AGP Executive Report

Prediction Markets Clash: The CFTC sued Minnesota to block a new state law that makes operating prediction markets a felony, with a special focus on weather and crop event contracts—just as Gov. Walz signed the omnibus public safety bill that includes the ban. Healthcare Loans in Court: A wave of states is suing the U.S. Education Department over tighter federal loan limits for nurses, therapists, and other healthcare students, arguing the agency rewrote Congress’s intent. Minnesota Education Gains: New state data shows Minnesota’s on-time high school graduation rate hit an all-time high near 85% for the Class of 2025. Local Schools Under Strain: Duluth Public Schools faces a $4M+ deficit and staff cuts, while families and staff push back with an open letter. Community & Culture: PWHL expands to San Jose as the league grows to 12 teams; and a Minnesota tornado relief team warns residents about scams while outreach begins in Olmsted County.

ICE Accountability in Minnesota: Hennepin County prosecutors have charged ICE agent Christian Castro over a January shooting of Venezuelan resident Julio Sosa‑Celis and a false report, issuing a nationwide arrest warrant—an abrupt break from DHS’s earlier version of events. Public Health & Trust: A Minnesota expert says hantavirus risk is low, but nurses warn that shifting, inconsistent information can still fuel fear—especially when communities feel unheard. Belonging in Philanthropy: A new report argues the charitable sector’s biggest fix may be “genuine belonging,” not just more funding. Women’s Hockey Expansion: The PWHL officially adds San Jose as its 12th team, playing at SAP Center, completing a rapid four-team expansion wave. Community Notes: Bemidji police raised $855 for Special Olympics in “Cop on a Rooftop,” and Minnesota beef producers voted down a proposed 50-cent checkoff increase. Sports Culture: NFL owners approved Nashville for the 2030 Super Bowl, a milestone tied to the Titans’ new enclosed stadium.

ICE Accountability in Minnesota: Hennepin County prosecutors charged ICE agent Christian J. Castro over a Jan. 14 north Minneapolis shooting, alleging assault with a weapon and a false report—after federal agents initially told a different story. Disability Rights Push: Minnesota House lawmakers approved HF2380/SF3210 to strengthen Minnesota Human Rights Act protections for people with disabilities, including clearer expectations around accommodations. Infrastructure & Local Governance: The Legislature wrapped up by approving a $1.2 billion bonding bill, with a big focus on water infrastructure, plus other statewide projects. Culture & Community: Te Tuhi announced six new exhibitions opening May 24, and Duluth East dedicated a Fond du Lac Reservation flag to honor Indigenous students. School Milestones: Westbrook-Walnut Grove students are set to march in a 250th anniversary parade in Walnut Grove, while Martin Luther College held commencement with a theme about “treasure in jars of clay.”

Immigration Crackdown Accountability: Hennepin County prosecutors charged ICE officer Christian Castro after a Jan. 14 shooting of Venezuelan man Julio César Sosa-Celis, alleging assault with a weapon and false reporting; the case follows dismissed federal charges after video raised questions about officers’ accounts, and it’s now part of a wider look at conduct during Operation Metro Surge. Second Officer in the Spotlight: Castro is the second federal immigration officer facing Minnesota charges tied to the crackdown, keeping pressure on how federal agents operate locally. Press Freedom Under Strain: A detained independent journalist in Minnesota’s orbit says the legal fight is still limiting who she can speak to, adding to the week’s broader First Amendment concerns. Local Watch: The FCC opened E-Rate fraud inquiries into Minnesota schools and libraries, signaling more scrutiny of federal education dollars. Community Life: Memorial Day boating season is underway, with the DNR urging life-jacket use and sober operation after early 2026 fatalities.

Minnesota Legislature Wrap: The 2026 session ended Sunday with lawmakers finally locking in Hennepin County Medical Center stabilization and a $1.2B bonding/infrastructure package, while major items like gun legislation still stalled after the House declined to vote. Gun Reform Standoff: DFL lawmakers pushed hard with a long House sit-in, but the gun bill backed by Annunciation Catholic School families never made it to the floor. HCMC Lifeline: The deal includes a promised $205M cash infusion for HCMC starting in July, plus anti-fraud and Medicaid admin upgrades. Culture Clash: A MAGA influencer sparked outrage after bringing a portable oxygen tank to the George Floyd memorial in Minneapolis, drawing backlash over disrespect at a sacred site. Community & Arts: May’s American Indian Month spotlighted Native art at All My Relations Art gallery, while Park Rapids’ Sculpture Trail added new pieces. Local Politics: Dr. Jess Garcia announced a run for Rochester mayor.

