AGP Executive Report

Community & Culture: Cedarburg’s Hmong Wisconsin Chamber is launching the first Wisconsin Asian Summer Festival June 13 at Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, with free family activities, sports and dance competitions, and a ticketed evening concert. Politics & Agriculture: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mandela Barnes unveiled an ag policy agenda ahead of President Trump’s Wisconsin visit, including antitrust enforcement, tariff refund efforts, expanded market access, right-to-repair for farm equipment, and limits on foreign/out-of-state farmland purchases. State Government & Health: The Joint Finance Committee approved funding to reduce Wisconsin’s DVR waitlist, with $600,000 in 2026 and $6.4 million in 2027 aimed at moving people off the list by June 30, 2027. Local Infrastructure: Dodge County is weighing long-term funding for road repairs, targeting higher annual reconstruction levels and considering tools like chip sealing. Weather: Warm-up continues through Thursday, then storms return later Thursday with an “ALERT DAY” Friday for isolated severe storms. Sports & Entertainment: Madison hosts the AmFam Championship PGA TOUR Champions event June 5-7, while Summerfest also features School of Rock students performing June 25-26.

State Politics: Army veteran Keith Purnell announced his Republican run for Wisconsin’s 94th Assembly District, challenging incumbent Steve Doyle, focusing on housing and rising everyday costs. Student Loans: Nevada AG Aaron Ford and a coalition of states sued the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that narrows access to federal student loans for professional degree programs. Elections & Voting: The U.S. Postal Service proposed major changes to mail-in voting, including a new participation list that Wisconsin officials say could face legal fights. Housing & Finance: Gov. Evers and WHEDA announced $47.8 million in affordable housing tax credits, while Edvest 529 cut its plan manager fee to 0.04% after reaching $7 billion in assets. Data Centers & Energy: Shawano County leaders are weighing a data center moratorium; Sen. Kelda Roys unveiled an energy plan that includes statewide guardrails for data centers and AI. Local Government: Brown County Exec. Troy Streckenbach announced a task force to explore a partnership involving the Neville Public Museum and the Children’s Museum of Green Bay. Sports: The Brewers recalled LHP Robert Gasser and placed Rob Zastryzny on the IL with a trapezius strain as they host the Giants.

School Funding Push: Missy Hughes pledged to opt Wisconsin into the new federal scholarship tax credit, aiming to keep hundreds of millions in-state for schools. Elections & Voting: The U.S. Postal Service proposed major changes to absentee voting by mail, including a new federal participation list—Wisconsin officials say they may not rush to respond. Workforce for People With Disabilities: Wisconsin’s budget committee approved $7 million to clear a waitlist of more than 7,000 people seeking help from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Public Safety Law: A new Wisconsin UTV seat belt requirement took effect, along with other rider rules on towing and window tinting. Health Alert: A salmonella investigation tied to “super greens” supplements has been reopened after additional illnesses in multiple states. Local Economy & Broadband: TDS Telecom began a rural broadband expansion stage in Dane County. Sports (Brewers): Kyle Harrison struck out 12 as Milwaukee beat the Giants 8-3. NFL (Wisconsin Alum): Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig agreed to a four-year, up to $100 million extension. Weather: One more dry day Wednesday before storms return Thursday.

Food Safety: The FDA and CDC reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa leaf powder supplements after new illnesses were reported, bringing the total to 119 sick across 36 states and prompting fresh recall checks. Elections & Politics: Liberal activist Kirk Bangstad fell short of Wisconsin governor ballot signature requirements, submitting 1,504 valid signatures by the June 1 deadline after an FBI/Secret Service interview tied to a social media post. Higher Education: UW Board of Regents is set to vote on a 2% tuition hike for the fourth straight year of increases, plus a 3.5% rise in segregated fees. Courts & Voting Access: A Dane County judge heard arguments in a lawsuit seeking electronic absentee ballots for disabled voters with print disabilities. Animal Welfare: Another 135 beagles are set to be released from Ridglan Farms, with dozens headed to Florida rescues and others placed with Wisconsin families. Local Business & Economy: Madison’s Overture Center is projected to add $66.9M to the local economy in the 2025-26 season. Energy & Infrastructure: Wisconsin lawmakers urged FERC to reject a utility request to pause transmission competition amid the data center buildout. Sports (Wisconsin ties): Brewers’ pitching surge continues to lift Milwaukee in national MLB power rankings.

