AGP Executive Report

Fuel Watch: AAA says U.S. gas averaged $3.92 Monday, down 62 cents (13.6%) from a month ago as U.S.-Iran talks ease Middle East pressure—though analysts warn further drops may slow as supply and demand normalize. Local Courts/Immigration: A federal judge quashed Minnesota grand jury subpoenas aimed at immigration-related records from Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and other officials, calling the effort unconstitutional coercion tied to “Operation Metro Surge.” Big Business Moves: Best Buy announced CFO Matt Bilunas will step down at month’s end July, with a new CFO expected to be named. Construction & Traffic: MnDOT resumed Highway 61 London Road work in Duluth (northbound-only access with detours) and set a June 26-29 I-90 weekend detour for Highway 218 bridge demolition in Austin. Food Safety: Power Plate Meals recalled nearly 5,800 pounds of frozen meatloaf products in SD/ND/MN due to misbranding and an undeclared soy allergen. Redevelopment: Novarum Development Partners bought Minneapolis’ former Wells Fargo Home Mortgage campus and plans “Iconic Plaza,” targeting about 1,000 homes plus retail, healthcare, and education. Public Safety: Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall outlined Minnesota fireworks rules—sparklers and certain ground devices are allowed, while items like roman candles and bottle rockets are prohibited.

Midwest Freight & Logistics: Saia is expanding with new terminals in Duluth, Minnesota, and Columbia, Missouri, adding capacity for growing shipping demand. Agriculture & Land Sales: Recent farmland transactions include a 162-acre Minnesota-area sale at $2.8M (about $17,000/acre) and a Nebraska auction of 323 irrigated acres at $1.3M (about $4,050/acre). Food Safety: Walmart is affected by an FDA bread recall for Great Value Hawaiian Roll 4-packs tied to a packaging contamination issue; no injuries reported. Energy & Infrastructure: Minnesota lawmakers are weighing changes to vehicle and malt liquor licensing rules, while road and bridge work is set to bring closures across the Northland. Public Policy & Food Access: A new analysis says a House GOP SNAP cut plan could push millions off food assistance, with Minnesota lawmakers named in the request. Tech & Industry: Minnesota-based Castlelake made a public bid for easyJet, and a WSJ probe alleges Polymarket paid creators to stage fake winning bets. Workforce & Training: Minnesota Youth Institute at the U of M focused on food security solutions, with high school students presenting research to experts.

Aviation Disruption: An American Airlines Flight 3046 passenger allegedly bit a fellow traveler and tried to fight others midflight; the plane landed safely in Philadelphia after the cockpit alerted emergency crews and law enforcement. Public Health & Agriculture: A Texas Rio Grande Valley report links Parkinson’s risk to pesticide exposure, raising concerns for farmworkers and nearby communities. Inflation Watch: The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge is expected to show faster inflation, keeping rate-hike pressure on the table. Local Real Estate & Manufacturing Potential: Indus School in Baudette is up for sale for $1.7M, with the listing highlighting equipment that could support a future manufacturing facility. Indigenous Language Revitalization: Waadookodaading Ojibwe Language Institute received a $1.5M MacKenzie Scott gift to build a Community Language Revitalization Center. Retail & Fuel: Costco’s new Syracuse, Utah warehouse and gas station are set to open June 24, underscoring ongoing expansion in consumer logistics. Cybersecurity: Minnesota bans crypto ATMs after scam reports tied to nearly $1M in losses, effective Aug. 1, 2026. Science Engagement: Adler Planetarium’s Zooniverse is nearing a major people-powered research milestone as it approaches 1 billion classifications. Community & Culture: Special Olympics USA Games opening ceremonies in Minneapolis spotlight athlete joy and large-scale participation.

Food & Manufacturing Milestone: Blue Earth’s Seneca canning plant marked 100 years of operation, tracing its roots from a 1903 Minnesota Valley Canning Company venture to the Green Giant era and today’s canned corn and peas. Ag Economy Pressure: A farm crisis piece points to bankruptcies rising again, with lower crop prices, trade uncertainty, higher fuel and fertilizer costs, and labor shortages squeezing producers. Farm Policy & Global Rules: Minnesota-linked commentary on the EU’s new NGT framework says the door is opening for some biotech plants, but the rollout is still tangled in anti-GMO politics. Local Energy Infrastructure: Faribault County commissioners discussed a proposed 765 kV transmission line, with residents raising concerns about impacts and whether the route is driven by politics. Environmental Health Fight: Minneapolis PFAS concerns resurfaced around the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center, with advocates arguing monitoring may miss long-term risks while county officials cite permit compliance. Food Safety Recall: Power Plate Meals recalled frozen meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes shipped to Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. Workforce & Education: Sleepy Eye hired McKenzie Wagelie as elementary principal for 2026-27, and Albert Lea is set to consider a new economic development agency to close gaps between existing boards. Business & Consumer Policy: A Minnesota bill would modify vehicle registration taxes and create rebates for lower-income owners. Ag & Community: A solar farms story highlights how Renville is using solar to support agriculture, including sheep producers.

