AGP Executive Report

Great Lakes Longevity: Researchers report female lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes may live up to 427 years (males 279), using 44 years of data from multiple genetically distinct populations—new clues for conservation and harvest rules. Microplastics in Minnesota’s backyard: A Canadian team is running controlled lake experiments by adding microplastics to track how different types move through food webs, including whether plastics pass into fish filets. Battery tech (solid-state progress): A near-solid lithium cell in a test vehicle hit 375 watt-hours per kilogram and showed strong cycle performance, pointing to faster charging and higher energy density for EVs. Minnesota school testing: Highland Elementary limited science MCA to fifth grade; Midway Star Academy’s fifth graders had the highest math participation but no proficiency—another snapshot of uneven outcomes. Local cannabis policy: Grand Rapids debates a municipally owned cannabis dispensary, weighing revenue claims against concerns about government running retail. Privacy vs. tech policing: The Flock camera fight keeps spreading, with Minnesota cities and counties split and ongoing vandalism adding fuel. Student science win: St. Paul student John Liu used corn stalk pith and wheat straw to pre-concentrate lithium from dilute brines, earning top Minnesota science fair recognition.

Surveillance & Privacy: St. Paul’s Flock automatic license plate reader fight is heating up, with residents pushing to cancel the contract and add rules as Ramsey County defends the cameras for public safety and says it doesn’t share data with federal agencies. Battery Breakthrough: A Dodge Charger Daytona test highlights a near-solid-state lithium design hitting about 375 watt-hours per kilogram and charging from 15% to 90% in 18 minutes—an energy-density leap that could reshape EV range and weight. Food Safety: Minnesota and Wisconsin are among 15 states tied to an alfalfa sprout outbreak involving E. coli and Salmonella, with health officials warning the real case count may be higher. Clean Energy in Minnesota: Omni Brewing’s Rosemount facility now runs largely on a 176-panel rooftop solar array. Agriculture & Water Quality: Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture awarded $1.6M to expand discounts for nitrogen-saving fertilizer tech, aiming to cut losses and protect water. Education Metrics: New MCA participation/proficiency spotlights across Minnesota schools, with several districts reporting low science proficiency rates in 2024-25.

Mining Policy: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order banning nonferrous mineral mining in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, affecting new leases and permits and putting Twin Metals’ proposed copper-nickel-cobalt project near Ely under a 90-day-to-next-governor clock. Wildlife Research: Minnesota DNR is asking hunters not to shoot collared black bears so researchers can track population growth and management needs; the agency also notes changes to bear registration. Water Safety & Cybersecurity: The FBI warned that cybercriminals are targeting water systems nationwide, urging utilities to lock down internet-facing controllers that run pumps, motors, and valves. Public Privacy Backlash: In St. Cloud and Sartell, automated license plate reader cameras were vandalized or stolen, fueling local anger over surveillance tech. Outdoor Hydration Tech: Membrane Solutions unveiled upgraded portable water filtration products at Outdoor Retailer in Minneapolis, highlighting reduced contaminants including PFAS. Education Metrics: New Minnesota MCA participation/proficiency updates spotlight schools like KIPP North Star Academy and Horizon Science Academy Twin Cities, with statewide math and reading proficiency still down versus pre-pandemic levels. Food Safety: Alfalfa sprouts were linked to a multi-state Salmonella/E. coli outbreak that includes Minnesota and Wisconsin cases. Wildlife Land Expansion: Kandiyohi County added 197 acres to the Burr Oak Lake Waterfowl Production Area, expanding public habitat access.

Timberwolves & Lynx Ownership Shake-Up: Marc Lore is selling his controlling stake to tech investor Marc Stad in a $4.5B deal, with Alex Rodriguez staying involved and the teams’ front office expected to remain in place. AI & Health Tech: Minnesota-born Michael Polansky is training an AI model on living skin tissue as Outer Biosciences pushes bioengineering forward. Cybersecurity for Water Systems: A new report warns Iranian-linked hackers are targeting critical infrastructure, including water utilities, as utilities struggle with outdated control systems. Bioengineering Breakthrough: Vascudyne says a bioengineered blood vessel for coronary bypass stayed open for 18 months in a large-animal model without ongoing blood thinners. Boundary Waters Mining Halt: Gov. Tim Walz’s order stops new nonferrous mining permitting and review in the Boundary Waters watershed, drawing strong reactions from tribal leaders and lawmakers. Food Safety in Minnesota: Alfalfa sprouts tied to a multi-germ outbreak have sickened people across 15 states, including dozens in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Rural Priorities: Rural leaders are lining up around childcare, housing, and healthcare as the biggest constraints on growth. Agriculture Research: A new red potato variety, Skarlagen, is being released from North Dakota research trials, with Minnesota growers watching closely.

