See how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions earmarked for hungry kids
Documents and images show luxury purchases and wire transfers to China and East Africa.
Minnesota Fraud
Minnesota tops list of 10 most expensive pandemic aid fraud schemes
Luxury cars, homes, jewelry and casino trips were among the spoils of some of the biggest pandemic era fraud cases, according to a CBS News review of five years of government records and data.
Potential funding pauses in response to fraud have nonprofits worried
The federal and state crackdowns on fraud in Minnesota are creating collateral damage in programs aimed at helping people with disabilities.
Minnesota officials saw signs of massive fraud even before COVID hit
In July 2019, Minnesota state officials spotted early signs of fraud that would eventually siphon away more than $1 billion in taxpayer money, sources told CBS News.
Omar: Any link between alleged Somali fraud and terrorism would be a "failure of the FBI"
Rep. Ilhan Omar told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that if allegations of a connection between tax dollars and terrorism are true, "that is a failure of the FBI and our court system."
What to know about Minnesota fraud allegations, as Trump levels attacks on Walz
President Trump has recently attacked Gov. Tim Walz over the fraud cases, calling Minnesota a "hub of fraudulent money laundering activity" and lashing out against the state's Somali community.
Treasury investigating whether Minnesota welfare money went to al Shabaab
The Trump administration is looking into whether Minnesota tax money found its way to al Shabaab, an al Qaeda affiliate based in Somalia, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
Man ordered to pay over $47M for role in Feeding Our Future fraud scheme
A 24-year-old man has been ordered by a federal judge to pay nearly $48 million in restitution and sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the largest pandemic fraud scheme in the U.S., the Department of Justice said Monday.
78th person charged in Feeding Our Future scheme, attorney's office says
A 36-year-old man has become the 78th person charged in the $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.
Walz orders third party to audit Medicaid billing at Minnesota DHS
Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday said that a third party will audit billing for 14 Medicaid services that are deemed to be "high risk" for fraud in Minnesota.
Man pleads guilty in "massive" scheme to defraud Minnesota housing program
A man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in what federal prosecutors have called a "massive" scheme to defraud a Minnesota housing program, according to court documents filed Thursday.
DHS suspends payments to 11 disability providers over alleged fraud
The Minnesota Department of Human Services recently suspended payments to 11 providers that serve adults with disabilities over "credible allegations" of fraud, according to a letter written by Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi and obtained by WCCO.
First defendant in autism fraud scheme charged
The fight against fraud in Minnesota took on a new target, autism centers. It's the latest in a series of taxpayer fraud cases in Minnesota.
56th Feeding Our Future defendant pleads guilty in fraud scheme
A 65-year-old man is the latest to plead guilty in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.
Man sentenced for charges stemming to Feeding Our Future scheme
A man convicted of charges stemming from the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme has been sentenced.
Woman, 50, pleads guilty to wire fraud in Feeding Our Future case
The 50-year-old woman pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, according to an agreement filed Friday in the U.S. District Court of Minnesota.
Minnesota Senate advances bill establishing a new Office of Inspector General
A proposal to establish a new state government watchdog designed to fight fraud in public programs sailed through the Minnesota Senate on Thursday.
3rd person pleads guilty to bribing Feeding Our Future juror
The bribe attempt surrounded the trial of seven defendants in one of the country's largest COVID-19-related fraud cases.
Guilty verdict in Feeding Our Future founder's fraud trial
A jury delivered a string of guilty verdicts Wednesday afternoon in what prosecutors call the largest pandemic fraud case in the country.
Gov. Tim Walz announces legislative package targeting state fraud
Gov. Tim Walz on Friday announced a new legislative package in an effort to target fraud in Minnesota.
Texts reveal efforts to bribe juror in pandemic fraud case, prosecutors say
A new court document details what federal prosecutors in Minnesota say was a frantic effort by two defendants to get a juror to vote for an acquittal in a pandemic fraud case.