Summerfest 2026: Milwaukee’s big music festival is rolling out major upgrades, including new “kickoff concerts” June 16-17, fresh food and drink options, an updated bag policy, and a revamped lineup of local vendors. Pride Fest: U.P. Rainbow Pride says Pride Fest 2026 is set for June 13 in Marquette, free and family-friendly, with the theme “Embrace Your Nature.” Politics: With control of the Wisconsin Legislature on the line, new reporting highlights several competitive Senate and Assembly races that could decide who runs the chamber. Elections: The filing deadline has set up a crowded governor’s race, with Democrats and Republicans jockeying for position. Business/Health: Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools is addressing more than $15K in meal debt, while a separate update notes a new leader for WellSpan’s physician teams. Sports (local): The Brewers snapped out of a slump in a 16-2 rout of the Giants, and Auburn’s NCAA run continues after beating Milwaukee 8-3 to reach the super regional.

Trump in Wisconsin: President Donald Trump is set to visit Chippewa County Friday, his first trip to the Badger State since winning reelection in 2024, with the stop aimed at lowering costs and boosting rural investment. Tuition and higher ed: The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents will consider a 2% resident undergraduate tuition increase for 2026-27, plus an average 3.5% rise in segregated fees. Elections filing: Monday, June 1 is the deadline for partisan candidates to file nomination papers for the August 11 primary and November general election, with the Wisconsin Elections Commission laying out what’s required. Data center fight: Brown County is weighing a data center moratorium as lawmakers debate guardrails on land use, zoning, water and power impacts. Retirement rules: Wisconsin DOJ joined a coalition opposing a Trump administration plan that could steer retirement savings into riskier investments. Immigration case: A Sheboygan Falls mother released from ICE custody spoke publicly after months of detention and legal back-and-forth. Local business: Fox Communities Credit Union opened a new Bellevue branch, and Gage Marine Corp. bought Norton’s of Green Lake, keeping the supper club operating through summer 2026.

NBA Finals Focus: The New York Knicks are set to face the San Antonio Spurs again after clinching their first Finals berth since 1999, with the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama leading the way and New York chasing a first title since 1973. Local Sports (UW-Milwaukee): UW-Milwaukee’s NCAA run continues but takes a hit after an 8-1 loss to Auburn in the regional final; the Panthers now play a winner-take-all game to reach the super regional. Brewers Spotlight: Jacob Misiorowski struck out eight and helped the Brewers beat the Astros 2-0, extending Milwaukee’s strong stretch and adding to his record-setting May. Community & Health: Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness is moving into a new Madison South Side space and is asking the community to help outfit the revamped center. Agriculture: Wisconsin farmers can apply again for a cover crop incentive program with higher payments, offering $35 per acre per year on up to 2,000 acres. Weather: Showers linger into Monday morning, then sunnier conditions arrive Tuesday and Wednesday, with more rain chances returning later Thursday.

Brewers’ Hot Streak: Jacob Misiorowski struck out eight and Milwaukee shut out the Astros 2-0, capping a dominant month with a 0.23 ERA in May. Badgers Football: Wisconsin is hiring longtime NFL executive Morocco Brown as its next general manager, a major shake-up after Marcus Sedberry’s interim role. NCAA Baseball: Milwaukee advanced in its regional after beating Auburn, while Nebraska’s season ended at the Lincoln Regional with a loss to Arizona State. Democracy & Voting: Wisconsin lawmakers are among those weighing bills to tax 100% of payouts from Trump’s “anti-weaponization” settlement fund. Weather: Light showers may pop up tonight into Monday, then warmer, more humid conditions build later this week with storms possible Thursday through Saturday. Community & Culture: Wisconsin Bike Week runs statewide through June 7 with rides and events focused on building community.

