AGP Executive Report

MMSD Oversight: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District commissioners approved an independent, third-party performance audit of wastewater operations after weeks of public scrutiny, with no MMSD management involved and an advisory committee overseeing the work. Local Government Accountability: The Wisconsin Center District board voted to terminate CEO Marty Brooks’ contract over alleged fund misuse, starting a 30-day contractual process. Schools & Policy: Madison-area UW La Follette grad students helped MMSD prepare for Act 42, the new statewide K-12 cell phone restriction law, with a proposed policy built around an all-day ban for K-8 and looser rules for high school. Transportation & Climate: Milwaukee Public Schools rolled out 50 electric school buses, aiming to cut emissions and stabilize costs amid rising diesel fuel expenses. Agriculture Update: Timely rains are helping some Wisconsin crops after a dry stretch, with farmers reporting improved corn and soybean conditions. Courts & Funding: Brown County says a judge shortage is forcing it to spend millions to cover a felony backlog, delaying trials and raising jail costs. Sports: The Badgers women’s basketball schedule is set for 2026-27, and the Big Ten released Wisconsin’s home/away matchups.

Child Care Funding: Wisconsin childcare providers are bracing for the end of the last “bridge” support that helped keep centers open and staff paid after federal stabilization funds; the loss hits providers who say it prevented a system collapse. UW System: The UW Board of Regents will consider a 2% resident undergraduate tuition increase for 2026-27, with officials calling it a measured move to cover rising costs while keeping UW affordable. Higher Ed Branding: UW-Stout Polytechnic in Menomonie officially gets its new name after regents approved the “polytechnic” designation. DNR Safety: New ATV/UTV rules took effect June 1, and the DNR is stepping up patrols as fatalities remain a concern. Milwaukee Pride: Thousands packed Walker’s Point for Milwaukee’s Pride Parade, celebrating LGBTQ+ community and unity. Brewers Baseball: Milwaukee swept the Rockies with a 12-4 win Sunday, and Monday’s series opener vs. the Athletics goes with Kyle Harrison on the mound. Politics in Wisconsin: President Trump walked out of an NBC “Meet the Press” interview after a heated exchange with Kristen Welker over election claims. Milwaukee Public Safety: Police responded to an apparent south-side street takeover near 13th and Mitchell; details on arrests or injuries weren’t immediately available.

Missing Persons: Milwaukee police are asking for help locating critically missing 39-year-old Jonathan D. Smith, last seen June 6 near N. Commerce Street, described as 5’9” and 220 pounds, wearing a tan shirt and camouflage shorts and carrying a Roku remote. Historic Places: Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee have been added to the Wisconsin Historical Society’s State Register of Historic Places. Politics: President Trump abruptly walked out of an NBC “Meet the Press” interview with Kristen Welker after she pressed him on election-fraud claims and his “anti-weaponization” fund, with the exchange turning into accusations of “crooked” media. Public Safety & Health: Wisconsin lawmakers approved extra funding to help clear a waitlist for job services for Wisconsinites with disabilities. Weather Alert: Forecasters warn of a severe storm outbreak Wednesday into Wednesday night, with tornadoes, damaging hail, and strong winds possible across parts of Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. Sports: Jacob Misiorowski powered the Brewers to a 7-1 win over the Rockies, including a record-setting 103.7 mph pitch; the series continues Sunday in Denver.

Brewers’ Pitching Surge: Jacob Misiorowski lit up Coors Field with a record 103.7 mph pitch—the fastest by a starter since 2008—as Milwaukee beat the Rockies 7-1, with Brice Turang launching two of the Brewers’ five solo homers. Injury Moves: With Brian Fitzpatrick sidelined after a left UCL strain, the Brewers added reliever Joel Kuhnel from the Athletics for cash, while multiple other pitchers remain on the injured list. Milwaukee Baseball Event: American Family Field drew a sold-out crowd for Milwaukee’s first banana ball game, featuring the Party Animals vs. the Loco Beach Coconuts. Local Politics: Isaia Ben-Ami kicked off his bid for Madison’s 76th Assembly District seat, focusing on affordable housing and keeping the area’s progressive direction. Community & Sports: Wisconsin’s WIAA state tennis titles went to Brookfield East and Catholic Memorial doubles teams, and the American Family Championship at TPC Wisconsin saw Darren Clarke and Ben Crane take the early lead.

