AGP Executive Report

Health & Safety: Minnesota will receive more than $850,000 from a national CVS settlement over insulin overbilling, with restitution to the state Medicaid program, as officials say the company “deliberately” broke the public trust. Public Health: A diarrhea-causing parasite outbreak linked to Cyclospora is surging, with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000 cases and investigations expanding to multiple states. Weather: Temperatures are set to climb Friday, with hotter weekend conditions pushing highs near 90 in the Twin Cities. Sports (Minnesota): Gavin Williams struck out 11 and Cleveland beat the Twins 5-2 to avoid a sweep, while Go Woo-suk made his Twins debut and gave up a homer in the ninth. Community & Events: The Duluth Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show runs Friday through Sunday at the DECC, and the Minnesota State Fair unveiled 36 new foods plus nine new vendors for 2026. Local Governance: Cambridge city council approved putting portable toilets back in parks after vandalism and fires led to their removal.

Transportation & Construction: MnDOT will do overnight pavement preservation July 10 at two Highway 75/County Road 12 and Highway 59/County Road 22 roundabouts near Moorhead and Detroit Lakes, weather permitting. Local Governance: Elk River City Council rejected a data center zoning amendment and ordered a one-year moratorium on new applications while staff study impacts and review standards. Elections & School Boards: Filing opens July 14 for Burnsville-Eagan-Savage District 191 school board seats, and Lakeville Area Schools residents will vote Nov. 3 for four board seats; Anoka’s at-large primary narrows the field for two seats. Public Safety & Health: Minnesota is suing the Trump administration over a cap on homelessness funding, saying it threatens housing for about 2,000 people; Minnesota also joined a right-to-repair push as John Deere settles with the FTC and states to expand repair access. Crime & Courts: A Moorhead man is described in court filings as the “biggest fentanyl dealer in Fargo/Moorhead,” and a Rochester man was arrested after stolen e-bikes led police to drug charges. Community & Culture: Lakes Area Music Festival launches a Prelude Series July 24 at Pillsbury Castle with the Thalea String Quartet. Sports: The Twins fell to the Guardians 5-2; Vikings QB competition coverage continues as Kevin O’Connell weighs options.

WNBA Milestone: Cheryl Reeve’s Minnesota Lynx snapped a skid with an 86-80 win over the Connecticut Sun, and the victory marked her 380th regular-season win—WNBA’s all-time coaching record—though Sun guard Saniya Rivers left early with an ankle sprain. Paid Leave Update: Minnesota’s Paid Leave program says about 75,000 workers have been approved for benefits in the first six months, with DEED calling early participation “broadly representative” of the workforce. Elections & Voting Tech: Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon pushed back on Trump administration demands to move states toward hand-marked paper ballots, calling it “a recipe for chaos.” Teen Driving Rules: Minnesota State Patrol guidance spells out passenger limits for new teen drivers: one under-20 passenger for the first six months (unless a parent/guardian is in the car), then up to three for the next six months. Local Growth & Planning: Monticello Tech’s long-awaited data center application outlines a campus up to 3 million square feet across hundreds of acres, setting up a major public review. Weather: Twin Cities forecast calls for muggy conditions and a chance of storms Wednesday, then a warm-up into the 90s over the weekend.

Election Integrity: Minnesota’s top election official Steve Simon joined public accuracy testing in Stillwater, where counties stress-test voting machines with tricky ballots in front of the public ahead of primaries. Housing & Homelessness: Minnesota lawmakers approved a $40 million boost to the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program, aiming to help about 11,000 households stay housed. Public Safety & Health: Faribault says lead levels at some homes with lead service lines exceeded federal action levels, and the city is working toward inventorying and replacing affected lines. Consumer Rights: A new FTC-led right-to-repair settlement with John Deere requires diagnostic and repair tools to be available to owners and independent shops, including Minnesota. Local Government Watch: Minneapolis residents packed a hearing over a drones-as-first-responders trial, raising concerns about surveillance and trust in the program. Community Notes: New Ulm crews began seal coating on downtown Minnesota Street, and Brooklyn Park posted a busy stretch of farmers market, library activities, and family events.