Food Safety: USDA FSIS issued a recall for Power Plate Meals frozen meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes after misbranding and an undeclared allergen; about 5,795 pounds shipped to distributors in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Albert Lea’s city council will vote Monday on creating a new economic development agency to plug gaps between the Port Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority, while also moving forward on the Songbird Trail bid. State Policy (Vehicles): Rep. Josiah Hill’s Minnesota House bill would modify motor vehicle registration tax calculations and create an income-based rebate program, with rebates tied to registration periods starting Jan. 1, 2027. State Policy (Workforce): Sen. Draheim introduced a Minnesota Senate bill aimed at workforce development funds. Energy & Data Centers: A new report highlights states pushing back on data center expansion over power, water and utility-cost concerns. Agriculture & Energy Transition: Solar farms are being positioned as a gateway to agriculture for Renville County sheep producers, as lease economics and land use collide. Education & STEM: Minnesota’s Echo Park Elementary School of Leadership, Engineering and Technology posted strong fourth-grade math participation and proficiency on the 2024-25 MCA. Community & Recovery: Bemidji’s United Way disaster recovery case manager role adds another layer of storm-recovery coordination after last year’s windstorm. Construction Noise: A local piece captures how Minnesota’s construction season brings major road upgrades—and daily disruption for residents.

Inflation & Energy Costs: U.S. inflation hit 4.2% in May, with energy prices driving most of the jump—gas and oil shocks tied to disruptions around Hormuz. Transit Spending Shock: The Twin Cities Blue Line extension price tag is now estimated at $3.58B, up from earlier projections, reigniting debate over scope and costs. Severe Weather Impacts: Central Minnesota saw hail and thousands of power outages after storms, with crews working to restore service. Public Safety on Roads: MnDOT finished a new high-tension cable median barrier on Hwy. 52 north of Zumbrota to reduce cross-median crash risk. Local Business & Community Aid: Minneapolis’ Smitten Kitten is asking for help after shifting resources to immigrant mutual aid during federal enforcement operations. Mining & Tourism: The historic Soudan Underground Mine reopened for tours after years of setbacks, including COVID and flooding. State Agriculture Response: Minnesota will begin aerial spongy moth management in southeast counties June 24–26. Education Budget Pressure: Menahga School District outlined major FY27 hits from reduced state and federal funding, including special education transportation and Title changes. Crime & Courts: Minnesota AG Ellison faced tough questioning over a fraud scandal estimate as federal scrutiny continues. Sports Ticketing Change: Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul is moving from Ticketmaster to SeatGeek starting July 1.

Banking & Growth: Kenneth Kelly is credited with steering Minneapolis-based First Independence Bank through consolidation pressure, including a multi-state acquisition push and broader advocacy through the American Bankers Association. Retail & Tech Demos: Meta is adding “Meta Lab” spaces inside 50+ Best Buy stores so shoppers can try Quest VR and smart glasses with trained staff. Healthcare AI: UnitedHealth says it will invest $3B in AI over 2026-27, using bots to streamline prior authorization and even call doctors’ offices to schedule care. Manufacturing Layoffs: Acuity Brands will close its Winona Lighting plant, ending 86 jobs by late November. Energy & Policy: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison is defending the state’s prediction-markets ban in court, arguing it’s gambling that should stay under state control. Construction & Transit: Rochester road work near St. Mary’s Hospital is moving into a new phase, with parts of 2nd St. SW and 14th Ave. SW reopening and more closures planned. Logistics Expansion: Saia opened new terminals in Duluth, MN and Columbia, MO to add Midwest capacity for shipping demand. Local Industry & Community: SmithCo Mfg. is partnering with Midwest Diesel Service in Blaine to expand side-dump trailer sales and support across east central and northeast Minnesota. Inflation Watch: A new CPI read put energy at the center of May inflation, with gasoline and oil-market swings driving costs. Sports & Workforce Culture: Sleep Number filed for bankruptcy, while the Twin Cities prepares for Special Olympics USA Games featuring Minnesota athletes like “Havoc.”