Milwaukee Crime: Police are investigating a Saturday shooting near Sherman Park that left a 21-year-old wounded; a suspect has been identified and is being sought. UW System: The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27 and elected Regent Kyle Weatherly as president, with Ashok Rai as vice president. Trump in Wisconsin (Agriculture): President Trump held a farm roundtable in Chippewa Falls, touting trade gains and promising lower fertilizer and energy costs, while farmers pressed on input prices and fair markets. Missing Persons (Milwaukee): A 2-month-old infant and a 16-year-old mother reported missing were found safe; police also previously issued alerts for other “critically missing” cases. Weather (SE Wisconsin): Expect mostly sunny, warm and sticky conditions today, with rain/storm chances returning later in the week. Sports (Brewers): Milwaukee beat Colorado 9-7 in 10 innings Friday, setting up another matchup Saturday at Coors Field.

Brewers Baseball: Milwaukee rallied late to beat the Rockies 9-7 in 10 innings at Coors Field, snapping a skid after going hitless through much of the game. Trump in Wisconsin: President Trump returned to Chippewa Falls for a farm-focused roundtable, promising lower fertilizer and energy costs while spending much of the event on Washington and the Iran conflict. Health Care & Labor: Nurses at SSM Health St. Mary’s in Madison filed for a union election, citing unsafe staffing, security concerns, and pay falling behind costs. UW System: The UW Board of Regents approved a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27, plus higher fees, marking the fourth in four years. Public Safety: Flight for Life and ThedaStar announced a merger to expand air ambulance coverage across eastern Wisconsin while keeping their brands. Weather & Travel: Milwaukee got much-needed rain, and drivers should plan for Mitchell Interchange closures June 5-8 at the airport exchange. Sports & Community: UW-Whitewater received $225,000 to build a regional Emergency Operations Center.

Education & Taxes: Madison Metropolitan School District is proposing a mostly balanced 2027 budget, but warns the “stable” plan won’t last once the 2024 operating referendum fully phases in, with property taxes projected to rise 8.3% and a possible need for another referendum by 2028. UW System: The UW Board of Regents approved a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27 and elected Regent Kyle Weatherly as president, with Ashok Rai as vice president. Milwaukee Public Safety: Milwaukee is upgrading 911 dispatch with real-time translation, improved GPS tracking, instant call transcription, and texting 911, plus a new non-emergency line. Health Watch: Milwaukee health officials are monitoring three travelers from central Africa for Ebola as a precaution, saying they’re at very low risk and there’s no public health concern. PFAS Accountability: Gov. Evers and DNR announced a major PFAS settlement with Tyco for Marinette County, including clean water requirements and an additional $10 million payment into the PFAS Trust Fund. Politics & Oversight: Wisconsin Senate leaders made a second request for records from the DOJ tied to outside influence and a DOJ hiring freeze. Community & Culture: AART launched “Feed the Change MKE” to expand healthy food access on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side with a $1 million goal.

Brewers Injury Update: Milwaukee’s bullpen took a hit in Thursday’s 12-9 loss to the Giants, with relievers DL Hall (left subscapular/pectoral pain; MRI planned) and Grant Anderson (forearm bruising after being struck) both exiting early. Local Sports & Events: The Milwaukee Brewers open a three-game set at Colorado Friday, while Madison-area readers also got a look at WIAA boys tennis state action in Madison and local youth sports coverage like USM girls lacrosse’s 17-11 win over Franklin. Health & Community: Dane County supervisors urged UW Health and Children’s Wisconsin to resume gender-affirming care for transgender youth after a pause on puberty blockers and hormones. Public Health Watch: Milwaukee Health Department is monitoring three very low-risk travelers for Ebola after recent travel, stressing no suspected cases and no public health concern. Education Costs: UW System regents approved a 2% in-state tuition increase for 2026-27, plus a 3.5% bump in segregated fees. PFAS: Wisconsin reached a $10 million settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination.

