AGP Executive Report

Rare Earth Rush & Human Cost: A new investigation traces how Myanmar’s conflict and conscription are pushing desperate workers into dangerous rare earth mining, where landslides have killed workers. Water Quality Update: Comfort Lake in Minnesota is no longer on the impaired waters list after years of silt and stormwater runoff fueling algae blooms. Industrial Sustainability: Wisconsin engineers highlight how net-zero plans—waste heat recovery, renewables, storage, and smarter controls—are helping facilities cut emissions while keeping production steady. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Hazardous smoke from distant fires is driving advice across the region on filtration and “clean room” setups to protect indoor air. Heat Risk: Forecasters warn of dangerous heat index values across the Midwest, with Wisconsin bracing for a warm weekend. Local Resilience: FEMA approved a tornado safe room for Potosi School District, and RiverFest volunteers staged a St. Croix River cleanup to tackle shoreline trash. Wildlife Watch: DNR and GLIFWC experts point to habitat loss and warmer water as key drivers behind walleye declines.

Wildfire smoke costs: Michigan economists estimate Canadian wildfire smoke hit the state with more than $4 billion in losses, with spillover impacts including about $2 billion in Wisconsin. Air quality & health: Wisconsin residents faced hazardous smoke and reminders to protect indoor air during the haze. PFAS fight: Wisconsin AG Jeff Jackson joined a multistate push to stop EPA rollbacks on PFAS “forever chemicals” in drinking water, arguing the changes would weaken protections for public health. Climate policy in court: A federal court said USDA can’t cancel existing grant deals just because priorities changed with a new administration. Water & habitat pressure: Sun Prairie residents protested filling retention ponds, raising concerns for wildlife habitat. Local water infrastructure: Port Washington is weighing a costly Valley Creek project estimated at $17.5 million to address storm flooding. DNR outdoors: DNR released fall 2026-spring 2027 hunting regulations and forecasts, plus archery limited access permits. Land conservation win: Ozaukee County land preservation leader Andrew Struck received a lifetime achievement award for protecting waterways and habitat. Weather outlook: A brief stretch of cooler, drier conditions is expected before heat and storms return this weekend.

Data Center Fight in Wisconsin: Monroe County voted 10-3 for an 18-month moratorium on new zoning permits for medium/large data centers and battery storage, aiming to study environmental and water impacts before writing clearer rules. Local Pushback: In the Town of Turtle, residents are seeking a recall of Town Chairman Roger Anclam, citing alleged lack of transparency around data center plans and calls for a temporary moratorium. Energy Planning Debate: A Wisconsin clean-energy op-ed argues regulators shouldn’t approve the state’s energy future “one docket at a time,” warning that AI-driven electricity demand needs broader planning. Property Rights + Eminent Domain: A separate report highlights growing legal fights over whether utilities can use eminent domain for transmission lines built mainly to serve private AI data centers. Air + Health: Wisconsin DOJ won a court order forcing EPA to implement a soot (fine particle) air rule, while wildfire smoke continues to drive hazardous air quality guidance. Weather + Storms: The Green Bay area saw three tornadoes Monday with no major damage reported. Natural Resources: Gov. Evers appointed Mike Amman to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. Wildlife Education: Coulee Region Humane Society introduced Yuki, a fox “ambassador,” to teach kids and families about Wisconsin wildlife and safe coexistence. Community Resilience: FEMA awarded $2.6M for a Potosi school tornado safe room.

Data Center Fight: Town of Beloit residents packed a meeting to oppose a proposed $1 billion hyperscale data center, with calls for a moratorium and concerns about long-term environmental and financial impacts. State Appointments: Gov. Evers appointed Mike Amman to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, citing his forestry and wildlife habitat experience. Climate & Clean Energy Legal Push: Wisconsin AG Nick Brown co-led a lawsuit challenging an EPA rollback of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) limits, arguing it will raise greenhouse emissions. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Milwaukee’s air is improving after record-breaking smoke, but experts warn conditions can change fast and still strain people with asthma or heart/lung issues. Weather Extremes: Milwaukee is nearly out of rain for July and is flirting with drought levels, while severe storms earlier brought tornadoes to parts of northeast Wisconsin. Water & Infrastructure: La Crosse proposed a major water rate hike tied to aging pipes and infrastructure upgrades. Conservation & Wildlife: Wisconsin DNR is accepting Hunter Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) grant applications to expand safe, ethical hunting and outdoor skills. Local Environment Cleanup: Eau Claire’s Clean Sweep offers household hazardous waste drop-off to prevent contamination from improper disposal.

