AGP Executive Report

Lake Superior Invasion: Researchers confirmed a breeding population of an invasive Black Sea-native “bloody red” shrimp in the Duluth-Superior Harbor, meaning all five Great Lakes now have reproducing populations. Health Tech in Minneapolis: Tactile Systems Technology launched a next-generation AffloVest high-frequency chest wall oscillation therapy system, aiming to improve comfort and connected care for chronic respiratory conditions like bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis. Education Data (MCA): Minnesota Department of Education reports standout reading participation at multiple schools, including Pine Island Middle School (5th grade), Le Sueur-Henderson High School (8th grade), and Wadena-Deer Creek Senior High (8th grade), while statewide proficiency remains below pre-pandemic levels. Public Safety Tech: An op-ed argues license plate reader cameras can help Minnesota law enforcement respond faster and deter vehicle-related crime during summer. University of Minnesota Sports Tech/Health Partnership: Blue Cross and Blue Shield naming rights update the Gophers basketball home to “The Barn.” Federal Policy: Trump signed the Secure America Act, boosting funding for border control and immigration enforcement through 2029.

Medical Tech in Minneapolis: Tactile Systems Technology rolled out a next-generation AffloVest high-frequency chest wall oscillation system, aiming to improve comfort and “connected care” for people with chronic respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. Education & STEM Readiness: Minnesota’s MCA participation/proficiency snapshots show wide variation by school and grade, with Le Sueur-Henderson High School’s 8th-graders leading reading participation (57% proficient) and Pine Island Middle School’s 5th-graders ranking high in reading participation (68% proficient), while statewide reading and math proficiency remain below pre-pandemic levels. Invasive Species Watch: Researchers confirmed a breeding population of an invasive “bloody red” Black Sea-native shrimp in the Duluth-Superior Harbor, meaning all five Great Lakes now have established populations. Public Policy & Youth Safety: Minnesota’s new law targeting addictive social media for kids is facing a federal push that could weaken state protections, with advocates warning of disproportionate harm to Black youth. Community Tech & Safety: An op-ed argues license plate reader cameras can help law enforcement respond faster and deter crime during summer activity in Minnesota communities.

AI in Minnesota education: The University of Minnesota is launching “AI for All” courses, an AI minor, and an AI Makerspace to help students across majors build practical AI literacy. Health tech & care access: U of M and Fairview finalized new health and healthcare partnership agreements, while Fairview says it will stop accepting UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage seniors next year—raising alarms for patient access. Public health tracking: Marshall’s sewage plant is joining Minnesota’s wastewater testing effort to monitor COVID and other viruses as an early warning tool. Weather safety: Minnesota faces weather radar gaps; Climavision is installing supplemental radars to improve severe storm coverage. Agriculture data: The Minnesota Ag Weather Network expanded with new stations in East Central Minnesota to give farmers more localized real-time weather and soil info. Cyber readiness: Minnesota’s National Guard joined a major regional cyber exercise in Croatia. Local STEM in action: Dakota State University students built a website for the Hudson Fire Department. Clean water funding: Rep. Tom Dippel highlighted $17.5M for Hastings’ water treatment upgrades tied to PFAS cleanup.

Health Tech in Minnesota: Tactile Medical (Minneapolis) rolled out the next-generation AffloVest high-frequency chest wall oscillation system, aiming to boost comfort and connected-care features for people with chronic respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. Agriculture Data: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture expanded the Minnesota Ag Weather Network with new stations in East Central Minnesota (Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs), improving real-time weather and soil data for farmers. Cancer Research & Care Access: A Minnesota-led pilot is testing ways to increase rural lung cancer screening by training primary care clinics to recommend screening more consistently. University-Health Partnership: The University of Minnesota renamed Williams Arena to “The Barn by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota” under a 10-year collaboration focused on health innovation and workforce initiatives. STEM Community Spotlight: The Hormel Institute and partners hosted the Global Cancer Consortium conference in Austin, Minnesota, centered on metastasis research. Public Safety Tech: Authorities identified “Bone Lake Jane Doe” (Denise Elaine Sexton Hartley) using DNA advancements, decades after remains were found near Twin Cities lakes.

