AGP Executive Report

Brewers: Milwaukee opens its NLCS rematch with the Dodgers at home after a franchise-record 103-win season. Businesses are preparing for another wave of playoff crowds, and fans are bringing back a song tied to the team’s 1982 World Series run. Public Safety: Thousands gathered in Chippewa Falls to honor State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger, who died after a pursuit. In Milwaukee, a pedestrian was fatally struck near 49th and Burleigh; the driver is in custody. Governor’s Race: Affordability is front and center as David Crowley campaigns on schools, housing and data-center oversight, while Tom Tiffany makes stops around the state. Voters are also getting guidance on the November election. Unemployment Funding: Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is leading a multistate lawsuit challenging the federal government’s cancellation of grants to upgrade unemployment systems. Conservation: Tribal officials objected after the DNR killed nine wolves in Price County. Meanwhile, UW–Madison forest researcher Zuzana Buřivalová won a $100,000 environmental award to support biodiversity research.

Brewers’ October: Milwaukee opens an NLCS rematch with the Dodgers Sunday, a year after Los Angeles swept the Brewers. Milwaukee businesses are preparing for another postseason rush as the 103-win Brewers chase their first World Series trip since 1982. Honoring a Fallen Trooper: Wisconsin communities and law enforcement gathered in Chippewa Falls for State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger’s funeral. The 29-year-old died after falling from an I-94 bridge while deploying spike strips during a pursuit. Unemployment Funding: Wisconsin is leading a 14-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s cancellation of federal grants for state unemployment systems. Governor’s Race: Affordability is a leading concern for Wisconsin voters, but candidates’ proposals on taxes and services have drawn scrutiny for lacking specifics. Milwaukee Facility: Milwaukee County has opened a $245 million forensic science and protective medicine facility, bringing crime lab and medical examiner services under one roof.

Governor’s Race: Barack Obama endorsed David Crowley, while Maryland Gov. Wes Moore campaigned for him in Wisconsin as the race against Tom Tiffany heats up. Affordability is a leading voter concern, but candidates’ proposals on taxes and public services remain short on specifics. Federal Funding: Wisconsin joined 13 states in suing the Trump administration over canceled unemployment-system grants, arguing the cuts threaten modernization and fraud prevention. Public Safety: Milwaukee County opened a $245 million forensic science and medical examiner facility. Separately, County Executive David Crowley halted inmate messaging on county-run prison tablets amid concerns about witness intimidation. Health: Wisconsin’s measles outbreak has topped 250 cases, with new infections reported in Marathon and Chippewa counties. Fond du Lac County also reported a sharp rise in suicide deaths in 2025. Elections: Immigrant advocates are helping Hispanic voters navigate early and absentee voting amid fears of intimidation near polling places. Sports: The Brewers’ NLCS return against the Dodgers is drawing fans and visitors to Milwaukee, with local businesses preparing for a playoff rush. Tribute: Hundreds of officers and community members honored State Trooper Bradley Ritger, who died after falling from an I-94 bridge while responding to a pursuit.

Data Center Debate: Four Republican lawmakers propose repealing a sales-tax break that has saved developers $1.5 billion, though Democrats call the move a political stunt with no path to a hearing. Federal Funding: Wisconsin and 13 other states sued over canceled unemployment-system grants, seeking $10 million for Wisconsin modernization work. Campaign Fight: Wisconsin Democrats also sued the Trump administration, alleging taxpayer money funded partisan election ads. Milwaukee: A 47-year-old was fatally shot near 20th and Highland; a 25-year-old was arrested, and charges are pending. Governor’s Race: Barack Obama endorsed David Crowley, while President Trump is backing Tom Tiffany as candidates spar over affordability and other issues. Energy: We Energies proposed a 750-megawatt gas plant in the Fox Valley, citing rising demand and grid reliability. Remembering a Trooper: Wisconsin flags flew at half-staff Saturday as the state honored Trooper Bradley Ritger, who died after falling from a bridge while responding to a pursuit.

