AGP Executive Report

St. Paul Workplace Fight: St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry sued Mayor Kaohly Her and the city, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation after an internal probe found “offensive and inappropriate behavior” but no harassment. Local Governance & Housing/Business: North Mankato moved toward revising its cannabis buffer zone rules to separate retail-facing cannabis from manufacturing, a change tied to whether a former brewery owner can sell to a cannabis manufacturer. Public Finance: Minneapolis residents weighed in on whether the city should fund a new publicly financed basketball arena, as the debate over downtown spending heats up. Health Care & Public Safety: Otter Tail County directed staff to pursue a subordinate service district to keep EMS running in Pelican Rapids after Ringdahl Ambulance warned of financial trouble. Corporate Earnings: H.B. Fuller reported fiscal Q3 profit of $79.2M on $938.2M revenue, topping Wall Street expectations and reaffirming full-year guidance. Rochester Economic Push: Gov. Tim Walz visited Rochester to highlight health-care innovation and eight years of public-private partnership tied to Destination Medical Center and Mayo Clinic. Minnesota Energy Costs: GasBuddy price reports showed E85 and midgrade gasoline at the lowest levels in multiple counties for the week ending Sept. 12, underscoring continued fuel-price volatility. Sports Business Angle: Minnesota State hockey added Snell Motors as the first commercial helmet sponsor under new NCAA rules allowing logos on equipment.

General Mills Earnings: Minneapolis-based General Mills reported fiscal 2027 first-quarter profit of $397 million (74 cents/share) and revenue of $4.39 billion, topping expectations and reaffirming full-year guidance. Retail Tech & Advertising: Best Buy and Amazon expanded their Fire TV partnership, bringing Fire TV ad inventory to Best Buy Ads starting February 2027 using Amazon Ads tech. Local Sports Business: The Minnesota Wild signed GM Bill Guerin to a multi-year extension, while owner Craig Leipold reiterated plans to extend star defenseman Quinn Hughes. Healthcare & Regulation: Grail’s multi-cancer blood test heads into a high-stakes FDA advisory review that could broaden access beyond out-of-pocket use. Workforce Pay Debate: A commentary highlights In-N-Out’s reported manager pay averaging $200,000 as a contrast to low fast-food wages. Payments Update: Walmart begins rolling out tap-to-pay in Minnesota (along with Illinois and Iowa) starting Sept. 24. Data Privacy: Optery and Carahsoft partnered to bring personal data removal to public sector buyers via major government contracts. PFAS Focus: Wisconsin kicked off PFAS Awareness Week with regional coordination that includes Minnesota.

Health Policy: CMS canceled about 315,000 Marketplace enrollments tied to alleged fraud, affecting roughly 760,000 people and returning about $2.2 billion in subsidies. Corporate Finance: InnovAge priced a secondary common-stock offering of 10 million shares at $9.25, with an option for 1.5 million more. Environment & Enforcement: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency fined Rasley Oil $25,000 in McGregor over leaking equipment and missed testing. Local Government & Public Safety Tech: Willmar Mayor Doug Reese cast the tie-breaking vote to keep a Flock camera contract for now, despite resident concerns about hacking and potential misuse. Energy Infrastructure: South Dakota regulators are weighing about 160 miles of new transmission lines, with parts of the route extending into Minnesota. Business & Growth: Ecolab set an Oct. 27 webcast for its Q3 results. Sports Business: Minnesota Wild reportedly extended GM Bill Guerin on a multi-year deal.

Healthcare Policy: DFL gubernatorial candidate Amy Klobuchar laid out a Minnesota healthcare plan in Maple Grove focused on lowering insurance premiums, cracking down on fraud, reducing prescription costs, and expanding the state’s bulk drug purchasing. Local Tech Regulation: Minneapolis residents will weigh in Tuesday on a proposed ordinance requiring a “human monitor” in driverless rideshares, a move Waymo calls effectively a ban; Mayor Jacob Frey says he’ll look to state regulation. Real Estate & Lending: ATTOM’s Q2 data shows Minnesota has the highest share of “seriously underwater” mortgages (12.1%), a sharp jump from a year earlier—an equity check agents may want before pricing homes. Business & Growth: APi Group closed its acquisition of Evergreen Fire and Security, expanding electronic security services in North America. Small Business Relief: SBA disaster loans are available for eligible Minnesota counties hit by 2025 flooding and storms, with rates as low as 4% and up to $2 million for small businesses. Environment & Compliance: Minnesota Pollution Control fined an Iowa construction firm for sediment discharge into a trout stream in Fillmore County.

