AGP Executive Report

St. Paul Politics: A second senior St. Paul police official alleges Mayor Kaohly Her created a sexualized work environment, following an earlier complaint by the police chief. Water Security: Federal and state officials are still tracing a coordinated cyberattack that hit 30+ Minnesota water systems over the weekend; investigators say no contamination was reported, and they’re warning against jumping to conclusions about who’s behind it. Housing Funding: Minnesota Housing opened the 2026 Multifamily Consolidated RFP and the 2027 Housing Tax Credit Round 1 for applications. Local Infrastructure: St. Cloud is moving ahead with two Mississippi Riverwalk and downtown-to-campus connection projects after accepting state bonding money. Public Safety/Health: A new Minnesota Medicaid fraud protection law takes effect Aug. 1, adding investigators and closing prosecution gaps. Sports: The Twins acquired lefty reliever A.J. Minter from the Mets, and Kody Clemens hit a walk-off grand slam to beat Kansas City 4-3; the Lynx extended their win streak to nine with a 104-72 rout of Toronto. Education: New MCA participation/proficiency results highlight wide variation across schools, including low science proficiency at some sites. Business: Protolabs reported strong Q2 results, citing record revenue and margin growth.

Cybersecurity & Public Safety: Braham’s water plant was briefly taken offline Monday after a cyberattack on automated controls, with officials saying the physical system and water quality were not compromised; the city restored backup software within about two hours and joined other affected communities including Plymouth and South St. Paul as state and federal investigators probe whether Iranian-linked hackers were behind the coordinated effort. AI & Free Speech: Elon Musk’s xAI sued Minnesota to block the state’s “nudify” deepfake ban, arguing it’s an overbroad, content-based restriction on free speech, while lawmakers say the law targets explicit deepfakes and carries steep fines. Local Government: St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her faced fresh scrutiny in accounts describing him as rollicking, personable, and inappropriate. Sports: Kody Clemens hit a walk-off grand slam with two outs in the ninth to lift the Twins over the Royals 4-3 after a long no-hit bid. WNBA: The Lynx kept rolling, beating Toronto 104-72 for their ninth straight win. State Fair: The Great Big Wheel is set to debut at the Minnesota State Fair, rising 156 feet with enclosed gondolas.

St. Paul Workplace Probe: St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry has filed a sexual harassment complaint against Mayor Kaohly Her, alleging inappropriate messages to city staff, with an outside law firm hired to investigate. WE Fest Traffic Rules: MnDOT and the State Patrol are warning WE Fest attendees that no parking is allowed along Highway 59 before noon Aug. 3, with vehicles arriving early subject to removal and penalties. AI Nudification Lawsuit: Elon Musk’s xAI sued Minnesota’s attorney general in federal court to block the state’s Aug. 1 ban on “nudification” tools, arguing it violates free speech protections. Water Safety: The DNR says fish mortality remains elevated during prolonged heat and urges Minnesotans to report dead fish; heavy rain is also expected along the Minnesota River Valley with localized flooding possible. Sports—Lynx, Twins, Vikings: The Lynx kept rolling with a 100-93 win over Toronto; the Twins fell 4-0 to Kansas City as Randy Dobnak earned his first win in five years, and Byron Buxton went on the IL; the Vikings opened training camp in Eagan with the QB battle in focus. Business & Health: Xcel reported Q2 earnings of $586 million; Sanford Health’s Brad Reimer won a Minnesota ORBIE award; and a statewide missing person alert was issued for Faribault’s Ryan Featherly.

Education & Federal Scrutiny: The Trump administration says it’s investigating Minnesota schools over “transgender dolls,” while the state and University of Minnesota dispute the claims and say the program isn’t taxpayer-funded. AI & Free Speech Clash: Elon Musk’s xAI sued Minnesota to block the state’s first-in-the-nation “nudification” ban, arguing it goes too far; lawmakers say the law will hold. Public Safety: Minneapolis launched a new Firearm Assault Shoot Team (FAST) focused on non-fatal shootings, and police leaders say it’s already leading to charges. Health & Fraud Enforcement: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison shut down a Blaine nonprofit accused of misclassifying workers as volunteers, calling it a sham charity. Environment: The DNR warns fish kills are on track to be among the worst on record as heat drives low-oxygen conditions. Local Infrastructure: Minnesota Power will briefly shut down a transmission line feeding west Ely for emergency repairs. Sports: Royals beat the Twins 4-0 as Randy Dobnak earns his first win in five years; Byron Buxton is back on the IL with a right hip issue.