Medical Tech in Minnesota: Tactile Medical (Minneapolis) rolled out the full commercial launch of its next-gen AffloVest high-frequency chest wall oscillation system, aiming to improve comfort and connected-care for people with chronic respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. University Research Expansion: UMR (Rochester) won approval to expand labs in Discovery Square, adding about 12,600 sq. ft. for microbiology, biology, chemistry, and physics, with occupancy planned for fall 2027. Public Health & Wildlife Surveillance: U of M’s Raptor Center is using raptors as an early warning system for avian influenza, testing thousands of birds and sharing findings that could help Minnesota turkey farmers strengthen biosecurity. AI and Consumer Protection: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison sued Brigit (Bridge It Inc.) over alleged violations of state lending laws, including claims about unclear terms and very high effective interest rates. STEM in the Field: A 4-H drone program in Lyon County taught youth drone repair, coding, and first-person camera flying—skills tied to emerging job opportunities. Climate Resilience Science: A Nature-published study from Minnesota’s Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve shows long-term ecosystem records can help forecast how grasslands resist and recover from extreme drought. Local Science Story: Investigative genetic genealogy identified Denise Hartley, whose remains were found in two Twin Cities lakes decades ago, highlighting how modern DNA tools can solve long-stalled cases.

Medical Tech in Minnesota: Tactile Medical rolled out the next-generation AffloVest high-frequency chest wall oscillation system, aiming to improve comfort and connected care for people with chronic respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. Public Health & Science: The CDC reported a rare Lyme disease-causing bacterium (Borrelia mayonii) detected in New York ticks for the first time, after a Herkimer County resident became ill and recovered with doxycycline. Data Centers & Local Planning: A University of Minnesota-led project is helping southeastern Minnesota towns prepare for data center siting decisions, focusing on power, water, land, and environmental impacts. Health Care Workforce: UMD researchers are developing online courses to reduce burnout among rural hospital workers, targeting staffing shortages and disconnection. Education Metrics: Minnesota’s MCA participation and proficiency updates highlighted grade-by-grade results at multiple schools, including science testing limited to fifth grade at Morristown Elementary. Research & Treatment: A University of Minnesota Medical School team confirmed in the ACTIV-6 trial that metformin started during acute COVID-19 can cut the risk of clinician-diagnosed long COVID by about half. STEM Community Call: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture opened proposals for the 2027 Minnesota Organic Conference in St. Cloud.

Medical Tech in Minnesota: Tactile Medical (Minneapolis) rolled out the next-generation AffloVest high-frequency chest wall oscillation system, aiming to improve comfort and connected-care support for chronic respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. Space for Discovery: Researchers at UMD are working to better understand neutrinos—tiny, hard-to-detect particles that could unlock clues about the sun, distant stars, black holes, and the early universe. Public Health & Data: A large study links prior COVID-19 infection to higher risk of multiple allergic conditions, using U.S. military health claims data. Gun Policy & 3D Printing: More states are tightening rules on 3D-printed firearms and untraceable gun parts; Minnesota’s proposal didn’t advance. AI + Infrastructure Debate: Seattle approved a one-year moratorium on new large data centers while studying impacts on power, water, rates, jobs, and public health. STEM in Schools (Minnesota): Minnesota Department of Education reporting highlights strong MCA participation in multiple districts, including Nevis Elementary (reading) and Lonsdale Pre K-6 (reading), alongside broader concerns about lower statewide proficiency since pre-pandemic years. Finance Regulation: The CFTC proposed new prediction-market rules to curb war-related betting and clarify what counts as “gaming.”

Medical Tech in Minnesota: Tactile Medical (Minneapolis) rolled out a next-generation AffloVest high-frequency chest wall oscillation system, aiming to improve comfort and connected care for chronic respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. Health Research: A Mayo Clinic study-backed AI-powered smartwatch approach could help parents spot escalating agitation in kids and shorten severe temper tantrums, with a new federal grant to test self-management. Neuroscience & Rehab Access: New findings link high blood pressure with lower dementia risk in frail people, but higher risk in those without frailty; another national analysis finds fewer than 1 in 4 stroke patients and fewer than 1 in 7 brain-injury patients get inpatient rehab. AI & Civil Liberties: An ACLU lawsuit challenges Westchester County’s large license-plate surveillance network, alleging warrantless, long-term data collection. Education Signals: Minnesota MCA participation spotlights strong reading and math engagement at several schools, while broader national K-12 enrollment declines raise funding pressure. Agriculture & Trade: A Minnesota soybean grower urged lawmakers to keep USMCA stable, citing duty-free access and science-based trade rules. Local Tech/Industry: MinnWest Technology Campus in Willmar marked its 20th anniversary, highlighting the site’s shift from treatment center to tech and research tenants.

