AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather Watch: Storms are possible Thursday across parts of central and west-central Minnesota, with a few strong cells that could bring damaging wind gusts, large hail, heavy rain, and a tornado risk; a prior severe thunderstorm watch for SE Minnesota and North Iowa was canceled after early Wednesday storms, which still produced gusts up to about 62 mph. Public Safety & Health: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering free QPR for Agriculture mental health and suicide-prevention training this fall, including a Fergus Falls session Oct. 1. Sports (Twins): Minnesota’s Twins are riding a three-game streak after a 15-2 rout of the Tigers, scoring 10 runs in the sixth; they’re set to try for a sweep tonight at Target Field. Sports (Vikings): The Vikings agreed to sign veteran edge rusher Kyle Van Noy to add depth, reuniting him with defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Local Tragedy: A 43-year-old man drowned on Ely Lake in northern Minnesota after falling from a paddleboard with his daughter; neither was wearing a life jacket. State Budget & Schools: Minnesota voters will decide this fall on a constitutional amendment to boost public school funding from the Permanent School Fund. Business: Stellar Industries says it acquired Luverne’s Midwest Fire, expanding into fire and emergency response vehicles while keeping Midwest Fire operations in Luverne.

School Funding Push: A bipartisan coalition of Minnesota lawmakers and education groups launched a campaign for a constitutional amendment that would boost Permanent School Fund distributions—supporters say it could add about $33 per student annually without raising income or property taxes. Road Work Disruptions: MnDOT will fully close I-35 in Duluth from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday for pedestrian bridge overhead work, with detours posted on 511mn.org. Education Testing Spotlight: New state reporting highlights uneven MCA results, including 44.8% of Otter Tail County students failing the reading portion in 2024-25, plus school-by-school participation and proficiency snapshots. Public Safety & Justice: Two men were sentenced to decades in prison for a fatal downtown Minneapolis bar shooting that killed one man and injured three others. Fraud Watch for Renters: Minnesota renters may be eligible for a share of a nearly $360M RealPage settlement tied to alleged algorithmic rent inflation, with claims due by Jan. 29, 2027. Healthcare Merger Update: Sanford Health finalized its merger with North Memorial Health after AG Keith Ellison’s oversight agreement, with announced Minnesota investments. Sports: The Lynx’s Cheryl Reeve said Atlanta’s physical style is a playoff preview after Minnesota’s 89-81 loss.

State Fair Milestones: A 100-year-old WWII veteran celebrated his birthday by riding the century-old Tilt-A-Whirl at the Minnesota State Fair, turning a lifelong tradition into a family moment. Public Safety: Minnesota State Patrol Sgt. Jesse Grabow shared a quick reminder on proper seat belt use, stressing the shoulder and lap belts must be worn correctly together. Law Enforcement Tech: The Minnesota BCA added two K-9s trained to sniff out electronic evidence like phones and USB drives, aiming to help in cases ranging from child exploitation to financial crimes. Elections & Courts: The Minnesota Supreme Court rejected Mike Lindell’s bid for a full recount in the GOP governor primary, backing a partial recount plan. Health & Budget: A new projection says Minnesota Medicaid spending could jump 40% over four years, far outpacing expected revenue growth and raising pressure on future state budgets. Crime/Local News: Brooklyn Park police are searching for a suspect after a man and woman were shot following a car rollover call. Sports (Minnesota): The Twins opened their series by blasting the Tigers 11-1, with Ryan Jeffers hitting two homers and Walker Jenkins getting his first MLB homer.

Twins Baseball: Ryan Jeffers launched two homers and Walker Jenkins hit his first MLB shot as Minnesota routed the Tigers 11-1 at Target Field, with Taj Bradley striking out nine in seven innings. Tigers Outlook: Detroit heads into the next game needing a turnaround after a rough stretch, with outfielder Riley Greene set to return from the injured list. Public Safety: A Nissan caught fire on I-35 in Duluth; four people jumped out while it was still moving and one was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Education Testing: New state data show low science and math proficiency alongside strong participation at select schools—Royal Oaks’ fifth-graders had 30% science proficiency, while STEP Academy’s fourth-graders posted 19% math proficiency. Infrastructure: The Blatnik Bridge replacement is officially underway after a $1.8 billion push, with a full closure expected for about four to five years starting in early 2027. Health & Vaccines: CDC data finds 13% of Minnesota and Wisconsin kindergartners missed standard shots, raising measles risk concerns. Sports Injuries: Vikings OLB Tyler Batty will miss the 2026 season after tearing his ACL. State Courts: Court filings say Vance Boelter plans to argue “justifiable taking of life” and “double jeopardy” in his Minnesota case.

