>>77th Defendant Charged in Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme
(Minneapolis, MN) – A St. Paul man is the 77th person charged in the nation’s largest COVID-19 fraud case tied to Feeding Our Future. Prosecutors say 45-year-old Ousman Camara claimed to serve 1,000 meals a day to children through the Federal Child Nutrition Program, collecting over $1 million in reimbursements. Investigators say Camara used the money for personal expenses and property purchases. He also wired $100,000 overseas and paid $87,000 in kickbacks to a Feeding Our Future employee in exchange for his submission of Camara’s fraudulent claims. Camara faces nine counts, including wire fraud, bribery, and money laundering.
>>DFL Leaders Condemn President Trump’s Threats to Congressional Democrats
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota DFL leaders are condemning comments made by President Trump after he said Democratic members of Congress should be prosecuted and executed for sedition. The president posted the comments to Truth Social after the Democrats participated in a video earlier this week, asking our military and intelligence communities to stand up for our laws and Constitution. Following the posts from the president, DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy recalled the political attacks here in Minnesota on the Hortmans and Hoffmans and said, “Donald Trump’s threat to Democratic members of Congress is horrific and puts lives in danger.” DFL House Leader Zach Stephenson said, “Donald Trump has once again fanned the flames of political violence.”
>>Minnesota Lawmakers Honor Transgender Day of Remembrance
(St. Paul, MN) – Today marks Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), honoring trans, Two-Spirit, intersex, and gender-expansive people lost to violence. The Minnesota House and Senate Queer Caucuses say the day is a call to action, noting Black, Brown, and Indigenous trans women face disproportionate harm. A Human Rights Campaign study found 78% of victims in 2024 were people of color, and most were killed by someone they knew. Lawmakers vow to fight for civil liberties and gender freedoms, saying, “We will never stop working to build a state that protects all Minnesotans.”
>>Animal Neglect Investigation in Watonwan County
(St. James, MN) – Authorities are investigating animal neglect after several dogs were found dead at a rural property in Watonwan County. Deputies say the property owner discovered the animals while checking on a nonprofit pet rescue operating there. The Animal Humane Society’s Critical Response Team removed surviving dogs for veterinary care. It’s unknown how many deceased and alive animals there were. An investigation report has been sent to the county attorney for review, and charges are possible. The case remains active.
>>Sen. Maye Quade Pushes for AI Reforms
(St. Paul, MN) – Reports say the White House and Congress are preparing to use federal power to block states from regulating artificial intelligence. DFL state Senator Erin Maye Quade from Apple Valley says this would reverse bills already in the works in Minnesota to protect citizens from AI. She says it’s infuriating “to see Congress potentially preempting state work or an executive order because that was one of the other pieces to sue states that are moving forward to protect their residents and not proposing anything to create a country-wide regulatory process.” Maye Quade has introduced several bills to regulate AI that include banning AI-generated pornographic and deepfake images from appearing on websites and holding tech companies responsible if they don’t prevent them.
>>Two Men Charged with Forged Check Scheme in OTC
(Fergus Falls, MN) – Two men face felony charges after allegedly trying to cash forged checks at banks in Otter Tail County. Deputies say 62-year-old Keith King of St. Cloud and 51-year-old Daryl Jungroth of Elk River were arrested Tuesday after presenting fraudulent checks for thousands of dollars in Pelican Rapids and Fergus Falls. Court documents show both claimed the checks came from an employer they couldn’t identify. Both men appeared in court today.
>>Waymo’s Driverless Cars Arrive in Twin Cities
(Minneapolis, MN) – Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service hit Minneapolis roads today. Supporters, including Democratic Representative Erin Koegel and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, say the technology could reduce congestion and impaired driving. Others remain cautious, citing safety concerns after incidents and recalls involving Waymo vehicles in other states. The company claims its cars cut serious injury crashes by 91% compared to human drivers. Waymo has yet to say when consumers can start ordering rides. Minnesota law does not prohibit automated vehicle testing.
