AGP Executive Report

Energy & Industry Policy: Wisconsin regulators are pressing Enbridge over Line 5 after a leak, with DNR asking the company to halt bypass work; meanwhile GOP candidate Tom Tiffany drew fresh scrutiny for voting to weaken utility approval processes while taking Enbridge donations. Infrastructure: Gov. Evers approved the WIS 35 Waumandee Creek Bridge rehab in Buffalo County, with construction set to start Sept. 14 and the highway kept to one lane. Climate & Health: Wisconsin medical and public health groups urged the next governor and Legislature to treat climate change as an urgent public health crisis, citing wildfire smoke, flooding, and rising power demand from data centers. Food & Agriculture: Glanbia is launching a US-only non-alcoholic “ChampionSips” beer in partnership with Wisconsin Brewing Company, while farmers continue to feel pressure from diesel costs and conservation support gaps. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade prices in Marquette County hit $4.44/gallon (week ending Sept. 5). Local Business: A new Alexandria chamber member roster highlights growth in marketing, waterway restoration, stone-ground grain milling, and a 92-room hotel. Consumer Safety: The FDA expanded a Walmart frozen berry recall for possible E. coli contamination to additional states. Tech & Privacy: A Senate probe is widening into AI-assisted surveillance, sending letters to Axon, Motorola Solutions, and Verkada.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says it will send $500 rebates to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wisconsin, after claiming Biden-era ACA “user fees” overcharged consumers. Privacy & Surveillance: Wisconsin privacy groups sued over warrantless searches of local governments’ Flock camera data, arguing Fourth Amendment violations after a Supreme Court ruling. Energy & Utilities: A federal appeals court ruled Wisconsin ratepayers won’t have to keep paying to keep Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant running, dealing a blow to DOE emergency authority. Pipeline Pressure: Tribes and Great Lakes groups urged Gov. Tony Evers to halt Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute after a major spill, citing safety and Great Lakes risks. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Veolia sued MMSD over a wastewater contract process, alleging unfair procurement and political pressure as a new 10-year deal heads toward a vote. Agriculture Costs: Diesel hit record highs as farmers near harvest, squeezing budgets already strained by fertilizer and equipment costs. Food/Meat Industry Scrutiny: A UW–Madison graduate released video alleging secret recording during pig CO2 stunning, while the university disputes it can verify the footage’s location.

AI Surveillance Oversight: Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley is widening an investigation into AI-assisted surveillance, sending letters to Axon, Motorola Solutions and Verkada after starting with Flock Safety, demanding details on data collection and retention. Healthcare Costs: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including Wisconsin—will get $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Energy Infrastructure & Land Use: A Wisconsin Energy Policy Town Hall will tackle the proposed 765-kV transmission line, with lawmakers and landowner groups pressing questions about need and impacts. Great Lakes Safety: New beach hazard warnings highlight dangerous waves and currents along parts of Lake Michigan. Agriculture Costs: Diesel is hitting record highs, squeezing corn and soybean farmers already dealing with higher fertilizer and equipment costs. Construction Costs: Contractors face rising material and labor expenses, with Milwaukee among cities seeing notable nonresidential cost pressure. Data Centers & Power Demand: Wisconsin’s debate over data center growth and electricity costs continues as officials and courts weigh what can be disclosed about energy demand. Local Business Impact: Brookfield’s Brookfield Public Market is set to break ground in October, aiming to revive activity around the former Boston Store site.

Healthcare & Politics: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wisconsin, will get $500 Obamacare refunds starting in October, tied to alleged Biden “user fee” overcharges. Education & Workforce: Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent Brenda Cassellius is pushing a $12 million plan to add air conditioning to classrooms after heat forced cancellations. Data Centers & Energy: In Wisconsin’s governor’s race, data centers remain a flashpoint: Port Washington residents pressed Oracle/OpenAI/Vantage on a $15 billion campus, while a Marquette poll cited 78% of voters saying costs outweigh benefits; clean-energy groups also want more scrutiny of data center power costs. Power Infrastructure: Dane County is urging more review and public input before the 765-kV BECI transmission line moves forward. Agriculture & Environment: Wisconsin wild rice (manoomin) is rebounding after years of low production, and the state has set up stewardship efforts and Wild Rice Week. Public Safety & Local Budgets: Dunn County projects a $1.4 million 2027 deficit and is weighing service reductions; Waukesha County says a major box culvert repair on CTH E should reopen Sept. 17. Community & Business: Retirable opened a second Milwaukee HQ at the Eagleknit Innovation Hub, adding about 10 jobs initially.

