Around $7 billion in federal education funds will be restored after a multi-state lawsuit over the Trump administration’s decision to freeze the funds in June.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joined more than 20 other states in suing the administration, calling the funding freezes on six longstanding programs "unconstitutional, unlawful and arbitrary.”
On Tuesday, Aug. 26, Ellison announced the lawsuit will be dismissed with stipulations that the remaining funds would be released by Oct. 3.
"I’m pleased that my team and I were able to stop the Trump Administration from breaking the law and withholding $74 million from Minnesota classrooms just weeks before the start of the new school year,” stated Ellison in a release.
“Since Donald Trump was sworn in again in January of 2025, my office has stopped his administration from withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and grants for our state.
"When Minnesotans pay taxes to the federal government, we expect at that money to come back to Minnesota to support our schools, improve our infrastructure, fund first responders and law enforcement, and improve people’s lives. If Donald Trump and his administration continue to break the law and try to seize those funds, I will continue to meet them in court.”
Most of the $74 million in education funds frozen in Minnesota were released by July 25. Minnesota and other states have used these federal education funds for after-school and summer learning programs, programs for migrant and English-as-a-second-language learners, and teacher training.
-
Minnesota counties are readying to raise property taxes as the federal government shifts SNAP costs to them. -
Contributed/ICTVThe lawsuit alleges that the county violated Robert Preble and John Casper's First, Fourth and 14th Amendment rights and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. -
Lorie ShaullState health officials have confirmed 20 cases so far in 2025. Two of the affected people have died. -
Contributed/MnDOTStarting Aug. 27, 2025, motorists will transition back to Highway 53 near Eveleth, with lane shifts, head-to-head traffic and traffic control expected. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesThe Minnesota Department of Natural Resources program provides public access to some private land from September through May with the purchase of a $3 pass. -
Contributed/Minnesota Water TowersThe city of Aurora will receive more than $15 million in loans and grants to construct and renovate buildings for its water treatment plant. -
Megan Buffington/KAXETwo projects broke ground in mid-August 2025, with another underway and at least four more in the works. -
The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission and White Earth Land Recovery Project are part of the second round of the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities program. -
And: Cyndy Martin denied change of venue; and Arrowhead Regional Development Commission and White Earth Land Recovery Project selected for UMN partnership program. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEMayor Michael Labine allegedly turned on and off a water valve at least once a year for over a decade without paying the associated fees.
