AGP Executive Report

AI & Surveillance Backlash in Wisconsin: Flock Safety’s license-plate camera network is facing fresh scrutiny as Sheboygan moves to cover cameras citywide and weighs ending its contract, citing data-management and sharing concerns. Legal Fight Over AI Child Abuse Images: A federal appeals court says it must allow in-home possession of AI-generated child sexual abuse material under a 2002 Supreme Court precedent, even as judges warn modern AI blurs the line. Energy & Pipeline Safety: Wisconsin regulators demand Enbridge halt a pipeline re-routing project after a liquified natural gas spill, pressing for spill details, air monitoring, and tribal outreach. Campus AI in Wisconsin: UW interim chancellor Eric Wilcots discusses how the university is rolling AI into curriculum and research as the new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence ramps up. Education Funding Pressure: Sparta school district cuts for the school year after a failed referendum highlight how Wisconsin’s state aid limits and property-tax gaps keep pushing districts back to voters.

AI Data Centers & Politics: A Wisconsin-focused PBS Wisconsin “Here & Now” segment spotlights how data centers are becoming a governor’s-race flashpoint, with Marquette polling showing voters increasingly see costs outweigh benefits and campaign ads turning the issue into a strategy battleground. Local Tech Governance: Sheboygan’s mayor says the city is covering its Flock cameras and is moving to end its contract after alleged vendor contract violations, citing concerns about data management and sharing. Public Policy & Trade: India’s Commerce Ministry will meet industry and export councils Sept. 1 to review India-U.S. trade performance ahead of a Milwaukee G20 trade ministerial and bilateral talks. Health Tech & Trust: UW Health addresses measles vaccine misconceptions as cases rise, warning that inaccurate antibody testing can mislead people about immunity. STEM & Community: NDSU’s Challey Institute announces a fall lineup of free public events, including a panel on what AI data-center growth could mean for North Dakota’s grid and ratepayers. Consumer Safety: A Wisconsin door-to-door sales guide urges residents to verify licensing, guarantees, and cancellation rights before paying or signing.

AI & Courts: A Seventh Circuit ruling says the First Amendment can protect private possession of AI-generated child sexual abuse material when no real child is depicted, even as judges warn modern AI makes “virtual” images nearly indistinguishable. Public Health: UW Health is tackling measles vaccine misconceptions and points to problems with inaccurate antibody testing that can trigger unnecessary revaccination or delays. Data Centers & Politics: A new poll finds 68% of voters think communities should be able to limit data centers that strain electricity, water, or land—fueling a growing backlash that’s showing up in election ads. Wisconsin Governance Tech: A Milwaukee judge’s comments about jail tablets are now part of the governor’s race debate, after claims inmates used devices to intimidate witnesses. Education & STEM: Several Milwaukee-area districts are voting on school referendums in November, including operational and facilities funding. Aging & Safety: Eau Claire County is rolling out “Stepping On” to cut fall risk for adults 60+. Agriculture & Repair: Farmers are being notified about options under a John Deere settlement tied to right-to-repair and access to diagnostic tools. Community Tech/Workforce: MATC and MIT are launching a new pathway connecting factory floor work to engineering roles.

AI & Law: A federal appeals court ruled the First Amendment protects private possession of AI-generated child sexual abuse material when no real children are depicted, while judges warned modern image tools blur legal lines. Public Safety Tech: Milwaukee County Judge David Borowski criticized jail tablet use that he says can intimidate witnesses and victims, as Milwaukee Police defend Flock license-plate cameras amid misuse investigations. Energy & Infrastructure: Crews continue response after an Enbridge Line 5 strike in northern Wisconsin, with vapors being cleared and an evacuation perimeter still in place. Health & Home Care: Viemed Healthcare targets low-20% growth in 2026, citing expanding home ventilation opportunities. STEM & Education: Wisconsin after-school programs increasingly add STEM activities, with local groups like Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA expanding tech-linked learning. Agriculture Research: A Midwest soybean disease “look-alike” outbreak story highlights how hard it is to pin down and manage new crop threats. Statehouse Watch: Wisconsin’s projected surplus could reach $3B as tax collections beat expectations, even as mail-ballot legal fights continue.

