AGP Executive Report

Inflation Watch: U.S. inflation hit 4.2% in May, the highest since 2023, with energy prices driving most of the jump—gas and heating costs rising as Middle East tensions disrupt oil flows. Local Energy & Grid Costs: A new push in Congress would shift data-center electricity upgrade costs away from ratepayers and onto operators, a direct hit to how Minnesota’s power demand debates could evolve as AI expands. Agriculture Inputs: Minnesota-area farmers are bracing for higher fertilizer and fuel pressure tied to the same energy-driven inflation surge. Food & Dairy Culture: Nobles County’s dairy princess finalists are getting their likenesses carved into butter for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way tradition at the Minnesota State Fair. Water Efficiency: Austin, Minn. cut flower-basket water waste by nearly 50% after upgrading its downtown watering system for safer, more efficient delivery. Public Safety on Roads: State Patrol is investigating a fatal Bloomington crash involving two SUVs and a semitruck on I-494. Minnesota Innovation in Health: Rochester’s UMR expansion and new lab growth point to continued momentum in local health-tech capacity.

Inflation Watch: U.S. inflation hit 4.2% in May, the highest since 2023, with energy prices driving most of the jump—gas and heating costs are squeezing household budgets. Transit & Costs: Metro Transit ridership is rising for four straight months as Minnesota gas prices climb, with nearly 4.5 million riders in May. Food Safety: The FDA classified a voluntary recall of 900+ cases of Alfredo sauce as Class I after possible salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient. Ag Inputs: Pivot Bio says it’s expanding nitrogen production capacity and innovation in Minnesota after relocating its global HQ to the state, aiming to stabilize supply and pricing for farmers. Dairy Markets: USDA data shows Class III and Class IV milk prices edging higher, signaling a slow rebound for farm milk pricing. Road & Logistics: Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a deadly semitruck crash on I-494 near Highway 100 in Bloomington. Local Energy Projects: Red Lake is moving ahead with a $9M solar project to support tribal facilities and future expansion.

Renewables & Tribal Economic Development: The Red Lake Band is moving ahead with a $9M, 3-megawatt Mawka Solar Array near Blackduck, aiming to power about 500 homes and set up room for future solar expansion as federal tax-credit changes make financing tougher for tribes. Municipal Project Delivery: Winnebago’s City Council declined a pay estimate for Ulland Brothers on a Cleveland Avenue West Street & Utility Improvement job, citing lingering potholes and corner repairs and frustration with delays. Local Planning & Environmental Oversight: Wells City Council set a July 27 meeting to review a CEDA-prepared strategic plan covering City Hall and the Flame Theatre, alongside an MPCA investigation tied to a historic petroleum release at the Shepherd’s Inn property. Energy Costs & Inflation Watch: New federal inflation data put May CPI at 4.2%, with energy prices driving much of the increase—an issue Minnesota manufacturers and logistics operators feel quickly. Ag Markets: Corn futures were steady to slightly higher, while the CFTC reported a major managed-money shift toward short positions. Public Safety: Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a fatal Bloomington crash involving a Honda CR-V, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a semi. Industry Culture & Community Business: Duluth’s Lincoln Park Summerfest highlighted local makers and vendors despite nearby road construction.

Inflation Watch: U.S. inflation hit 4.2% in May, with energy prices driving most of the jump—an issue that can ripple into Minnesota’s manufacturing and construction costs. Public Safety: A 56-year-old motorcyclist died after losing control on a curve in northern Minnesota near Duluth, adding to a spike in fatal crashes across the state. Great Lakes Ecology: Researchers confirmed an invasive “bloody red” Black Sea shrimp is reproducing year-round in the Duluth-Superior Harbor, meaning all five Great Lakes are now infested. Local Transit & Business: Metro Transit’s E-Line is averaging about 5,600 rides a day—business owners say it brought new customers after construction, even as some saw revenue drops during the build. State Policy: Minnesota’s new electronic licensing system for anglers, hunters, and trappers is now live, with options to buy and store licenses via app, online, or in person. Health & Data: Wolf Haldenstein says it’s investigating a data breach at Minnesota Epilepsy Group that may have exposed personal information. Food & Community: HEAL After Dark opened in North Minneapolis with a late-night, mostly vegan menu built from scratch.