Feeding Our Future audit finds Minnesota Dept. of Education's oversight "created opportunities for fraud"
The 120-page report details the ways in which the department failed to act on prior warning signs about the nonprofit and was ill-prepared to hold Feeding Our Future accountable even before the pandemic struck.
Five out of seven defendants in Feeding our Future fraud case found guilty of multiple counts
Five out of seven defendants accused of swindling more than $40 million in the Feeding our Future COVID relief fraud case have been found guilty on multiple counts. The trial hit a speed bump earlier this week when a juror reported receiving a $120,000 attempted bribe in the form of a bag of cash.
Politics
EMS was called to Mitch McConnell's home for "unconscious" patient last month
On the same morning Sen. Mitch McConnell was hospitalized last month, EMS personnel went to his home to respond to an unconscious person who appeared to experience "cardiac arrest," according to a dispatch call.
NCAA chief: No plan to change rules on transgender athletes after SCOTUS ruling
NCAA President Charlie Baker told CBS News he doesn't think the group will need to change its rules on transgender athletes in light of a Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to ban their participation.
About 2,000 U.S. troops supporting relief efforts after Venezuela earthquakes
Almost 60,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes last week, according to a NASA satellite assessment.
One NYC neighborhood has dozens of adult daycares. Now the feds have questions.
Investigations are underway into possible fraudulent activity at some of these kinds of facilities across New York, CBS News has learned.
Former CIA Director John Brennan sues DOJ, Trump officials over criminal probes
Brennan is seeking a court order to force the preservation of records in the investigations targeting him. His attorneys say he's being "vindictively singled out for investigation."
More than 1,000 cases under review after Broadview Six misconduct revelations
More than 1,000 grand jury presentations are under review after charges were dismissed in the "Broadview Six" case due to grand jury abuses and prosecutorial misconduct, Chicago's top federal prosecutor said.
U.S. says it won't extend key trade deal with Canada and Mexico
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will remain in effect until it expires in 2036, unless the countries strike another deal to extend it.
Justice Department sues Virginia, California over gun laws
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said "the Constitution is not a suggestion" and that "the Second Amendment is a sacred right belonging to all Americans."
Harvard professor known for alien theories to lead White House UFO council
Avi Loeb, a Harvard astronomer who has made headlines with his theories about alien encounters, will lead a White House scientific advisory council on UFOs.
Trump takes first trip on Qatari-gifted Air Force One
President Trump is traveling Wednesday to North Dakota in what marks his first trip aboard the new Air Force One, which was gifted to the U.S. by the Qatari government last year.
New disease threats follow Trump administration's health program cuts
From screwworm to flesh-eating bacteria, mounting public health risks are emerging in the wake of deep cuts to federal health agencies and programs.
Melat Kiros projected to defeat Diana DeGette in Colorado Congressional primary
Challenger Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, is the projected winner of the Democratic primary in Colorado's First Congressional District.
Exclusive
Labor activist Dolores Huerta says Trump "does not know history"
Longtime labor activist Dolores Huerta says President Trump's disparaging remarks about Mexicans show he "does not know history," and called on Latinos in California, Texas and other states to push for change.
Phil Weiser projected to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is the winner in the pivotal race to be the Democratic nominee for governor in Colorado, AP projects.
Progressive Manny Rutinel projected to win the Democratic primary in CD-8
Progressive Manny Rutinel is the projected winner in the Democratic primary in Colorado's 8th Congressional District, a GOP-held seat that is one of a handful of toss-up districts in the country.
Anthropic says Trump admin. lifted restrictions on powerful Claude AI models
Artificial intelligence giant Anthropic says the federal government lifted a set of restrictions on its powerful Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, resolving a weekslong dispute.
Lawyer for E. Jean Carroll says Trump wants to delay $5 million payment
Lawyers for President Trump asked for E. Jean Carroll's consent to delay the $5 million awarded to her by a 2023 jury, according to an attorney for the writer.
