PFAS Policy Shift: Minnesota is moving ahead with stronger PFAS protections even as the EPA scales back parts of federal oversight, raising stakes for families, workers, and small farmers facing “forever chemical” contamination. Energy Grid & Cost Control: The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is pushing virtual power plants to better coordinate distributed energy resources and slow rising electricity costs, especially as new loads like data centers strain demand. Right to Repair: Farmers are being notified about options under a John Deere settlement tied to alleged limits on repair tools and software access—an issue Minnesota regulators have also targeted. AI and Inflation: A Minneapolis Fed analysis links AI-driven demand for memory and computer hardware to higher core inflation, with tariffs also starting to show up in consumer prices. STEM in Schools: Minnesota MCA results keep highlighting uneven participation and proficiency—examples include Groveland, Lakeview, Edinbrook, and Venture Academy, where some grades were tested and proficiency varied widely. Digital Literacy: St. Paul’s DIGIDAZE fair focused on hands-on help for computers, smartphones, and online tools amid statewide AI changes. Health Research Access: A Rochester long-COVID patient describes participating in a clinical trial to test treatments for brain fog and fatigue, underscoring how trial participation can expand care options. Electric Shock Gloves: ICE awarded a $16.7M no-bid contract for electric shock gloves, framing them as a de-escalation tool while critics question the approach.