AGP Executive Report

Media & Minnesota: Fired “60 Minutes” anchor Scott Pelley says CBS leadership under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss pushed “subtle political bias” in a Minneapolis ICE protest segment—specifically urging protesters be portrayed as more violent and describing Renee Good’s death in ways Pelley says were unsupported. Legal & National (hits Minnesota policy): A federal judge blocked New Jersey and other states’ lawsuit over USDA SNAP conditions from taking effect, pausing enforcement of new federal food-aid requirements tied to ideology and other policy areas. Elections & Tech: An Oklahoma ethics panel is weighing AI rules for political ads, focusing mainly on disclosure—an issue Minnesota regulators have also been grappling with. Public Safety (Minnesota area): Como Zoo in St. Paul evacuated after a bomb threat report; no threat found and operations set to resume. Local courts: Rochester bike-path assault case ended with probation for a homeless man after felony charges were dismissed via plea deal. Other: Australia sued 3M over PFAS “forever chemical” firefighting foam—$1.4B claim.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: The U.S. Senate is moving a nearly $70B Homeland Security package that supporters call an “ATM for ICE,” aimed at keeping President Trump’s mass deportation push funded through the rest of his term. Federal Courts vs. Trump Food Rules: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA from forcing states to follow Trump positions on gender and immigration to keep billions in food-assistance and related funding. Minnesota Protest Case Update: In Minneapolis, prosecutors downgraded a federal assault case against activist Isabel Lopez to a single misdemeanor after she pleaded guilty—marking the first Minnesota conviction in a protest crackdown tied to “Operation Metro Surge.” Public Safety in Minneapolis: Minneapolis launched its first Summer Safety Resource Fair at Peavey Park, pairing community outreach with the city’s “Operation Safe Summer” push as violent crime trends remain a concern. Cannabis Oversight: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management held a Duluth listening session on the 2026 Cannabis Omnibus Bill and upcoming federal THC/CBD limits that could reshape the market. Rural Infrastructure: Faribault County commissioners heard an update on a proposed 765 kV transmission line that could run through the county as regional power demand grows.

Minneapolis Police Reform Fight: Activists vowed to keep pushing for major changes to Minneapolis public safety after voters rejected a ballot measure that would have replaced the city’s police department with a new public safety model. Public Safety Operations: The city rolled out a Summer Safety Plan, including Operation Safe Summer enforcement, a new firearm assault team, and expanded community outreach for major events. Fraud & Oversight: A House oversight committee report alleges the Walz administration used outside investigators and surveillance to retaliate against DHS whistleblowers raising fraud concerns. State Infrastructure: Gov. Walz signed a $1.2 billion bonding bill, including major water, transportation, and asset-preservation funding for local governments and nonprofits. Medicaid Fraud Fallout: New reporting highlights Minnesota’s ongoing Medicaid fraud crisis, including large-scale disenrollments after fraud reviews. Immigration Enforcement Funding: The U.S. Senate approved a roughly $70B immigration enforcement package, moving toward House action with little new ICE operational limits. Rural Hospital Risk: A national report flags 19 Minnesota rural hospitals at risk of closure, with six in immediate danger. Local Emergency Readiness: Crow Wing County asked residents to help keep E911 address signs visible and intact for faster emergency response. Energy & Data Centers: Xcel’s deal with Google is projected to save Minnesota customers up to $1.5B over 15 years by shifting major infrastructure costs to Google.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: U.S. Sen. Tina Smith used the Senate floor to condemn the Secure America Act after Republicans advanced a roughly $70B package to fund ICE and Border Patrol through 2029, with Democrats warning it adds money without meaningful reforms. Minnesota Cannabis Policy: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is holding a listening tour on the state’s cannabis market and is also gathering input on whether to legalize “magic mushrooms” via a potential psilocybin pilot for PTSD and depression. Public Safety & Housing: Gov. Tim Walz is set to sign a $1.2B bonding bill aimed at public safety, clean water, transportation, state buildings, and housing. Local Government Watch: State Auditor Julie Blaha released a report on 2023 finances for Minnesota’s 600-plus special districts, showing fund revenues up 7% and expenditures up 3%. Civil Rights Backlash: Minnesota residents whose loved ones were killed by police criticized the Minnesota GOP’s moment of silence for Derek Chauvin, calling it disrespectful to victims’ families. Community Arts: Rochester Art Center marks the 10th year of Art4Trails with a June 28 free tour and artist talk.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: The U.S. Senate cleared a roughly $70B bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol through Trump’s term, after months of fights over language tied to a separate $1.8B settlement fund—now headed to the House. Minnesota ICE Detention Plans: Federal procurement documents point to using the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton (shut down since 2010) to house up to 1,600 detainees for ICE. Walz Infrastructure Push: Gov. Tim Walz signed a $1.2B Minnesota infrastructure package in St. Paul, including bridge work, road improvements, and U of M St. Paul campus funding. Medicaid Provider Shakeup: Minnesota DHS says more than 60% of high-risk Medicaid providers failed the federally required revalidation review, leaving thousands at risk of being unenrolled. State Tax Relief Guidance: Minnesota Revenue issued homeowner guidance for a one-time ~15% increase to 2025 Homestead Credit refunds. Local Governance & Public Safety: St. Paul city attorney declined state charges against protesters who disrupted a Cities Church service, citing insufficient grounds under state statutes.