Governor’s Race: Barack Obama endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, while Donald Trump backs Republican Tom Tiffany. Tiffany’s proposal to eliminate Wisconsin’s income tax drew criticism that replacing the revenue could mean the nation’s highest sales tax. Data Centers: Four Republicans proposed repealing a sales-tax break for data center developers, which has saved them an estimated $1.5 billion. The bill is unlikely to advance without a special legislative session. Public Health: Wisconsin’s measles count rose to 258, with cases reported in Marathon and Chippewa counties. Storm Recovery: FEMA confirmed $17.9 million in aid for four Wisconsin counties hit by July storms and a tornado. Voting: A Wisconsin judge ruled against allowing provisional ballots for voters concerned about Postal Service delays.

Governor’s Race: Barack Obama endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who faces Republican Tom Tiffany in a close Nov. 3 contest. Affordability is a top concern for Wisconsin voters. Storm Recovery: FEMA confirmed $17.9 million in aid for Forest, Outagamie, Vilas and Winnebago counties after July’s tornado and severe storms; residents should first file insurance claims, then apply for assistance. Public Health: Wisconsin reported 258 measles cases as of Oct. 6, including 234 confirmed cases in the southwest outbreak. Health officials urge residents to check vaccination records and watch for symptoms after exposure. Local Rules: Sun Prairie unanimously adopted an ordinance clarifying road rules for e-bikes, scooters and e-motorcycles; riders over 14 can be cited for violations. Brewers: Milwaukee opens its NLCS rematch with the Dodgers at American Family Field on Sunday, Oct. 11, after going 5-3 against Los Angeles in the regular season.

Pipeline Oversight: Construction on Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute has breached an aquifer in northern Wisconsin, prompting a state investigation and renewed scrutiny of the project. In a debate, 7th District candidates Michael Alfonso and Fred Clark also clashed over the pipeline. Act 10: Wisconsin’s long-running fight over the law limiting public-sector bargaining rights is headed to the state Supreme Court, as opponents argue it has hurt teacher recruitment and school budgets. Governor’s Race: Republican Tom Tiffany promised law enforcement backing at a statewide roundtable and criticized Democrat David Crowley’s approach to policing; Crowley says local officers should focus on protecting their communities. Storm Recovery: The federal government approved $17.9 million for Wisconsin tornado and storm damage, though Menasha officials say they’re still awaiting details on eligibility and distribution. Brewers: Milwaukee beat San Diego 3-1 to win the NL Division Series and advance to an NLCS rematch with the Dodgers. Surveillance Debate: Milwaukee police plan to renew their Flock camera contract even as a former detective faces charges over alleged personal misuse of the system.

Storm Aid and Politics: President Trump announced $17.9 million in federal relief for Wisconsin storm recovery after speaking with gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany. Gov. Tony Evers says he has no details and accused Trump and Tiffany of politicizing aid; Rep. Glenn Grothman says four counties are set to receive funding. Governor’s Race: Democrat David Crowley is proposing a state constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights, while Tiffany says he would uphold current law. Energy and Data Centers: Enbridge Line 5 construction has breached an aquifer in northern Wisconsin, renewing concerns over the pipeline. In Milwaukee, a committee advanced a temporary halt on new data centers as debate grows over tax incentives and local impacts. Courts: The Wisconsin Supreme Court is seeking eight new circuit court branches and about $3 million for courthouse security in its next budget request. Badgers: Wisconsin routed Michigan State 31-3, extending its winning streak to four games.

