AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: A Shell Lake man facing an OWI case in Barron County was arrested in Washburn County for fifth-offense drunken driving after a traffic stop near Highways 53/63; he was taken for a blood draw and booked on multiple charges. Severe Crashes: A fatal motorcycle crash on I-41 southbound in Washington County shut down the highway and was followed by a multi-vehicle crash that injured several people, including an infant flown to Children’s Wisconsin. Healthy Aging & Fitness: UW Extension certified five Phillips-area residents as StrongBodies instructors, expanding strength-training options for midlife and older adults starting Sept. 14. Food & Benefits Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced AB180, requiring DHS to seek a federal waiver to restrict FoodShare purchases of candy and soft drinks; multiple reps voted yes, while others opposed. Health Costs: A UW economy report finds Wisconsin hospital negotiated rates about 26% higher than Illinois for similar inpatient services. Community Health & Risk: Sheboygan County tick risk modeling flags Elkhart Lake as highest, with Lyme carried by deer ticks remaining a key concern. Medicaid Politics: An op-ed argues a new federal Medicaid rule could strip coverage from seriously ill Wisconsinites, warning of lost medications and care. Healthcare Access & Care Decisions: AB598 advanced to let patient representatives help admit incapacitated people to nursing facilities without guardianship petitions, reshaping admission consent rules.

Food Assistance Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers keep pushing changes to FoodShare rules, including AB180’s push to restrict purchases of candy and soft drinks (with DHS required to seek an USDA waiver) and AB1027’s requirement that DHS compile and share FoodShare recipient/applicant data with the USDA. Health Records & Family Access: SB799 would expand when parents and guardians can access minors’ health, mental health, and court treatment records, while AB598 would let patient representatives help arrange hospital-to-nursing facility admissions for incapacitated people without guardianship petitions. Reentry Health Care: AB604 would require DHS to seek a federal Medicaid waiver for prerelease health care for incarcerated individuals, including case management and medication-assisted treatment. Cancer Support: Green Bay’s “Power Up for Purple” walk raised money for people facing gynecological cancers, including financial help via the Connie Rutledge Legacy Fund. Public Health Alerts: Wisconsin health officials warned about blue-green algae risks in lakes, urging pet owners to avoid contaminated water. Measles Watch: Coverage continues to track Wisconsin’s measles outbreak and vaccination calls as cases rise. Local Health Infrastructure: Wisconsin’s EMS funding and levy-limit exemption bills (SB181/related) aim to protect regional emergency medical services financing.

Food Assistance Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced AB1027, requiring DHS to compile and share FoodShare (SNAP) data with USDA, while the FoodShare “candy and soft drinks” restriction bill AB180 drew mixed votes in both chambers as DHS would need a federal waiver to limit purchases. Patient Care & Access: AB598 would let “patient representatives” help arrange hospital-to-nursing facility admissions for incapacitated people without guardianship petitions, and SB181/SB439/SB799 focus on EMS funding and parental access to minors’ health and court records. Public Health: Wisconsin measles cases are rising in southwest counties, with officials urging residents to check vaccination status and watch for symptoms. Animal Health & Safety: Chronic wasting disease was confirmed in deer farms in Portage County and elk in Crawford County, triggering quarantines and investigations. COVID-19 Accountability: New reporting highlights an FDA leader’s 2021 push for a study into COVID vaccine side effects, while Fauci again declined a second Senate panel appearance. Community Health: The Wisconsin Humane Society’s Racine Summer Match is tripling donations through Aug. 31 to support medical care and adoptions.

Food Safety Recall: Kettle Cuisine is recalling 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque meal kits sold at select Walmart stores after routine testing flagged possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported so far. Public Health Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers continue moving bills tied to health access and records, including SB799 on when parents can view minors’ health and court treatment records and AB598 on patient representatives helping admit incapacitated people to nursing facilities without guardianship petitions. Measles Watch: Wisconsin health coverage highlights a growing measles situation, with officials urging residents to check vaccination status as new cases are confirmed. Care Access & Leadership: Essentia Health named Jason Craig executive vice president of administration and operations, with a focus on improving access to care across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Community Health & Safety: A man was hospitalized after a reported sucker punch outside a Milwaukee south-side pizza shop, underscoring ongoing local public safety concerns alongside health impacts.

