AGP Executive Report

Synthetic Biology Breakthrough: University of Minnesota researchers unveiled SpudCell, a fully manmade synthetic cell that can feed, grow, replicate, and complete a life cycle—an advance that could reshape how medicines and industrial materials are developed. Manufacturing Expansion: LP Building Solutions broke ground in North Branch on a new ~350,000-square-foot SmartSide trim and siding facility, targeting 125 jobs at full capacity and first production in Q1 2028. Transportation & Construction: MnDOT says Highway 10 between Wadena and Verndale will reopen July 2, with continued lane shifts and work through the corridor; separately, the eastbound Highway 13 to southbound I-35W ramp in Burnsville closes July 7 through October for bridge and ramp improvements. Ag Policy Watch: Minnesota Farm Bureau vice president Carolyn Olson warned a delayed farm bill would prolong uncertainty for farmers as Senate Ag Committee chair John Boozman released draft text. Food Supply Chain: A new federal proposal, the American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act, would fund Regional Food Systems Hubs and USDA infrastructure to help small and mid-sized farmers reach markets, with Sen. Amy Klobuchar as a cosponsor. Energy & Biofuels: The American Coalition for Ethanol will hold its 39th annual conference in Minneapolis Aug. 19-21 under “Fueling Freedom,” spotlighting policy from E15 to 45Z and rural economic impacts.

Synthetic Biology Breakthrough (MN): University of Minnesota researchers unveiled “SpudCell,” a synthetic cell built from non-living components that can complete a full life cycle, including copying DNA and dividing (but only for about five generations and still needs outside help). Food Industry / Antitrust (Eggs): A multistate DOJ-led settlement targets alleged egg price-fixing: major producers will pay $3.3M and donate 53 million eggs to food banks and nonprofits, with Minnesota included in the coalition. Minnesota Consumer Safety: A Stillwater teen needed emergency surgery after swallowing a metal grill brush bristle that punctured his intestine; health officials and recall coverage are urging people to stop using metal grill brushes. Tech Regulation (MN): Minnesota’s new social media warning label law is on hold as tech companies sue and the attorney general delays enforcement while the case plays out. Energy/Environment (MN): The U.S. Army Corps is studying Mississippi River locks and dams, including Lock and Dam 9 and Lower St. Anthony Falls, as part of ongoing infrastructure decisions.

Holiday Safety & Enforcement: Minnesota State Patrol is ramping up Fourth of July enforcement, citing speed, distracted driving, impairment and seat belts as key crash factors, with pedestrian and motorcycle deaths at the highest levels in seven years. Road & Bridge Construction: MnDOT starts Highway 52 shoulder work in Hampton/Cannon Falls July 6 through Sept. 30, and keeps major I-394/I-94 bridge repairs moving with new lane changes beginning July 8 through November. Energy Reliability: A heat wave is stressing the power grid across the U.S., with outages already topping 70,000 nationwide and Midwest risk rising as storms threaten. Synthetic Biology Breakthrough: University of Minnesota researchers say they built “SpudCell,” a fully synthetic cell-like system that can feed, grow and divide—sparking debate over what counts as life. Social Media Law Fight: Minnesota won’t enforce a new pop-up mental health warning label on social platforms while a lawsuit from NetChoice plays out in court. Food Supply & Antitrust: DOJ and state AGs say major egg producers agreed to pay $3.3M and donate 53 million eggs after alleged price-fixing. Local Business/Community: Buffalo-area cafés and shops closed in solidarity with a general strike against ICE, while a Minnesota family shared a backyard barbecue incident that led to emergency surgery after swallowing a grill brush bristle.

Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: The DOJ and 17 states reached a settlement with major egg producers Cal-Maine Foods, Versova and Hickman’s Egg Ranch over alleged collusion to inflate the Urner Barry egg price index; the deal totals $3.3M and 53 million eggs donated to food banks. Minnesota Policy & Imports: Minnesota tightened rules to protect against New World screwworm, restricting dog and cat imports from affected states and requiring veterinary documentation plus quarantine steps. Energy Demand in the Heat: Southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa faced a peak energy alert as cooperatives asked customers to conserve and delay EV charging during high-demand hours. Local Transportation Updates: Minneapolis rolled out an updated interactive bikeway map, while Moorhead sought public input on converting campus streets to two-way traffic. Public Safety on Roads: Centennial Lakes Police warned about illegal, high-speed E-motos and reminded residents that e-bikes are generally not the main problem. Community & Workforce: UW-Stout Polytechnic students helped create murals in Menomonie, and CenterPoint’s America 250 grants backed Minnesota veteran nonprofits. Agriculture & Rural Costs: Minnesota farmers met U.S. Rep. Angie Craig to discuss tariffs, labor needs and the squeeze between farm margins and grocery prices.

Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: Minnesota is among states in a DOJ-led settlement where major egg producers will pay $3.3M and donate 53M eggs after allegations of coordinated bidding that inflated Urner Barry price quotes. Storm Recovery & Grid Reliability: Lake Country Power crews and mutual aid are working around the clock after back-to-back storms knocked out power for thousands, with thousands still dark as repairs continue. Ag & Farm Policy: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative backs a federal push to expand H-2A access for dairy by updating how “temporary” farm work is defined. Environmental Review: The Minnesota DNR is taking public comments through July 29 on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Skandia WMA restoration in Murray County, aiming to restore stream meanders and wetland habitat. Construction & Transportation: MnDOT schedules bridge and road work that will bring lane closures and detours on I-90 near Worthington, plus Highway 89 resurfacing near Wannaska starting July 6. Energy & Industry Tech: A new push to modernize fire trucks in Minnesota highlights added safety tech for crews, while separate coverage flags growing data center scrutiny across states.

Workforce Training: Federal Pell Grant funding for short-term workforce training is starting, but Minnesota-area programs are struggling to qualify, leaving employers and students in limbo. Food & Consumer Protection: The DOJ is suing Minnesota over refusal to turn over SNAP data, as federal officials push for beneficiary records tied to fraud and eligibility checks. Antitrust/Prices: Minnesota is also in the broader spotlight as multistate actions target illegal egg price coordination, with settlements including millions of eggs for food banks. Construction & Materials: MnDOT is emphasizing reuse on road projects, while Austin bridge demolition is complete but detours stay through summer. Road Closures: Highway 149 resurfacing in Eagan/Inver Grove Heights starts mid-July, and Highway 50 closures run July 8–late August. Energy & Reliability: Severe storms across the Northland knocked out power for thousands, and utilities issued peak energy alerts in southeast Minnesota. Heat Safety: A dangerous heat wave is driving public health warnings across the metro and beyond, with guidance for hydration and cooling. Local Business/Taxes: Richfield warns Best Buy’s sharply lower assessed value could shift commercial tax burden to other property owners.

Severe Weather & Power Reliability: A wind-driven storm tore through Minnesota’s Iron Range Monday, knocking out power for 6,400+ Lake Country Power members and downing trees and lines across St. Louis, Itasca and Cass counties, with crews working through the night. Road Safety: MnDOT will convert four rural two-way stop intersections to all-way stops in July to cut severe crashes. STEM & Workforce Pipeline: Minnesota State University’s Train the Trainers robotics program is expanding across southern Minnesota schools, giving educators hands-on training and supplies to build and teach robotics. Agriculture Watch: USDA crop conditions show corn ratings dipping slightly while winter wheat harvest is 48% complete, with Minnesota corn condition holding steady near last week. Mining & Energy Policy: A major mining-policy push is highlighted in coverage of renewed federal action that could reopen paths for Twin Metals and other projects tied to copper demand. Local Business & Travel: Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport is pausing Minneapolis–St. Paul flights after Labor Day, with a planned return in spring 2027.

Data Center Fight in Monticello: A Minnesota environmental group sued Monticello over the city’s approval of an AUAR tied to a proposed 550-acre data center, arguing the review didn’t fully cover water use, power demand, air quality, noise, light pollution, and cumulative impacts. Local Permitting Watch: Monticello Tech says it’s working toward submitting a formal application soon, including rezoning and permits that would kick off the city’s review clock. Dairy Expansion Decision: West River Dairy won a key regulatory step as the MPCA said an environmental impact study isn’t required for its planned herd growth near Morris, despite pushback from opponents. Midwest Farm Strain: Reports highlight drought and heat stress across parts of the region, with Minnesota facing an extreme heat warning and uneven rainfall. Swine Numbers: USDA’s quarterly hog and pig report shows U.S. inventory at 73.7 million head, with Minnesota second-largest at 9.30 million. Chip Industry Legal Risk: A federal lawsuit targets major RAM makers—Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron—over alleged price-fixing amid the ongoing RAM shortage. Extreme Heat Alert: Weather services warn of dangerous heat and humidity across much of Minnesota into early July.

George Floyd Square Construction: Minneapolis has started a major two-year rebuild at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, but early closures are already squeezing Black-owned businesses and shifting community landmarks. Agriculture: USDA reports the U.S. hog inventory at 73.7 million head as of June 1, with Minnesota holding 9.30 million. Climate & Weather: A new report argues Minnesota isn’t seeing more extreme heat so much as fewer brutally cold days. Air Travel: A regional Delta route from Williston to Minneapolis is ending Sept. 7 due to consistently low demand. Local Economic Development: Le Sueur County hosted a countywide forum to map assets and shape broadband, trails, and tourism projects for the next 1–2 years. Workforce Training Grants: CentraCare and Ichor Systems received Minnesota dual training grants totaling $4.87M statewide to build skills in high-demand industries. Food Safety: USDA issued multiple food safety actions in one day, including Listeria and undeclared allergen alerts affecting products sold in Minnesota. State Policy: Minnesota passed a bill requiring parental consent for kids under 16 to use social media accounts. Infrastructure: MnDOT says Highway 93 Henderson’s final construction year is on track for fall 2026 completion.

