AGP Executive Report

Memorial Day coverage: Bagpipes and taps echoed across Minnesota as Veterans Affairs held Memorial Day services in Duluth, Little Falls, Preston and Redwood Falls, with families honoring loved ones who served—like a Duluth-area woman remembering her brother, a Staff Sergeant who died in 2022. NBA playoffs buzz: The Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox run is getting louder scrutiny as league chatter points to rookie Dylan Harper’s rise, while Victor Wembanyama keeps stacking accolades—plus Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic headline unanimous All-NBA First Team picks. Minnesota sports on the move: The Twins open a key matchup at the White Sox today (2:10 p.m. ET, CHSN/Twins.TV, 830 WCCO), and local baseball keeps rolling with Willmar’s Rails beating the Indians 15-9. Pop culture quick hit: Betty White’s favorite snack? Red Vines—perfect for a Golden Girls marathon.

Prediction Markets Crackdown: The NYT reports CFTC officials who challenged prediction-market firms were suspended after staff raised concerns about Polymarket, Crypto.com, and a Gemini affiliate—sparking a wider fight over whether politics is steering regulators. Sports Spotlight: The Twins try to finish a sweep of the Red Sox with Sonny Gray on the mound, while Boston’s Romy Gonzalez takes a step forward in injury rehab. Community Calendar: Rochester’s big summer street fest, Thursdays Downtown, returns June 11 with live music, vendors, and family activities. Local Good News: Common Goods in the Brainerd lakes area will open Sundays this summer to support Bridges of Hope. Minnesota Road Work: Highway 10 in Wadena closes starting May 26 for about five weeks, with detours and lane impacts through summer. Music Loss: Hip-hop legend Rob Base, half of DJ E-Z Rock’s duo, dies at 59.

NCAA Bracket Punch: South Dakota State baseball is headed back to the NCAA tournament after winning the Summit League title in a winner-take-all final, bouncing back to beat Oral Roberts 9-6 after an earlier 4-1 loss. Big Ten Baseball: Oregon shut down Nebraska 7-0 in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, ending the Huskers’ eight-game win streak. Avalanche Update: Colorado still trails Vegas 2-0 in the West finals, and the big question is whether star defenseman Cale Makar will be cleared for Game 3 after his upper-body injury. Twins Take Control: Minnesota beat the Red Sox 4-2 at Fenway with Trevor Larnach going 4-for-5 and Taj Bradley returning strong. Local Soccer Moment: Rally Madison FC drew a sold-out crowd for its Breese Stevens Field debut, but Aurora FC spoiled it 2-0. Community & Culture: Memorial Day observances kicked off with honor-guard stops and cemetery flag-decorating plans across the region.

WNBA Spotlight: Seattle’s No. 3 pick A’ja Fam just won a Spanish League title with Valencia and says she feels “ready to play right now” as she prepares to join the Storm—while Minnesota’s Olivia Miles keeps turning heads as a Rookie of the Year front-runner. Lynx vs. Sky Preview: The Lynx and Sky run it back Saturday at 1 p.m. on CBS/Paramount+, with Chicago missing Rickea Jackson and Minnesota still dealing with absences—so the matchup is as much about who can score through injuries as it is about revenge. Local Sports Good News: Minneapolis restaurateur “Billy Sushi” brought young Mongolian hockey players to Minnesota, pairing their visit with mentoring for 250 kids through a learn-to-skate program. Music & Community: Duluth Dylan Fest is underway through May 24 for Bob Dylan’s 85th birthday, with events anchored by birthday celebrations outside his childhood homes. Minnesota Fair Fun: Kickoff to Summer at the Fair returns for Memorial Day Weekend with 40+ food vendors and a new Hunter & Jumper Horse Show.

WNBA Draft Buzz: Seattle’s newest star Awa Fam just won a Spanish league title and says she’s not worried about fatigue as she’s set to join the Storm—she didn’t play Friday, but her debut timing is the big question. Red Sox Injury Update: Minnesota’s next opponent got a scare—Trevor Story’s sports hernia surgery is “successful,” but he could miss weeks, and Boston is already shuffling shortstop options. Twins Momentum: Byron Buxton and Austin Martin powered a late rally with two-run homers as the Twins beat the Red Sox 8-6 to kick off the series. NBA All-Defense: Victor Wembanyama made the All-Defensive First Team again, while Rudy Gobert earned first-team honors for Minnesota. World Cup Countdown: FIFA final 26-man rosters are closing in with June 1 the deadline, and the U.S. is set to announce May 26. Minnesota Law & Kids Online: A youth social media bill has broad support but Walz is still reviewing details, with legal fights likely ahead. Local Sports: The Minnesota Monsters fell 58-28 in their home opener against Nashville.

