AGP Executive Report

Road & Travel Prep: MnDOT is starting summer work on I-94 with single-lane, head-to-head traffic on two eastbound bridges (east of Hwy 71 near Sauk Centre and east of Hwy 13 near Melrose), plus a reminder to slow down and use the zipper merge. Outdoor Safety: The DNR is pushing BearWise basics for hikers and campers as Memorial Day kicks off peak recreation. Health Watch: Minnesota officials are warning pet owners about tick risks, including a new tick test that could make tick season less stressful, and there’s fresh attention on tick-borne threats like Bobcat Fever. Community & Events: Duluth-area lawmakers tout major bonding wins, while Duluth’s Fourthfest is gearing up to be the biggest Upper Midwest fireworks party for America’s 250th. Local Notes: A public hearing is set June 8 in Farwell on vacation of portions of South Street and Leroy Avenue. Sports Buzz: The NBA conference finals are set—Knicks vs. Cavaliers and Thunder vs. Spurs—bringing playoff energy to the weekend.

Federal Fraud Crackdown: A Minnesota judge sentenced Feeding Our Future boss Aimee Bock to nearly 42 years for a massive pandemic relief fraud, while federal officials simultaneously announced new charges tied to about $90 million in alleged Medicaid fraud across seven programs. Public Safety & Travel Costs: Memorial Day traffic is already a headache, with AAA putting Minnesota gas at about $4.38 a gallon and boaters reporting even steeper pain at the pump. Local Water & Community Wins: Hastings secured $17.5 million in state bonding to build its Eastern Water Treatment Plant to tackle PFAS “forever chemicals.” Health & Outdoors: Tick season is ramping up, and a new at-home Lyme test is getting attention for faster results after a tick bite. Sports Buzz: The NBA conference finals are set—Knicks vs. Cavaliers and Thunder vs. Spurs—bringing fresh spotlight to Minnesota’s own Karl-Anthony Towns storylines.

Memorial Day travel pressure: AAA is projecting record Memorial Day traffic in Minnesota, with the worst driving stretches flagged for Thu May 21 (12–9 p.m.), Fri May 22 (11 a.m.–8 p.m.), and Mon May 25 (12–5 p.m.), plus higher gas costs adding to the squeeze. Roadside reality checks: Construction and lane closures are already starting to hit holiday plans, including planned work affecting traffic around busy Minnesota Avenue corridors. Local public safety: An ICE agent charged in Minnesota with assault will surrender to state authorities, while other Minnesota-area legal cases continue to move through the system. Tourism-adjacent buzz: Kwik Trip is rolling out AI-powered personalized loyalty, and the chain is again topping national “best gas station food” lists—good news for road-trippers looking for quick, reliable stops. Wildfire watch: Crews continue working wildfire hot spots in the region, with investigators tracking origins and next steps.

Local Author Spotlight: New Ulm’s Rhonda Buerkle has finished her five-book “Woofy Toofy” children’s series, with the final title set for release this summer—stories drawn from her daughter’s real-life adventures with a stuffed wolf. Scenic Road Trip Win: The Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana) just earned USA TODAY 10Best’s Best Scenic Drive in America for 2026, a big boost for slow-travel tourism through small towns. Severe Weather Watch: The NWS reports North Iowa tornadoes brought up to 110 mph winds Sunday evening, with additional storm damage still being tracked. Memorial Day Travel Safety: Southeast Minnesota campers are getting a black bear warning near Kruger Campground Park—secure food, keep distance, and don’t run. Road-Trip Disruption: In La Crescent, planned power outages will shut down a major traffic signal Thursday (9 a.m.–3 p.m.), so expect delays at the Hwy 61/16 and S. Third St intersection. Community & Education: Park Rapids School District is partnering with the chamber on a destination-style marketing push to boost visibility and enrollment.

Airport & Travel Updates: MSP is shutting down a bar/restaurant as it prepares a major concession overhaul, while American Airlines adds a new Milwaukee–Boston nonstop timed for the Packers’ Nov. 8 game. Big Event Tourism: The NFL officially confirms the 2028 NFL Draft will be held downtown Minneapolis around U.S. Bank Stadium. Local Visitor Moments: Chetek’s Veterans Memorial just added two life-size bronze statues for Memorial Day. Safety on the Road: MnDOT is urging extra caution for cyclists as summer riding ramps up. Legal/Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court says federal trucking rules don’t block state negligence claims against freight brokers—an Eden Prairie case is at the center. Immigration Enforcement: Hennepin County charged an ICE agent in a January Minneapolis shooting, and the case could move to federal court. Expo 2031 Buzz: World Bee Day brought Wiggli, the expo’s scout bee mascot, plus a new Global Pollinator Network.