Public Safety & Privacy: A Milwaukee judge criticized a county contract that lets jail inmates use tablets, saying defendants can intimidate witnesses and victims through the devices. Policing Tech: Milwaukee Police defended its Flock license-plate camera system after misuse investigations, while another report says a database alert error led to two gunpoint stops of the same woman. Elections & Voting Access: Wisconsin and other states keep challenging a mail-ballot order tied to a national voter list; the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a challenge as too early, but a judge temporarily blocked the Postal Service rule. STEM Education: More Wisconsin after-school programs now offer STEM activities, with local Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA partners expanding tech-linked projects. Health Policy: A new study warns nearly 1 in 5 Medicaid-eligible adults in expansion states could lose coverage due to work-hour reporting rules. Energy Reliability: We Energies is deploying smart switches to cut outage times, aiming for faster automatic power restoration. Space Tech: A Wisconsin-linked startup is building superconducting satellite motors to help spacecraft reorient using Earth’s magnetic field. Corrections: Wisconsin prisons hit a record population, with overcrowding straining staffing and programs.

Emergency Preparedness: A new Wisconsin Policy Forum report says extreme weather is getting worse, but state and local response planning needs tighter coordination, more public engagement, and better state-level support as federal disaster aid gets denied. Energy & AI Data Centers: A Wisconsin poll finds voters want affordable, reliable power and a balanced approach to renewables plus natural gas, while Wisconsin Republicans face backlash over data-center power demand and rising bills. Surveillance Tech Backlash: Cities and lawmakers keep pushing back on Flock Safety license plate cameras, with new reporting highlighting how AI-generated political content is spreading online and how privacy concerns are driving deactivations and investigations. AI + Law: A federal appeals ruling says private possession of AI-generated child sexual abuse images may be protected under the First Amendment when no real child is depicted, urging the Supreme Court to revisit older rules. Line 5 Update: About 150 responders continue work after a Line 5 rupture in northern Wisconsin; a no-fly zone remains in place as crews isolate the damaged section. Space Weather: Aurora watchers may get a shot at northern lights visibility across the upper Midwest, including Wisconsin, as a G2 geomagnetic storm rolls in. Education Facilities: Milwaukee Public Schools is resuming talks on potential building closures while highlighting renovations at north side schools that could absorb more students.

Surveillance & Privacy: Milwaukee-area officials and national lawmakers are pressing for guardrails on Flock automated license-plate cameras after misuse charges and calls for tighter search rules, audits, and limits on data sharing. Public Safety Tech Oversight: Milwaukee Common Council members demand answers and possible funding changes, while other Wisconsin cities raise similar concerns about how the systems are used. Youth Mental Health & Social Media: Wisconsin is set to receive hundreds of millions from Meta’s multistate settlement, with new limits on teen use and “productive pauses” aimed at reducing harm. Elections & Voting Systems: Wisconsin DOJ joins a lawsuit challenging a USPS rule that would control mail-in voting procedures via federal databases and barcode envelope requirements, raising uncertainty for November. Education Workforce: A $10.5M federal grant targets Wisconsin’s special education teacher shortage by boosting recruitment and mentorship to curb burnout. Health & Research Funding: Tiny Blue Dot Foundation awards $9M for 11 studies on how the “Perception Box” forms and can widen—spanning mindfulness, dreams, psychedelics, VR, and brain stimulation. Sports Medicine: A new study revisits CTE risk in football, with Wisconsin neurologists urging parents and coaches to take head injuries seriously. Great Lakes Ecology: Groups call for restarting the Brandon Road invasive-carp barrier project after juvenile carp were found near Lake Michigan. Manufacturing Tech: Rockwell Automation launches TechConnectIQ Support to help manufacturers reduce downtime with remote help and simpler software updates.

Surveillance & Privacy: Lawmakers are pushing new bills to restrict Flock Safety license-plate reader cameras, as backlash grows over misuse and data handling. Local Governance: Tempe, Arizona is removing Flock cameras, citing “risk of misuse,” while Wisconsin communities keep debating how much surveillance is acceptable. Energy & Cost Burden: A Marquette Poll finds 78% of Wisconsin voters think data centers’ costs outweigh benefits, with support for a one-year construction ban rising. Rural STEM Access: Afterschool STEM participation is expanding in Wisconsin, but gaps remain—cost, transportation, and availability still block many families. Public Health & Safety: Marshfield Clinic is offering free online suicide prevention training sessions in September, aimed at rural communities and veterans. Infrastructure & Growth: Grafton is weighing widening Port Washington Road to support a planned Woodman’s Market near Costco. Education & Focus: UW-Madison research highlights shrinking attention spans tied to smartphone distractions, raising concerns for classroom learning. Workforce & Training: Moraine Park is launching two new associate programs this fall—teacher education and fire medic—to meet local demand. Disaster Response: Gov. Evers asked Trump for a federal disaster declaration after a July tornado hit parts of the Fox Valley.