Violent Crime: A 36-year-old Twin Cities man was charged after a two-day manhunt following a Coon Rapids double stabbing, with prosecutors filing counts including first-degree attempted murder; both victims suffered severe injuries and required major surgery. Immigration & Families: An Eden Prairie family fleeing Ukraine says they’re set to “self deport” after the United For Ukraine program ended and their visa expires, warning they feel they’re becoming “illegal.” Public Safety: Police in Maple Grove are searching for a suspect after a woman reported an assault at Elm Creek Park Reserve, describing a heavy-set man in bright blue shorts. Courts & Drugs: A Luverne man, Shaun Mitchell, was sentenced to 13 years and four months in federal prison for a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy involving tens of thousands of pills. State Fair & Food: Hormel is partnering with OTG at MSP Airport to debut upgraded “Spam Dog” menu items ahead of the Minnesota State Fair. Education: Minnesota’s MCA results show widespread struggles, including Clay County math and Olmsted County reading with about half of students not meeting standards. Economy: Gas prices in Minnesota fell to about $4.00 per gallon on average over the past week. Sports: The Twins host the Tigers to start a 3-game series after a 5-1 win over Chicago, while the Vikings finalized a 53-man roster keeping four QBs.

WNBA Spotlight: Angel Reese set a WNBA single-season record with her 29th double-double, but the Atlanta Dream beat the Minnesota Lynx 89-81 as Allisha Gray hit six 3-pointers. College Sports: Minnesota soccer rolled past St. Thomas 2-1, outshooting the Tommies 27-3 and scoring twice in the first hour. Twins Update: Zebby Matthews nearly went perfect, carrying a shutout into the ninth as the Twins beat the White Sox 5-1 to snap a four-game skid. Vikings Roster: Minnesota finalized its initial 53-man roster, keeping four quarterbacks—Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer—and naming Brett Thorson as punter. State Fair Buzz: The Minnesota State Fair drew 558,092 visitors in its first three days, with record crowds on opening day and Friday. Education Data: New MCA results show major gaps—Clay County students missed reading benchmarks at a 51.3% rate, while Nobles County math failures hit 68.6%. Weather: Warm conditions dominate Monday through Wednesday, with the best storm chances staying in southern Minnesota.

Minnesota Politics: The Minnesota Supreme Court rejected MyPillow founder Mike Lindell’s bid for a full hand recount of the Aug. 11 GOP governor primary, saying he sought the wrong legal remedy and that election officials followed the law—leaving House Speaker Lisa Demuth as the certified nominee. State Finances: Minnesota tax collections beat the forecast by $133 million in July, with net general fund revenues totaling $2.38 billion. Courts & Safety: A new statewide order starting Sept. 1 expands a weapons ban to court-occupied areas across Minnesota, with screening for anyone entering. Health: Hypertension during pregnancy is rising, with Southeast Minnesota clinicians pointing to higher local rates and closer monitoring needs. Education: MCA results show uneven proficiency—Westwood Elementary’s 4th graders had the highest reading participation, while Zachary Lane’s 5th-grade science proficiency was 42%, and Olmsted County reported 54.6% of students failing math. Local Life: The Minnesota State Fair keeps breaking records, but shuttle riders complain about long waits as attendance surges. Sports: The Lynx face the Atlanta Dream before the WNBA World Cup break, while Minnesota United and Orlando City played to a 3-3 draw in St. Paul. Public Input: Minnesota is reviewing child support guidelines, with feedback open until Sept. 15.

Sports & Trades: The Timberwolves cleared salary by trading wing Josh Green to Utah for Cody Williams and John Konchar, with Minnesota planning to waive Konchar and keep Williams. College Sports: The No. 14 Gophers volleyball team swept No. 13 Creighton 3-0 in Sioux Falls, then set sights on Florida and Auburn in the Big Ten/SEC Challenge. Politics & Courts: Minnesota’s top court rejected Mike Lindell’s bid for a primary recount after he missed the deadline and didn’t cover required costs. Health & Policy: Minnesota is moving ahead with tougher PFAS protections even as the EPA eases parts of its “forever chemical” rules. State Fair Spotlight: The Minnesota State Fair broke opening-day and day-2 attendance records, with 4-H Day drawing big crowds and hundreds of youth showing projects. Public Safety: A Ramsey County judge found a Maplewood woman charged in an officer stabbing incompetent to stand trial. Local Education: Groveland Elementary tested only fifth grade in science on the 2024-25 MCA, with 55% proficient. Pro Sports: The Vikings released cornerback Tre Hawkins as teams trimmed rosters to 53.

