AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Public Safety: ICE shootings in Texas are drawing fresh scrutiny, including an Austin incident where an ICE officer shot a man after a traffic stop; Austin officials are calling for a transparent, independent probe as protesters gather. Energy & Costs: Oil prices steadied as traders weighed Middle East supply risks and diplomacy, while Minnesota drivers keep feeling the squeeze with multiple county-by-county gas price reports showing diesel and midgrade prices still elevated. Ag Safety: Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture is urging extra precautions for anhydrous ammonia handling as fall fertilizer season ramps up, highlighting protective gear, emergency water, and safer transport and transfer practices. Education Funding Vote: Minnesotans will see a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot to boost K-12 funding from the permanent school fund, framed as having no direct property tax impact. Workforce Pay: Minnesota nursing home workers’ minimum wage for the sector rises to $19 an hour starting Sept. 10, with additional increases planned for early 2027. Industry & Infrastructure: A federal House bill cleared to push regulators to consider how AI data centers cover full power and transmission upgrade costs—aimed at limiting utility bill impacts for families and businesses.

Avian Flu Watch: Minnesota confirmed H5N1 at three more commercial poultry operations—adding about 118,000 birds to the fall total—raising the stakes for backyard flocks, hunters, and barn response crews as waterfowl migration ramps up. Critical Minerals & Manufacturing: A new U of Minnesota NRRI project in Coleraine won DOE support to test continuous induction smelting that could turn lower-grade Iron Range ore into higher-value pig iron, aiming to strengthen domestic steel supply chains. Great Lakes Trade Pressure: A Bloomberg report highlights how U.S. tariffs and U.S.-Canada tensions are disrupting Great Lakes shipping tied to Minnesota iron ore and other bulk commodities. Local Food Processing Growth: Stearns County dairy operators are pivoting into school-approved frozen fruit pops, investing “a couple million” into a new food venture built to meet Minnesota ag licensing and safety requirements. Municipal Cannabis Economics: A Rochester-area report looks at how city-run cannabis shops are spreading slowly, with Anoka’s operation cited for generating millions in revenue and lowering a future tax levy—sparking interest from other small cities. Fraud & Consumer Safety: A Hastings bank-led talk warns residents about scams that push victims to act fast, citing record U.S. fraud losses and Minnesota’s share of internet-crime losses. Data Privacy: A consumer advocacy project examines what data brokers know about people, including detailed dossiers and sold inferences—fueling pressure for stronger Minnesota privacy enforcement.

Farm Policy Gridlock: Minnesota farmers are still waiting on relief as Congress deadlocks on a new farm bill; the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its version, but House-Senate differences and Democrats’ concerns about SNAP cuts could delay help past the Sept. deadline. Midterm Politics: With 45 days to Election Day, early voting is underway in Minnesota and other states, and the race is framed around affordability and voter frustration. Energy & Transportation Costs: GasBuddy reports show premium and diesel prices in Minnesota remain volatile, with Dakota County premium at $4.33 and Ramsey County diesel at $5.39 in the week ending Sept. 12, while national gas averages keep inching up as crude stays near $100. Local Infrastructure: Cities across the region are moving road and sidewalk projects this week, including closures tied to construction and paving work. Data Centers & Land Use: Rice is considering a one-year data center moratorium plus a planning study, as other Minnesota communities weigh how growth affects health, safety, and zoning. Clean Energy in Minnesota: The Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona cut electricity costs with a rooftop solar array, funded by a state climate finance loan. Arts Funding: Region 2 Arts Council is accepting applications for Arts Access Grants up to $6,000, due Nov. 15.

