AGP Executive Report

AI & Free Speech Clash: Elon Musk’s xAI sued Minnesota over a “nudification” ban, arguing it’s overbroad and violates the First Amendment as the law heads toward an August start. Cybersecurity & Water Safety: Minnesota says a coordinated cyberattack hit 30+ community water systems, prompting a statewide response with MNIT and federal partners, with utilities shifting to manual procedures while networks are hardened. Health Tech Under Scrutiny: A new medical AI study says multiple tools—including OpenEvidence, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Doximity—share the same flaw, raising concerns about reliability in clinical use. Medical Research & Policy: Researchers at the University of Minnesota report a chemistry tweak that could help compostable PLA plastics break down faster in everyday composting conditions. Public Health Watch: The CDC confirmed the largest-ever Cyclospora outbreak across 41 states, while critics point to a lapse in active surveillance that may have slowed detection. PFAS Cleanup Push: Claros secured $55M to expand PFAS destruction technology deployments and analytics services. STEM in Action: St. Louis County youth will showcase 4-H projects at the county fair, highlighting hands-on learning that feeds into the Minnesota State Fair.

Cybersecurity & Water Infrastructure: Minnesota IT Services says more than 30 community water systems were hit in a coordinated cyberattack over two days, with investigators finding unauthorized access with malicious intent; officials say there’s no sign cities told residents to change water use while the FBI and CISA weigh in. AI Policy & Free Speech Clash: Elon Musk’s xAI sued Minnesota AG Keith Ellison over HF 1606, the state’s nudification ban set to take effect in August, arguing it’s overbroad and violates the First Amendment. Courts & Prediction Markets: A federal judge blocked Minnesota’s prediction market ban, siding with Kalshi and Polymarket and keeping the law on hold while the case proceeds. Food Safety Science: The CDC reports a large Cyclospora outbreak with cases linked across multiple states, and experts stress contamination can happen anywhere along the farm-to-fork chain. STEM in Schools & Tech: A north metro fiber push highlights how permitting delays can stall broadband buildouts, while Minnesota’s MyGender Dolls controversy continues to draw federal scrutiny and debate over how research tools reach classrooms.

AI & Health Tech: University of Minnesota researchers built an AI underwater robot that estimates a diver’s breathing rate by watching exhaled bubbles—aimed at future “early warning” for dive partners. Circular Economy & AI: Greyparrot raised $27M (Series B) to scale AI waste intelligence used by recycling and consumer-goods firms, targeting abating 1M+ tons of waste by 2030. Local Education (MCA Reading): Richfield Dual Language School reported 91 third-graders taking the 2024-25 reading MCA, with 38% meeting proficiency; Three Rivers Montessori also posted strong participation, with fifth grade at 9% proficiency. School Policy: Spring Grove school board discussed PSEO attendance rules, requiring in-person attendance for grades 10–12 for safety reasons. Minnesota Business Leadership: Hormel Foods named John Ghingo CEO effective Oct. 26, continuing modernization plans. STEM Events & Community: Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix wrapped at Brainerd, setting teams up for the American Solar Challenge. Public Health & Weather: Minnesota faces more wildfire smoke and heat, with guidance to protect heart health during poor air quality. Cybersecurity: Report highlights how overlapping exclusions can leave community banks underinsured for cyber incidents.

Cybersecurity & Public Services: A June 28 cyberattack hit the DC Housing Authority, forcing a network shutdown for weeks and exposing a limited subset of resident data; the agency is offering credit monitoring as experts investigate. Transportation Leadership: MnDOT District 7 named Forrest Hasty (program delivery) and Andrew Lawver (construction operations), overseeing road design, planning, traffic, materials, hydraulics, and a roughly $100M annual construction program. Water & Agriculture Training: UMN Extension will host a Minnesota Drainage Program workshop Aug. 13 at Farmamerica, covering precision drainage design, controlled drainage, and a free GIS tool (DrainTool®). Climate Policy in Court: Delaware and other states sued over an EPA rule they say weakens HFC phaseout protections; the case argues the rollback would increase emissions. Health & Food Safety: UMN Extension says cyclospora cases are surging nationwide, advising Minnesotans to keep eating fresh produce but follow food-safety practices and watch CDC/FDA updates. Biotech Update: ProMIS Neurosciences will host a webinar on July 28 to discuss six-month blinded interim Phase 1b Alzheimer’s data for PMN310. Local STEM/Community: Minnesota solar farms studied by Argonne researchers showed increased native plants and beneficial insects over five years, suggesting better habitat design can matter.