Utility Affordability Fight: Milwaukee-area organizers and local leaders are pushing back on We Energies’ proposed rate hikes, arguing the company’s profits and executive pay don’t match what families can afford. Food Manufacturing Upgrade: Westby Cooperative Creamery unveiled $14M in new cottage cheese equipment, automating key steps and cutting production time in half while adding roles in warehousing, quality control and maintenance. Higher Ed Funding Tension: A new Wisconsin higher-education financing debate is heating up between UW campuses and the technical college system, with spending requests now set to shape the 2027-29 budget talks. Healthcare Tech & Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers are studying how AI is being used in healthcare, as tools move from documentation support toward more autonomous clinical workflows. Opioid Response Funding: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley signed off on $7.46M in opioid settlement funds for eight prevention, treatment and recovery initiatives. Ag & Industry Talent Pipeline: UW-Green Bay and gener8tor launched a food-focused startup accelerator starting in January 2027, aiming to bring investment and jobs to Northeast Wisconsin. Public Safety Crackdown: DHS launched a 24/7 tip line for suspected commercial driver license fraud as part of a broader federal trucking enforcement push. Tariffs Hit Manufacturers: A new analysis ranks Wisconsin among states feeling executive tariff costs, with manufacturers taking most of the burden through higher prices for parts and metals. Business & Community: The Mequon-Thiensville Chamber named Lisa Haasch as executive director, highlighting membership growth and support for local entrepreneurs.

Healthcare AI rules: Wisconsin lawmakers and health experts met to weigh how to regulate AI in healthcare, with privacy advocates warning the U.S. lacks a national data privacy law and pushing for safeguards as AI expands in care. Construction costs hit homeowners: Madison residents along Milwaukee Street are bracing for 2027 reconstruction costs, with some facing surprise bills of $7,000 to $10,000; the city is exploring longer repayment terms. Local healthcare expansion: SSM Health dedicated a new 40,000-square-foot Verona outpatient center built for sustainability and energy efficiency, opening to the public Sept. 14. Dairy modernization: Westby Cooperative Creamery unveiled $14.1M in cottage cheese equipment aimed at higher yield, lower water and energy use, and safer, more consistent production. Data-center backlash meets utility planning: Alliant Energy leaders discussed data centers at an educational session in Sheboygan as Wisconsin communities keep reconsidering impacts. Sports-business tie-in: The Atlanta Gladiators signed ECHL forward Josh Winquist for 2026-27, adding veteran scoring and leadership to the Milwaukee-area affiliate pipeline.

Public Health: Wisconsin DHS is urging mosquito bite prevention after EEE was confirmed in a Portage County horse, the first confirmed EEE activity in the state this year—officials warn the virus can spread via mosquitoes to people and animals, with no specific human vaccine or treatment. EV Charging Buildout: A federal judge unlocked Wisconsin’s stalled National EV Infrastructure funding, and Gov. Evers says 42 new fast chargers will be installed at gas stations, hotels and grocery sites statewide. Energy & Environment: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer renewed pressure on Enbridge to shut down Line 5, arguing a court-ordered deeper review means the tunnel plan can’t justify extending the aging pipeline. Trade & Agriculture: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs took effect, with Wisconsin dairy and paper among the targeted sectors, while Wisconsin farmers and businesses brace for higher costs and shifting markets. Data Centers & Politics: Wisconsin’s data-center debate stays front-and-center in the governor’s race, with new commentary arguing affordability and local approval should drive siting decisions. Workforce/Business Education: La Crosse-area students won big in the Kwik Trip statewide innovation competition, turning classroom ideas into store-ready product marketing plans.

Trade War Hits Wisconsin Dairy & Paper: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs kicked in Tuesday, matching U.S. levies and targeting Wisconsin-linked goods like whey (50%) and cheese (25%), raising fresh cost pressure for cheesemakers and exporters that already rely heavily on Canada. Energy Infrastructure: Alliant Energy received “verbal approval” from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to pursue a $512M LNG plant in the Town of Rock, aiming for operation by 2029. EV Charging Buildout: Wisconsin is adding 42 new fast-charging stations with a $25M federal grant, expanding access from interstates to small-town corridors. Local Government & Public Works: Milwaukee is moving to speed pothole and alley repairs as service requests hit record levels, while Stevens Point asks residents to help stop deliberate street sign thefts. Agriculture & Weather: Frost, drought, and hail have battered apple orchards ahead of fall picking, and Wisconsin’s deer season opener comes amid an EHD outbreak that killed nearly 900 deer. Workforce/Education: FVTC and UW-Oshkosh signed new transfer agreements for business degrees, smoothing pathways for students into bachelor programs. Tech & Policy: A federal appeals court upheld dismissal of an AI-generated child porn charge, highlighting how laws struggle to keep up with generative AI.

