AGP Executive Report

NBA Deal: The Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to terms with power forward Jonathan Kuminga on a two-year, $12.4 million contract (with a player option for the second season), filling a frontcourt need after the team traded Julius Randle and Naz Reid for LaMelo Ball. Sports Business/Local Economy: The deal underscores how Minnesota’s NBA and WNBA assets are being valued in a fast-rising sports ownership market. Public Safety & Infrastructure: CISA says hackers hit more than 100 U.S. water and wastewater systems in July, including activity first flagged in Minnesota, raising concerns about PLC-targeted disruptions. Consumer/Health & Policy: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a multistate Meta settlement over teen social media addiction, with child-safety reforms and major payments—Minnesota is also tied to the broader settlement. Local Community: Lady Bug Thrift Shop in Minnesota will re-open Aug. 29 with a guest appearance by former Vikings player Mark Mullaney.

Meta Settlement: Minnesota is set to receive at least $214 million from Meta’s landmark deal over alleged teen social media addiction, with the state’s share potentially rising to $307 million; the agreement would also impose default safety changes for Facebook and Instagram, including a daily time limit for teens and tighter overnight access and school-hour notifications. Sports Business: The Minnesota Timberwolves landed free agent wing Jonathan Kuminga on a two-year, about $12.4 million deal (with a player option), a move aimed at plugging a key rotation need as the team pushes as a Western contender. Local Fraud Watch: Caledonia ranked among Minnesota cities with scam reports in July, with two cases totaling about $78, including counterfeit product schemes. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows one Winona County station hit the week’s low for E15 at $3.66; other county price snapshots point to a generally easing but still elevated fuel-cost environment. Housing Development: Rochester secured financing for a $136.5 million downtown riverfront project, including a 15-story apartment tower plus affordable senior housing, targeting spring 2028 openings.

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure: U.S. authorities are investigating a ransomware breach at Micro-Comm, a Kansas maker of water-utility control technology, underscoring how PLC-linked attacks can ripple through local wastewater systems even as investigators say the firm wasn’t part of an earlier suspected Iranian-affiliated campaign targeting Minnesota and other states. Public Finance & Schools: Minneapolis Public Schools disclosed a $4.1 million loss of state and federal special education aid tied to an accounting mistake, adding to scrutiny of the district’s strained finances and staffing. Trade & Cost Pressures: Canada matched new U.S. tariffs with retaliatory duties on about $20 billion of American goods, with Minnesota lawmakers warning the escalation could hurt the state’s economy and cross-border supply chains. Corporate Earnings: Donaldson Co. reported fiscal Q4 and full-year 2026 profit and revenue that beat expectations, signaling continued demand for filtration solutions. Local Business Transition: Jerry’s Enterprises will take over the Cub Foods store in Monticello on Sept. 16 as part of a deal for three Cub locations, with shoppers expected to see minimal changes at first. State Policy & Governance: Minnesota’s Citizens Conservation Advisory Council idea gained strong support at a recent Game Fair, with candidates signaling openness to a citizen panel advising the DNR and lawmakers on fish and wildlife issues.

U.S.-Canada Trade War: Canada is hitting back after Trump’s tariffs, imposing 15%-50% levies on more than 700 U.S. products and warning it could use electricity and critical minerals as leverage—Minnesota economists say the biggest near-term risk is higher prices for imported goods, including energy. Retail & Community Impact: Minneapolis-based Target pulled a children’s Halloween costume after backlash over alleged racist minstrel stereotypes, apologizing and saying the item is no longer for sale. Public Safety Tech Debate: St. Paul is earmarking $15 million to revitalize downtown with a new community prosecutor role aimed at quality-of-life issues, while Willmar councilors are weighing whether to keep using Flock license-plate cameras amid public trust concerns. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows diesel deals vary sharply—Clay County’s low hit $3.99 and Kandiyohi’s low $4.97 for the week ending Aug. 15—while Minnesota averages remain elevated. Business & Growth: Electromed reported record FY2026 revenue and profit, and Eagan outlined major construction projects including a new distribution center and data center.

