AGP Executive Report

Permanent School Fund Amendment: Minnesota voters will decide this November whether to boost the Permanent School Fund’s annual distribution to 4.5% of the fund’s average value over the prior three fiscal years, a change supporters say could raise school payments without new income or property taxes. AI & Courts: A federal judge rejected xAI’s latest bid to pause Minnesota’s “AI nudification” ban, keeping the law in force while the First Amendment fight continues. Election Access: Absentee voting begins Sept. 18, with ballots available in person or by mail and no excuse required. School Bus Safety: Minnesota’s updated bus law closes a loophole by requiring drivers to stop when red lights flash, even if the stop arm isn’t extended. Immigration Enforcement: Federal prosecutors charged an ICE agent tied to Minnesota’s “Operation Metro Surge,” alleging false statements connected to a north Minneapolis shooting. Local Government & Growth: Stevens County approved a conditional use permit for a major West River Dairy expansion, with a remaining step tied to a DNR water permit. Public Safety & Cyber: A new focus on cyber threats to drinking water highlights how critical infrastructure is becoming a political and security priority.

Minnesota Governor Race: Campaign finance reports show Sen. Amy Klobuchar outraising House Speaker Lisa Demuth in direct cash, but Demuth’s campaign has pulled in about $2.8M in outside money largely tied to a Uihlein-backed super PAC, underscoring how outside spending could shape the fall contest. Climate & Health: U of M researchers say the Twin Cities’ heat islands can swing 2–5 degrees, especially at night, raising risks when people can’t cool down. Education: Plymouth Creek Elementary’s 119 fifth-graders took the science MCA, with 42% meeting proficiency benchmarks, as statewide scores continue to lag pre-pandemic levels. Public Safety & Law: Federal prosecutors are seeking a five-year prison sentence for former Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn after a child sex sting plea. Local Governance: Rep. Pam Altendorf criticized Minneapolis leadership online and promoted a Permit to Carry class for Sept. 26. National Politics & Violence: Ohio lawmakers are still stalling on bills aimed at curbing political violence after an attack on gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton. Transportation & Travel: Minnesota State Patrol is stepping up enforcement for the end of the “100 Deadliest Days,” citing last year’s Memorial Day-to-Labor Day total of 111 traffic deaths.

Immigration Accountability: The UN’s top human-rights official urged the U.S. to halt deportations and demanded accountability after more deaths in ICE custody, citing 23 deaths in 2026 and warning about returns to places with “irreparable harm.” Minnesota Elections: Minnesota election officials are bracing for a Supreme Court fight over new federal limits on mail voting, with Secretary of State Steve Simon warning local jurisdictions would need major staffing to comply. AI & Free Speech: A federal judge refused xAI’s bid to block Minnesota’s “nudification” AI law, keeping the ban enforceable while the constitutional challenge continues. Local Health Access: Two Native-centered clinics are expanding in south Minneapolis, adding major new clinic space and affordable housing to improve culturally responsive care. Labor & Cost of Living: A new look at Minnesota’s labor market ties recent strain to immigration enforcement fears, while a separate report highlights how tariffs could keep raising prices—especially for hockey gear. Transportation & Infrastructure: MnDOT briefed Hastings-area residents on major Highway 61 reconstruction planned for 2028-29, citing safety and heavy-truck traffic impacts.

Minnesota Governor Race: GOP House Speaker Lisa Demuth is leaning hard on the $9 billion fraud scandal that derailed Gov. Tim Walz’s third-term bid, while DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar leads fundraising ($3.44M cash on hand vs. Demuth’s $544K) and is drawing far less outside money—though Demuth has a big boost from a Wisconsin billionaire-backed PAC. Elections & Voting Rules: Nevada AG Aaron Ford won a preliminary injunction blocking a USPS mail-voting rule; Minnesota’s own election fight continues to swirl as courts weigh federal vs. state control over voting logistics. Gun Safety After Minneapolis Violence: A Minnesota “red flag” debate is back after reporting questioned why an extreme risk protection order wasn’t filed in the case tied to the downtown Minneapolis shooting. Courts & Public Safety: A former Minnesota state senator, Justin Eichorn, faces prosecutors seeking five years in a child sex sting case. Education: Minnesota’s MCA participation data shows Career Pathways sixth-graders ranking near the top in math participation for 2024-25, even as overall proficiency remains below pre-pandemic levels. Local Governance: Henderson, Minn., is debating a new ordinance targeting parking by large trucks and semi-trailers in residential areas. Tech & Law: xAI lost another bid tied to Minnesota’s “nudification” deepfake ban, keeping the law in place. Business & Community: A Minnesota Chamber-linked elections luncheon is set to brief business leaders on what the 2026 races could mean for employers and policy.

