AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather & Heat: As the heat dome breaks down, southern Wisconsin is shifting from extreme heat to storm threats, with Thursday night storms bringing damaging winds and heavy rain and more rounds possible into the Fourth of July weekend. Aurora Watch: NOAA says geomagnetic storm conditions could spark Northern Lights visible in up to 26 states overnight July 3–4, with the best odds near the Canadian border, including northern Wisconsin. Public Health: Madison-area officials linked a spike in opioid overdoses to extreme heat conditions, warning that heat can worsen drug effects and dehydration risk. Water & Wildlife: The DNR is investigating multiple dead-bird reports on Milwaukee’s north side, collecting carcasses for necropsy as results are pending. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved Individual Assistance for Rock County after April storms, and disaster relief applications are now open for multiple Wisconsin counties. Pollution Cleanup: EPA proposed a long-term plan to control and monitor contamination at the former WPS site in Green Bay, with public comments due July 31. Policy/Environment: A Bayfield County judge upheld DNR-issued Line 5 relocation permits, allowing most construction to continue while a few waterway crossings await final permits.

Severe Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for all of southeast Wisconsin until 10 p.m., with storms expected 6–10 p.m. and wind the main threat, as an extreme heat warning lingers. Flooding & Rain Impacts: Heavy rain has flooded roads in Vernon County, with multiple closures reported after several inches fell in spots. Wildlife Updates: A Madison peregrine falcon (Monarch) fractured a left leg while learning to fly and needs emergency surgery and rehab; meanwhile, Wisconsin ruffed grouse drumming counts dropped 12% in 2026 across three priority zones. Habitat Management: The DNR is drawing down Collins Marsh Wildlife Area by draining the main waterbody to improve wetland habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds. Outdoor Safety: With tick season expected to be worse, health officials warn of rising tick-bite ER visits and urge prevention as Lyme and other tick-borne risks grow. Heat & Power Reality: A look at how extreme heat strains Wisconsin’s power system and utilities while people try to stay cool.

Severe Weather Watch: Another round of strong to severe storms is expected tonight into the overnight, with damaging winds, large hail, heavy rain, and an isolated tornado possible; a Flood Watch is in play in parts of northeast Wisconsin as heat and humidity linger. Extreme Heat Safety: Milwaukee and much of the Midwest remain under heat alerts, with heat index values pushing into the low 100s before a partial break over the holiday weekend. Great Lakes Pollution Risk: Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute work spilled about 1,500–1,900 gallons of drilling fluid into a forested wetland near the Bad River area, with small amounts reaching Vaughn Creek; regulators say they verified reported volumes and Enbridge is working to remove the material. PFAS & Water Protections: The DNR issued a new PFAS monitoring general permit for sewage sludge (biosolids) generators, requiring PFAS monitoring and reporting under a new state law. Wildlife & Community Science: The DNR is inviting residents to take part in a Game Bird Survey (wild turkey, ruffed grouse, pheasants) from July 1 through Aug. 31 to help track reproduction. Local Environment & Recreation: Milwaukee County beaches list strict “don’t bring” rules for glass, alcohol, fires, fireworks, and large tents/canopies—aimed at keeping shorelines safer during peak summer.

Flood Recovery Fight: Gov. Tony Evers says the Trump administration denied Wisconsin’s Public Assistance application after severe storms and flooding, leaving Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties facing over $26.5 million in disaster costs—Evers plans to appeal. Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service flagged an enhanced risk for damaging storms across western Wisconsin Wednesday, with damaging winds, large hail, possible tornadoes and flash flooding. Heat Threat to People and Livestock: Extreme heat warnings continue across the state, with guidance on cooling centers and heat stress risks for cattle gains. Farm Disease Pressure: UW-Madison extension warns steamy conditions are raising crop disease risk in corn and soybeans, urging scouting for tar spot, grey leaf spot, white mold and more. PFAS Oversight: Wisconsin DNR issued a new general permit requiring PFAS monitoring for sewage sludge (biosolids) generators. Enbridge Line 5 Spill: Regulators detailed a drilling-fluid release into a forested wetland during the Line 5 reroute, with opponents citing it as a permitting concern. Community Outdoors: River Falls and Hudson keep summer traditions alive with free weekly bandshell concerts. Wildlife Note: American white pelicans are returning to Wisconsin’s waterways and wetlands, signaling seasonal wildlife activity.