Sports & Local Economy: The Minnesota Twins promoted first-round pick Aaron Sabato after his strong Triple-A season, a reminder that MLB farm talent can quickly turn into local spending and fan buzz. Public Works & Transit: Mankato’s bus tour highlighted street repairs, new transit buses, and flood-related fixes—practical updates that can affect downtown traffic, construction timelines, and household costs. Housing Market: Zillow data put Marshall County’s typical home value at $201,036 in August, up 4% year over year, while Minnesota’s statewide figure edged up to $350,752. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports showed midgrade prices as low as $4.16 in Faribault County and diesel at $5.69 in Mower County for the week ending Sept. 12, underscoring how fuel swings ripple through Minnesota businesses. Health Policy: Minnesota AG Kwame Raoul joined a coalition opposing a proposed federal Medicaid rule that could restrict state oversight and put funding at risk. Regulation & Brewing: A potential federal hemp ban could hit Minnesota breweries that rely on THC beverage revenue, raising lender collateral risk and deal uncertainty. Cyber & Consumer Safety: Minneapolis led Minnesota cities in scam reports in August, with online purchase scams driving the biggest losses.

Credit & Consumer Protection: Minnesota’s AG team is part of a $694 million multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, adding cash/debt relief plus new consumer safeguards. Housing & Local Taxes: Minnetrista approved a preliminary 2027 property tax levy of $8.75 million, an 11.87% jump on paper (about 8% after tax-base growth), with a likely ~$10/month hit on a median home. Energy & Infrastructure: Dayforce hit an Initial Implementation milestone on the FedRAMP Marketplace, signaling deeper federal expansion for its workforce software. Mining & Water Risk: A proposed Minnesota mine is raising alarms in Ontario communities that rely on cross-border water, with Fort Frances warning of potential drinking-water disruption. Health & Safety: A Minnesota Department of Health study finds arsenic in nearly half of new private wells built since 2008, pushing more testing for owners. Workforce: Employers can join a Sept. 24 Willmar workforce conversation on dual-training/earn-and-learn programs. Business Climate: Minneapolis downtown recovery is still “talk-heavy,” with storefront and foot-traffic gaps weighing on the local economy.

Energy & Costs: Oil steadied as traders weighed Middle East supply risks and diplomacy, with Brent near $104 and WTI below $100—another reminder that Minnesota businesses tied to fuel and logistics are still exposed to global shocks. Local Housing: Zillow data put Chippewa County’s typical home value at $222,095 in August 2026, up 4.3% year over year. Education Finance: Edina Public Schools won a national Pinnacle Award for a web-based Minnesota K-12 Benchmarking Platform aimed at making school finance data faster and more transparent. Immigration Enforcement Fallout: Multiple reports from Austin, Texas describe an ICE agent shooting a man under a highway overpass, sparking protests and calls for an independent investigation—an issue that’s also driving political and legal pressure nationwide. AI Data Centers & Power Bills: The U.S. House passed a bill pushing regulators to ensure AI data centers cover the full cost of new power and transmission upgrades, a direct attempt to limit ratepayer impacts. Minnesota Sports Business: The Lynx beat the Sun 101-89, keeping Minnesota atop the WNBA standings—another strong signal for the state’s pro sports momentum.

Local Infrastructure: MnDOT is starting a detour Monday on Hwy. 30 southwest of the Rochester Airport to replace a culvert at Willow Creek, with traffic access to the airport and nearby businesses via Hwy. 63 unaffected. Public Finance & Fraud: Hennepin County shut down a $2 million small-business recovery grant tied to Operation Metro Surge after more than 200 of about 300 applications were flagged for possible fraud, including nonexistent businesses and repeated, AI-like language; 82 applicants still received $493,127. Education Funding Politics: A new federal K-12 school choice plan—the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit—could open billions in private-donation scholarships, forcing Democratic governors to decide whether to opt in by Jan. 1. Cannabis Policy: A report looks at why city-run cannabis shops haven’t spread fast in Minnesota, highlighting Anoka’s revenue and tax impact and Lewiston’s interest. Ag Innovation: Stearns County dairy operators are pivoting into school-approved frozen fruit pops, investing “a couple million” into Papa and Nana’s Chillery. Data Privacy: A consumer-focused investigation examines what data brokers like Acxiom may know and sell about people, including sensitive inferences.