Minnesota ICE crackdown fallout: A federal judge is probing whether the Justice Department handled grand jury materials properly in the Don Lemon case, adding to scrutiny of DOJ secrecy and process. Cybersecurity & critical infrastructure: Iran-linked hackers are suspected of taking a small British power generator offline for four days, echoing earlier Minnesota-linked reports about attacks on remote water systems and raising new concerns for utilities and local operators. Statehouse & utilities: Minnesota regulators and advocates are challenging Xcel Energy’s rate increase, while drought conditions continue to strain the state’s water outlook. Business & compliance: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency fined United Taconite for missing required emissions testing, underscoring enforcement pressure on industrial facilities. Food safety: Federal investigators say a sprouts recall distribution map covers only two states even though illnesses were reported in 15, leaving shoppers with uncertainty about where product may have reached. Local economy: Owatonna is buying floodplain property for demolition as part of flood mitigation planning. Workplace: A Fridley coffee shop is reopening after a staff walkout and layoffs tied to leadership and scheduling disputes. Retail controversy: Target apologized and pulled an “offensive” children’s Halloween costume after backlash.

Trade War Fallout: Canada is preparing retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. after Trump escalated with new 50% duties on Canadian cars, auto parts and steel, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford warns he could cut electricity and critical-mineral exports to the U.S.—a direct hit to supply chains that include Minnesota. Minnesota Environment & Industry: The MPCA fined Cleveland-Cliffs’ United Taconite $22,000 over an air permit violation tied to missed emissions testing at its Fairlane plant; the company disputes the enforcement. Local Business & Growth: Vermak European Windows and Doors won Coon Rapids Planning Commission approval for a new 17,920-square-foot manufacturing site, aiming to hire about 10. Public Safety Tech: Andover-area officials discussed shortening Anoka County’s Flock ALPR camera data retention from 30 days to seven, balancing crime-fighting with residents’ privacy concerns. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows multiple Minnesota cities tied for mid-pack scam reporting in July, including Trimont, Austin, and Champlin, with losses tied to online purchase schemes. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported diesel prices ranging from a low of $4.90 in Blue Earth County to a Minnesota average of $5.14 for the week ending Aug. 15. Workforce Pay Trend: A new push for “earned wage access” is spreading beyond gig drivers to salaried workers, as employers compete for talent that expects faster pay.

Municipal Finance: S&P Global cut Minneapolis’ general obligation bond outlook to negative, citing weaker reserves as police overtime and the city’s ICE-related costs strain budgets ahead of a $269.26 million bond sale. Transit Watch: Rochester Public Transit faces a growing deficit; documents project its reserve fund could be depleted by 2030, with shortfalls rising sharply as ridership stays far below pre-pandemic levels. Food Safety: Minneapolis-based Everything Sprouts recalled certain alfalfa sprout lots tied to an E. coli and salmonella outbreak that sickened at least 55 people in 15 states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin. Real Estate Deals: Inland completed about a $28 million equity raise for a St. Paul office-to-apartments redevelopment (“The Stella”) in a qualified opportunity zone, while Davis bought a four-building outpatient medical portfolio for $31.3 million in Waconia, Norwood, Chaska and Watertown. Business Expansion: nVent agreed to acquire data-center power distributor Maverick Power for $1.75 billion (plus up to $550 million based on performance), signaling continued investment in Minnesota’s broader infrastructure ecosystem.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: Canada walked away from talks and retaliatory 50% tariffs on about $20B of goods kicked in, with more details due next week; the fight is already raising alarms about higher costs and longer inflation pressure, including warnings from Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari. Tariff Refund Reality Check: New filings show big tariff refunds going to major retailers and manufacturers, but the money is unlikely to flow back to consumers who paid higher prices. Food Safety: Minnesota-linked alfalfa sprout recalls tied to E. coli and Salmonella have expanded to 55 illnesses across 15 states, with Everything Sprouts naming specific lots and related products. Minnesota Politics: DFLer Matt Little won Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District primary decisively, setting up a high-stakes November matchup against GOP Sen. Eric Pratt. Local Business & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data shows multiple Minnesota cities clustered around low single-digit scam reports in July, while Minneapolis and St. Paul remain the top hotspots. Cybersecurity: Iran-linked hackers reportedly shut down a British power plant for four days, amid broader warnings about attacks on critical infrastructure. Sports & Economy Tie-In: Minneapolis property tax increases under Mayor Jacob Frey’s plan vary sharply by neighborhood, with some areas facing much higher hikes.

