AGP Executive Report

Twins vs. Braves: Josh Bell launched a 434-foot two-run homer in the first, and Ryan Jeffers added a two-run double as Minnesota beat Atlanta 4-1 at Target Field, taking the first two games of the series and setting up a chance to sweep Wednesday. Boundary Waters mining fight: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order blocking new copper-nickel mining permits and leases near the Boundary Waters and Rainy River headwaters, with the order set to expire 90 days after he leaves office—prompting pushback from some Northern Minnesota lawmakers and mining supporters. Legal drama in Minnesota: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison sued Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to force extradition of ICE agent Christian Castro, accused in a January shooting in Minneapolis. Courts and accountability: Derek Chauvin filed a petition seeking to overturn his state murder conviction, while a Lakeville man was sentenced to 6.5 years in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme. Public safety: A motorcyclist died in a central Minnesota crash in Langola Township after a pickup attempted a left turn. Local life: Minneapolis City Council committee advanced a plan requiring some businesses to post dress codes publicly, and Reign nightclub’s liquor license renewal moved forward after a mass shooting.

Boundary Waters Mining: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order blocking new nonferrous mining permits and pausing state environmental review in the Rainy River headwaters watershed, aiming to protect the BWCAW while litigation plays out. Medicaid Fraud: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison announced felony theft charges in two Medicaid fraud cases totaling more than $1.5 million, targeting alleged improper mental health and home health billings. Voter Data Fight: A federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s bid for unredacted Minnesota voter rolls, including birth dates and partial Social Security numbers. Urban Trees: The DNR awarded nearly $5 million to 33 communities to plant or replace more than 6,000 trees, with more grant applications due Sept. 14. Food Security: A new Minnesota law lets retailers donate eggs to food shelves up to 30 days after the quality-assurance date. Outdoors & Weather: Early red maples and weaker fall color are being blamed on drought stress, while bear hunters are warned not to shoot radio-collared, ear-tagged research bears. Sports: The Twins snapped a losing streak with a 4-2 win over the Braves, and Vikings preseason news includes Jamal Adams’ season-ending quad injury.

Vikings Injury Update: Jamal Adams is out for the 2026 season after a torn quad tendon in his right knee during the preseason opener vs. the Giants, leaving Minnesota scrambling at a key defensive spot. Election Integrity in Minnesota: A judge rejected the Justice Department’s push for Minnesota’s unredacted voter registration list, while separate reporting highlights how the state’s “vouching” system is being tested and scrutinized after undercover-style videos. Immigration Courts: A federal judge allowed the Trump administration to move forward ending TPS protections for nearly 1,100 Somalis, with about 400 potentially affected in Minnesota. Healthcare Politics: DFL Sen. Arik Putnam says healthcare costs and access will dominate the 2026 election and the 2027 session, especially for rural hospitals. Local Public Safety: Dakota County detectives are seeking information after a man was found dead in the Mississippi River near Inver Grove Heights. Housing & Costs: New data show public housing rents vary widely across counties, with Nicollet averaging $407/month in 2025. Business & Travel: Sun Country is cutting MSP flight options this fall, raising concerns about higher fares. Sports: The Phillies beat the Twins 7-1, and the Field of Dreams MLB game drew 1.66 million viewers on Netflix.

Vikings Injury Update: Jamal Adams is out for the entire 2026 season after a right knee injury in the preseason win over the New York Giants, with Minnesota weighing next steps at safety. Sports Calendar: The Twins host the Braves at Target Field Monday night, and the Lynx keep pushing for the WNBA’s No. 1 seed after another win. Gas Prices: Minnesota gas prices climbed again, with average prices back above $4 a gallon as global instability and oil market pressure continue. Trade Watch: New Canadian tariffs are set to take effect, raising worries about higher costs for Minnesota businesses and potential ripple effects for farmers. Housing Data: Public housing rent snapshots show Mower County averaging $427/month, Red Lake $382, Stearns $491, Marshall $424, Rock $353, and Carver $1,064 in 2025. Local Events & Community: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a free open house at Lock and Dam 7 in La Crescent on Sept. 19, and the Lakes Area Music Festival announced a $2 million endowment for future seasons.

