Midwest
Ilhan Omar defends MEALS Act despite ties to massive Minnesota fraud scheme
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., said she has no regrets about supporting the MEALS Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the program becoming linked to Minnesota’s alleged $250 million “Feeding Our Future” fraud scheme.
“Do you regret pushing for that bill, the MEALS Act? Do you think it led to the fraud?” Nicholas Ballasy for Fox News Digital asked Omar on Capitol Hill.
“Absolutely not, it did help feed kids,” Omar said.
Omar introduced the MEALS Act on March 11, 2020, to modify the Department of Agriculture’s food and nutrition programs to allow certain waivers on requirements for school meal programs, including those that raised federal costs during school closures related to the pandemic.
WALZ URGES NOEM TO ‘REASSESS’ IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT STRATEGY IN MINNESOTA AFTER ALLEGED CITIZEN ARRESTS
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., said she has “absolutely” no regrets about the 2020 MEALS Act, because “it did help feed kids.” (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Minnesota has faced scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of federal funds accessed through these waivers, including in distributing money for the “Feeding Our Future” program, which authorities believe to be the largest fraud scheme in the history of the pandemic.
INSIDE MINNESOTA’S $1B FRAUD: FAKE OFFICES, PHONY FIRMS AND A SCANDAL HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
The scheme allegedly exploited the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to waive many of its standard requirements for the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the pandemic, including relaxing its requirement for non-school-based distributors to participate in the program.
Fox News Digital first reported on the status of the fraud in July. FBI Director Kash Patel described it at the time as “one of the worst” in Minnesota history — and as of November 2025, more than 75 individuals have been charged in connection with the scheme, according to federal prosecutors.
President Donald Trump has recently announced a flurry of new actions to crack down and investigate fraud schemes in Minnesota, which he has assailed as a “hub of money laundering activity,” and cited as the basis of his decision to terminate deportation protections for hundreds of Somali migrants.
Minnesota’s Speaker of the House, Republican Lisa Demuth, speaks during a press conference in the governor’s reception room at the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., Thursday, May 15, 2025. (Jerry Holt/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images)
Senior Trump administration officials announced fresh investigations this month, including a new Treasury Department probe into how taxpayer dollars were allegedly diverted to the terrorist organization al-Shabaab, according to Secretary Scott Bessent.
Trump and other officials have zeroed in on these alleged fraud schemes, arguing that the criminal activity is a result of mismanagement and “incompetence” from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat and former vice presidential candidate.
‘INCOMPETENCE OR DERELICTION’: MINNESOTA LAWMAKER RIPS TIM WALZ AS STATE FRAUD LOSSES MOUNT
“It’s not surprising that the president has chosen to broadly target an entire community,” Walz said of Trump’s efforts, adding, “This is what he does to change the subject.”
Conspirators falsely claimed to have served millions of meals during the pandemic, but instead used the money for personal gain. They also are accused of fabricating invoices, submitting fake attendance records and falsely distributing thousands of meals from hundreds of so-called food distribution “sites” across the state.
Some of the individuals are part of Minnesota’s Somali diaspora, which is the largest in the U.S., though the ringleader of the scheme is not.
“Stealing from the federal government equates to stealing from the American people — there is no simpler truth,” FBI’s special agent in charge, Alvin Winston, told Fox News Digital in a statement.
The sun shines on the Minnesota State Capitol on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)
Charging documents show that roughly 300 “food sites” in the state served little or no food, with the so-called “food vendors” and organizations fabricated to launder money intended to reimburse the cost of feeding children.
FBI officials told Fox News that the investigation and resulting trials and indictments continue to impact the state, and have already touched off legislative reform in Minnesota.
They added that the investigation into the fraud remains ongoing, and that additional charges are expected, though they did not immediately share more details.
“The egregious fraud unveiled in the Feeding our Future case epitomizes a profound betrayal of public trust,” Patel told Fox News Digital earlier this year.
“These individuals misappropriated hundreds of millions in federal funds intended to nourish vulnerable children during a time of crisis, redirecting those resources into luxury homes, high-end vehicles and extravagant lifestyles while families faced hardship,” he added.