Inflation Watch: U.S. CPI hit 4.2% in May, with energy prices driving most of the jump—gas volatility remains a key Minnesota-relevant pressure point. Local Governance & Public Works: Vadnais Heights residents are pushing back on a fire station bond after costs rose from about $19M to $33.3M, arguing for a voter say. Energy & Environment: Dakota County says PFAS showed up in 94 of 114 private wells tested and in all 27 environmental wells, with a new online dashboard to track results. Housing & Development Finance: Cambridge approved conduit financing for an 180-unit affordable apartment project after tweaks removed the need for TIF. Industry & Agriculture: Minnesota Africans United is launching agribusiness and trade missions to connect diaspora farmers and food businesses with buyers in Minnesota and abroad. Regulation & Courts: A Pine Island data center case moves forward; a protective order motion is set for July 23 as the court weighs what project documents must be shared. Workforce: Minnesota’s latest job report shows more openings but lower pay and fewer people staying in the workforce, with Rochester job growth looking like it’s plateauing. Cannabis Retail: La Canna opened in La Crescent as the area’s first dispensary, with reminders that Minnesota sales don’t cross state lines legally.

Housing & Local Economy: Thief River Falls broke ground on The Edge, a 65-unit apartment project slated for spring completion, backed by a Minnesota housing tax incentive and a $3.5M contribution from DigiKey. Agriculture & Community: Worthington District 518 is funding soybean-based artificial turf for a new softball field, with support from the Nobles County Corn and Soybean Growers Association and Minnesota Soybean Processors. Workforce & Training: Daikin Applied broke ground on a $30M Solutions & Technical Institute in Plymouth, aiming to open in 2027 to expand HVAC technical and engineering training. Energy & Costs: New data shows U.S. inflation at 4.2% in May, with energy prices driving most of the increase. Policy & Oversight: Minnesota Senate bills are moving on topics including per diem limits, rental licensing rules, and table saw safety standards. Infrastructure Impacts: MnDOT is changing Highway 95 detours in Cambridge starting June 25, and closing a westbound I-94 off-ramp near Evansville from June 23 to August. Industry Leadership: Brownton farmer Ryan Mackenthun was named president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.

Trade & Agriculture: Trump’s remarks about not renewing USMCA are rattling farm groups as U.S. and Mexico negotiators meet in Washington to update the pact, with agriculture and energy on the table. Energy & Inflation: May CPI hit 4.2% as energy prices surged, keeping pressure on household costs and Minnesota’s fuel market. State Policy: Minnesota’s DNR launched a new electronic licensing system, aiming to make outdoor permits faster and easier. Water & Industry Deals: DXP Enterprises completed its acquisition of Minnesota’s General Repair Service, expanding its water and wastewater equipment and service platform. Local Housing: Thief River Falls broke ground on a 65-unit market-rate project with major support from DigiKey via Minnesota housing tax credits. Food & Courts: A Minnesota judge denied J&J’s bid for a new trial in a $65.5M talc cancer case. Tech & Telecom: Comcast is expanding high-speed internet to thousands of Wisconsin homes and businesses, with service timelines extending into 2027. Mobility Innovation: A Minnesota-linked invention, WalkPort, is designed to help people with paralysis and other mobility issues walk again.

Minnesota Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show steady local variation in prices for the week ending June 6, including Lincoln County regular at $3.94/gal, Pipestone County midgrade at $4.49/gal, and Redwood County E85 at $2.90/gal—while Minnesota’s overall averages for regular and midgrade eased versus the prior week. Transit & Infrastructure: Minnesota lawmakers are pushing Metro Transit to scrap the Blue Line north extension to Brooklyn Park after a report found about $336M in underbudgeting on a project now pegged at $3.2B, with House Transportation Chair Jon Koznick arguing for bus expansion instead. Water Conservation: The Metropolitan Council is awarding rebates to Circle Pines and Lino Lakes to cut water use through 2028, covering upgrades to efficient WaterSense and Energy Star products. Business & Deals: Centri acquired Altair Associates, expanding its insurance underwriting and claims advisory footprint across 10 offices. Consumer Tech: CanItCash launched SellAProjector.com, offering instant buyback quotes for 520+ projector models with fast turnaround. Regulation & Compliance: Kalshi partnered with StarCompliance so participating financial firms can monitor employee prediction-market trades in real time. Public Safety & Mobility: AAA launched “E-Ride Ready” to reduce e-bike and e-scooter injuries, rolling out a safety guide for parents.

Inflation Watch: U.S. inflation hit 4.2% in May, with energy prices driving most of the jump—an issue that keeps feeding into Minnesota fuel costs. Fuel Prices (MN): GasBuddy data for the week ending June 6 shows regular gas lows like $3.45 in Stearns County and $3.55 in Hennepin County, while diesel lows include $4.64 in Beltrami County and $4.79 in Douglas County; E15 and E85 prices also varied by county. Severe Weather: A strong Midwest storm system could bring intense, long-lived tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds Wednesday, with parts of southern Minnesota flagged for morning threats. Workforce Tech: PARQA named Carl Hixson president and COO, aiming to scale its Salesforce consulting for workforce and talent acquisition clients. Local Housing: Lyon County commissioners approved statewide affordable housing aid—$150,000 to Habitat for Humanity, $50,000 to UCAP, and about $107,000 to Tapestry Companies. Public Health: Hospitals in World Cup host cities say Ebola risk is extremely low but preparedness remains in place as millions of fans travel. Ag & Food Assistance: Minnesota AGs and other leaders urged Congress to restore SNAP benefits in the Farm Bill, warning cuts increase hunger and shift costs to states.