Wildfire Relief in the North Shore: Stewart Trail Fire is now 100% contained and Highway 61 has reopened; evacuations are lifted as crews keep watch for hotspots near Two Harbors. Tourism Win for Door County: Door County motels swept USA TODAY 10Best—Square Rigger Lodge and Fresh Coast Motel took top roadside spots, while the Door County Coastal Byway landed in the scenic-drive top 10. Big Sports Spotlight for Minnesota: The NFL officially awarded the 2028 Draft to downtown Minneapolis, with activations anchored around U.S. Bank Stadium and major fan events expected. Duluth Gets Homelessness Boost: Minnesota’s bonding bill sends nearly $25M to Duluth, including $8.85M for a new Union Gospel Mission building and 24/7 Mission Engagement Center. Outdoors Safety Reminder: Two Boundary Waters campers were rescued by air after getting stranded in rapids—another reminder to plan ahead and be ready to call 911. Road & Community Updates: MnDOT is finalizing Highway 33 reconstruction plans for 2028, and Minnesota State Patrol reported rescues of stranded campers in the Boundary Waters.

PWHL Expansion: The Professional Women’s Hockey League wrapped up its big four-team growth run with San Jose landing as the league’s 12th team for 2026-27, playing at SAP Center and adding another Pacific Coast stop to cut travel strain. NFL Draft Buzz: Minnesota is set to host the 2028 NFL Draft in downtown Minneapolis, with U.S. Bank Stadium as the anchor—another major tourism magnet for the Twin Cities. Tick Season Alert: Tick bites are sending more Minnesotans to ERs this year, with CDC reporting surges across the Northeast and Midwest—good timing for visitors planning hikes and lake days. Wildfire Updates: The Flanders Fire is at about 60% containment as crews keep securing lines, while the Stewart Trail Fire response continues on the North Shore. Local Life & Safety: A Sauk Rapids woman died after a motorcycle-minivan crash, and a Sherburne County crash left a woman critically hurt. Family Fun: Summer reading loss is the focus of a new parent guide—simple ways to keep kids reading while vacations roll in.

Wildfire Response: Gov. Tim Walz visited Two Harbors to assess the Stewart Trail Fire, now 62% contained but still tied to evacuations and Highway 61 closures; crews are also battling the Flanders Fire (over 1,600 acres) as Walz keeps Minnesota National Guard support in place. Public Safety & Travel: With Memorial Day travel ramping up, airports are warning travelers to arrive early, while road projects and closures continue to shape summer driving plans. Legal Fallout: Minnesota prosecutors charged ICE agent Christian Castro over a January shooting of a Venezuelan man, alleging he fired through a Minneapolis home door and lied about the incident—setting up a high-stakes fight over accountability. Local Community & Culture: Westbrook-Walnut Grove Elementary is marching in a U.S. 250th anniversary parade in Walnut Grove, and Te Tuhi opened six new exhibitions across photography, film, sound, and installation. Sports Tourism Buzz: The Vikings’ bid to host the 2028 NFL Draft is expected to be decided soon, with U.S. Bank Stadium in the spotlight.

ICE Case in Minneapolis: Hennepin County prosecutors charged ICE agent Christian J. Castro with assault and falsely reporting a crime after a January shooting that injured a man at a north Minneapolis home; prosecutors say video contradicts his claim that he was attacked before firing. Tick Season Health Watch: Ohio is seeing a sharp Lyme surge as tick activity ramps up, with record ER visits for tick bites—another reminder to check for ticks after outdoor time. Family Fun in St. Paul: Como Zoo’s new baby sloth is now out for guests to see, adding a fresh reason to plan a Twin Cities stop. Road-Trip Safety: A study warns Memorial Day cabin travel from the Twin Cities to Ely could be far riskier, with higher crash risk tied to traffic and rural roads. Wildfire Updates (North Shore): The Stewart Trail Fire is about 62% contained, while the Flanders Fire remains active near Crosby. Tourism-Friendly News: Preston’s “Trout Route” is rolling out to guide visitors from trailheads to downtown. Local Driving Law: Minnesota’s school-bus rule now requires stopping when red lights flash—no more waiting for the stop arm.

Wildfire Emergency: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard as major fires threaten communities, including the Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County (about 1,200 acres, 0% contained) and another blaze near Two Harbors (over 350 acres, 30% contained), with evacuations underway. North Shore Travel Disruptions: The Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors has destroyed 34 structures and is still driving safety restrictions and closures around Highway 61. Tourism Season Spotlight: Fort William Historical Park has opened for the summer in Thunder Bay, bringing back fur-trade history with guided tours, costumed interpreters, farm animals, and campground stays. Road & Accessibility Updates: MnDOT is seeking public input on Highway 52 accessibility fixes in Rochester, and the Adrian I-90 safety rest area will close May 18–22 for repairs. Outdoors Watch: Tick activity is rising, with ER visits for tick bites at the highest level for this time of year since 2017.