Local Sports: The Minnesota Twins put center fielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list Tuesday after a lingering hip injury flared again, and recalled outfielder Alan Roden to fill the spot. Iron Range Industry: Mesabi Metallics launched “Patriot Pellet,” a premium DR-grade iron ore pellet brand tied to the company’s push for new U.S. steelmaking supply. Tech & Business: Insi, a WordPress accessibility platform, was named a semifinalist in the 2026 Minnesota Cup Technology Division. Community Through Sports: US United rolled out its “Summer of Unity” with Unity Seats at major league games, including Minnesota teams like the Twins, Lynx, and Vikings. Arts & Entertainment: Bob Dylan returned to the Twin Cities area with a near-masterpiece show at Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Shakopee, and a new St. Paul country music festival, Minnesota Country Club, debuts this weekend. Public Safety & Weather: A tornado near Detroit Lakes injured two people and displaced dozens, while storms and flooding concerns continue to shape the week across parts of Minnesota.

Public Safety: A Rochester officer who fatally shot Cleavon White earlier this year will not face criminal charges, with the Olmsted County Attorney saying deadly force was justified under Minnesota law. Severe Weather: Tornadoes hit the Detroit Lakes area Monday evening, injuring three people and damaging homes and trees as crews assess damage. Health & Community: Minnesota recorded 549 firearms deaths in 2025, with homicides down but firearm suicides up, according to the state Department of Health. Sports (Twins): Byron Buxton was placed on the 10-day injured list with an aggravated hip injury, and the Twins recalled Alan Roden. Local Infrastructure: MnDOT says I-35E traffic will shift to a temporary embankment near the Shepard Rd. bridge as construction continues, with no full closure planned. Road Work: A temporary detour of Highway 108 in Dent runs July 8-10 for railroad crossing repairs. Business/Grants: SMIF opened its Economic Development Grant applications for projects up to $10,000, prioritizing communities under 10,000.

Data Centers Clash: Eagan’s data-center moratorium is headed to court as an operator sues, arguing the city is overstepping into utility regulation. Local Governance: North Mankato is also weighing a possible one-year pause on new data centers while it studies zoning, water use, power demand, noise, and lighting. Consumer Protection: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison announced a multi-state egg price collusion settlement that could deliver 53 million eggs and $3.3 million, after DOJ and states alleged illegal coordination by major producers. Public Health & Safety: A University of Minnesota Extension suicide-prevention training for Minnesota’s agriculture community stressed that listening can help in crisis. Weather: Twin Cities forecast calls for hot, humid conditions with a better chance of storms late Tuesday night. Sports (Minnesota): The Twins open a series vs. the Guardians Tuesday night, with Byron Buxton listed day-to-day. Community Spotlight: Waseca’s Jake Lieser celebrated after winning medals at Special Olympics USA Games.

Governor Pay: Tim Walz says he’ll accept a scheduled salary increase on July 1, raising his base pay from $174,775 to $200,000 as he heads out the door. Public Safety Tech: A drone strike on power lines sparked a brush fire and a small outage near Rochester; firefighters contained it quickly and the drone was destroyed. Local Roads: MnDOT will host a public open house July 14 in Willmar for the Highway 40 project, including new turn lanes and a monthlong detour. Environment & Wildlife: A new DNR/MPCA fish report finds healthier Minnesota lakes tend to have lower phosphorus, less watershed disturbance, and better shoreline habitat; meanwhile, ruffed grouse drumming counts show spring 2026 is down slightly from 2025. Sports (Twins): Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan are headed to the All-Star Game again, with Buxton voted in as a starter for the first time. Arts & Community: The Minnesota Artists Guild is expanding connections for local creatives, with monthly salons and discounted event booths.