Cybersecurity & Energy: Iran-linked hackers shut down a small UK power plant for four days, prompting new guidance to businesses and raising fears after concurrent U.S. water-system attacks. Public Health & Food Safety: Everything Sprouts LLC recalled certain alfalfa sprouts tied to an E. coli and Salmonella outbreak that sickened 55 people across 15 states. Local Infrastructure: MnDOT warned Rochester drivers of right-lane bridge closures starting Monday for repairs on the 16th St. SW bridge and the Hwy. 14 bridge over Bear Creek, with work expected to finish by Wednesday, Aug. 27. Sports Business & Ownership: Marc Lore sold his controlling stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx to Marc Stad, reshaping the team’s ownership structure. Local Policy & Regulation: Grand Rapids debated whether a municipally owned cannabis dispensary should operate in a prime commercial area, with economic development and competition concerns front and center. Transportation Safety: Itasca County moved to address rising e-bike complaints and crash rates along S. Hwy. 169, clarifying Minnesota rules for electric bikes and scooters.

Sports Business & Ownership: Marc Stad agreed to buy the controlling stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx in a $4.5 billion deal, with Alex Rodriguez planning to increase his equity—another high-profile ownership shakeup with real implications for local spending and team strategy. Food Safety & Public Health: Federal investigators traced a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak to alfalfa sprouts distributed by Minneapolis-based Everything Sprouts LLC, with 55 illnesses across 15 states and a recall urging consumers to avoid affected products. Privacy vs. Security Tech: Flock Safety’s CEO is calling for a “compromise” as backlash grows over AI license-plate cameras, including vandalism reports and renewed political pressure over surveillance concerns. Local Community Support: North Country Food Bank will host a free produce distribution in East Grand Forks, part of a broader summer push to meet rising demand. Geopolitics & Trade: Canada’s PM Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs after U.S. talks collapsed, escalating a trade fight that could ripple into Minnesota supply chains and costs. Cybersecurity: Reports say Iran-linked hackers shut down a UK power plant for four days, underscoring ongoing risks to critical infrastructure.

NBA/Local Sports: DeMar DeRozan is reportedly set to sign a one-year, $3.9 million veteran-minimum deal with the Denver Nuggets after the team traded Peyton Watson to Cleveland—an offseason move that keeps Nikola Jokic’s title window in focus. University of Minnesota: UMN President Rebecca Cunningham visited the Steele County Free Fair to talk curriculum and community partnerships, emphasizing that many graduates and alumni stay in Minnesota. Immigration/Contracts: Congressional Democrats launched an inquiry into Trump-Vance administration no-bid, up-to-$394 million contracts for legal representation of unaccompanied children, alleging the groups lack experience and have troubling histories. Land Access/Conservation: Minnesota’s Walk-in Access program received $2.1 million from the USDA to expand public access to private lands for wildlife recreation. Local Governance/Energy: Sauk Rapids Mayor Jason Ellering plans to urge city council opposition to a proposed 100-megawatt battery storage facility, citing future tax revenue impacts. Agriculture Safety: North Dakota farm safety coverage highlights high injury and fatality risks, plus youth hands-on safety camps for ages 13-16. Sports Schedule: The Vikings host the Ravens in a Saturday preseason matchup at noon on FOX 9.

WNBA CBA Pay Boost: Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams says her new contract came with a 366% average pay jump, and she celebrated with a big night out after the league’s March collective bargaining agreement. Team Ownership Shakeup: Tech investor Marc Stad is set to buy controlling stakes in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx in a $4.5 billion deal, with Marc Lore agreeing to sell his stake. Food Safety: Federal health officials linked a multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak to alfalfa sprouts grown by Minneapolis-based Everything Sprouts (Calco and Everything Sprouts brands), with 55 confirmed cases across 15 states and four hospitalizations. Local Business & Public Health: Le Sueur police say DNA linked a burglary suspect to thefts from multiple city businesses, including surveying equipment and cash. Rural Economy: Sen. Tina Smith highlighted housing reform in Brainerd, pointing to the 21st Century Road to Housing Act and rural home preservation. Business Climate Watch: Duluth’s Chamber named Jim Roche as interim president while searching for a permanent leader after the prior president’s DWI arrest. Industry/Workforce: Rural leaders are set to discuss childcare, housing, and healthcare constraints at Compeer Financial’s Rooted and Rising forum in Owatonna.

