AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Protection: Federal changes to the Endangered Species Act could weaken protections for Midwest species like piping plovers and even affect habitat “harm” standards, raising extinction fears. Severe Weather: Sunday brings another round of rain and storms across Wisconsin, with heavy downpours and localized flooding risk—especially south of I-94—plus more storm chances into midweek. Climate Impacts in Wisconsin: Wisconsin’s tornado count has reached 46 so far in 2026, tying 2010 for the second most in a year, underscoring how active the season has been. Disaster Aid Fight: Gov. Tony Evers is appealing the Trump administration’s denial of FEMA disaster relief for storm-impacted counties, including ongoing damage concerns in Racine. Data Centers & Environment: La Crosse is moving toward an 18-month moratorium on large data center development while officials assess power, water, air quality, and neighborhood impacts. Food Costs: Wisconsin fish fry prices are rising as inflation pushes up ingredient costs, forcing some restaurants to raise menu prices.

Severe Weather Watch: Dry Saturday in Wisconsin, but storms are back Sunday with damaging winds and heavy rain that could trigger localized flooding through at least Wednesday, with the highest odds in the southern counties. Data Centers & Power/Water: La Crosse is moving toward an 18-month pause on new large data center development while officials study impacts on power use, water supply, air quality, and neighborhoods. Wildlife Health: Taras the Ukraine-rescued lion is battling blastomycosis, a rare fungal disease that can be fatal without early treatment. Energy Storage: Peak Energy selected Sacramento for the first grid-scale sodium-ion battery manufacturing plant, a major test for cheaper, safer storage at scale. Food Safety: Michigan shoppers are cleared to buy lettuce again after a cyclosporiasis outbreak, but anxiety is still depressing produce sales. Community & Outdoors: Wisconsin State Fair continues in West Allis, and local fairs/animal shows run this weekend.

Data Centers & Power Lines: Wisconsin regulators sent ATC back to the drawing board on a Port Washington data-center power line, after the PSC ordered a rewrite—neighbors say the original plan had drifted too far and would harm farms. Wildlife & Habitat: The DNR proposed an incidental take permit for the eastern ribbon snake tied to an Egg Harbor electric pole project, saying impacts won’t appreciably hurt the species. Climate & Storm Recovery: Gov. Tony Evers barred price gouging in four storm-hit counties and appealed FEMA disaster aid denials. Invasive Species Watch: Wilmington-area reports flag invasive species moving in or soon to arrive. Community Nature Wins: La Crosse is pushing to regain Bird City status. Local Food Costs: A Biron fish fry raised prices after repeated supplier increases. Science in Wisconsin Waters: UW-Superior research links muskrats’ activity to wild rice growth on the St. Louis River.

Wildlife & Energy Permits: The Wisconsin DNR proposed an incidental take permit for the endangered eastern ribbon snake tied to a White Cliff Road electric pole project in Egg Harbor, saying the work likely won’t appreciably hurt the species’ survival or recovery. Great Lakes Longevity: A new study suggests some Great Lakes fish could live for up to 400 years, with researchers pointing to long-lived populations in the region. Food Safety: Two major U.S. outbreaks—cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce and salmonella linked to jalapeños—continue to be tracked as recalled products are pulled from shelves. State Parks Spotlight: Wisconsin landed two parks in a national 2026 State Park Index ranking that scores affordability, scenery, wildlife diversity, trails, and visitor momentum. PFAS in Drinking Water: New reporting highlights “forever chemicals” in Miami-Dade tap water and the push toward stricter federal limits—an issue Wisconsin readers will recognize as PFAS regulation tightens nationwide. Data Centers & Power Lines: Wisconsin regulators ordered American Transmission Co. to restart its review for a major power line serving a Vantage data center campus, citing major route and proposal changes. Storms & Flood Risk: The Wisconsin State Fair forecast turns wetter after a dry start, with multiple days carrying rain or thunderstorm chances. Flood Mitigation in Milwaukee: Crews are working on a $6 million Honey Creek drainage project after last year’s flooding showed how clogged trash racks can worsen overflow. Community Science: The WI DNR is inviting residents to join Operation Deer Watch and the Game Bird Survey to help track deer and game bird reproduction.