Weather Watch: Monday starts mostly dry in Minnesota, but storms could build from the northwest by evening, with more chances for strong to severe weather later in the week. Public Safety: A boy was killed in a shooting at Hartkopf Park in Brooklyn Park; police say the case is under investigation. Sex Offender Update: A Level III sex offender, Joseph Bernard Goerdt (“Joe Patch”), has relocated to the Brimson area, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Health & Community: Fairview Range Homecare and Hospice is taking orders for its Butterfly Release Memorial in August, honoring loved ones and caregivers. Road & Crash News: A pedestrian was killed in Crosslake early Sunday, and a semi crash near Sauk Centre sent a driver to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Sports (Minnesota): Twins All-Star Byron Buxton left Sunday’s game vs. the Yankees with a hip injury; X-rays weren’t mentioned in the report. Local Economy/Ag: Minnesota is still dealing with drought conditions, and guidance is circulating for drought management for cow-calf producers.

Twins vs. Yankees: Joe Ryan went seven scoreless innings and the Minnesota Twins beat New York 6-1 on Sunday to take the series in the Bronx for the first time since 2014. Injuries: Byron Buxton left after the first inning with a re-aggravated hip issue, while Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. exited with right big toe discomfort after X-rays came back negative. All-Star updates: Buxton and Ryan were named American League All-Stars, with Buxton set to start in Philadelphia. Road work: MnDOT will run lane slowdowns on Hwy. 52 south of Chatfield Tuesday and Wednesday, and start an overnight I-90 detour near Austin Monday night for bridge deck concrete. Weather: Sunday stays sunny and hot-humid, with a slight storm chance east; Tuesday brings a bigger severe threat and flash-flood risk. Public safety: A driver was seriously hurt in a Babbitt rollover crash, and a man’s body was recovered from Movi Lake near Bemidji. Farm economy: Minnesota opened another round of $1.64M in down payment grants for new farmers, with applications starting Monday.

Twins Injury Update: Minnesota’s Zebby Matthews left Saturday’s game vs. the Yankees with a right foot laceration in the fifth inning, after allowing four runs and three hits in 4⅔ innings. Sunday Baseball Preview: The Twins and Yankees meet again Sunday at 1:35 p.m. EDT at Yankee Stadium, with Joe Ryan vs. Ryan Weathers and Peacock carrying the broadcast. All-Star Spotlight: Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan were named American League All-Stars, while the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout also earned starting spots for the July 14 game in Philadelphia. Science in Minnesota: University of Minnesota researchers unveiled “SpudCell,” a synthetic cell system that can grow, copy its DNA, and split—built from non-living chemicals. Local Courts, New Tool: Clay County’s attorney’s office is using a trained facility dog, Edison, to help witnesses and victims during high-stress interviews and court proceedings. Holiday Safety/Weather: Southeast Minnesota is still dealing with storm and flooding impacts, with some state parks and trails affected.

Twins Injury Update: Zebby Matthews left Saturday’s 11-4 win over the Yankees with a right foot laceration in the fifth inning, after walking Ben Rice and allowing more damage before being replaced by Travis Adams. Twins’ Holiday Power: Minnesota blasted six homers in the 11-4 road win, including back-to-back blasts early and Josh Bell going deep twice to pull away as New York’s skid continued. LeBron James Watch: Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul says LeBron’s next-team decision isn’t coming “anytime soon,” with Minnesota among the teams that have ramped up their pursuit. Independence Day Plans: The 250th birthday celebrations include President Trump’s speech and a massive fireworks show, while Minnesota weather looks mostly sunny Sunday with only a modest storm chance. Local Community: Blakeley Township in Scott County is set to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration signing July 12 with a program, music, and history books. Safety & Travel Tips: Minnesota’s rules for hauling oversized boats and trailer safety reminders are circulating ahead of holiday lake trips.