Biofuels & Ag Economy: A new S&P Global Energy report says expanded biofuel production could help stabilize demand for U.S. farmers, with Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith pointing to biofuels as a path forward and calls for E15 access to grow markets. Energy Prices & Inflation: New federal data shows U.S. inflation at 4.2% in May, with energy costs driving most of the jump—an issue that keeps hitting Minnesota households and businesses. SNAP Fraud Crackdown: USDA announced charges against eight people, including a Minneapolis man accused of stealing more than $1.1 million in SNAP benefits, as part of a broader federal push against food assistance fraud. Road & Construction Impacts: MnDOT starts Highway 29 work June 22 near Wadena, with lane limits and a truck detour through early September, while other nearby Highway 10 and Highway 71 projects continue to reshape local traffic. Local Public Safety Funding: Rochester City Council approved applying for a FEMA SAFER grant to hire 15 firefighters over three years, citing city growth and more multi-family construction. Workforce Training for Grain Ops: GEAPS Maintenance Days are expanding with hands-on training aimed at reducing downtime and improving safety for maintenance and frontline grain industry workers. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports Minnesota’s regular prices averaging about $4 for the week ending June 6, with notable low points like $3.68 in Sherburne County and $3.79 in Wilkin County.

Data Centers vs. Water & Power: Elk River residents packed City Hall to oppose a proposed 33-megawatt data center, citing noise, water use, and electricity demand; a noise study is set for the June 23 planning meeting. Tech Water Commitments: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses at data center sites by 2030 and is funding water projects, even as communities push for stronger local safeguards. Local Data-Center Pushback: Across the Midwest and South, residents and counties are weighing moratoriums and new zoning rules as data-center growth outpaces local planning. Housing Supply & Affordability: Realtor.com’s 2026 housing report cards find Midwest and Southern states leading on affordability and homebuilding activity, underscoring the supply debate. Ag Health Threat: Minnesota officials are watching for the New World screwworm as it spreads north, raising concerns for cattle, dairy, and even pets. Small-Business Capital: The Fond du Lac Band’s SSBCI-linked lending program is helping tribal entrepreneurs, with one member becoming the first to secure a small business loan. Film Production Boost: A new Lifetime movie, “Running From Truth,” is filming across Minnesota’s Northland, supported by the state’s film tax credit. Construction Updates: Marshall drivers face a new downtown intersection closure for paving work, with traffic rerouted to keep access moving.

Food Safety: FDA classified a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce in Minnesota and 40 other states due to possible Salmonella contamination, urging shoppers to check batch numbers and Best By dates. Construction & Infrastructure: MnDOT crews are starting a multiyear Highway 65 freeway conversion in Blaine, with major traffic impacts, and Highway 71 culvert replacement work near Park Rapids begins June 22 with detours and closed boat access. Ag & Wildlife: Minnesota’s elk license application window is open through July 7 for 12 licenses tied to northwest herds, including a return of hunting for the Grygla herd since 2012. Environment & Industry Compliance: Minnesota’s PFAS reporting under Amara’s Law is due Sept. 15, 2026, pushing manufacturers to disclose intentionally added PFAS in products sold in the state. Public Health Preparedness: US hospitals say they’re ready for low-but-not-zero Ebola risk during the World Cup, with expanded treatment capabilities since 2014. Business & Consumer: GS Labs reached a multistate settlement over COVID test overcharges, with Minnesota among the states involved. Local Business Spotlight: A St. Cloud styling studio is building an empathy-first model focused on real bodies and affordable wardrobe help.

Inflation Watch: U.S. inflation hit 4.2% in May, the highest since 2023, with energy prices driving most of the jump—gas and heating costs rising as Middle East tensions disrupt oil flows. Local Energy & Grid Costs: A new push in Congress would shift data-center electricity upgrade costs away from ratepayers and onto operators, a direct hit to how Minnesota’s power demand debates could evolve as AI expands. Agriculture Inputs: Minnesota-area farmers are bracing for higher fertilizer and fuel pressure tied to the same energy-driven inflation surge. Food & Dairy Culture: Nobles County’s dairy princess finalists are getting their likenesses carved into butter for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way tradition at the Minnesota State Fair. Water Efficiency: Austin, Minn. cut flower-basket water waste by nearly 50% after upgrading its downtown watering system for safer, more efficient delivery. Public Safety on Roads: State Patrol is investigating a fatal Bloomington crash involving two SUVs and a semitruck on I-494. Minnesota Innovation in Health: Rochester’s UMR expansion and new lab growth point to continued momentum in local health-tech capacity.