SNAP Legal Win: A federal judge in Oregon permanently blocked Trump administration guidance that would have restricted SNAP eligibility for some lawful permanent residents, a ruling that also bars federal penalties tied to a retroactive deadline; about 440,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP. Minnesota Jobs Snapshot: Minnesota added 1,500 jobs in August, but the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4%, with DEED citing strong annual job growth alongside a shrinking labor force and slower wage growth. Housing Data Points: Zillow reported typical home values rising in multiple counties, including Waseca (+0.9% to $258,755) and Goodhue (+0.5% to $323,275), while Minnesota’s statewide typical value was $350,752 (+0.8%). Local Fraud Fallout: Hennepin County shut down a $2 million small business recovery grant program after finding widespread fraudulent applications, with officials saying no taxpayer money was shared but penalties still need to be pursued. Retail Expansion: Toys “R” Us plans to open 120 new standalone stores this holiday season, expanding its U.S. footprint from 40 to 160 locations. Energy Costs, Local: The Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona cut electricity costs in half with a rooftop solar array, financed by a $250,000 state loan.

Scam Prevention & Community Safety: A Grand Rapids AAUW meeting will feature a police investigator from the Itasca County SAFE Team, covering romance scams, grandparent fraud, banking fraud, and crypto schemes—plus how to protect personal finances. Nonprofit Leadership: Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency named Carrie Pellinen as its new Senior and Nutrition Director, stepping in after Marilyn Ocepek’s 55-year tenure. Local Fundraiser Impact: The Cook Lions Club’s second annual seafood boil more than doubled attendance, serving about 170 meals and raising $2,950.91 for Angel Fund cancer assistance. Weather & Public Safety Tech: Brainerd installed a new Climavision weather radar system to reduce monitoring gaps around the Brainerd lakes area. Energy Costs Watch: Diesel prices are hitting record highs nationally, with Minnesota gas tied to broader oil-supply disruptions—raising pressure for trucking and food costs. State Policy & Schools: Minnesota voters will decide on a Permanent School Fund amendment that would increase the withdrawal rate without raising property or income taxes. DNR & Outdoor Economy: The DNR says Minnesota’s pheasant outlook looks promising, and it’s paying collectors $95 per bushel for red pine cones as a key reforestation push ramps up.

Energy & Infrastructure: Albert Lea, Hayward and Freeborn County urged the Minnesota DNR to finish the Blazing Star State Trail’s last half-mile, including a long-awaited bridge over Albert Lea Lake, after the final gravel segment was pulled from a 2025 project. Public Safety & Utilities: An attorney is asking Minnesota to investigate a fatal Hopkins utility pole collapse that killed a young father; Xcel Energy says the pole was in compliance and last inspected in 2023, but the investigation is ongoing. Health & Consumer Policy: Crystal tabled a proposed flavored tobacco and nicotine product ban after a public hearing featuring local businesses and public health advocates, with a possible new vote later. Local Business & Food/Drink: SAW Brewing reopened in St. Paul’s Midway as a celiac-safe brewery, aiming to bring back gluten-free beer options as craft taprooms face pressure. Sports & Economy: The Minnesota Vikings’ Week 2 matchup at Chicago highlights quarterback uncertainty after Kyler Murray’s early exit, while Minnesota’s broader sports business scene continues to draw attention from major leagues and local fans. Agriculture & Trade: Minnesota’s farm-to-table businesses are facing higher costs as fuel prices rise, adding pressure to margins.

Jobs & Labor: Minnesota added about 1,500 jobs in August, but the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4%, with DEED pointing to solid annual growth alongside a shrinking labor force and slower wage gains. Retail Expansion: Toys”R”Us is rolling out 120 new standalone stores for the holiday season, including “Creator Studios” at select locations such as Mall of America in Minnesota. Banking/Finance: Pentair named Louis Pinkham to its board, while West Bancorporation scheduled its quarterly results and conference call for late October. Public Policy & Voting: Early voting and absentee options are expanding ahead of Minnesota’s Nov. 3 general election, with new early-voting ballot tabulator rules starting Oct. 16. Education Funding: Voters will decide a statewide ballot measure to increase school funding through the Permanent School Fund. Mining & Environment: Talon Metals says Minnesota DNR’s public scoping comment period for its Tamarack project is complete, moving the EIS process forward. Corporate/Health Tech: OneMedNet reported record bookings and faster fulfillment as it scales regulatory-grade real-world data services.

