>>Federal Government Withholding More Medicaid Funding From Minnesota
(Washington, D.C.) — The Trump administration is withholding another $199 million in Medicaid funding from Minnesota, citing suspected fraud and documentation concerns in 14 high-risk social service programs. Federal health officials say the state must provide more records before the money is released. Minnesota officials say they’ve been cooperating with the review and argue the federal government hasn’t explained how it calculated the funding holdback. Governor Tim Walz says the move hurts vulnerable residents who rely on Medicaid services, while federal officials say it’s part of a broader fraud crackdown.
>>Prosecutors Seek Consecutive Life Terms for Vance Boelter
(Minneapolis, MN) — Federal prosecutors want Vance Boelter to spend the rest of his life in prison for last year’s targeted attacks on two Minnesota lawmakers and their families. Court filings request two consecutive life sentences, plus 40 years, after Boelter admitted killing former House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and critically wounding Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Investigators say Boelter planned the attacks, researching potential targets and following media coverage before he was captured nearly two days later. Boelter is set to be sentenced tomorrow.
>>Outfitters in Northeastern Minnesota Struggling with Closure of Boundary Waters
(Ely, MN) – Wildfire concerns continue to take a toll on businesses that depend on Boundary Waters visitors. Ely outfitter Jim Blauch of Moose Track Adventures says the closure has left canoes sitting idle during what should be one of the busiest times of the year, costing outfitters thousands of dollars in lost revenue. Despite the restrictions, Blauch says Ely remains open for visitors and offers plenty of outdoor recreation outside the closed wilderness areas. The Boundary Waters closure is expected to remain in place through at least Friday.
>>Minnesota 988 Lifeline Reaches 370,000 Calls
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has handled more than 370,000 calls, texts, and chats since launching four years ago. The milestone comes as suicide deaths increased in Minnesota in 2025 after declining the previous two years. Minnesota Department of Health Suicide Prevention Supervisor Tanya Carter says calling 988 can sometimes feel easier than opening up to family or friends. State health officials are also working to expand awareness of the service, especially in rural communities. The 988 Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling or texting 988.
>>Minnesota Joins Settlement Expanding Farmers’ Right to Repair John Deere Equipment
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is among several states that settled with John Deere, requiring the company to give farmers and independent repair shops access to the tools, software, and information needed to repair many of its tractors and other agricultural equipment. The agreement follows complaints that equipment owners were forced to rely on authorized dealers for repairs, driving up costs and causing delays. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam says people should be able to fix equipment they own. Under the settlement, John Deere must provide the repair resources for the next 10 years.
>>17 Arrested in Downtown Duluth Safety Operation
(Duluth, MN) — Seventeen people were arrested during a two-day law enforcement operation in downtown Duluth targeting community safety concerns. Authorities say officers seized about 34.5 grams of suspected fentanyl and 5.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine during the operation. Those arrested, ranging in age from their 20s to late 40s and from Minnesota and Wisconsin, face a variety of pending charges, including drug offenses and outstanding warrants. The operation involved the Duluth Police Department, the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations.
>>Investigation Underway After Woman Killed by Falling Tree Limb
(Linden Township, MN) – An investigation is underway after authorities in Brown County say a woman died after being hit in the head by a falling tree limb. The Brown County Sheriff’s Office says the incident happened Monday afternoon in Linden Township. When they arrived, emergency responders began CPR and other life-saving measures, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. The woman’s name is being withheld pending notification of family members.
>>Hazelden Nurses Strike Enters Second Week
(Center City, MN) — Nurses at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation remain on strike as contract negotiations continue. The Minnesota Nurses Association says talks Tuesday made little progress, accusing the treatment center of delaying negotiations and failing to address concerns over staffing, workplace safety and working conditions. The union says the strike stems from alleged unfair labor practices. Negotiations are scheduled to resume today. Hazelden has said it remains committed to bargaining in good faith while continuing patient care during the strike.
>>Xcel Energy Marks Milestone in Solar Power
(Clear Lake, MN) – Xcel Energy announced the completion of Sherco Solar Phase 3, marking another milestone in the company’s transformation of a retiring coal plant into a renewable energy hub. Located near the existing Sherco plant in Becker, this is the largest solar facility in Minnesota and one of the biggest in the Upper Midwest. Xcel says the site now produces 710 megawatts of electricity powered by 1.7 million solar panels.
>>DNR Announces Online Auctions for Confiscated Equipment
(St. Paul, MN) — Looking for a bargain? The Minnesota DNR is holding two online auctions featuring confiscated equipment. The auctions are scheduled for August 31st and September 28th through Hiller Auction Service. Item lists and photos will be posted online several days before each sale, and bidders can inspect items in person at the auction site in Zimmerman. Anyone purchasing a firearm must pass a federal background check before taking possession.
