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Good morning,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. I have a short update with some news from the Capitol that I have to share with you.
Senator on Trial
Late last week, the criminal trial of Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell came to an end, concluding one of the most serious legal cases involving a sitting state lawmaker in recent memory. The jury returned a guilty verdict on two felony counts: first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. These are serious convictions that carry the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.
If you have not followed the case, Senator Mitchell was arrested in April 2024 after breaking into her stepmother’s home. According to law enforcement, she was found inside the house dressed in dark clothing and carrying tools typically associated with burglary. The charges and subsequent trial drew widespread attention across Minnesota and raised significant concerns about ethics, responsibility, and accountability in public office.
Now that the trial has concluded, attention turns to sentencing and the next steps for Senator Mitchell's political future. According to a recent statement, Mitchell intends to resign from her position in the MN Senate by August 4th. A special election is expected to follow in order to fill the seat.
Click on the photo below for more information on the trial and convictions.
The Fraud Continues - Nearing $1 Billion
Recently, another fraud scheme was uncovered in Minnesota. This time, am investigation was launched into the state's Housing Stabilization Services program. This program was created in 2020 to help vulnerable residents find and keep housing. According to a federal affidavit, dozens of providers billed over $100 million for services that were often never delivered. In many cases, clients reported receiving little or no assistance at all. One St. Paul building housed 22 providers who together claimed more than $8 million in Medicaid reimbursements. The investigation points to a pattern of abuse made possible by weak oversight and rapid program expansion, with costs ballooning from an expected $2.6 million per year to more than $100 million.
Although the numbers have not been clearly outlined yet, it seems that this discovery brings the estimated fraud amount to at least $700 million in uncovered fraud.
Events
This weekend and next week have beautiful weather in store, and I have some fun community events to share with you!
The Farmers Market at Big Ole Central Park will be open this Saturday and Tuesday. Details here. The Art Market will be happening at the park as well, at roughly the same time.
Reminder that the Retro Market at Adler Ranch is taking place Friday and Saturday!
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