AGP Executive Report

Minnesota Fraud Crackdown: VP JD Vance is urging the DOJ to investigate Gov. Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison after a GOP-led House Oversight report alleges Minnesota officials ignored years of social-services fraud warnings and mishandled whistleblowers; Ellison calls it unfounded and a “political stunt,” while the DOJ hasn’t said whether it will open a probe. Federal Health Fraud: In a separate Medicaid case, New York AG Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition secured a $36.5 million settlement from CVS over alleged Medicaid overbilling for insulin. Immigration Enforcement Funding: The U.S. House advanced a $70 billion immigration enforcement bill, moving it closer to Trump’s signature after Democrats refused to fund enforcement following the Minneapolis killings earlier this year. Local Public Safety: Hennepin County deputies were shot at while serving an arrest warrant in south Minneapolis, and authorities are asking the public to avoid the area. Community & Culture: A June Jazz Jam fundraiser in Winona will support Elder Network, with donations aimed at caregiver resources and programming for older adults.

Minnesota Fraud Fallout: A House Oversight report says Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison, ignored fraud warnings in federally funded social programs for years—prompting VP JD Vance to refer the matter to the DOJ for a full criminal investigation. ICE Enforcement Clash: Vance and border czar Tom Homan keep escalating the fight over immigration enforcement, with Homan warning ICE is preparing what he calls its largest NYC deployment. Housing Push: Sen. Amy Klobuchar rolls out a plan to build at least 100,000 new homes, focusing on faster permitting and cutting red tape, while avoiding a direct statewide zoning mandate. Data Center Court Fight: Minnesota’s Court of Appeals ruled Faribault’s environmental review for a proposed Archer Datacenters project wasn’t adequate, forcing more complete analysis. Local Governance & Privacy: Columbia Heights voted to cover and effectively remove Flock license plate readers after privacy concerns and fears of federal access. Public Safety: Duluth held a firefighter pinning ceremony, while a Fosston shooting sent one man to the hospital and led to an arrest.

Minnesota Fraud Fight: A new House Oversight staff report alleges senior Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison, knew about fraud risks in taxpayer-funded social programs for years but delayed action and retaliated against whistleblowers—claims that are now fueling fresh federal anti-fraud legislation and pressure on Trump’s anti-fraud task force. Whistleblower Retaliation Claims: The report says state leaders hired outside investigators to silence employees and warned staff to stop raising concerns, with officials allegedly pushing back on investigations by labeling concerns as “racist” or “Islamophobic.” H-1B Legal Setback: A federal judge rejected Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, a win for tech employers that rely on foreign talent while the administration signals it will appeal. Immigration Enforcement Push: Border czar Tom Homan says New York will see an “unprecedented” surge in ICE agents after state limits on cooperation, as Congress nears final action on a $70B immigration enforcement package. Minnesota Homeowners: The Minnesota Department of Revenue says eligible homeowners will get a one-time nearly 15% bump to 2025 Homestead Credit refunds, with automatic updates for those who already filed. Local Courts & Public Safety: A Minnesota man in Duluth/Superior faces felony drug charges again after a second arrest in weeks, with authorities citing large quantities of meth, cocaine/crack, fentanyl, and a handgun. Community & Labor: AFL-CIO’s convention in Minneapolis featured Dolores Huerta, honored with the first “Si Se Puede” award, as labor leaders push for growth amid political and immigration pressure.

Immigration Funding Fight: The U.S. Senate voted 52-47 to fund ICE and CBP for the rest of Trump’s term, a move Democrats say strips them of leverage while Republicans use a filibuster-proof path; the House vote is next. Minneapolis Local Impact: Neighbors of George Floyd Square are pushing back on special assessments tied to a $15 million reconstruction starting Monday, saying the $636,000 tax hit could raise rents and displace residents. Media & Politics: Fired “60 Minutes” correspondent Scott Pelley is escalating claims that CBS News leadership under Bari Weiss pushed “subtle political bias,” while FCC Chair Brendan Carr attacks the network’s “out of touch” stance. Labor Push: AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler pledged to unionize 2 million workers in five years, with Minneapolis hosting the federation’s convention. Minnesota Education: Clearbrook-Gonvick’s eighth-graders posted the top math MCA participation/proficiency figures in the district’s reporting. Community & Pride: Duluth’s Trans Joy Fest returns with more vendors and resources, including advocacy tied to Minnesota’s equal rights push.

