>>Department of Justice Charges 15 People for Actions During Minnesota Immigration Crackdown
(Washington, D.C.) – The Department of Justice has announced charges against 15 people who it says impeded agents during the Minnesota federal immigration crackdown. The protesters face a series of charges including conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers, assault, and destruction of government property. The announcement was made by the Department of Justice and Homeland Security. The charges stem from demonstrations in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge. Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said 12 have been arrested during an operation this morning, one was already in custody and two remain at large. Rosen said the defendants belong to two “Minneapolis-based antifa groups”.
>>Governor Walz Speaks at Global Climate Change Conference in Austria
(Vienna, Austria) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is speaking at a global climate change conference in Vienna, Austria. The governor was an invited guest of former actor and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Austrian World Summit. Walz was asked about the importance of fresh water and Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes. He replied, “We have 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. Lake Superior contains so much of that all those things are at threat if we don’t address them.” Walz also said Minnesota is about five years ahead of its original goal of 2040 when it comes relying on renewable energy sources.
>>Olivia Man Escapes Serious Injury After Sprayer Hits Power Line
(Olivia, MN) — An Olivia man escaped serious injury after the field sprayer he was operating came into contact with a power line, sparking a fire that destroyed the tractor. The Renville County Sheriff’s Office says emergency crews were called just before 1:50 p.m. Monday to a field two miles north of Olivia. Investigators say 59-year-old Michael O’Halloran was driving the tractor and sprayer when the spray boom touched an energized power line. O’Halloran suffered an electrical shock but was able to get out of the cab before the flames spread. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
>>U of M Medical Team Awarded $2 Million Grant for Eye Research
(Minneapolis) – A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has been awarded a four-year, $2.2 million grant from the National Eye Institute to better understand causes of retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and develop new treatments that could benefit patients. Doctors will study an important protein that resides outside of cells that can cause a number of blinding eye diseases. During this project, the research team will also test FDA-approved drugs aimed at reducing AMD symptoms.
>>Grants available to help landowners reforest properties
(Undated) – Minnesota landowners can now get help turning old farmland back into forest. The Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for its “Field to Forest” cost-share program, offering up to 75% reimbursement for tree planting. Landowners need at least three acres and must plant a mix of tree species. The program is part of a broader goal to replant one million acres statewide by 2027. Officials say restoring forests improves water quality, boosts wildlife habitat, and helps protect against drought and flooding. In some cases, landowners can also receive an additional $500 per acre after planting is complete. Find details at the Minnesota DNR website.