Local School Construction Update: Martin County West’s school board got a progress report and approved a $2,420,900-plus draw for the new building, with crews working through plumbing, electrical, framing, concrete prep, and sprinkler work. Community Arts & Culture: Fairmont’s Imagine Martin Art Mart is back downtown with 40+ local creators, live music, food trucks, and a new community hub—set for June 18, July 16, and Aug. 6. Education Milestone: After 44 years at St. John Vianney Catholic School, longtime teacher Karen Sandhurst is retiring. Big Summer Destination: Valleyfair opens its new Superior Shores waterpark for Memorial Day weekend as part of its 50th anniversary push. Sports Spotlight: Minnesota softball gets a major coaching shakeup—Gretta Melsted is hired as the new Gophers coach after a long run at Augustana. Weekend Plans: Central Square in Glenwood hosts a June 5 open house tied to Music on the Lawn, with tours and original music.

Late Show Farewell: Stephen Colbert took his final bow on “The Late Show,” with Paul McCartney and a packed celebrity crowd turning the goodbye into a full-on celebration. Minnesota Fraud Fallout: Aimee Bock, head of the Feeding Our Future scheme, was sentenced to nearly 42 years, and federal prosecutors also moved against 15 more people tied to a $90M Medicaid fraud case. Prediction Markets Clash: Minnesota’s ban on prediction markets is now in a federal fight over who gets to regulate the platforms—state vs. CFTC. Local Sports: Mankato East swept the Big 9 boys and girls track titles, while Sartell shut down Willmar in softball playoffs and Brainerd won the Central Lakes Conference golf crown. Community Spotlight: Hastings held its Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota, raising $53,311.43 statewide.

Minnesota Politics & Gambling: Minnesota just became the first state to outlaw online prediction markets, with Gov. Tim Walz signing SF4760—bets on sports, elections, and popular culture are now banned starting Aug. 1—while the federal CFTC immediately sued to block it, arguing the markets fall under federal oversight. Sports (NBA): The NBA conference finals are set: the Knicks take on the Cavaliers, and the Thunder face the Spurs, with Minnesota’s season already over after another tough exit. Minnesota Courts & Justice: A judge handed Aimee Bock—former head of Feeding Our Future—nearly 42 years in prison for her role in a $250M fraud scheme tied to the pandemic-era meal program. Community & Culture: The CDA contest winners were announced from Holy Redeemer School, and Duluth is gearing up for what organizers call its biggest Fourth of July fireworks show ever. Sports (Hockey): The PWHL’s Walter Cup is heading to Canada after Montreal Victoire’s championship run.

PWHL Glory: Montreal Victoire captured their first Walter Cup, beating Ottawa 4-0 in Game 4 as Ann-Renée Desbiens shut the door with 23 saves and Marie-Philip Poulin was named playoff MVP. NBA Reality Check: Tim Connelly says the Timberwolves aren’t “good enough” yet after another playoff exit, setting up a summer of changes after being repeatedly bounced by top-tier teams. Stanley Cup Final Prep: Avalanche star Cale Makar is out for Game 1 of the West Final with an upper-body injury, while Carter Hart’s Golden Knights keep rolling. Minnesota Sports & Entertainment: Duluth’s Minnesota Monsters unveil their new AMSOIL Arena look ahead of their first home game, and the WNBA slate features big names like Jessica Shepard’s triple-double as Dallas tops Chicago. Wildfire & Community: The Stewart Trail Fire’s cause is tied to a powerline, and a Two Harbors man faces charges after allegedly attacking a Fire Marshal employee. Local Culture: Fourth Fest drops its 250th-birthday lineup in Duluth, with fireworks planned to go bigger than ever. Legal/Policy: Prosecutors are pushing for a 50-year sentence in Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future fraud case, and federal officials are set to announce a major fraud action Thursday.

Prediction Markets Clash: The CFTC has sued to block Minnesota’s new ban on prediction markets, arguing federal rules cover the contracts while the state says the platforms cause public harm—so the fight is now headed to court. NFL Spotlight: Minneapolis just landed the 2028 NFL Draft, with the league also approving Nashville for the 2030 Super Bowl. Pro Football Hiring Case: Brian Flores’ lawyers have subpoenaed 25 NFL teams as his discrimination lawsuit expands beyond the original defendants. Minnesota Sports Update: The Twins fell 2-1 to the Astros despite Byron Buxton’s return, while the Wolves and Wild are already out of the postseason. Local Entertainment & Food: Goodman Theatre announced its 2026-27 lineup, and Kwik Trip won an international food-safety award. Community Good News: Expo 2031 Minnesota unveiled Wiggli, its scout bee mascot, for World Bee Day.

