AGP Executive Report

Wildfire & Tourism Impact: Ely businesses say smoke is keeping visitors away, turning peak summer traffic into a near-winter trickle as residents worry about both forest damage and the “economic cloud” over the Boundary Waters region. Antitrust & Big Tech Policy: President Trump nominated Adam Candeub to lead DOJ’s Antitrust Division, a major shift for ongoing Big Tech cases as the division regains a confirmed top role. Right to Repair (Agriculture): DFL candidates in southeastern Minnesota say John Deere’s federal settlement is a start, but Minnesota still needs stronger state right-to-repair rules so farmers aren’t forced to keep paying dealers. Local Power Decisions: Princeton officials are weighing Connexus Energy’s proposal to buy the city’s electric system, while industrial park service territory debates continue. Manufacturing & Logistics Growth: Seat Cover Solutions is pursuing a 55,000-square-foot Monticello headquarters and fulfillment center, aiming to add 19 jobs and automate warehouse work. Housing & Construction: A $15.8M senior housing project in Waconia is moving toward construction bids, with multiple funding sources lined up. Energy & Data Centers: Minnesota utilities and industry leaders are convening to plan for AI-driven demand growth, supply chain strain, and workforce needs as data center expansion pressures local governments. Community & Workforce: Flex Moving & Storage launched Twin Cities services with same-day and next-day options, targeting relocation demand across the metro. Public Health & Costs: A proposed CMS Medicaid rule in Virginia could cut Medicaid payments by $31B over a decade, highlighting how federal policy changes can hit healthcare budgets fast.

Transportation & Construction: MnDOT is building a new District 7 truck station in Saint Peter (1250 Mason St) to replace the outdated Ritt Street site, with a 11,252 sq-ft facility, warm storage, brine making, and completion targeted for July 2027. Road Projects: Highway 6 between Outing and Remer starts Aug. 3 for up to 12 days of closures while crews replace underground drainage pipes, with single-lane flagger/pilot-car traffic and a detour route in place. Clean Energy & Solar: Xcel Energy finished Sherco Solar Phase 3 near Becker, bringing the site to 710 MW with 1.7 million panels; a Phase 4 proposal would add capacity and more local construction jobs. Solar Industry Leadership: MnSEIA announced Executive Director Logan O’Grady will step down July 31; Cynthia Bennett will serve as interim ED while the group searches for a successor. Local Business & Community Skills: Jerry’s Abra in Minnesota partnered with the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence for Nitro-X Summer Camp at MSU Mankato, giving students hands-on vehicle body customization and RC vehicle training. Education Facilities: A Little Falls districtwide facilities assessment says buildings are well maintained but aging, with major future needs in roofs, windows, mechanical systems, and accessibility upgrades. Agriculture Recognition: Cass County honored the Seifert family as 2026 Farm Family of the Year for building a grass-fed cow-calf operation and strong community involvement.

Federal Infrastructure & Water: A U.S. Senate panel advanced a bill to fund a $10 million feasibility study for expanding the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, which already serves parts of South Dakota, Iowa and southwest Minnesota. Local Governance & Permitting: Monticello residents are asking how a proposed data center can be stopped; the city says the application is incomplete, so the formal review clock hasn’t started yet. Data Centers & Community Impact: Mankato is hosting a public forum on the public health and environmental impacts of large-scale data centers, with policy options and resident experiences on the agenda. Energy & Property Rights: A growing wave of eminent domain fights is emerging as utilities build high-voltage lines to serve AI data centers, raising new questions about “public use” when demand is driven by private tech campuses. Agriculture & Rural Economy: Farmfest candidate forums are expected to draw record crowds, with open statewide races and multiple Greater Minnesota congressional forums focused on agriculture issues. Industry Recognition: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers named Hastings landscape architect Aaron Mikonowicz its 2026 Landscape Architect of the Year. Transportation & Construction: Hwy. 93 reopened in Henderson after a three-year reconstruction, including flood-mitigation work that raised the roadway. Home Improvement Trends: Porch Life released a report on homeowners shifting toward outdoor living upgrades like porches and screened rooms as housing costs stay high.