Tariffs Hit Minnesota Small Business: A Minneapolis clothing maker says new Trump-era tariffs triggered a surprise $90,000 bill with a 12-week deadline, forcing loans and a scramble for help from customers. Healthcare Oversight: A federal audit says UnitedHealthcare likely inflated Medicare claims by at least $46.9 million in 2020-21, raising scrutiny for Minnesota’s health programs. Mining & Jobs: Mesabi Metallics marked progress toward pellet production with federal support, including an EXIM loan process, as operations ramp up on the Iron Range. Local Enforcement & Safety: Stearns County shut down a rural St. Joseph event venue after court orders over safety, fire, and septic compliance issues. Transportation Strain: Red Wing parents report ongoing school bus problems after switching providers, with buses missing routes and showing up late. Energy Costs: Gas prices jumped again in the Twin Cities, and diesel remains near record levels—pressuring trucking and other Minnesota businesses. Sports Business Watch: Dylan Larkin addressed his Red Wings trade request but offered few details as camp begins; Quinn Hughes said his contract talks aren’t a season deadline.

Craft Beer Credit Crunch: Summit Brewing faces foreclosure after BMO Bank alleges the St. Paul brewery missed payments on more than $8.2 million in debt, underscoring pressure on Minnesota’s craft-beer sector. Medical Tech Growth: Nuwellis says its Aquadex SmartFlow system sold 31 consoles year-to-date in 2026, signaling expanding recurring revenue as hospitals add the fluid-management platform. Agriculture Competition & Data: John Deere is pushing deeper into farm data and AI with a built-in assistant, while an advocacy group warns big equipment makers are consolidating control across the “digital stack” of modern farming. Food Insecurity Demand: Minnesota food shelves logged more than 9 million visits last year, a record for the fourth straight year, as hunger-relief leaders push for more support. Local Business Rebrand: Circle K is converting three former Holiday stores in Monticello and Big Lake, with exterior changes rolling out over the next weeks. Public Finance Watch: Lyon County set a preliminary 11.9% levy increase for 2027, with final numbers due later this year. Energy & Data Centers: Google, Nvidia and Emerald AI-backed efforts are forming an AI Energy Management Alliance aimed at enabling flexible load for data centers.

Banking & Rates: U.S. Bancorp raised its prime lending rate to 7.00% from 6.75%, effective Sept. 17, a direct signal for borrowing costs across the Twin Cities’ business community. Food Security: Minnesota hit a record for food-shelf demand, with more than 9 million visits last year; MPR is spotlighting Feeding America and Second Harvest Heartland as need grows. Local Government & Mobility: Minneapolis is weighing a robotaxi ordinance that would require a paid licensed human in the driver’s seat, with hearings set for Sept. 22 and 29. Housing & Human Services: A new emergency housing development in northwest Minnesota is preparing to take its first families, aiming to stabilize households after trauma. Economic Development: Mankato is considering a nearly $14M indoor farm proposal for mushrooms and microgreens, promising 70+ jobs. Education Policy: Minnesotans will vote Nov. 3 on an education funding amendment tied to the Permanent School Fund distribution formula. Energy Costs: Gas prices remain uneven across the state, with E15 and midgrade reporting showing localized lows and a still-volatile fuel market.

Retail & Logistics: Carvana is expanding same-day vehicle delivery in the greater Minneapolis area, letting select customers receive a car the same day they order online and can also schedule same-day pickup/drop-off after completing its appraisal. Medical Tech & Jobs: Nuwellis, a Minneapolis-based cardiorenal medical technology company, appointed Brian Johnson as Director of Quality and Regulatory Affairs, adding regulatory and quality leadership as it pushes product development and commercialization. Local Business & Consumer Trust: A Minnesota Star Tribune report finds some small local retailers are using AI-generated ads to save time and money, but customers say it can feel misleading and is hurting loyalty. Cannabis Economy: A tribal dispensary in East Grand Forks says business is booming, drawing about 200 new customers per week, while other licensed dispensaries tied to a city cap are still working through openings. Data Centers & Growth Planning: Grand Forks city and county leaders are preparing for possible future data center proposals, discussing policies and ordinances even though no new projects are currently planned. Higher Ed Finance: Carleton College will eliminate loans from need-based financial aid packages starting fall 2027, replacing them with grants and scholarships. Wildfire Recovery: Superior National Forest says northern Minnesota wildfires are now 100% contained, with monitoring continuing through the fall.