>>Minnesota Presses Feds for Release of Medicaid Funds
(Undated) – Minnesota’s top human services official is pushing back against federal fraud allegations tied to the state’s Medicaid program. Temporary Human Services Commissioner John Connolly has sent a letter to federal officials defending Minnesota’s anti-fraud efforts while demanding more information about claims that prompted the federal government to withhold nearly 550 million dollars in Medicaid funding. The money has been deferred in three separate actions this year. State officials say federal regulators have identified hundreds of providers as high-risk but have not shared evidence or details explaining how those providers were flagged. Minnesota continues to seek the release of the funds.
>>Minnesota Lawmakers Seek Aid for Turkey Growers
(Undated) – Minnesota’s congressional delegation is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide financial relief for turkey farmers hit hard by avian metapneumovirus. In a letter led by Republican Congressman Brad Finstad, lawmakers asked USDA officials to allow losses from the virus to qualify for assistance through the Livestock Indemnity Program. The disease killed more than 2.2 million birds in 2024 and continues to affect flocks across Minnesota, the nation’s leading turkey-producing state. The delegation says many growers suffered losses beyond their control and could benefit from federal assistance to help keep their operations afloat.
>>Demuth, Klobuchar Draw Contrasts in Governor’s Race
(Golden Valley, MN) — With four weeks until Election Day, Republican Lisa Demuth and DFL Senator Amy Klobuchar outlined their priorities Monday at an economic forum hosted by the Economic Club of Minnesota. Demuth said she would focus on growing the economy, improving education and cracking down on fraud. She has also said her health care priorities will include improving access and affordability, particularly in rural Minnesota. Klobuchar focused on health care costs, saying the loss of federal tax credits is hurting people who buy insurance on the individual market, as well as small businesses, farmers and ranchers.
Both candidates also addressed fraud. Klobuchar said those responsible should go to jail while rebuilding trust in state government. Demuth called fraud a disrespect to Minnesota taxpayers. Election Day is November 3rd.
>>Two Morris Students Facing Charges in Stabbing, Shooting Threat
(Morris, MN) — Two University of Minnesota Morris students are facing felony charges in separate incidents last week. One student is charged with attempted first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing a percussion instructor during a music lesson. The instructor suffered head and arm injuries that were not life-threatening. In a separate case, another student faces felony terroristic threats charge after allegedly sending a Snapchat message threatening to shoot classmates. The incidents have raised concerns among some students and professors about the university’s communication and campus alerts.
>>Senate Recognizes National 4-H Week
(Undated) – The U.S. Senate is recognizing the impact of 4-H programs across the country during National 4-H Week. A resolution led by Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Arkansas Senator John Boozman designates October 4th through the 10th as National 4-H Week. The youth development program reaches nearly six million young people nationwide through hands-on projects in agriculture, science, health and civic engagement. In Minnesota alone, about 50-thousand youth participate in 4-H programs each year. Supporters say the organization helps prepare future community leaders while building practical life and workforce skills.
>>Twin Cities Man Charged in Attacks on Teen Girls
(Ramsey, MN) – A 20-year-old Twin Cities man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he attacked two teenage girls in separate incidents on the same day. Prosecutors allege Oliver Joseph Butcher chased and grabbed a 15-year-old girl in Ramsey before fleeing. Hours later, investigators say he assaulted a 17-year-old girl in Coon Rapids. Authorities linked Butcher to both cases through vehicle and cellphone evidence. Court documents say he later admitted chasing both girls and told investigators he intended to have sex with them. If convicted, Butcher could face decades in prison.
>>St. Paul Land Trust Dropping Tow Company After Marathon Runners’ Cars Towed
(St. Paul, MN) — A St. Paul community land trust is dropping its towing company after dozens of Twin Cities Marathon runners had their cars towed from the former Sears lot near the finish line. The lot had offered free parking in past years, but a new contractor charged for parking this year. One runner says she paid $399 in cash to get her car back. Another driver says his car was towed even though he had paid to park. The land trust says it has decided to end its relationship with the towing company.
>>Minnesota DNR Selects Winners of Wildlife Stamp Contests
(Undated) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has selected the winners of its annual pheasant and turkey stamp art contests. Farmington artist Heidi Haugen won the pheasant stamp competition with an acrylic painting that will appear on the 2027 pheasant stamp. Lakeville artist Stephen Hamrick took top honors in the turkey stamp contest, with his artwork set to be featured on the 2028 turkey stamp. The D-N-R says the contests celebrate both Minnesota’s hunting traditions and the talent of artists across the state. The stamps are available with hunting licenses or as collectibles.
