AGP Executive Report

Twins Call-Up: Minnesota promoted top prospect Walker Jenkins for Friday’s series opener vs. the Chicago White Sox, with Byron Buxton’s hip status still unclear. Sports Preview: The White Sox and Twins kick off at 8:10 p.m. at Target Field, with TV coverage on Twins.TV and CHSN and radio on 830 WCCO. State Fair Finances: The Minnesota State Fair reported 2025 expenses topping $73 million and revenue around $77.5 million, with 1.9 million-plus visitors. Public Safety at the Fair: The Minnesota GOP is adding off-duty law enforcement security to its State Fair booth amid concerns about political violence. Immigration Court Fight: Minnesota joined a federal lawsuit challenging new USPS mail-ballot rules, arguing they could block eligible voters. Local Politics/Crime: Minneapolis police reportedly searched an apartment tied to Ilhan Omar’s son and arrested his roommate on a weapons-related charge. Education: A local school’s third-graders ranked near the top for math participation on the 2024-25 MCA, with 20% hitting proficiency.

State Fair & community spotlight: The Minnesota State Fair kicked off with big moments, including the crowning of Jena Hanson as 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way and plenty of opening-day buzz across the grounds. U of M 175th anniversary: The University of Minnesota unveiled its signature ice cream flavor, North Star Apple Crisp, created with public input and produced on the St. Paul campus. ICE extradition fight: A federal judge in Texas denied Minnesota’s bid to stop the release, and ICE agent Christian Castro was freed from a Texas jail after Minnesota’s extradition request was rejected—setting up a fresh legal standoff. Youth safety settlement: Meta agreed to pay Minnesota at least $214 million as part of a multi-state settlement over claims its platforms harmed children, with required teen safety changes. Jobs & economy: Minnesota reported 44,000 new jobs and unemployment dipping to 4.3%. Local public oversight: Minnesota lawmakers moved forward on creating a new Office of Inspector General, with an advisory commission starting the process. Sports: The Timberwolves reportedly agreed to terms with Jonathan Kuminga.

Timberwolves Deal: Jonathan Kuminga is headed to Minnesota, agreeing to a two-year, $12.4 million contract (with a player option in year two) to help fill the Wolves’ power-forward void after offseason roster moves. State Fair Countdown: The Minnesota State Fair opens Thursday in Falcon Heights, with new rides, new food, and big crowds expected over the 10-day run. Meta Settlement: Minnesota is set to receive at least $214 million from a nationwide Meta deal aimed at tightening Facebook/Instagram limits for teens, including daily time caps and overnight restrictions. Immigration Court Fight: A federal judge refused to force Texas to extradite ICE officer Christian Castro to Minnesota, keeping the dispute tied up as Minnesota seeks prosecution. Local Safety How-To: Minnesota State Patrol explains “J-turns” for divided highways—right turn, then a U-turn via a median opening—to reduce deadly broadside crashes. Sports + Campus: UMD volleyball opens its season Thursday at the UP North Tournament, and Minnesota State football kicks off Thursday as No. 3.

Flags at Half-Staff for Dolly Parton: Gov. Tim Walz ordered U.S. and Minnesota flags at state buildings lowered in honor of Dolly Parton, with the order lasting until sunrise Sept. 1. Local Environment Feedback: The DNR is taking public comments through Aug. 31 on an updated vegetation management plan for Lake Shaokatan in Lincoln County, aimed at keeping recreation accessible while protecting habitat. Cybersecurity for Water Systems: Federal investigators are looking into a ransomware breach at a water-utility tech maker, underscoring how vulnerable critical infrastructure can be. Court Watch (Voting Speech): A federal appeals court blocked a Minnesota law that criminalized knowingly sharing false voting-eligibility statements close to elections. ICE Extradition Fight: Minnesota and Texas are back in court over whether an ICE agent accused in a Minnesota shooting can be released from Texas custody. State Fair in Mourning: Multiple Minnesota State Fair pieces highlight Parton’s long history with the event as the community marks her passing. Health Care Expansion: Hennepin Healthcare continues expanding access through its clinic and family healing services. Road Work Update: MnDOT plans a 3.5-hour overnight detour on westbound I-90 near Dakota for bridge beam placement Sept. 2.