Enbridge Line 5: Crews working on a 41-mile northern Wisconsin pipeline reroute are accused of breaching an aquifer near the Marengo River, with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission saying the discharge was an aquifer breach while Enbridge calls it a “flow of water” and says the issue is being monitored and contained. Elections & voting access: Wisconsin county clerks are stepping up voter education on how to return ballots, including guidance pushing drop boxes over mail, while a separate report highlights how local clerks help municipalities run elections and keep them fair. Campaign cash & control of power: Billionaire Diane Hendricks is pouring millions into Wisconsin GOP efforts to defend legislative majorities, as independents remain pivotal and undecided in Marquette polling. Public safety & courts: Wisconsin’s attorney general race heats up in a Kaul vs. Toney rematch, with both candidates spotlighting public safety and crime-lab testing. Health & research: UW-Madison’s Francis Halzen wins the Nobel Prize in physics for IceCube neutrino work, and a new preprint links COVID vaccination with higher reported odds of autism/ADHD but can’t prove cause. Agriculture & water: A Pierce County factory farm expansion appeal argues DNR didn’t include enough groundwater protections as nitrate concerns persist. Sports: Wisconsin QB Colton Joseph earns Big Ten co-Offensive Player of the Week after the Badgers’ 31-3 win over Michigan State.

Milwaukee Public Schools Accountability: A Milwaukee woman, Amy Jones, 23, is accused of posing as a substitute teacher at Rufus King High School and berating students with lewd and profane remarks; prosecutors say staff failed to follow district protocol. Milwaukee Public Safety: Police are investigating a gun incident outside Bradley Tech High School where a 15-year-old was reportedly pointed at with a firearm after school. Local Politics: Milwaukee’s Common Council committee advanced a one-year moratorium on new data centers, pausing projects while zoning rules are developed. State Politics: Rep. Bob Donovan faces questions about whether he lives in his Assembly district after new maps, with records showing address and reporting discrepancies. Reproductive Rights Campaign: David Crowley announced a plan for a Wisconsin constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom, while Tom Tiffany touts law enforcement endorsements. Education & Community: Waunakee students posted gains on spring state tests, and USDA awarded nearly $750,000 for distance learning and telemedicine access in rural Wisconsin. Sports & Culture: Mazomanie’s Marissa Bode will receive a Wisconsin Legislature citation for her “Wicked” role; and Wisconsin high school girls golf saw Sun Prairie East/West and DeForest punch tickets to state.

Wisconsin Politics & Elections: Wisconsin voters are weighing major ballot questions, including limits on the governor’s partial veto power and three constitutional amendments, as campaigns gear up for the Nov. 3 midterms. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against Wauwatosa cops tied to a 2022 shooting, while the Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police backed Rep. Derrick Van Orden for re-election. Environment & Energy: New concerns keep piling up around Enbridge Line 5 after a reported aquifer breach near the Marengo River, with the Bad River Band and the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission saying state agencies aren’t doing enough to protect tribal interests. Community & Health: Wisconsin’s domestic violence protection portal is expanding access, and food insecurity pressures are showing up as the state avoids SNAP fees but pantries feel the strain. Sports: The Badgers football offense rolled past Michigan State 31-3, while Wisconsin men’s hockey opened strong and women’s hockey swept Boston University at La Bahn.

Rural Housing Funding: Sen. Tammy Baldwin says the Trump administration cut Wisconsin’s rural home-loan funding by 85%, dropping to about $2 million versus a past average of $13.1 million. Campaign Trail: In northern Wisconsin, Fred Clark criticized opponent Michael Alfonso for skipping a first joint healthcare forum with the Wisconsin Medical Society in Ashland; the candidates’ only in-person debate is set for Oct. 7 in Duluth. Ballot Watch: Wisconsin voters will weigh three constitutional amendments in November, including limits on the governor’s partial veto power for new taxes/fees, emergency rules for places of worship, and bans on certain government discrimination. State Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether oil companies can be forced to pay for climate-change damages under state law. Local Roads: A crash closed part of I-90/94 near Portage Monday; WisDOT reported it cleared by mid-afternoon. Sports & Culture: Wisconsin’s Colton Joseph earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after a big win over Michigan State; and Chilton Public Library is hosting a free Mariachi San José performance Oct. 10.