Sports Media: The NHL is producing and distributing local game telecasts centrally for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues after Main Street Sports shut down—Minnesota fans will get more direct access as the Wild launches its own team-run TV network. Energy Reliability: Buckeye Power Systems points to mounting grid warnings, including a Southwest Power Pool advisory covering Minnesota and 13 other states, as heat drives demand and rolling blackouts become a real risk. Renewables in Minnesota: Xcel Energy says Sherco Solar Phase 3 is complete in Becker, adding 710 MW total output and setting up a Phase 4 push to 910 MW by 2029 with hundreds of union construction jobs. Food & Ag: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture awarded $1.3M+ for Farm to School and Early Care grants to boost purchases of Minnesota-grown foods. Health & Food Safety: FDA says an iceberg lettuce recall tied to a Cyclospora outbreak involving Taylor Farms de Mexico still stands after a false-positive test result. Construction/Infrastructure: MnDOT started Highway 53 resurfacing work in Hermantown/Carlton area, with overnight lane work and short access closures expected into early September. Labor: Nurses at Hazelden Betty Ford in Center City began an open-ended strike seeking a first contract. Legal/Business: A federal judge paused the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger amid states’ antitrust challenge, with job-loss claims driving the fight.

Antitrust & Media: A federal judge ordered Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to pause their $81B merger for at least two weeks after states sued, arguing it would “extinguish competition” in Hollywood and reduce choices for consumers. Aviation & Jobs: Aer Lingus plans as many as 500 job cuts alongside route reductions, including axing Dublin-to-Denver, Minneapolis and Las Vegas service. Wildfire & Timber: Northern Minnesota loggers say charred wildfire timber may not be harvested due to remote access and weak demand, while air-quality advisories are being lifted after smoke impacts. Ag & Processing: Green Acres Milling in Albert Lea is still targeting a September start for its farmer-owned oat mill. Agriculture Support: Minnesota landowners and producers get a roadmap to federal help via NRCS technical support and FSA program and loan services. Energy & Weather: University of Minnesota research says driving at posted speed limits could save drivers millions in fuel costs without much time loss. Local Tech/Industry: North Mankato set a public hearing on Aug. 3 for a year-long data center moratorium study and restrictions. Investment & Tech Services: Emergent Software (Minneapolis) secured growth equity from Winterbird Partners to expand Microsoft services and enter new geographies. Workforce & Safety: Hill City shared police staffing updates and audit findings, including EpiPen preparedness and internal control concerns.

Energy & Grid Storage: Minnesota’s Public Utilities Commission cleared Spearmint Energy’s Midwater Energy Storage Project, approving a site permit for a 150-megawatt, 600-megawatt-hour battery project in Freeborn County despite local and environmental opposition over river and groundwater risks. Construction & Infrastructure: MnDOT announced a weekend closure of southbound Highway 77 in Bloomington/Eagan (July 24-27) for pavement work tied to the Highway 77/Cedar Avenue project, with detours via I-494 and Highway 13. Food & Agriculture: Wheat futures hit two-year highs as traders flagged Black Sea shipping disruptions; meanwhile, USDA crop progress showed corn and spring wheat slipping slightly while soybeans improved. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA corrected its Cyclospora outbreak lab finding to a false positive, while maintaining a voluntary recall focus on Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce. Business & Policy: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, pausing the $110B deal for at least two weeks as states’ antitrust challenge moves forward, with Minnesota among the co-plaintiffs. Local Economy & Jobs: Minnesota added jobs for a third straight month, signaling continued labor momentum. Environment & Community: The DNR hosted a prairie species identification walk in Caledonia, highlighting restoration work like controlled burns and invasive suppression.