Extreme Heat & Storm Risk: A heat warning for southern and central Wisconsin was extended to Wednesday evening, with heat index values near 105 and only limited overnight relief, while forecasters flag periodic thunderstorms over the holiday stretch. Federal Disaster Aid: President Trump announced $22.6 million in Wisconsin disaster relief for April severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, though Gov. Evers’ office says it hasn’t received formal details yet. Wildlife & Ecosystems: Seeley Lake dam removal is underway as part of a broader restoration plan aimed at improving habitat and water flow. Conservation Funding: Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson stewardship program funding is ending after 30 years, raising questions about what happens next for parks, working forests and wildlife projects. Public Health: Chronic wasting disease is spreading across Wisconsin deer herds, with infected deer reported in 55 of 72 counties. Food Industry Accountability: Egg producers agreed to a $3.3M settlement and will donate 53 million eggs after allegations of price-fixing. Energy Planning: The Public Service Commission authorized a draft Strategic Energy Assessment for public comment, outlining Wisconsin’s electricity goals and future supply needs.

Air Pollution Fight: Wisconsin AG Raoul led 17 attorneys general opposing EPA’s plan to let major polluters start construction without a New Source Review permit, warning it would cut public input and weaken Clean Air Act protections. Climate Planning: Wisconsin released its first statewide Emissions Reduction Roadmap, laying out actions across agriculture, buildings, energy, industry, natural lands, transportation, and waste. Drinking Water Concern: EPA’s draft drinking-water monitoring plan for 2028-2030 omits microplastics, drawing backlash from governors and dozens of groups. PFAS Update: Testing in Tampa found a treatment system removing about 30% of PFAS, adding momentum to “forever chemical” cleanup efforts. Extreme Heat Response: Milwaukee is distributing free A/C units to seniors and urging safety as heat advisories continue. Local Power Debate: Milwaukee Ald. Alex Brower defended a plan to explore a city-owned utility to improve affordability and reliability. Invasive Species: The Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz kicks off to stop aquatic hitchhikers. Heat-Related Safety: Wisconsin reports rising off-road ATV/UTV crash deaths, with alcohol often involved. Data Center Tension: Milwaukee’s Plan Commission delayed a Midtown redevelopment vote amid concerns about energy and water impacts.

Extreme Heat & Air Quality: A heat dome is pushing Milwaukee and much of Wisconsin into dangerous conditions, with an extreme heat warning running through Wednesday evening and heat index values near 107; at the same time, several lakeshore counties face an ozone air quality advisory (orange/“Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”), urging shorter, less intense outdoor time. Cooling Help in Milwaukee: Families are using splash pads and pools to beat the heat, while city officials warn against unsafe DIY cooling like opening fire hydrants—Milwaukee Water Works shut down an unauthorized hydrant spray after kids cooled off. Milwaukee Drone Show: Milwaukee’s July 3 drone show returns at McKinley Beach (9:15 p.m.), replacing fireworks and drawing attention to safer, lower-impact summer celebrations. Two Rivers Redevelopment: Two Rivers cleared a key PFOS soil-testing hurdle on the former Hamilton property, moving the city closer to redevelopment. Invasive Species Prevention: State partners kick off the Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz, reminding boaters to inspect and clean gear before launching. Local Health Planning: Marathon County health officials urge residents to seek cooling centers and watch for heat illness signs as the hottest stretch hits.

Extreme Heat & Public Safety: Wisconsin is under multiple heat advisories and warnings, with heat indexes pushing near 106–107°F in parts of the state and little overnight relief; officials are urging hydration, limiting outdoor work, and using cooling centers. Utility Protections: The Public Service Commission says utilities can’t disconnect power to occupied homes during NWS heat warnings, and must make reasonable reconnection attempts for nonpayment when health or life is at risk. Cooling Centers: Communities across south-central Wisconsin are opening libraries and community sites as “beat the heat” locations during the First Alert Days. Conservation Funding: Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin warns the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program faces an imminent funding cliff, with the program set to expire June 30. Water & Wildlife: A UW-Eau Claire groundwater workshop is equipping educators with hands-on models to teach how groundwater moves; meanwhile, Wisconsin DNR is urging hunters to avoid baiting deer to help stop CWD spread. Lake Incident: A 67-year-old Prentice man died after drowning in Worcester Lake during a missing-person search. Data Centers & Climate Risk: A new report highlights how severe weather and extreme heat are increasingly threatening AI data centers and the power grid that supports them.