Health Care & Economy: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison approved Sanford Health’s acquisition of North Memorial Health under a 10-year oversight deal, including promises to keep emergency and key services at North Memorial’s Robbinsdale safety-net hospital. Public Safety & Courts: A Ramsey County judge found a Maplewood woman charged in an officer stabbing incompetent to stand trial. State Fair: The Minnesota State Fair shattered its opening-day attendance record with 155,185 visitors, and the fair continues with big dairy, nature, and K9 programming. Elections & Free Speech: A federal appeals court blocked Minnesota from using its voter-interference law to silence the Minnesota Voters Alliance while its case proceeds. Sports: The Timberwolves completed a trade sending Josh Green and cash to Utah for Cody Williams and John Konchar, clearing room to sign Jonathan Kuminga; meanwhile, the Broncos beat the Vikings 34-6 in the preseason finale. Environment & Outdoors: The DNR announced online auctions for confiscated hunting and fishing gear, and deer hunters face an antlerless lottery license deadline of Sept. 10.

Health Care Merger: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison approved the Sanford Health–North Memorial Health merger under a 10-year oversight deal, including a $600 million commitment for upgrades and expansions. Public Safety & Rural Care: The University of Minnesota launched an Austere Medicine Program to train prolonged casualty-care skills for situations where help can’t arrive quickly. Civil Rights: Minnesota civil rights leaders said they’re continuing a Target boycott after the retailer pulled an offensive Halloween costume tied to racist minstrel caricatures. Sports—Vikings QB Uncertainty: J.J. McCarthy sat out the Vikings’ preseason finale vs. the Broncos with an ankle injury, fueling fresh speculation about his future. Sports—Twins Move: The Twins designated Go Woo-suk for assignment after a short MLB stint. State Fair Spotlight: The Minnesota State Fair’s Fish Pond is celebrating 35 years, and “Studio: Here” is giving Park Point artist Natalija Walbridge a residency to create new work. Agriculture: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture updated efforts to slow emerald ash borer spread, including using tiny wasp species. Local Crime: A Shorewood man pleaded guilty to stealing about $4 million from his employer over more than five years.

MLB Call-Up: The Minnesota Twins recalled top prospect Walker Jenkins from Triple-A St. Paul, with Byron Buxton’s hip status still unclear, ahead of a Friday series vs. the White Sox. State Fair Spotlight: Steele County’s Jena Hanson was crowned the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fair, serving as a dairy goodwill ambassador. Public Safety: A four-vehicle crash on I-94 near Clearwater sent two drivers to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Courts: The Minnesota Court of Appeals revived a felony murder challenge for John Lee Edmondson, saying a 2023 law doesn’t require custody for the specific conviction being attacked. Local Government: Babbitt may soon add two new police officers, pending Minnesota POST certification. Health Watch: H5N1 detections resumed in U.S. poultry and dairy cattle, with Minnesota-linked tracking noting fewer cattle outbreaks than 2024. Crime Update: Minneapolis police say a man died after being found shot inside a vehicle in East Phillips. Sports (Vikings): Caleb Banks’ foot recovery looks solid, but questions remain about whether he’s ready to dominate up front. Community/Events: Warroad RiverPlace is inviting northwestern Minnesota artists to submit small works for a holiday exhibit.

Twins Call-Up: Minnesota’s top prospect Walker Jenkins is headed to the majors for Friday’s series opener vs. the White Sox, with Byron Buxton’s hip status still unclear. State Fair Finances & Safety: The Minnesota State Fair posted expenses topping $73M in 2025 and drew nearly 1.94M visitors; this year’s opening also brings court-enforced safety-zone limits tied to alleged gang violence. Election Rules: Minnesota joined a federal lawsuit challenging new USPS mail-ballot requirements that could block ballots if envelopes or voter lists don’t meet federal standards. Immigration Fight: An ICE agent wanted in Minnesota walked out of a Texas jail after a judge rejected Minnesota’s extradition push, keeping the dispute front and center. Rural Policy: Rep. Brad Finstad highlighted rail, water, and housing conversations across rural southwestern Minnesota. Local Sports & Community: The fair adds “Films at the Fair,” a new multi-night showcase for Minnesota-made shorts and animation.