Food Assistance Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced FoodShare changes, including AB1027 requiring DHS to compile and share USDA-requested FoodShare data and AB180 pushing DHS to seek a waiver to restrict candy and soft drinks purchases with benefits. Patient Care & Consent: AB598 would let patient representatives help arrange hospital-to-nursing facility admissions for incapacitated people without guardianship petitions, aiming to streamline decisions. Reentry Health for Incarcerated People: AB604 would require DHS to seek a Medicaid waiver for prerelease care—case management, medication-assisted treatment, and a 30-day prescription supply—up to 90 days before release. EMS Funding: SB181 creates a levy-limit exemption for regional emergency medical services in larger service areas, directing funds to regional EMS costs. Public Health: Wisconsin DHS says childhood vaccine guidance remains unchanged despite a federal executive order, and the state continues to investigate a measles outbreak with confirmed cases concentrated in southwestern counties. Community Health Costs: A local snapshot shows Stevens Point Medicaid dental services payments rose to $2,845 in 2024, up 26.8% from 2023. Accident: A semi-truck collision with a combine in Dodge County seriously injured a 70-year-old man.

Measles Alert: Wisconsin health officials say measles cases are rising, with 15 confirmed in the state and more likely as the outbreak spreads and vaccination gaps widen. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine recalled thousands of Walmart tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states, including Wisconsin, due to possible Listeria contamination; Whole Foods also issued a jalapeño-related recall tied to salmonella concerns. Public Health Policy: Wisconsin’s new school cellphone limits take effect, with districts citing research that heavy smartphone use can worsen kids’ social and emotional wellbeing. Healthcare Access: Milwaukee’s Bread of Healing Clinic continues to expand free care for uninsured patients as demand grows. Local Health Costs: La Crosse advanced a healthcare affordability action plan to the November ballot, aiming to improve access through a new city committee. Workplace Safety: A man was seriously injured after being trapped in industrial machinery in New Berlin, prompting a multi-agency medical and technical rescue response. Animal Health & Biosecurity: DATCP confirmed chronic wasting disease at deer farms in Crawford and Portage counties, triggering quarantines and investigations. Environment & Health: Drought conditions are stressing Wisconsin’s water systems and native freshwater mussels, raising risks for aquatic ecosystems that support healthy waterways.

Food Safety: FDA recalled a Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit sold at Walmart nationwide due to possible Listeria contamination, with a best-by date of Aug. 22, 2026; no illnesses reported yet, but people are urged not to eat it and to watch for listeriosis symptoms. Public Health & Research: The FDA approved Tauklarify (florquinitau F 18) for tau PET imaging in adults with cognitive impairment being evaluated for Alzheimer’s, with a noted limitation for non-Alzheimer tau disorders. Infectious Disease Watch: Wisconsin DHS says measles in southwestern Wisconsin has grown to 15 confirmed cases in Iowa and Lafayette counties plus six probable, with officials warning more spread may be underway. Vaccines & Policy: Wisconsin DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson pushed back on a federal childhood vaccination executive order, saying there’s no new evidence to justify changes and reaffirming reliance on AAP/AAFP schedules. Health Care Funding: Wisconsin’s Republican congressional delegation praised a CMS Medicaid reimbursement rule that they say boosts Wisconsin’s Medicaid funding by about $1 billion and improves fairness for providers. Health Workforce: Universities of Wisconsin outlined budget proposals to expand workforce training and add $90M for healthcare professional programs. Food & Nutrition: A new report and local coverage highlight which salad greens are most nutrient-dense, with watercress topping a nutrient-density ranking.

Measles Watch: Wisconsin DHS says its “intensive effort” is ongoing as measles cases in southwest counties jump to 15 confirmed and 6 probable, with officials warning more exposures and cases are likely—amid low MMR vaccination rates and renewed national vaccine uncertainty. Food Assistance Policy: The Wisconsin Assembly advanced AB180, directing DHS to seek a USDA waiver to restrict FoodShare purchases of candy and soft drinks, while lawmakers also moved SB181 to create a levy-limit exemption for regional emergency medical services. Care Access for Incapacitated Patients: AB598 passed, expanding how patient representatives can help arrange hospital-to-nursing facility admissions for incapacitated people without guardianship petitions. Public Health & Safety at Home: A new analysis highlights how living alone can turn falls into deadly delays for adults over 65, with Wisconsin flagged for high senior fall death rates. Local Governance & Health Concerns: Bellevue approved a 12-month moratorium on data center development, citing potential impacts on public health, land use, and community welfare.

Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño-containing salsas, guacamole, dips and prepared foods in 12 states, including Wisconsin, tied to a multistate Salmonella investigation; best-by dates run Aug. 7–16 and officials say no illnesses have been reported for the specific products named. Public Health Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced bills affecting care access and costs—AB604 would seek a Medicaid waiver for prerelease health services for incarcerated people, while SB181 creates a levy-limit exemption for regional EMS funding. Care for Incapacitated Patients: AB598 would let patient representatives help arrange hospital-to-nursing facility admissions for incapacitated individuals without guardianship petitions, under set conditions. Nutrition Assistance Debate: FoodShare restrictions on candy and soft drinks (AB180) moved forward in the legislature, while other proposals like AB1027 would require DHS to share FoodShare data with USDA. Community & Wellness: Oconomowoc’s LemonAID Stand for Hearing Aids returns Aug. 27 to raise money for Children’s of Wisconsin audiology care. Local Health & Safety: A Wood County crash in the Town of Saratoga killed a 16-year-old driver and injured three other teens; the investigation is ongoing.

Food Safety: Whole Foods expanded a jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall, pulling select dips, salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared foods made with jalapeños from Coast Citrus Distributors; products were sold in Wisconsin and 11 other states, with no illnesses reported so far. Public Health: A drug-resistant yeast, Candida auris, continues to spread nationwide, with 3,500+ cases reported across 28 states this year—an urgent concern for people with serious underlying conditions in healthcare settings. Infectious Disease Watch: Wisconsin health officials reported new measles cases, urging residents to check vaccination status and stay alert for symptoms. Healthcare Policy: Minnesota’s attorney general is reviewing a hospital merger deal that could affect patients in western Wisconsin, raising questions about how state rules shape hospital prices and services. Access & Consent: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced bills affecting healthcare decisions and records— including patient representatives for incapacitated admissions and changes to when parents can access minors’ health and court treatment records. Community Health: A “We Give Blood” drive pits Big Ten schools in a competition that can fund mental health support for students and veterans. Local Safety: A Marathon City home incident left a 25-year-old dead and a 26-year-old woman seriously injured; investigators say it appears isolated.

Workforce Focus: UW-Oshkosh hosted a Healthcare Forward Symposium on Aug. 5, bringing Wisconsin health leaders together to tackle staffing shortages through recruitment, retention, training, and rural-focused solutions. Public Health Planning: Wisconsin DHS released its 2027–2031 Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Plan, outlining goals and 12 objectives to reduce HIV disparities and improve prevention and care statewide. Measles Watch: Two new measles cases were confirmed in Wisconsin after Iowa and Lafayette County reports, with health officials urging people to check vaccination status as investigations continue. Food Safety Oversight: FDA inspection data for Q2 2026 shows the most inspections in Wisconsin fell under food and cosmetics categories, with Schuster Products LLC receiving the most citations. Tech in Care, Caution Needed: Consumer Reports warns that AI chatbots can sound confident while giving inaccurate health answers, and notes privacy concerns. Local Policy & Access: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced bills affecting minors’ health record access, patient-representative consent for nursing facility admissions, and levy limits for regional emergency medical services. Digital Access Support: United Way of Wisconsin is launching a no-cost, long-term laptop and navigation support program for eligible residents facing digital barriers. Privacy & Surveillance Debate: Coverage highlights ongoing community concern and police defense of Flock automated license plate readers in Barron and Chetek.

Measles Alert: Wisconsin health officials confirmed two additional measles cases in Iowa and Lafayette counties, bringing the state total to four in 2026 and warning more cases may be out there; residents are urged to check MMR vaccination status, watch for symptoms, and call ahead if sick. Reproductive Health Lawsuit: A Wisconsin mother and her son sued an OB-GYN alleging he used his own sperm for artificial insemination without consent decades ago, after DNA testing reportedly linked the doctor to the child and possible half-siblings. Medicaid Work Rules: Federal notices are going out to many Medicaid enrollees ahead of 2027 work requirements and eligibility checks, with states facing tight mailing deadlines and advocates warning the letters could be mistaken for junk. Health Care Workforce Push: Universities of Wisconsin leaders are seeking major funding to train tens of thousands of health care professionals, aiming to address ongoing staffing shortages. Election Health Stakes: Wisconsin’s governor primary is still driving health-policy debate, with candidates clashing over affordability, health care access, and public health priorities as voters head to the general election.

