AGP Executive Report

Public Schools Ballot Question: Minnesota voters will see a constitutional amendment this fall that would boost annual payouts from the state’s Permanent School Fund, with supporters calling it “no new taxes” help and critics warning it won’t cover wider district budget pressures. Minneapolis Gun Violence & Red Flag Law: A new look at court filings and county decisions raises questions about why Minnesota’s red flag law wasn’t used in the case of a Minneapolis shooter who killed two and injured others. State Fair Wrap-Up: Day 11 at the Great Minnesota Get-Together featured Friends of the Fair Day and a Cultural Destinations Day spotlighting immigrant businesses and traditions. Vikings: Harrison Smith is back for a 15th season with Minnesota, keeping a longtime defensive leader in the lineup. Sports (Twins/White Sox): Chicago routed Minnesota 10-1 in Sunday’s rubber match, powered by Sam Antonacci’s three doubles. Weather/Safety: The “100 Deadliest Days” stretch is nearing its end as the State Patrol warns speed, impairment, distraction and seatbelt use drive fatal crashes.

School Funding Vote: Minnesotans will see a constitutional amendment this fall that would boost annual public school funding from the state’s Permanent School Fund, with supporters saying it adds money without new taxes and critics warning it won’t solve wider district budget pressures. Local School Materials Fight: The Anoka-Hennepin School Board still hasn’t approved new sixth-grade Minnesota studies materials, leaving teachers facing mandatory 2021 standards while the district’s current textbooks near expiration. North Minneapolis Shooting: A woman is in critical condition after a shooting in a north Minneapolis parking lot; police say an argument preceded the gunfire and the suspect fled. Education Testing Snapshot: Career Pathways’ eighth-graders posted a high participation rate on the 2024-25 math MCA, even as overall math and reading proficiency statewide remains below pre-pandemic levels. AI Deepfake Legal Battle: A federal judge again denied xAI’s bid to stop Minnesota’s “nudification” law, keeping the deepfake ban in place while the case continues. Vikings News: Harrison Smith is returning for a 15th NFL season with Minnesota on a one-year deal. State Fair Politics: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth are using the Minnesota State Fair to connect with voters, with Demuth emphasizing fraud in social services and Klobuchar pushing domestic beef ranchers. Public Safety & Justice: A St. Paul nonprofit leader has been banned from serving as an officer or director of a Minnesota nonprofit for 20 years after a settlement with the Minnesota attorney general.

Vikings Return: Harrison Smith is back for a 15th season with Minnesota, signing a one-year deal worth $12.25 million with incentives that can reach $16.25 million, giving the Vikings a veteran boost right before the Week 1 opener vs. Green Bay. Twins Baseball: Ryan Jeffers launched a go-ahead three-run homer as the Twins beat the White Sox 6-4, while Munetaka Murakami hit his 30th home run early but couldn’t hold the lead. Local Sports: Minnesota Duluth volleyball opened NSIC play momentum with two straight sweeps, and UMD men’s and women’s soccer results included a scoreless draw for UMD vs. St. Cloud State. Public Safety: Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting on I-94 that left a man critically injured, and Wabasha County reported a fatal crash involving a motorcycle. Community & Culture: A southeast Minnesota woman celebrated her 100th birthday, and the Jessi Pierce Community Cup is set to honor the late hockey reporter and her three children. Education Policy: Minnesota voters will see a ballot question this fall on a constitutional amendment to increase public school funding from the Permanent School Fund.

Minneapolis Gun Violence: Police are investigating shootings in Columbia Heights (outside Hook Fish and Chicken) and north Minneapolis, where a woman is in critical condition after an argument allegedly led to shots. ICE Officer Case: A federal indictment against ICE officer Christian Castro was unsealed, alleging he lied to investigators about a north Minneapolis shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant. AI “Nudification” Ban: A federal judge upheld Minnesota’s ban on AI-generated fake nude images, rejecting xAI’s bid to pause the law while the challenge continues. Education Funding Vote: Minnesota voters will see a constitutional amendment this fall that would increase annual distributions from the Permanent School Fund; supporters say it adds money without new taxes, while critics warn it won’t solve wider budget pressures. School Testing Snapshot: New state data shows low MCA science and reading results in parts of Minnesota, including high science failure rates in Lyon County and reading failure rates in Le Sueur County. Drought & Boating Safety: With low lake levels, DNR warns boaters to check ramps for hazards and confirm water depth before launching. State Fair & Local Life: Klobuchar and Demuth campaigned at the Minnesota State Fair, while UMN Extension is running Annie’s Project in central Minnesota this October. Sports: The Twins fell 4-1 to the White Sox as Erick Fedde again stymied Minnesota’s offense.