Minnesota Governor Race: House Speaker Lisa Demuth is trying to thread a needle in her bid for governor—balancing support for President Trump with the risk of alienating Minnesota voters who dislike his immigration record and the GOP base that could revolt if she breaks too hard. AI & Courts: A Minnesota “nudification” deepfake ban is holding after xAI’s latest court fight failed, keeping the law in effect. Healthcare Labor: Allina doctors at Unity and Mercy hospitals filed a strike notice after years without a contract, setting up a potential walkout starting Sept. 14. Cybersecurity: Winona County says it paid about $128,539 after a January ransomware attack, and Minnesota officials warn government targets are rising. Civil Legal Aid: Justice North—formed from a merger of long-running northwest and northeast Minnesota legal aid groups—continues expanding free civil legal help across 33 counties. Local Government: Faribault County moved to reconsider and approve a cannabis microbusiness conditional use permit with added fencing conditions. Public Safety: Duluth authorities recovered a body from the St. Louis River near the Blatnik Bridge; the investigation is ongoing. Statewide Tech/Defense: Wisconsin is pushing a defense innovation “front door” hub model, pointing to Minnesota’s aerospace complex as a comparison.

Minnesota AI & Courts: A federal judge kept Minnesota’s “nudification” deepfake ban in place after xAI’s latest bid to block it failed, meaning the law can continue to take effect. Immigration Enforcement & Rights: A Minneapolis ICE shooting case is back in the spotlight as federal prosecutors dropped civil-rights plans against an agent accused of lying about the incident, reigniting debate over accountability during Trump-era enforcement. Public Safety: Duluth authorities recovered a body from the St. Louis River near the Blatnik Bridge after a car was found abandoned; the investigation is ongoing. Local Governance: A Minnesota school board is considering recording and posting meetings online, aiming to make public participation easier. Workforce: State workforce officials marked Workforce Development Month, saying more job seekers are being served even as employers still struggle to fill roles amid AI and other labor-market pressures. State Politics/Policy: Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth highlighted mining priorities during Iron Range visits, pushing a message that mining can be part of Minnesota’s future “safely.” Crime & Justice: A St. Paul murder charge collapsed, with the sole suspect getting five years on a gun count instead. Sports/Community: Minnesota’s crop art at the State Fair leaned into immigration enforcement themes, reflecting how artists are processing recent ICE activity.

WNBA Leadership: Cathy Engelbert will retire as WNBA commissioner effective Dec. 31, with the league starting the search for her replacement later this month. Civil Liberties & Press Access: The ACLU, ACLU of D.C., and the National Press Photographers Association filed an amicus brief backing a Minnesota photojournalist’s challenge to FAA temporary drone flight restrictions over DHS facilities, arguing it violates the First Amendment. Public Safety & Courts: Federal prosecutors are seeking a five-year prison sentence for former Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn in a child sex sting case. Health & Misinformation: UMN infectious-disease expert Michael Osterholm weighed in on vaccine misinformation and outbreak preparedness, including winter vaccine recommendations. Natural Resources: Minnesota DNR is moving hunters and anglers to a mostly online licensing system, including digital deer validation instead of physical tags. Local Government & Housing: Minnesota lawmakers tout bipartisan housing progress under the 2026 housing package, while Marble received $3.0M for drinking water upgrades. Crime & Justice: A federal court sentenced three Cameroonian-Americans for financing separatist violence and facilitating kidnappings.

WNBA Leadership Shakeup: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced she’ll retire effective Dec. 31, ending a polarizing tenure that included major growth and high-profile player criticism, with a replacement search expected to begin later this month. Minneapolis Gun Violence & Red Flag Law Debate: After the downtown Minneapolis mass shooting that killed three (including the suspect), legal experts are again questioning why an emergency risk protection order wasn’t pursued, pointing to alleged prior threats and restraining-order history. AI “Nudification” Ruling: A federal judge refused to pause Minnesota’s ban on sexually explicit AI deepfakes, allowing regulators to fine xAI/SpaceXAI while the lawsuit proceeds. Immigration Enforcement Fallout: An ICE officer accused of lying about a Minneapolis shooting pleaded not guilty in Texas federal court, as prosecutors pursue charges tied to the incident. Local Business & Data Center Fight: Duluth-area businesses are cutting ties with the Duluth Chamber after it backed a proposed Hermantown data center, calling it a betrayal. Road Safety: Minnesota State Patrol reported a fatal two-car crash on Highway 53 north of Orr that killed three people. Election Integrity Safeguards: A letter highlights Minnesota’s bipartisan election judge procedures and ballot protections amid ongoing national fraud claims.