Minnesota Jobs & Wages: Minnesota added 13,200 jobs in June for a third straight month of gains, with the unemployment rate steady at 4.4% while the private sector added 14,600 jobs; DEED also flagged a shrinking labor force participation rate and inflation running ahead of wage growth. Food & Consumer Safety: General Mills recalled 735,000+ Pillsbury frozen bread rolls after reports of possible glass contamination. Agriculture & Inputs: Puris says its field pea protein supply is expanding beyond South Dakota, while Minnesota producers are weighing profitability pressures that echo the farm crisis era. Energy & Solar Policy: Solar industry leaders are leaning on former Gov. Tim Pawlenty to help navigate fading federal incentives and trade/import headwinds; meanwhile, attorneys general are challenging EPA moves that ended parts of the Solar for All program. Workforce & Talent: A record worker shortage is projected nationally, adding pressure for employers even as job seekers worry about AI-driven hiring changes. Tech Infrastructure: OpenAI promoted Uday Ruddarraju to CTO of Compute, signaling a push to scale AI infrastructure. Local Ag Community: Minnesota 4-H continues staffing up with new faces at the Jackson County office, supporting youth agriculture programs.

Minnesota Environment & Water: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and DNR announced 26 east-metro projects worth $20 million from the 3M PFAS settlement, targeting lake/river habitat, wildlife restoration, and new fishing and outdoor recreation. Agriculture & Weather: Farmers across Minnesota are watching corn, soybeans, and small grains as extreme heat and wildfire smoke raise stress, with no widespread damage reported so far. Mining & Jobs: Rep. Spencer Igo backed Talon Metals’ Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt project as the DNR opened the EIS scoping comment period, with comments due Sept. 14. Fraud & Consumer Safety: A new look at Minnesota scam reports shows Andover among the top cities for June reports, while Target recalled 200,000 toddler sandals nationwide due to a choking hazard. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy data highlights low E85 and regular prices in parts of Minnesota for the week ending July 11, reflecting easing fuel costs. AI & Tech: OpenAI promoted Uday Ruddaraju to CTO, Compute, signaling continued expansion of AI infrastructure.

Wildfire & Air-Quality Shock: Canadian and Minnesota wildfires pushed smoke across the U.S., with authorities raising wildfire preparedness to Level 5 and Detroit-area factories reporting hazy conditions that sent dozens of workers for breathing treatment. Tourism & Outdoor Industry Hit: BWCAW closures are emptying reservation books for Minnesota outfitters along the Gunflint Trail, with businesses scrambling to reassure visitors. Energy & Affordability Push: A clean-energy-for-all agenda argues renewables are the cheapest path to lower bills, while Minnesota solar coverage highlights how rooftop systems can cut summer power costs for homeowners. Local Business Transition: After 38 years, a Grand Rapids frame shop owner is preparing to retire and pass Wings ’N Willows to a new owner. Aviation Supply-Chain Shift: Delta’s move to order Boeing 787-10s ends a long Airbus-only widebody era, reshaping long-haul planning. Tech Leadership: OpenAI named Uday Ruddaraju CTO of Compute, signaling continued expansion of AI infrastructure. EU Consumer Tech Rule: The EU exempted wearables from user-replaceable battery requirements, affecting repair expectations for smart devices.