Road Safety: A 70-year-old man died after a crash in Waupaca County when a vehicle failed to yield at Hwy. 22 and Old Hwy. 22; a 65-year-old passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Milwaukee Crime: Racine police say a 17-year-old was killed and a 16-year-old was shot and arrested after a fight at Lockwood Park. Public Health & Community: Madison Specialty Care Free Clinic marked 25 years of free care for uninsured patients, relying on volunteers and donors. Politics & Transparency: AG Josh Kaul says the DOJ needs more funding to speed up public records responses ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Childcare Costs: A new poll highlights childcare as a major election issue in Wisconsin, with both gubernatorial candidates proposing different fixes. Environment & Food: Drought pressure continues in parts of western Wisconsin, stressing orchards and driving up irrigation costs. Sports (Wisconsin): The Badgers kept rolling with a 31-3 win over Michigan State, while Milwaukee’s Brewers took a 2-0 NLDS lead over San Diego with a 4-3 walk-off win.

Traffic Safety: A 70-year-old man died after a two-car crash in Waupaca County when a Chevrolet failed to yield at SH 22 and Old Highway 22; a 65-year-old passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Community & Local Life: Jefferson’s Family Fun Fest drew an estimated 300 kids to Rotary Park with free games, bounce houses, and about 17 local organizations. Milwaukee Schools: North Side families and educators say Milwaukee Public Schools’ closure scoring tool unfairly penalizes schools shaped by long-term disinvestment, with criteria changes dramatically shifting how many schools land in the closure-or-merger category. Politics & Organizing: Rock County Republicans are leaning hard into door-to-door canvassing and events to activate voters ahead of the November election. Wildlife & Environment: Nine wolves were euthanized in northern Wisconsin after verified threats to human safety, and an independent researcher raises concerns that synthetic hatchery pond liners may be linked to walleye gender imbalances. Sports (Wisconsin): Wisconsin football rolled past Michigan State 31-3, and the Badgers remain in the poll mix after the win; Wisconsin hockey opened with a 1-0 shutout of Robert Morris. Weather: Milwaukee stays sunny and mild, with patchy frost possible inland overnight.

Public Safety: Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger, 29, died after falling from a bridge while responding to a traffic pursuit near the Dunn/Eau Claire line, with officials asking for privacy as funeral arrangements are made. Elections & Civic Life: Wisconsin voters head to the polls Nov. 3 for governor and legislative races, plus constitutional amendments, with TMJ4 laying out key registration and absentee deadlines. State Policy: A new explainer breaks down how Wisconsin’s hospital tax works and where the money goes, while another report says data center controversies are tied to power demand and local tax impacts. Energy: Oracle announced a deal to buy electricity from Point Beach to help manage rising costs, pending Public Service Commission approval. Health Assistance: WHEAP energy assistance applications are now open, with average heating help estimated at $441. Sports (Wisconsin): The Brewers beat the Padres 3-2 in NLDS Game 1 in a bizarre ninth-inning roof-cable play, and Wisconsin rolled Michigan State 31-3 for a fourth straight win behind Colton Joseph’s three TDs and 141 rushing yards. Culture: Chippewa Falls celebrated Grace Reiter’s Saturday Night Live debut with a local watch party.

Badger Football: Colton Joseph powered Wisconsin to a 31-3 Homecoming rout of Michigan State, throwing three TDs and running for 141 yards as the Badgers jumped on the Spartans early and never let up. MSU Struggles: Michigan State’s offense stalled after a two-QB approach and the defense couldn’t contain Wisconsin’s option looks, leaving the Spartans 2-3 and winless in Big Ten play. Energy Help: Wisconsin is now accepting applications for WHEAP energy assistance for the heating season, with an estimated 170,000 households expected to qualify and average benefits of $441 for heat and $257 for electricity. Milwaukee Tech/Politics: A new push around data centers and power needs keeps heating up, with Oracle and Vantage launching a $11B “Project Lighthouse” campaign in Port Washington. Public Safety: Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger died after a bridge fall during a pursuit response, and Gov. Evers issued condolences. Local Privacy Fight: More Wisconsin cities are covering or cutting ties with Flock license-plate cameras amid concerns about how data is handled. Brewers Playoffs: Milwaukee heads into the NLDS hosting San Diego, with local fans gearing up for Game 1 and playoff-weekend celebrations.