War Powers Vote: Wisconsin Republicans in the U.S. House all voted against a June 3 resolution to end the war in Iran, while Wisconsin Democrats voted yes—highlighting a sharp split ahead of the governor’s race. PFAS Cleanup: Wisconsin reached a $10 million settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination tied to its Marinette facility, with money going to the state PFAS Trust Fund for water and well replacement. Air Quality: Ozone alerts hit 21 Wisconsin counties Thursday, with unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups expected through late afternoon and evening. Milwaukee Transit: Milwaukee County leaders say MCTS is on track for a modest 2026 surplus, but warn a major structural funding gap looms in 2027. State Budget Talks: Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu says the chamber could reconvene to revive a failed $1.8B surplus/tax relief deal if two more GOP senators switch their votes. Local Life in Milwaukee: Dulce Diabla Bar is planning a new southside location, and Bay View’s Piggly Wiggly is rolling out a major renovation this weekend. Sports & UW: UW Athletics named Chris Solinsky as the new director of track and field and cross country.

Emergency Communications Upgrade: Milwaukee’s Department of Emergency Communications is rolling out Motorola Solutions’ next-gen 9-1-1 system (VESTA 911), adding better call handling, real-time info sharing, translation, and text/multimedia support for faster coordination. Courts & Immigration: A federal judge postponed sentencing for former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan and will weigh whether to overturn her obstruction conviction tied to helping an immigrant evade ICE. Housing Investment: WHEDA awarded $47.5 million in housing tax credits across 35 developments, including 10 projects in Milwaukee County, aiming to create or preserve 2,100+ affordable units. Public Safety Ordinance: Milwaukee County signed a new reckless-driving impound ordinance under its Vision Zero plan, giving deputies authority to impound vehicles used in reckless offenses. Milwaukee River Cold Case: Investigators identified a woman found dead in the Milwaukee River in 1982 as Berline Trammel using genetic genealogy. Coast Guard Reward: The Coast Guard is offering $1,000 for info after a navigational beacon was stolen from Wisconsin Point’s Superior Entry Lighthouse. Sports (Milwaukee): Logan Webb carried a no-hitter into the seventh as the Giants beat the Brewers 1-0; Victor Bericoto hit his first career homer. Weather: SE Wisconsin faces a warmer stretch with storms possible late Thursday night and Friday.

Housing Funding: Gov. Tony Evers and WHEDA announced $47.8 million in competitive Housing Tax Credits to support 35 multifamily projects across 15 counties, targeting about 5,000 Wisconsinites and 2,128 affordable units, including major Milwaukee-area awards. Ballot Access: Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Kirk Bangstad (Minocqua Brewing) fell short of Wisconsin’s signature requirement and must correct invalid nomination-paper signatures by Sunday to stay in the race. Public Safety: Wisconsin DNR is stepping up ATV/UTV enforcement this weekend as new June 1 laws take effect, including seat belt requirements for UTV occupants, with officials citing rising fatal crashes. Courts/Immigration: A federal judge heard arguments on whether to overturn former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan’s obstruction conviction tied to an ICE-related courthouse incident. Transportation: All lanes reopened on I-41 NB in Milwaukee after a crash near Silver Spring Drive. Maritime Security: The Coast Guard is offering a $1,000 reward after a navigational beacon was stolen from a lighthouse on Wisconsin Point in Superior.

UW-Madison GenEd Overhaul: UW-Madison revised general education requirements for incoming students starting Summer 2026, dropping the current university-wide ethnic studies requirement while keeping ethnic studies content under a new “Core GenEd” structure aligned with UW System Act 15. Milwaukee Politics: The Milwaukee Common Council approved hiring outside legal counsel for election-related matters after FBI interviews tied to the 2020 election. Brewers at Home: Kyle Harrison struck out 12 and Jake Bauers hit a three-run homer as Milwaukee beat the Giants 8-3, pushing the Brewers further ahead in the NL Central. Broadband Expansion: TDS Telecom began a new phase of its federally funded rural broadband build in Dane County. Public Safety: Wisconsin DNR says new ATV/UTV rules take effect June 1, including seat belt requirements for UTV riders. Animal Welfare: Another 135 beagles are set to be rescued from a Wisconsin research facility, bringing the total rescued to 1,635. Sports & Community: A Makersmiths Middle School solar team won KidWind Middle School World Solar Champions in Madison.