Immigration & ICE Funding: In a late-night Senate push, Republicans beat back attempts to permanently block Trump from creating a $1.776B settlement fund tied to immigration enforcement, while Democrats keep pressing amendments as the bill heads toward final passage. Ukraine Aid: The U.S. House approved a sweeping Ukraine security package after GOP defections, and Zelensky followed with a proposal for direct talks with Putin and a ceasefire framework. Minnesota DFL Primary Fight: Peggy Flanagan’s campaign is slamming an attack ad it says uses an AI deepfake ahead of Minnesota’s elections, pointing to a 2023 state law that bans realistic deepfake election ads. Operation Metro Surge Accountability: Gov. Tim Walz appointed two rural members to a council documenting Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS, including Willmar’s Pablo Obregon. Statewide Legal/Policy Ripple: A federal judge struck down Nebraska’s in-state tuition for undocumented students, part of a broader DOJ push that’s now reshaping benefits nationwide. Public Safety: Authorities say a missing 14-year-old girl was found alive in a cardboard box inside a Minnesota home, with two adults charged in the case.

Medicaid Crackdown: Minnesota DHS says it finished a five-month revalidation review of 5,583 “high-risk” Medicaid providers, cutting off funding to 3,411 and leaving some Minnesotans facing service disruptions as the state tries to protect $2B in federal funding. Immigration Enforcement Fight: The Senate began “vote-a-rama” on a bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol, after Republicans narrowly rejected a Democratic push to permanently block Trump’s $1.776B “anti-weaponization” settlement fund. Fraud Crackdown: The FBI launched a new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list targeting fugitives accused in major fraud schemes, as DOJ rolled out additional Medicaid and other fraud charges. Public Safety & Courts: In Minnesota, prosecutors say ICE protesters who interrupted a church service won’t face state charges. State Politics: Minnesota Republicans faced backlash for a Derek Chauvin moment of silence at their convention. Local Sports: LOVB Minnesota named César Hernández González as its first head coach. Weather: Storms Thursday could bring large hail and damaging winds across western Minnesota into South Dakota.

Election Access & Disability Voting: Waseca County is rolling out “ExpressVote” assistive voting devices this fall, letting voters tap choices on a screen instead of coloring small circles—aimed at people with reading or marking difficulties. Medicaid & Provider Compliance: Rochester-area EA Therapeutics Health says Minnesota DHS’s Medicaid disability license termination could disrupt services for 120+ people, as DHS ramps up revalidation of high-risk providers. Public Safety Staffing: Minnesota’s State Fire Marshal is launching a statewide review of volunteer firefighter shortages, with some departments down to roughly half their staffing. Local Politics & Elections: Filing data shows multiple southeast Minnesota House and Senate primaries set for Aug. 11, including GOP/DFL contests in several districts. State Government & Policy: Minnesota’s Medicaid revalidation system is creating provider turmoil as DHS tightens oversight. Community & Governance: New Ulm approved a North Highland Avenue rezoning to allow up to 16 homes, despite neighbor traffic and safety concerns. Courts & Accountability: Lynd school board chair Suzie Rauch was convicted of third-degree DWI and placed on supervised probation.