Mining & Permitting: The Minnesota DNR is asking for public comments on scoping documents for the proposed Tamarack Mining Project in Aitkin County, an underground nickel-copper mine by Talon Nickel USA that would ship ore by rail to processing sites in North Dakota and Michigan. Healthcare Ops: Minnesota Oncology pharmacists say ctDNA MRD testing in bladder cancer is slowed by uneven payer coverage (only about 40%-50% coverage in many cases) and a lack of standardized surveillance testing protocols. Construction & Local Government: Ely School District will cut its lobbying firm contract with the Costin Group in half for 2026-27, after the firm helped secure major state funding for school building upgrades. Outdoors & Tourism: Voyageur Canoe Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail says BWCAW wildfire closures have emptied its reservation book in days, with smoke still affecting operations. Energy & Clean Tech: Wolf River Electric in Isanti was recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company for support of service members, including solar and battery/EV installation work. Public Health & Consumer Safety: Target recalled 200,000+ Cat & Jack children’s raffia sandals nationwide due to choking hazards. Air Quality Disruption: Wildfire smoke continues to disrupt travel and daily life across the Midwest and Northeast, with some improvement expected as storms move in.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Hazardous air from Canadian wildfires kept an Air Quality Alert active for southern Itasca County through Monday, with MPCA warning of hazardous, very unhealthy, and unhealthy swings as smoke recirculates and new plumes arrive. Policy & Costs: President Trump threatened to add new tariffs on Canada, calling the smoke “filthy” and blaming forest management, while Canada pushed back and pointed to climate change and prevention spending. Local Permitting: Morrison County loosened permit conditions for a planned $13M residential chemical dependency treatment center, swapping owner-tied requirements for operator-focused reporting rules so the project can move toward state licensing. Sustainability Work: Rice County will continue its partnership with Minnesota GreenCorps for a fifth year, hosting an AmeriCorps member for reuse/repair, food rescue, donation support, and sustainability education. Industry/Infrastructure Tech: A Minnesota bridge-inspection workflow using Bentley iTwin tools and AI cut on-site inspection time by 20% and saved $90,000 in labor costs. Energy/Construction: Elk River’s data center developer withdrew its application after the city rejected a zoning amendment, and the council directed staff to draft a one-year moratorium while standards are studied. Community & Housing: Le Sueur is considering expanding City Hall to house the police department after a water incident, using a $1M USDA grant for planning and feasibility work.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Michigan National Guard pulled an Ohio unit from Camp Grayling and issued mask-type equipment as Canadian wildfire smoke pushed PM2.5 into “Very Unhealthy” and “Hazardous” ranges, with EGLE calling concentrations unprecedented. Policy & Energy: Republicans threatened sanctions on Canada over smoke, while Minnesota’s own energy front saw AG Brown intervene to protect onshore wind project reviews. Data Centers & Local Planning: Apple Valley approved a one-year data center moratorium, joining other Minnesota cities studying impacts; the move is already facing legal challenges. Biotech Workforce: A Twin Cities pilot program is taking applications for a fall BioTech Manufacturing Training Program with cleanroom-focused skills and a $1,000 completion stipend. Construction/Infrastructure: Columbia Heights approved a CUP for a new car wash at the former Kmart site after a redesigned noise plan. Solar Savings: Golden Valley installed 283 solar panels at Brookview Community Center, targeting about 30% of the building’s power and $600,000 in 30-year savings. Food Safety: Lawsuits are targeting Taylor Farms over the Cyclospora-linked “explosive diarrhea” outbreak tied to bagged lettuce.

Wildfire Smoke & Public Health: Canadian wildfires are pushing hazardous smoke into Minnesota and beyond, with Minneapolis hitting some of the worst air quality readings in the world and prompting cancellations of outdoor events. Clean Cooking & Energy Efficiency: Minnesota libraries are partnering with the Sustainable Resources Center to circulate induction cooking kits so residents can try cleaner, more efficient cooking at home. Agriculture Tech: More Minnesota farmers are turning to spray drones for faster, more precise crop treatment, including mapping fields and targeting areas without driving over crops. State Economy: Minnesota added 13,200 jobs in June, marking a third straight month of growth even as some sectors softened. Local Development: New Ulm has started groundwork for a tiny homes project, beginning with two test homes before expanding. Transportation & Infrastructure: St. Peter is moving ahead with a splash pad and North Fourth Street reconstruction, backed by nearly $6 million in bonds. Aviation/Travel: Aer Lingus plans to cut capacity, end three U.S. routes, and reduce jobs as transatlantic competition rises. Aviation Fuel: Delta signed a five-year sustainable aviation fuel deal with Shell, including supply to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Sports Business: The NBA is investigating a Bucks contract for Gary Trent Jr. over possible salary cap circumvention. Rental Market: RNTR is expanding its rental marketplace model around verified reviews and repeat bookings.

