AGP Executive Report

Police accountability & privacy: Madison’s Corey Ruiz shooting has reignited debate over body-worn cameras, with Ruiz’s family calling for officers to be equipped; the city remains the only large Wisconsin market without them. Alzheimer’s diagnostics: A new study finds two blood tests can detect Alzheimer’s pathology in people with Down syndrome, a group often excluded from testing advances. Campaign finance scrutiny: Complaints filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission allege Mandela Barnes’ campaign and a related PAC violated state rules on registering and reporting. PFAS cleanup: The Wisconsin DNR is sampling soil at 150 sites statewide to map “forever chemical” contamination. AI & quantum progress: A coalition including UW-Madison helped publish a neutral-atom quantum roadmap with milestones aimed at useful, classically hard-to-match computing. Local tech workforce: UW-Green Bay is launching a reduced-credit accelerated computer science bachelor’s option to meet employer demand sooner. Data center ripple effects: Rock County townships are weighing data center moratoriums as developers pursue large projects. Education & STEM pipeline: Launch Wisconsin’s semifinal round adds 52 startups, spanning health, deep tech, and AI. Transit impacts: Milwaukee County Transit System proposes a 25% bus service reduction starting in 2027.

AI for good in Milwaukee: A free summer camp helped 15 teens build apps using AI tools to tackle local issues like literacy and mental health. Industrial AI in Wisconsin: Rockwell Automation and Augury are partnering to connect machine-health insights to maintenance execution, aiming to improve reliability and performance. Crypto policy in Madison: Sen. Dora Drake was appointed to a Wisconsin Legislative Council study committee on cryptocurrency staking, with a focus on consumer protection and possible new rules. Community science: Wisconsin DNR opened its Game Bird Survey through Aug. 31, inviting residents to submit sightings via an app to track turkey, grouse, and pheasant reproduction. Data centers & local pushback: Menomonie and other Wisconsin communities continue weighing data-center ordinances and moratoriums as electricity and water concerns grow. Public safety tech debate: Coverage highlights renewed scrutiny of Flock-style surveillance cameras and what data is collected and how it’s used. Weather alert: Lake Michigan beaches across Wisconsin and nearby states face dangerous waves and rip currents today.

Data Centers & Local Power: Rock County townships are weighing data center moratoriums as hyperscale projects like “Project Cornmaze” push into farmland, with Janesville considering next steps after a public hearing. State Politics & Tech Policy: Milwaukee is set to pursue a data center moratorium, while a Marquette Law poll shows voters increasingly think data center costs outweigh benefits. Nuclear Regulation: The NRC proposes dropping the long-used ALARA radiation safety principle, sparking debate over how facilities would manage exposure under a new “graded” approach. Wisconsin Research & STEM: Students from across UW schools gathered for the WiSys SPARK Symposium to present research, including work tied to dementia and other real-world challenges. Aviation in Wisconsin: EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh drew about 730,000 attendees and set an attendance record, with electric aircraft and safety awards in the spotlight. Environment & Public Health: Green Lake is rolling out a weekly beach status map for blue-green algae and E. coli monitoring. Community Science & Culture: A Menominee cookbook project is collecting recipes and stories to preserve food heritage.

Data Centers & Water Deals: Wisconsin communities are being urged to negotiate “from strength” with data center developers using enforceable contracts—property value guarantees, noise and traffic limits, and taxpayer protections—rather than vague promises. Surveillance Tech Backlash: Milwaukee’s use of Flock license-plate reader cameras is again in the spotlight, with critics arguing the tech enables warrantless “pattern of life” tracking and calling for bans. Nuclear Safety Policy: The NRC is proposing to drop the ALARA principle that keeps radiation exposure “as low as reasonably achievable,” shifting to a graded approach while keeping dose limits. Public Safety & Accountability: A Madison fatal police shooting has renewed demands for body cameras, after cellphone footage surfaced and officers reportedly lacked body-worn cameras. Health & Research: A Wisconsin facility’s beagles used in research are getting a second chance after a promised shutdown and release to rescues. Local Tech/Science: UW chemists report a new way around a long-standing limitation in electron transfer selectivity. Weather & Risk: A heat dome pushed triple-digit temperatures across much of the central U.S., raising heat-stress concerns.