NCAA Baseball: Milwaukee kept its Cinderella run rolling, beating UCF 13-6 at Plainsman Park to reach the Auburn Regional final for the first time in school history, after stunning Auburn the day before. Local Sports: The Brewers also split the weekend swing—Milwaukee won 5-4 over Houston in extras Friday, then fell 9-2 Saturday as the Astros pulled away early. Weather: Milwaukee heads into a calmer stretch with a cool, mostly cloudy Sunday and a small chance of early Monday showers before warmer conditions return. Food Prices: Beef remains a sticker-shock story nationwide, with experts pointing to a shrinking U.S. cattle herd and drought-driven herd losses as key drivers of record prices. Money & Family Planning: Retirement planning is getting a new wrinkle as more Americans retire while kids are still in school, raising costs and forcing different strategies. Community & Culture: Wisconsin marked the 50th anniversary of wild turkey reintroduction with a Bascom Hill celebration, plus local features on Pride and community events.

NCAA Baseball (Wisconsin teams): UW-Milwaukee kept its Cinderella run going, beating Auburn 13-8 in the regional opener and now faces UCF again after weather delays; UCF’s Andrew Williamson hit three homers in a 9-3 win over NC State, setting up the winners-bracket matchup. Brewers (player health): Milwaukee moved Quinn Priester’s rehab from Triple-A to the rookie-level Arizona Complex League, saying he wasn’t progressing and was “spinning his wheels.” Local Crime: Whitewater police arrested a 19-year-old tied to vehicle break-ins and residential burglaries, with a second suspect still pending charges. Weather: Southern Wisconsin stays dry through midweek, with highs warming into the 80s before the next best rain chances arrive late next week. Higher Ed/Workforce: UW-Madison plans free metals casting and CNC machining hubs (METAL and ACE) this summer, partnering with the U.S. Department of War. Public Safety/Travel: A United Airlines flight diverted to Madison after a passenger made repeated attempts to breach the cockpit; the man was detained. State Fair: The Wisconsin State Fair returns Aug. 6-16 in West Allis, with online ticket deals and partner discounts.

NBA Coaching News: The Orlando Magic are finalizing a deal to hire San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney as their next head coach, with ESPN reporting he’ll replace Jamahl Mosley. Wisconsin Sports Spotlight: UW-Milwaukee shocked Auburn in the NCAA Tournament baseball opener, blasting the Tigers 13-8 in a regional upset that set up a weather-snarled schedule. College Baseball Weather: NC State’s opener vs. UCF was suspended by rain and will resume Saturday, while the Auburn regional’s delays reshuffled the day’s timing. Wisconsin Housing/Policy: State denies a tax credit for affordable senior housing at Ocie Hill, derailing a project tied to Richland County’s land bank and developer Volker. Local Government & Parks: Dane County will hold a hybrid public hearing June 10 on proposed 2027 park fees, including higher non-resident rates and changes to camping and permits. Milwaukee Education: Milwaukee Public Schools approved a $1.6B 2026-27 budget, adding teaching positions and targeting class-size reductions while closing a $46M gap.

Wisconsin Supreme Court: The state Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to Wisconsin’s congressional maps, with a business group arguing the lines are an “anti-competitive gerrymander,” but the court rejected the group’s push for an expedited schedule for 2028 elections. Milwaukee Public Schools: The Milwaukee School Board approved a $1.6 billion budget that closes a $46 million gap, adds 159 teaching jobs, and includes pay increases for employees. Housing & courts: A federal judge ordered Milwaukee-area landlord Sam Stair released from jail to house arrest while he faces drug-related charges tied to alleged “stash house” rentals. Public safety: The Red Cross and Fitchburg Fire Department are hosting a “Sound the Alarm” event to provide free smoke alarms and help residents set escape plans. Health & community: Mental health counseling is returning to Creston after a local provider closure, aiming to rebuild outpatient services. Sports (local): Milwaukee’s NCAA baseball run got a jolt as the Panthers upset No. 4 Auburn 13-8 in the Auburn Regional opener. Weather & planning: Oshkosh summer forecasts are split between a cooler, drier outlook and a warmer, more humid one, depending on the model. Education & policy: Wisconsin DPI avoided ruling on LGBTQ+ discrimination in a Menomonee Falls book ban case, leaving families and attorneys still pressing for clearer standards.