State Fair Kickoff: Minnesota’s State Fair is officially underway with live broadcasts, big crowds, and fresh food and entertainment highlights. Big Tech Settlement: Minnesota is set to receive $214 million from Meta as part of a proposed multi-state deal over claims its platforms harmed children, with new default teen safety features like time limits and overnight blocks. Public Safety & Courts: An ICE officer accused in a Minneapolis shooting was released from a Texas jail after a judge rejected Minnesota’s bid to keep him detained during the extradition fight. State Government Oversight: Minnesota lawmakers continued building the new Office of Inspector General, with an advisory commission moving toward screening and hiring recommendations. Sports—Timberwolves: Jonathan Kuminga agreed to a two-year deal with the Timberwolves, adding frontcourt depth as the team reshapes its lineup around LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards. Local Community: United Way of Southwest Minnesota named Tanya Moat its new CEO, highlighting ongoing work including the Imagination Library and school supply efforts.

NBA: The Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to terms with power forward Jonathan Kuminga on a two-year, $12.4 million deal (with a player option for year two), aiming to fill a frontcourt need alongside Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. State Fair: The Minnesota State Fair opens Thursday in Falcon Heights with new attractions like the America Wheel and fresh food offerings, running through Labor Day. Courts/Immigration: A federal judge rejected Minnesota’s emergency push to force Texas to extradite ICE officer Christian Castro, clearing the way for his release as the legal fight continues. Education: New state reporting shows Woodland Elementary fourth-graders posted the second-highest reading MCA participation in their district, while overall Minnesota reading and math proficiency remains below pre-pandemic levels. Transportation: In Rochester, planners warned of potential funding shortfalls as Link BRT construction continues toward a 2027 completion. Public Safety: Minnesota State Patrol shared a refresher on “J-turns,” a maneuver designed to reduce broadside crash injuries on divided highways.

Flags for Dolly Parton: Gov. Tim Walz ordered U.S. and Minnesota flags at state buildings lowered to half-staff in honor of the late singer and philanthropist, with the order running until sunrise Sept. 1. Voting rights in court: A federal appeals court blocked a Minnesota law that criminalized knowingly sharing false voting-eligibility statements within 60 days of an election, citing First Amendment problems. ICE extradition fight: A judge is expected to rule today on whether an ICE agent accused in a Minnesota shooting stays jailed in Texas as Minnesota seeks extradition; federal prosecutors are also weighing possible charges. Water system cybersecurity: U.S. authorities are investigating a ransomware breach at a water-utility tech maker in Kansas, underscoring growing risks to Minnesota’s critical infrastructure networks. Local environment & water: The DNR is taking public feedback on an updated vegetation plan for Lake Shaokatan, while MPCA is accepting comments on a proposed reissue of Jackson’s wastewater treatment permit. State Fair fallout: A long-running state fair food vendor’s booth was demolished after the fair denied a transfer request, leaving the family stunned. Sports: Vikings WR Jeshaun Jones was suspended for the first three games; Twins fell to the Athletics 4-2.

Vikings Preseason Finale: Minnesota closes out the NFL preseason Friday at the Denver Broncos, with FOX 9 carrying the game and a roster crunch looming after the exhibition. NFL Discipline: Vikings WR Jeshaun Jones was hit with a three-game suspension for violating the league’s substances of abuse policy, starting Sunday and running through the early regular season. State Fair Prep: The DNR stocked the State Fair fish pond with dozens of native species, and is offering a FishCam for people who can’t attend. Environment & Permitting: The DNR extended the comment period to Sept. 28 for the Mile Post 7 project in Lake County, covering railroad relocation, dam work, and stream mitigation. Education Scores: MCA results highlighted strong fifth-grade reading participation at Kimberly Lane (89% proficient) and Franklin (36% proficient), plus science and math participation updates at other schools. Public Safety: Severe storms left hundreds without power in the Northland and caused flooding in Duluth. Courts & Guns: Minnesota’s Judicial Branch banned firearms in courtrooms and government buildings starting Sept. 1. Immigration Enforcement: Federal data says Minnesota’s ICE arrests have returned to pre-surge levels, even as nationwide arrests hit new highs.