Wildfire smoke and severe weather shift in Wisconsin: After a stormy stretch and lingering smoke, southeast Wisconsin is set for a calmer Tuesday with a cold front bringing drier air and breezy northwest winds, while the rest of the week warms back up; meanwhile, the National Weather Service confirmed three brief tornadoes in central Wisconsin on July 20, underscoring how fast conditions can turn. PFAS in the spotlight: A new study tracks how “forever chemicals” move through the Great Lakes food web into people, and Wisconsin voters are hearing PFAS concerns directly at gubernatorial town halls, including French Island. Data centers face growing pushback: Erin Brockovich’s crowd-sourced registry is collecting resident reports on data center impacts, and Wisconsin municipalities continue to pause or limit new projects—Cottage Grove approved a data center moratorium, with water and zoning concerns driving the debate. Local conservation wins: Landmark Conservancy and partners are expanding bluebird habitat at Mary E. Fitz Memorial Park in northwest Wisconsin. Policy and public safety: Milwaukee County will open a Disaster Recovery Center for April storm and flooding impacts, and a Sheboygan petition drive seeks tighter voter approval and transparency rules for large TIDs.

Wildfire Smoke & Severe Weather: Canadian wildfire smoke is still pushing Wisconsin air quality into unhealthy territory while forecasters warn of strong storms Monday night, with damaging winds, hail, and a possible tornado risk across parts of the state. Public Health & Air Safety: Health alerts and guidance are circulating on how to limit exposure when smoke and toxic air linger. Clean Energy Costs: Gov. Evers blasted the Trump administration for forcing older coal plants to stay online, saying it will raise costs for Wisconsin ratepayers and slow clean energy progress. Healthcare Workforce: Evers approved an emergency rule letting qualified registered nurses teach clinical courses to ease Wisconsin’s nursing shortage. Local Land Use & Data Centers: A Milwaukee redevelopment plan for the former Midtown Center Walmart cleared approval after a contentious “data center” component was removed, shifting the project toward storage, housing, and a library. Agriculture Watch: USDA/Pro Farmer updates show corn ratings slipping slightly while soybeans improve. Wildlife & Climate Signals: Reports highlight how worsening heat and smoke conditions are reshaping health risks and outdoor life across the region.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Canadian wildfires are keeping Wisconsin under hazardous air alerts, with AQI spiking into very unhealthy territory at times and officials urging people to limit outdoor exposure and use clean-air steps at home. Severe Weather Switch: As smoke eases, southeast Wisconsin faces a Monday severe storm risk, with damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes possible. Policy Pressure on EPA: Wisconsin lawmakers are pushing the EPA to act under the U.S.-Canada air quality agreement, arguing Canada’s wildfire management choices are driving the ongoing smoke impacts. Climate & Waterborne Disease: A new global review finds warming won’t raise all waterborne illnesses the same way—bacteria may expand while some viruses could decline—reshuffling which germs pose the biggest threats. Deforestation Watch: A study says the collapse of the Amazon soy moratorium could drive at least 1.4 million hectares of extra deforestation in Brazil by 2036. Local Economy: Greater Milwaukee Foundation is offering low-interest loans up to $50,000 for disadvantaged small businesses in the region.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke kept Wisconsin’s air in the unhealthy-to-very-unhealthy range through Sunday, with a statewide DNR advisory running until noon Monday; health guidance urges sensitive groups to limit outdoor time and everyone to reduce strenuous activity. Severe Weather Watch: As smoke starts to clear, Monday brings a statewide severe storm setup—damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes are possible—so residents are being told to watch forecasts closely. Local Air Quality Glimpse: Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach saw a brief break in haze before smoke returned, a reminder that conditions can swing fast. Waterborne Disease Shift: A new review finds warming climates will reshuffle which waterborne germs spread—some bacteria may thrive in warmer water while several stomach viruses may fade in hotter, drier seasons. Public Power Debate: In Darien, residents packed a hearing over Invenergy’s proposed 325-megawatt gas plant, with critics linking it to future data-center growth and environmental impacts. WisDOT Road Work: Gov. Evers approved resurfacing on WIS 19 west of Watertown, starting July 20 and targeting late-September completion. Tick Risk Tool: Marinette County ranks high for tick-borne disease risk using a new daily, town-level TickZone app. Cleanup & Remediation: Jefferson County approved budget authority for Sigma’s environmental remediation at a former highway site, clearing the way for redevelopment.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Alerts: Canadian wildfire smoke is back across Wisconsin, with the DNR issuing a statewide Air Quality Advisory until noon Monday as AQI is expected to hit Unhealthy (Red) to Very Unhealthy (Purple). Health Guidance: Experts say it’s generally safe to run AC during smoky conditions if it’s set to recirculate and filters are in place, while people should limit outdoor exertion and use respirators when needed. Storm Watch: After a smoky weekend, attention shifts to Monday’s severe weather potential, with strong winds the main threat and all hazards possible as storms move in. Local Impacts: Milwaukee-area events and plans are adapting—organizers monitored conditions for the Granville Blues and Jazz Festival, and businesses around Madison weighed heat and haze for the AC/DC show. Wildlife Update: A bald eagle success story is facing new threats, with researchers reporting widespread reproductive trouble tied to severe weather and limited food. Community & Conservation: Volunteers keep a 150-year-old grist mill running in Newark Township, and record black-necked stilts nesting was reported at Horicon Marsh.