Medical AI in Cancer Care: Researchers report an automated tool (REDMOD) flagging hidden pancreatic cancer on routine CT scans a median of 475 days early, with near-double sensitivity versus expert radiologists and steady results across datasets. Vision Treatment Update: Minnesota Eye Consultants highlights new pharmacologic options for presbyopia, aiming for better “depth of focus” and more purpose-built formulations than older miotic approaches. Tech + Water/Energy Debate: Minnesota’s data center boom is colliding with community concerns over electricity and water use, as regulators weigh growth against local strain. Industry on the Iron Range: Mesabi Metallics says Minnesota’s first new mine and pellet plant in decades is moving into permanent staffing, with about 200 long-term jobs tied to production. PFAS Disposal Scale-Up: Reworld launches ReAssure™ PFAS Destruction, pitching large-scale thermal destruction capacity (including wastewater treatment and logistics) as an alternative to indefinite landfill storage. Kids & Schools: Minnesota ranks high overall for child well-being, but education gaps remain stark, with many fourth graders not proficient in reading and many eighth graders not proficient in math. Public Health/Environment: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency seeks comments on a proposed cleanup plan for the old Hibbing Gas Manufacturing Plant site, including removal of coal tar-impacted soil. Healthcare Workforce: Mankato Clinic lays off about 10% of its workforce amid rising costs and reimbursement pressure.

Medical Tech & Health Care: Tactile Medical launched a next-generation AffloVest airway-clearance system, aiming to improve comfort and connected care for people with chronic respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. University of Minnesota Health: The U of M, Fairview, and M Physicians finalized a new 10-year partnership, with Attorney General Keith Ellison helping broker the deal to protect training and patient care. Biotech Funding: Shattuck Labs began a public offering of common stock (or pre-funded warrants), signaling continued momentum in its monoclonal/bispecific antibody pipeline. AI at Work: A new report says Minnesota employers are buying AI fast, but training lags badly—93% of spending goes to the tools, not people. STEM Education & Testing: Minnesota Department of Education updates show wide variation in MCA participation and proficiency across schools, with multiple districts reporting standout participation rates in math and reading. Rural Tech & Energy: Rural Minnesota is eligible for microgrid funding and technical help, and utilities are increasingly turning to energy storage as data centers strain reliability. Local Science Spotlight: UMD researchers continue work on neutrinos—tiny, elusive particles that could unlock big questions about the universe.

Medical Tech in Minnesota: Tactile Medical (Minneapolis) rolled out a next-generation AffloVest airway-clearance system, aiming to boost comfort and “connected care” for chronic respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. Cancer Screening: A new FDA review is underway for “C the Signs,” a tool that flags early cancer risk from existing medical records and is already used in the UK’s NHS. Public Health & Environment: A University of Iowa study says wildfire-driven ozone has reversed years of U.S. air-quality gains, raising summer health risks and calling for better monitoring. Wildfire Tech (Minnesota): Momentum Aeronautics in St. Paul is deploying Heatwave Floats that let aircraft scoop 800 gallons from lakes in about 15 seconds to speed up firefighting. STEM Education & Workforce: Rochester’s Middle School Summer Career Academy is pairing students with hands-on pathways (including IT, health, construction, and meteorology) via local colleges, employers, and state agencies. Privacy & Data Tech: Columbia Heights voted to cover Flock license-plate cameras with bags and move to cancel the contract amid surveillance and data-access concerns. Policy Watch: A federal judge struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, a potential win for U.S. tech hiring.

UMD Neutrino Research: University of Minnesota Duluth physicist Alec Habig is working to better understand neutrinos—infamous for barely interacting with matter—hoping to unlock clues about the sun, distant stars, black holes, and the early universe. TB Immunology Grant: The U of M Medical School won a $3.8M, five-year NIH grant to study the earliest lung immune responses to tuberculosis, focusing on how lung macrophages may help control infection or allow it to spread. Bell Museum Renovation: The University of Minnesota is seeking design proposals for a $50M renovation of the former Bell Museum building, aiming to repurpose the mostly unused 10 Church St. space with new classrooms, study areas, and upgrades by 2029–2030. Medicaid/SNAP IT Modernization: Minnesota approved $90M to modernize human services IT systems supporting Medicaid and SNAP, creating a new advisory council and grants for county-led upgrades. Data Center Disaster Risk: New insurance research says more than half of planned U.S. data centers are in disaster-prone states, raising concerns for storms and other severe weather. Lyme Season Warning: Warmer conditions are driving a fast-growing tick season, with guidance on how to reduce Lyme risk. Farm-to-School Grants: Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture awarded over $1.3M to expand local food purchasing in schools and early care, including grants to Pine Point and Menahga. Forpak Automation Leadership: Minnetonka-based Forpak Automation named Tim Swedberg president as it expands sanitary automation for food manufacturers. H-1B Fee Blocked: A federal judge struck down a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee as an unlawful tax, a potential relief for U.S. tech hiring.

