>>Anti-ICE Protesters Plead Not Guilty
(Minneapolis, MN) — Fourteen of the 15 people charged in an alleged conspiracy to disrupt federal immigration enforcement during Operation Metro Surge pleaded not guilty Wednesday in federal court. A 15th defendant remains jailed on an unrelated case. Prosecutors allege the group coordinated blockades and tracked federal officers near the Whipple Federal Building during anti-ICE protests. They say they’re reviewing about 20 terabytes of evidence, much of it through an encrypted messaging app. Supporters outside the courthouse called the prosecution politically motivated
>>DHS Defends Medicaid Revalidation Effort
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Department of Human Services leaders told lawmakers they faced an unusually short federal deadline to review thousands of high-risk Medicaid providers for potential fraud. Temporary Commissioner John Connolly says the agency had just five months to revalidate more than 5,000 providers, while most states receive up to two years. Connolly acknowledged that the process wasn’t perfect and that some legitimate providers temporarily lost payments, disrupting services for some Minnesotans. Senate Human Services Committee Chair John Hoffman says the priority now is ensuring the state’s Medicaid program is accountable, transparent and responsive to those who depend on it.
>>Craig Criticizes Trump on USMCA Decision
(Washington, D.C.) — Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig is criticizing the Trump administration’s decision not to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as USMCA. The ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee says North American trade is vital to farmers and agricultural businesses, pointing to recent testimony from agriculture leaders. Craig argues the administration ignored those concerns and says Congress must play a central role in any future trade negotiations with Canada and Mexico because of its constitutional authority over trade policy.
>>USDA Launches Crop Reporting Pilot in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reminding Minnesota farmers to file their annual crop acreage reports before the required deadlines while launching a new reporting pilot program. Producers in Lac qui Parle County will be among the first in the nation to test a streamlined electronic reporting system that replaces traditional paper maps. State Farm Service Agency Director Kurt Blomgren says the pilot is part of the USDA’s “One Farmer, One File” initiative to simplify the reporting process. Farmers outside the pilot county will continue using the current reporting system and should contact their local FSA office to schedule an appointment.
>>General Mills Cuts Prices To Win Back Shoppers
(Golden Valley, MN) — General Mills says it’s lowering prices on hundreds of products as consumers continue looking for ways to stretch their grocery budgets. Company leaders say most of the planned price cuts have already been rolled out, helping boost sales volumes and attract more shoppers. The Minnesota-based food maker says it now plans to focus on new products and innovation while continuing promotions to remain competitive in a challenging economy.
>>University of Minnesota Team Unveils Synthetic Cell Breakthrough
(Minneapolis, MN) — University of Minnesota researchers have created what they say is the world’s first synthetic cell capable of growing, copying its DNA and dividing using only non-living chemical components. The breakthrough, called SpudCell, could one day help scientists develop cleaner ways to produce medicines, fuels and other materials. Lead researcher Kate Adamala says the technology is still in its early stages but proves the concept is possible.
>>Maplewood Teen Charged in Mother’s Death
(Maplewood, MN) — A 17-year-old Maplewood girl is charged with second-degree murder in the death of her mother. Authorities say 43-year-old Georgina Lee Monk was found dead in their apartment on June 26 with severe blunt-force injuries. According to the criminal complaint, the teenager told investigators she struck her mother with a hammer. Prosecutors are seeking to have the case moved to adult court.
>>State Plans Fish-Friendly Replacement for Morris Dam
(Morris, MN) — Minnesota plans to replace the aging Crissy Lake Dam in Morris with fish-friendly rapids. State officials say removing part of the low-head dam will eliminate a dangerous hazard for swimmers while reopening more than 100 miles of upstream fish habitat. The DNR is accepting public comments, and construction could begin as early as this fall.
>>Little Falls Man Arrested on Drug Charges
(Little Falls, MN) — A 67-year-old Little Falls man is facing first-degree drug sales charges after authorities executed a search warrant at his home Wednesday. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office says members of the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force and the county SWAT team found methamphetamine inside the residence and arrested Barry Johnson. He also faces a drug possession charge and is being held in the Morrison County Jail pending his first court appearance.
>>White Earth Nation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Expand Conservation Partnership
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — The White Earth Nation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have signed a new multi-year agreement to expand conservation efforts at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. The partnership will combine tribal knowledge with refuge management to improve wild rice habitat, forests, and wildlife conservation. Officials say hunting, fishing, and other public access at the refuge will remain unchanged, while visitors may see more White Earth Nation staff working alongside refuge employees.
