>>Ellison Sues Trump Administration over AmeriCorps Decision
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is joining 22 other states by filing a lawsuit challenging the White House Office of Management and Budget’s attempt to eliminate AmeriCorps services. The lawsuit claims the OMB withheld tens of millions of dollars in funding for critical service programs. The legal fight has already secured a court order to reinstate hundreds of programs that were unlawfully canceled, but this lawsuit alleges that OMB is still withholding the funding. AmeriCorps has more than 14,000 volunteers and members in the state of Minnesota.
>>Walz Administration Under Fire Amid New Federal Fraud Probe
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz’s administration is once again under scrutiny as federal authorities investigate alleged fraud within another state-run program. FBI agents recently raided five housing service providers as part of a probe into a suspected scheme targeting Minnesota’s Stabilization Services program, which uses Medicaid funds to help secure housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Republicans argue the Walz administration has failed to implement adequate safeguards to prevent the misuse of public funds.
>>Thompson Sentenced to Nearly 59 Years for Deadly Crash
(Minneapolis) – Derrick Thompson was sentenced to nearly 59 years in prison for causing an accident that killed five young women in 2023. The 29-year-old Thompson was convicted of five counts of third-degree murder and 10 counts of criminal vehicular homicide. The five women, ranging in age from 17 to 20, were together preparing for a friend’s wedding. Law enforcement reported that Thompson exceeded speeds of 100 miles per hour while driving erratically on I-35. He then exited and crashed into the woman’s car on East Lake Street. He will be given credit for the two years already spent behind bars.
>>UnitedHealth Group Now Cooperating in Federal Medicare Probe
(Eden Prairie, MN) — UnitedHealth Group says it’s now cooperating with a federal investigation into its Medicare Advantage business, reversing its earlier stance that called the probe “irresponsible.” The U.S. Justice Department is examining whether the company used Medicare diagnosis data to inflate payments by billions. UnitedHealth is also still defending itself against a whistleblower lawsuit filed in 2011 that makes similar allegations.
>>Heavy Rainfall Wednesday in Northern and Central Minnesota
(Duluth, MN) — Parts of central and northern Minnesota are soaked from heavy rainfall during Wednesday’s thunderstorms. Marble in Itasca County received 4.95 inches, while Avon in Stearns County had 4.6 inches. Three to four inches of rain led to street flooding in Albany. Hibbing reported 3.9 inches, Pine City and Ely received 3.7 inches, Walker had 2.6 inches, and Carlton County saw about two inches. There was also flash flooding south of Mankato in Blue Earth County, and a trained spotter reported a funnel cloud near Janesville in Waseca County.
>>DNR Seeks Public Input on Keystone Woods WMA Environmental Assessment
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota DNR has opened a 30-day public comment period on an environmental assessment for the Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area. The review, required under the National Environmental Policy Act, evaluates the impact of applying the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The proposed change stems from the transfer of land at the former Upper Sioux Agency State Park to the Upper Sioux Community. Since that land no longer supports public recreation, the LWCF encumbrance must be relocated to land of equal or greater value that will be preserved for public outdoor use.
>>Two People Charged in Deadly Street Racing Incident
(Hastings, MN) – Two people are charged for their roles in a street racing incident that caused a deadly crash in Eagan. The Dakota County Attorney says 24-year-old Melody Little of West St. Paul and Jordan Weiland of White Bear Lake were charged with two counts of third-degree murder and two counts of vehicular homicide. Court documents say three vehicles were involved in the crash after racing at speeds of 110 miles per hour. 19-year-old Reed Schultz and his passenger, 18-year-old Finnian Cronin, died as a result of their injuries in the crash. The incident happened on June 14.
>>Kandiyohi County Judge Accused of Misconduct and Retaliation
(Willmar, MN) — A complaint filed with the Minnesota Supreme Court accuses Kandiyohi County Judge Jennifer Fischer of misconduct and retaliation. It alleges Fischer violated a 2023 disciplinary agreement by retaliating against colleagues and attorneys who had cooperated in a prior investigation. She has also been accused of filing baseless complaints, making inappropriate statements about other judges, and exhibiting erratic behavior in the courtroom. Fischer denies wrongdoing and claims the case is retaliation for whistleblowing and past medical leave.
>>Rochester Sports Foundation Leader Ed to Retire
(Rochester, MN) — Ed Hruska(Ruska) is stepping down as head of the Rochester Sports Foundation, capping off years of leadership in the city’s amateur sports community. Since 2019, he’s played a key role in advancing local sports initiatives. Under his guidance, Rochester earned National Sports Commission of the Year honors in 2010 and 2015. Hruska plans to enjoy retirement in Lake City.