Inflation Watch: U.S. inflation hit 4.2% in May, with energy prices driving most of the jump—gas and heating costs are back in focus for Minnesota manufacturers and logistics-heavy businesses. Local Infrastructure: Marshall is pushing ahead on road and underground work, including a new South Fifth Street closure and a $1.01M drainage pipeline/retention pond project near Legion Field Road to reduce flooding. Education & Workforce: The University of Minnesota is rolling out “AI for All” courses, an AI minor, and an AI Makerspace to build AI skills across majors, while also expanding health and healthcare partnerships to strengthen Minnesota’s workforce pipeline. Ag & Biosecurity: Minnesota’s Ag Department is monitoring the spread risk of the new world screwworm, a threat that could ripple through livestock and farm operations. Cyber & Defense: Minnesota National Guard cyber teams joined a major regional exercise in Croatia, signaling continued investment in cross-state cyber readiness. Food Assistance Policy: Minnesota-area impacts are in the spotlight as attorneys general push Congress to restore SNAP benefits in the Farm Bill. Healthcare Capacity: Minnesota’s broader mental health access conversation continues as new intermediate crisis care options open elsewhere in the region.

Construction & Labor: ICE detained workers at a Bemidji construction site tied to the Villas at Vista North, leaving families facing uncertainty and raising questions about how federal enforcement intersects with Minnesota building projects. Energy & Utilities: A Minnesota judge blocked a utility from cutting power to the Upper Sioux Casino over its behind-the-meter solar setup, a win for tribal clean-energy plans and a reminder that “behind-the-meter” rules are still being tested. Transportation: MnDOT will host a June 23 open house on Highway 11 work in Greenbush, with construction starting July 6 and traffic impacts expected through late September. Infrastructure Disruption: Duluth’s I-35 pedestrian bridge demolition will close I-35 from June 12 (10 p.m.) to June 15 (5 a.m.), with detours in place and pedestrian access closed until October. Agriculture Trade: Minnesota’s Ag Commissioner is watching the spread of New World screwworm for potential trade ramifications, noting Canada’s temporary livestock import restrictions. Public Health Research: A pilot study reports resistance training improved strength and immune health for frail or at-risk cancer survivors, pointing to exercise as a practical recovery tool. Business/Manufacturing: Graco named Steven B. Hedlund to its board, adding manufacturing leadership from Lincoln Electric.

State Lending Crackdown: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison sued app-based cash advance lender Brigit (Bridge It Inc.), arguing its “earned wage access” product violates state lending caps and hides key terms, with Brigit pushing back that it’s mischaracterized as a payday loan. Healthcare Provider Relief: Minnesota DHS restored Medicaid payments to 2,000+ providers after suspending thousands in “high-risk” fraud programs, saying many were due to incomplete paperwork; provider groups warned the rush could disrupt care. Public Safety & Accountability: A Minnesota man pleaded guilty to killing House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, admitting he spent months stalking elected officials and showed up disguised as a police officer. Bio/Ag Research: UMR is expanding labs in Rochester’s Discovery Square, adding about 12,600 sq. ft. for microbiology, biology, chemistry and physics starting fall 2027. Poultry Industry Watch: UMN’s Raptor Center is using bird flu testing in raptors as an early warning system for Minnesota’s turkey industry. Energy/Infrastructure: Minnesota’s Medicare payments resume for most “high-risk” providers after earlier suspensions. Immigration Enforcement Funding: The Secure America Act signed by President Trump boosts ICE funding and expands 287(g) agreements, drawing pushback from mayors over transparency and due process.

Data Center Siting Help: A University of Minnesota-led project with local governments in Byron, Lewiston and Stewartville is building practical tools for Minnesota leaders weighing power, water, land and workforce needs as data centers expand. Metro Impact Update: Minneapolis released an updated assessment saying “Operation Metro Surge” caused about $700 million in financial impact from Dec. 2025 through April 2026. Inflation Watch: May inflation jumped to 4.2%, the highest in three years, driven largely by higher energy costs tied to the Iran war. Agriculture & Trade: An American Soybean Association leader told a House panel that USMCA is helping soybean exports to Canada and Mexico, with a July review on the horizon. Farm Economy: U.S. wheat harvest progress continues despite rain delays across parts of the Plains. Consumer Lending Crackdown: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison sued Brigit, alleging the app-based “cash advances” are illegal payday-style loans with APRs often above 300%. Workforce Pipeline: Greater St. Cloud won a $50,000 FAME Catalyst Grant to launch Minnesota’s first FAME USA chapter and build manufacturer training partnerships. Commercial Real Estate: St. Cloud and Roseville listings highlight new development land near I-94 and a mostly leased retail-industrial building with major tenants. Local Infrastructure: A Minnesota contractor (PCI Roads LLC) is set to handle a Kansas bridge repair project on Toulon Ave over I-70, with one-lane traffic and minor delays expected.

