>>US Department of Justice Officials in Minnesota to Announce Action on Fraud
(Minneapolis, MN) — Top Trump administration officials be in Minneapolis today (Thurs) to announce a “major law enforcement action” involving fraud in Minnesota. Acting U-S Attorney General Todd Blanche, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Junior, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Doctor Mehmet Oz are attending the news conference. Local federal officials will also take part in the announcement.
>>Sentencing Today for Head of Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme
(Minneapolis, MN) — The woman at the center of Minnesota’s massive Feeding Our Future fraud case is expected to be sentenced this morning (Thurs) in federal court. Forty-five-year-old Aimee Bock was convicted on multiple fraud charges tied to a scheme that prosecutors say stole about $250 million in taxpayer-funded child nutrition money during the pandemic. Federal investigators say fake meal counts and fraudulent reimbursement claims were submitted through dozens of meal sites across Minnesota. Prosecutors are seeking a 50-year prison sentence, calling the case one of the largest COVID-related fraud schemes in the country.
>>Former Anoka County Sheriff Stuart Named Minnesota’s US Marshal
(Washington, DC) — The U-S Senate is confirming former Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart as the next U-S Marshal for the District of Minnesota. Stuart will replace Eddie Frizell, the first Black U-S marshal in Minnesota history. The U-S Marshals Service is responsible for protecting the federal judiciary, transporting prisoners, and tracking federal fugitives. Stuart most recently served as executive director of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association following nearly 30 years with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, including three terms as sheriff from 2011 to 2023.
>>Missing World War II Vet Coming Home to Southwest Minnesota
(Jackson, MN) — An extra special Memorial Day for one southwest Minnesota family as a World War II pilot is finally coming home more than 80 years after his death. Twenty-six-year-old Thomas Ruth of Jackson was killed during a Pacific aerial mission in 1943 when his plane crashed in the Solomon Islands. He was declared dead in 1946 after being listed as missing in action. Investigators later discovered the crash site in 2013, and D-N-A testing confirmed Ruth’s identity in April of 2025. Lieutenant Ruth will be buried May 27th at Riverside Cemetery in Jackson.
>>Minnesota State Board of Trustees Raising Tuition by 6.25 %
(St. Paul, MN) — A unanimous vote by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees raises average tuition by 6.25% across the system’s 33 colleges and universities, spanning 54 campuses. The move follows last year’s 5.5% tuition increase, when individual campuses saw hikes ranging from 4% to 8% – the largest jump for Minnesota State students since 2007. System leaders say the latest increase is tied to flat state funding, rising inflation, and growing operational expenses, including employee wages. The increases will affect tuition starting this fall. Trustees also approved Minnesota State’s $2.5 billion budget for 2027 after the system faced a $32 million budget gap this year.
>>Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County 100 % Contained
(Brainerd, MN) — Authorities say the Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County is now 100 percent contained. The wildfire southeast of Crosslake has burned more than 17 hundred acres since last Saturday. The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center says the interior of fire is expected to smoke and produce hot spots for weeks. Crews will continue to monitor, mop up, and patrol the containment lines. Residents in the area are asked to refrain from recently burned areas.
>>Duluth Firefighters Respond to Port Terminal Fire
(Duluth, MN) — Duluth firefighters were called to a reported fire Wednesday at the Altec facility at the Port Terminal. Crews discovered the fire in the facility’s air filtration system. The company says staff safely evacuated and were all accounted for. Fire crews were able to contain the fire to the air filtration system, and it was quickly extinguished. Production at the facility was halted for a few hours but will continue as usual. Damage to the plant is estimated at $50,000 to $75,000.
>>Advocates Tout New Senior Living “Happy Hour” Law
(Undated) — A new Minnesota law is giving seniors in care facilities more freedom — including the option to enjoy a drink. The measure allows assisted living and nursing homes to serve alcohol without needing a full liquor license. Supporters say it’s about dignity and treating facilities more like people’s homes. LeadingAge Minnesota’s Erin Huppert says residents should have the same choices as anyone else. Backers say the senior “happy hour” bill had rare bipartisan support and removes what they call unnecessary barriers for facilities.
>>Ryan, Twins Top Astros in Series Finale at Target Field
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins topped the Houston Astros 4-1 Thursday at Target Field to win the three-game series. All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan allowed one run over six innings and struck out nine batters for this third victory. Ryan Kreidler hit the go-ahead, three-run home run in the fourth inning. Catcher Victor Caratini also went deep for Minnesota. The Twins open a weekend series on Friday at Fenway Park in Boston.