EV Charging Push: Gov. Tony Evers and WisDOT announced $25 million in NEVI grants for 42 fast-charging EV sites across Wisconsin, aiming to expand reliable access for drivers as fuel costs stay high. Trade War Hits Dairy: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs took effect Tuesday, with Wisconsin dairy flagged among the targeted sectors; Wisconsin farmers say they’re getting squeezed while conservation funding also thins. Wastewater Contract Fight: Veolia is challenging MMSD’s move toward replacing its long-time operator with Jacobs Solutions for the next 10-year wastewater operations contract. Manufacturing Deal: Schneider Elite Machining Group (supported by Schneider Resources Holding) acquired Toolcraft Machining’s assets in Germantown, forming Toolcraft Precision Machining to broaden large-part machining capacity. Military Construction Milestone: Fort McCoy’s East Barracks Project is nearing handover to DPW, adding 60,000+ square feet and capacity for up to 400 Soldiers. Workforce & Growth: Wisconsin Economic Summit opens Sept. 30–Oct. 1 in Eau Claire, focusing on workforce and competitiveness. Local Health Event: Johnson Creek’s first “Wellness in the Creek” runs Sept. 20 with health booths, emergency vehicle demos, and Flight for Life. School Meals Research: A new national report ranks Vermont No. 1 for school meal access and reach, with Wisconsin readers watching how states expand breakfast and lunch participation.

Labor & Workforce: Milwaukee’s Labor Day LaborFest drew hundreds of union workers and families, with speakers pointing to a growing trades pipeline gap and pushing for policies that protect working people as AI and affordability concerns rise. Construction & Local Business: On National Avenue, Orenda Cafe is using a city-backed FACE grant to add a safer back entrance and keep customers coming during ongoing construction. Energy Infrastructure: Richland Center’s City Council unanimously adopted a resolution urging Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission to scrutinize the proposed BECI 765 kV transmission line, including alternative routing, undergrounding/co-location, and a full Environmental Impact Statement. Power & Industry: Alliant Energy says it received “verbal approval” from the PSC to move forward with a $512M LNG plant in the Town of Rock, targeting operation by 2029. Trade & Wisconsin Agriculture: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on $20B in U.S. goods took effect, with economists warning they could hit Midwestern manufacturers and Wisconsin dairy producers. Public Health: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry has reached 1,061 cases across 46 states and Puerto Rico, with a second death reported. Workplace Safety/Compliance: Wisconsin’s next attorney general will control how the state’s share of a $219M Meta settlement is spent, with plans tied to youth mental health programs. Housing Market: Despite a broader slowdown, some Wisconsin-area buyers are still paying above asking price for move-in-ready homes in desirable neighborhoods.

Mississippi River Infrastructure: Iowa and Wisconsin DOTs say the Iowa 9 / WIS 82 Lansing bridge is now on track for an early-November opening, beating the prior spring 2027 target; a ferry has carried nearly 131,000 vehicles since the old crossing closed, and will end when the new span opens. Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Wisconsin Agriculture: DATCP confirmed the state’s first equine Eastern Equine Encephalitis case of 2026—a 4-year-old grade mare in Portage County—prompting vets to review vaccination guidance for horse owners. Farm Safety: A new look at Wisconsin farm workplace deaths flags aging farm operators and roadway crashes involving slow-moving equipment as major concerns. Manufacturing Real Estate: Klement’s Sausage Co. bought a new landlord—an affiliate of General Capital Group purchased its 15.4-acre Bay View plant for $13M; Klement’s says it will stay put and invest about $10M in upgrades. Aviation Funding: The FAA announced $481M in airport grants nationwide, including $100M for Hartsfield-Jackson and $14.2M for Milwaukee Mitchell. Local Health Care: LeRoyer Hospice in Antigo earned a national SHPBest “Superior Performer” honor based on caregiver satisfaction survey results.

Fusion Energy: Tennessee issued the nation’s first license for a fusion power plant to Type One Energy, aiming for a prototype first and a possible 2034 start near Knoxville—another sign the race to serve rising power demand is accelerating. Trade & Manufacturing: Canada is set to impose countertariffs on about $28B of U.S. goods, with Wisconsin and other swing states among the hardest hit, raising new pressure for manufacturers tied to cross-border supply chains. Rail & Labor: Reps. Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan joined a letter urging federal regulators to prioritize rail workers’ jobs and safety in the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger review. Energy Infrastructure: Wisconsin DOT is starting a Highway 12 intersection project near Prairie du Sac, adding offset left-turn lanes and repairing storm systems, with single-lane closures expected. Public Safety: Wisconsin State Patrol is using aircraft to spot aggressive driving this weekend, coordinating with ground units for enforcement. Food & Prices: Poultry demand is rising as consumers shift toward lower-cost proteins, while beef futures remain pressured by weak cash trade. Local Tech/Industry: Milwaukee’s M18 battery line gets a power upgrade with a new High Output XC5 pack designed to boost output without adding bulk. Sports (Local Interest): Notre Dame routed Wisconsin 41-13 at Lambeau, setting the tone for a big Week 1 spotlight on the Badgers.

