>>Walz, Ellison Testifying at House Oversight Committee on Fraud
(Washington, D.C.) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison are testifying before Congress today. The two are appearing this morning before the U.S. House Oversight Committee for a hearing focused on fraud within Minnesota’s social services programs. The hearing comes amid renewed scrutiny from Republicans and the Trump administration, who have accused state leaders of failing to address fraud concerns adequately. Just hours before the session began, the committee released a 54-page report alleging that Walz and Ellison were aware of fraud issues for years but did not take sufficient action.
>>Health officials Warn how Federal Government Withholding Medicaid Funding will Impact Minnesotans
(Undated) — Minnesota officials are warning that the federal government’s decision to withhold more than 250 million dollars in Medicaid funding could have serious consequences for patients across the state. Minnesota Hospital Association President Dr. Lisa Mattson says the cuts could force reductions in medical assistance eligibility and benefits, leaving low-income, elderly, and disabled Minnesotans without essential care. She adds that fewer covered services or higher out?of?pocket costs would push many patients to delay or skip needed treatment. She warns that reducing payments to providers could lead to clinics and hospitals closing down. Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit aimed at preventing the federal government from pulling the funding.
>>Over 250 Minnesota Commissioners Attending ‘County Day at the Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — More than 250 county commissioners from across Minnesota are in St. Paul today (Wed) for “County Day at the Capitol.” Officials are meeting with state lawmakers and committee chairs to push for their 2026 legislative priorities. One of them is preventing federal SNAP and Medicaid cost shifts from being passed on to the counties. They are asking the state to cover new administrative and benefits costs tied to the federal reconciliation bill.
>>Health Officials Warn how Federal Medicaid Funding Cuts will Impact Minnesotans
(Undated) — Minnesota officials are warning that the federal government’s decision to withhold more than 250 million dollars in Medicaid funding could have serious consequences for patients across the state. Minnesota Hospital Association President Dr. Lisa Mattson says the cuts could force reductions in medical assistance eligibility and benefits, leaving low-income, elderly, and disabled Minnesotans without essential care. She adds that fewer covered services or higher out?of?pocket costs would push many patients to delay or skip needed treatment. She warns that reducing payments to providers could lead to clinics and hospitals closing down. Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit aimed at preventing the federal government from pulling the funding.
>>Cancer Action Day
(St. Paul, MN) — Advocates are urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would give Minnesotans access to no‑cost cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society’s Emily Myatt says screenings remain one of the most effective tools for saving lives. “About 40,000 Minnesotans will hear the words ‘you have cancer’ this year. And we know that prevention is the best way to keep people from hearing those words. Too many of us have heard them ourselves or through loved ones, and cancer is still the leading cause of death in Minnesota,” she said. More than 75 patients and survivors are at the State Capitol today for the annual Cancer Action Day, pressing for expanded access to early detection services.
>>Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Linked to Teen Killed in Menards Forklift Incident
(Golden Valley, MN) — A judge has dismissed a wrongful death lawsuit connected to the 2021 incident that killed Menards employee James Stanback in Golden Valley. In the ruling, the judge said there was no evidence showing the home improvement retailer acted consciously or intentionally to cause Stanback harm. The teen died after being crushed by a pile of lumber while operating a forklift. The Minnesota Department of Labor fined Menards 25-thousand in 2022, citing unsafe conditions related to the stacked lumber involved in the incident.
>>Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting Death of Woman at Kellogg Boat Launch
(Wabasha, MN) — A Rochester man is pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of a woman last summer in Wabasha County. Attorney General Keith Ellison’s Office says 44-year-old Craig Hameister admitted to shooting Melissa Hunt in the face at a boat launch in Kellogg on June 18th, 2025. Ellison said the guilty plea ensures that Craig Hameister will be held accountable for taking Melissa’s life. His sentencing hearing hasn’t been scheduled.