Precision Livestock in South Dakota: A Minnesota-born engineer and U of Minnesota researcher donated 132 acres to help fund SDSU’s precision livestock systems program, linking farm know-how with research on livestock waste and air quality. Diabetes Tech in Minnesota: A new CONNECT trial presented at the American Diabetes Association meeting found continuous glucose monitoring can improve glucose control for adults with type 2 diabetes not using insulin—work tied to HealthPartners/International Diabetes Center in Minneapolis. Diabetes Research Under Pressure: Police removed researchers from an American Diabetes Association conference after they distributed an editorial criticizing NIH cuts, highlighting tensions between science and politics. PFAS Accountability: Australia sued Minnesota-based 3M over “forever chemicals” from firefighting foam at defense bases, escalating global pressure on PFAS cleanup and disclosure. Minnesota Education (MCA math): Multiple schools reported grade-by-grade math MCA participation and proficiency results, with statewide math proficiency still down vs. pre-pandemic levels. Local STEM-adjacent land use: The University of Minnesota Board of Regents will consider selling Les Bolstad Golf Course for $30.5M, a reminder that campus land decisions shape future research and housing capacity.

Minnesota Education: Kelliher Secondary, Nevis Secondary, Park Rapids Senior High, Bagley Secondary, Red Lake Alternative Learning, Sebeka Secondary, Menahga High, and Laporte Middle all reported 2024-25 MCA math participation and proficiency by grade, with statewide math proficiency still down more than 7% since 2019. PFAS & Accountability: Australia sued 3M for $1.4B over “forever chemical” PFAS contamination tied to firefighting foam used at defense bases, alleging withheld risk information. Earth & Water Science: U of M researchers studied how underground rock pressure can pinch fracture intersections, changing how groundwater and pollution move. Rare Earth Supply Chains: The U.S. DOE awarded $134M to projects that recover and refine rare earth elements from mine tailings and e-waste to reduce foreign dependence. AI Infrastructure Water Use: Google pledged to replenish more water than it consumes at U.S. data center sites by 2030, expanding air-cooling and alternative water sourcing. STEM Workforce & Training: Mayville Fire and Rescue in North Dakota is raising funds for a regional firefighter training facility that could serve Minnesota and South Dakota. Local Tech in Agriculture: A Minnesota-focused farm story highlights camera-guided cultivation to improve weed control, alongside the real-world costs and learning curve of adopting new equipment.

AI & Water Use: Google says it will replenish more water than its U.S. AI data centers consume by 2030, expanding air-cooling, reclaimed water, utility upgrades, and public reporting as backlash grows. Science & Research Freedom: University of Minnesota diabetes expert Aaron Kelly was among scientists escorted out of an American Diabetes Association conference after distributing journal reprints criticizing Trump-era research attacks. PFAS Regulation: A state-by-state crackdown on “forever chemicals” is accelerating, with Minnesota among states moving toward disclosure and restrictions that could reshape consumer products nationwide. Minnesota STEM in the Field: Illinois researchers used satellite imagery plus machine learning to map Midwest tillage practices from 2000–2022, aiming to better track soil health and erosion impacts. Local Tech & Health: A new Minnesota mobile ECMO program is highlighted as helping save cardiac arrest patients. Education Metrics: Multiple Minnesota schools reported strong MCA math participation rates for 2024–25, alongside statewide declines in math and reading proficiency since 2019.

University of Minnesota Housing Plan: U of M picked Rachel Development to buy and redevelop the Les Bolstad Golf Course near Minneapolis for a mixed-use residential project, with $30.5M proceeds aimed at funding student support and research. Science Under Pressure: Five diabetes researchers, including U of M’s Aaron Kelly, were removed from an American Diabetes Association conference after distributing a journal editorial criticizing attacks on biomedical research; the ADA cited a code-of-conduct violation. Materials Breakthrough: U of M researchers report that tiny interface changes can tune a metal’s electronic behavior—using interfacial polarization to shift ruthenium dioxide’s surface work function by more than 1 electron volt. Medical Tech in Action: M Health Fairview launched a mobile ECMO program using an air-mobile team to extend life-saving cardiac emergency care to remote patients. Minnesota Tech for Outdoors: The DNR is rolling out a new electronic licensing system June 9, adding more ways to buy and carry licenses and enabling harvest registration even with limited cell service. STEM in Schools (MCA Math Participation): Multiple districts reported strong math participation rates in 2024-25, including Ponemah (3rd grade), Nevis (5th), and Bemidji Middle (6th), alongside broader statewide concerns about lower pre-pandemic proficiency.