AGP Executive Report

9/11 Commemoration in Minnesota: Gov. Tim Walz marked Patriot Day with flags at half-staff and tributes to victims, while Minnesotans shared stories and a new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum in Little Falls honored local veterans and 9/11 responders. State Capitol Memorial: Minnesota approved a site on Capitol grounds for the state’s first permanent EMS line-of-duty death memorial, moving the project from planning to action. Voting Fight: U.S. Supreme Court arguments are set over mail-voting restrictions; Minnesota Rep. Kelly Morrison joined a brief urging the court to keep the USPS rules blocked. Endangered Species Act: AG Nessel joined lawsuits challenging federal ESA rollbacks that weaken habitat protections. ICE at Polls Legal Challenge: A lawsuit seeks to block armed ICE agents from polling places, arguing it would intimidate voters and disrupt elections. Local Governance & Public Safety: Duluth Mayor Reinert proposed a property tax levy increase to address a structural budget deficit; Faribault renewed its school resource officer agreement with a 3% payment bump. Elections Watch: Central Minnesota state Senate candidates are set to meet voters ahead of November. Immigration & Voting Fraud Case: A federal indictment charges an Indian national with allegedly falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote in 2024.

AmeriCorps Fight: Minnesota AG Nick Brown and a coalition of states reached a settlement blocking the Trump administration from dismantling AmeriCorps, protecting funding and participants through FY 2026-27 after earlier court wins. Public Safety: The BCA’s 2025 Uniform Crime Report shows violent crime down about 9% statewide, with the violent crime rate at 226 per 100,000—the lowest since 2019—along with drops in aggravated assault and motor vehicle theft. Violence Prevention Focus: Minnesota’s public health dashboard highlights patterns behind violent deaths, including firearm use and the role of alcohol and relationship conflicts, as advocates push for prevention strategies. Education & Culture: GOP nominee Lisa Demuth unveiled an education plan targeting “mandates” and “woke” standards, while the Minnesota Historical Society promoted fall programming and a Sept. 19 star party. Immigration Enforcement & Courts: A federal grand jury indicted an Indian national accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote in Minnesota’s 2024 election. Local Government: Appleton approved a memo of understanding with CoreCivic to keep the former Prairie Correctional Facility operating as an ICE detention site, with payments starting in 2027. State Policy Impact: A new Minnesota law bars prosecution of children under 13, raising questions about what happens next for serious cases.

Mail Voting Fight: Minnesota ballots are set to go out Sept. 18, but a court battle over a USPS “Federal Ballot Mail Portal” and whistleblower claims are raising fresh questions about whether ballots could be withheld if they don’t match federal data. ICE Arrest Limits: Minnesota’s AG Brenna Bird joined a coalition urging a federal appeals court to keep guardrails on warrantless ICE arrests, arguing the current approach undermines public trust and safety. Minneapolis Border Patrol Case: Federal investigators are interviewing witnesses in the Alex Pretti shooting tied to Operation Metro Surge, as attorneys question how the federal probe is being led. AI Deepfake Law: xAI’s latest bid to block Minnesota’s “nudification” ban was denied, keeping the law in force while litigation continues. Labor Watch: Allina Health hospice nurses in the Twin Cities metro are set to begin a seven-day strike after bargaining stalled. School Funding: A Minnesota House-passed constitutional amendment would adjust Permanent School Fund withdrawals; supporters say it boosts dollars without new taxes.

Housing & HUD Numbers: New HUD rankings show wide variation across Minnesota counties, with Hennepin leading in total HUD-assisted units (26,908) while Redwood County sits at 65th (170) and Meeker County at 49th for public housing (60). Public Safety & Courts: A witness to the Alex Pretti shooting in Minneapolis was interviewed by federal investigators, as attorneys say the federal probe may still be active. State Fair Politics: Minnesota lawmakers’ State Fair Poll finds strong support among fairgoers for a governor term-limits push (about 69% in the House poll) and an assault weapons ban (about 75%), plus Senate poll backing for expanding ranked-choice voting (about 66%). Immigration Enforcement: Minnesota AGs and other states are suing over Trump administration endangered-species rollbacks, while separate coverage highlights ongoing federal actions tied to immigration enforcement. Local Civic Life: The League of Women Voters in Detroit Lakes announced multiple candidate forums for school board, county offices, and city council. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Blue Earth County at $3.71 during the week ending Aug. 29.

Minnesota Elections & Voting: The League of Women Voters St. Cloud Area is hosting “Voter 101: Being an Informed Voter” Tuesday at the St. Cloud Public Library, with the Secretary of State’s voter outreach director covering registration, voting options, election security, and how to learn about candidates. Public Safety & Courts: A former Minnesota state trooper was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for creating and distributing child sex abuse images, after FBI agents found videos involving a baby. Immigration Enforcement: MPR reports immigration authorities sent a Somali man arrested in St. Paul to Guantanamo Bay, saying he was detained during the “Operation Metro Surge” despite having legal status and no criminal record. Education Funding: SNAP cuts could ripple into Minnesota schools’ free meal programs, since eligibility and federal funding can depend on SNAP participation rates. State Government & Fraud: Minnesota State is preparing to pilot automated identity verification to fight “ghost students” and financial aid fraud. Community & Veterans: The Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum is set to open its new Camp Ripley-area home Sept. 11-13. Local Government: In Chicago, Ald. Mike Rodriguez says he won’t seek re-election, leaving Mayor Brandon Johnson with another City Council ally departure.

State Fair Safety: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi helped secure civil gang injunctions ahead of this year’s Minnesota State Fair, and officials say the result was the calmest Fair in three years—only nine arrests/citations over 12 days, with most alleged gang members staying away. Public Safety & Courts: A former Minnesota State Trooper, Jeremy Francis Plonski, was sentenced to 27 years for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material, with state patrol leaders saying he was terminated and no badge protects offenders. Elections & Voting Tech: Minnesota’s Supreme Court heard concerns from Oak Grove about switching to paper poll books so close to Election Day, with justices warning it could disenfranchise voters. School Funding Vote: A ballot question in Moorhead would raise Permanent School Fund distributions from 2.5% to 4.5%, potentially adding hundreds of thousands for the district. Environment & Local Planning: The DNR says Hermantown’s updated review for Google’s proposed data center has information gaps and needs clearer mitigation before final decisions. Gun Policy: Minnesota AG Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition opposing an ATF rule that would loosen guardrails and allow more military-grade weapons into commerce. Weather & Civic Duty: A Minnesota story highlights how the National Weather Service and even early citizen observers helped communities prepare for storms.

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.