Business & Tech: Minneapolis-based FORTÉ announced it has acquired Vega Global, expanding its workplace tech and audiovisual reach across 22 countries. Local Courts & Safety: Minnesota’s Judicial Branch banned firearms in courtrooms and most government buildings starting Sept. 1, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and evidence. Immigration Enforcement: New federal data says ICE arrests in Minnesota have fallen back to pre–Metro Surge levels, while arrests nationwide hit nearly 50,000 in July. Public Safety & Weather: Severe storms left hundreds without power in the Northland and flooded parts of Duluth. Sports (Vikings): WR Jeshaun Jones was suspended for three regular-season games for violating the NFL substance abuse policy. Education (MCA): Several schools reported strong fifth-grade reading participation, including Kimberly Lane (89% proficient) and Franklin Elementary (36% proficient). DNR & Environment: The DNR stocked a State Fair fish pond and extended the comment period for the Mile Post 7 project to Sept. 28. Crime & Justice: Hennepin County won’t file felony riot charges against far-right activist Jake Lang after a review tied to prior police coordination.

Immigration Court Fight: A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to hand over grand jury records tied to journalist Don Lemon’s indictment, signaling growing skepticism of how prosecutors handled closed-door proceedings. Church Surveillance: Separate court filings say ICE agents went undercover at a Minneapolis church and monitored worshippers, raising contempt questions for violating an injunction. Extradition Clash: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is pushing back against Minnesota’s bid to force the return of an ICE officer accused in a Minneapolis shooting. Public Health: Health officials linked Minnesota-grown alfalfa sprouts to illnesses in 15 states, including 55 cases and hospitalizations; consumers are urged to discard affected brands. Education: Woodland Elementary fifth-graders led Minnesota’s MCA reading participation for 2024-25, with 46% meeting proficiency. Local Schools Funding: After a failed referendum, Little Falls Community Schools is pursuing state maintenance money for high school air-quality upgrades. Sports: The Twins snapped a skid with a 9-6 win over the Athletics, while the Lynx fell 80-66 to Golden State. Business & Community: Magnifi Financial was ranked No. 1 in Twin Cities commercial lending growth by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

Boundary Waters Protection: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order banning nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, aiming to end decades of copper-nickel fight and protect the Rainy River Headwaters. WNBA Playoffs Race: The Golden State Valkyries beat the Minnesota Lynx 80-66 in Minneapolis, snapping Minnesota’s six-game winning streak and tightening the race for the No. 1 seed. U of M 175th Anniversary: The University of Minnesota unveiled “North Star Apple Crisp” ice cream—apple crisp with a swirl of aronia berry—selected from nearly 500 community submissions. State Politics Recount Fight: Mike Lindell says Minnesota’s GOP governor recount plan is an unlawful “bait and switch,” withholding the $825,000 payment deadline and seeking a court to weigh in on the recount scope. Retail Backlash: Target pulled a Halloween costume it called “offensive and hurtful,” apologizing after criticism that it resembled racist minstrel-era caricatures. Public Safety: Medina swore in a new police officer, Malia Hermerding, funded through a state grant aimed at bringing in nontraditional candidates. Sports Eligibility: The NCAA’s college football eligibility mess is complicating Minnesota’s place-kicking competition as court rulings keep changing who can play.

Back-to-School Savings: Minnesota tax officials say families should save back-to-school shopping receipts for possible K-12 Education Credit (income-based, refundable) or K-12 Education Subtraction (no income requirement), noting last year’s average claims of $389 and $1,491 respectively. Workplace Safety Tragedy: A tree-trimming worker in Apple Valley, Christopher Boone Crimmins, was charged with second-degree manslaughter after authorities say he crushed a coworker’s head with a hydraulic grapple during “horseplay” involving shadows. Public Health & Schools: Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan immunization coordinator Mary Langworthy was named Minnesota’s 2026 Immunization Champion after boosting district compliance to 99.8% through 14 school clinics. Agriculture Funding: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for its AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant, offering up to $350,000 for 2–3 year on-farm research and demos. Local Crime: Minneapolis police are investigating two weekend stabbings—one at a North Loop bar and another at an after-hours club—leaving victims hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Weather: Monday is warm and more humid, with scattered storms possible overnight and again Tuesday.