AI & Sports: Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman says he’s using AI for recruiting, opponent review, and self-evaluation as football leans harder into data-driven prep. Data Centers & Policy: Milwaukee candidates field questions on how they’ll handle Wisconsin’s data-center boom as public opinion turns more negative on costs and benefits. Local Water & Health: Racine residents report musty-smelling, odd-tasting tap water; city officials link it to warmer Lake Michigan conditions and say treatment upgrades are in the works. Outdoor Life: Wisconsin DNR released fall 2026-spring 2027 hunting regulations plus forecasts, with an online version featuring easier navigation. Community Science: Green Lake’s new weekly beach status map will track blue-green algae and E. coli to guide safe swimming decisions. STEM Workforce: UWRF student Stephanie Garcia Villagomez is building business-tech experience through a Metropolitan Council internship. Aviation History: A recovered WWII P-38 “Marge” wingtip tied to Richard Bong is unveiled in Wisconsin after returning from Papua New Guinea.

Data Centers & AI Policy: Wisconsin governor candidates are locked in over how to regulate data centers and AI—multiple Democrats back moratoriums or tighter rules, while others argue for a clear framework plus transparency and limits on tax breaks and non-disclosure deals. Privacy & Surveillance: Madison’s police shooting of Corey Ruiz reignited debate over body cameras, while a separate report highlights how school bus stop-arm cameras could evolve into a mobile license-plate surveillance network. Chemistry & Research: UW–Madison chemists report a new approach to electron transfer selectivity that could unlock harder-to-make molecular couplings. Biotech & Health: A study describes the discovery of a fourth transmissible cancer type, and Vector Science & Therapeutics (Wisconsin-linked) moves forward as a public company with peptide manufacturing plans and an FDA 510(k) update. Agriculture Tech: AgrAbility of Wisconsin continues helping farmers with disabilities stay in the field, including cases using lifts and adaptive equipment. Environment & Energy: Wisconsin’s clean energy market is growing, and Wisconsin Policy Forum flags record OWI prison levels tied to tougher penalties. Community & Workforce: Gov. Evers announced Wisconsin’s veteran employment services ranking top five nationally for a third straight year.

Data Center & AI Policy Clash: Wisconsin governor candidates are lining up on data centers and AI, with Kelda Roys, Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, Francesca Hong, and David Crowley all backing stronger rules and transparency, including limits on tax subsidies and bans on non-disclosure agreements—while Roys and Barnes push for moratorium-style pauses until safeguards are in place. Local Governance: Milwaukee is moving toward a data center moratorium as city leaders try to catch up with a fast-moving buildout. Public Safety Tech: A Wisconsin case highlights how geofence and connected-camera tools are shaping investigations, while privacy concerns keep sparking debate. Health & Research: A Wisconsin lawmaker blasted abrupt cancellation of $94M in health research funding, threatening clinical trials and scientist training. Biotech Breakthrough: Researchers report the fourth transmissible cancer type—contagious melanoma in fish—adding a major new chapter to cancer science. STEM & Workforce: Wisconsin again ranks top five for veteran employment services, and a new podiatrist joins a local medical team after residency training in La Crosse. Energy & Aviation: An electric aircraft stop in Erie points to charging infrastructure growth for electric flight.

Aviation Tech (Wisconsin): The FAA is trialing “Mobile Clearance” at Appleton (KATW) so pilots can request and receive IFR departure clearances inside ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot, aiming to cut radio congestion and readback mistakes. Public Safety & Tech Policy (Madison): Madison’s fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz is again fueling debate after officials said body-worn camera footage won’t be part of the case because the department doesn’t require cameras; protesters are demanding answers while a state DOJ probe continues. Climate Regulation (Wisconsin): Wisconsin DOJ joined a multistate lawsuit challenging an EPA rollback that would delay HFC phaseout deadlines, arguing it weakens the AIM Act’s planned emissions cuts. Health Research (Wisconsin): Marshfield Clinic Research Institute’s Tick Inventory via Citizen Science is asking residents to submit ticks during peak season to map local tick activity and better target prevention. Energy & Industry (Data centers): Trump expanded the “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” to cover 80% of U.S. power delivered where data centers are built, while critics question whether it will truly lower bills. STEM Education (UW System): UW-Green Bay will launch the first reduced-credit bachelor’s degree in computer science, letting students finish in about 3.5 years. Biotech/Genetics (23andMe): Wisconsin’s neighbors in the AG community moved toward a multistate settlement with 23andMe over a 2023 genetic data breach.