Wildfire Smoke & Public Health: Canadian wildfire smoke is pushing Minnesota and the Upper Midwest into unhealthy air, with officials urging people to stay indoors, limit exertion, and use filtration/air purifiers when needed. Energy Policy: Minnesota attorneys general are joining a broader push to block a Pentagon freeze on land-based wind reviews, arguing it unlawfully halts projects and threatens jobs and investment. Agriculture & Wildlife: Minnesota cattlemen are calling for more deer/elk depredation tags and easier access to protect feed supplies. Construction & Infrastructure: MnDOT announced a temporary Western Avenue intersection closure in Fergus Falls starting July 22 for pipe installation tied to the Highway 210/I-94 interchange project. Local Government & Water: Menahga City Council appointed Dan Warmbold and discussed financing for water system work, including a PFA loan/grant plan. Business & Consumer: Bitcoin Depot filed for bankruptcy and Minnesota consumers may be eligible to file claims for kiosk funds. Sports Business/Rules: The NBA is investigating a four-year, $64M Bucks deal for Gary Trent Jr. over possible salary-cap circumvention.

Energy & Finance: PureSky Energy completed a $183.7M refinancing of its community solar and battery storage portfolio, consolidating eight debt pools and upsizing its corporate credit facility by $62M to boost flexibility for new projects. Health Care Economics: UnitedHealth Group reported Q2 net income of $5.48B as medical costs eased, lifting its 2026 adjusted earnings outlook. Mining & Manufacturing Jobs: Niron Magnetics is weighing a major Iron Range facility that could create 700+ jobs, aiming to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese rare-earth inputs for magnets. Local Planning & Growth: Owatonna is nearing approval of a zoning/subdivision overhaul, with an Aug. 25 open house and a draft trimmed from 208 pages to 149. Data Centers Debate: A Duluth forum is set to weigh data-center pros and cons and how to spot them—amid growing rural and energy-supply concerns. Air Quality & Wildfire Impacts: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to drive unhealthy conditions across the region, including alerts and cancellations tied to PM2.5. Antitrust & Pharma: Minnesota-linked multistate actions continue over generic drug price-fixing, with Glenmark settlements announced nationwide. Community & Housing: New Ulm utility rate increases are being discussed to fund aging water and wastewater repairs.

Public Health & Safety: St. Louis County declared a local emergency as wildfire smoke from northern Minnesota and Canada pushed air quality into hazardous territory, prompting statewide alerts and guidance for sensitive groups. Consumer Protection: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison sued Fridley-based Loon over flavored vapes marketed with kid-friendly flavors and characters, alleging deceptive FDA approval claims. Transportation & Infrastructure: MnDOT opened a new Highway 52 flyover ramp to reduce risky left-turn crashes at the I-90 interchange near Rochester, with construction continuing through fall. Local Governance: Washington County approved a contract amendment with Kimley-Horn for additional final design work on the Century North reconstruction project. Manufacturing & Workforce: Enterprise Minnesota CEO Mark O’Leary visited Metal Services in Blooming Prairie to highlight metal fabrication, CNC machining, and workforce support for small and mid-sized manufacturers. Agriculture: Minnesota’s MDA is gathering public input on the socioeconomic impacts of large-scale dairies after MPCA decisions on an expansion near Morris. Energy & Policy: The U.S. Fed’s Beige Book pointed to improving activity but still-elevated uncertainty around fuel costs as inflation eases slightly. Business & Legal: Twelve states filed suit to block the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, arguing it would reduce competition and harm consumers and theaters.