UW System Tuition Deal: After leadership shakeups, the Universities of Wisconsin are pitching lawmakers an extra $730M over two years in exchange for a tuition freeze, aiming to keep increases at or under inflation. Cancer Care Update: The Medical College of Wisconsin’s William Hall says new ASTRO guidance clarifies and expands radiation therapy roles in pancreatic cancer, reflecting newer trial data and more precise delivery. Surveillance Tech Oversight: In Milwaukee and beyond, lawmakers and officials are escalating scrutiny of Flock license-plate cameras after alleged misuse; Sen. Josh Hawley launched a national investigation into data access, retention, and AI use. Public Safety Tech in Action: WisDOT’s Safer Together event in Madison showcased drones, automated-vehicle demos, work-zone tech, and school bus safety as back-to-school nears. Climate Stress on Infrastructure: Extreme heat is buckling and melting roads, underscoring the need for climate-responsive design. Health & Research: UW-Madison’s Alzheimer’s “Neighbors Study” won a second NIH funding round ($30.9M) to study social and environmental drivers of brain health. Energy Storage Recycling Watch: LFP battery growth is accelerating, but end-of-life recycling systems aren’t ready for the coming wave. Great Lakes Longevity: New research suggests lake sturgeon may live far longer than once thought, with implications for conservation and harvest rules.

Big Tech Accountability: Wisconsin and other states are reacting to a landmark multistate Meta settlement—up to $17.1B—with sweeping child-safety changes for Instagram and Facebook, including stronger age checks and default limits for teens. Clean Energy in Wisconsin: Gov. Tony Evers toured the Hodag Solar Park near Rhinelander and released the state’s 2026 Clean Energy Plan Progress Report, highlighting solar growth, efficiency, and transportation upgrades. Election Rules Watch: A U.S. Supreme Court order on mail-in voting won’t immediately change Wisconsin ballots, but officials warn the ongoing legal back-and-forth could still create confusion close to November. Great Lakes Research: UW–Stevens Point’s Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility joined the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge, pushing full use of fish parts instead of waste. Workforce & Training: Sheboygan County’s Chamber released a workforce development report on its Make Your Mark initiative, focusing on how to attract and retain talent. Small Business Support: A free Small Business Clinic returns to Viroqua, offering consulting on accounting, marketing, legal issues, and AI for entrepreneurs.

Surveillance tech in the spotlight: A Milwaukee woman says a Flock camera database error led to a gunpoint stop on I-94, and she’s now hired a high-profile attorney while seeking accountability from the city. Public safety + infrastructure: A runaway semi struck Enbridge Line 5 excavation work in Iron County, releasing natural gas liquids and triggering evacuations and a no-fly zone; officials later clarified it hit a natural gas transmission line and the pipeline was shut down. Agriculture science: UW-Madison researchers are pushing Integrated Pest Management with better timing and spacing of interventions, using insect biology and weather-driven growth patterns to guide field decisions. Workforce + education pipeline: CVTC and UW-Eau Claire expanded transfer options via a new agreement, easing the jump from associate to bachelor’s in education studies. Quantum computing in the Midwest: NSF renewed the Illinois-led NSF HQAN quantum institute with $37.5M over five years to build industry-ready modular quantum computing and train talent. Manufacturing showcase: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce opened nominations for its “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” contest, now in its 11th year with BMO as presenting partner. Tech + courts: A federal jury in Chicago convicted a former Philips engineer of stealing medical imaging trade secrets for a Chinese competitor.

Defense & Manufacturing: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Oshkosh Corp. to tout the “Arsenal of Freedom” push for domestic defense production, urging less “red tape” on the factory floor. Clean Energy Policy: A new 2026 Wisconsin Clean Energy Plan progress report highlights continued greenhouse-gas cuts and implementation work tied to Gov. Tony Evers’ legacy. Healthcare Tech: WellStack acquired DeLorean AI to expand predictive analytics and decision support for healthcare organizations. Finance & Blockchain: The Iowa Bankers Association helped launch the BankChain Alliance, an industry-owned blockchain network aimed at modern banking tools while keeping regulatory standards. Agriculture Data: Soil sensors are giving Wisconsin farmers near-real-time moisture and temperature readings to improve in-season decisions. Manufacturing Spotlight: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce opened nominations for the 11th annual “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” contest, with public voting to follow. Biodiversity: The DNR says the Nevada bumblebee (Bombus nevadensis) has been spotted in Sauk County, marking a new Wisconsin record.

