>>Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty to his role in the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited the federally funded Feeding Our Future program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ahmed Omar-Hashim, also known as Salah Donyale, 40, admitted that from April 2020 through January 2022, he knowingly participated in the scheme through his company Olvie Management Inc. in St. Cloud. Omar-Hashim claimed to have served 1.6 million meals to children by submitting fake meal sheets and invoices, then pocketed the money.
>> Two More Flu Deaths in Minnesota, Hospitalizations and School Outbreaks Rise
(St. Paul, MN) — Flu activity appears to be on the rise in Minnesota. The state Health Department’s weekly report shows three more flu-related deaths for a total of six this season. Eighty people were hospitalized with influenza – compared to 62 the previous week. Eleven Minnesota schools reported flu outbreaks the week ending December 9th after just one outbreak two weeks ago. Influenza A is the most common strain of the virus in Minnesota. Health officials expect the flu season to peak sometime after the holidays.
>>Iron Range Hell’s Angels President charged with kidnapping, assault
(Duluth, MN) — The head of the Iron Range chapter of the Hell’s Angels is charged with kidnapping and assault. Prosecutors say 38-year-old Jerand French was the main aggressor in November when a male victim was repeatedly punched and kicked while a woman was raped at the same residence by a prospective club member and another man. The beating of the male victim, reportedly recorded by other group members, continued at their clubhouse. French turned himself in earlier but was released on a half-million-dollar bail Thursday afternoon.
>>NCMEC Look for Missing Minneapolis Girl
(Minneapolis, MN) — The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing 16-year-old girl from Minneapolis. Tatyana Moore-Wright has been missing since December 6th. She’s described as 5 feet 1 inch tall, 90 pounds, with brown eyes and black and red dyed hair. Tatyana is known to frequent local public libraries and public transportation. Anyone with information is asked to contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST or MPD.
>>MNsure Deadline for January Coverage is Today
(St. Paul, MN) — Today (Fri 12/15) is the last day to sign up through state-run MNsure for 2024 health insurance — if you want coverage to begin January 1st. For those who sign up between tomorrow (12/16) and January 15th, coverage will begin February 1st. The deadlines do not apply to Minnesotans who qualify for Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s version of Medicaid) or for MinnesotaCare.