Wildfire air quality and ozone: New research links wildfire smoke to a reversal of the U.S. ozone pollution trend since 2015, with wildfire-related ozone deaths rising by about 300 per year. Lake water quality research: U of St. Thomas and U of Minnesota researchers are testing how people perceive water quality at 17 metro lakes, including Forest Lake, using visitor text-message ratings. AI for biology: A Mizzou-led team was selected for the DOE Genesis Mission to use AI-driven design workflows for “computer-ready” synthetic cells, with U of Minnesota among the collaborators. Data centers and local impacts: A national look at how states are shifting from incentives to moratoriums and new rules as communities weigh power, water, and land-use strain; Minnesota courts are cited for pausing a project after local officials didn’t. Minnesota education testing snapshot: Multiple MCA participation/proficiency reports highlight uneven results by grade and school, with some schools showing standout participation in math or reading. Veterinary meds access: Minnesota’s new veterinary drug donation law lets people and shelters donate unused, unexpired pills to reduce costs and waste. Health data privacy fight: A federal agency is pressing major health systems to share emergency-room medical records, raising concerns about authority and patient privacy. Heat and fish kills: Minnesota DNR reports widespread fish mortality tied to prolonged heat, with hundreds of fish kill reports statewide. Clean energy hydrogen hunt: Geologic hydrogen startup Koloma shifts attention to the Philippines after gaining access to potential well sites in Zambales. Student learning tools controversy: University of Minnesota research is preparing paper “trans dolls” for some Minnesota classrooms and clinical settings for kids as young as 4, sparking debate.

PFAS cleanup in the Twin Cities: Minnesota is using proceeds from the state’s 3M PFAS settlement to restore parts of St. Paul’s Phalen Creek (bringing buried stretches back above ground) and to advance a Cottage Grove plan to turn a former golf course into public parkland, aiming to cut flooding pressure while improving habitat and outdoor access. AI and kids policy fight: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is pushing for Congress to regulate children’s use of AI chatbots while still supporting the AI industry, pointing to Minnesota-linked legislation like the TAKE IT DOWN Act and KOSMA. Privacy vs. ICE surveillance: A federal lawsuit alleges DHS keeps a secret database of people who observe ICE, after plaintiffs say their Global Entry/TSA PreCheck were revoked in retaliation for filming agents. Clean-energy grants politicized: Court filings say the Trump administration canceled $7.6B in clean-energy grants based “solely” on whether states voted for Kamala Harris, contradicting earlier claims about project quality. AI data centers debate: A report highlights growing community pushback on AI data centers over power, water, noise, and land impacts—Minnesota farm owners are among those worried about farmland being replaced by “gross data centers.” STEM outreach on wheels: The Electrek American Solar Challenge made a stop in Minnesota, letting students see and learn from solar cars as teams race from Minneapolis toward Amarillo.

STEM in Schools: ROCORI Area Schools is adopting an AI use policy built with students, teachers, parents, and the Minnesota School Board Association, aiming for clear do’s and don’ts so AI supports learning rather than shortcuts. Local Learning Metrics: Minnesota’s MCA reading participation highlights Cedar Island (3rd grade: 80 tested; 56% proficient), Gatewood (5th grade: 47 tested; 28% proficient), and Sejong Academy Upper School (7th grade: 24 tested; 46% proficient). Solar Engineering Showcase: The American Solar Challenge kicked off from the University of Minnesota with 19 teams racing 1,500 miles to Amarillo, and local students are using the project-based engineering experience as a resume builder. Tech + Policy Watch: A federal NHTSA proposal would remove the foot-brake requirement for vehicles built exclusively for automated driving, with public comments due tomorrow—potentially shaping how robotaxis scale. Community Resilience: United Way of Northeastern Minnesota launched an Ely Wildfire Recovery Fund to help small businesses affected by ongoing fires and closures.

STEM in Action: The American Solar Challenge kicked off at the University of Minnesota with student teams launching 1,500-mile solar cars toward Amarillo, Texas, and using the project-based engineering experience to fuel future careers. AI & Infrastructure: A new report highlights how AI data centers are spreading into rural areas, raising alarms about farmland loss, power demand, and water strain. Minnesota Education & Health Tech: University of Minnesota researchers are behind “MyGender Dolls,” paper dolls with interchangeable anatomy meant for clinicians and educators, with plans to reach some classrooms for kids as young as four. Local STEM Workforce: A University of Wisconsin–River Falls student is gaining real-world business technology experience this summer through an internship with the Metropolitan Council. Environment: Minnesota’s DNR reports ongoing fish stress and mortality tied to record heat, urging residents to report dead fish and protect local waters. Policy & Funding: Court filings say the Trump administration canceled billions in clean-energy grants based on states’ political identity—an issue with direct implications for STEM and energy projects.