Vikings Injury Update: Veteran safety/linebacker Jamal Adams is expected to miss the entire 2026 season after a right knee injury in the Vikings’ 13-10 preseason win over the New York Giants, a non-contact stumble that sent him to the medical tent and cart. Minneapolis Public Safety: Minneapolis Park Police are investigating after a body in “severe state of decomposition” was found in Bde Maka Ska waters Sunday morning; the Hennepin County Medical Examiner is handling identity and cause of death. Local Crime: Two Minneapolis coffee shops—Rick’s Coffee Bar and Crema Coffee and Cream—reported break-ins around the same time period, with no arrests announced. Seniors Targeted by Scams: Ramsey County officials warn that seniors have lost more than $1.2 million to fraud since Aug. 1, urging residents to verify callers and stop if something feels off. Health Watch: Minnesota’s first confirmed 2026 West Nile case is in a Polk County horse, with officials reminding owners to vaccinate and prevent mosquito exposure. Sports: The Twins blew a five-run lead in a 7-5 loss to the Phillies, who completed a three-game sweep.

Public Housing Costs (Olmsted/Kandiyohi/Waseca): HUD data show Olmsted County public-housing households reported $24,589 income in 2025, paying about $469/month rent (97% occupancy, 92 units). Kandiyohi households reported $20,941 income, with average rent around $450 (94% occupied, 174 units). Waseca households reported $23,608 income, with average rent about $452 (98% occupied, 128 units). Road Safety Awards (MnDOT): Three MnDOT projects won regional America’s Transportation Awards, including a Highway 371 corridor improvement in Hackensack recognized for safer, multimodal design. Education Spotlight (St. Cloud): Success Academy Saint Cloud third graders posted the state’s second-highest reading MCA participation rate for 2024-25, with 28% meeting reading proficiency. Wildlife & Farming: DNR warns wild rice harvesters to wait for ripe kernels, not just the Aug. 15 start date. Meanwhile, forest tent caterpillars are expanding in north-central Minnesota, with defoliation mapped over 60,000 acres so far. Sports & Health: Vikings preseason win over the Giants came with injury concerns after Jamal Adams was carted off with a knee issue. In soccer, Minnesota United drew Real Salt Lake 1-1 as Joaquin Pereyra scored in the 89th. Community & Culture: Arrested Development is set for two Minneapolis shows at the Dakota on Nov. 6. Local Business: Kreklow Dental in Grand Rapids plans to add a second dentist this fall to help with rural access.

WNBA Playoff Push: The Minnesota Lynx kept their grip on the WNBA’s No. 1 seed, beating the Las Vegas Aces 92-87 behind Olivia Miles (23 points, 8 assists) and Napheesa Collier (19). Minnesota hit 11 threes and held on late despite A’ja Wilson’s 32. Vikings Injury Update: Jamal Adams’ Vikings preseason debut ended early as he was carted off with a right knee injury after 11 snaps; coach Kevin O’Connell said initial exams “don’t look good.” Preseason QB Watch: Kyler Murray made his Minnesota starting debut in the Vikings’ 13-10 win over the Giants, leading a drive to a field goal; J.J. McCarthy struggled early but finished 4 of 7. Twins Struggle vs Phillies: Philadelphia routed Minnesota 9-1 at Target Field, with Alec Bohm going 5-for-5 and Jesús Luzardo allowing one run in 6 2/3. Minneapolis Park Funding Fight: Park leaders warned that a smaller property-tax increase could mean cuts to youth programs and maintenance, including staffing and tree work. Hopkins Daycare Tragedy: Families of Kristen and Evie Brown released a statement after the Wednesday double murder-suicide, asking for privacy and noting a vigil planned for Monday. Airfare Concern: Sun Country is cutting its MSP schedule this fall due to pilot shortages, raising worries about fewer flights and higher fares.

Education Watch: Monroe Elementary’s 5th-graders logged full reading MCA participation, with 58% proficient in 2024-25, while Oak Hills Elementary’s 5th-graders posted 71% reading proficiency and the second-highest participation rate statewide. Science Scores: Countryside Elementary tested only 5th-graders for the science MCA; 36% were proficient. More Testing Data: Nova Classical Academy Upper School’s 11th-graders hit 78% math proficiency, and Winona County’s science results show 21.4% met standards and 4.8% exceeded them in 2024-25. Housing Numbers: Wright County public housing hit 100% occupancy in 2025; Blue Earth was 96%, Sherburne 92%, Anoka 88%, and Lac qui Parle 100%. Elections: Minnesota’s Aug. 11 primary set a record with 1.1M ballots cast. Voting System Fight: Minnesota’s secretary of state threatened James O’Keefe and Cam Higby over an undercover test of the state’s “voter vouching” system. Sports Tonight: The Vikings open preseason vs. the Giants (1 p.m. ET, NBC in-market), and the Lynx host the Aces in Las Vegas at 8 p.m. ET (CBS/Paramount+).