Wildfire Smoke & Health Alerts: Another round of Canadian wildfire smoke is sliding into Wisconsin, with a statewide air quality advisory running through noon Monday as AQI is expected to reach unhealthy to very unhealthy levels; officials urge limiting outdoor exertion, keeping windows closed, and using air filtration or N95s if you must go out. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters also flag strong to severe storms Monday, with wind gusts the main threat and tornadoes, hail, lightning, and heavy rain all possible. Local Impacts in Madison: Businesses near Camp Randall are weighing event crowds against heat and haze for AC/DC’s Sunday show, with some adjusting plans due to air quality projections. Great Lakes Wildlife: Horicon Marsh is seeing a record nesting season for black-necked stilts, with 81 nests—nearly double the prior high. Great Lakes Water Pollution Research: New research points to PFAS impacts across the Great Lakes, with differences by lake and food-web exposure. Legal Fight Over Data Center: Sierra Club and Midwest Environmental Advocates sued the DNR over Port Washington’s $15 billion data center permits, arguing an environmental impact statement should have been required. Food Safety Recall: Taylor Farms launched a 27-state recall of iceberg lettuce tied to a cyclospora outbreak, urging consumers to discard affected products. Politics: Gov. Evers endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley ahead of the August primary.

Wildfire Smoke Health Crisis: Canadian wildfires are pushing record-breaking hazardous air into Wisconsin, with Milwaukee hitting AQI levels above 600 and experts urging people to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and use air conditioning/recirculation plus indoor air cleaners when possible. Cross-Border Blame and Tariffs: President Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Canada, calling the smoke “willful negligence” and saying the cost should be added to what Canada already pays, while Canadian officials point to ongoing cooperation and major forest-management spending. Weekend Forecast for Wisconsin: Smoke may thin then return, with Saturday smoky but sunnier conditions, Sunday morning smoke likely before a wind shift, and a chance of storms Monday that could bring some relief. Wildlife and Pets: Rescuers at Wisconsin’s Wildlife in Need Center say smoky, hot conditions are stressing animals and increasing monitoring needs, while pet owners are urged to provide clean, shaded water. Local Outdoor Impacts: Air quality is disrupting plans statewide, including camping changes as families weigh symptoms and safety. Community Nature Events: Kohler-Andrae State Park is planning a week of bird walks, invasive species removal, and native-frog education starting July 21.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Hazardous Canadian wildfire smoke is still blanketing Wisconsin, with Milwaukee hitting record-level AQI (644 Thursday; about 410 Friday morning) and an Air Quality Alert extended to 6 PM for parts of eastern Wisconsin; officials warn residents to limit outdoor time, especially kids and people with asthma or heart/lung conditions. Heat + Smoke at Outdoor Events: With summer festivals and fairs underway, reporters flag the double hit of extreme heat and smoky air—staying indoors when possible, monitoring symptoms, and taking extra precautions for campers and anyone with breathing issues. Air-Flow Forecast: Forecasters say smoke may thin Friday as winds shift, but it’s expected to return Saturday night into Sunday, with another round of potentially strong storms Monday. Ticks on the Rise: Experts report high tick numbers and more tick encounters this summer, with Lyme-risk ticks expanding in the Midwest—urging prevention steps before outdoor time. Local Policy/Community: Wisconsin DNR is accepting Hunter R3 grant applications (deadline Sept. 15) to fund safe, ethical hunting and outdoor skills programs. Politics (Non-environment): Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez suspended her Wisconsin governor campaign, citing financial reporting problems.