Heat & Water Quality: Minnesota DNR reports heightened fish mortality as surface waters hit 86°F+ in lakes and the Mississippi, urging residents to report dead fish and protect fisheries. Clean Energy Politics: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean-energy grants based on which states voted for Kamala Harris, contradicting earlier claims about project quality. Local Transportation Tech: More Twin Cities families are using cargo bikes instead of cars, with shops and even lending libraries expanding to meet demand. Agriculture & Soil Tech: Kandiyohi County’s Fixsen Farms earns Farm Family of the Year for five generations of corn/soy production plus conservation practices and new technologies. Space Science: University of Minnesota researchers helped characterize a rare Martian meteorite, offering fresh clues to Mars’ volcanic history. Biology & Insects: A tiny parasitic fly may be helping slow Minnesota’s Japanese beetles, as the invasive pest persists statewide. Health Care & Research: Organon presented new pooled Phase 3 results for VTAMA cream showing early, consistent improvements for atopic dermatitis across pediatric age groups and adults. STEM Education: Terra Nova School eighth-graders led science MCA participation for 2024-25.

Data Centers & Water: Minnesota’s hyperscale data center debate keeps heating up as a Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy review pushes back on claims about water impacts, arguing project-by-project details are still too murky and groundwater risks matter. AI Governance: A proposed “AI kill switch” concept is getting attention for requiring emergency controls on certain high-impact AI systems, with DHS empowered to trigger them after incidents. Public Health & Heat: The Minnesota DNR reports heightened fish mortality tied to prolonged heat, urging people to report events and protect stressed fisheries. Wildfire Recovery: Ely-area businesses hit by wildfire closures can apply for help via a new United Way wildfire fund, with donors matching up to $35,000. Education (Science of Reading): Cotter Schools says its phonics-based “science of reading” program is improving instruction and teacher coaching, with plans to build internal support. Agriculture Innovation: Pivot Bio’s “Year of One Million Thanks” tour heads to the Great Plains, spotlighting farmer-led innovation and AI in agriculture. Federal Policy: The Trump administration admits clean-energy grants were canceled based on political identity, not project quality—raising stakes for Minnesota clean-tech funding.

Appetite/Weight Research: Stanford Medicine researchers report a naturally occurring molecule (BRP) that suppresses appetite in animals and may avoid side effects seen with semaglutide-like drugs, with plans for near-term human trials. Climate Regulation Fight: Minnesota’s AG Keith Ellison joined a multistate lawsuit challenging EPA rules that weaken hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phaseout deadlines—an effort tied to the AIM Act’s push to cut HFCs by about 85% by 2036. Local Education (MCA Reading): Vadnais Heights Elementary’s 3rd grade led reading participation/proficiency (44% met benchmark), while Southview Elementary’s 4th grade topped reading participation (42% met benchmark), both reflecting statewide post-pandemic declines. Broadband Expansion: Paul Bunyan Communications is expanding fiber to 600+ locations in Itasca and St. Louis counties, with construction expected to finish in 4–6 weeks and service by winter. Agriculture Tech Funding: Minnesota opened a $6.6M grant for electric farm equipment, reimbursing up to 75% of costs (applications due Aug. 11). Business/Tech in Minnesota: D-BOX motion seating is rolling into Marcus Theatres auditoriums in Oakdale, adding synchronized haptic effects for a more immersive movie experience.

Biotech IPO Watch: Scribe Therapeutics priced an upsized IPO of 8.58M shares at $15, targeting about $128.7M gross to fund its in vivo CRISPR platform. Public Health & Equity: University of Minnesota Medical School research finds Minnesota teen cannabis use dropped from 13% (2013) to 5% (2025), but marginalized youth still face higher odds—pushing prevention toward health equity. Environment & Water Tech: U of M researchers are pairing community projects with aquatic invasive species experts; milfoil control uses screened exclosures to protect native plants while targeting pests like milfoil weevils. Housing Data for Policy: New Federal Reserve Minneapolis work highlights that the commonly cited homeownership rate can overstate ownership; a new “homeownership-to-population” measure better tracks how many adults actually own homes. Climate Regulation: Wisconsin DOJ joined a multistate challenge to an EPA rule weakening hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) limits, arguing it undermines the AIM Act. Tech in Local Policing: Robbinsdale is rolling out Bridge911 to replace tip411, adding officer verification and video conferencing for nonemergency reporting. STEM in the Community: Pullman’s Metra Electric centennial includes a hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math fair alongside restored railcars.

