>>Alleged Feeding Our Future Leader Arrested in Somalia
(Minneapolis, MN) — Federal authorities say a key suspect in Minnesota’s $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud case has been arrested in Somalia. Prosecutors say 42-year-old Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh of Burnsville was taken into custody in Mogadishu after spending more than four years as a fugitive. Investigators accuse Eidleh of helping lead the pandemic-era scheme that diverted millions of dollars intended to feed children. He is expected to be extradited to Minnesota to face federal charges.
>>Justice Department Sues Minnesota Over SNAP Data
(St. Paul, MN) — The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Minnesota over its refusal to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Federal officials say the information is needed to verify eligibility and detect fraud in the food assistance program. The Justice Department says Minnesota has repeatedly declined requests for the data over the past year. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the Trump administration will take legal action against states that fail to comply with federal law.
>>U of M Approves Tuition Hike
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota has approved a $5.4 billion operating budget that includes a 3.8 percent tuition increase for most students. University leaders say the plan addresses rising costs and flat state funding while maintaining key priorities. The budget also includes a three percent pay raise for faculty. About 230 positions will be eliminated through layoffs and attrition to help balance the budget. The tuition increase is smaller than last year’s 6.5 percent hike.
>>DWI Case Against Minnesota Lawmaker Delayed Until August
(Maplewood, MN) — The DWI case against Minnesota Republican Representative Elliott Engen is on hold until late August. The Lino Lakes lawmaker appeared in Ramsey County court Friday for an arraignment but did not enter a plea. Engen is charged with driving while intoxicated and speeding following a March 27th traffic stop in White Bear Lake. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 28th. Earlier this month, Engen ended his campaign for state auditor and announced he will not seek reelection to the Minnesota House.
>>Trump Declines to Sign Bipartisan Housing Bill
(Washington, D.C.) — A bipartisan housing bill backed by Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is stalled after President Trump said he won’t sign it. Smith says the measure would be the biggest federal housing package in more than 30 years, boosting housing construction and lowering costs. It would also prevent large corporate investors from buying up single-family homes. Smith is urging the president to reconsider, saying the bill would help make housing more affordable for families across Minnesota and the nation.
>>Emmer Draws Criticism for Comments About Somali Immigrants
(Washington, D.C.) — Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer is facing backlash after comments he made about Somali immigrants during a Faith & Freedom Coalition event in Washington, D.C. While discussing immigration and assimilation, Emmer singled out Somalis, saying those who do not assimilate should “go the hell back to where they came from.” The remarks quickly drew criticism from Minnesota Democrats and immigrant advocates, who called the comments offensive and divisive.
>> Flanagan Highlights Health Care Affordability
(Undated) — U.S. Senate candidate and Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan says lowering health care costs remains a top priority in her campaign. Flanagan says she supports Medicare for All, saying it would expand access to health care while reducing what people pay for insurance. She also says bringing down the cost of prescription medications is a key part of making life more affordable for Minnesotans.
>>Man Rescued from BWCA After Machete Injury
(Ely, MN) — A man is recovering after being seriously injured while using a machete in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Emergency crews were called Friday night to the Angleworm Trail, where the victim suffered a severe leg injury. The Minnesota Air Rescue Team hoisted the man from the remote area and flew him to the Ely Airport, where an ambulance took him to the hospital. Authorities say his injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
>>Protecting Your Pets in Extreme Heat
(Golden Valley, MN) — With dangerous heat expected across Minnesota starting Sunday, the Animal Humane Society is reminding pet owners to take extra precautions. Keep pets indoors whenever possible with air conditioning or make sure they have plenty of shade and fresh water if they’re outside. Walk dogs during the cooler morning or evening hours and check the pavement before heading out. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws. Never leave a pet in a parked vehicle, even with the windows cracked. Watch for signs of heat stroke, like excessive panting, drooling, or weakness, and seek veterinary care immediately if symptoms develop.