Wildfire Emergency: Gov. Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard and declared a peacetime emergency as major fires threaten communities, including the Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors (now 30% contained at 355 acres, with 34 structures destroyed) and the fast-growing Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County (0% contained early Sunday, about 1,200 acres). North Shore Disruptions: Highway 61 closures and evacuation readiness are in place around the Two Harbors area, with crews and aircraft working through heavy smoke and red-flag conditions. Public Input, Rochester: MnDOT is asking Rochester residents to flag Highway 52 accessibility fixes from 75th Street to the Mayowood Road Bridge. Health Watch: Tick bites are driving ER visits to their highest levels for this time of year since 2017—experts urge extra caution outdoors. Northern Lights Buzz: A geomagnetic storm could push aurora visibility as far south as Minnesota this weekend.

Wildfire Emergency: The Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors has surged to about 376 acres with 0% containment, forcing Highway 61 closures and evacuations along the North Shore; crews are building containment lines and using aircraft as smoke and firefighting resources disrupt travel. Community Spotlight: Ely’s Peggy Stolley was named a runner-up for the Minnesota Touchstone Energy Cooperative Heroes Award for launching free dental hygiene and referral support for the Ely Community Health Center. Patriot Tour: The 17th annual Nation of Patriots Tour kicked off from Albert Lea, with more than 100 riders traveling to raise support for disabled veterans and their families. Road & Safety: A Duluth passenger died in a one-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 2 after a Jeep hit a power pole; authorities are investigating. Tourism Angle: With the North Shore road impacts, travelers may want to plan detours and check closures before heading up.

Road & Safety Updates: A fatal crash shut down Highway 2 near Culver Township after a Jeep hit a power pole; the passenger died and the driver was suspected of DWI. Travel Planning: MnDOT warns of overnight Highway 52 lane closures in Rochester for bridge cleaning (8 p.m.–6:30 a.m., May 17–20), with brief delays and some ramp closures. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasts aurora potential for Minnesota and nearby states this Saturday night into Sunday, with best viewing away from city lights. Tourism Ideas: Minnesotans looking for easy EV trips can hit the North Shore, Great River Road, or the Lakes on a single charge—plus a spotlight on a central Minnesota charging stop. Local Culture & Community: Rochester-area visitors get more to do with a fresh community calendar, while New Ulm’s CVB rolls out a new visitor landing page to help travelers plan lodging, dining, attractions, and events. Sports Spotlight: The Packers’ 2026 slate includes a rare Thanksgiving Eve game in Los Angeles and a “mini-bye” rhythm that could shape fan road-trip plans.

Wildfire Disrupts North Shore Travel: Crews are battling fast-moving flames near Two Harbors and Gilbert, with Highway 61 closed and multiple structures reported damaged; officials say the Two Harbors-area fire is 0% contained and evacuations are underway, so travelers should avoid the corridor. Tourism Marketing Boost: New Ulm’s Chamber/CVB rolled out a new visitor landing page (newulm.com/welcome) with trip-planning tools, event calendars, and QR-code support for lodging, dining, and attractions. Women’s Hockey Expansion: The PWHL is adding San Jose as its 12th team, expanding the league’s West footprint and signaling more pro-hockey travel interest across regions. Aviation Pathways: Fairmont High School seniors are continuing into aviation after a Principles of Flight program that includes simulators, drones, and real flight experience. Local Safety Reminder: A crash south of Litchfield is under investigation with alcohol suspected, underscoring road-safety stakes for summer travel.

NFL Schedule Buzz: The 2026 slate is out, and Minnesota fans get plenty to circle—Vikings open at home vs. Green Bay (Sept. 13), then hit Chicago in Week 2 (Sept. 20), with a Miami visit in Week 4 (Oct. 4) and a Mexico City international game on the horizon. Road-Trip & Family Fun: Otter Tail County is rolling out “Giants of Otter Tail County,” a drivable summer scavenger-style route built around oversized roadside sculptures. Local Travel Notes: MnDOT says the Lowry Hill Tunnel will close overnight Monday for seasonal cleaning and guardrail repairs, with detours on I-94. Health Watch: A hantavirus scare linked to a cruise ship is still unfolding, with a U.S. citizen quarantined on the Pitcairn Islands after exposure. Outdoor Curiosity: Minnesota’s “boiling spring” near Savage is getting fresh attention—another reason to explore beyond the usual.

Northern Lights Alert: NOAA says a G1 geomagnetic storm could bring aurora to Minnesota and nearby states Friday night into Saturday, with the new moon Saturday helping faint displays show up. NFL Schedule Buzz: The league’s full 2026 slate is out, and Minnesota fans get a big storyline fast—Vikings open at home vs. Green Bay, then hit a major late-season moment in Mexico City against the 49ers. Holiday Football: The NFL leans hard into seasonal matchups, with multiple Christmas and holiday games highlighted across teams’ schedules. Local Travel & Food: New Ulm’s Hy-Vee parking lot is hosting “fair food” early, with trucks serving curds, corn dogs, and more through Sunday. Sports Beyond Football: The PWHL championship final stays dramatic—Montreal’s Victoire edged Ottawa in overtime, setting up Game 2 Saturday.