>>ICE Officer Charged in Minnesota Shooting Case
(Washington, D.C.) – Federal prosecutors have charged an ICE officer who shot a Venezuelan immigrant in Minneapolis with making false statements to investigators. Christian Castro was charged in May by local authorities, but Texas Governor Greg Abbott refused to extradite him back to Minnesota. Texas released Castro from jail last week. A federal grand jury has returned a six-count indictment which led to the charges. The victim, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis was injured in the leg during the shooting. Castro is the first known instance of the Justice Department seeking to prosecute a federal immigration officer for their actions during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota.
>>Cockfighting Operation Uncovered In Forest Lake
(Forest Lake, MN) — Three Minnesota men are facing felony charges in connection with an alleged cockfighting operation in Forest Lake. Sao Yang, Kal Chai Dang Yang and Chou Yang are charged with animal fighting and possessing items used to enhance an animal’s ability to fight. Investigators went to the property in November 2025 after two dogs were impounded and discovered several dead and injured roosters.
>>Minnesota AG Sends $38,000 in Refunds to Former Dental Clinic Patients
(St. Paul, MN) — More than $38,000 is being returned to Minnesotans who paid for dental work they never received. Attorney General Keith Ellison says his office has issued eight refund checks totaling $38,634 to former patients of Omega Dental Care, a now-closed Eden Prairie clinic. The refunds follow a settlement with the clinic and its owner, Anne Soberay. The money comes from Minnesota’s Consumer Protection Restitution Account, which can reimburse consumers when a business is unable to do so. Ellison’s office says additional claims are still being reviewed.
>>MPFA Announces New Wastewater Grants
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority today announced $88.6 million in loans and grants for 12 wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects in nine cities across the state. Investments will replace nearly 4,000 lead service lines in three cities among other projects. Cities chosen for the loans and grants include St. Paul, Duluth, Ortonville and Amboy.
>>DNR Seeks Pine Cone Collectors
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking the public for help collecting red pine cones and has increased its payment for those collections. The DNR will pay $95 per bushel for clean, ripe and closed cones. This year’s crop is expected to be the best the state has seen in a decade. The DNR uses the cones for a seed crop to plant for Red Pine, otherwise called Norway Pine, which is Minnesota’s state tree.
>>Minnesota State Fair Announces Best of 2026
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota State Fair presented 12 awards this morning to the very best exhibitors at this year’s fair. The Honorees include The America Wheel honoring America250 Ferris wheel, Big Dog Corndogs, Peachey’s Baking Company, and Loon Lake Iced Tea. The winners were chosen because of several categories including exceptional customer service, knowledgeable and friendly staff and they offer great value. The 12-day Minnesota State Fair runs through Labor Day.
>>Gophers Open Season Tonight
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Golden Gopher football team opens its season tonight hosting Eastern Illinois. The visiting Panthers are 1-0 after beating Murray State last Thursday night 28-14. Minnesota is looking to build on back-to-back 8-5 seasons and will feature second-year starting quarterback Drake Lindsey and Preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Anthony Smith. Head coach P-J Fleck says he is eager to see how the inexperienced players on his team handle their first real game activity and he wants his “culture” to be on full display. Kickoff is set for 7:06 P-M at Huntington Bank Stadium.