Leadership Change: Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency named Carrie Pellinen its new Senior and Nutrition Services Director, succeeding Marilyn Ocepek after 55 years, with Pellinen overseeing nutrition, volunteer operations, and program planning across the region. Aviation & Travel: A JD Power airport satisfaction study says traveler satisfaction rose across North America, with Minnesota airports among those leaving the best impressions. State Outdoors & Food Supply: Minnesota DNR reports a stronger pheasant outlook for this fall, citing higher roadside indices; meanwhile, the DNR is paying people $95 per bushel to collect red pine cones to help reforestation after years of weak crops. Weather & Infrastructure: Brainerd installed a new Climavision weather radar system to fill long-standing monitoring gaps around the Brainerd lakes area. Energy Costs: Diesel prices keep climbing, with rising costs expected to ripple into trucking and agriculture—pressuring food and everyday goods. Utilities & Power: The Minnesota PUC ruled a rural co-op can’t threaten disconnection of power to the Upper Sioux Community over its solar and battery project, ordering continued service if safety requirements are met. Industry Watch: Coca-Cola says it plans $10 billion in U.S. infrastructure investments through 2030, including projects tied to St. Cloud, as the White House frames it as a “Trump Effect.”

Ag Education & Safety: More than 400 FFA students from Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin packed NICC’s Tri-State Ag and Dairy Expo for dairy judging, robotics demos and a grain bin rescue drill. Trails & Tourism: Albert Lea, Hayward and Freeborn County urged the DNR to finish the last half-mile of the Blazing Star State Trail after the final gravel segment was pulled in 2025. Utility Accountability: An attorney is pushing the state to investigate Xcel Energy after a Hopkins utility pole collapse killed a driver; Xcel says the pole was inspected in 2023 and met compliance. Local Health Policy: Crystal council delayed a flavored tobacco ban after a public hearing split residents and business owners over health goals and market impact. Agriculture Policy: U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad and USDA risk-management leaders met Minnesota farmers on crop insurance changes tied to the FARMER Act. Infrastructure & Transit Finance: Anoka County rail authority approved a 2027 budget with a zero preliminary tax levy and no new bond payment after Northstar debt was paid off. Public Works Design: Columbia Heights advanced MnDOT’s Central Avenue redesign toward roundabouts and safer crossings, despite resident pushback. Courts & Community: St. Louis County introduced a courthouse comfort dog to support victims and witnesses during testimony. Energy & Cybersecurity: Reports say foreign hackers hit Colorado water utilities; Minnesota has also seen similar intrusions, raising pressure on water-system defenses. Higher Ed Real Estate: Luther Seminary finalized the sale of its Upper Campus and plans a move to a new Minneapolis location by summer 2027.

Minnesota Jobs Watch: Minnesota employers added about 1,500 jobs in August, but unemployment ticked up to 4.4% as the labor force shrank and wage growth cooled. Energy & Costs: Gas prices stayed elevated as crude hovered near $100 a barrel, with Minnesota-area consumers feeling the squeeze. Retail Expansion: Toys“R”Us plans to open 120 new standalone stores nationwide, with a Creator Studios pilot that includes Mall of America in Minnesota. Healthcare & Courts: The Minnesota Supreme Court let a Rochester child’s wrongful-death lawsuit proceed against Olmsted Medical Center. Power & Tribes: The Minnesota PUC ordered a rural co-op to stop threatening disconnections to the Upper Sioux Community tied to its solar-and-battery project. Mining & Manufacturing: Talon Metals wrapped Minnesota DNR scoping for its Tamarack nickel-copper-cobalt project, while Sartell marked “steel raising” at Niron Magnetics’ rare-earth-free magnet plant. Consumer Relief: Minnesota is set to receive part of an $8.5M auto-lender settlement tied to Credit Acceptance.

