Midwest
Noem puts Newsom on notice, vows California probe after Minnesota fraud bust
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned California Gov. Gavin Newsom that federal investigators are headed west after uncovering what she described as massive fraud in Minnesota public programs.
“We’re going to come to you, Governor Newsom, and we’re going to arrest every single individual that has ties to this kind of stealing of taxpayer dollars, and we will hold them accountable,” Noem said on “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Tuesday.
“We’ll bring them to justice.”
MINNESOTA FRAUD CASES, EXPLAINED: HOW HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS ALLEGEDLY SLIPPED THROUGH STATE PROGRAMS
Secretary Kristi Noem said she intends to investigate fraud in California under Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. (Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune; Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)
Noem’s warning came one day after President Donald Trump called California “more corrupt than any place,” including Minnesota. Newsom responded Monday, saying he welcomes “partnering” with the president on the issue.
“If he has some unique insight and information, I look forward to partnering with him. Can’t stand fraud, can’t stand waste and abuse,” he told MS NOW.
Recent Homeland Security operations in Minnesota revealed widespread fraud tied to public assistance programs and saw “hundreds and hundreds” of arrests.
Noem said she thinks the scandal is “just the tip of the iceberg.”
“It is leading us to networks all over the country and overseas, and we’re gonna follow every single one of them.”
The fraud, which Noem called “unprecedented,” involved criminals allegedly siphoning money meant for Medicaid and developmental services to fund “luxury homes and vacations.”
She accused Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz of ignoring warnings from state employees who raised concerns about fraudulent businesses and nonprofits collecting government funds, and said Democrats attempted to cover it up.
NEW YORK REPUBLICANS CALL FOR INDEPENDENT FRAUD INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING MINNESOTA REVELATIONS
Secretary Kristi Noem claims Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ignored state employees raising red flags about fraud. (Christopher Mark Juhn/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The largest case, known as the “Feeding Our Future” scandal, centers on a Somali-linked nonprofit accused of exploiting federal child nutrition programs. More than 70 defendants have been charged to date.
Additional cases involve alleged fraud in Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services program, an early autism services program, and the Integrated Community Supports program, which provides assistance and training to people with disabilities living independently in the community.
The investigations are being led by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, according to the Justice Department.
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Noem said the Minnesota operations also led to arrests for violent crimes, including murder and sexual assault.
“We arrested a murderer, someone who was extorting money in other countries and also sexual assault perpetrators, individuals who were attacking children,” Noem said.
Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz contributed to this report.
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Detroit, MI
Detroit Zoo welcomes Nguvu the giraffe from Utah
The Detroit Zoo welcomed a new giraffe, Nguvu, to the herd, officials announced on Wednesday.
Officials say 1-year-old Nguvu came from Utah’s Hogle Zoo as part of the zoo’s “long-term plan for the giraffe herd.”
“This move was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Giraffe Species Survival Plan, which promotes the health, genetic diversity and overall sustainability of giraffe populations in zoos – and we’re eager to support Nguvu as he adjusts to his new home,” the Detroit Zoo says.
Officials say Nguvu has been working with the animal care teams for several days and will be introduced to the herd soon.
According to Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Nguvu was born in February 2025. His name means “strength” in Swahili.
Milwaukee, WI
VIDEO: Celebrating Milwaukee, LIVE at Anodyne (Feat. Dan Shafer, Kristin Brey, Angela Lang and special guests) – Civic Media
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signs gun ban ordinance
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed a new ordinance that carries a ban on assault weapons but won’t take effect unless there are major changes to state law.
Minneapolis gun ban ordinance signed
What we know:
The Minneapolis City Council approved the ordinance during its meeting last week.
The firearm regulations ordinance includes a ban on assault weapons, ghost guns, binary triggers, and high-capacity magazines. The ordinance also includes safe storage provisions for firearms.
Big picture view:
Many of the provisions in the law won’t go into effect unless there is a change in state law. Currently, Minnesota law prevents municipalities from enacting gun regulations.
Minnesota law only allows cities to bar the discharge of firearms within city limits and adopt regulations that are identical to state laws. Any regulations that go beyond state law are voided, according to state statute.
Local perspective:
Action on the gun ordinance was spurred by last year’s shooting at Annunciation Church and School. Two students were killed while attending morning mass at the church and more than two dozen students and parishioners were hurt in the barrage of gunfire.
Last week, parents of Annunciation students spoke out in support of the ordinance at a public hearing.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus threatens lawsuit
The other side:
Last year, St. Paul passed a similar law. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus filed a lawsuit shortly after the ordinance was signed. Arguments were heard last month on the case and a judge has set a trial for next year.
In a statement last week, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said it was evaluating its legal options in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus Chair Bryan Strawser said:
“The City of Minneapolis is attempting to make a political statement with an ordinance it has no legal authority to enact. Minnesota law clearly preempts the entire field of firearms regulation, and local governments cannot simply ignore state statute because they dislike the policy outcome.
“If the City Council moves forward with this unlawful ordinance, we will evaluate every available legal option to challenge it, just as we did in Saint Paul.
“The law is not optional, even for Minneapolis.”
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