President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. ( Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Trump suggested earlier this month that Omar, who fled Somalia as a child, “shouldn’t be allowed to be a congresswoman,” prompting fierce backlash from some Democrats and from Minnesota’s congressional delegation.
Omar, for her part, said Trump’s remarks were “vile.”
“His obsession with me is creepy,” she said on social media. “I hope he gets the help he desperately needs.”
ICE REJECTS OMAR CLAIM SON WAS PULLED OVER BY FEDS, PRESSED FOR CITIZENSHIP PROOF: ‘ABSOLUTELY ZERO RECORD’
Ballasy later pressed Omar about another incident dominating headlines.
“Congresswoman, the ICE director is saying now that your son was not pulled over by ICE. He’s saying there’s no evidence,” Ballasy said to Omar on Capitol Hill.
The head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rejected a viral claim from Omar that her son was pressed for proof of U.S. citizenship by agency personnel after stopping at a Minnesota Target over the weekend.
Omar had told CBS’ Twin Cities affiliate that her son was subjected to a traffic stop-type encounter by ICE agents but was ultimately let go without further issue after he was able to produce a U.S. passport or passport card.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons speaking at a press conference at the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse in Boston on June 2. (Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons pushed back on the assertion on Tuesday, telling Fox News Digital the incident never happened.
“How do they know that?” Omar countered. “How do they know that? Is he saying he has documentations of all the people they pulled over? Because we’ve been asking for that information. We haven’t gotten it from them, so if ICE is confirming now that they collect data and refusing to provide it to members of Congress, then that’s an interesting admission.”
“ICE has absolutely zero record of its officers or agents pulling over Congresswoman Omar’s son,” Lyons said.
“It speaks volumes that Congresswoman Omar is leveling this accusation with absolutely zero proof.”
Lyons called Omar’s comments to the local outlet a “ridiculous effort” to demonize federal law enforcement. He also said her rhetoric contributes to a spike in threats against ICE personnel, citing a 1,150% increase in assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats.
When asked to respond to Lyons’ comment, Omar told Ballasy, “Well, their crackdown has terrorized my community, so they need to stop.”
Read the full article from Here
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch on Kevin McGonigle’s home opener
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch spoke about how rookie infielder Kevin McGonigle experienced his first home game as a Tiger, April 3, 2026.
Kevin McGonigle finally has his first home run in the major leagues.
McGonigle, the Detroit Tigers’ sensational rookie, blasted a ball 408 feet to deep right field off Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcántara on Sunday, April 12, at Comerica Park, giving the Tigers a 4-0 lead in the fifth inning.
McGonigle hit the ball with a 108.8 mph exit velocity.
Alcántara, the 2022 National League Cy Young award winner, threw him a first-pitch 97 mph four-seam fastball.
Celebrate Kevin McGonigle on Tigers with this Free Press print
McGonigle, in his 16th game this season, is hitting .310, behind only Colt Keith on the Tigers. McGonigle has six doubles.
“Fly ball, right field, deep, got a chance, No. 1 for Kevin McGonigle!” Dan Dickerson said on the TV broadcast.
McGonigle previously twice crushed a ball to the wall earlier this season, only to result in a loud out.
Against the San Diego Padres in his second MLB game March 27, McGonigle was robbed of a home run in center field by Jackson Merrill. He hit the ball 403 feet, connecting for a 104.2 mph exit velocity.
In his first at-bat in the Tigers’ home opener April 3, against the St. Louis Cardinals, McGonigle again smashed a ball 403 feet, with a 103.5 mph exit velo to the warning track in left-center. It would have been a home run in 12 MLB parks − but not at Comerica Park.
Celebrate Kevin McGonigle’s MLB debut with this Detroit Free Press print
McGonigle’s Opening Day debut is worth framing and the Free Press has a page print for you.