Extreme Heat Alert: Wisconsin is bracing for a dangerous, prolonged heat wave starting Monday, with National Weather Service Extreme Heat Warnings and heat indexes topping 100°F across much of the state; Milwaukee and inland areas face the worst overnight relief, and officials are urging hydration, cooling breaks, and checking on neighbors. Invasive Species Watch: The Wisconsin DNR is joining the Great Lakes Landing Blitz (June 29–July 12) to help boaters and anglers stop aquatic invaders from spreading—inspect gear, remove plants, and drain water. Wildlife Health: The DNR is also warning hunters to avoid baiting deer to help curb chronic wasting disease, noting prions can persist in the environment. Great Lakes Ecosystem: Scientists report proof that the invasive bloody red shrimp is now established in all five Great Lakes, with new sampling in Lake Superior. Local Land-Use Fight: A Polk County lawsuit over local control of large livestock farms is reviving the debate, as towns weigh CAFO rules against state and industry pushback. Energy & Environment: Environmental groups are pressing for public comment on a proposed Darien gas plant tied to growing power demand from major data center expansion.

Extreme Heat Watch/Warning: Southeast Wisconsin is bracing for a workweek heat wave. The National Weather Service upgraded conditions to an Extreme Heat Warning Monday afternoon through early Tuesday, with heat indices near 105°F and muggy nights—Milwaukee officials are urging residents to limit time outside, hydrate, and use air conditioning when possible. Food Assistance Disruptions: Wisconsin will let FoodShare recipients replace spoiled food after outages, but advocates say the process is hard to navigate, especially for people without easy access to printers or transportation. Lead Poisoning & Housing: A Milwaukee story highlights how families in poorly maintained rentals struggle to get lead hazards addressed, with children facing developmental harm and tenants facing barriers to securing safer housing. PFAS/Water Safety Push: Wisconsin residents are fighting to earmark $10M from a PFAS settlement for safe water and blood testing. Energy & Environment: A letter argues DNR-approved permits for the Line 5 relocation should move forward despite threats of lawsuits, warning delays could raise fuel prices. Wildlife Update: A rare Dane County bald eagle nest with four eaglets is documented as a sign of a healthier local environment.

Heat & Health: A dangerous heat wave is set to hit Wisconsin Monday through Thursday, with heat index values often topping 100°F and little overnight relief—meteorologists are watching for an Extreme Heat Warning, and Milwaukee cooling centers are expanding services ahead of the surge. PFAS & Public Health: Marinette County residents are pushing Wisconsin officials to move quickly on a $10M PFAS settlement, arguing it should prioritize safe drinking water and household testing. AI Power & Rural Backlash: A new study says rural communities across the U.S. are worried about the hidden costs of AI data centers—especially electricity bills, water strain, and loss of farmland—fueling pushback as tech expands. Data Centers in Wisconsin: Microsoft says its Fairwater AI campus in Mount Pleasant is fully operational, underscoring the state’s growing role in energy-hungry computing. Wildlife & Outdoor Access: DNR’s annual Free Fun Weekend waives state park fees and fishing licenses, while elk hunting applications for 2026 are open through May 31. Community & Conservation: Kohler-Andrae State Park is rolling out family nature programs, and Wisconsin’s state natural areas program marks 75 years of protecting rare landscapes.

E15 Push: The White House is urging Congress to make year-round sales of higher-ethanol E15 permanent, a move Wisconsin lawmakers say could boost demand for corn-based biofuel. Extreme Heat Alert: Multiple outlets warn an “ALERT DAY” stretch is coming Monday through Thursday, with highs in the 90s and heat index readings around 100–110°F, plus storm chances later in the week. Wildlife Update: Wisconsin’s wolf population is estimated at 1,162 wolves in about 321 packs, a slight drop for the second straight year, as DNR continues its long-running tracking program. Water Quality Concern: Residents near Lake Monona report blue-green algae showing up more often, with weather patterns like rain followed by still sunny days helping blooms grow. Public Input on Drinking Water: The DNR is seeking comments on Arlington’s Safe Drinking Water Loan project, including watermain replacements on Ellickson Street. Outdoor Safety: A 72-year-old man drowned in Lake Petenwell while trying to rescue an injured bald eagle. Community Nature Moment: Milwaukee’s Mitchell Park Domes says the rare corpse flower “Penelope” is blooming and will be open for about 24–48 hours. Lake Recreation Debate: Some anglers praise forward-facing sonar, while others worry it’s changing fishing culture and how people interact with fish.

