>>Medicaid Fraud Fighting Bill Headed to Senate Floor
(St. Paul, MN) – A bill that gives the Attorney General’s office more power in the fight against fraud has advanced to the Senate floor. The bill passed out of the Senate Finance Committee and expands Attorney General Keith Ellison’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The bill adds 18 new members to the unit including investigators and prosecutors. It also gives this unit new investigative authority and strengthens Medicaid fraud laws. A similar bill has one more committee stop in the House.
>>HOA Bill Passes Minnesota House
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota House has passed legislation that creates a Homeowners Association Bill of Rights. Lawmakers say this bill balances homeowners’ rights with some flexibility for boards and property managers. The bill includes allowing homeowners to ask questions or access documents before decisions are made impacting their home, a right to a list of fines and fees, and new protections to avoid foreclosure. The House passed the bill with bipartisan support 100-34.
>>State Representative Changes Endorsement in U.S. Senate Race
(St. Louis Park, MN) – A State Representative has changed his endorsement choice for the upcoming U.S. Senate race. Democrat Dan Wolgamott from St. Cloud says he is now endorsing Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan in the race. He originally announced his endorsement for Congresswoman Angie Craig but says he has changed his mind following Operation Metro Surge and because Craig recently said she regretted voting for the Laken Riley Act. Wolgamott is the only Democrat who represents a district carried by President Trump.
>>BCA Investigating Use-Of-Force Incident in Virginia, Minnesota
(Virginia, MN) — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Virginia this morning (Fri). Police say officers responded to a report of a man walking on a sidewalk while waving a gun. During the encounter, at least one officer fired their weapon. No officers were injured, and the condition of the suspect has not been released.
>>Evidence of cougar repopulation in Minnesota documented for first time in 100 years
(Undated) – For the first time in more than a century, cougar reproduction has been confirmed in Minnesota. Video captured by the University of Minnesota’s Voyageurs Wolf Project shows a mother cougar with three kittens – clear, close-up footage not seen before in the state. DNR Research Biologist John Erb says reproduction is the key step toward establishing a permanent cougar population, requiring adults to settle, breed, and successfully raise young. Wildlife officials say the kittens face risks from vehicles and predators, but public reports and verified photos could help track what happens next.
>>Governor Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff Saturday
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Walz has ordered flags across Minnesota to fly at half-staff tomorrow (Sat) to honor Captain Willibald C. Bianchi, a World War II hero whose remains are finally returning home. Bianchi, a native of New Ulm, earned the Medal of Honor for extraordinary bravery during the 1942 defense of the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines, continuing to lead troops despite multiple wounds. He later died as a prisoner of war in 1945. Walz says the tribute ensures Bianchi’s sacrifice is remembered with the dignity it deserves.