Federal Infrastructure: Gov. Tim Walz announced Minnesota secured more than $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Blatnik Bridge, clearing the way for the Duluth-Superior project after the U.S. DOT delayed the grant amendment. Public Safety & Courts: Rochester police charged Nathan Michael Noser after an alleged domestic assault standoff that included strangulation and a handgun threat. Local Governance: Mitchell City Council walked back a failed decision on a north-side digital billboard after the Board of Adjustment reconsidered and approved a modified plan. Law Enforcement: Minneapolis and partners kicked off “Operation Safe Summer” for a fifth year, citing hundreds of arrests and guns removed in prior campaigns. Health & Cost of Living: A new analysis warns Social Security benefits could be cut by about $5,500 on average by 2032, with Minnesota among the hardest-hit states. Transportation Tips: Minnesota State Patrol shared roundabout guidance urging drivers to yield to traffic already in the circle instead of stopping. Community & Nonprofits: West Central Initiative awarded $600,000 in grants to 72 regional nonprofits, including CornerStone and FCDC. Politics & Immigration: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said ICE training will return to “regular standards” starting July 1, after reported reductions. Food Prices: A St. Cloud State economist warned higher farm input costs could push food prices up in the next 60–90 days.

Immigration Oversight in Washington: Sen. Patty Murray grilled DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin over ICE and Border Patrol conduct, Republican refusal to pass reforms, and claims the administration has already changed course. Minnesota Political Stakes: Sen. Gary Peters said HSGAC Republicans blocked 57 amendments aimed at DHS accountability and anti-corruption measures. Medicaid Fraud Fallout in Minnesota: DHS revalidation is leaving thousands of Medicaid providers in limbo amid a fraud crackdown, with some approved and others disenrolled after paperwork and site visits. Local Public Safety: A school bus crashed into Hamline University’s science building in St. Paul, sending multiple children and the driver to hospitals. Criminal Justice Update: A judge ordered a mental health evaluation for Randy Thomas Zimmerman in a first-degree murder case. Housing & Community Development: Marshall affordable housing plans were scaled down from 60 to 42 units, and Habitat for Humanity leadership shifted after a merger. Election Filing Watch: Filing periods closed for some Minnesota races, with at least one local contest left to write-ins. Minneapolis Parks Controversy: The Park Board is considering decommissioning the Minnehaha off-leash dog park over Dakota sacred-site concerns.

Immigration & Courts: Fort Snelling’s immigration court is trying a “mega” docket—73 cases in one session—raising due-process and access concerns for unrepresented immigrants. Immigration & Economy: A new analysis says Minnesota’s “Operation Metro Surge” drained $71 million in wages from hospitality and leisure workers, with job and hour losses tied to the crackdown. DFL/DFL Primaries: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won the DFL nomination for a U.S. Senate seat, while Rep. Angie Craig’s late break with the endorsement process sets up an August primary fight. GOP Governor Race: House Speaker Lisa Demuth says she’ll stay in the GOP governor primary after losing the party endorsement to Kendall Qualls, citing convention voting irregularities. Public Safety/Local: Minneapolis’ Heritage Park development is in court receivership, with the city stepping in on life-safety issues and MPHA studying whether to sell remaining parcels. Policy/Health Tech: Minnesota lawmakers advanced a bill requiring human physician review for health-insurer prior authorization denials based on AI recommendations. Environment: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated about 1.5 million acres of critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, including parts of Minnesota.

Fed Independence Clash: Former Fed chair Jerome Powell used the JFK Profile in Courage Award to warn that politicizing the central bank would erode public trust, pointing to efforts to fire Fed officials and broader pressure on courts and universities. Minnesota Disaster Relief Deadline: The SBA reminded Minnesota businesses and private nonprofits in several storm-impacted counties that the June 30 deadline is coming for low-interest disaster loans tied to July 2025 severe storms and flooding. Medicaid Revalidation Fallout: Minnesota care providers are scrambling after a rushed Medicaid revalidation deadline left thousands suddenly cut off from funding, with families and jobs at risk. Pardon Backlash: DHS and Republican lawmakers criticized Minnesota’s Board of Pardons for granting a pardon to Jai Vang, a case tied to a decades-old armed robbery conviction and recent ICE detention. Public Safety Hiring Program Paused: A proven Minnesota police training pipeline, ICPOET, has been paused after lawmakers couldn’t lock in new funding. Immigration Protest Art Record: Minneapolis’s Rebel Loon Archive is hosting an exhibition documenting community emotions and advocacy tied to Operation Metro Surge. GOP Convention Moment of Silence: Minnesota Republicans faced renewed scrutiny after delegates held a “moment of silent prayer” for Derek Chauvin.