Minnesota Water Watch: Minnesota health officials say 99%+ of public water systems met federal drinking-water standards in 2025, with violations handled through notifications and fixes—plus new lead testing and grants for early care settings. Sports Spotlight: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander repeats as NBA MVP, and the Thunder lock in the top seed. Culture & Community: Duluth’s supportive arts scene is under pressure too, while Sartell’s Native students marked graduation with eagle feathers and blankets. Tech/Schools: The Canvas learning platform outage hit universities during finals season, including Minnesota and Wisconsin systems. Politics Beyond MN: A Senate parliamentarian reportedly blocked security funding tied to Trump’s White House ballroom, and Wisconsin Republicans are warning Democrats could “turn Wisconsin into Minnesota” after November.

Co-op Spotlight: Ely volunteer Peggy Stolley was named a runner-up for the Minnesota Touchstone Energy Cooperative Heroes Award for launching free dental hygiene help and referrals for the Ely Community Health Center. Immigration & Courts: A judge ordered prosecutors to turn over unredacted discovery in a St. Paul case tied to Cities Church protesters, while separate rulings have raised questions about ICE agents’ conduct toward peaceful demonstrators. Gun Violence & Community: Five years after 6-year-old Aniya Allen was killed by a stray bullet in Minneapolis, her grandfather is stepping back into activism in St. Paul, pushing for change as the shooter remains unidentified. Wildlife at Home: Minnesotans are being urged to leave nests alone—experts say coexisting with spring babies is usually easy if you stay back and stay curious. Weather & Safety: The Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors is burning about 355 acres with Highway 61 closed and crews working to protect structures. Culture & Youth: Rochester Public Schools held its ninth annual Graduation Celebration Powwow, centering Native regalia, drumming, vendors, and student recognition.

Immigration and accountability: A new wave of backlash is hitting federal enforcement, with Americans pushing Congress to rein in ICE after high-profile harm and calls for agents who violate rights to face consequences. Local governance: Minneapolis residents used a police oversight hearing to press for clearer rules and better follow-through, including how officers handle domestic abuse and when federal agents are involved. Public health and infrastructure: A Minneapolis Green Zone Task Force update focused on lead service line replacements and free testing, with the city aiming to finish Northside work by year’s end. Politics and cost of living: Democrats are spotlighting the “White House ballroom” plan as a vanity distraction while pointing to rising costs tied to Trump-era policies. Culture and community: Craftivism—using slow, handmade art to spark dialogue—keeps showing up as a protest tool, from anti-ICE hats to other needle-and-thread activism. Sports (Minnesota-adjacent): The Timberwolves’ playoff run is still in the mix as Spurs’ Wembanyama surges toward the West finals.

Minnesota Gun Safety Standoff: Parents of the Annunciation shooting victims are watching closely as House DFL lawmakers extend a 39-hour sit-in demanding a Senate gun safety vote, with assault-weapons, high-capacity magazine, ghost-gun and school-safety provisions on the table. Boundary Waters Funding Fight: The Minnesota Senate voted to pull $1.25M from Friends of the Boundary Waters for youth trips after the group’s anti-mining video used the trust fund logo—sparking a party-line debate over “money for politics.” Community Health Push: A New Ulm Red Cross blood drive brought in 176 units over three days. Local Schools, Real Changes: Granada-Huntley-East Chain School officials outlined next-year shifts to reading and math interventions, plus Chromebook and childcare updates. Aviation Pathways: Fairmont High School students are turning a Principles of Flight class into real flight plans. Culture Spotlight: Urban Lights Music, Minnesota’s last Black-owned record store, launched crowdfunding to stay open.

Immigration shake-up: U.S. Border Patrol chief Michael Banks has resigned “effective immediately,” adding to a fast churn of departures inside Trump’s immigration enforcement leadership. Church-state flashpoint: A Twin Cities school district’s plans for prayer rooms and foot-washing stations in new construction upgrades sparked national outrage and political backlash, with critics calling it Christian favoritism. Democracy organizing: Public Citizen says sustained nonviolent action by a small slice of the public could tip authoritarian rule, pointing to its No Kings/Hands Off! mobilizations as proof of scale. Minnesota education spotlight: A new report warns the U.S. is stuck in a “learning recession,” while Minnesota schools also face ongoing special-ed and PSEO-related friction. Local culture & community: Central Minnesota festival season is gearing up, from Granite City Days to River Days, plus feel-good family events like Bemidji’s Wheels.

Gun-control standoff: Minnesota House DFLers launched an overnight sit-in in the House chambers after Speaker Lisa Demuth failed to bring a gun violence prevention bill to a vote, as activists delivered thousands of petitions and the Senate’s assault-weapons and high-capacity magazine package waits on House action. Local governance: Minneapolis is moving ahead on the “People’s Way” redevelopment at the George Floyd Square site, with city staff recommending the Minnesota Agape Movement as the partner. Community & culture: Native singers from Minnesota are set to perform on a major London stage with the BBC Orchestra and Chorus in a new “Requiem for America,” while New Ulm’s memory-care community hosted a dementia education program. Health & education: U of M researchers are spotlighting mental-health risk patterns for suicide prevention, and a new report says many Minnesota districts aren’t posting required PSEO info for students. Local business: Bauhaus Brew Labs announced it will close its northeast Minneapolis taproom at the end of June.