Weather Watch: Friday looks mostly dry in the Twin Cities, with scattered afternoon showers and a few thunderstorms possible; stronger storms could hit east of the metro into western Wisconsin. Farm Bill Update: A newly released Senate Farm Bill proposal (“Farm Bill 2.0”) would expand Wisconsin support for dairy, specialty crops, conservation, biofuels, and rural infrastructure, plus year-round E15 sales. Recycling & Local Costs: Owosso, Michigan is weighing how to meet curbside recycling rules by 2028, with haulers warning recycling can cost about four times more than trash to process. Water & Public Health: Milwaukee Water Works cut fluoride levels in drinking water by about half due to supply chain disruptions, saying the water remains safe while supplies last 3–4 months. Pollinator Push: A Wisconsin bumblebee expert will lead a free Crystal Lake Park District event on native pollinator plants and habitat-building. Sustainability Awards: Nominations are open for the 2026 Sustainable Business Awards, with a deadline of Aug. 14.

Pollinator Push: Wisconsin bumblebee expert Judy Cardin is bringing native-plant know-how to a free Crystal Lake Park District “Pollinator Plants” event, with a talk, Q&A, and guided hike aimed at helping threatened bumblebees. Chronic Wasting Disease Watch: Minnesota confirmed CWD in a wild deer near Stillwater, about 30 miles from the nearest known cases in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, underscoring the need to report sick deer for testing. PFAS Legal Fight: California AG Rob Bonta joined an amicus brief backing a rule to phase out the toxic chemical TCE, citing serious health risks and public protection. Water Quality & Storm Impacts: Milwaukee’s sewer system recorded a combined sewer overflow after heavy rain—about 96 million gallons of untreated wastewater released into waterways and Lake Michigan—highlighting ongoing flood and infrastructure strain. Wildlife Rehab Funding: Winged Freedom Raptor Center in northwestern Wisconsin received over $12,000 to improve its hospital flooring, supporting care for injured birds of prey. Local Parks Investment: Milwaukee County Parks Foundation announced a $10 million strategic plan to boost maintenance, programming, and volunteering across county parks. Weather Alert: Southern Wisconsin is seeing fog again tonight, with more storm chances later Friday into the weekend.

PFAS in Wisconsin wells: A UW–La Crosse student research exhibit links French Island’s “forever chemicals” problem to similar PFAS impacts in Peshtigo, with surveys from hundreds of households and reports of cancer cases raising new urgency for local testing and action. Data center power-line fight: In Wisconsin Rapids, residents packed a forum to grill developers over a proposed data-center-driven transmission project, focusing on water demand, heat, noise, jobs, and the lack of identified future tenants—while opponents push for a restarted review. Water stress in the north: Xcel Energy says low rainfall and hot, dry weather are driving unusually low water levels and reduced flows at hydro facilities across parts of northern Wisconsin, affecting shorelines, boat access, and river conditions. Wildlife and safety: A new study finds pumas can reduce deer-vehicle collisions by shifting deer away from road-heavy areas—an ecosystem service angle that matters for Wisconsin drivers. Local weather watch: Expect fog early, then a warm, humid stretch with scattered storms possible Friday into the weekend.

Data Centers & Water Worries: A Beaver Dam farm family says Meta’s $1B hyperscale data center is disrupting creek flow and well water quality since construction began, with repeated dry-and-muddy swings. Grid & Power Line Fight: In Port Washington, residents are pushing the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to reconsider an ATC transmission application they say has been materially changed after being declared complete; a hearing is set for Aug. 6. Climate Grants in Court: Two federal rulings block efforts to pull back $22B in clean energy and climate justice funding, including grants tied to Madison. Wildlife Health Alert: Minnesota confirmed chronic wasting disease in a deer near Stillwater, close enough to raise concern for Wisconsin’s deer management and testing zones. Heat on the Rise: A new look at Wisconsin’s hottest Augusts since 1895 highlights how recent summers are running hotter than the past. Local Road Work: Gov. Evers signed off on resurfacing WIS 89 from Fort Atkinson to Jefferson, with a planned Aug. 10 closure and detours. Weather Watch: Southeast Wisconsin faces isolated showers at midweek, with more storm chances returning later in the week.

