>>Second Juror Dismissed After Bribe Offered in Feeding Our Future Trial
(Minneapolis, MN) — Another juror has been dismissed from Minnesota’s significant COVID-19 fraud case due to a bribery incident. Juror 22 informed the court yesterday that they learned about a bribe offered to another juror when they called home this week. The bribe, which allegedly consisted of $120,000 in cash in a bag in exchange for an acquittal, was offered to a different juror. That particular juror reported the bribe and was excused on Monday. The case, known as the Feeding Our Future case, is considered one of the largest pandemic fraud cases in the nation. Prosecutors allege that 70 individuals in the Minneapolis Metro area conspired to embezzle $250 million during the coronavirus outbreak.
>>MN DHS Awards $4.6M in Child Care Resource Grants
(Undated) – New state grants totaling $4.6 million have been awarded to support caregivers and families in providing child care for children in diverse communities. State Department of Human Services (DHS) Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bharti Wahi says the entire state and 11 Tribal Nations have access to these supports, adding, “20 organizations use that Family, Friend, and Neighbor Grant to serve Somali, Latine, Hmong, African American, Oromo, American Indian, immigrant, and refugee communities. Wahi says Minnesota had 82,700 family, friend, and neighbor caregivers in 2019, however, many don’t consider themselves part of the childcare workforce or know about these supports.
>>”Isaac’s Voice” Bill Passes 2024 Legislative Session, Author Rep. Urdahl’s Thoughts
(Willmar, MN) – A bill nicknamed “Isaac’s Voice” was passed in this year’s legislative session, compelling authorities to let legal guardians of children know when an order for protection (OFP) has been lifted. Co-author of the bill, Republican Representative Dean Urdahl of Grove City, says in 13-year-old Isaac Hoff’s case, his grandmother was never made aware the OFP placed on Isacc’s mother’s ex-boyfriend, Houston Morris, was revoked before allowing him to visit his mother. Hoff from Olivia, MN, was fatally stabbed in the chest when getting in between Morris and his mother during a fight in March 2022. Morris entered a plea agreement last year and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
>>Orioles Rookie, MN Native Norby Gets 1st Career Hit
(Undated) – Orioles rookie and Minnesota native Connor Norby is celebrating after getting his first career hit in Baltimore’s 10-1 win over Toronto Tuesday night. Norby said it was “so cool” to experience that and help his team win. 23-year-old Norby grew up in Brooklyn Park and played college baseball at East Carolina.
>>Historic Covered Bridge in Zumbrota Closed Because of High Water
(Zumbrota, MN) –The cover bridge in Zumbrota is now closed because of flooding in Minnesota. The city of Zumbrota closed the bridge Monday morning. City crews say they are monitoring the debris building under the bridge, but they still need to get to the point where they are concerned.
>>Minnesota DNR To Study Northeastern Deer Herd
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota will embark on a unique deer population count for the northeastern part of the state next month. The state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced a three-year study. Unlike previous studies on airplanes, this study will utilize trail cameras on public and private land. The study responds to concerns that the reintroduction of wolves has significantly reduced the deer population in northern Wisconsin, which has been a source of discontent among hunters for several years.
