>>House Report Faults Minnesota Leaders Over Fraud Oversight
(Washington, DC) — A Republican-led U.S. House committee is accusing Minnesota leaders of failing to act on warnings about fraud in federally funded social service programs. The 205-page report alleges Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison were aware of concerns dating back to 2019 but failed to stop payments to suspicious providers. The report also claims some state employees who raised red flags faced retaliation. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer is urging the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud to review Minnesota’s social service programs. Walz’s office dismissed the report, calling the committee “a joke,” while Ellison’s office said the findings contain inaccuracies and misrepresent the attorney general’s authority over state agencies and payment decisions.
>>Klobuchar Unveils Housing Plan Aimed at Lowering Costs for Minnesotans
(Columbia Heights, MN) — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is rolling out a new housing affordability plan she says would put Minnesota on track to build 100,000 new homes. The proposal calls for cutting red tape and streamlining permitting to speed up construction, while encouraging partnerships with private developers and nonprofits. Klobuchar also wants to expand housing options in rural communities, make manufactured housing more affordable, crack down on hidden fees and price-fixing practices by corporate landlords, and help first-time buyers connect with financial assistance programs. Klobuchar says affordable housing is critical to helping families put down roots, supporting local businesses, and strengthening communities across Minnesota.
>>Air Quality Alert Issued for Twin Cities and Central Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for the Twin Cities and central Minnesota due to elevated ozone levels. The alert is in effect from noon until 9 p.m. today and includes the Twin Cities metro, St. Cloud, and the Prairie Island and Mille Lacs tribal nations. Forecasters say sunny skies, warm temperatures, and low humidity will create conditions favorable for ground-level ozone to build during the afternoon. Air quality is expected to reach the orange category on the Air Quality Index, considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, people with asthma or COPD, and anyone spending extended periods exercising or working outdoors.
>>Suspect Fires at Deputies During Southern Minnesota Chase
(Amboy, MN) — A man is in custody after authorities say he fired at deputies during a chase in southern Minnesota Monday morning. Investigators say the suspect stole a vehicle near Amboy before leading officers on a pursuit that reached speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour. The chase ended in a farm field, where the suspect allegedly fired several rounds at law enforcement while fleeing on foot. Officers eventually used less-lethal munitions to take him into custody. No officers were injured. A handgun and shell casings were recovered at the scene.
>>Lightning Sparks Two New Fires in Boundary Waters
(Ely, MN) — Officials say lightning from recent thunderstorms ignited two wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Loon Fire, burning near Loon Lake east of Crane Lake, has grown to about 10 acres. The Tiger Fire, near Lac La Croix, reached roughly one acre and was fully contained by Monday morning. The U.S. Forest Service says the two blazes are among four active fires currently being monitored within the Superior National Forest as crews remain on alert amid continued dry conditions and ongoing campfire restrictions in the BWCAW.