Cybersecurity & Water Safety: Minnesota says a “coordinated cyberattack” hit 30+ community water systems across multiple cities, prompting a statewide response that now includes the FBI, with utilities working to restore operations and harden networks. Free Speech Lawsuit: Elon Musk’s xAI is suing Minnesota to block the state’s new “nudification” ban, arguing it’s overbroad and violates the First Amendment as the law is set to take effect Aug. 1. Local Government: St. Paul’s mayor is reportedly under investigation after a harassment complaint tied to the city police chief. Energy & Industry: Xcel Energy elected Peter Carter to its board, and Minnesota Power broke ground on the Boswell Solar project expected to generate by mid-2027. Agriculture: The state is accepting applications for soil-health equipment grants up to $45,000, and the MDA is expanding its ag weather support. Weather: Rain chances increase Thursday into Friday, with totals varying by location. Sports: The Lynx kept rolling, and Royce Lewis’ walk-off triple lifted the Twins past the Royals 3-2.

Vikings Contract News: Minnesota locked in right tackle Brian O’Neill with a four-year extension worth up to $96 million, keeping a key offensive leader in place through 2030. QB Competition: Coach Kevin O’Connell says the Vikings want an “elevator” at quarterback, with Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy competing through camp and reps shifting as the team gets into situational work. Cyberattack on Water: Minnesota IT Services says a coordinated cyberattack hit 30+ community water systems in late July; officials say they’re not aware of active requests for residents to change drinking water use. Prediction Markets Blocked: A federal judge temporarily halted Minnesota’s prediction market ban just before it was set to take effect, siding with Kalshi and Polymarket arguments about federal control. Nudification Lawsuit: Elon Musk’s xAI sued Minnesota over the state’s nudification ban, arguing it’s too broad and violates the First Amendment. Local Budget Pressure: Minneapolis faces a projected $30 million deficit, and a council member warns property taxes could rise as much as 13% without spending changes. Hunting Rules: Big changes are coming for 2026 hunting, including new chronic wasting disease testing requirements tied to a statewide rotational plan. Arts & Community: Walker Art Center unveiled a packed summer lineup, including a major late-summer exhibition and free community events.

Prediction Markets: A federal judge (Katherine Menendez) temporarily blocked Minnesota’s first-of-its-kind prediction market ban, keeping platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket operating while legal fights continue ahead of an Aug. 1 start. Cybersecurity & Water: Investigators are tracing a cyberattack that briefly shut down the Braham water plant’s controls and hit at least four other Minnesota communities; officials say water quality safety wasn’t altered and systems were restored. Northern Wildfires: Gov. Tim Walz visited Ely as fires burn 64,000+ acres; containment is about 53% and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will partially reopen Thursday with more entry points returning. Heat & Health: Monday brought some of the hottest conditions of 2026, with extreme heat indices across SE Minnesota and North Iowa. Local Business/Jobs: Hormel Foods named John Ghingo as CEO effective Oct. 26, succeeding interim leader Jeff Ettinger. Sports: The Minnesota Lynx resume play after All-Star with Napheesa Collier back, and the Vikings added linebacker Jamal Adams ahead of the 2026 season.

Vikings Roster Move: Veteran safety/linebacker Jamal Adams has agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings ahead of training camp, giving Brian Flores another versatile defender as the team watches Harrison Smith’s retirement plans. Sports Weekend in Minneapolis: WWE SummerSlam returns to U.S. Bank Stadium this weekend, with Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins and CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes headlining a two-night card. Wildfire Update from Ely: Gov. Tim Walz visited Ely to thank firefighters battling northern Minnesota blazes, noting more than 1,000 personnel and over 50% containment as the season continues. Court Fight Over Prediction Markets: A federal judge temporarily blocked Minnesota’s prediction market ban, ruling it likely conflicts with federal commodity law and granting a preliminary injunction to Kalshi, Polymarket and the CFTC. Local Public Safety: A North Mankato man was injured after his car left Highway 99 and landed in the Minnesota River near Kasota; injuries were non-life-threatening. State Fair Planning: Minnesota State Fairgoers got a reminder to check the 2026 banned-items list before heading to the gates. DNR Hunting Rules: Minnesota released 2026 hunting and trapping regulations, including major changes to chronic wasting disease testing and license rules.