Media & Minnesota: Fired “60 Minutes” anchor Scott Pelley says CBS leadership under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss pushed “subtle political bias” in a Minneapolis ICE protest segment—specifically urging protesters be portrayed as more violent and describing Renee Good’s death in ways Pelley says were unsupported. Legal & National (hits Minnesota policy): A federal judge blocked New Jersey and other states’ lawsuit over USDA SNAP conditions from taking effect, pausing enforcement of new federal food-aid requirements tied to ideology and other policy areas. Elections & Tech: An Oklahoma ethics panel is weighing AI rules for political ads, focusing mainly on disclosure—an issue Minnesota regulators have also been grappling with. Public Safety (Minnesota area): Como Zoo in St. Paul evacuated after a bomb threat report; no threat found and operations set to resume. Local courts: Rochester bike-path assault case ended with probation for a homeless man after felony charges were dismissed via plea deal. Other: Australia sued 3M over PFAS “forever chemical” firefighting foam—$1.4B claim.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: The U.S. Senate is moving a nearly $70B Homeland Security package that supporters call an “ATM for ICE,” aimed at keeping President Trump’s mass deportation push funded through the rest of his term. Federal Courts vs. Trump Food Rules: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA from forcing states to follow Trump positions on gender and immigration to keep billions in food-assistance and related funding. Minnesota Protest Case Update: In Minneapolis, prosecutors downgraded a federal assault case against activist Isabel Lopez to a single misdemeanor after she pleaded guilty—marking the first Minnesota conviction in a protest crackdown tied to “Operation Metro Surge.” Public Safety in Minneapolis: Minneapolis launched its first Summer Safety Resource Fair at Peavey Park, pairing community outreach with the city’s “Operation Safe Summer” push as violent crime trends remain a concern. Cannabis Oversight: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management held a Duluth listening session on the 2026 Cannabis Omnibus Bill and upcoming federal THC/CBD limits that could reshape the market. Rural Infrastructure: Faribault County commissioners heard an update on a proposed 765 kV transmission line that could run through the county as regional power demand grows.

Minneapolis Police Reform Fight: Activists vowed to keep pushing for major changes to Minneapolis public safety after voters rejected a ballot measure that would have replaced the city’s police department with a new public safety model. Public Safety Operations: The city rolled out a Summer Safety Plan, including Operation Safe Summer enforcement, a new firearm assault team, and expanded community outreach for major events. Fraud & Oversight: A House oversight committee report alleges the Walz administration used outside investigators and surveillance to retaliate against DHS whistleblowers raising fraud concerns. State Infrastructure: Gov. Walz signed a $1.2 billion bonding bill, including major water, transportation, and asset-preservation funding for local governments and nonprofits. Medicaid Fraud Fallout: New reporting highlights Minnesota’s ongoing Medicaid fraud crisis, including large-scale disenrollments after fraud reviews. Immigration Enforcement Funding: The U.S. Senate approved a roughly $70B immigration enforcement package, moving toward House action with little new ICE operational limits. Rural Hospital Risk: A national report flags 19 Minnesota rural hospitals at risk of closure, with six in immediate danger. Local Emergency Readiness: Crow Wing County asked residents to help keep E911 address signs visible and intact for faster emergency response. Energy & Data Centers: Xcel’s deal with Google is projected to save Minnesota customers up to $1.5B over 15 years by shifting major infrastructure costs to Google.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: U.S. Sen. Tina Smith used the Senate floor to condemn the Secure America Act after Republicans advanced a roughly $70B package to fund ICE and Border Patrol through 2029, with Democrats warning it adds money without meaningful reforms. Minnesota Cannabis Policy: Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is holding a listening tour on the state’s cannabis market and is also gathering input on whether to legalize “magic mushrooms” via a potential psilocybin pilot for PTSD and depression. Public Safety & Housing: Gov. Tim Walz is set to sign a $1.2B bonding bill aimed at public safety, clean water, transportation, state buildings, and housing. Local Government Watch: State Auditor Julie Blaha released a report on 2023 finances for Minnesota’s 600-plus special districts, showing fund revenues up 7% and expenditures up 3%. Civil Rights Backlash: Minnesota residents whose loved ones were killed by police criticized the Minnesota GOP’s moment of silence for Derek Chauvin, calling it disrespectful to victims’ families. Community Arts: Rochester Art Center marks the 10th year of Art4Trails with a June 28 free tour and artist talk.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: The U.S. Senate cleared a roughly $70B bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol through Trump’s term, after months of fights over language tied to a separate $1.8B settlement fund—now headed to the House. Minnesota ICE Detention Plans: Federal procurement documents point to using the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton (shut down since 2010) to house up to 1,600 detainees for ICE. Walz Infrastructure Push: Gov. Tim Walz signed a $1.2B Minnesota infrastructure package in St. Paul, including bridge work, road improvements, and U of M St. Paul campus funding. Medicaid Provider Shakeup: Minnesota DHS says more than 60% of high-risk Medicaid providers failed the federally required revalidation review, leaving thousands at risk of being unenrolled. State Tax Relief Guidance: Minnesota Revenue issued homeowner guidance for a one-time ~15% increase to 2025 Homestead Credit refunds. Local Governance & Public Safety: St. Paul city attorney declined state charges against protesters who disrupted a Cities Church service, citing insufficient grounds under state statutes.