Mining & Manufacturing: Mesabi Metallics marked major progress on the Iron Range with its first iron ore concentrate and a red, white and blue blast, while federal support via EXIM’s reported $770M loan moves the pellet project closer to full production. Energy & Power: The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission ordered Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light and Power to allow the Upper Sioux Community’s behind-the-meter solar array to connect, after commissioners criticized the co-op’s conduct. Healthcare Oversight: A federal audit found UnitedHealthcare likely inflated Medicare billing by at least $46.9M (2020–21), with Minnesota’s Medicaid fraud review work tied to the same corporate family. Public Safety & Compliance: Stearns County shut down the “Hay Shed” rural event venue after court orders over missing safety, fire, septic and related permits. Consumer Costs: Gas prices surged in the Twin Cities overnight (+15 cents), and diesel hit record highs as harvest season ramps up, raising pressure for trucking and food prices. Sports & Culture: Unrivaled announced season-three women’s basketball games at Minneapolis’ Target Center in Jan. 2027, and the WNBA season restart keeps Minnesota Lynx seeding in focus.

WNBA Playoff Push: The league restarts after the FIBA break with Minnesota Lynx holding the strongest path to the top seeds, while the rest of the playoff field still has seeding up for grabs. Agriculture & Water Quality: Iowa candidates Chris Jones and Shawn Ellerbroek tied water quality to health and pushed for stronger public attention to contamination risks. Medical Tech Growth: Nuwellis reported 31 Aquadex SmartFlow consoles sold year-to-date, expanding its recurring revenue base in cardiorenal fluid management. Craft Beer Industry Stress: Summit Brewery faces foreclosure after a lawsuit alleges more than $8.2M in unpaid debt. Housing & Local Subsidies: Duluth approved tax subsidies for a 148-unit apartment project near Lake Superior College, and Mankato is weighing incentives for an indoor food-growing facility. Minnesota Housing Politics: Klobuchar and Demuth both argue for more homes, but differ on how to cut barriers and what to change in state policy. Farm Bill Momentum: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced a farm bill on party lines after McConnell’s return, with SNAP cost-sharing still a major sticking point. Regenerative Farming Debate: A new study claims regenerative field crops could store enough soil carbon to offset about 1.5 years of U.S. emissions, outpacing tech-based carbon capture proposals. Data Centers & Public Backlash: Voters and local officials continue to push back on new data center construction, citing affordability and grid impacts. Minnesota EMS Memorial: State officials approved a permanent EMS memorial site on the Capitol grounds.

Banking & Rates: U.S. Bank (U.S. Bancorp, Minneapolis) raised its prime lending rate to 7.00% from 6.75%, effective Sept. 17. Food & Jobs: Verdánt AgriTech is proposing a nearly $14M indoor farm in Mankato to grow culinary mushrooms and microgreens, targeting 70+ jobs. Public Safety: Rochester Public Schools said a Hwy. 52 school bus fire had no students aboard; the district pointed to state inspection rules and said most failures are minor. Local Housing Support: A new emergency shelter in the Ridgeview Heights development in (Rochester area coverage) is preparing to take its first families, adding two free emergency units. Tech & City Regulation: Minneapolis is setting hearings on a robotaxi ordinance that would require a licensed human driver in every seat, with a vote expected Oct. 1. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest E15 price in Fillmore County hit $3.89/gal for the week ending Sept. 5, while midgrade prices stayed elevated. Agriculture Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced “Farm Bill 2.0” after Sen. Mitch McConnell returned, moving it forward along party lines. Trade Awards: Minnesota’s Trade Office opened nominations for the Governor’s International Trade Awards (41st annual). Cannabis Market: Minnesota’s legal cannabis market surpassed $250M in first-year sales, even as sellers cite licensing and supply-chain friction.