Immigration Shake-Up: U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks announced he’s stepping down effective immediately, the latest DHS leadership churn tied to Trump-era enforcement. Local Tech & Privacy: In Isanti County, residents are demanding answers after “Flock” license plate readers appeared near major roadways, raising privacy and misuse concerns. Climate & Agriculture: A new Minnesota-linked study shows how long-term ecosystem data can better predict how plant communities resist drought and bounce back—aimed at preparing for climate shocks. Culture & Community: Golden Thyme in Rondo marked its one-year reopening under new stewardship, while Cambridge-Isanti students earned top state finishes in economics and personal finance. Health & Aging: University of Minnesota experts highlighted screenings older adults often skip during Older Americans Month. Arts & History: The National D-Day Memorial brings Charles Schulz’s exhibition to Bedford, connecting Peanuts legacy to wartime history. State Politics: Minnesota House Republicans released a sweeping “culture of fraud” oversight report on welfare-related spending.

Education & Community Leadership: Sleepy Eye has named finalists for an elementary principal role, with interviews set and a board decision coming June 10. Arts & Youth Programs: Nicollet Just For Kix welcomes Karen (Powers) Moret as program director starting May 15, continuing a local dance legacy. Local Culture on Stage: New Ulm is hosting a reception for German playwright Erich Becker and his wife ahead of the North American premiere of “A Life for the Revolution” at State Street Theater. Career Pathways: Lake Superior College is debuting its Future in Focus: Career and Education Expo, combining employer connections, transfer planning, workshops, and grad prep into one campus event. Health & Policy Watch: Minnesota’s prediction-markets bill is headed to Gov. Tim Walz, and a separate end-of-session deal includes anti-fraud measures plus funding to “save” Hennepin County Medical Center. Public Safety: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed an assault-weapons ordinance, but it hinges on changes to state law.

ICE Leadership Shake-Up: Trump’s administration is naming former private-prison executive David Venturella as acting ICE director, as the agency faces fresh scrutiny after a judge in Colorado ruled agents violated limits on warrantless arrests. Courtroom Pressure on Enforcement: In Minnesota and beyond, legal fights are tightening rules around when agents can arrest and where they can operate—while lawmakers debate whether to rein in ICE before session ends. Local Protest Fallout: A Minnesota father and daughter accused of assaulting a Turning Point USA reporter at an anti-ICE protest pleaded not guilty in federal court. Health Care Crackdown: The administration is pausing Medicare enrollment for new home health and hospice providers, citing fraud concerns. Community & Culture: Ariat is opening its largest-ever retail store in Minnesota, and Twin Cities radio legend Dave Ryan announced his retirement after decades on KDWB. Arts & Identity: HBO’s new AAPI documentary “The A List” spotlights Asian American and Pacific diaspora stories.

Immigration Crackdown Leadership: ICE is getting a new acting director—David Venturella—after Todd Lyons’ departure, keeping the agency in the spotlight after Minnesota protests and deadly shootings earlier this year. Gun Safety Fight: Annunciation families are pressing Minnesota House Republicans to finally allow a vote on a gun safety bill after the Senate passed a package tied to the mass shooting. Health Policy: PCOS is officially being renamed PMOS, aiming to reduce confusion and improve care for the hormone condition affecting about 1 in 8 women. Mental Health in Community: Mankato hosts two weekend events centered on mental health, including a free “Together for Mental Health” gathering with local providers. Aging Care Pressure: A new call for a long-term care plan highlights rural access problems as facilities close or cut beds. Culture & Sports: NBA trailblazer Jason Collins dies at 47 after a glioblastoma battle, and Minnesota’s K-12 enrollment story keeps pointing to declining student counts nationwide. Local Business: West Mankato’s DQ store sale ends the Galli family’s 35-year ownership.

Canvas Cyberattack Fallout: Schools nationwide are still recovering after a mid-finals outage hit Canvas, with Instructure saying the platform is back for most users after a ShinyHunters breach. Some Minnesota-area schools kept access blocked longer as they checked security. Immigration Enforcement Expansion: ICE is opening co-working spaces across 40+ states, including Fort Snelling, signaling a broader ramp-up beyond detention. Minnesota Policy Fight: A sweeping Minnesota gun reform bill cleared the Senate on a narrow vote, but the House future is still up in the air with only two weeks left. Local Life & Culture: St. Paul publisher Dr. Artika R. Tyner’s children’s press earned a national Zoom Solopreneur honor, while Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awarded nearly 27,000 children’s books to dozens of groups. Sports & Community: The Timberwolves-Spurs series turns to Game 5 after Wembanyama’s Game 4 ejection, and college wrestling’s National Duals Invitational announced Minnesota as one of 16 teams.