Immigration & ICE Funding: In a late-night Senate push, Republicans beat back attempts to permanently block Trump from creating a $1.776B settlement fund tied to immigration enforcement, while Democrats keep pressing amendments as the bill heads toward final passage. Ukraine Aid: The U.S. House approved a sweeping Ukraine security package after GOP defections, and Zelensky followed with a proposal for direct talks with Putin and a ceasefire framework. Minnesota DFL Primary Fight: Peggy Flanagan’s campaign is slamming an attack ad it says uses an AI deepfake ahead of Minnesota’s elections, pointing to a 2023 state law that bans realistic deepfake election ads. Operation Metro Surge Accountability: Gov. Tim Walz appointed two rural members to a council documenting Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS, including Willmar’s Pablo Obregon. Statewide Legal/Policy Ripple: A federal judge struck down Nebraska’s in-state tuition for undocumented students, part of a broader DOJ push that’s now reshaping benefits nationwide. Public Safety: Authorities say a missing 14-year-old girl was found alive in a cardboard box inside a Minnesota home, with two adults charged in the case.

Medicaid Crackdown: Minnesota DHS says it finished a five-month revalidation review of 5,583 “high-risk” Medicaid providers, cutting off funding to 3,411 and leaving some Minnesotans facing service disruptions as the state tries to protect $2B in federal funding. Immigration Enforcement Fight: The Senate began “vote-a-rama” on a bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol, after Republicans narrowly rejected a Democratic push to permanently block Trump’s $1.776B “anti-weaponization” settlement fund. Fraud Crackdown: The FBI launched a new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list targeting fugitives accused in major fraud schemes, as DOJ rolled out additional Medicaid and other fraud charges. Public Safety & Courts: In Minnesota, prosecutors say ICE protesters who interrupted a church service won’t face state charges. State Politics: Minnesota Republicans faced backlash for a Derek Chauvin moment of silence at their convention. Local Sports: LOVB Minnesota named César Hernández González as its first head coach. Weather: Storms Thursday could bring large hail and damaging winds across western Minnesota into South Dakota.

Election Access & Disability Voting: Waseca County is rolling out “ExpressVote” assistive voting devices this fall, letting voters tap choices on a screen instead of coloring small circles—aimed at people with reading or marking difficulties. Medicaid & Provider Compliance: Rochester-area EA Therapeutics Health says Minnesota DHS’s Medicaid disability license termination could disrupt services for 120+ people, as DHS ramps up revalidation of high-risk providers. Public Safety Staffing: Minnesota’s State Fire Marshal is launching a statewide review of volunteer firefighter shortages, with some departments down to roughly half their staffing. Local Politics & Elections: Filing data shows multiple southeast Minnesota House and Senate primaries set for Aug. 11, including GOP/DFL contests in several districts. State Government & Policy: Minnesota’s Medicaid revalidation system is creating provider turmoil as DHS tightens oversight. Community & Governance: New Ulm approved a North Highland Avenue rezoning to allow up to 16 homes, despite neighbor traffic and safety concerns. Courts & Accountability: Lynd school board chair Suzie Rauch was convicted of third-degree DWI and placed on supervised probation.