Aviation & Travel: JD Power’s 2026 airport satisfaction study put Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) at No. 1 among mega airports, highlighting how terminal upgrades and smoother passenger flow are finally paying off. Auto Retail: Carvana expanded same-day delivery in the Twin Cities, letting select customers receive vehicles the same day they order online, supported by its local logistics and inspection centers. Defense Manufacturing: Northrop Grumman began production in Plymouth, Minnesota, of the M1156E5 Precision Guidance Kit with improved GPS anti-jam capability, targeting first deliveries in early 2028. Medical Tech: Nuwellis named Brian Johnson Director of Quality and Regulatory Affairs, strengthening its quality and regulatory push as it advances cardiorenal products. Retail Media: DIGITS Agency and Associated Food Stores (AFS) partnered to launch a regional retail media network, starting with AFS-owned banners and a pilot in Q4 2026. Labor & Industry: United Steelworkers is rolling out community-facing support for fair contracts, including progress on retiree healthcare and safety language in talks with major steelmakers. Agriculture & Climate: Research says irrigation can reduce climate impact by boosting yields without expanding farmland, with avoided land-use emissions estimated at 363 years’ worth of current irrigation emissions. Data & Cyber Risk: CenterPoint Energy confirmed a data breach after a hacker claimed millions of customer records were accessed via an external system.

Energy & Costs: Home insurance prices kept climbing in the first half of 2026, with severe weather risk—especially thunderstorms and hail—driving higher premiums for many Minnesota homeowners. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy price checks show E15 and diesel deals popping up in parts of southern and western Minnesota, while premium prices remain higher overall (example: Carver County premium hit $4.45 at the low end). Cannabis Industry: Minnesota’s legal recreational market hit $250M in sales in its first year, with $150M adult-use and nearly $46M in state tax revenue, and regulators flag upcoming federal hemp rule changes. Food & Agriculture: Bird flu is resurging in the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota turkey flocks, as producers brace for fall demand. Manufacturing & Jobs: CHS plans a $700M soybean processing plant in Evansville, aiming to process 80M bushels annually and create 80+ jobs. Local Infrastructure & Recreation: The Mesabi Trail is now fully paved and officially complete, linking 28 northern Minnesota communities and boosting the region’s outdoor economy. Tech & Power Policy: A federal push targets who pays for electricity upgrades tied to AI data centers—ratepayer protection is becoming a major political fight. Business Risk: Summit Brewing faces foreclosure after missing loan payments, a reminder of how tight financing is hitting Minnesota’s craft sector.

Food Safety & Enforcement: The DOJ is seeking a permanent ban on a Minneapolis wholesaler, Gold Star Distribution, from handling FDA-regulated food and medicines after inspectors documented extensive rodent and other unsanitary conditions at its North Minneapolis warehouse. Ag & Recall Watch: A Cookeville, Tennessee company recalled a single lot of alfalfa seeds that “may be contaminated” with E. coli and Salmonella, with customer reach that included Minnesota. Energy Costs: Winter heating bills are projected to rise nearly 9% for most U.S. households, with Minnesota-area families urged to use available assistance programs. Power & Utilities: Minnesota regulators rejected Minnesota Power’s proposed new natural gas plant, approving a revised plan that includes converting Boswell Unit Three to natural gas by 2030 plus wind and battery storage. Fertilizer Safety: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is warning farmers to use caution with fall anhydrous ammonia applications. Construction & Infrastructure: MnDOT has started work on the Highway 75 bridge project in Climax. Healthcare: Riverwood Healthcare Center earned a five-star CMS patient survey rating. Business & Tech: Conduent named Narayanan Sundaresan as CTO, and North Wind added Nominal to its technology alliance. Industry Growth: Food and beverage project activity rebounded in August, with 63 new planned projects reported, including Minnesota.

Grid Reliability & Data Centers: MISO filed with FERC a plan for new reliability requirements for “large loads” over 50 MW, including “computational loads” tied to IT demand, aiming to improve visibility and planning for major power users. Public Health & Agriculture: H5N1 avian flu was confirmed in multiple commercial poultry sites in Minnesota and neighboring states, with additional dairy herd detections reported in Idaho. Energy & Mining: Minnesota DNR canceled a Twin Metals mineral lease near the Boundary Waters after a yearlong review, citing unmet performance/production requirements; the move follows broader state actions limiting mining in the headwaters region. Healthcare Coverage: Guardant Health said its Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening will be covered by EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027. Local Infrastructure: Highway 52 near I-90 southeast of Rochester will close Sept. 22-24 for bridgework and paving, with detours in both directions. Trade & Industry Pressure: Trump tariffs on Canadian steel are hitting Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, raising concerns for the border-town economy. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest premium gas in Renville County at $4.28 (week ending Sept. 5), while diesel prices in Hennepin County ranged down to $4.69.