Immigration & Civil Rights: DOJ sued Milwaukee over its ordinance barring law enforcement from wearing masks, arguing it unlawfully targets federal officers. Public Safety Tech & Privacy: Wisconsin’s Flock camera debate keeps heating up as officials weigh surveillance value against privacy concerns. Police Accountability: Madison remains the only major Wisconsin city without body cameras, fueling renewed scrutiny after a fatal knife-related shooting and protests. Health & Research: UW-Green Bay launched a reduced-credit bachelor’s in computer science starting fall 2026, while Wisconsin patients also highlight medical innovation—from an awake kidney transplant case to dementia communication tips from UW Alzheimer’s experts. Climate & Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to drive dangerous air alerts across the Midwest, with health impacts and cross-border accountability questions. STEM & Education: UW-Madison Extension set a nitrogen and soil management field day for Aug. 5, and UW research continues pushing next-gen computing and data infrastructure. Wildlife & Environment: DNR says baby bats are taking flight—plus new invasive vine warnings and ongoing aquatic invasive species control work.

NSF Data Infrastructure for AI-Driven Science: The National Science Foundation announced $83M to build integrated data systems and services so researchers can make scientific data more usable for AI, alongside the Genesis Mission push for large-scale discovery. PFAS Water Crisis in Wisconsin: A rural Wisconsin community story spotlights how PFAS contamination in private wells has left residents in Stella grappling with health fears, property concerns, and demands for regular testing and accountability. Health & Tech in Wisconsin: Wisconsin reports a sharp rise in lone star ticks tied to alpha-gal syndrome, as tick activity starts early and more residents submit ticks for identification. DNR Hunting Regulations Go Online: Wisconsin’s DNR released its fall-through-spring hunting regulations in a new online format with easier navigation and fall forecasts. Local Tech & Business: Forward Fest in Madison will include patenting help for Wisconsin entrepreneurs, while Znode touts 11 ecommerce awards for its B2B platform. Agriculture Innovation: A Spooner pasture walk highlights silvopasture practices and UW-Extension research on grazing and drought management.

AI & Education in Wisconsin: Bridges 2026 spotlights how “AI agents” are moving from demos to real classroom and campus workflows, with the big debate being how much autonomy and data access schools will allow. Public Safety Tech Debate: Newburgh residents again push to end the city’s Flock Safety camera contract, citing privacy and possible misuse concerns tied to federal immigration enforcement. Courts Go Digital: The Wisconsin Court System is testing an online portal for domestic abuse restraining order filings in eight counties, aiming to make the process clearer and more accessible for survivors. Health Tech & Aging: A new free program brings one-on-one digital support to seniors and adults with disabilities in Elkhorn, pairing residents with personalized help on phones, tablets, and accessibility tools. Water & Wildlife: DNR and GLIFWC biologists explain why walleye are declining in parts of Northern Wisconsin, pointing to habitat loss and warmer-water fish shifts. Cybersecurity for Schools: Southern Door County schools are boosting online safety after a phishing theft case, adding training and stronger email protections. Research & Training: UW–Stout’s NSF-funded LAKES REU brings undergrads to Menomonie to study sustainability through hands-on water and land-use research. Energy Resilience: Wisconsin solar installers say battery demand is rising as more customers plan for grid outages, not just long-term off-grid living. Agriculture Policy: A federal court ruling limits USDA’s ability to cancel grants just because priorities changed, affecting stability for multi-year ag research and conservation projects.

AI & Data Centers: Oracle’s AI push is colliding with cash and power costs, while Wisconsin regulators weigh a $7B-style guarantee tied to a nearly 1-gigawatt Port Washington data center tied to an OpenAI contract. Agriculture & Climate: Wisconsin corn is at a critical stage as hot, dry weather stresses fields during pollination, with wildfire smoke adding another hit to crop conditions. State Policy & Environment: The Wisconsin DNR released fall 2026–spring 2027 hunting regulations plus forecasts, including public land access and registration reminders. Local Tech & Privacy: A Flock Safety camera rollout sparks transparency backlash in Chetek, with residents questioning how the deal was approved and what oversight should look like. Aerospace Manufacturing: AIRO Group’s Phoenix facility (consolidating avionics and drone work) earned AS9100D certification, signaling a quality push for unmanned and aviation customers. Cybersecurity for Schools: A new K-12-focused email threat tool targets phishing failures caused by lack of context, not just detection. Education & STEM: UW–Madison and UW–La Crosse recognize local students on dean’s lists and spring graduations, while a UW–Madison Extension manure composting field day brings practical soil-health training to Lancaster.