Corrections & Public Safety: Wisconsin’s prison population hit record highs, with the state reporting 23,870 people incarcerated as of Sept. 4—about 6,000 over facility capacity—prompting Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany to say he’s open to expanding and building prisons to safely close Green Bay Correctional Institution. Food Prices: Ground beef is getting more expensive for Wisconsin shoppers too, with the average price at $6.89 per pound in July and up sharply versus five years ago, adding pressure to already tight budgets. Healthcare Dealmaking: Beloit Health System and FHN (Freeport, Ill.) announced a partnership to pursue a new NorthPointe Neighborhood Hospital in Roscoe, using a bed “trade” to address prior state objections about regional bed surplus. Local Business: The former Thiensville restaurant building, The Cheel, has been sold to Milwaukee-area restaurateurs Fatima and Hanish Kumar, who plan to bring a new dining concept to the Main Street property. Data Centers & Politics: Wisconsin candidates are trading sharp lines on data centers—electricity, water, farmland, local control, and subsidies—while national debate intensifies ahead of midterms. Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Milwaukee leads Wisconsin scam reports in July, with online purchase scams driving losses across multiple metro areas.

Energy & Industry: Milwaukee-based Rite-Hite says it’s expanding after acquiring Denmark’s KE Fibertec, a textile ventilation manufacturer—another sign Wisconsin firms are building cross-border manufacturing muscle. Pipeline Safety: Wisconsin DNR Secretary Karen Hyun says Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute work is tied up in an active incident near Saxon while the state presses for safety and access to assess impacts after a major propane/butane release. Workforce & Wages: A UW-Madison “state of working Wisconsin” update finds Wisconsin’s job base has been rocky, even as median wages keep rising faster than inflation. Local Growth in Education: Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District is bucking statewide enrollment declines with elementary growth tied to housing and “destination district” programming. Data Centers & Politics: Wisconsin candidates and officials keep clashing over data-center siting, electricity, water, farmland, and subsidies—while voters and local governments push for stronger standards and local control. Food Supply: E. coli fears keep expanding a frozen berry recall tied to Walmart and other retailers. Manufacturing/Tech: Microsoft’s moves around AI data-center capacity highlight how power and financing constraints are reshaping big AI buildouts. Community & Business: Milwaukee restaurateurs buy the former The Cheel building in Thiensville, planning a new concept for downtown Main Street.

Highway Construction: Rhinelander’s Highway 8 project is in its final phases, with detours expected to end in about two weeks and a $6.1 million job (including two new roundabouts at Hwy. 17/County G) aiming for early-October completion after subsurface delays. Public Safety Tech Backlash: A new tracker says 153 U.S. communities have rejected or deactivated automated license plate reader systems in recent weeks, as opposition to Flock-style cameras keeps spreading. Local Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data puts Adell among 116 Wisconsin cities tied for 77th in July, with one reported scam—while Milwaukee, Green Bay and Madison lead the state. Workforce & Manufacturing: Greenheck plans to buy and retrofit a former Macy’s distribution site in Owasso, Oklahoma, for a $300 million manufacturing expansion and 700+ jobs. Education Leadership: Gateway Technical College narrowed its presidential search to three finalists after one dropped out, with community forums set ahead of a Saturday celebration. Food Security Funding: DATCP opened applications for a $5 million Food Security and Wisconsin Products Grant Program, with projects starting in December. Energy & AI Politics: Wisconsin remains in the crosshairs of the data-center debate, with voters and both parties increasingly targeting the cost and grid impacts.

Energy & Utilities: Invenergy is proposing two large natural gas power plants in Brillion—Forest Junction and Union Depot—aimed at meeting rising Wisconsin demand, with hundreds of construction jobs and major local tax impacts. Infrastructure & Safety: Enbridge says it’s working to restart Line 5 by Tuesday after a leak tied to a valve project incident; crews are using compressed air to manage remaining gas and regulators report no health concerns outside the evacuation zone. Food & Agriculture: A frozen berry recall tied to E. coli has expanded again for Walmart shoppers, with Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend pulled from select stores in 16 states including Wisconsin; no illnesses reported for this specific lot. Public Policy & Elections: Wisconsin AG Nick Brown and a coalition won a court order blocking USPS from forcing states to overhaul mail-ballot designs and tracking portals ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Manufacturing & Workforce: Inside a Milwaukee foundry, Badger Alloys highlights how local metal casting supports critical infrastructure—while manufacturers continue to struggle to hire skilled workers. Local Governance: Milwaukee County is weighing a 15 mph cap for e-bikes on the Oak Leaf Trail after serious crashes. Legal/Tech: A federal appeals court upheld dismissal of a Wisconsin charge tied to AI-generated child sexual abuse materials, while other charges remain.