Minnesota Agriculture: The state Department of Agriculture opened another round of its Down Payment Assistance Grants, offering $20,000 for first-time farm purchases, with $1.64 million available this year; applications run July 6 through Aug. 31. Local Public Safety: As the Fourth of July weekend kicks off, Cook County law enforcement is reminding boaters about permit requirements, life jacket rules, sober operation, and “Operation Dry Water” patrols. Local Government: North Mankato is weighing a yearlong moratorium on new or expanded data centers while it studies zoning and local impacts. State Policy Watch: New Minnesota laws take effect July 1, including anonymous threat reporting requirements for schools and expanded reporting rules for certain educator charges. Community Life: Sherburne County and Big Lake Township celebrated a new pedestrian bridge that completes a safer trail connection for bikers and walkers. Health & Safety: A frozen meal recall hit the Upper Midwest after packaging failed to list soy, affecting products shipped into Minnesota. Sports (Minnesota): The Twins and Yankees meet July 4 at Yankee Stadium, with New York looking to build on a series lead.

LeBron James Sweepstakes: Rich Paul says the Lakers star has fielded calls from “10 to 12” teams and showed a whiteboard of possible fits, including the 76ers, Cavaliers, Heat, Timberwolves and Nuggets—plus hints that New York could have been the destination if the Knicks hadn’t won the title. NHL Free Agency: The Flyers tendered a five-year, $90 million offer sheet to Ducks center Leo Carlsson, making him the league’s new top earner at $18M AAV; Anaheim has seven days to match or lose him for four first-round picks. Public Safety & Justice: A Twin Cities family says a 61-year-old woman died after ending up on I-94, but they believe she was pushed rather than “fell out,” as investigators sort out what happened. Local Government: Isanti County HHS warned commissioners about future funding pressure tied to new child welfare requirements starting in 2027. Roads & Travel: MnDOT will close Highway 50 between Hampton and Douglas Township from July 8 to late August for repaving and drainage work. Weather: Extreme heat warnings continue into the July 4 weekend across much of the central and eastern U.S., with dangerous humidity and record temperatures.

Minnesota Mental Health & Safety: Minnesota’s suicide rate rose 4% in 2025 to an estimated 845 deaths, with firearms the leading method and a sharp jump among ages 10–14. Immigration Enforcement: Fourteen Minnesota anti-ICE protesters pleaded not guilty in federal court, with prosecutors describing a large digital record and defendants challenging how some material was obtained. Local Economy & Jobs: Ideal US Talent, a Minnesota-based staffing firm, plans layoffs of nearly 1,400 workers in Illinois as it restructures contracts. Health Care Policy: Minnesota’s 340B program is under renewed pressure as hospitals warn time is running out for the safety-net drug pricing program. Sports & Community: The Minnesota Wild acquired Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta from Calgary in a trade, while Mall of America in Bloomington unveiled Bubble Planet, a new immersive attraction. Environment: Aitkin County residents are pushing shoreline restoration to slow erosion and protect lake ecosystems.

Minnesota Politics: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is blasting Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Board of Pardons after a full pardon for Tou Lue Vang, a convicted child sex offender, derailing a deportation effort. Roads & Travel: MnDOT says Highway 10 between Wadena and Verndale will reopen by Thursday afternoon, while Highway 65 resurfacing north of Cambridge starts July 7 and an eastbound Highway 13 ramp to southbound I-35W in Burnsville closes July 7 through October. Public Safety: The Minnesota State Patrol is reminding people about Capitol grounds rules for July 4 fireworks, including no drones, no open flames, and alcohol bans. Health & Community: Free nitrate well-water testing clinics are set for Otter Tail County and Southeast Minnesota, with on-the-spot results. Science: University of Minnesota researchers unveiled SpudCell, the first synthetic cell reported to complete a life cycle. Sports: The Minnesota Wild made a splash in free agency, trading for Blake Coleman and Olli Määtta, and re-signing Nick Foligno and Zach Bogosian; meanwhile, Lynx players Olivia Miles and Natasha Howard were named WNBA All-Stars. Weather/Outdoors: Heat and storm risks are in the mix for the holiday week, and Twin Cities beaches are closed over bacteria concerns.