Minneapolis Mass Shooting: A downtown Loring Park high-rise shooting left three dead, including the suspected shooter, and wounded several others, including three Minneapolis police officers, as investigators released more details about what led to the attack. Gun Law Debate: The tragedy is reigniting calls to strengthen Minnesota’s red flag law, with advocates and medical professionals questioning why a gun restriction wasn’t pursued after earlier threats. AI Nudification Ban: Minnesota’s ban on AI “nudification” remains in effect after a judge refused to pause it in xAI’s court fight, setting up continued legal battles over free speech. Autism Care Backlog: Families say autism treatment plan approvals are stuck in limbo, delaying Medicaid billing and pushing providers to the edge while DHS works to fix the backlog. ICE Officer Indictment: A federal grand jury indicted an ICE officer, Christian Castro, alleging he lied about details tied to a Minnesota shooting during an immigration operation; he was later released on bond. State Fair Updates: The Minnesota State Fair announced 2026 Best Awards and reported Thursday’s attendance dipped to 107,159. Road Work: MnDOT plans an eastbound I-394 to I-94 ramp closure Sept. 11–14 for bridge repairs, with detours via 169 and 694.

Federal Immigration Case: DOJ says ICE officer Christian Castro lied about being attacked with a broom and shovel before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man during Minnesota’s Operation Metro Surge, with charges unsealed in Texas. Minneapolis Shooting Update: BCA identified two victims killed in the Shoreline Apartments mass shooting as Dale Henry Spry and Muse Afrah; investigators say the incident began during a child custody exchange and left six wounded, including three officers. Water Infrastructure: Sacred Heart is set to receive $7.5 million for upgrades tied to drinking water and wastewater, part of $88.6 million in MPFA funding across nine Minnesota cities. Local Weather: A heat advisory is in effect for the Twin Cities Friday afternoon as humidity pushes heat index values into the upper 90s. Education Data: Jefferson Elementary’s third-graders posted strong reading MCA participation and proficiency, while statewide results show declines from pre-pandemic levels. Sports: Minnesota routed Eastern Illinois 59-7 in the season opener, highlighted by Javon Tracy’s two punt-return touchdowns.

Minneapolis Mass Shooting: The Minnesota BCA released names of the two civilians killed in Wednesday’s downtown apartment shooting—Dale Henry Spry, 63, and Muse A. Afrah, 61—and identified two wounded Minneapolis officers as Joseph Michnowski and Yahye Ahmed. The suspected gunman, Carlton Neal Johnson II, 35, died after an officer-involved exchange; investigators say he had a long trail of warning signs, including threats and a June weapon-related investigation. Federal Immigration Fallout: A federal grand jury indicted ICE officer Christian Castro on false-statement charges tied to the January shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis; Castro turned himself in to federal authorities in Texas. Public Safety Tech: Minneapolis is considering adding 11 more traffic cameras after its speed-camera pilot showed steep drops in speeding, including a 69% reduction in drivers going 20 mph over. State Fair Farming: Behind the rides and fried foods, State Fair livestock barns run on nonstop work—feeding, cleaning, and show-day prep by farm families. Hemp THC Deadline: A federal ban on THC drinks is still looming, putting Minneapolis breweries’ revenue at risk even as a recent delay buys a little more time. Education & Threats: The BCA says school threats are rising and investigators treat them as real until proven otherwise.

Minneapolis Shooting Aftermath: Investigators are still combing the scene of a downtown Minneapolis apartment shooting that left 3 dead, including the suspect, and injured 5 others, including 2 police officers expected to fully recover; officials say the suspect was known to law enforcement and the incident followed a domestic dispute. Eviction Link: Reporting says the suspected gunman, Carlton Neal Johnson II, was facing eviction and had allegedly made threats before the attack. State Court Update: Vance Boelter pleaded not guilty to Minnesota state murder charges tied to the 2025 killings of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband; a trial is set for Nov. 2. School Safety: With students back in classrooms, Minnesota’s Office of Traffic Safety is urging drivers to stop for school buses and stop arms, warning illegal passing can bring gross misdemeanor charges and $500 fines. Health Watch: A new Minnesota dashboard shows measles vaccination gaps across schools and childcare centers, with officials urging families to check MMR status. Weather & Outdoors: Drought conditions are intensifying statewide, and Lake Zumbro has a blue-green algae safety alert. Local Life: A tractor rollover near Wells killed a man and seriously injured two boys; and a roundabout at Hwy. 212 and 15 near Brownton is set to reopen Sept. 4.

