>>Governor Walz Reacts to Federal Fraud Raids Across Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is voicing support for a series of federal fraud raids carried out across the state today (TUE). Walz said the searches stem from state agencies identifying suspicious activity and reporting it to federal authorities, calling it an example of the system working as intended. He added that agencies will continue pursuing fraud cases “as long as there are bad actors to hold accountable.” Meanwhile, Minnesota Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson criticized the administration, saying Walz’s tenure has been marked by fraud issues. Johnson pointed to the rise in reported childcare fraud cases since 2019 and argued that Minnesota continues to face widespread systemic abuse.
>>Minnesota Senate to Vote on Gun Violence Prevention Package
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Senate is set to vote tomorrow (Wed) on whether to advance a standalone gun violence prevention package to the floor, setting up another high-profile debate over public safety at the Capitol. The legislation, authored by Minneapolis DFL Senator Zaynab Mohamed, would ban the possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines. Supporters say the proposal is part of a broader effort to reduce gun violence and improve safety in communities and schools. Mohamed says lawmakers should not have to choose between different prevention strategies. However, the proposal is drawing strong opposition from Republicans. Senator Rich Draheim of Madison Lake says he’s heard from a large number of constituents urging him to vote against the bill. The vote comes as lawmakers continue to grapple with how best to address gun violence, an issue that remains sharply divided along political lines at the State Capitol.
>>Congresswoman Craig Criticizing Skinny Farm Bill
(Washington, D.C.) — Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig is pushing back against the so-called “skinny” farm bill being considered in the U.S. House. The Democrat says the measure fails to lower input costs, expand markets, or provide direct farm aid, arguing lawmakers should instead be debating a bipartisan five-year farm bill. Craig also warned tariffs and trade disputes are hurting farmers, pointing to a sharp rise in farm bankruptcies and thousands of farms lost last year. She says producers need immediate economic relief and lower costs to stay afloat. House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “G.T.” Thompson disagrees, saying the bill has broad support and will benefit rural America.
>>Jury finds Minnesota Man Liable for Submitting False Food Claims
(St. Paul, MN) — A Minnesota man has been found liable for defrauding the state out of nearly $200,000 in a civil case brought by the Attorney General’s Office. Keith Ellison announced that Emadeldin Ibrahim was found guilty of violating the Minnesota False Claims Act after submitting more than 90,000 fraudulent reimbursement claims through the Child and Adult Care Food Program in 2021. Prosecutors say Ibrahim falsely claimed ties to the Sudanese American Community Association of Minnesota to access the program and bill for meals that were never delivered. The scheme was uncovered after the organization and Wells Fargo flagged suspicious deposits. Under state law, the roughly $188,000 in damages will be tripled as the case moves toward final judgment.
>>Honoring Minnesotans who Lost Their Life on the Job
(St. Paul, MN) — Workers, families, and state leaders gathered in St. Paul today (Tues) to honor Minnesotans who lost their lives on the job as part of Workers Memorial Day. Governor Tim Walz emphasized the importance of work zone safety, pointing to dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries in recent years, and urging all Minnesotans to help ensure workers make it home safely. State officials say the day serves as both a remembrance and a call to action. Labor Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach noted that behind every statistic is a worker, a family, and a community forever changed by loss. Leaders are urging people to stay alert, report hazards, and prioritize safety on every job site to help prevent future tragedies.
>>Gopher 5 Ticket Sold in Coon Rapids Wins $968K Jackpot
(Roseville, MN) — Someone who purchased a Gopher 5 ticket for Monday night’s drawing is a jackpot winner. The Minnesota State Lottery says the ticket sold at a Kwik Trip in Coon Rapids won 968 thousand dollars. The numbers are 16, 18, 32, 38 and 43. Prizes more than 50 thousand dollars must be claimed at State Lottery headquarters in Roseville. The Gopher 5 jackpot goes back to 100 thousand dollars for Wednesday’s drawing.