Wisconsin Politics & Elections: The Wisconsin Elections Commission is warning voters that betting on election outcomes can disqualify them from voting in that same election, raising legal stakes for prediction-market users. Public Safety Tech: Fitchburg police are exploring a Real-Time Information Center with data analytics and drone first responders to stretch limited staffing while improving situational awareness. Clean Air & Courts: Wisconsin DOJ won a ruling forcing EPA to move forward with stronger fine-particle (“soot”) air standards, a health-focused win after a coalition challenge. Data Centers & Local Control: Beloit residents packed a meeting over a proposed hyperscale data center, with officials tabling a reimbursement decision after intense public pushback. UW & STEM Growth: UW–Eau Claire is renaming and upgrading its science space to the Riverside Science Center, aiming for more interactive learning. Food & Health: A cyclospora-linked iceberg lettuce recall continues to expand across 27 states, including Wisconsin, after a false-positive testing issue. Aviation Innovation: EAA AirVenture highlighted electric aircraft and drone tech, including crop-spraying drones and progress toward certification.

Foodborne Health Watch: Health officials say clinicians should test symptomatic patients for Cyclospora cayetanensis as the outbreak tracing continues, with case counts reported as far higher than last year. Invasive Species Alert: Wild parsnip—now widespread across Wisconsin—keeps expanding as a serious pest, with its toxic sap posing skin-burn risks. Defense & Manufacturing: CSG’s Firecrest Aerospace plans serial production in Stevens Point for drone and unmanned-system jet engines, with assembly starting soon and full-scale output targeted for 2027. Payments & Fintech: Fiserv will embed banking and payments into Datavault AI marketplaces, including its NIL Exchange, bringing financial services directly into digital commerce. STEM Education: UW–Madison’s METAL Bootcamp is training students and Ph.D. participants in casting and forging skills to help close Wisconsin’s metals workforce gap. Weather & Space: NOAA forecasts a moderate geomagnetic storm that could push northern lights visibility into parts of Wisconsin tonight. Agriculture & Careers: UW–Madison’s Badger Dairy Camp returns, giving teens hands-on dairy industry exposure and lab visits.

K-12 & STEM in Wisconsin: WalletHub’s new state-by-state ranking puts Wisconsin’s public schools at No. 5 overall, with strong college readiness tied to top SAT results. Campus infrastructure: UW-Green Bay will remove parts of its indoor tunnel network as it replaces the Cofrin Library with the Cofrin Technology and Education Center. Healthcare workforce: Gov. Evers approved an emergency rule letting qualified registered nurses teach clinical courses to help ease Wisconsin’s nursing shortage. Manufacturing tech: Miller Electric expands its Deltaweld platform with new 600-amp systems for higher-power arc welding. Privacy & surveillance: UW-Madison is dropping Flock Safety and reconsidering its license plate reader approach after privacy concerns. Public safety tech: Winnebago County Jail credited contactless in-cell monitoring tech for detecting a life-threatening medical emergency. Climate & health: Wisconsin communities are weighing what “smoke season” could mean as wildfire haze worsens air quality across the region. Local governance & data centers: Cottage Grove is considering an 18-month moratorium on new data center development while Dane County studies impacts. Research for agriculture: UW research explores how cereal rye chemistry affects cover crop management and weed suppression.

Autonomous Flight in Wisconsin: Merlin says it completed what it calls the first autonomous landing of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, using its Merlin Pilot AI autonomy platform. AI Search Meets Social Media: BrightEdge reports Google AI Overviews are pulling heavily from Meta platforms, with Facebook showing up in 19.5 million AI Overviews—an early sign of AI answers becoming “discovery” layers. Health Tech in Madison: UW Health Kids opened a “first of its kind” pediatric interventional radiology suite using GE HealthCare’s Allia Moveo, aiming to expand advanced image-guided procedures for more patients. Wildfire Smoke Fallout: Canada’s wildfire surge is driving hazardous air across the U.S., with Wisconsin in the mix; health guidance focuses on staying indoors and filtering indoor air. Public Health Watch: CDC confirms 2,260 measles cases across 44 jurisdictions, with summer travel raising the risk of more outbreaks. Wisconsin Policy & Tech: A fact brief questions whether Wisconsin’s data center sales tax break was set up mainly by Gov. Tony Evers, as communities debate costs like water use and land impacts. Local STEM & Learning: Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom named state essay winners, spotlighting soil and farming as hands-on learning for 4th and 5th graders. Water Quality Work: A Roy Creek stream restoration project in the Green Lake watershed is designed to keep about 70 tons of sediment out each year.