact statement for Port Washington data center transmission lines, but late design changes and gaps leave parts still needing clarification—an issue tied to major AI load growth. Midwest Grid Policy: A coalition of electric utilities is asking federal regulators to pause or exempt competitive bidding for large multi-state transmission projects, arguing it will speed up AI-driven demand—while consumer advocates warn it could raise rates. Local Infrastructure: USDA Rural Development is investing nearly $8M in Cedar Grove water and wastewater upgrades benefiting 2,100 residents, while Beaver Dam accelerates lead service line replacements to meet updated drinking-water rules. Workforce & Military Spouses: The La Crosse Area Chamber and Fort McCoy launched a military spouse hiring initiative to help employers recruit and retain talent. Business Tech: Milwaukee-based Artifi partnered with Koozie Group to streamline AI-assisted product setup for distributors, aiming to cut hours of manual SKU configuration. Sports/Trade Deadline: MLB’s Aug. 3 deadline watch is heating up, with Tarik Skubal and other marquee names driving speculation across contenders.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Prairie Farms Dairy will close two Wisconsin plants in Shullsburg—shuttering the Shullsburg Creamery and White Hill Cheese—leading to 118 layoffs, with the company saying it’s reviewing its manufacturing network and trying to sell White Hill Cheese after closure. Food Safety & Local Business: Milwaukee health inspectors are stepping up daily checks at the Milwaukee Night Market, focusing on handwashing, temperature control, and vendor compliance; officials say they can’t test directly for Cyclospora but coordinate with state and federal partners on recalls. Elections & Governance: Green Bay City Council will get a presentation on how duplicate absentee ballots were mailed in spring and again for the August primary, after the Wisconsin Elections Commission found probable cause of a state-law violation. Politics & Consumer Costs: The U.S. House passed a combined bill to curb members of Congress’ stock trading and require voter ID, with 13 Democrats joining Republicans—raising questions about Senate prospects. Energy & Regulation: Wisconsin regulators are pushing back on Oracle’s data-center power guarantees, a dispute tied to a proposed rule change. Public Safety: Milwaukee police say a man was shot and killed near Appleton and Congress; family identifies him as a smoke shop owner. Tech & Policy: A DOJ request to New Jersey seeks details after noncitizens were reportedly added to voter rolls due to a “software error,” underscoring federal scrutiny of election administration.

Senior Living Expansion: SSM Health is moving ahead with a $42M senior living campus in Fond du Lac, with independent living, assisted living, memory care and high-need care planned for early 2027. Manufacturing & Quality: AIRO Group says its consolidated Phoenix avionics/drone facility has earned AS9100D certification, a step meant to strengthen its aerospace supply footprint. Local Development Watch: Menomonee Falls is weighing a rezoning that could bring a 52-home luxury subdivision (“The Reserve at Lannon Road”) near Lannon and Mill roads. Workforce Impact: Prairie Farms is ending production at two Shullsburg cheese facilities, eliminating 97 jobs by end of August. Utilities & Infrastructure: Barron County approved $20,000 for a Uniquely Wisconsin production and backed a broadband expansion partnership letter. Public Safety Tech Debate: Wisconsin Public Service is running a “safe digging” ambassadog vote to promote calling 811 before digging. Corporate Finance: Public Finance Authority issued revenue bonds for Inperium to support mental and behavioral health facilities. Sports Business Angle: The Mets’ Zach Thornton delivered a 4-0 win over the Brewers, keeping Milwaukee’s trade-deadline storyline in focus.

Energy & Industry: Kenosha County set a public hearing on a proposed Red Oak Ridge natural gas plant, with residents in the Town of Paris split between opposition and hopes for economic opportunity. Public Safety & Tech: Fitchburg police are exploring a Real-Time Information Center using analytics and drone first responders as staffing limits collide with high violent-crime rates. Housing & Development: A $1.2 million low-income housing tax-credit award is advancing 40 new Amani neighborhood homes in Milwaukee, part of a broader affordable-housing push. Elections & Democracy: The Wisconsin Elections Commission warned voters that betting on an election and voting in that same election can trigger voter-qualification challenges; Kalshi criticized the warning as voter suppression. Politics & Campaign Finance: Wisconsin Democrats’ gubernatorial primary roiled after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez withdrew over campaign financial problems, prompting Milwaukee County Exec. David Crowley to re-enter with Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement. Dairy & Prices: Madison-area shoppers are seeing ice cream prices fall as dairy manufacturing investment boosts milk fat and protein output. Trade & Tariffs: Gov. Evers urged the Trump administration to stop extending coal plant operations, while Wisconsin’s political debate also flared over renewed Canada tariff impacts. Health & Recovery: FEMA opened a new Milwaukee Disaster Recovery Center for April storm victims, offering help with federal aid applications and appeals.

Embedded Finance Push: Fiserv will embed banking, payments and card programs into Datavault AI’s NIL Exchange and marketplaces, aiming to make financial services easier to access inside digital commerce. Energy & Infrastructure: Orion Energy Systems introduced LED Roadway lighting built in Manitowoc, targeting federal, state and municipal projects with a domestic “Buy America” option. Dealmaking in Appliances: Platinum Equity is expanding Grand Appliance’s independent distribution platform after acquiring R&B Wholesale Distributors, adding scale across Midwest distribution and retail. Local Accountability: Milwaukee officials are pressing MMSD for answers after a clogged combined sewer pipe may have worsened Bay View flooding, seeking timelines and compensation plans. Politics & Voting Rules: Wisconsin election guidance says absentee ballots can’t be changed after return to the clerk—even if a candidate drops out—amid a reshuffled Democratic governor field. Agriculture Program: A federally funded agroforestry initiative is taking Wisconsin applications to help farmers plant trees for income diversification and resilience.