Local Community Milestone: North Minneapolis Elks Lodge 106 and Minnehaha Temple 129 are marking more than 120 years of service with a three-day Elkathon featuring kids events, live music, community dinners, backpack giveaways, and fundraising to renovate and expand the facility. Public Safety & Justice: A former assistant Anoka County attorney, Andrea Leigh Sampson, faces charges tied to an alleged sex trafficking operation in Hennepin County, including accusations of recruiting, posting ads, and funneling profits through shell corporations. Elections & Election Integrity: Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says a Florida-based group visited polling places during the Aug. 11 primary, using concealed cameras and impersonation to “cast doubt” on election laws; law enforcement is reviewing the incident. State Politics & Healthcare: Gov. candidate Amy Klobuchar toured Winona Health, pitching a Minnesota health care workforce plan and a state tax credit to help lower insurance premiums. Sports (Twin Cities): The Vikings open preseason Saturday at MetLife vs. the Giants with Kyler Murray named starter; in Minneapolis, the Twins host the Phillies at Target Field. Sports (NBA): The Timberwolves will retire Kevin Garnett’s No. 21 after their Feb. 28 game vs. the Celtics. Weather/Environment: Minnesota drought conditions are worsening, with nearly half the state in severe drought, hitting farmers hard.

Food Access: Free Range Food Co-op in Grand Rapids won a $55,440 Minnesota Department of Agriculture grant for refrigeration equipment as it builds a community-owned grocery store. Public Health: A rabid bat was found Aug. 5 near Lanesboro Elementary School; anyone with physical contact (or pets that touched it) should get a rabies risk assessment and treatment guidance from the state health department. Education: Valley Crossing Elementary in the 2024-25 MCA reading results saw fifth-graders post the top participation (148 tested) with 84% meeting proficiency; Bamber Valley Elementary’s fourth-graders also stood out with 58% meeting reading proficiency. State Government: Gov. Tim Walz ordered flags at half-staff at state buildings to honor wildland firefighter Leslie R. Washington, who died Aug. 11 after a medical emergency responding to the Bear Trap Fire. Crime & Safety: Hopkins police say a man used a screwdriver to kill his wife and 7-year-old daughter at a daycare before taking his own life; investigators also believe he killed another relative earlier. Travel/Local Economy: Costco opened a new 164,000-square-foot store in Otsego today, with pharmacy, optical, gas, and hearing aid services. Sports: The Phillies beat the Twins 7-1 at the Field of Dreams game in Iowa.

Immigration & Civil Rights: Federal court filings say DHS ran a months-long undercover surveillance operation in Minnesota targeting progressive groups and labor unions during “Operation Metro Surge,” raising concerns about spying on constitutionally protected protest activity. Local Government & Taxes: St. Paul and Minneapolis budget proposals would mean higher property taxes and service cuts, with St. Paul proposing a 6.8% hike and Minneapolis an 11.3% increase. State Politics (U.S. Senate): Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and GOP nominee Michele Tafoya both hit fraud and affordability in TV interviews as they set up a November matchup. Public Safety: Gov. Walz ordered flags at half-staff for fallen wildland firefighter Leslie R. Washington, who died responding to the Bear Trap Fire near Ely. Transit & Safety: Lime says it restricted downtown scooter activity after riders entered I-35W during a weekend takeover. Sports (Field of Dreams): The Phillies beat the Twins 7-1 in Iowa’s Field of Dreams game, with Kyle Schwarber driving the cornfield spectacle. Community Health: A Duluth Walk for Epilepsy drew hundreds to raise awareness and support families.

Daycare tragedy: Hopkins police say a 41-year-old man killed his 7-year-old daughter and wife at their home daycare, then shot himself; investigators also believe he killed a 78-year-old relative earlier. Six other children were present and were not physically hurt. Public safety push: MnDOT and partners are installing more than 300 Vehicle Speed Feedback Signs on rural Minnesota roads to slow drivers near towns and reduced-speed zones. Road work updates: MnDOT plans an overnight I-35 closure in Duluth Aug. 17 (10 p.m.-5 a.m.) for a pedestrian bridge; Hwy. 22 resurfacing from Wells to the Iowa border starts Aug. 17 with work under traffic. Sports & entertainment: The Vikings released their first preseason depth chart with Kyler Murray listed as QB1; tonight’s MLB Field of Dreams game has the Twins vs. Phillies streaming on Netflix. Politics: A new report highlights November’s all-woman top-ticket matchups in Minnesota—Klobuchar vs. Demuth for governor and Flanagan vs. Tafoya for Senate. Education: State test data show FIT Academy’s 6th graders ranked high in reading participation and Concord Elementary’s 5th graders posted science proficiency results.