Energy & Inflation: U.S. consumer prices rose 4.2% in May, the highest in three years, driven largely by higher fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict—pressuring household budgets and complicating rate-cut hopes. Market Regulation: The CFTC proposed new prediction market rules aimed at cracking down on bets tied to war, terrorism and assassination, while trying to keep most sports contracts trading. Local Energy Reliability: Three Minnesota electric co-ops issued a peak energy alert for parts of the region, asking customers to conserve during a high-demand window to avoid higher wholesale power costs. Construction & Infrastructure: MnDOT work will cause nightly I-90 and Highway 218 bridge detours near Austin, plus lane reductions and ramp changes around Highway 169 in St. Louis Park and Minnetonka starting June 15. Public Safety & Health: Essentia Health in Fargo began offering the Acessa procedure for uterine fibroids, giving patients a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy or hormone therapy. Auto Services: Falk Auto Body & Glass in Red Wing clarified mobile auto glass standards, including certification, insurance parity, ADAS calibration, and warranty protections. Policy & Community: A bipartisan push would expand naloxone access in elementary and secondary schools to reduce opioid overdose deaths. Crypto Fraud Crackdown: Delaware and New Jersey advanced bills to ban crypto ATMs, citing scam losses—joining Minnesota and other states that already moved to total bans.

Inflation Watch: Consumer prices jumped to 4.2% in May, the highest in three years, with energy costs tied to the Iran conflict pushing fuel and transportation higher—raising pressure on households and the Fed. COVID Accountability: Minnesota is among 18 states in a nearly $5M multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests; restitution and reimbursements are being routed to affected consumers. Local Governance: A Minnesota House bill would streamline how counties, sheriffs, and other agencies sign interagency agreements, including faster paths for sheriffs to work with federal partners. Agriculture & Forestry: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture plans aerial spongy moth “mating disruption” across 19 sites in southeast Minnesota in late June into early July. Public Safety & Services: Minneapolis leaders say Operation Metro Surge cost the city nearly $700M in lost wages and business closures, underscoring the economic hit to local commerce. Energy & Industry: A new CFTC proposal lays out the first federal framework for prediction markets, targeting event contracts tied to war and other unlawful conduct.

Transportation & Infrastructure: MnDOT is planning major Highway 12 ramp closures in Minnetonka and Wayzata starting June 10, plus longer-term work affecting I-394 and I-494, with detours in place. Local Projects: MnDOT will also hold a June 17 open house in Lake Benton on the Hwy 14 culvert replacement, with construction expected to run from late July into mid-October. Data Centers & Permitting: Minnesota’s data center debate is heating up as regulators weigh benefits against impacts like energy and water use; a Minnesota Court of Appeals ruling also says Faribault needed a more thorough environmental review for a proposed hyperscale site. Mining & Manufacturing Jobs: Mesabi Metallics says Minnesota’s first new mine and pellet plant in decades is moving into permanent staffing, with plans to hire about 200 long-term jobs on the Iron Range. Recycling & Waste: Olmsted County broke ground on a $52M materials recovery facility expected to be completed in 2027, aimed at boosting recycling and improving feed for its waste-to-energy operation. Agriculture & Environment: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture plans aerial spongy moth management across more than 112,000 acres in five southeastern counties, using mating disruption to reduce next year’s caterpillar damage. Public Health: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recalls. Smart Home & Incentives: Lawrence, Minn., approved incentives for Alarm.com’s downtown office project, including a property tax rebate and industrial revenue bonds for construction materials.

Minneapolis Infrastructure: Construction has started on the George Floyd Square redevelopment, with crews replacing underground sewer and water lines and a major street closure planned through late 2027. Home Care Finance: PRN Funding expanded home care invoice factoring into Ohio, Minnesota, Florida and Missouri, aiming to help agencies cover payroll and staffing when claims take time to pay. Healthcare Expansion: CentraCare’s Plaza in St. Cloud is set to add more than 225,000 square feet, including six new ambulatory surgery operating rooms, in a $194M project. Agriculture & Forestry: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture plans aerial spongy moth “mating disruption” across 19 sites totaling about 112,211 acres in southeast Minnesota. Workplace Tech: A new report highlights that Minnesota employers are investing heavily in AI tools, but training often lags—creating friction as workers worry about falling behind. Aviation/Defense Procurement: Duluth-based Cirrus Design Corp. was added to a U.S. “Chinese military companies” prohibited contracting list, affecting Department of War deal eligibility. Local Business & Growth: Dangerous Man Brewing announced a June 13 grand opening for its new Minneapolis taproom.