Wildfires & Economy: Gov. Tim Walz says northern Minnesota’s wildfire response can’t just be about flames—closures and canceled Boundary Waters trips are hitting resorts, outfitters, restaurants, and other businesses during peak season, with counties able to seek reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible emergency-response costs. Extreme Heat: Heat alerts are up across Minnesota as heat index readings push toward dangerous levels, with guidance to hydrate, seek shade, and watch vulnerable neighbors. Fish Kill Warning: The DNR reports more than 200 fish-death reports this year, blaming warm water and low oxygen, and urges people to report kills and use caution with catch-and-release. Agriculture Grants: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture opens Aug. 3 applications for $5 million in soil health equipment grants, offering 50% cost-share for eligible no-till and strip-tillage equipment. Local Crime: A Rochester “dog watcher” received a prison sentence for stealing from a couple she was employed to watch. Education Data: New MCA results highlight math and reading participation/proficiency at specific Twin Cities-area schools, showing uneven outcomes across grades. Cost of Living Watch: Gas prices in Minnesota are averaging about $4.04 per gallon after a weekly jump. Health Care Ranking: Minnesota ranks near the top nationally for healthcare value, citing strong access and cost measures.

PGA Tour Spotlight: Jackson Koivun, 21, won his first PGA Tour title at the 3M Open in Blaine, holding off Scottie Scheffler with a 25-under finish after a bogey-free final push. Twins Baseball: Connor Prielipp returned from the injured list and helped the Twins beat the Athletics 11-8, winning the series 2-1 with a big early lead and late insurance runs. Heat & Storms: Dangerous heat stayed locked over Minnesota and the region, with heat indices pushing well above 100 and storms possible later, including a risk of damaging wind and hail. Wildfire Updates: Northern Minnesota wildfire conditions improved enough for many evacuation zones to move to safer statuses, though some areas still face “go” orders and officials warned changes can happen fast. Retail Watch: Target ended its long-running price-matching guarantee for competitor online prices, keeping matches only for eligible Target items sold within the last 14 days. Public Safety: A La Crosse man was arrested after a chase ended with his pickup in the Zumbro River, facing charges including DUI and fleeing. Local Crime: Pokémon merchandise thieves hit a Forest Lake gaming store, stealing tens of thousands in cards.

Education & Testing: Cedar Island Elementary reported the second-highest Grade 3 reading MCA participation in 2024-25, with 80 third-graders taking the reading test and 56% proficient; Gatewood Elementary’s Grade 5 reading MCA participation ranked second-highest, with 47 fifth-graders tested and 28% proficient. Weather & Safety: The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the Twin Cities metro and parts of southern/west-central Minnesota, with a slight severe storm chance Sunday night into Monday, including damaging winds and large hail. Wildfires & Mutual Aid: Delaware Forest Service is sending a 17-person hand crew to northeastern Minnesota for a two-week assignment, joining earlier Delaware firefighting deployments. Public Safety & Crime: Minneapolis police are boosting Uptown patrols after a nightclub shooting left nine injured, including limiting vehicle traffic and adding foot patrols. Politics & Rights: A Minnesota jury convicted Shiloh Hendrix of misdemeanor disorderly conduct for repeatedly using the n-word at a Rochester playground, while acquitting her on a separate count involving an 8-year-old. Health & Justice: A former Minnesota National Guard member, Kelly Boylan, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for sexually abusing a subordinate during training at Fort Irwin. Local Economy: Clay County won $2 million to launch a food-waste composting program, starting with schools and meal sites. Sports: Minnesota United and Vancouver Whitecaps played to a scoreless draw as Drake Callender and Yohei Takaoka each posted shutout efforts.

Sports—Twins Injury Update: Minnesota Twins right-hander Mike Paredes was scratched minutes before his start with a left oblique strain, with Kendry Rojas taking over. Sports—Athletics Roster Move: Oakland reinstated Nick Kurtz from the IL (thumb strain) as DH and optioned Max Muncy to Triple-A. Public Safety—Uptown Shooting Aftermath: A mother says her son remains in ICU after an Uptown mass shooting left him with collapsed lung, broken ribs, and spinal cord injury. Wildfires—Northern Minnesota Response: Officials report more than 1,000 firefighters battling 25+ wildfires; rain helped moderate flames, but warm, dry conditions could worsen fire weather. Wildfires—Out-of-State Help: Delaware’s wildland suppression module and Massachusetts firefighters are among crews mobilized to support Minnesota blazes. Weather—Heat and Storm Threat: An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect, with heat indices over 100 and severe storm chances later today into Sunday. STEM—Solar Challenge: The American Solar Challenge kicked off from the University of Minnesota, with teams driving a 1,500-mile solar route toward Amarillo. Education/Politics—Transgender Doll Program: A University of Minnesota medical school project is preparing “MyGender Dolls” for classroom use for children as young as four, drawing renewed debate. Crime—Bemidji Enforcement: A violent-offender operation in the Bemidji area netted 20 arrests and recovered illegal firearms and a silencer.

