>>Reporting Government Fraud
(St. Paul, MN) — By some estimates, Minnesota is facing a billion-dollar fraud problem. Now, the Department of Revenue is taking action—training its employees to spot and report fraud before it happens. DFL Senator Ann Rest of New Hope says prevention is key.
“It’s not just catching the fraudsters, but making sure the programs have such great oversight that it prevents them from even attempting. That they would immediately be identified and not have access to taxpayers’ dollars.” Rest chairs the Legislative Audit Commission. She’s urging other agencies to follow the Revenue Department’s lead—and look for ways to stop fraud from within.
>>Vice President Vance Visiting La Crosse on Thursday
(Washington, DC) — Vice President J-D Vance will be just across the border on Thursday in western Wisconsin. The vice president is scheduled to visit a steel fabrication facility in La Crosse. Vance’s office says he will be speaking about President Trump’s budget bill and the” historic tax cuts it delivered for working families and businesses.” Democrats claim the tax cuts mainly benefit the wealthiest Americans and large corporations.
>>BPD Searches for Missing 12-Year-Old
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — A twelve-year-old from Brooklyn Park is missing. Police say Londyn Johnson was last seen leaving her home on foot around 10:15 p.m. on Monday. She is described as Black, five feet tall, one hundred forty pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Johnson was last seen wearing a black and red hoodie, grey sweatpants, and red, black, and yellow Nike tennis shoes.
>>Kemps Little Farm
(Falcon Heights, MN) — Minnesota’s agriculture industry is hoping the next generation will pick up the pitchfork—and one State Fair exhibit is helping plant that seed. Kemps Little Farm Hands gives kids a hands-on look at farm life. Education Supervisor Beth Schuldt says it’s a chance to reconnect with something many families have lost. “There was a time when, as a child, you would go see grandma or grandpa, and they were on the farm, or cousins, aunts, and uncles. They’re moving away from that, and they have no access to that experience.” Kids ages three to ten get to do “farm chores,” gather goods, sell them at a mock farmer’s market—and then spend their “earnings” on real products. It’s all part of an effort to inspire future farmers, one fairgoer at a time.
>>Powerball Jackpot Grows to 7th Largest in Game History
(Roseville, MN) – Since no one matched all six numbers in last night’s Powerball game, the jackpot has now grown to an estimated $815 million. That is the 7th largest jackpot in the game’s history. If a winner chooses to take the cash option, the payout would be an estimated $367.9 million. The next drawing will be on Wednesday night. It will be the 38th drawing since the last winner matched all six balls on May 31.
>>Twins Look to Snap 3-Game Skid in Toronto
(Toronto, ON) — The Minnesota Twins look to snap a three-game skid when they play the Blue Jays again tonight (Tues, 6 pm) north of the border. Toronto won the series opener 10-4 last night. Matt Wallner’s two home runs were the lone bright spots for Minnesota. Bailey Ober starts for the Twins in game two against Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt.