Sports—WNBA: The Minnesota Lynx are on the verge of clinching the No. 1 playoff seed, with a magic number of two, and can lock it up Monday at home against the Golden State Valkyries. Sports—MLB: The San Diego Padres swept the Minnesota Twins with an 8-1 win as Fernando Tatis Jr. hit two homers and drove in four. Local Sports—NFL: The Vikings fell 13-3 to the Ravens in preseason, with J.J. McCarthy pointing to missed throws as the difference. Education—MCA results: Watonwan County science scores were low in 2024-25, while several schools posted strong reading participation and proficiency, including Ridgeview Elementary and Folwell Elementary. Public Safety: A tree-trimmer in Apple Valley was charged in a coworker’s death after a hydraulic grapple incident. Weather/Travel: Rochester bridge repairs start Monday, and overnight detours are planned on I-90 near Austin. Environment/Water: Severe drought is affecting much of Minnesota, with communities urging conservation. Business/Politics: Matt Little won Minnesota’s 2nd CD DFL primary and now faces GOP Sen. Eric Pratt in November. Crime: Minneapolis police say a security worker was stabbed after refusing entry to two women.

Minneapolis Public Safety: Far-right activist Jake Lang was arrested after a chaotic rally outside Minneapolis City Hall, when police say two vehicles drove onto a sidewalk toward counter-protesters; officers say chemical irritants were used by both sides and three officers were injured. Food Safety: A Minneapolis-area sprout grower recall expanded after a CDC alert confirmed 55 illnesses across 15 states tied to alfalfa sprouts, with E. coli and Salmonella both reported. Health Research: The Minneapolis VA is recruiting veterans for a study testing whether GLP-1 drugs can help curb alcohol-use disorder. Education: Minnesota’s MCA science testing at Highland Elementary was limited to fifth-graders, while Midway Star Academy reported no math proficiency among its fifth-graders. Local Government & Privacy: Debate over Flock license-plate cameras keeps heating up as cities weigh privacy concerns against public-safety claims. Rochester Infrastructure: MnDOT starts bridge lane closures Monday for repairs on Hwy. 14 and 16th St. SW. Sports: Minnesota United snapped a nine-game winless streak with a 5-1 win over San Jose; the Twins host the Padres as Casey Mize left with an ankle injury.

Vikings QB watch: J.J. McCarthy’s preseason night ended early after he got “banged up” in a rough first quarter vs. the Ravens. Coach Kevin O’Connell said McCarthy was hoping to play at least one more possession, but after three hits and a sack he was limited, leaving his status a question heading toward the regular season. Local safety: A 42-year-old woman died after a pickup truck lost a tire and rolled into the median on Hwy. 169 in Blue Earth County; the driver was taken to a Rochester hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Public order in Minneapolis: Far-right activist Jake Lang was arrested after two vehicles drove onto a sidewalk toward a crowd outside Minneapolis City Hall; police say occupants were arrested on “probable cause riot,” with additional arrests nearby. Food safety: Minneapolis sprout maker Everything Sprouts recalled alfalfa sprouts tied to a 15-state outbreak of E. coli and/or Salmonella, with 55 illness reports reported so far. Sports injury update: Padres starter Casey Mize exited vs. the Twins with a sprained right ankle. Minnesota sports business: Marc Stad agreed to buy controlling stakes in the Timberwolves and Lynx in a reported $4.5 billion deal.

Sports & Money (NIL): Big Ten stars Darius Taylor, Anthony Smith, Maverick Baranowski and Drake Lindsey are cashing in on the NIL era and say they’re using the money for family, big purchases and building long-term wealth. Local Governance & Public Safety: St. Cloud’s automated license plate readers are drawing backlash after multiple cameras and poles were damaged or stolen, with officials warning the vandalism is escalating. Education: North View Middle School, Gleason Lake Elementary and several other schools reported MCA participation and reading results for 2024-25, with some grades showing strong proficiency while others lag. State Economy: Minnesota’s unemployment rate edged down to 4.3% in July, even as the state lost 1,900 jobs. Weather: NOAA is leaning toward a warmer-than-normal fall, while rain remains less certain. Environment & Outdoors: The DNR is asking hunters not to shoot collared bears and is also taking comments on proposed trout stream and lake designation changes through Sept. 11. Business/Community: Maplewood lottery players hit a $1 million top prize, and Membrane Solutions showcased new outdoor water filtration at Outdoor Retailer in Minneapolis. Sports (Pro): Marc Stad completed a $4.5 billion controlling-stake deal for the Timberwolves and Lynx, pending NBA approval.