Great Lakes Energy Fight: The Michigan Supreme Court vacated a key Line 5 permit, saying regulators didn’t fully consider environmental harm and public trust impacts—another setback for Enbridge’s Great Lakes pipeline replacement. Wildlife Health: Chronic wasting disease was confirmed in a wild deer near Stillwater, Minnesota, with officials urging people to report sick deer as the disease response expands. Weather & Water: Milwaukee is bracing for overnight showers and thunderstorms, while Madison’s East Washington Avenue reopened after a protest-related closure; separate from that, Milwaukee beaches were reported closed due to sewer overflow. Public Health & Safety: Wisconsin’s tick risk is highlighted in Wood County, where higher Lyme rates track with more wooded habitat. Community & Access: Spectrum is expanding broadband in Lincoln County to bring faster internet to more Northwoods residents. Local Governance & Planning: Lee County supervisors are seeking expert legal help for future ordinances that could regulate data centers and other economic development projects. Wisconsin News Industry: The Wisconsin Newspaper Association rebranded as the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association.

Solar & Permitting: The Wisconsin Public Service Commission issued a preliminary green light for the 100-megawatt Sinnissippi Solar Energy project near Watertown, saying construction and operation are unlikely to cause significant environmental impacts, while noting potential noise, dust, erosion, stormwater runoff, and wildlife displacement during building. Water & Drought Impacts: Xcel Energy says unusually low water levels across northern Wisconsin lakes and rivers are forcing adjustments at hydro facilities, with exposed hazards and reduced access for boaters and paddlers. Wildlife Health: Chronic wasting disease was confirmed in a wild deer near Stillwater, Minnesota, raising concern because the detection sits about 30 miles from the nearest confirmed cases in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Energy Infrastructure Fight: Michigan’s Supreme Court vacated a key Line 5 tunnel permit, sending the environmental review back for redo—keeping the Enbridge dispute alive for Wisconsin’s Great Lakes economy and water protections. Public Health Workforce: Gov. Evers approved an emergency rule letting qualified registered nurses teach clinical courses for nursing schools to help ease Wisconsin’s nursing shortage. Weather: A cold front is bringing periods of showers and storms tonight into Wednesday, with localized flooding possible.

Great Lakes energy fight: The Bad River Ojibwe Band, the League of Women Voters, and groups like Clean Wisconsin and 350 Wisconsin sued the Wisconsin DNR over Enbridge Line 5 reroute permits at four water crossings, arguing the agency can’t approve work after a prior ruling found Enbridge ineligible. Climate whiplash in Wisconsin: A new look back at 2026’s extreme swings—record precipitation, blizzards, tornado runs, and wildfire smoke—warns these climate-driven events are hitting harder and more often, with practical prep tips for residents. Local water impacts: Grafton’s Bridge Street Dam repair is moving forward after the village board voted to solicit bids following a broken hydraulic arm that has lowered the Milwaukee River level and left mud flats. Public health watch: Wauwatosa mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus, with officials warning more cases are likely as the season peaks. Data center pressure: Wisconsin Rapids postponed a data center planning meeting after absentee voting logistics, as residents continue raising concerns about the Wisconsin River and downstream effects. Energy policy in court: A federal judge ruled Oak Park can ban natural gas appliance installations via building code, a workaround that sidesteps a federal fuel-type restriction.

Tariff Fight: Wisconsin AG Nick Brown and other attorneys general sued to block the Trump administration’s latest round of tariffs, arguing they’re unlawful and will push up prices for households and businesses. Water Security: Major Wisconsin water utilities say they weren’t hit by recent cyberattacks targeting automated operations in neighboring states, but officials stress they’re taking the threat seriously. Great Lakes Energy: A Michigan Supreme Court ruling sent the Line 5 permit back for renewed review, keeping pressure on pipeline decisions that could affect the Straits of Mackinac. Drought Watch: Northern Wisconsin is sliding into worse “severe drought” conditions, with dry grass and heightened fire risk as rain remains limited. Boating Safety: The Wisconsin DNR urged boaters to share waterways, slow down, and respect no-wake zones to protect wildlife and shorelines. Wildlife Data: The DNR opened reporting for deer and game bird sightings so it can track populations and improve management. Public Health & Mobility: UW Health reports a sharp rise in injuries among kids using e-bikes and e-scooters, calling for safer riding. Local Climate Politics: Wisconsin Rapids residents protested a proposed data center tied to Eric Adams, arguing for more community control over water, power, and impacts.