Wisconsin Politics: Gov. Tony Evers is seeking applicants for the Richland County District Attorney job after Jennifer Harper’s resignation, with applications due June 15. Milwaukee Schools: Milwaukee Public Schools approved a revised $1.6 billion 2026-27 budget, closing a $46 million gap while adding classroom teaching roles and boosting paraprofessional hours to 40. Teacher Pipeline: A new apprenticeship meant to ease Wisconsin’s teacher shortage is “stalling,” raising questions about whether the program will scale. Housing Affordability: A New York Times analysis finds homes in Milwaukee and Madison are among the least affordable in the Midwest, with price-to-income ratios around 5x. Campaign & Culture Wars: Wisconsin Republicans are leaning harder into anti-trans rhetoric in the 2026 campaign, despite trans people making up a small share of the state’s population. Public Safety & Privacy: An Illinois bill would limit police use and retention of automated license plate reader data, reflecting growing privacy concerns. Community & Health: Milwaukee County adopted resolutions tied to food access and flood preparedness, while health officials warn 2026 mpox cases are rising.

Wisconsin Government & Flood Resilience: Milwaukee County Board unanimously adopted Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell’s flood preparedness resolution, calling for better coordination, emergency response, and public communication after repeated flooding. Historic Preservation: The County Board approved a long-term lease for Trimborn Farm, aiming to preserve the site and expand public access through a partner. Public Health: Wisconsin confirmed its first mpox cases of 2026, with five total statewide so far this year; officials say risk to the general public remains low. Workforce & Industry: DWD opened WisTRAIN job training grant applications for advanced manufacturing and AI, funded through a federal Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund. Food Assistance Pressure: Western Wisconsin groups are bracing for increased demand as SNAP/FoodShare eligibility changes tied to federal rules take effect July 1. Community & Culture: Center for Black Excellence and Culture received a $247,000 Dana Foundation grant to launch a civic science research initiative with UW–Madison. Safety Reminder: USPS kicked off a Dog Bite Awareness campaign starting June 1 to protect mail carriers.

Brewers Rally: Milwaukee broke up a Dustin May no-hit bid in the eighth and beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 for a series sweep, with Sal Frelick scoring on an error after Garrett Mitchell’s double. Teacher Shortage: Green Bay-area colleges are moving fast to address Wisconsin’s teacher shortage, including a transfer-credit agreement for UW-Green Bay and an Early Educator Collective aimed at retaining new teachers. Sports Betting Policy: A bipartisan group of 41 state attorneys general urged the CFTC to keep sports-related prediction markets under state control, arguing they function like gambling. State Politics: Sen. Dianne Hesselbein introduced the “No Taxpayer Dollars for Insurrectionists Act,” proposing a 100% Wisconsin income tax on payouts tied to the Jan. 6 “slush fund.” Agriculture & Industry: Lawyers plan to challenge the federal dairy checkoff, saying funds are being steered into programs they call unconstitutional and burdensome for farmers. Weather: North-central Wisconsin is set for a stretch of sunny, summer-like days, with dry conditions raising fire danger.

Data Centers & the Grid: Wisconsin lawmakers and clean-energy advocates warned that new data centers could strain the state’s power grid and push up utility bills, arguing home weatherization could cut demand and help families using federal rebates. MLB Labor Talks: The MLB Players Association delivered its first economic proposals to MLB, including a higher minimum salary, changes to free agency timing, and expanded revenue sharing aimed at small-market teams—setting up a counteroffer as the CBA deadline nears. Packers Update: Packers running back Josh Jacobs was released from jail after a domestic-violence arrest; the Brown County DA says the investigation is ongoing and no charging decision is ready yet. Brewers Baseball: Milwaukee beat the Cardinals 2-1 with a late rally and a series sweep, keeping the Brewers atop the NL Central. Public Health: Wisconsin DHS is offering free in-home asthma help for eligible families in select counties, including home visits, trigger assessments, and possible repairs. UW Athletics: UW-Madison’s search for a new athletic director is moving forward with applications open until June 10. Weather: Expect a few evening storms, then cooler temps and a mostly dry stretch into early next week.