Sports Business: Marc Lore has agreed to sell his controlling stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx to Marc Stad in a deal valued at $4.5 billion, with Alex Rodriguez staying on as a co-owner. WNBA: Olivia Miles scored 24 and Natasha Howard added 21 as the Lynx beat the Washington Mystics 94-84 to extend a six-game winning streak. Public Safety: Minneapolis police are investigating nine early-morning incidents where at least 87 vehicles were damaged, with no arrests reported. Health: Federal and state officials say alfalfa sprouts sold under Everything Sprouts and Calco brands are linked to an E. coli and salmonella outbreak, with cases now reported across 15 states including Minnesota. Local Weather: Friday looks sunny with lowering humidity and highs in the upper 70s to low 80s after early storms in parts of southeast Minnesota. Community & Agriculture: Project Hero cyclists are riding from St. Paul to Madison to thank farmers, with riders expected to arrive Saturday. Transit/Construction: Duluth’s Mesaba Avenue work will bring more traffic changes starting Aug. 24.

Early Voting Ruling: Minnesota’s Supreme Court says Minneapolis must staff early voting sites with party-balanced election judges, a change that could strain staffing plans for multiple locations this fall. Food Safety Alert: State and federal health officials warn Minnesotans not to eat certain alfalfa sprouts tied to an unusual outbreak involving multiple bacteria strains, with dozens sickened in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Weather Watch: NOAA is calling for a warmer-than-normal fall, but drought remains a big concern as rain chances look uncertain. Education Data: New state MCA results highlight reading and science participation/proficiency snapshots at local schools, including Plymouth Creek Elementary and Horizon Science Academy Twin Cities. Local Sports & Commits: Zimmerman’s Noah Schmit is headed to the University of Minnesota, and more area athletes are locking in college football plans across the metro. Business & Work: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal released its Best Places to Work rankings, spotlighting top employers based on employee surveys. Crash Report: A Highway 169 crash in Elk River sent a 22-year-old woman to the hospital after a collision with a pickup.

State Economy: Minnesota’s job picture stays strong, with July data showing 1.5% year-over-year nonfarm growth versus 0.2% nationally, even as the state shed about 1,900 jobs from June to July. Campus Life: Thousands of Minnesota State University students are moving into dorms this week, with about 2,600 expected to arrive. Severe Weather: Central Minnesota saw multiple storm warnings Thursday night, including severe thunderstorm warnings in Stearns and Meeker counties and a tornado warning near Litchfield, with hail and strong winds reported. Fatal Crash: A Vadnais Heights man died after a semi struck his motorcycle on Highway 371 in Cass County; alcohol wasn’t suspected. Sports (Local): The Minnesota Lynx host the Washington Mystics after clinching the top seed, while the Vikings’ joint practices with the Ravens highlighted a defense-first edge. Politics & Courts: Derek Chauvin’s attorney filed a new bid to dismiss his state murder case, arguing Gov. Tim Walz’s assignment of AG Keith Ellison was unlawful. Public Safety: Minnesota AG and Ramsey County secured court blockades against alleged gang members tied to planned violence at the Minnesota State Fair. Education: New MCA participation/proficiency snapshots show Twin Cities Academy and other schools posting strong grade-level participation, even as statewide math and reading proficiency remain below pre-pandemic levels.

WNBA Spotlight: The Minnesota Lynx kept rolling with a 77-66 win over the Golden State Valkyries, led by Olivia Miles (20 points, seven assists, five rebounds) and Kayla McBride (20). Miles left mid-fourth with a left ankle injury after stepping on Napheesa Collier’s foot, and coach Cheryl Reeve said she didn’t yet know the timeline. Local Roads: MnDOT is hosting a Sept. 2 open house on the Highway 169 Revitalization in Mankato/North Mankato (2027-2028 construction), and Highway 25 work continues with a reopening Aug. 21 north of Wright County Road 37 plus ongoing lane closures. Public Safety: Two Minnesotans were cited in George for THC vapes and underage alcohol after a stop found vapes and alcohol in the vehicle. Sports (MLB): The Twins swept the Braves after a 6-4 win at Target Field; Minnesota now heads to San Diego for a three-game set. Courts/Immigration: A federal judge set a hearing next Tuesday on Minnesota’s request to extradite an ICE agent held in South Texas. Business/Health: PetVivo announced a name change for its human-health subsidiary to Somatrix Technologies, expanding focus on human health innovation.