Trump made over $1 billion on crypto ventures last year, disclosure shows
President Trump earned more than a billion dollars from crypto-related ventures alone last year, according to a financial disclosure, including from his meme coin business and his family's cryptocurrency firm.
Trump announces first-ever Republican midterm convention in Dallas
President Donald Trump has announced that Republicans will hold their first-ever national convention ahead of the midterm elections in Dallas.
DOJ investigating Sen. Ruben Gallego's use of campaign funds, sources say
The probe focuses on Gallego's use of campaign funds for family trips, a source told CBS News. He has denied wrongdoing.
U.S.
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FBI investigating legitimacy of Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
The FBI said in a statement Wednesday that some ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance have been "deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy," and other "demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such."
U.S. takes down Bosnia 2-0 for second-ever World Cup knockout round win
Folarin Balogun got the scoring going with a goal in the 45th minute, but was sent off with a controversial red card in the 64th minute.
EMS was called to Mitch McConnell's home for "unconscious" patient last month
On the same morning Sen. Mitch McConnell was hospitalized last month, EMS personnel went to his home to respond to an unconscious person who appeared to experience "cardiac arrest," according to a dispatch call.
Couples are spending thousands more on weddings. Here's why.
Tariffs, inflation and changing consumer habits are reshaping how much Americans spend to tie the knot.
What is the "buy, borrow, die" tax strategy Gavin Newsom wants to ban?
As a proposed billionaire tax in California moves forward, Gov. Newsom says other approaches are needed, including closing a tax loophole used by the ultra-rich.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Couples are spending thousands more on weddings. Here's why.
Tariffs, inflation and changing consumer habits are reshaping how much Americans spend to tie the knot.
What is the "buy, borrow, die" tax strategy Gavin Newsom wants to ban?
As a proposed billionaire tax in California moves forward, Gov. Newsom says other approaches are needed, including closing a tax loophole used by the ultra-rich.
U.S. says it won't extend key trade deal with Canada and Mexico
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will remain in effect until it expires in 2036, unless the countries strike another deal to extend it.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Anthropic says Trump admin. lifted restrictions on powerful Claude AI models
Artificial intelligence giant Anthropic says the federal government lifted a set of restrictions on its powerful Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, resolving a weekslong dispute.
Politics
More Politics
EMS was called to Mitch McConnell's home for "unconscious" patient last month
On the same morning Sen. Mitch McConnell was hospitalized last month, EMS personnel went to his home to respond to an unconscious person who appeared to experience "cardiac arrest," according to a dispatch call.
NCAA chief: No plan to change rules on transgender athletes after SCOTUS ruling
NCAA President Charlie Baker told CBS News he doesn't think the group will need to change its rules on transgender athletes in light of a Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to ban their participation.
About 2,000 U.S. troops supporting relief efforts after Venezuela earthquakes
Almost 60,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes last week, according to a NASA satellite assessment.
One NYC neighborhood has dozens of adult daycares. Now the feds have questions.
Investigations are underway into possible fraudulent activity at some of these kinds of facilities across New York, CBS News has learned.
Former CIA Director John Brennan sues DOJ, Trump officials over criminal probes
Brennan is seeking a court order to force the preservation of records in the investigations targeting him. His attorneys say he's being "vindictively singled out for investigation."
HealthWatch
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Actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Actor Danny Glover spoke about his Alzheimer's diagnosis in an interview with NBC's "Today" show, revealing that he has been living with the disease for several years.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
New disease threats follow Trump administration's health program cuts
From screwworm to flesh-eating bacteria, mounting public health risks are emerging in the wake of deep cuts to federal health agencies and programs.
What is the viral trend looksmaxxing?
Looksmaxxing is a viral and controversial trend that encourages young men to maximize their appearance. Adam Yamaguchi shows why it's resonating with some people.
He dreamed of becoming a physician assistant. New loan rules may thwart him.