Grid & Energy: The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission laid out next steps for the Iron Range—St. Louis County—Arrowhead 345 kV ISA Transmission Project, opening public comment on the certificate of need and environmental review add-ons. Mining & Industry: A new market note says Trump is moving to overturn Minnesota’s mining ban, reviving attention on Twin Metals and broader metals policy shifts. Data Centers: Le Sueur County adopted a year-long moratorium on large data centers while it studies environmental impacts and updates zoning rules; nearby, residents and courts continue to shape how Minnesota’s data-center boom lands. Workforce & Business: SBA Minnesota named Micah Eveland of Scamp Trailers in Backus Small Business Person of the Year, highlighting rural manufacturing growth and facility expansion. Local Governance: New Richland Council advanced a major city-code revamp, adding ordinances for fences and vehicles while setting a public hearing date. Community & Culture: Protesters packed an open house tied to Google’s $2 billion data center plan, underscoring how quickly tech projects are becoming local flashpoints.

Immigration Enforcement: President Trump says he’ll nominate Lance Schroyer, a longtime Oklahoma lawman and DHS adviser, to lead ICE—an appointment that could reshape Minnesota’s local-federal enforcement landscape. SNAP Data Fight: The DOJ sued Minnesota in federal court to force release of five years of SNAP applicant records, escalating a long-running dispute over state control of sensitive benefits data. Agriculture & Trade: A new look at USMCA’s role highlights how the pact supports major U.S. ag exports and jobs—important context for Minnesota farmers watching policy reviews. Workforce & Education: Sen. Amy Klobuchar pitched a workforce development overhaul in Rochester, aiming to expand apprenticeships and boost K-12 achievement through “shovel-ready” training sites. Energy & Utilities: Xcel Energy’s rate increase is moving through regulators, with potential bill impacts this fall. Local Infrastructure: Hubbard County’s Itasca-Heartland Trail Connection adds 2.2 miles this fall, extending a multi-use paved route. Food Safety: Minnesota issued a consumer advisory for Bebe Zito Ice Cream over possible metal/plastic fragments. Manufacturing/Industry: Mesabi Metallics and other Minnesota energy-mining efforts continue to draw attention as the state weighs power needs and data-center growth.

Data Center Rules in Monticello: The city adopted a final Alternative Urban Areawide Review and a Data Center Planned Unit Development ordinance, laying out two possible futures (technology campus vs. light industrial) and setting that data centers aren’t “by right,” with City Council retaining final approval. Local Governance & Environment: The AUAR and DCPUD are tied to water, traffic, utilities, wetlands, and environmental review—while residents and groups keep pressing for trust and tighter analysis. Iron Range Jobs: Mesabi Metallics launched a major hiring push for operator roles as it moves toward full commercial operations for its new iron ore mine and pellet plant. Mining/Industry Workforce: The company says it’s building a highly skilled, family-sustaining workforce for Q3 2026 startup. Ag & Soil Innovation: Researchers say Kernza is at a “turning point” toward commercialization, and University of Minnesota Extension is running field-focused sessions on forages, pastures, and precision drainage. Energy & Land Use: A new agrivoltaics webinar series tackles how to keep farming productive alongside solar. Waste & Recycling: Edina won a grant to expand organics recycling for multi-family residents with added drop-off sites and outreach. Roads & Safety: MnDOT and local cities rolled out major Highway 12 ramp closures and a $55.8M Highway 65 reconstruction plan in Fridley aimed at reducing pedestrian crashes. Transit Hiring: Faribault Transportation Service held an open house to recruit bus drivers and expand its electric bus fleet. Business Growth: Pinnacle Marketing Group acquired Evolve Creative, expanding services across northern Minnesota. Food Insecurity: Second Harvest Northland began construction on the final phase of its Nourish the Northland campaign, adding a market-style food shelf and community engagement space. Public Health Costs: Minnesota lawmakers and advocates continue pushing for action on rising healthcare costs, fraud, and prescription drug pricing.

