>>Meta Nationwide Settlement
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is set to receive at least $214 million under a nationwide settlement with Meta over allegations its social media platforms harmed young users. Attorney General Keith Ellison says Minnesota could receive up to $307 million. The agreement, which still needs court approval, requires new safeguards for teens on Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits, overnight restrictions, reduced notifications during school hours and stronger parental controls. The nationwide settlement could be worth up to $17.1 billion.
>>OIG Advisory Commission Holds First Meeting
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota took its next step in creating the Office of Inspector General during a meeting this morning at the State Capitol. The Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission (LIGAC) is comprised of eight state lawmakers from both parties and the House and Senate. The commission is responsible for setting up the state’s new OIG, laying out screening and hiring processes and eventually making appointment recommendations to the next governor. The OIG will be an independent watchdog investigating claims of fraud and misuse of taxpayer money. The Commission must make its recommendations of candidates by January 1st, 2027. The governor’s choice will then require approval from three-fifths of the Minnesota Senate. Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL- Vadnais Heights) was elected as the chair of the commission.
>>Wildfire Update
(Duluth, MN) — More of the Boundary Waters is reopening as crews continue making progress on northeastern Minnesota wildfires. The Superior National Forest says two additional BWCAW entry points along the Echo Trail have reopened, and fire restrictions have been lifted across the forest. The July Lightning fires have burned more than 76,000 acres. The Camp Fire is now 97 percent contained, the Sioux Fire 79 percent, the Bear Trap Fire 65 percent and the Thumb Fire 58 percent contained. Nearly 500 personnel remain assigned to the fires.
>>Minnesota School Funding Still Below 2003 Levels, New Report Finds
(Undated) – A new report from North Star Policy Action says Minnesota public school districts are still receiving less state aid per student than they did more than two decades ago. The analysis finds districts received nearly 9% less per-pupil state funding in 2025 than in 2003, despite gains made through a 2023 school finance law. Researchers say property taxes have increasingly filled the gap, rising 163% statewide since 2003. The report also projects nearly 90% of districts will lose state aid between 2025 and 2027. An interactive dashboard tracking district-by-district funding is now available online.
>>Bidding Opens Friday for Minnesota DNR Confiscated Equipment Auction
(Undated) – The Minnesota DNR is reminding bargain hunters that bidding begins Friday for its first online confiscated equipment auction of the year. The auction features items seized through DNR enforcement actions, with the bidding catalog and photos available beginning Thursday at HillerAuction.com. Online bidding opens August 28 and the auction starts closing August 31. Interested buyers can inspect items in person at Hiller Auction Service in Zimmerman. Anyone purchasing a firearm must pass a federal background check before taking possession. The DNR’s second online auction is scheduled for late September.
>>Central Minnesota Celebrates Dolly Parton Imagination Library Impact
(Undated) – One of Dolly Parton’s most enduring legacies continues to make a difference in Central Minnesota. The United Way of Central Minnesota has administered the Dolly Parton Imagination Library locally since 2005, helping deliver more than 1.7 million books to young children. Nearly 6,900 children are currently enrolled in the program, receiving a free book every month from birth through age five. The Central Minnesota United Way operates the largest Imagination Library program in Minnesota. Following Parton’s recent request, fans are being encouraged to support the program with donations in lieu of flowers. More information is available through the United Way of Central Minnesota.
>>AAA Urges Minnesota Dog Owners to Buckle Up Their Pets
(Undated) – A new AAA survey finds nearly half of Minnesota dog owners allow their pets to ride unrestrained in vehicles, despite recognizing the safety risks. The survey shows 45 percent of Minnesotans own a dog, and nearly one in four takes their pet along in the car every week. AAA says loose pets can become dangerous projectiles in a crash and can distract drivers by barking, climbing around the vehicle, or jumping into the front seat. The organization recommends using a properly fitted pet restraint, carrier, or crate to help keep everyone in the vehicle safe.
>>Former Cemetery President Accused of Embezzling Thousands from Nonprofit
(St. Cloud, MN) – The former president of the nonprofit that operates St. Cloud’s historic North Star Cemetery is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the organization. 63-year-old Roger Robinson faces a felony theft-by-swindle charge in Stearns County. Court documents allege Robinson diverted cemetery funds for personal use, including money from bank accounts, customer payments, and certificates of deposit. A separate civil lawsuit claims the total loss exceeds $350,000. Robinson has denied the allegations in the civil case through his attorney. The criminal investigation remains ongoing.