Daycare Tragedy: Hopkins police say a 41-year-old man killed his 7-year-old daughter and his wife at their in-home daycare, then died by suicide; investigators also believe he killed a 78-year-old relative in a separate attack, and six other children were unharmed. Elections: St. Cloud-area voters backed statewide winners in Minnesota’s Aug. 11 primary; on the GOP side, House Speaker Lisa Demuth beat Trump-endorsed Mike Lindell for governor, while Lindell refused to concede despite an 11-point gap. Progressive Power: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won Minnesota’s Democratic Senate primary over Rep. Angie Craig, setting up a November matchup with GOP nominee Michele Tafoya. Local Safety & Trust: Winona police won’t replace stolen Flock cameras, citing community trust after vandalism. City Budget: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey proposed a $2.3B budget with an 11.3% property tax increase and cuts to 100 jobs. Sports: Vikings named Kyler Murray starting QB over J.J. McCarthy; Twins beat Orioles 7-5 and head to the Field of Dreams vs. Phillies.

Minnesota Politics: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won the DFL U.S. Senate primary, beating Rep. Angie Craig 59%–39%, setting up a November matchup after a night that also saw GOP House Speaker Lisa Demuth win the governor primary and knock out Trump-backed MyPillow founder Mike Lindell. Local Law Enforcement & Privacy: Winona police say they won’t replace stolen Flock license-plate cameras, even as Rochester-area coverage raises fresh questions about what data these systems collect and how it’s handled. Public Input: The Minnesota Department of Revenue is holding listening sessions in St. Paul (and online) to simplify the state’s property tax system and make it more understandable. Education: A small slice of science testing at Willow Lane Elementary involved 45 fifth-graders, with 11% showing proficiency in 2024–25. Courts & Safety: A former Mounds View teacher was federally indicted for allegedly grooming an underage student. Business & Jobs: Revol Greens says it may close Minnesota and Texas greenhouses Oct. 4 unless it finds a buyer or financing, with about 89 Minnesota layoffs expected. Weather & Travel: Southbound Highway 100 in Bloomington reopened after a fatal crash; an I-35 crash in Albert Lea killed an Iowa man.

Minnesota Politics: Keith Ellison appears set for a November rematch for attorney general against GOP challenger Ron Schutz after Ellison won the DFL nomination in Tuesday’s primary. Governor Race: Sen. Amy Klobuchar cruised to the DFL gubernatorial nomination, setting up a November fight with the winner of a crowded GOP field. U.S. Senate: Former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya won the GOP Senate nomination, giving Republicans a candidate they hope can break Minnesota’s long statewide streak. Congressional Primaries: Matt Little won the DFL nomination in Minnesota’s 2nd District, while Betty McCollum won in the 4th; in the 8th District, Stauber and Swanson advanced to the general election. Local Elections: Coon Rapids’ mayoral race heads to November with Pat Carlson and Thuba Nguyen; Ramsey at-large council seats advance with Debra Musgrove and Kelly Muchowski; Fridley Ward 1 and Ward 2 winners also set up general-election matchups. Transportation: MnDOT plans to move forward on the Hwy. 252/I-94 project despite lawmakers’ calls to pause. Education & Health: DOJ’s lawsuit over Minneapolis Public Schools employment practices was dismissed without prejudice, and Minnesota’s MCA results show mixed proficiency levels across districts and schools. Sports: The Vikings named Kyler Murray their starting QB over J.J. McCarthy; the Twins’ Joe Ryan hit the IL with a glute strain, while the Orioles’ Yohel Pozo left a game vs. Minnesota after a hand injury.

Minnesota Primary Day: Voters head to the polls Tuesday in a high-stakes Democratic U.S. Senate showdown between Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig, with immigration and a fraud probe tied to childcare programs driving the debate. Election Security: The Justice Department says it will monitor polling sites in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, while Minnesota election officials are also preparing for federal observers. Early Voting Surge: Minnesota set an early voting record ahead of the primary, with more than 200,000 early ballots cast. Local Grants for Housing Cleanup: Norwood Young America is getting DEED cleanup funding tied to a redevelopment plan for Norwood Flats, aiming to move a contaminated site toward new apartments. Education Snapshot: Red Pine Elementary’s fourth-graders posted strong MCA reading participation and proficiency results for 2024-25. Food Safety: Chipotle pulled jalapeños amid a salmonella outbreak that has reached 110 cases in Minnesota and beyond. Sports & Community: The Savannah Bananas’ Minneapolis weekend drew huge crowds at Target Field, while a Staples man was arrested in the theft of an Honor Flight of ND/MN trailer.