Minneapolis Shooting: Downtown Minneapolis saw a deadly apartment high-rise attack that left 3 people dead, including the suspected gunman, and injured 6 others, including 3 police officers, as officers exchanged gunfire and the suspect was later found dead; officials say the officers’ injuries were not believed life-threatening. Court Watch: Vance Boelter pleaded not guilty in state court after earlier federal sentencing, with a judge denying his bail request as prosecutors and defense signal a long fight. EEOC Lawsuit: The EEOC sued Dentsu International over alleged pregnancy discrimination in hiring, saying a pregnant applicant was passed over after disclosing she’d need leave. State Fair Updates: Minnesota State Fair entries hit a record 3,185, and fair police say safety has stayed steady with no major new incidents; officials also pushed back on rumors about ICE involvement. Local Governance: Minneapolis budgeting faces scrutiny in an editorial comparing two city approaches, including proposed cuts and property tax changes. Weather: Storm chances shift across Minnesota, with warnings for possible heavy rain in parts of the south.

Local Crime: A Pennsylvania truck driver, Timothy William Arthur Hall, faces second-degree murder and vehicular homicide charges after authorities say he intentionally rammed a motorcyclist into a highway barrier in Cass County, killing 30-year-old Roy John Berger. Court Watch: Vance Boelter, federally sentenced to two life terms for a politically motivated attack that killed Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, returns for a second state-court appearance as his lawyer outlines defenses and seeks a venue change. Sports—Twins: Minnesota keeps rolling after a 15-2 rout of the Tigers, scoring 10 in the sixth; the Twins chase a sweep tonight at Target Field. Sports—Vikings: The Vikings sign veteran edge rusher Kyle Van Noy to add depth after roster losses at the position. Weather: Severe storms hit parts of SE Minnesota and North Iowa early Wednesday, with damaging wind gusts reported; conditions improve, but more storms are possible Thursday. Community & Health: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering free farm-focused mental health and suicide-prevention training this fall, including a QPR for Agriculture workshop in Fergus Falls. Church News: Minneapolis Maronite pastor Sharbel Maroun has been named archbishop-elect for Damascus.

School Funding Push: A bipartisan coalition of Minnesota lawmakers and education groups launched a campaign urging voters to approve a constitutional amendment that would boost annual public school funding via the Permanent School Fund, supporters say, without raising income or property taxes. Public Safety & Courts: Two men were sentenced to decades in prison for the Oct. 7, 2025 Bar Zia downtown Minneapolis shooting that killed one man and injured three others. ICE Case in Minneapolis: An attorney for a man shot by an ICE officer says he’s speaking out after the officer was released, as court confusion continues. Housing Costs: Minneapolis renters may be eligible for a share of a nearly $360 million RealPage settlement tied to alleged rent-inflation software. Road Work: MnDOT will fully close I-35 in Duluth overnight for pedestrian bridge work, with detours posted. Education Testing: New MCA results highlight reading struggles in parts of the state, including Otter Tail County and specific schools. Sports: The Twins routed the Tigers 15-2, powered by a 10-run sixth inning and homers from Royce Lewis and Ryan Jeffers.

Traffic & Safety: Two drivers were hurt in a Tuesday morning crash at a Benton County intersection on Highway 23; the State Patrol says an SUV and a car collided, sending both to St. Cloud Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Violence in St. Paul: Police are investigating after two 13-year-olds were shot in the legs early Tuesday near Aurora Avenue; injuries are not life-threatening and no arrests were reported. Fraud Watch: A Medicare fraud talk at the Lake May Center warned seniors about imposter scams, stressing that medical staff won’t call for personal info and urging people to report fraud and protect identities. Education Results: New data shows Blue Earth County students struggled on the 2024-25 MCA math test, with 45% not meeting standards. Public Safety Tech: The Minnesota BCA added two new K-9s trained to find electronic evidence like phones and USB drives. State Fair & Community: The Minnesota State Fair marks Military Appreciation Day Tuesday, with discounted tickets for active military and veterans’ families. Local Crime: Minneapolis police are investigating multiple vehicle break-ins in the northeast, with neighbors urging extra security like motion lights and cameras. Weather: Severe storms are possible near the Minnesota border, with damaging winds the main threat.