Public Health: Rhode Island raised its West Nile virus risk level to high after finding the virus in 2026 mosquito samples, urging residents to protect themselves from bites. Weather & Climate: Southeast Wisconsin is still digging out from a week of heavy rain after a July “heat dome” pattern kept storms away, then broke and let multiple systems dump moisture; forecasters also warn of renewed storms and locally heavy rainfall midweek. Water Quality: A Southern Wisconsin “Liquid Assets Beach Party” raised funds for the Clean Lakes Alliance, targeting phosphorus reductions to curb algae and protect local lakes. Wildlife & Outdoors: The Wisconsin DNR is recruiting community scientists for deer and game bird surveys, using public sightings to track reproduction and support management decisions. Data Centers & Environment: A Wisconsin candidate backed a one-year moratorium on new AI data centers, calling for stronger rules on transparency, environmental safety, and community benefits. Recovery: Menasha tornado cleanup hit new milestones, with curbside trash pickup and recycling resuming on schedule.

Wildlife & Hunting: The Wisconsin DNR is recruiting “community scientists” for statewide deer and game bird surveys, using Survey123 to collect age/sex/location counts (deer due Sept. 30; game bird broods due Aug. 31) to guide management decisions. Native Plants in Milwaukee: Milwaukee’s native plant scene is expanding fast, with new community gardens and nurseries pushing habitat and pollinator benefits, including Pretty Wild Nursery in Riverwest. Great Lakes Energy Watch: Michigan’s Supreme Court ordered regulators to redo parts of the Line 5 tunnel review, saying environmental and public trust issues weren’t fully examined—another delay for the Great Lakes project. Aurora Alert: Northern lights may be visible Sunday night into Monday across parts of northern-tier states including Wisconsin, with NOAA forecasting a Kp index around four. Weather: Southern Wisconsin stays dry and mild through Tuesday, then showers and storms become more likely midweek. Public Safety: Madison plans to tow vehicles blocking streets near the Corey Ruiz memorial encampment, as the city seeks to reopen an intersection. Water & Fish Research: USFWS and partners are implanting coded wire tags in salmon and trout to track survival and movements in the Great Lakes.

AI Data Centers Backlash: A new national wave of opposition is hardening against AI data centers, with 70% of Americans saying they oppose building them locally over water, power, and noise concerns. Great Lakes Wildlife: A study suggests Great Lakes lake sturgeon may live far longer than previously thought, with researchers estimating extreme lifespans for males and females. Severe Weather & Recovery: After an EF-3 tornado hit the Fox Cities, residents in Neenah and beyond are assessing major damage and wildlife impacts as cleanup continues. Dam Debate: A Wisconsin community is weighing whether to remove an aging dam instead of rushing repairs, arguing outdated dams harm rivers and fish passage. Water Safety: Weekend conditions include onshore winds and high swim-risk waves along the lakefront, urging people to stay out of the water. Local Governance & Public Space: Madison leaders are calling for a “respectful transition” of the Williamson/Baldwin memorial and protest area after a police shooting, emphasizing safety and long-term community planning. Community Health Access: Verona hosts a free Remote Area Medical pop-up clinic, highlighting ongoing affordability gaps for dental and vision care.

Great Lakes Wildlife: A new study using decades of tagged fish data suggests male lake sturgeon could live up to 279 years and females up to 427, far longer than earlier estimates—good news for Wisconsin’s conservation focus on long-lived species. Severe Weather & Water Safety: Rain is tapering in southern Wisconsin, but officials warn that onshore winds can create dangerous swimming conditions along the lakefront through the weekend. DNR Community Science: The DNR is inviting Wisconsinites to help track deer and game birds through Operation Deer Watch and the Game Bird Survey using a mobile app. Storm Repair Consumer Alerts: DATCP is urging homeowners to avoid “storm chaser” contractors after tornado and hail damage, stressing written contracts, documentation, and following Wisconsin rules on insurance and deductible handling. Energy & Waterway Protection: The Michigan Supreme Court ordered regulators to revisit a permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac, raising fresh concerns about environmental impacts to the Great Lakes. Wolf Safety for Pets: Wisconsin wildlife officials say wolves killed two hunting dogs recently and are urging extra caution in high-risk areas during summer training and hunting.