Biotech Manufacturing in Minnesota: Bora Pharmaceuticals will use its new Maple Grove OSD facility to support Onconic Therapeutics’ U.S. Phase 3 development of JAQBO tablets for GERD, including quality control and stability testing. Federal Health Funding Clash: The Trump administration froze over $1B in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota over suspected fraud, while the House passed a $1.15T Israel-tied defense bill—raising questions about domestic priorities. Clean Energy Operations (Texas): A 900-megawatt Texas solar farm is using about 3,000 sheep to manage vegetation under panels, showing how “grass control” can shape clean-energy costs and design. Hydrogen Exploration (Canada): DiagnaMed extended its advisory deal with QIMC to refine natural hydrogen targets in Ontario and launch soil-gas exploration in Nova Scotia. Minnesota Water & Wildfire Impacts: UMD researchers warn wildfire smoke and ash could affect drinking water in lake-dependent communities, even as advanced treatment may handle much of the fallout. Digital Accessibility in Minnesota: Insi, a WordPress accessibility platform, advanced to the Minnesota Cup semifinals, aiming to bake compliance into everyday site workflows. Hemp Regulation (Minnesota lawmakers): Reps. Angie Craig and Andy Barr introduced a hemp regulatory framework to prevent a tighter THC definition from shutting down parts of the industry.

Fish & Climate: DNR and GLIFWC biologists say walleye declines in Northern Wisconsin aren’t a quick fix—habitat loss and warmer-water fish shifts are key drivers. AI in Medicine: Mayo Clinic in Rochester is using dozens of AI models (about 150) to speed up record review and support earlier detection work, including pancreatic cancer and stroke risk. Minnesota Tech & Industry: Eden Prairie-based NVE reported big Q1 growth tied to spintronics and a strong semiconductor market, and it announced a $1/share quarterly dividend. Broadband Expansion: Bluepeak is pushing fiber further using Harmonic’s virtualized core and optical gear to extend service into lower-density apartment buildings across multiple states including Minnesota. Public Safety Tech Law: A new Minnesota law starting Aug. 1 bans “nudification” services and sets penalties for hosting and downloading the tools used to create them. Health Policy: The Trump administration is deferring Medicaid payments to Minnesota again amid “suspected fraud,” raising concerns about disruption for providers and patients. Cyber/Online Safety: Minnesota’s new nudification ban lands as federal and legal experts keep spotlighting online exploitation risks. Education Infrastructure: Little Falls school buildings are in decent shape, but an assessment flags aging roofs, windows, and mechanical systems needing major future investment.

Tariffs and Cost Pressure: A new study says Trump-era 2025 tariffs hit Midwest households hardest, adding about $2,000 in average costs, shrinking the regional economy, and cutting manufacturing jobs—especially hurting low-income families. Minnesota Law Updates: A batch of 2026 laws kicks in Aug. 1, touching areas like disability rights, education policy, health licensing, energy excavation notice rules, and new consumer/business requirements. Data Center Decision-Making: Monticello’s proposed data center isn’t approved yet; the city says the application is incomplete and outlines how residents can influence the months-long review process. AI + Property Rights: Across rural America, AI data center power demands are fueling eminent domain fights over transmission lines and whether “public use” applies when projects serve a small set of tech customers. Health & Food Safety: The U.S. reports a record surge in cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora), with thousands of suspected cases and ongoing investigation into multiple possible sources. Mental Health Access: Minnesota and North Dakota are seeing rising 988 calls, with FirstLink reporting a six-fold increase since the hotline’s launch change. Wildfire Smoke Science: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to drive hazardous air quality across the region, with health guidance and air-quality science in focus. Space Weather: NOAA warns of a minor geomagnetic storm that could push auroras farther south than expected. Local Elections Tech: Goodhue County completed public accuracy testing for voting equipment ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Sports Tech & Sponsorship: Stripe signed on as a payments partner for the Ryder Cup, including Minnesota’s Hazeltine event in 2029. STEM in Action: Day 1 of Minnesota’s Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix 2026 at Brainerd International Raceway highlights solar-car engineering and growing international participation.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke and Minnesota fires pushed air quality to hazardous, historic levels, with experts warning this kind of haze may become more common as climate change dries fuels and intensifies fire seasons. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA kept a cyclospora-linked iceberg lettuce recall in focus after a false-positive test result, with Minnesota among states that received the potentially contaminated Taylor Farms products. Climate Policy: Nevada AG Aaron Ford joined a coalition suing to block an EPA rollback of hydrofluorocarbon phase-out rules, arguing the change would increase emissions from cooling and refrigeration. Healthcare Funding: The Trump administration deferred over $1B in Medicaid payments to Minnesota and California, citing suspected fraud and noncompliance. Antitrust & Generic Drugs: AG Ford announced a $29.6M settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price manipulation and competition limits. Education Tech & Buildings: A Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop school board approved a tech-focused levy and building bonds, while Faribault’s superintendent received a positive evaluation tied to student achievement and technology integration. Local STEM/Infrastructure: Minneapolis-area school and district updates highlighted ongoing investments in classroom tech and science/math participation.