Retail Outlook: Target lifted its annual sales forecast again after a strong quarter, citing price cuts, better in-stock levels, and a jump in digital sales and traffic. Labor & Economy: Minnesota added more than 44,000 jobs over the past year, with unemployment dipping to 4.3% in July, though the month itself saw a small job loss. Housing Market: Home inventory in Minnesota hit a seven-year high, giving buyers more options as listings continue to come in. Public Safety Tech Backlash: In St. Cloud and Sartell, automated license plate readers have been vandalized or stolen, fueling renewed debate over surveillance cameras. Mining & Permitting: The United Steelworkers criticized Gov. Walz’s executive order pausing environmental review and permitting for non-ferrous mining in northeastern Minnesota. Local Governance: Duluth’s City Council will consider adopting a land-use study for the former Lester Park Golf Course, with a plan to develop only part of the site. Agriculture & Food Costs: Pro Farmer Crop Tour results point to corn yields in Iowa and Minnesota coming in below last year, with wheat supply concerns tied to Black Sea logistics.

Minnesota Economy: Minnesota’s job market stayed resilient in July: unemployment dipped to 4.3% and the state added about 44,000 jobs over the year, even as monthly employment slipped slightly. Workforce & Industry: NASA selected Minnesota for a $1.5 million aerospace workforce hub, aiming to train and credential hundreds of students and expand apprenticeships and educator support. Public Health: State health officials traced an E. coli and salmonella outbreak to locally produced alfalfa sprouts, urging consumers to discard affected brands. Education Disruption: A new poll of Education Minnesota members says Operation Metro Surge disrupted schooling for most educators, with widespread reports of student absences and heightened fear/anxiety. Local Business & Policy: Brooklyn Park is weighing a city-owned municipal cannabis dispensary after approving a feasibility study costing up to $25,200. Privacy & Policing: The U.S. Supreme Court placed limits on geofence searches, tightening how Minnesota law enforcement can use location data. Consumer Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Eyota logged a scam loss in July, while Minnesota cities overall continue to report major fraud losses.

Trade & Tariffs: President Trump paused new 50% tariffs on Canada for three days as the U.S. and Canada work toward a deal—an issue for Minnesota, which relies heavily on Canada as its top export market. Cybersecurity & Water Infrastructure: U.S. agencies warned of active hackers targeting Siemens S7 PLCs used in water systems, urging operators to address internet exposure and segmentation gaps. Agriculture & Antitrust: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison joined a settlement tied to alleged egg-market collusion; about 2 million eggs will go to Minnesota food banks, but a law professor called the penalty too small to deter future price-fixing. Healthcare & Employment: A Brainerd company will pay $115,000 to settle a disability discrimination case involving an employee’s cancer treatment, with added policy and training requirements. Local Business/Community: A Brainerd-area expansion story highlights Heartland America’s catalog-to-omnichannel survival strategy, while Battle Lake’s community raised $45,000 to send 20 veterans on an Honor Flight. Finance & Markets: Fed minutes and officials’ comments point to possible rate hikes if inflation doesn’t cool, keeping borrowing costs in focus for Minnesota businesses.

Election & Governance: Mike Lindell says he’ll pay for a full statewide hand recount and audit of Minnesota’s GOP governor primary after losing by double digits, with the state estimating about $825,000 (likely $1M+ with added steps). Local Elections: Brooklyn Center’s mayoral primary recount confirmed the same winner pairing for the Nov. 3 general election, with two ballots reinterpreted for voter intent. Public Records & Accountability: A former Steele County attorney alleges the county violated Minnesota’s Data Practices Act by improperly releasing probation data tied to a high-profile DWI case involving Court of Appeals Judge Renee Worke. Business & Community Resilience: A south Minneapolis pizza staple, Jakeeno’s, is rebuilding after a July fire; owners launched a fundraiser while waiting on insurance. Healthcare Policy: In Mankato, Jake Johnson held a healthcare roundtable on the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” and looming 2027 impacts to Medicare and SNAP. Food Safety & Compliance: The FDA reported 45 inspections in Minnesota Q2, with foodborne biological hazards driving most actions. PFAS Litigation: Minnesota municipal buyers’ PFAS turnout-gear lawsuits were consolidated in multidistrict litigation.