Wildfire Smoke Crisis: Canadian and Minnesota wildfires are blanketing Wisconsin with hazardous air, with Milwaukee hitting record-busting AQI levels above 600 and the statewide advisory warning residents to limit outdoor exposure; health officials say the fine particles can worsen heart and lung conditions and trigger breathing problems, and some events and services are being altered or canceled. Line 5 Update: Michigan issued major permits for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac, a step that supporters say improves safety while opponents and tribes warn about impacts to wetlands and burial sites. Local Health & Equity: Dane County recognized BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, pointing to persistent gaps in culturally responsive care and lower service access for students of color. Community & Environment: Wisconsin gardeners are seeing slime molds and fairy rings in lawns after warm, wet weather—usually not harmful, but a sign to adjust expectations and care. Public Safety: Wisconsin also reported a growing cyclosporiasis count, with health guidance focused on washing produce and safe food handling.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Canadian wildfires are pushing hazardous air across Wisconsin, with the DNR warning people to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity as AQI readings hit record levels in places like Milwaukee and near Superior; health officials say the smoke can worsen respiratory and heart risks, and the American Heart Association is urging extra caution for people with heart conditions. Local Impacts: Milwaukee suspended garbage and recycling collection and closed drop-off centers during the worst air, while Dane County canceled or postponed multiple outdoor and youth programs, including MMSD/MSCR summer activities. Heat + Smoke Forecast: Southern Wisconsin faces First Alert Days through Friday with lingering smoke and only spotty storm chances, and officials warn conditions could return over the weekend as winds shift. Aviation Disruption: Smoke is also affecting visibility for pilots heading to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, prompting conservative flight guidance. Policy & Climate Resilience: A Wisconsin Policy Forum report says federal disaster aid often falls short after climate-driven floods, leaving communities to cover gaps in rebuilding.

Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Canadian and Minnesota wildfires are pushing hazardous air into Wisconsin, with statewide alerts and doctors urging people to limit outdoor time, check AirNow/AQI, and consider N-95 masks—especially for kids, seniors, and anyone with asthma or COPD. Public Health Guidance: UW Health and local health departments stress staying indoors when readings turn unhealthy, using inhalers as directed, and adjusting outdoor plans as smoke “creeps indoors.” Disaster Aid for Storm Damage: FEMA and the SBA say help is available for Wisconsin storm damage from April 13–23, with Rock County offering in-person application support through August 31. Conservation & Safety Tech: The DNR is using restitution from a kayaker who faked his death on Big Green Lake to buy sonar equipment for underwater search and recovery. Local Environment & Recreation: The Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery is highlighting a free, family-friendly stop that helps stock Lake Michigan with millions of fish each year. Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: A Wisconsin Policy Forum report finds federal recovery aid after last August’s record Milwaukee-area floods fell short for rebuilding roads and parks.

Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Wisconsin is under air quality alerts as Canadian and Minnesota wildfire smoke mixes with hot, humid weather, with DNR reporting the worst AQI readings in the north (including 209 at Bad River Tribal School) and guidance to limit outdoor exposure; some areas could see unhealthy to very unhealthy conditions. Air Quality Watch Tools: Residents are being directed to use real-time smoke and AQI maps from DNR and AirNow to track changing conditions. Community Impacts: In Wausau, an outdoor “Concerts on the Square” event was moved indoors due to smoke-related advisories. Clean Energy Jobs: Gov. Evers and partners announced Realta Fusion will convert the former Oscar Mayer site into a fusion research and corporate HQ in Madison, aiming to create 600+ jobs and support carbon-free electricity efforts. Water Safety Tech: Wisconsin DNR used restitution from a kayaker who faked his death to buy sonar equipment that’s already helped locate missing people. Transit & Planning: Milwaukee’s MCTS proposed a 25% bus service reduction starting in 2027 amid budget shortfalls.