Aerospace & Hypersonics: North Wind broke ground in Rosemount on a $1B-plus aerospace and hypersonic research and testing complex, aiming to pair its wind-tunnel work with University of Minnesota modeling and simulation to grow Minnesota’s STEM talent pipeline. Education (MCA): Minnesota’s test data shows uneven science participation: Greenleaf Elementary tested only 5th-graders for the 2024-25 science MCA, while Plymouth Creek’s 3rd-graders hit a 74% reading proficiency rate with high participation. Public Health: Horizon Public Health earned MDH’s Gold-level Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department Award for strengthening breastfeeding support through its WIC program. Privacy & Surveillance Tech: A new wave of backlash continues around automated license plate readers, with reports of vandals targeting Flock and other systems and renewed scrutiny of how the data is shared and used. Water Quality: Minnehaha Creek Watershed District outlined a five-step phosphorus reduction plan for Long Lake, including pond retrofits and park restoration efforts to address impaired-water nutrient levels. Telecom Research: A Verizon/Ericsson test in St. Paul found 5G standalone can deliver more than twice the uplink capacity of non-standalone, driven by improved device transmission behavior. Cybersecurity: Federal warnings highlight AI-powered attacks targeting Siemens industrial controls used in water and energy systems, underscoring ongoing risk to critical infrastructure.

NASA Workforce & Education: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities was selected for NASA’s new $1.5M, three-year aerospace “State Hub,” aiming to enroll 1,800–2,400 students, award 500–700 credentials, and create 140–200 apprenticeships and internships. Public Health: Minnesota health officials warned consumers not to eat certain alfalfa sprout brands tied to an unusual outbreak involving multiple bacteria, with 23 illnesses reported in Minnesota (including E. coli and salmonella) and additional cases in Wisconsin. School Testing Snapshot (MCA): Twin Cities Academy’s 6th- and 8th-graders posted strong math participation/proficiency, while Woodland Elementary limited science MCA to 5th grade; other schools reported grade-specific reading or science testing patterns across 2024–25. Surveillance Tech Debate: Reporting highlights Flock Safety’s AI-driven “OS Investigate” feature, raising fresh privacy and overreach concerns as police can search movement patterns rather than just plates or names. Local STEM/Infrastructure: Brooklyn Park is considering a feasibility study for a city-owned municipal cannabis dispensary, reflecting how regulated tech-adjacent industries keep expanding into local planning.

Breastfeeding Support: Minnesota WIC says breastfeeding initiation among WIC parents keeps climbing, with 84.5% of participants initiating breastfeeding in 2025—one reason the state is near the top nationally. Cybersecurity for Water Systems: Five U.S. agencies warn that AI-generated code is being used to attack Siemens S7 industrial controllers used in water and energy, with attackers scanning the internet and generating Python exploits. Biotech/Medical Devices: PetVivo renamed its human-health subsidiary Cosmeta Corp. to Somatrix Technologies, aiming to focus biomaterials R&D for human health while keeping PetVivo Animal Health for veterinary markets. Education & Testing: Pipestone County reports 14.4% of students met or exceeded science MCA standards in 2024-25, with overall science proficiency still below pre-pandemic levels. Local Tech & Infrastructure: Orono approved an $20M Morrison Arena expansion tied to youth hockey, including new training space and parking. Digital Infrastructure Expo: Forge’s Broadband Nation Expo and a Data Center Excellence Summit add nearly 100 speakers for Nov. 18–20 in New Orleans, targeting AI-era connectivity and data-center workforce needs. Health Policy: A federal judge partially blocked changes to the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, pausing new grant criteria while Planned Parenthood sex-ed funding cuts remain in place for now.

AI & Privacy Clash: Elon Musk’s xAI is suing Minnesota to block the state’s “nudification” law, arguing it’s unconstitutional while the law—effective Aug. 1—targets apps that turn real photos into explicit AI images, with fines up to $500,000. Surveillance Tech Debate: In Minnesota’s orbit, Fargo-Moorhead protesters are organizing a “Deflock” action against Flock license-plate readers, while Owatonna police are seeking $24,000 to renew their Flock camera contract amid privacy concerns. Medical Innovation in Minnesota: A heart valve device developed by Minnesota company 4C Medical Technology is being used in Canada as part of a clinical trial, offering a minimally invasive option for patients with hard-to-treat mitral valve problems. Schools & Tech Upgrades: District 742 wrapped summer work from inclusive playgrounds to geothermal system repairs, and Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton plans classroom AI use via Google Gemini with limits for younger grades. Public Health & Policy: A new study reports valproate use by fathers before conception isn’t linked to autism or ADHD, and experts say updated flu and COVID vaccines should still be covered this fall. Boundary Waters Mining: Gov. Tim Walz is using executive power to block copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters, signaling a more direct approach to environmental fights. Food & Drug Oversight: The FDA conducted 45 Minnesota inspections in Q2 2026, with foodborne biological hazards driving many actions.