Minnesota Politics Today: DFL Endorsements: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won the DFL nod for U.S. Senate, setting up a competitive August primary against Rep. Angie Craig, who skipped the convention. GOP Endorsements: Army veteran Kendall Qualls won the Minnesota GOP endorsement for governor after 10 rounds of voting, while House Speaker Lisa Demuth’s future remained unclear. ICE Accountability Fight: Minnesota Democrats’ bills aimed at limiting federal agents’ tactics during the winter “Metro Surge” stalled in the divided House, leaving advocates pushing for stronger state protections for schools and other community spaces. Wrongful Conviction Reform: A sister of an exonerated Minnesota man urged lawmakers to pass the “Marvina Haynes Act,” calling for support for families caught in wrongful-conviction cases. Public Safety: Red Wing police say a major drug operation led to charges against a glass business owner after investigators seized about five pounds of suspected meth. Federal Watch: Former Fed chair Jerome Powell used a JFK award speech to warn against political pressure on the Fed, courts, and schools. Travel Disruption: A United Airlines flight diverted after a passenger allegedly tried to breach the cockpit, with similar “unruly passenger” incidents reported across the country.

Medicaid Crackdown: Minnesota hit a Sunday deadline to revalidate thousands of “high-risk” Medicaid providers after CMS withheld up to $2 billion over fraud concerns, with only 550 approved and many applications incomplete or providers disenrolled. Immigration Enforcement Accountability: Minnesota prosecutors announced the arrest in Texas of an ICE officer accused of shooting into a Minneapolis home during the “Metro Surge,” with AG Keith Ellison saying “nobody is above the law.” GOP Convention Flashpoint: At the Minnesota GOP endorsement convention, delegates reportedly held a moment of silence for Derek Chauvin days after the Floyd anniversary, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and community leaders. State Politics Endorsements: Both parties wrapped up 2026 convention endorsements: the DFL backed Keith Ellison for attorney general, Amy Klobuchar for governor, and Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate; the GOP endorsed Kendall Qualls for governor and Adam Schwarze for U.S. Senate. Civic History Spotlight: The Minnesota History Center is featuring the state’s 169-year-old constitution in a rotating Spotlight Gallery through July 5. Community & Culture: The Twin Cities Taco Bell 50K drew runners for a 31-mile, seven-stop burrito-and-crunchwrap challenge, while Girls on the Run held a Duluth 5K for confidence-building and friendships.

GOP Governor Race Shake-Up: Kendall Qualls pulled off a major upset to win the Minnesota GOP endorsement for governor after convention voting disputes and irregularities, while the DFL endorsed candidates including Peggy Flanagan and Amy Klobuchar. St. Paul Gun Violence: Two people were injured in a Saturday night shooting in St. Paul; police recovered firearms and made four arrests after a related vehicle stop. ICE Case Hits Minnesota: An ICE agent accused in a Minneapolis shooting and false report has been detained in Texas pending extradition. Immigration Detention Protests in NJ: Violent clashes outside Newark’s Delaney Hall led to curfews and interrupted family visitation; officials say limited visits resume and regular hours restart. Minnesota Politics—Congress: Ilhan Omar filed for re-election in Minnesota’s 5th District. Legal/Policy Fight: Minnesota’s data center opponents scored a court pause on a Pine Island project backed by Google. National Redistricting Pressure: A new look at how Democrats may struggle to redraw maps for the U.S. House compared with GOP-controlled states.

DFL Endorsement: Sen. Amy Klobuchar won the Minnesota DFL endorsement for governor on the first ballot, with delegates backing her bid to replace Gov. Tim Walz; she also announced former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer as her lieutenant governor running mate. Election Filing Deadline: With the primary filing period closing Tuesday at 5 p.m., candidate filings show a crowded U.S. House District 1 field (Brad Finstad vs. Jake Johnson) and multiple Minnesota Senate and House races set for primaries. Air Safety/Immigration Fallout: A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis was diverted to Madison after a 75-year-old passenger allegedly tried to breach the cockpit; deputies detained him, authorities said he appeared to be in a mental health crisis, and no charges were expected. Federal Pressure on Speech: A report says DOJ subpoenas Reddit and X for user names, addresses, and banking details tied to criticism of deportation efforts—raising alarms about unmasking critics. Gun Policy Fight: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison’s Glock lawsuit continues as other states consider similar bans, keeping Minnesota’s gun-safety legal strategy in the spotlight.