Food Safety Alert: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeños imported from Sinaloa, Mexico, has now reached 27 states, including Wisconsin, with 345 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations reported; federal agencies say children under 5, older adults, and immunocompromised people face higher risk. Recall Watch: In response to the jalapeño contamination concern, Taylor Fresh Foods has recalled multiple jalapeño-containing products (salsa, guacamole and more) distributed to major retailers including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Whole Foods and others across 26 states. Health Workforce: The Universities of Wisconsin unveiled a “Healthy Wisconsin” plan seeking $90 million to train 35,000 new health care professionals over the next decade, aiming to improve statewide access to care. Local Care & Coverage: Nurses at SSM Health Dean Medical Group filed for a union election covering 380 workers across 10 clinics, citing burnout, staffing and pay concerns. Research & Funding: UW System leaders announced a $25 million “Cures for Tomorrow” initiative proposal focused on cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases.

Medicaid & rural care push: U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden and hospital leaders highlighted a CMS-endorsed $9.6 billion Wisconsin Medicaid increase for this year, with claims it boosts provider reimbursement and rural health funding. Health workforce funding: UW System leaders are seeking $90 million to expand training capacity across 13 campuses, aiming to prepare 35,000 health care workers over the next decade. UW research dollars: Universities of Wisconsin also unveiled a $25 million “Cures for Tomorrow” proposal to grow cancer and disease research at UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, and partners statewide. Air quality watch: The EPA will reconsider stricter ozone pollution rules affecting southeast Wisconsin, as state and business groups argue the approach is costly and misses root causes tied to out-of-state pollution. Food safety recalls: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, and prepared foods sold widely (including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Whole Foods) due to Salmonella linked to imported peppers. COVID vaccine controversy: Newly released Fauci-era texts show private discussion of potential pregnancy risks (including miscarriage concerns) while public messaging emphasized safety, prompting renewed scrutiny from Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson and others. Fertility lawsuit: A Wisconsin woman sued a fertility doctor alleging he used his own sperm, contradicting promises about a “healthy young medical student” donor. Childhood vaccines policy: A new federal executive order would reduce universally recommended childhood vaccines from 18 to 11, shifting some decisions to parents and doctors.

Food Safety Alert: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño recall tied to a multi-state Salmonella outbreak, with products sold at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and more across 26 states including Wisconsin and Minnesota. Public Health Guidance: The outbreak is linked to fresh jalapeños supplied from Mexico; health officials warn people at higher risk (young kids, older adults, immunocompromised) to watch for fever, cramps and diarrhea and check “best if used by” dates. Heart Health Q&A: Mayo Clinic explains how dehydration can strain the heart by reducing circulating blood, triggering a racing heartbeat and—if severe—fainting or heatstroke. Animal Health: Experts say wildfire smoke harms pets too, affecting lungs and even the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Care Access & Workforce: Universities of Wisconsin unveiled a “Healthy Wisconsin” plan to invest $90 million to train 35,000 new health care professionals over 10 years. Local Health Systems: Allina hospitals earned American Heart Association stroke-care awards, including Cambridge Medical Center. Policy Watch: Wisconsin DOJ identified the Madison officer who shot and killed Corey Ruiz; officers involved were placed on administrative leave. Housing & Health Equity: Milwaukee County selected a plan for “The Imara,” a $45.6M redevelopment replacing the former medical examiner site with 154 apartments aimed at middle-income renters.

Protein & Longevity Research: UW–Madison researchers report that reducing protein or limiting certain amino acids may improve metabolic health and slow aging-related processes, with animal studies showing lifespan gains. Food Safety in Wisconsin: Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods are among major chains issuing Salmonella recalls tied to jalapeños linked to hundreds of illnesses across 27 states. Public Health Access: Stevens Point Farmers Market now accepts SNAP/EBT, with a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $20 weekly) for fruits and vegetables. Injury & Safety Alerts: A motorcycle crash on US 53 near Haugen left a 43-year-old man with life-threatening injuries; investigators say alcohol may have been a factor. Milwaukee Violence: Milwaukee police are investigating three overnight shootings that killed three people and injured two others. State Health Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced changes affecting when parents can access minors’ health, mental health, and court treatment records, including access to HIV test records for minors age 14+. Community Wellness: Hayat Pharmacy plans a Walker Square opening Aug. 20 with free screenings and back-to-school and flu-season vaccine info.