>>Salim Said Sentenced to 30 Years in Feeding Our Future Fraud
(Minneapolis, MN) — A key figure in Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future fraud scheme is sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. Salim Said received the sentence Wednesday for his role in defrauding a federal program intended to feed children during the COVID-19 pandemic. A jury convicted Said in 2025 on 21 counts, alongside nonprofit founder Aimee Bock. Prosecutors linked more than 44 million dollars in fraud to operations connected to Said’s Safari Restaurant. The judge also ordered him to pay more than 44 million dollars in restitution.
>>DOJ Seeks to Keep Ilhan Omar Search Warrant Sealed
(Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Justice Department is asking a federal judge to keep the search warrant for Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s Washington, D.C., home under seal while an investigation continues. Several news organizations have asked the court to make the warrant and related records public. Prosecutors argue releasing the documents now could jeopardize the investigation, which has been reported to involve Omar’s immigration paperwork. Omar has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.
>>Minnesota Corrections Officer Accused of Prison Drug Smuggling
(St. Paul, MN) — A Minnesota corrections officer is accused of trying to smuggle drugs into the Lino Lakes prison. According to a Ramsey County criminal complaint, 28-year-old Minu Yang of St. Paul was arrested after officers found nine sheets of beading paper during a security screening. Investigators allege Yang planned to deliver the items to an inmate in exchange for $2,000. The alleged scheme involved the inmate’s mother. Testing is underway to determine what substances are involved.
>>Finstad Meets with Faribault Manufacturers
(Faribault, MN) – Republican Congressman Brad Finstad met with local manufacturers at Faribault Woolen Mill Co. alongside National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons on Wednesday. The roundtable focused on tax provisions affecting manufacturers, including no tax on overtime, and policies aimed at supporting economic growth and jobs. Finstad also toured the historic mill with company president and CEO Ross Widmoyer to learn more about its wool manufacturing process. The group also discussed permitting reform, which industry leaders say could encourage investment, create jobs and lower costs for businesses and families.
>>New Study Shows Minnesota Still Ranks High in Jobs
(St. Paul, MN) – A new study shows Minnesota is still one of the top states for jobs. According to WalletHub, Minnesota ranks third overall, earning the nation’s fourth-best ranking for economic environment and sixth best ranking for job market conditions. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took credit in a releasing a statement saying, “Our state’s strong economy, highly skilled workforce and commitment to supporting working people are helping Minnesotans succeed.” The governor’s statement included that since 2019, Minnesota has helped create nearly 69,000 jobs, supported more than 35,000 new businesses, and increased average weekly wages by nearly 30%.
>>Five Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on South Dakota Interstate
(Colman, SD) — Five people, including a Minnesota man, are dead after a wrong-way crash Monday on Interstate 29 near Colman, South Dakota. The Highway Patrol says a truck driven by a Hendricks man collided head-on with a minivan carrying four girls from Flandreau. Three girls, ages 12, 15 and 16, and the Minnesota driver died. A fourth girl, 12, suffered life-threatening injuries. A semi-truck also struck the minivan and jackknifed. The victims’ identities have not been released.
>>Minnesota School Districts Seek Funding in Tuesday’s Election
(St. Peter, MN) — Dozens of Minnesota school districts are asking voters to approve additional education funding in Tuesday’s midterm election. About 70 school-related questions are on the ballot statewide, according to Minnesota School Boards Association Executive Director Kirk Schneidawind. He says districts are facing rising costs for fuel, materials, labor and everyday operations. Most of the proposed measures are operating levies to help cover ongoing expenses, followed by bond referendums for school buildings and facilities. Other proposals seek funding for technology upgrades and school safety improvements.
>>Minnesota Energy Assistance Program Helps Households Stay Warm
(St. Paul, MN) — With colder weather approaching, Minnesota officials are encouraging residents to apply for energy assistance. Program director Michael Schmitz says the state received $111 million in federal funding to help more than 100,000 households pay heating bills this winter. Last year, the program served about 117,000 households, with roughly two-thirds of the funding going to Greater Minnesota. Eligible homeowners may also qualify for help repairing or replacing broken heating systems. Residents can find eligibility requirements and application information through the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Energy Assistance Program website.
>>Health Experts Urge Minnesotans to Get Flu and COVID Vaccines
(Northfield, MN) — As temperatures drop, health experts are encouraging Minnesotans to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines ahead of the holiday season. Kris Ehresmann, with St. Olaf College’s Public Health Faculty, says vaccination now gives the body time to build protection before family gatherings and holiday events. She says it takes about two weeks for the immune system to develop a response to the vaccines. Ehresmann says the flu and COVID-19 shots can be given at the same appointment. The vaccines are updated regularly to target changing virus strains.
>>St. Louis County Backs Bid to Bring F-35s to Duluth
(Duluth, MN) — St. Louis County commissioners are supporting efforts to bring F-35 fighter jets to Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing. The board unanimously approved a resolution, citing the region’s military training airspace, strategic location and the wing’s economic importance. The Air Force plans to select two National Guard wings for the aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2033.
>>Pine Island Approves Settlement in Google Data Center Lawsuit
(Pine Island, MN) — The Pine Island City Council has approved a settlement in a lawsuit over a proposed Google data center. The vote clears the way for additional state environmental review of potential impacts, including water, noise, energy and the power grid. Under the agreement, Google and developer Ryan Companies will limit on-site electricity generation to 50 megawatts. The process includes public comment and a mitigation plan that must be approved by the city before construction can begin.
>>St. Cloud Veteran First to Receive Diploma Under New State Law
(St. Cloud, MN) – A former student at St. Cloud Technical High School has become the first Minnesota veteran to receive a high school diploma under a new state law honoring veterans who never had the chance to finish school because of their service. The law which took effect August 1 requires school districts and charter schools issue a high school diploma, upon request, to Korean Conflict and Vietnam War veterans who were unable to complete high school. Veterans and families interested in requesting a diploma can contact their local school district. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and county veteran service officers can help verify discharge paperwork.