Federal Infrastructure: Gov. Tim Walz announced Minnesota secured more than $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Blatnik Bridge, clearing the way for the Duluth-Superior project after the U.S. DOT delayed the grant amendment. Public Safety & Courts: Rochester police charged Nathan Michael Noser after an alleged domestic assault standoff that included strangulation and a handgun threat. Local Governance: Mitchell City Council walked back a failed decision on a north-side digital billboard after the Board of Adjustment reconsidered and approved a modified plan. Law Enforcement: Minneapolis and partners kicked off “Operation Safe Summer” for a fifth year, citing hundreds of arrests and guns removed in prior campaigns. Health & Cost of Living: A new analysis warns Social Security benefits could be cut by about $5,500 on average by 2032, with Minnesota among the hardest-hit states. Transportation Tips: Minnesota State Patrol shared roundabout guidance urging drivers to yield to traffic already in the circle instead of stopping. Community & Nonprofits: West Central Initiative awarded $600,000 in grants to 72 regional nonprofits, including CornerStone and FCDC. Politics & Immigration: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said ICE training will return to “regular standards” starting July 1, after reported reductions. Food Prices: A St. Cloud State economist warned higher farm input costs could push food prices up in the next 60–90 days.

Immigration Oversight in Washington: Sen. Patty Murray grilled DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin over ICE and Border Patrol conduct, Republican refusal to pass reforms, and claims the administration has already changed course. Minnesota Political Stakes: Sen. Gary Peters said HSGAC Republicans blocked 57 amendments aimed at DHS accountability and anti-corruption measures. Medicaid Fraud Fallout in Minnesota: DHS revalidation is leaving thousands of Medicaid providers in limbo amid a fraud crackdown, with some approved and others disenrolled after paperwork and site visits. Local Public Safety: A school bus crashed into Hamline University’s science building in St. Paul, sending multiple children and the driver to hospitals. Criminal Justice Update: A judge ordered a mental health evaluation for Randy Thomas Zimmerman in a first-degree murder case. Housing & Community Development: Marshall affordable housing plans were scaled down from 60 to 42 units, and Habitat for Humanity leadership shifted after a merger. Election Filing Watch: Filing periods closed for some Minnesota races, with at least one local contest left to write-ins. Minneapolis Parks Controversy: The Park Board is considering decommissioning the Minnehaha off-leash dog park over Dakota sacred-site concerns.

Immigration & Courts: Fort Snelling’s immigration court is trying a “mega” docket—73 cases in one session—raising due-process and access concerns for unrepresented immigrants. Immigration & Economy: A new analysis says Minnesota’s “Operation Metro Surge” drained $71 million in wages from hospitality and leisure workers, with job and hour losses tied to the crackdown. DFL/DFL Primaries: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won the DFL nomination for a U.S. Senate seat, while Rep. Angie Craig’s late break with the endorsement process sets up an August primary fight. GOP Governor Race: House Speaker Lisa Demuth says she’ll stay in the GOP governor primary after losing the party endorsement to Kendall Qualls, citing convention voting irregularities. Public Safety/Local: Minneapolis’ Heritage Park development is in court receivership, with the city stepping in on life-safety issues and MPHA studying whether to sell remaining parcels. Policy/Health Tech: Minnesota lawmakers advanced a bill requiring human physician review for health-insurer prior authorization denials based on AI recommendations. Environment: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated about 1.5 million acres of critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, including parts of Minnesota.

Fed Independence Clash: Former Fed chair Jerome Powell used the JFK Profile in Courage Award to warn that politicizing the central bank would erode public trust, pointing to efforts to fire Fed officials and broader pressure on courts and universities. Minnesota Disaster Relief Deadline: The SBA reminded Minnesota businesses and private nonprofits in several storm-impacted counties that the June 30 deadline is coming for low-interest disaster loans tied to July 2025 severe storms and flooding. Medicaid Revalidation Fallout: Minnesota care providers are scrambling after a rushed Medicaid revalidation deadline left thousands suddenly cut off from funding, with families and jobs at risk. Pardon Backlash: DHS and Republican lawmakers criticized Minnesota’s Board of Pardons for granting a pardon to Jai Vang, a case tied to a decades-old armed robbery conviction and recent ICE detention. Public Safety Hiring Program Paused: A proven Minnesota police training pipeline, ICPOET, has been paused after lawmakers couldn’t lock in new funding. Immigration Protest Art Record: Minneapolis’s Rebel Loon Archive is hosting an exhibition documenting community emotions and advocacy tied to Operation Metro Surge. GOP Convention Moment of Silence: Minnesota Republicans faced renewed scrutiny after delegates held a “moment of silent prayer” for Derek Chauvin.