Data Centers & Elections: A new Wisconsin voter focus is forming around data centers, with one DeForest resident saying she’ll decide in November based on candidates’ plans and whether they’ll change state statutes; a Marquette Law School poll found 76% of Wisconsinites say costs outweigh benefits. Defense Manufacturing: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Oshkosh Corp. to spotlight “Arsenal of Freedom” and push a record Pentagon budget, while Democrats criticized the stop as political “damage control.” Energy Infrastructure: Developers held open houses on a proposed 190-mile, 765-kilovolt transmission line across southern Wisconsin, drawing sharp concerns from landowners and an organized opposition group. Health & Research: Wisconsin’s Ridglan Farms released the final beagles from a biomedical research breeding operation to a Florida rescue; separately, a point-of-care saliva cancer screening technology from Pattern Computer and Medical College of Wisconsin advanced at ASCO. Food Safety: A national fact check highlights multiple recent recalls and a major Salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños. Community Tech & STEM: Pistons & Props expands at Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport with STEAM-focused activities and a larger airshow lineup.

Food Safety: Wisconsin health officials are tracking a growing E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts from Minnesota, with CDC reporting 55 cases nationwide and hospitalizations. Public Health & Policy: A Wisconsin-focused vaccine reminder comes as measles resurges and new federal guidance would split MMR into separate visits, raising concerns as families weigh shifting rules. AI & Privacy: States are moving to curb secrecy around AI data centers, while Wisconsin’s own debate over AI deepfakes and election misuse keeps heating up. Surveillance Accountability: A Kenosha County deputy faces felony charges for alleged misuse of the Flock license-plate system to track a romantic partner. Higher Ed & Tech: UW system leaders propose a tuition-freeze deal tied to state funding, and colleges are already feeling impacts from new international student stay limits. STEM in Wisconsin: UW-Madison’s new College of Computing & AI aims to act as a “counterbalance” to industry, and a Wisconsin ORBIE Awards roundup spotlights top local CIOs. Local Science & Community: Researchers at Sardis unearthed a monumental 2,500-year-old statue, and a rare butterfly comeback story highlights conservation wins.

Public Safety Tech: La Crosse police say a Genetec camera system helped identify and arrest a man accused of firing shots during a road-rage altercation; no injuries reported. AI & Data Centers Politics: Multiple reports keep tying Wisconsin’s governor race and national midterm messaging to backlash over data centers—power, water, and neighborhood impacts driving protests and campaign attacks. Election Claims Under Scrutiny: A new Trump-linked Census Bureau analysis claims 24,000 noncitizens voted in 2020, but experts question the study’s methods and note it wouldn’t change the outcome. Great Lakes Science: UW-Madison researchers identified a distinct Madagascar baobab species using genetic analysis, while separate Great Lakes work suggests lake sturgeon may live far longer than previously believed—new angles for conservation. Health & Community Tech: Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department received grants to replace aging handheld radios, aiming to improve coordination and firefighter safety. STEM in the News: Wisconsin’s space community is spotlighted with a record-attendance Wisconsin Space Conference.

Great Lakes Science: Researchers using decades of Great Lakes data say female lake sturgeon may live up to 427 years, with implications for conservation and harvest rules. Emergency Response Tech: Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department won $48,000 in grants to replace 16 aging handheld portable radios, aiming to boost coordination and firefighter safety. Public Health: Wisconsin’s measles outbreak continues to grow, with cases concentrated in under-vaccinated communities and health officials urging targeted prevention. AI + Power Backlash: Protests against AI data centers spread nationwide, with organizers citing electricity costs, water strain, and local accountability concerns. Privacy & Surveillance: Wisconsin coverage continues to spotlight Flock-style license plate cameras and the debate over how much surveillance is acceptable. Local Tech/Business: FarmMatch says it’s expanding its regenerative-farm marketplace platform and logistics network to grow direct-from-farm purchasing. Community & Learning: Wisconsin Space Conference drew record attendance at Carthage College, highlighting regional STEM momentum.