Data Center Moratorium Push: More than 230 U.S. groups are urging Wisconsin to pause new data centers, warning about massive electricity and water use, higher utility costs, and added air pollution tied to fossil-fuel power. Flood Risk Watch: Rock County is back in the spotlight as Monday brings another round of heavy rain, with flash flooding and lightning possible after a spring already marked by damaging inundation. Endangered Wildlife on the Move: The DNR says Peace Trail paving along the Rock River could disrupt confirmed habitat for the rare ornate box turtle, with potential incidental loss during construction. Milwaukee Heat Ahead: Milwaukee is preparing for its first major summer heat wave, with high temperatures and humidity expected to drive up demand for cooling and maintenance. Forest Management Input: Wisconsin residents have until Dec. 7 to comment on a North Central Forest master plan covering 9,500 square miles, including trout protections, trail expansions, and habitat-focused forest management. River Cleanup via Art: New mosaics on Milwaukee’s Beerline Trail highlight restoration work aimed at removing toxic sediment and bringing back native plants and wildlife. Wildlife Survey Update: DNR released 2026 spring ruffed grouse and pheasant survey results, showing pheasant observations above the 5-year average and grouse drumming down 11% from last year.

Heat & Drought Watch: Milwaukee is bracing for a heatwave next week, with heat index values that could top 100 as a heat dome lingers and storms return midweek; meanwhile, parts of southern and central Wisconsin are still dealing with drought stress, and weekend rain offered only partial relief. Pollinators Under Pressure: Local beekeepers and farmers say wild bees are declining in Wisconsin, tied to climate change and parasites, raising concerns for pollination and food crops. Wolf Policy Fight: The U.S. House voted to strip gray wolves in the lower 48 of Endangered Species Act protections, a move that could reshape how Wisconsin and other states manage wolf populations. PFAS & Water Cleanup: Wisconsin DOJ announced settlements tied to PFAS contamination and hazardous substance violations, including a $275,000 Enbridge-related resolution and an Eau Claire-area pollution settlement. Outdoor & Community Resilience: The DNR continues work on invasive species in Lake Superior, while local stories highlight how Wisconsinites are adapting—through backyard chickens/bees rules in Milton and drought-aware farming efforts.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Green Bay is still recovering after torrential rain and heavy hail turned streets into rivers, with dozens of weather-related calls and many roads submerged. Public Safety: Wisconsin State Patrol will run aerial traffic enforcement through the weekend to spot speeding and aggressive driving. Energy Governance: Milwaukee held its first hearing on whether the city could replace We Energies with a publicly owned utility—an idea that faces big cost and legal questions. Water Quality & Recreation: Milwaukee joined the Swimmable Cities coalition, pushing to make urban rivers cleaner and accessible for swimming. Wildlife Update: The DNR estimates Wisconsin has about 1,162 gray wolves in 321 packs, a slight decline. Pollution Accountability: Wisconsin DOJ reached a $275,000 settlement with Enbridge over a 2019 Jefferson County hazardous spill tied to a pipeline valve failure and late reporting. Community Impact: Marathon County residents challenged a proposed Hub City Wind Farm over farmland use and property values. Health & Climate Risk: Heat and humidity are building for next week, with heat index values forecast above 100 in parts of the region. Childcare Stability: Wisconsin’s childcare bridge program ends June 30, and the state warns about 25% of providers could close without it. Data Centers & Air: A new report highlights how AI data centers could worsen air pollution—an asthma trigger—raising concern for Milwaukee and Madison.

Wildlife Decline: Kirtland’s warblers are dropping fast as fire suppression and habitat loss shrink the young jack pine stands they need, with Wisconsin and Michigan among the key nesting areas. Weather & Public Safety: Forecasts point to a cooler, calmer stretch before dangerous heat and humidity return next week, while the State Patrol plans aerial enforcement in multiple counties this weekend. Infrastructure & Climate Impacts: Milwaukee DPW says pothole calls are at an all-time high, driven by freeze-thaw swings and storm flooding. Clean Air in Milwaukee: A north-side mural uses zeolite-based paint to trap pollutants and includes a sensor that alerts officials when air quality worsens. Agriculture & Soil Health: Wisconsin has detected red crown rot in soybeans, a soilborne fungus that can stunt plants and cut yields. Data Centers & Energy: Oracle is suing Wisconsin regulators over data center financing rules, as debates grow over costs, water use, and community impacts. Health Watch: CDC warns backyard poultry can spread Salmonella, especially to kids under 5.