PWHL Expansion: The league’s growth hits a new milestone as San Jose is officially added as the PWHL’s 12th team for 2026-27, set to play at SAP Center—another big step in a league that’s doubled in size since 2023. Minnesota Sports Buzz: AEW is teaming up with the Minnesota Twins for “Brawl in the Ballpark,” a free postgame wrestling event at Target Field on July 10. NHL Playoff Focus: The Golden Knights open the Western Conference Final against the Avalanche in Denver, with Colorado coming off a sweep of the Wild and Vegas pushing through two tough rounds. Court & Community: The Minnesota Supreme Court visited Red Wing for oral arguments tied to Second Amendment and mental health issues, with students hosting the justices in a very school-spirited day. Local Loss: “Patriotic Kenny,” a Minnesota Navy vet and TikTok star known for helping other veterans, has died at 84. Prediction Markets Clash: The CFTC sues to block Minnesota’s new prediction market ban, setting up a major legal fight over who gets to regulate the fast-growing industry.

WNBA Shock: Chicago Sky’s Rickea Jackson is done for the season after tearing her ACL in Sunday’s win over Minnesota, a brutal hit just as the team was starting to click. PWHL Expansion: The PWHL officially adds San Jose as its 12th team for 2026-27, playing at SAP Center and completing a rapid growth sprint that’s now doubled the league since 2023. NFL Big Moves: The NFL voted to bring the 2030 Super Bowl to Nashville, and Minnesota is set to host the 2028 NFL Draft—another major spotlight for Twin Cities sports tourism. NBA Drama: Western Conference Finals kicked off with a double-OT Spurs win over the Thunder, and Minnesota’s Timberwolves season review is already landing as a story of inconsistency and missed chemistry. Minnesota Law & Gambling: Gov. Tim Walz signed the nation’s first ban on prediction markets, targeting sites like Kalshi and Polymarket.

NBA Playoffs: The Western Conference finals kick off Monday with the Thunder hosting the Spurs—and it’s already a storyline: San Antonio point guard De’Aaron Fox is ruled out of Game 1 with a sprained right ankle. Sports Business: Atlanta just got named the No. 1 sports-business city in the U.S., with Minneapolis-St. Paul also landing in the top five. Local Sports & Community: Duluth East dedicated a Fond du Lac Band flag to honor Indigenous students, while Rochester’s Soldiers Field Memorial Park won a state parks award after a $23.5M upgrade. Minnesota Courts: The Minnesota Court of Appeals says Albert Lea wrongly denied a cannabis license to a microbusiness applicant. Entertainment & Music: Green Bay punk-rock band Holly and the Nice Lions talked collaboration and going independent in a new feature. WWE: Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu are set for “Tribal Combat” at Clash in Italy, and Brock Lesnar returned to set up a rematch.

Sports Losses & Big Names: Sherman Lewis, the former Packers offensive coordinator who helped Green Bay reach two Super Bowls in the 1990s, has died at 83. NBA Buzz: With the conference finals set, the league is still talking about a major scoring dip in the playoffs—and Spurs vs. Thunder is already being billed as “the Finals.” Local Pro Sports: The Twins open a series with the Astros in Minneapolis, but Houston’s injury list is growing again—Jose Altuve is out with an oblique strain. Minnesota Music & Events: Prince’s bands are reuniting for a star-studded 10-year Celebration of Life in Minneapolis, and Mom Jeans just announced a Fall 2026 headline tour that includes a Minneapolis stop. Community Spotlight: Rushford is reopening its historic depot June 9, and Preston’s new “Trout Route” is turning a steep hill into a downtown walking path.

Minnesota Legislature Deadline Drama: With midnight looming, lawmakers are still debating major end-of-session deals—especially the Hennepin County Medical Center rescue, plus property tax relief, bonding, and car tab fee reductions—while leaders and Gov. Tim Walz try to settle the last sticking points. Wildfire Watch: Northern Minnesota crews are battling multiple fires; the Flanders Fire near Crosslake has grown to about 1,666 acres and is now 20% contained, with evacuations and road closures still in play. Twins vs. Brewers: Ryan Jeffers’ tiebreaking homer helped the Twins beat the Brewers 5-4 to avoid the sweep. NBA Spotlight: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander repeats as NBA MVP as the Thunder set up a Western Conference Finals showdown with the Spurs. Entertainment Buzz: Bob Odenkirk is gearing up for more viewings of “Normal,” a darkly funny, action-leaning new film set in a very weird Minnesota town.

Minnesota Politics & Public Safety: The Minnesota House passed a child social media regulation bill, while a gun reform fight is spilling into public view after House Speaker Lisa Demuth’s daughter called out her mom’s handling of the vote. NBA: The Timberwolves’ season ended with a brutal 139-109 Game 6 loss to the Spurs, and the fallout is loud—Rudy Gobert is getting roasted, and Anthony Edwards is facing criticism for shaking hands with the Spurs with the game still going. Brewers vs. Twins: Milwaukee keeps rolling with young arms—Robert Gasser is set for the Sunday finale as the Brewers chase a sweep. WNBA: The Lynx host the Sky at Target Center Sunday night, with Skylar Diggins and Courtney Williams headlining. Music & Film: The official Paul Di’Anno documentary lands in North America this June, and Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera says a long-ago studio attempt likely won’t ever be released. Sports Rowing: Gophers rowing closed the B1G Championships with an eighth-place team finish and multiple individual honors.