Grid Reliability & Data Centers: MISO filed with FERC a plan to set new reliability requirements for “large loads” over 50 MW, including “computational loads” tied to IT demand, aiming to improve visibility and planning after FERC’s mid-June orders. Energy & Policy Leadership: DC BLOX named Tricia Pridemore EVP for energy, regulatory and policy as data-center buildout accelerates and utilities, developers, and regulators negotiate power and grid reliability. Mining & Water Risk: Minnesota DNR canceled a Twin Metals mineral lease tied to the Boundary Waters region, while Mille Lacs leaders and allies keep pushing back on the Tamarack copper-nickel mine over water impacts. Office Real Estate: The Minnesota DNR signed a major lease for River Park Plaza in St. Paul, signaling continued reshaping of the Twin Cities office market. Agribusiness & Construction: Peterson Farms Seed is expanding identity-preserved and organic seed lines; Riverview LLP is progressing dairy growth plans near Morris. Local Business Moves: Bella Vita Salt Spa in St. Cloud will temporarily close to expand and renovate. Workforce & Housing: Habitat for Humanity launched its fall construction season in Hibbing with school and college trades training. Cybersecurity for Utilities: Dispel rolled out a Community Power & Water program to help smaller electric and water utilities adopt secure remote access.

Energy & Grid Reliability: MISO filed with FERC a plan to tighten reliability rules for data centers and other “large loads” over 50 MW, aiming to give grid operators better visibility into how big electricity users behave—especially computational IT loads. Food Safety Enforcement: The DOJ, acting for the FDA, sued Minneapolis-based Gold Star Distribution seeking a permanent injunction over alleged years of unsanitary warehouse conditions, including live and dead rodents and birds found during a 2025 inspection. Workforce Benefits: Some Minnesota employers are rolling out “Trump Accounts,” letting families save for kids with up to $2,500 in employer-funded contributions plus a $1,000 federal credit per eligible child. Agriculture Economy: A Federal Reserve Beige Book update said Corn Belt farm conditions improved slightly, with crops generally in good shape but some areas stressed by heavy rains and flooding. Mining & Permitting: Minnesota DNR canceled a Twin Metals mineral lease tied to a site south of the Boundary Waters, adding pressure to the state’s sulfide-mining debate. Fuel Prices Watch: E15 prices in parts of Minnesota stayed near the low-$3.80s in the week ending Sept. 5, with Goodhue County’s lowest reported station at $3.82.

Energy & Grid Reliability: MISO filed with FERC to tighten reliability rules for data centers and other “large loads” over 50 MW, aiming to improve how the grid plans and operates around big electricity users across Minnesota and beyond. Mining & Environment: Minnesota DNR canceled a Twin Metals mineral lease south of the Boundary Waters, adding pressure to the Mesabi Range’s long-running mining debate. Water & Habitat: Blue Earth County moved forward on removing the Rapidan Dam, with an FERC assessment saying removal would benefit river habitat and restore the channel. Arts & Historic Preservation: The Jaques Art Center won a Minnesota Historical Society small grant for architectural plans to rehabilitate the Aitkin Carnegie Library building. Cybersecurity: State and local government cyber leaders met to focus on AI, identity, and stopping fraud as threats keep shifting. Immigration & Health: Doctors say immigration enforcement is driving families to delay pediatric care, with some Minnesota children missing treatment for serious conditions. Industry & Infrastructure: MnDOT continues road work in Faribault County, including micro mill and overlay projects and multiple bridge replacements.