Immigration & Courts: Federal prosecutors charged ICE officer Christian Castro with false statements tied to the January shooting of Venezuelan immigrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in north Minneapolis, after Texas refused Minnesota’s extradition—raising fresh questions about accountability during Operation Metro Surge. Public Safety & Guns: Minnesota’s BCA says suspected Minneapolis mass shooter Carlton Neal Johnson II had a documented threat history and was facing eviction, but officials found no confirmed firearm-eligibility restrictions at the time. Elections & Voting Rules: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to lift a block on changes to mail-in voting, as Democrats prepare for possible midterm disruption. Health Policy: AG Dana Nessel joined a coalition challenging a Trump administration push to restrict Medicaid/CHIP coverage for transgender youth care. Local Government: In Babbitt, candidate forums were set for mayor and council, while a West Babbitt paving timeline slipped 10 days due to subcontractor delays. Environment & Permitting: Critics warn an EPA proposal could reduce public input on air permits for data centers by letting projects start before approvals. Religion & Abuse Settlements: A $30 million insurance settlement was announced for 145 clergy abuse survivors tied to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

Minneapolis Mass Shooting: The Minnesota BCA says Wednesday’s downtown Loring Towers attack began with a domestic dispute outside the apartment building and ended in an exchange of gunfire with officers; police identified two people killed as Dale Henry Spry and Muse A. Afrah, and named officers Joseph Michnowski and Yahye Ahmed among the wounded, with most residents allowed back except the 9th floor. ICE Accountability: Federal prosecutors charged ICE officer Christian Castro with lying to investigators about the January shooting of a Venezuelan man during the Minneapolis immigration crackdown; he turned himself in after earlier extradition delays. Local Justice System: Police identified Carlton Neal Johnson II as the suspected gunman in the downtown shooting, and court records cited a long list of prior cases and a 2023 harassment restraining order. Public Safety Data: Hennepin County reported 82 drug-category bookings for the week ending Aug. 30, alongside 19 domestic bookings in Ramsey County. State Government Tech: Minnesota is expanding its “whole of state” cybersecurity approach for local governments and critical infrastructure. Economy/Everyday Costs: GasBuddy reports show Jackson County’s lowest regular price at $3.94/gal and Faribault County’s lowest premium at $4.64/gal for the week ending Aug. 29.

Minneapolis Public Safety: A downtown apartment-building shooting left at least three dead, including the suspect, and multiple others wounded—among them two Minneapolis police officers—prompting major law enforcement response and state-level support from Gov. Tim Walz. Federal Immigration Accountability: A ProPublica report says DOJ leaders quashed plans for civil rights charges against an ICE agent accused in a Minneapolis shooting, steering prosecutors toward a lesser “false statements” charge. State Fair Politics & Policy: Minnesota House polling at the State Fair is collecting public input on issues including a proposed constitutional amendment tied to the permanent school trust fund, with results expected after the fair ends. DNR Hunting Update: Minnesota’s new deer license system is moving away from physical tagging and shifting to digital validation through the DNR app. Local Government: Sherburne County residents packed budget town halls over a proposed 2027 property tax levy increase, with officials signaling further reductions may be possible. Community Notes: Chisago County is seeking an applicant for the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District board.

Minneapolis Gun Violence: Downtown Minneapolis was rocked Wednesday by a mass shooting near 15 E. Grant St., leaving at least one person dead and six injured, including two Minneapolis police officers; officials said the suspected shooter was also dead and urged the public to avoid the area as state and federal agencies—including the FBI—responded. Local Governance & Public Safety: The incident triggered a major multi-agency police response and lockdown precautions around nearby areas, with Gov. Tim Walz saying Minnesota’s public safety team was on the ground supporting local law enforcement. Data Center Policy: Faribault’s planning commission is moving toward finalizing data center standards by November, with city staff focused on water-cooling rules and legal risk—especially whether proposed requirements could invite lawsuits. Health Care Legal Fight: A coalition of states, including Vermont, sued the Trump administration over a rule that would block Medicaid reimbursements for gender-affirming care for low-income youth, arguing it exceeds federal authority. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest E85 price in Renville County at $2.84 for the week ending Aug. 22, while Minnesota’s average E85 price rose to $3.09.

