Trade & Industry: Minnesota exports fell 8% in Q1 2026 to $5.8B, with mineral fuel and oil exports to Canada down $628M dragging the total—other export categories still rose 2%. Weather & Safety: After early southern storms, Minnesota faces another hot, humid day with a heat advisory and more rounds of showers and thunderstorms into the week. New Minnesota Laws (July 1): Nearly 100 new laws take effect, including public safety funding, threat-reporting requirements for schools, and other updates spanning courts, bonding projects, and infrastructure. AI & Privacy: A national debate is heating up over police use of AI to analyze drone and camera data—civil liberties groups warn it could supercharge surveillance and bias. Data Centers: Minnesota lawmakers and residents are pushing for clarity as data-center proposals raise concerns about water use, energy demand, and transparency. Agriculture & Research: UMN Extension and the National Agriculture Genotyping Center offer free genetic screening for herbicide-resistant weeds; separate UMN research finds liquid manure works better in spring while solid manure performs best earlier. Public Health: A trial suggests early metformin during acute COVID didn’t clearly prevent long COVID, though fewer cases were diagnosed. Infrastructure & Materials: MnDOT says most road-project asphalt is “recycled,” with contractors reusing materials on-site or at home bases. Water Systems: A national report highlights how lead-pipe replacement costs vary wildly, with Chicago’s price far higher than other cities—relevant as Minnesota plans and budgets for aging water infrastructure.