Twins vs. Tigers: Ryan Jeffers went 2-for-3 with two homers and four RBIs as Minnesota crushed Detroit 11-1 at Target Field, with Taj Bradley striking out nine in seven innings and Walker Jenkins hitting his first MLB homer. Local Sports Pipeline: A look at how the Twins’ lineup is loaded with recent draft picks, with Jenkins and Kaelen Culpepper among the newest contributors. State Fair Careers & Community: UWRF alum Renee Alexander is in her fourth year as the fair’s first female CEO, sharing how the event’s “relationship business” approach shapes careers. State Fair Milestones: The Tilt-A-Whirl turns 100, and a 100-year-old World War II veteran made a special trip to ride it again. Public Health: CDC data show 13% of Minnesota and Wisconsin kindergartners missed standard vaccines like MMR, raising measles risk concerns. Education Testing: New state data highlight low science and math proficiency alongside limited participation at specific schools, including Royal Oaks and STEP Academy. Infrastructure: Groundbreaking is underway on the $1.8 billion Blatnik Bridge replacement, with a planned full closure for about 4–5 years starting in early 2027. Road Safety: A Nissan caught fire on I-35 in Duluth; occupants jumped out while it was still moving, with one person seriously hurt. Crime & Courts: Court filings say Vance Boelter plans to argue “justifiable taking of life” and “double jeopardy” in his Minnesota case. Youth Vandalism Law: Minneapolis window-smashing cases are raising questions as a new Minnesota law limits criminal prosecution for kids under 13.

Twins Injury Update: Byron Buxton was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hip impingement, and the Twins promoted outfield prospect Gabriel Gonzalez for Monday’s series opener vs. the Detroit Tigers. Local Sports & Playoff Push: Both teams are still chasing the wild-card, and the Tigers could get left fielder Riley Greene back after a rehab stint. State Fair Frenzy: Minnesota State Fair attendance broke records again, with opening day hitting an all-time high and Friday smashing the prior first-Friday mark. Public Health: A sprouts recall was expanded after salmonella and E. coli concerns, with Minnesota among the hardest-hit states. Community & Environment: The DNR awarded nearly $5 million in tree-planting grants to 33 Minnesota communities, aiming to replace damaged trees and boost canopy resilience. Business & Workforce: North Central SBDC launched free webinars on business growth and Minnesota Paid Leave. Safety & Courts: A man was charged in a Coon Rapids double stabbing, and Minnesota courts continue listing September inmate releases statewide.

WNBA Spotlight: Angel Reese set a WNBA single-season record with her 29th double-double, but the Atlanta Dream still beat the league-leading Minnesota Lynx 89-81 in the teams’ last game before the FIBA break. Twins Baseball: Zebby Matthews carried a perfect game into the sixth and went 8 ⅓ innings as Minnesota beat the White Sox 5-1 at Target Field, avoiding a sweep. Vikings Roster Watch: Minnesota finalized its initial 53-man roster, keeping four quarterbacks (Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer) and naming Brett Thorson the punter. State Fair Numbers: The Minnesota State Fair drew 558,092 visitors in its first three days, with opening-day and Friday both setting daily attendance records. Education Data: New MCA results show big gaps in math and reading in parts of Greater Minnesota, including high failure rates in Clay, Nobles, Polk and other districts. Public Safety & Community: A St. Paul mother died after running back into a burning duplex to save her 4-year-old daughter; the child survived.

Minnesota Politics: The Minnesota Supreme Court rejected MyPillow founder Mike Lindell’s bid for a broader GOP governor primary recount, saying the recount plan followed state law and that Lindell sought the wrong legal remedy—leaving House Speaker Lisa Demuth as the nominee. State Finances: Minnesota tax collections beat forecast in July, with net general fund revenues at $2.38 billion, up $133 million. Courts & Safety: Starting Sept. 1, firearms and other weapons will be prohibited in Minnesota court-occupied areas statewide, with limited exceptions for authorized law enforcement. Education: New MCA results show mixed progress: Westwood Elementary’s 4th-graders had the highest reading participation rate, while Olmsted County saw 54.6% of students fail math and Carver County had 36% failing math. Health: Hypertension during pregnancy is rising, and Southeast Minnesota clinicians say they’re seeing more cases and closer monitoring needs. Community & Culture: The Ordway in St. Paul will host the “Mystic Pizza” musical this fall, and the Minnesota State Fair is rolling out dozens of new foods, including top-rated peri-peri chicken and a mango drink. Sports: Jonathan Kuminga signed with the Timberwolves, and Minnesota United and Orlando City played a wild 3-3 draw at Allianz Field.