Follow our Tigers coverage all year long: freep.com/sports/tigers
The Milwaukee Bucks season is officially over and they have a ton of work to do and a lot of questions to answer this offseason. This could be one of the most important offseason in franchise history, and everything revolves around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If Giannis stays, this is not a rebuild. It’s a retool, but not a small one. This roster, as currently constructed, is not good enough to compete at a championship level. The Bucks have lost their identity, struggled defensively, and lacked consistent shot creation outside of their superstar.
So if Giannis commits, the front office has one job: build a real contender immediately.
This is what their offseason big board should look like.
Players They Should Keep: The Foundation Pieces
Myles turner
Turner is one of the most interesting decisions. He has three years left on his deal and provides two key things: rim protection and spacing. That combination is rare, and it fits extremely well next to Giannis. While his age (29) could make him expendable in a bigger deal, Milwaukee should lean toward keeping him unless they’re getting a clear upgrade.
Ryan Rollins
Rollins is an easy decision. He’s young, improving, and on one of the best contracts on the roster, just $4 million annually over the next two seasons. He’s exactly the type of player you keep around a star like Giannis.
Ousmane Dieng
Dieng has quietly become one of the most intriguing young players on this roster. Over the past couple of months, he’s shown real growth, averaging around 17.8 points, nearly five assists, and six rebounds when given opportunities. At just 22 years old, he offers upside, versatility, and a potential long-term role.
AJ Green
Every contender needs shooting, and Green provides it. He spaces the floor, plays within his role, and doesn’t need touches to be effective.
Players They Should Move: Clearing the Deck
Kyle Kuzma
Kuzma stands out as the most obvious trade candidate. He’s on a $20 million expiring contract and hasn’t delivered consistent production. That contract becomes a valuable trade chip for Milwaukee to upgrade elsewhere.
Myles Turner
I know I had him as a player they should keep but based on his salary he will be a contract that must be included if the Bucks are looking to trade for star this summer. Again, Turner fits, but if a star becomes available, he could be included in a larger package.
Trade Targets:
If Giannis stays, the Bucks cannot be conservative. They need to take real swings and take real risks.
Ja Morant
Morant’s value is at an all-time low, which is exactly why Milwaukee should explore it. He’s still only 26 years old and has already proven he can be a superstar in this league. Ja Morant can bring elite shot creation and explosiveness. He is an underrated playmaker in my opinion, so he should help facilitate.
The Bucks have struggled to generate offense in half-court situations. Morant fixes that immediately. Of course, the risk is obvious: injuries and off-court concerns. If Milwaukee is serious about maximizing Giannis’ prime, this is the type of move that could change everything.
Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. had a breakout season with the Brooklyn Nets averaging 24 points 7.1 rebounds and 3 assists per game. This could be one of the cleanest fits next to Giannis. Michael Porter Jr. provides elite shooting, size on the wing and scoring without needing the ball in his hands.
Giannis thrives when surrounded by spacing, and Porter would open the floor in a way this team desperately needs. The concerns are defense and durability, but offensively, the fit is undeniable.
Trey Murphy III
If Milwaukee wants a lower-risk, high-impact move, Murphy is the perfect choice Trey Murphy III is 25 years old and has had really good back to back seasons. Murphy averaged 21.5 points 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He’s the type of two-way player that every teams wants. Murphy is a great 3 and D player whose athletic and efficient.
Murphy doesn’t need touches, defends multiple positions, and fits seamlessly next to Giannis. He also helps restore a defensive identity.
Free Agent Targets: Contingent on Creating Cap Flexibility
Here’s the reality for the Milwaukee Bucks: They’re projected to be roughly $43 million over the cap, which means free agency won’t be straightforward.
Any move they make is going to be tied directly to what happens before free agency even begins. If Milwaukee wants to be active, it’ll need to create flexibility through trades or internal decisions. One of the biggest factors here will be their players with player options, including names like Gary Trent Jr., Gary Harris, Taurean Prince, and Jericho Sims. If some of those players decide to decline their options and test the market, the Bucks could open up some breathing room. If they opt in, that makes things tighter and forces Milwaukee to look elsewhere to clear salary.
So this isn’t a situation where the Bucks can just go out and spend. Every potential signing is contingent on what they’re able to do with their current roster first .