Boundary Waters mining fight: Gov. Tim Walz signed new executive action to block nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters, escalating a long-running dispute over what federal and state rules should allow. AI policy in court: Minnesota is set to argue in federal court against xAI over the state’s “AI nudification” ban, with the case turning on free-speech limits and how far states can regulate AI-generated images. Health & biotech: Bethesda’s Connected Communities program is expanding older-adult services in West Central Minnesota, adding transportation, Parkinson’s programming, home safety help, and tech support for seniors. STEM education signals: Minnesota test results highlight uneven science and math outcomes across schools, including strong MCA participation at Brooklyn Middle School and Hiawatha Leadership Academy-Northrop. Climate science in the headlines: A major heat wave pushed Miami to tie its all-time high at 100°F, underscoring how humidity and warming trends can drive dangerous extremes. Wildlife research: A new study finds cougars reduce deer-vehicle collisions by shifting deer behavior into a “landscape of fear.”

Boundary Waters Mining Fight: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order pausing and blocking new copper-nickel permitting and leases near the BWCAW and Rainy River Headwaters, drawing pushback from some Northland lawmakers and labor allies who argue it bypasses case-by-case review. Cybersecurity & Research Theft: The U.S. DOJ charged 17 Iranians over a global cyber campaign hitting universities and companies, and the case echoes earlier reporting about Iranian-linked attacks on Minnesota water networks. Public Housing Snapshot (HUD): HUD’s Picture of Subsidized Households shows mixed local changes across Minnesota—Mankato fell sharply (130 units in 2025 vs. 179 in 2024), while some places stayed flat (Jackson 74, Detroit Lakes 94, Madison 36). STEM in Schools: Minnesota MCA results highlight participation and proficiency patterns, including Lionsgate Academy’s grade 7 reading results and Thomas Lake Elementary’s science testing limited to fifth-graders. Health Watch: Wisconsin measles cases climbed to 36, with health officials tracing exposures and coordinating with CDC. Northern Minnesota Spotlight: A new TV series, “Lake Superior Living,” is set to bring Duluth-area stories to a national audience.

Boundary Waters Protection: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order pausing state permitting and environmental reviews for nonferrous mining in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, aiming to protect the Boundary Waters after federal protections were removed. Wildlife Research & Hunting: Minnesota DNR is asking hunters to avoid shooting black bears wearing colorful ear tags and GPS radio collars as the state tracks 50 research bears across hunting zones. Urban Forestry: The DNR awarded nearly $5M to 33 Minnesota communities for tree planting and replacement, including grants to St. Cloud and Monticello. STEM Education: New Minnesota Department of Education results highlight participation and proficiency on MCA tests at local schools, including Southside Family Charter School math and Eisenhower Elementary science. Healthcare Research & Care: St. Cloud Hospital’s CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center earned a top statewide cardiology ranking from U.S. News, alongside recognition for high-performing procedures. Cyber & Privacy: A federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s demand for Minnesota voter data, and more Minnesota communities are rethinking Flock license-plate cameras amid privacy and cost concerns. STEM Learning Pipeline: Society for Science selected 100 educators for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program, funding research access for students.

AI & Law: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison urged a federal judge to reject xAI’s bid to block enforcement of HF 1606, arguing Grok’s “Grok Imagine” deepfake sexual-image tool isn’t protected speech and that the state can regulate the technology. Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: A San Antonio councilmember is pushing for confidential briefings on water and power utility cyber defenses after late-July attacks on Minnesota water systems. Quantum Manufacturing: IonQ’s $1.8B acquisition of SkyWater Technology closes, bringing three fabrication sites in Minnesota and boosting IonQ’s control over scarce chip production capacity. STEM in Minnesota Schools: New Minnesota MCA results highlight science and reading participation/proficiency at local schools, including strong science participation at Valley Middle School of STEM and Brookview Elementary’s reading results. Public Housing Costs (Minnesota): HUD-assisted public housing rent snapshots show wide local variation, from Nicollet County’s $407/month average to Ramsey County’s $887/month in 2025. Research Funding & Community Impact: The Center for Victims of Torture in Saint Paul was listed as receiving a $2.97M HHS grant obligation for Afghan client services.