Minnesota Courts & Public Safety: Vance Boelter, federally sentenced for the politically motivated killings of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, returns to Hennepin County court Wednesday as his state case heads toward trial; his filings cite “reasonable use of force,” “justifiable taking of life,” and a venue change over “excessive pretrial publicity.” Housing & Education: Minnesota’s two gubernatorial nominees, DFL Gov. nominee Amy Klobuchar and GOP nominee Lisa Demuth, will face off in back-to-back State Fair housing interviews Wednesday, with renters, homelessness, and workforce housing on the agenda. State Policy: A proposed constitutional amendment would boost Minnesota public school funding by increasing the Permanent School Fund payout rate from about 2.5% to about 4.5%, aiming for more money “at zero cost to the taxpayer.” Federal Policy Impacting Minnesotans: Congress passed a bipartisan bill delaying the federal hemp THC ban until Dec. 11, 2026, with Sen. Amy Klobuchar involved—giving Minnesota farmers and brewers more time. Local Government: Kandiyohi County approved a grant application for courthouse security upgrades, including a 50/50 match for about $70,000. Immigration Enforcement: The DHS confirmed 121 immigrant arrests in a Memphis nightclub raid, as the broader ICE enforcement push continues to draw national scrutiny. Community & Culture: Northfield’s Friendship Trees crochet project is on display downtown for about two months, rooted in community support during Operation Metro Surge.

Federal Courts & Immigration: Democrats used a seldom-invoked federal tool to demand a GAO audit of DHS surveillance demands tied to Minneapolis journalist Georgia Fort and other groups, spotlighting how customs summonses may bypass court oversight. Minnesota Public Safety: New school bus safety rules kick in, including a clearer requirement to stop when a bus’s red lights are flashing—even if the stop arm isn’t fully extended—and updated first-aid kit standards. State Oversight: Minnesota’s new Office of the Inspector General is on track to be fully operational by Sept. 1, 2027, with a bipartisan commission narrowing candidates for the top job. Elections & Voting Access: A continuing resolution cleared the House to keep the federal government funded through Dec. 11, easing shutdown pressure as midterms approach. Minnesota State Fair: Fair officials removed anti-Trump crop art marked “8647” after the artist reportedly received death threats. Health & Fraud: DOJ launched a National Fraud Detection Center aimed at catching fraud against taxpayer-funded programs faster.

Minnesota Supreme Court: The court rejected MyPillow founder Mike Lindell’s bid for a full recount in the Aug. 11 GOP gubernatorial primary, backing the state’s partial recount plan and setting up Lindell to appeal. Immigration & public safety: Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says federal officials finally turned over key material tied to the January shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, clearing the way for a decision on whether to charge immigration officers. State budget pressure: A new report projects Minnesota Medicaid spending will jump about 40% over four years to roughly $29B, far outpacing expected revenue growth and raising tough choices for the next governor and Legislature. Local government & infrastructure: Minnesota and Wisconsin officials marked the start of the Blatnik Bridge replacement project, with federal funding released after delays. Elections & schools: District 742 in St. Cloud is set for major board turnover, with six candidates filing for three seats. Courts & accountability: Minnesota’s new law prevents window-smashing suspects from seeing charges, and a federal judge blocked efforts to seize control of mail-in ballots—both feeding the broader election-integrity fight. Crime: An arrest warrant was issued for a 28-year-old woman in a fatal southern Minnesota crash near Hanska. Sports: The Minnesota Twins routed the Tigers 11-1.

ICE & Minneapolis Courts: A federal indictment against ICE agent Christian Castro in the Jan. 14 Minneapolis shooting still hasn’t landed, even as Texas released him after Minnesota lost an extradition fight—leaving prosecutors’ next steps unclear. Juvenile Justice: Minneapolis police detained three teens after a window-smashing spree; a new Minnesota law bars criminal prosecution for kids under 13, shifting possible outcomes to diversion or intervention. Public Safety Tech: Shakopee officials are defending Flock license-plate cameras ahead of a council workshop, arguing misinformation is driving backlash. State Law & Schools: New Prague schools are running cardiac emergency drills to meet Minnesota’s AED requirements, aiming for defibrillators within about three minutes. Consumer Protection: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison announced a $100,000 settlement with Midwest Car Search over alleged deceptive sales practices targeting Spanish speakers. Infrastructure: Groundbreaking launched for the Blatnik Bridge replacement in Duluth, with Minnesota and Wisconsin funding plus federal dollars. Sports & Courts: Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty in Colorado to felony assault by strangulation; a Nov. 10 trial date was set. Minnesota State Fair: The fair removed political crop art reading “8647” after the artist reported death threats.