>>Feeding Our Future Founder Bock to Pay $5.2 Million in Restitution
(Minneapolis, MN) — A federal judge is ordering the woman convicted of orchestrating the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme to pay more than five million dollars in restitution. Aimee Bock of Rosemount was found guilty last spring on multiple counts of wire fraud in the 250-million-dollar child nutrition scheme. Prosecutors say Bock has 3.5 million dollars in her Feeding Our Future bank account, a Porsche sports car, electronics, and jewelry. A final forfeiture order could return the money to taxpayers after Bock is sentenced in the case.
>>HHS Freezes Child Care Payments to Minnesota Amid Fraud Concerns
(Washington, DC) — The U-S Department of Health and Human Services is halting all child care payments to Minnesota following reports of widespread fraud. Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill announced that payments are frozen effective immediately, citing what he called “blatant fraud” in Minnesota and across the country. O’Neill said all future A-C-F payments nationwide will require justification and proof, such as receipts or photo evidence, before funds are released. He also called on Governor Tim Walz to order an audit of Minnesota child care centers. The move follows a You Tube influencer’s video allegedly showing abandoned day care facilities still receiving taxpayer subsidies. Walz says his administration has already taken steps to address the issue and supports criminal prosecutions.
>>New State Employment Laws Take Effect January 1
(St. Paul, MN) — Besides the new Paid Leave program, there are other new employment laws that begin tomorrow on January 1st. Minnesotans who earn minimum wage are getting a raise. The new state minimum wage is now $11.41. Workers in the state must be allowed a rest break of at least 15 minutes or enough time to use the nearest convenient restroom for each consecutive four hours of work. The old law just said “adequate time.” And, a 30-minute meal break must be provided by employers for every six consecutive hours of work.
>>Minnesota DNR Approves Mineral Exploration near Boundary Waters
(Ely, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is giving the green light to exploratory mineral drilling near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The state approval comes after months of pushback from environmental groups concerned about potential contamination and lasting damage to the protected region. Franconia Minerals, a subsidiary of Twin Metals Minnesota, proposed in November to drill at up to 19 sites. The D-N-R says the permit includes special conditions designed to safeguard water quality and reduce noise and light impacts.
>>Stewartville Student Released from Hospital After Shooting
(Stewartville, MN) — A Stewartville High School wrestler who was shot in the parking lot is out of the hospital and recovering at home. The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office says the student athlete was boarding a bus for a tournament in North Dakota December 12th when he was shot. Investigators say 19-year-old Logan Moyer shot the student before taking his own life. Moyer was a 2024 Stewartville graduate and former wrestler but was not currently involved with the team.
>>Medical Examiner Releases Cause of Death for 7-Year-Old St. Cloud Student
(St. Cloud, MN) — The Hennepin County Medical Examiner is releasing the cause of death for seven-year-old St. Cloud student Abdinasir Maow Gedi. Officials say Gedi died on September 20th from a ruptured cerebral artery aneurysm. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a ruptured aneurysm occurs when a weakened section of an artery balloons with blood and bursts, releasing blood into the brain and surrounding tissue. This can lead to stroke, brain damage, coma, or death.
>>Standoff at Chisago City Business Ends Peacefully
(Chisago City, MN) — Authorities say a standoff at a business in Chisago City ended peacefully Tuesday night and a man is in custody. The Lakes Area Police Department says a 39-year-old man barricaded himself inside and threatened to start it on fire. Due to chemicals stored on site, neighboring businesses and homes were evacuated. Officers say the incident was resolved about nine hours later and no injuries were reported. The man was arrested without incident.
>>Wild and Sharks Play New Year’s Eve Matinee in Northern California
(San Jose, CA) — The Minnesota Wild continue their seven-game road trip with a New Year’s Eve matinee today (Wed 3pm) in San Jose. Minnesota skated past the Las Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 on Monday night. Matt Boldy scored his 25th goal and Filip Gustavsson made 14 saves for the win. The Wild opened the two-week road trip with a 4-3 overtime victory in Winnipeg on Saturday. The Sharks have beaten Minnesota twice in O-T this season.
>>Wolves and Hawks Play Afternoon Matchup in Atlanta
(Atlanta, GA) — The Minnesota Timberwolves play an afternoon game (Wed 2pm) against the Hawks on New Year’s Eve in Atlanta. The Wolves cruised past the Bulls 136-101 Monday in Chicago. Naz Reid came off the bench and scored a game-high 33 points. Today’s game is homecoming for Anthony Edwards, who grew up in the Atlanta area and played one season at Georgia. The Hawks have a 15-19 record. The 21-12 Timberwolves play Saturday in Miami and Washington, D-C on Sunday.