Surveillance & Privacy: A public-records probe tied to “Have I Been Flocked” says Schaumburg, Illinois shares automated license plate reader data with 400+ agencies, including universities and rail police—fueling the national debate over mass monitoring. Minnesota Education: Sand Creek Elementary’s 5th-grade-only science MCA results show 19% proficiency, adding to concerns about statewide test declines since the pre-pandemic era. Public Housing (Minnesota): HUD data snapshots show Red Lake County averaged $382/month in 2025; Stearns $491; Marshall $424; Rock $353; and Carver $1,064—useful context for housing affordability and program impact. Health Tech (Minnesota): Concentra completed its acquisition of four Twin Cities occupational health centers, aiming to expand specialized workplace care. AI in Business: SecureTech says it will keep AI UltraProd as a permanent, wholly owned subsidiary to grow together under one leadership team. Energy & Policy (Minnesota): The American Coalition for Ethanol’s Minneapolis conference spotlights E15/E85 market expansion and federal policy, including the 45Z clean fuel credit. Agriculture Trade: A Taiwanese delegation toured a Faribault-area soybean operation, highlighting precision farming and Minnesota soy’s export ties to Taiwan.

Education & Testing: Southside Family Charter School hit 100% participation in the 2024-25 MCA math segment for 4th grade, while Hmong College Prep Academy’s 7th graders posted the third-highest math participation rate statewide (244 students; 11% met math proficiency). More MCA Snapshots: Yinghua Academy’s 6th graders reached 79% math proficiency (72 tested), Black Hawk Middle School limited science MCA to 8th grade only (17% proficiency), and Scott Highlands’ 8th graders took science MCA (402 tested; 20% proficiency). STEM in the Community: Lyon County reported 26.8% of students met or exceeded science MCA standards in 2024-25, and Highlands Elementary’s 5th graders showed 47% science proficiency (92 tested). Public Housing Data: HUD-assisted public housing income and rent details rolled in across Minnesota counties, including Freeborn ($17,891 income; 100% occupancy) and Hennepin ($16,101 income; 96% occupancy). Public Safety Tech: North Dakota authorities used cameras, cellphone location info, messages, and license plate reader tech to locate a Winnipeg abduction victim in Minnesota; the suspect was arrested.

Water Cyber Shield Act: U.S. senators advanced a new bill to fund EPA cybersecurity assessments and upgrades for critical water infrastructure after coordinated attacks, including reports that 30 Minnesota utilities were hit earlier this month. Health & Research: Sen. Tina Smith announced the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act passed the Senate unanimously, expanding research, testing, and treatment for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases as Minnesota case counts rise. Ag Tech & Education: Central Lakes College hosts its Ag and Energy Research Center Field Day Aug. 28, featuring drones, precision irrigation, soil sensors, and a new Legacy Ag Trail ribbon-cutting. NSF Robotics Funding: AgCentric received an NSF supplement to expand classroom-ready agricultural robotics and automation curriculum and educator training, with a food-processing field test planned for summer 2027. Minnesota Science in Schools: Success Academy Saint Cloud’s third graders posted the state’s second-highest reading MCA participation rate for 2024-25, with 28% showing reading proficiency. Local Tech Governance: Deer River council approved zoning/code updates and discussed rules tied to shipping containers and water-usage relief, reflecting how local policy shapes community infrastructure. Public Safety Tech Debate: A Fargo protest against Flock license-plate cameras ended with fights and injuries, underscoring ongoing privacy and surveillance tensions. AI Safety Lawsuit: A Wyoming woman joined a federal case alleging Grok was used to generate thousands of explicit images from a childhood photo, pushing pressure for stronger AI safeguards.

Air Quality: A mold and air-quality expert urges Minnesotans to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors during smoke-heavy stretches, citing links to respiratory, heart, and brain effects. Education & Testing: Minnesota’s MCA results keep showing uneven participation and proficiency, including standout math participation at Hmong College Prep Academy and science testing limited to eighth-graders at several schools. Energy Transition: New U.S. power-plant data shows solar and battery storage dominating 2026 additions, with Minnesota seeing at least one small hydropower replacement. Cyber Policy: The Trump administration is pushing a plan that could let private companies hack foreign cybercriminals under federal contracts, raising big questions about how far private “cyber privateers” can go. Local Infrastructure: Owatonna approved airport pavement reconstruction bids coming in under budget, helped by FAA and MnDOT funding. STEM in Action: Wisconsin and Minnesota high school teams met for a robotics rampage at the Pablo Center, building and reworking machines ahead of the next season.