Wildfire & Public Safety: Minnesota DNR is suing a man tied to the 2025 Camp House Fire, seeking about $4.3 million in state suppression costs after the blaze burned 12,070 acres and destroyed more than 180 structures. Heat & Water: Rochester is launching an RPU-led Water System Master Plan and Groundwater Study after DNR restrictions block new Jordan aquifer wells; officials warn demand could outpace supply by 2031. Crime Crackdown: A Bemidji-area operation led by the BCA and multiple agencies netted 20 arrests, recovered four illegal firearms and a silencer, and targeted violent offenders and narcotics suspects. Local Justice: A 19-year-old man was charged in a fatal Minneapolis Lyndale Avenue South shooting tied to a June 21 death. Education & Health: MDH released new tools for parents to prevent and spot physical abuse in infants under 6 months, and UMN is hosting a free chicken care workshop in St. Paul. Sports & Community: MnDOT opened public input for an I-694 study, and the Mall of America hosted a “Ryan-coaster” world record attempt drawing hundreds of Minnesotans and visitors.

First Amendment Fight: A Minnesota jury convicted Shiloh Hendrix of disorderly conduct tied to a viral racial slur incident, while acquitting her on the charge involving the child. Immigration Oversight: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and others visited the Whipple Federal Building after complaints about ICE processing conditions and detainee restraints. Public Safety & Justice: A St. Paul hit-and-run case was closed despite video showing the vehicle and plate, leaving a homeowner frustrated. Health & Environment: The Minnesota DNR warned of fish mortality tied to extreme heat and shared how residents can report dead fish. Local Government: Minneapolis park officials are weighing a property tax levy increase for the 2027 budget, according to Documenters notes. Weather: Extreme heat and severe storm threats are in the forecast, with warnings and advisories across northern and southern Minnesota. Sports (Twin Cities): The Minnesota Twins split with Cleveland after a 3-1 win; Minnesota United hosts Vancouver after a rough loss. Politics: GOP lawmakers are pushing for action after a shooting in an Edina park, citing Somali gang concerns.

Political Violence Sentencing: U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim sentenced Vance Boelter to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years for the 2025 stalking and killings of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shootings of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Education Check-In: Vadnais Heights Elementary’s third-graders led reading MCA participation for 2024-25, with 44% meeting the reading benchmark. Public Safety Bookings: Ramsey County booked one person on an “Other” charge July 21, while Hennepin County logged 13 public-order bookings July 20 and 17 domestic-charge bookings July 21. Local Governance: Shakopee voted to revoke the Baymont Hotel’s license after repeated public-safety incidents tied to large parties and overdoses. Health Access: A free “Pets and People Community Care” event in Austin offers no-cost checkups, vaccines, and screenings for people and pets Saturday. Wildfire Policy Watch: Minnesota may need a special legislative session if the peacetime emergency tied to northeast wildfires runs past 30 days. Sports: The Twins beat the Guardians 3-1 in 12 innings to split the series.

Fraud Crackdown: The Trump administration froze about $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota over suspected fraud, with HHS saying states must provide documentation to release funds. Local Government: Mora City Council held a listening session on whether the new Minnesota state flag should fly over municipal buildings. Public Safety & Health: Minnesota’s drought is worsening fire risk across lakes country, with the DNR warning conditions are expanding from the Boundary Waters and that leftover deadwood could make fires spread faster. Sports: The Minnesota Twins beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in 12 innings to split the series, with Trevor Larnach and Luke Keaschall driving in runs in the 12th. Crime & Courts: Vance Boelter was sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years for killing Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for attempting to kill Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Road Safety: Minnesota State Patrol highlighted “Operation Safe Driver” enforcement aimed at speeding, distracted driving, and impaired or fatigued driving.