With that in mind, here are the types of free agents they should prioritize if they’re able to create even a little flexibility.
Norman Powell
If Milwaukee can open up enough room, Norman Powell should be one of their top targets. He gives them something they’ve clearly been missing all season, reliable scoring outside of Giannis. Powell is coming off a breakout year where he averaged around 23 points per game, and he’s capable of creating his own shot while still fitting into a team offense.
The challenge is that Powell will have a strong market, and Milwaukee likely wouldn’t be able to afford him without making a real move to clear salary. But in terms of fit, he checks every box.
Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura is a more realistic option depending on how the market plays out. He brings size, physicality, and improved shooting, and he’s the type of forward who can slot into multiple lineups without needing touches to be effective.
For a Bucks team that has lacked versatility, Hachimura would help balance the roster and give them another playable option in bigger lineups next to Giannis.
Coby White
If Milwaukee isn’t able to land a big-name guard through a trade, Coby White becomes an intriguing alternative. He’s taken a step forward as both a scorer and playmaker, and he can operate both on and off the ball.
White wouldn’t be the headline move, but he would raise the offensive floor of this team, which is something they’ve struggled with throughout the season.
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is the type of signing that makes sense for a team operating over the cap. He likely wouldn’t command a massive deal, and he brings energy, athleticism, and scoring off the wing.
He’s not a star, but he’s the type of player contenders add to round out their rotation and bring consistency over the course of a long season.
A Tight Window With Big Decisions
For the Milwaukee Bucks, this isn’t a typical offseason, it’s a pressure-filled one.
They don’t have the luxury of cap space, and they don’t have time to slowly figure things out. Every move is going to require strategy, timing, and a clear vision of what this team is supposed to be around Giannis. If Milwaukee can find a way to navigate the cap, make the right decisions on player options, and clear just enough room to be active, they have a chance to reshape this roster in a meaningful way.
If they can’t, they risk running it back with a team that already showed it isn’t good enough.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (FOX 9) – A crash in Eden Prairie left one person dead and one injured Saturday night.
Fatal crash in Eden Prairie
What we know:
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, troopers are investigating a two-vehicle crash that happened around 8:15 p.m.
The crash happened at Highway 212 and Prairie Center Drive, and left one person dead. Another person was taken to Hennepin Healthcare for injuries sustained in the crash.
What we don’t know:
What led up to the crash is currently unknown.
The severity of the injuries of the other driver is currently unknown.
The Minnesota State Patrol is expected to release more information as they investigate.
The Source: A press release from the Minnesota State Patrol.
Kevin McGonigle crushes 1st MLB home run for Detroit Tigers
President Trump terminates Presidio Trust
Running Back Remains a Sneaky Need For Dallas Cowboys in 2026 NFL Draft
Hawks sitting all usual starters against Miami
Brewers Rally Late to Defeat Red Sox 8-6 – Boston Today
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Carney casts himself as NATO defender amid Trump beef, despite Canada missing key benchmark for decades
‘Enough of war!’ says Pope Leo XIV who grows increasingly frustrated
Artemis II splashdown captures nationwide attention
Video: Police Fatally Shoot Man After Stabbings at Grand Central Subway Station
Trump blasts Spanberger ahead of Virginia meetings, says state faces tax base exodus like New York, California
-
Atlanta, GA1 week ago1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say
-
Georgia5 days agoGeorgia House Special Runoff Election 2026 Live Results
-
Pennsylvania6 days agoParents charged after toddler injured by wolf at Pennsylvania zoo
-
Arkansas2 days agoArkansas TV meteorologist Melinda Mayo retires after nearly four decades on air
-
Milwaukee, WI6 days agoPotawatomi Casino Hotel evacuated after fire breaks out in rooftop HVAC system
-
Indianapolis, IN1 week agoFighting Illini begin Final Four preparations in Indianapolis
-
Technology1 week agoAnthropic essentially bans OpenClaw from Claude by making subscribers pay extra
-
Austin, TX5 days agoABC Kite Fest Returns to Austin for Annual Celebration – Austin Today