>>Federal Judge Tosses DOJ Subpoenas, Targeting Walz
(St. Paul, MN) — A federal judge has thrown out Justice Department subpoenas issued to Governor Tim Walz and several Minnesota officials. The subpoenas were tied to an investigation involving criticism of federal immigration enforcement and public demonstrations during Operation Metro Surge. Hamline University political analyst David Schultz says the ruling is a major win for both Walz and the state government, noting the judge found the investigation appeared politically motivated rather than a legitimate law enforcement effort. The judge also cited constitutional concerns and principles of states’ rights in striking down the subpoenas.
>>Minnesota Health Insurers Seek Double-Digit Rate Hikes
(St. Paul, MN) — Several health insurers are proposing double-digit premium increases for plans sold through MNsure in 2027. New filings with the Minnesota Department of Commerce show requested increases ranging from about 10 to 13 percent, depending on the insurer. The proposals have not yet been approved by state regulators. Insurers point to rising medical costs, including higher spending on prescription drugs and increased demand for health care services. Final rate decisions are expected later this year.
>>Speaking Tour Focuses on Minnesota Fraud Cases
(Undated) — A statewide speaking tour this summer will take a closer look at some of Minnesota’s largest fraud scandals. The Center of the American Experiment is hosting an hour-long presentation titled “Minnesota Fraud: Follow the Money, Connect the Dots” in 20 cities across the state during June and July. The program will be led by policy fellow Bill Glahn, who has spent the past four years investigating fraud in state government programs. Organizers say the presentation will examine how taxpayer dollars intended to help vulnerable Minnesotans were allegedly diverted through fraud schemes, identify key players, and trace where the money ultimately ended up.
>>Senate Passes Major Housing Affordability Package
(Washington, DC) — The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved what supporters are calling the most significant bipartisan housing legislation in nearly two decades. The package includes provisions championed by Minnesota Senator Tina Smith aimed at increasing housing supply and lowering costs. Among them is the Rural Housing Service Reform Act, which updates federal rural housing programs and is expected to help preserve affordable housing for roughly 400,000 families nationwide. The legislation also includes restrictions designed to limit large corporate investors from purchasing single-family homes. Smith says affordable housing is critical to the success of communities in both rural and urban areas.
>>Vadnais Heights Man Faces Charges Following Prior Lake Handgun Incident
(Prior Lake, MN) — A Vadnais(VAD-ness) Heights man is accused of showing a handgun to two children at a lemonade stand in Prior Lake. According to court documents, 23-year-old Cole Wright allegedly displayed the firearm and briefly allowed the children, ages 11 and 13, to handle it during an encounter at Lakefront Park last week. After the children reported the incident to their mother, police tracked down Wright and recovered a handgun from his vehicle. He has been charged with three gross misdemeanor weapons offenses and a misdemeanor cannabis violation.
>>Duluth Man Pleads Guilty To Escape Charge
(Duluth, MN) — A Duluth man has pleaded guilty to escaping from custody after walking away from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center last fall. Forty-one-year-old Michael Hart entered a guilty plea Monday in St. Louis County District Court to one felony count of escape from custody. Hart is already serving prison sentences in two other cases and is scheduled to be sentenced on the escape conviction on August 17th.
>>Motorcyclist Injured In Douglas County Crash
(Osakis, MN) — A 23-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured in a crash with a tractor Monday afternoon near Osakis(OH-say-kiss). The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says Kade Woods was attempting to pass a tractor when it turned left into a driveway, and the motorcycle struck the tractor’s front tire. Woods was thrown from the bike and flown by Life Link III to St. Cloud Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities say Woods was wearing a helmet, which likely prevented more severe head injuries. The tractor driver, 22-year-old Bryce Sward, was not injured.
>>Lyme Disease Remains Summer Threat In Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota continues to rank among the top states for Lyme disease cases, and health experts are urging people to stay vigilant outdoors this summer. Dr. David Pearson with the University of Minnesota Medical School says deer ticks can be found almost anywhere, including backyards, making awareness and prevention critical. Lyme disease can lead to serious complications affecting the joints, nervous system, and heart if left untreated. Pearson says early detection is key, and most cases can be successfully treated with a short course of oral antibiotics. He advises people to check for ticks after spending time outdoors and watch for the telltale ring-shaped rash that can develop around a bite.
>>U of M Offers Summer Screen Time Tips For Teens
(Minneapolis, MN) — With school out and summer underway, University of Minnesota experts are encouraging parents to pay attention to their teens’ screen time habits. Jodi Dworkin says the extra free time during summer can make it easy for young people to spend more time online. Dworkin recommends talking with teens about how their screen use changes during the summer, setting screen-free times, and helping them think critically about the content they see online. More information is available through the University of Minnesota Extension.
>>All Three DNR EagleCam Eaglets Take Flight
(Undated) — All three eaglets from the Minnesota DNR’s EagleCam nest have now successfully fledged. One eaglet left the nest after a storm on June 11th and was later found on the ground near the nest site. After being evaluated and cleared by The Raptor Center, the young eagle was released and enrolled in a GPS tracking project to monitor its progress in the wild. The second eaglet took its first flight on June 18, and the final chick fledged on Sunday. DNR officials say the young eagles may return to the nest area briefly before becoming fully independent.
>>Report: Timberwolves Make Pre-Draft Trade
(Minneapolis, MN) – The NBA Draft is tonight and ESPN is reporting the Minnesota Timberwolves are making a trade. The report says the Wolves will send three-time All-Star Julius Randle and the number 28 pick to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a three-team trade. In return, the Wolves will get the number 33 pick. The move also allows Minnesota to free up significant salary space. The Wolves acquired Randle in the trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks.