Governor’s race filing: Wisconsin’s crowded governor’s field is one step closer to the ballot after nomination papers were submitted ahead of the deadline, with 10 candidates total: one Republican, eight Democrats, and one independent. UW System tuition fight: Republicans are pushing back hard on a proposed 2% annual resident undergraduate tuition increase, calling out what they see as misleading testimony. Cost of living check: Wisconsin gas prices fell to about $4.08 a gallon for unleaded, according to GasBuddy. Milwaukee public safety: A Tuesday robbery led to a shooting that left one person wounded, and police are still searching for the suspect(s). Elections and accountability: A Racine County judge sentenced Harry Wait to three years probation in an election fraud and identity theft case. Milwaukee waterfront security: The Coast Guard is offering a $1,000 reward after a theft of a navigational beacon at Wisconsin Point. Sports & local culture: The Packers announced a multi-year partnership with Potawatomi Sportsbook, and the Brewers routed the Giants 16-2.

Brewers Baseball: Brice Turang snapped an 0-for-21 slump with a double and two-run triple as the Milwaukee Brewers crushed the San Francisco Giants 16-2, scoring seven in the second and winning for the sixth time in seven games. Injuries/MLB Moves: The Giants placed reliever Joel Peguero on the 60-day injured list with a left hamstring strain and called up Wilkin Ramos and Buddy Kennedy. NCAA Baseball: Auburn won the regional title game over Milwaukee 8-3, advancing to the super regional after a weather-plagued run through the losers’ bracket. Milwaukee Fire & Safety: A three-alarm fire damaged an apartment building near the Milwaukee-Glendale border, displacing residents; Lucky’s Ice House also temporarily closed after a basement fire. Local Life & Weather: Milwaukee’s pools and splash pads are set to open mid-June, while the week ahead looks mostly dry with rain chances later. LGBTQ+ in Wisconsin: A new business climate index ranks Wisconsin among the safer states for LGBTQ+ inclusion, even as some protections lag. Sports on TV: Former UW star Russell Wilson is reportedly joining the NFL on CBS studio crew.

Pride in Madison and Milwaukee: Gov. Tony Evers raised the Progress Pride Flag over the Wisconsin Capitol’s East Wing to kick off Pride Month, marking his final hoisting of the flag before retirement. Milwaukee County and Mayor Cavalier Johnson also held Pride flag-raising events, including an Intersex Progress Flag ceremony at the courthouse. Legislature shake-up: The filing deadline is reshaping Wisconsin politics, with 14 GOP lawmakers retiring— including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu—while Democrats look to flip control. Cost pressures: The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents will consider a 2% resident undergraduate tuition increase for 2026-27, plus higher segregated fees. Public safety and courts: A Milwaukee man charged in a fatal crash allegedly ran a red light and admitted he never had a license. The Wisconsin Supreme Court is also set to weigh congressional map issues. Travel incident: A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis diverted to Madison after a passenger made multiple attempts to breach the cockpit. Outdoors and community: Wisconsin DNR is accepting 2027 wildlife stamp designs, and Marathon County is seeking input on a proposed Hub City Wind Farm.

Wisconsin Sports—UW-Milwaukee Baseball: The Panthers, Wisconsin’s lone D1 team, surged from a 5-22 start to reach the NCAA regional final and now play for a Super Regional spot after knocking off top teams. NCAA Baseball: Ole Miss beat Arizona State 5-4 in 10 innings to advance to the Super Regional, setting up a matchup that could include Milwaukee. Brewers Update: Milwaukee kept rolling with a 2-0 win over Houston as Jacob Misiorowski struck out eight in seven and Jake Bauers hit a two-run homer; the Brewers open a four-game set vs. the Giants on Monday. Local Public Safety—Milwaukee Shooting: Police are investigating a nonfatal shooting that left a 14-year-old injured near Armitage and Fond du Lac. Missing Person: Milwaukee police are searching for critically missing 21-year-old Marquis J. Sims. State Politics/Schools: A Marquette Law School poll says 80% of Wisconsinites supported the failed surplus deal that would have cut property taxes and boosted school funding. Military Training: Sentry North will increase military aircraft activity over central Wisconsin June 1-12.