>>Minnesota Reaches Settlement with CVS Over False Medicaid Claims
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota along with 36 other states and the federal government have reached a settlement with CVS Pharmacy, Inc. that resolves allegations that the national pharmacy chain submitted false Medicaid claims related to insulin pens. The national settlement is $36.5 million dollars. Attorney General Keith Ellison says Minnesota will receive $850,000 including more than $400,000 in restitution to Minnesota’s Medical Assistance Program, which is the state’s Medicaid program.
>>Lawsuit Accuses Target of Failing to Warn Families Before Infant’s Death
(Minneapolis, MN) – Minneapolis-based Target is being sued over the death of a Wisconsin baby whose family says the retailer failed to warn customers about a hazardous toy. The lawsuit claims 10-month-old Esther Jo Bethard died after swallowing a water bead from a Chuckle & Roar activity kit sold exclusively at Target. Attorneys say the company removed the toy from store shelves after earlier incidents involving other children but did not alert previous buyers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission later recalled more than 52,000 of the kits because of choking and obstruction risks. Target says it won’t comment because the lawsuit is pending.
>>71 Cats Rescued from Sibley County Property
(Golden Valley, MN) – The Animal Humane Society announced it is now taking care of 71 cats after they were rescued Tuesday from a property in Sibley County. The AHS says the cats were discovered in severely unsanitary living conditions that included dangerously high ammonia levels, no access to water, and the cats were living among piles of trash, carpets filled with feces and crumbling walls. The AHS says the cats are skinny, hungry and suffering from respiratory infections and open wounds. Dr. Sara Lewis, Vice President of Veterinary Medicine, tells MNN that all the cats are recovering and getting the medical attention they need along with food and water.
>>GOP Leaders Respond to Election Audit
(St. Paul, MN) – One day after the Office of Legislative Auditor gave high marks to the Voter Registration System in Minnesota, Republican leaders are speaking out. Wednesday, the audit showed Minnesota voter rolls had a 99.9 percent accuracy rate when it comes to verifying voters. Republicans on the committee pointed out that still leaves 3,800 voters unverified. Thursday, House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and House Floor Leader Harry Niska (R-Ramsey) released a statement saying, “This voter registration audit exposes major loopholes in our system including thousands of votes that were allowed to register and cast a ballot on Election Day but couldn’t be verified as legal voters.” They added these are “major problems that need to be addressed.” Minnesota has 3.8 million registered voters.
Minnesota State Fair Unveils 36 New Foods for 2026
(St. Paul, MN) — Get ready to loosen your belt. The Minnesota State Fair has announced 36 official new foods and nine new food vendors for this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together. New creations include Pickle Pie, a Surf ‘N’ Turf Burger topped with lobster, a Hmong Corndog, Longanisa Cheese Curd Lumpia, and a Butter Brew Mustache Pretzel. Fairgoers will have nearly 1,600 menu items to choose from at almost 300 food stands across the fairgrounds. The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs August 27th through Labor Day, September 7th.
>>Gas Prices Jump in Minnesota
(St. Louis Park, MN) – If you’re heading to the cabin this weekend, you’ll probably notice higher prices for gas. Triple A (AAA) reports the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded is now $3.68 across Minnesota. That is about five cents higher than Wednesday. Minnesotans are still paying cheaper prices than a month ago when the average was $3.95 a gallon. You’ll currently pay a little more in the Twin Cities metro where the average right now stands at $3.72 a gallon.
>>Wolf River Electric Honored for Supporting Minnesota’s Military Community
(Isanti, MN) — Wolf River Electric will be recognized Friday as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company for its commitment to supporting Minnesota’s military community. The Isanti-based solar company goes beyond state requirements by providing pay differentials for activated Reservists, expanded leave for military-connected employees, and partnering with the Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon network. Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General Major General Shawn Manke says partnerships like this help service members and their families access resources while allowing the Guard to stay focused on its mission. Wolf River Electric becomes one of 89 active corporate partners in Minnesota’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program.