Data Centers & Local Trust: Monticello residents packed City Hall to question how fast the city is moving on a data center zoning plan, with calls for a temporary moratorium while rules are drafted. Transit Costs: The METRO Blue Line extension price tag jumped to about $3.58B after the Met Council added $336M, pushing the project further into a higher-cost, higher-contingency phase. Energy & Infrastructure: Minnesota Power broke ground on a major $900M electric system investment, while regulators also moved on Xcel electric rate changes. Life Sciences Deal: German science firm Merck KGaA agreed to acquire Minnesota-based Bio-Techne for $11.3B, signaling continued consolidation in Minnesota’s biotech manufacturing ecosystem. Construction/Engineering: Architectural Resources Inc. merged with Widseth, expanding engineering and design capacity across Minnesota and the upper Midwest. Food Safety: Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture issued a consumer advisory for certain Bebe Zito ice cream products due to possible metal and plastic fragments. Agriculture Policy: Conservation groups are optimistic as the Senate Farm Bill draft gains traction, aiming to update programs after the last comprehensive bill expired. Workforce/Training: North Hennepin Community College highlighted trade pathway graduation and honor society inductions tied to Minnesota workforce partnerships. Sports & Events (Industry Angle): USA Hockey will host the 2027 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship in Duluth, with all games at AMSOIL Arena.

Business Lending: Mankato is doubling its Commercial Rehabilitation Loan cap from $25,000 to $50,000 to keep pace with construction costs, while still requiring a one-to-one match for 10-year grant-style forgiveness. Health Insurance Costs: Minnesota health insurers are filing for double-digit MNsure premium increases for 2027, with requests roughly 10% to 13% pending regulator review. Life Sciences Deal: Merck KGaA is set to acquire Minnesota-based Bio-Techne for about $11.3B, expanding its life-science tools footprint. Agriculture & Policy: Minnesota’s SNAP payment error rate jumped about 40% in 2025, and dairy producers are watching the Senate farm bill discussion draft for dairy program changes. Workforce & Training: A new University of Minnesota companion animal teaching clinic is giving vet students more hands-on leadership in general-practice-style care. Local Infrastructure: Carlton County will spray herbicides to control invasive vegetation damaging the St. Louis River trail, and a separate report says an aerial plane near Wrenshall is not spongy moth spraying ahead of July 13-15 management. Energy & Industry: A shipping industry report flags a renewed engine shortage that’s already stalling some newbuild orders.

Life Sciences Deal: Merck KGaA agreed to acquire Minneapolis-based Bio-Techne for about $11.3B, aiming to expand life-science tools and multiomics offerings across the full research-to-manufacturing workflow. Energy & Grid Resilience: CenterPoint Energy reported progress on its Greater Houston grid hardening plan, including storm-ready poles, line undergrounding, vegetation clearing, and automation to cut outage minutes. Housing & Construction: Twin Cities housing permits rose 11% through June, with multifamily up sharply even as single-family dipped; meanwhile, Redfin data shows Rochester and Minneapolis home sales ticking up in May. Industrial Real Estate: Lakeville’s Interstate South Logistics Park sold for $19M, and a new “On the Market” lineup highlights build-to-suit and light-manufacturing options in Eagan, Becker, and St. Paul. Agriculture Policy: A Minnesota dairy farmer urged the next farm bill push to prioritize fair rules for noncorporate operations and stronger enforcement of agricultural antitrust. Environment & Permitting: Minnesota’s MPCA decision to waive an environmental impact statement for a West River Dairy herd expansion drew criticism from the Minnesota Farmers Union. Local Infrastructure: MnDOT scheduled overnight I-494 closures late June into early July and Edina’s Highway 62 bridge work closure for late June. Workforce/Health: Minnesota DHS temporary commissioner testified on Medicaid fraud oversight before Congress, while U of M students helped run Special Olympics Healthy Athletes screenings.

M&A in Minnesota manufacturing: H.B. Fuller (St. Paul) made a recommended cash offer to buy Advanced Medical Solutions (UK) in a deal valuing AMS at £659m, aiming to build a new medical adhesives business unit and drive revenue/cost synergies. Energy infrastructure: Minnesota Power broke ground on a $900m HVDC transmission upgrade from Center, N.D. to Solway near Duluth, designed to move more clean wind power into the state. Local governance & housing: Marshall, Minn. moved ahead with a new 108-unit Stone Meadow Apartments ribbon-cutting, while the city also awarded a $150,000 bid to Rogge Excavating to demolish the old aquatic center pools. Data centers & community pushback: Google held an open house in Hermantown on a proposed large data center, with residents pressing concerns on water, environmental review, and impacts to farming land. Food safety: Power Plate Meals recalled nearly 6,000 pounds of frozen meatloaf due to an undeclared soy allergen, with shipments including Minnesota. Biofuels: A Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association study says E15 could save drivers about $24.7m in 2024 versus E10, citing a price gap of up to 18 cents per gallon.