Data Centers & Courts: Minnesota’s Court of Appeals ruled Faribault’s environmental review for a proposed Archer Datacenters project was inadequate, pushing the city to redo analysis of impacts like greenhouse gas emissions. Housing & Permitting: Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she’ll put Minnesota on track to build 100,000 new homes by cutting red tape and speeding permitting, while also backing incentives for communities that build. Public Works & Local Costs: Construction is underway at Minneapolis’ George Floyd Square, but nearby property owners are raising concerns about special assessments and potential displacement. Wildfire Tech: A St. Paul company is deploying “Heatwave Floats” that let aircraft scoop 800 gallons from lakes in about 15 seconds to speed up firefighting drops. Workforce Development: Rochester-area middle schoolers are getting hands-on career pathway training with local employers, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and IT. Immigration & Tech Hiring: A federal judge struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, a potential relief for U.S. employers relying on skilled foreign workers. Broadband Access: A southern Minnesota internet provider abruptly shut down, leaving customers without service and sparking claims about competition and local actions.

Automation & Manufacturing: Forpak Automation named Tim Swedberg president, aiming to expand sanitary automation for food manufacturers. Immigration & Tech Hiring: A federal judge struck down the Trump plan to charge a $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, a win for employers relying on skilled foreign workers. Construction & Local Infrastructure: Marinette Avenue lane closures begin today for underground utility work and pavement repairs. Healthcare & Rural Access: A $3.2M grant launches a Civica Rural Hospital Program to pool purchasing power and reduce generic drug shortages for rural hospitals. Food & Consumer Safety: Target recalled specific Up & Up baby wipes after FDA testing found bacteria that can be dangerous for immunocompromised customers. Energy & Renewables: Vanguard Renewables broke ground on a Minnesota anaerobic digestion facility, and Qualitas Energy acquired a 164 MWp solar PV project. Agriculture & Schools: Menahga and Pine Point schools received MDA farm-to-school grants totaling $1.3M statewide. Public Works: Construction started on Minneapolis’ George Floyd Square redevelopment, closing key intersections through late 2027. Business & Investors: PetVivo will host a virtual investor event June 16 on veterinary device access and Spryng. Policy & Public Health: Minnesota’s warning-label approach for social media youth safety faces legal challenge.

Local Construction & Business Impact: Minneapolis is starting a multi-year $15 million reconstruction of George Floyd Square at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, aiming to restore vehicle and bus traffic while preserving the memorial—yet nearby owners say special assessments and construction disruption could hurt businesses and raise costs. Aviation & Training: Camp Ripley in Little Falls held a garrison commander leadership transfer, with Lt. Col. Steven Hall taking over from Col. Troy Fink as the National Guard training site continues modernization. Sports Branding in Minnesota: The Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled a new logo, uniforms, and court designs for 2026-27, blending franchise history with updated colors and tree-lined identity. Energy & Inflation Watch: A Federal Reserve Bank of Boston study finds today’s oil price shocks are adding less to inflation and have largely lost their employment impact compared with the 1970s. Aviation/Travel Expansion: MyFlyYatra says it’s expanding India flight routes from Newark, Minneapolis, and Houston, targeting major Indian cities with upgraded booking options.

Workplace Safety: A Nelson Telephone Cooperative construction supervisor was found dead at a Durand Township worksite after failing to report back; an autopsy is set and OSHA is investigating. Gambling & Regulation: Live-dealer “casino sweepstakes” are expanding, but lawsuits and enforcement letters are testing whether the “no purchase necessary” model truly keeps them out of regulated gambling. Energy & Environment: Australia filed a major PFAS “forever chemicals” lawsuit against Minnesota-based 3M over firefighting foam used at defense bases. Food Assistance: A federal judge blocked new USDA SNAP funding conditions tied to ideology and other policy requirements, pausing enforcement for states challenging the rules. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports Hubbard County regular gas as low as $3.99 in the week ending May 30, with Minnesota’s average at $4.23. Minnesota Industry & Jobs: Several hiring notices highlight ongoing demand in manufacturing, construction, and trucking across the region.