>>Seven Minnesotans Tied to Nationwide Fraud Crackdown
(Washington D.C.) — Seven people connected to Minnesota health care providers are reportedly among hundreds charged in a nationwide fraud crackdown. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that 455 defendants across 45 states and territories are accused of participating in health care fraud schemes involving more than $6.5 billion in false claims. The cases include allegations of fraud, illegal kickbacks, and opioid-related offenses. Federal officials have not yet identified the Minnesota providers involved. The DOJ says the operation is one of the largest health care fraud enforcement actions in U.S. history.
>>Walz Seeking Answers to Federal Officials Targeting Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz says he’s seeking answers about what he calls a federal effort targeting Minnesota. Walz filed 16 Freedom of Information Act requests with federal agencies, seeking records that mention Minnesota, the governor, and terms such as “retribution” and “punish” since January 2025. The move follows a federal judge’s decision to throw out Justice Department subpoenas targeting Walz and other Minnesota officials. Walz says the requests will help determine whether federal agencies coordinated actions against the state and who directed those efforts.
>U.S. Senate Passes War Powers Resolution
(Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Senate has approved a war powers resolution calling for an end to American military action against Iran, matching a measure previously passed by the House. The resolution cleared the Senate Tuesday on a 50-48 vote. Minnesota Senator Tina Smith supported the measure, saying the conflict is dangerous, unpopular, and should require congressional authorization. While both chambers of Congress have now formally pushed back on the military action, the resolution is nonbinding and does not require President Trump to change course. Supporters say the vote sends a strong bipartisan message about concerns over the handling of the conflict.
>>Craig Slams Republicans’ Proposed Farm Bill
(Washington, D.C.) — Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig is taking aim at Senate Republicans’ farm bill proposal. The top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee says the plan doesn’t do enough to help family farmers struggling with rising costs and uncertain markets. Craig also criticized proposed SNAP cuts and called on Senate leaders to negotiate a bipartisan bill that can win broad support and become law. She says farmers and working families need solutions that reduce costs and strengthen the agricultural economy.
>>GOP Candidate Kendall Qualls Proposes “Fraud Rebate” Plan
(Minneapolis, MN) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls is proposing what he calls a “fraud rebate” to return money lost to government fraud back to Minnesota taxpayers. Qualls says that if elected governor, he would seek to return $9 billion to taxpayers over two years. He argues the state needs what he describes as “radical change from an outsider” to address fraud and improve accountability in government spending. Qualls is one of several Republicans seeking the governor’s office and is facing Lisa Demuth and Mike Lindell in the August Republican primary.
>>New Four-Legged Team Member Joins Clay County Attorney’s Office
(Moorhead, MN) — A new four-legged helper is bringing comfort and support to crime victims in Clay County. Edison, a professionally trained facility dog, has joined the Clay County Attorney’s Office through a partnership with Can Do Canines. He helps people experiencing stress, trauma, and anxiety during interviews, investigations, and court proceedings. Officials say Edison will primarily assist child victims and sexual assault survivors. County Attorney Brian Melton says the dog helps create a safe and supportive environment for people navigating the justice system. Edison has already begun working on active cases and will also support youth at the West Central Regional Juvenile Center.
>>Minnesota State Fair Talent Contest Auditions Open
(St. Paul, MN) — Registration is now open for the 53rd Annual Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest. Singers, dancers, musicians, jugglers, acrobats, and other performers of all ages are invited to audition July 27th through August 2nd at the Luther Auto Bandshell on the State Fairgrounds. Registration closes at 4 p.m. on July 29. Semifinalists will perform during the first 10 days of the State Fair, with finalists advancing to the Grandstand stage on September 6th. More than $20,000 in prize money will be awarded across open, teen and preteen divisions. Over 18,000 acts have auditioned since the contest began more than 50 years ago.