Starting July 1, the government will cap what graduate students may borrow in federal loans, forcing many toward private lenders with higher interest rates.
World
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U.S. takes down Bosnia 2-0 for second-ever World Cup knockout round win
Folarin Balogun got the scoring going with a goal in the 45th minute, but was sent off with a controversial red card in the 64th minute.
About 2,000 U.S. troops supporting relief efforts after Venezuela earthquakes
Almost 60,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes last week, according to a NASA satellite assessment.
U.S. helicopter goes down in Arabian Sea, crew member missing, Navy says
The helicopter, which was assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush, is not believed to have been taken down by hostile action, the Navy said.
Dog pulled from rubble 5 days after Venezuela quakes, video shows
Dramatic video showed the moment a rescue team pulled a small dog from the rubble nearly a week after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela.
How Iran could try to control the Strait of Hormuz — and profit from it
Some experts say the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war state, so what could the future of this vital shipping lane look like?
Entertainment
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Entertainment
CBS News journalists on Swift-Kelce wedding
Rumors are swirling about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tying the knot at Madison Square Garden. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi and Gabrielle Ake, self-described Swifties, join "The Takeout" with the latest.
What we know about rumored Swift-Kelce wedding
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding festivities are expected to begin Thursday, sources said. Crews have been spotted at Madison Square Garden in New York City unloading equipment ahead of the July Fourth weekend. Here's what we know so far.
Swift-Kelce wedding events taking shape
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding events are set to begin in New York City, sources say. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent has the latest.
Sophia Bush, Jerry O'Connell on new comedy
Sophia Bush and Jerry O'Connell join CBS News 24/7 Mornings to discuss their new comedy, "Summer's Last Resort," which premieres on Tubi July 3.
Stars talk "Summer's Last Resort" comedy
Sophia Bush and Jerry O'Connell talk to "CBS Mornings" about starring in the coming-of-age comedy "Summer's Last Resort." Bush discusses what drew her to the project and says there was "never a dull day on set," while O'Connell reveals what his daughters thought about the film.
Technology
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Technology
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Science
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Science
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Crime
More Crime
FBI investigating legitimacy of Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
The FBI said in a statement Wednesday that some ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance have been "deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy," and other "demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such."
NYC building climbers engaged, under arrest
Two people in black masks scaled the Empire State Building, scrambling the New York City Police Department. They call themselves "roof-toppers," or stunt climbers, and they unfurled a banner about world peace before one of them got out a ring and proposed. By the time they got down, they were engaged and under arrest. Tom Hanson reports.
More than 1,000 cases under review after Broadview Six misconduct revelations
More than 1,000 grand jury presentations are under review after charges were dismissed in the "Broadview Six" case due to grand jury abuses and prosecutorial misconduct, Chicago's top federal prosecutor said.
Potential charges for Empire State Building climbers
Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building Wednesday and unfurled a banner before seemingly getting engaged. CBS News law enforcement contributor Rodney Harrison has more on what repercussions the couple could face.
Couple climbs Empire State Building: Details
Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City on Wednesday, unfurling a banner and appearing to get engaged. CBS News' Tom Hanson and Shanelle Kaul have more.
Space
More Space
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Latest Galleries
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Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Camp Mystic rescuer reflects on the tragedy
It's been almost a year since deadly floods killed more than 130 people in the Hill Country region of Central Texas. The flooding at Camp Mystic killed 25 campers, two counselors and the camp's executive director. Scott Ruskan, aviation survival technician 2nd class for the U.S. Coast Guard, joined CBS News to remember the tragedy, his first ever mission.
Child psychologist on nicotine pouch risks
The Food and Drug Administration now allows ZYN nicotine pouches to be marketed as less harmful than cigarettes. Child psychologist Bonnie Halpern-Felsher joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the risks.
SCOTUS lifts political party spending limits
The Supreme Court has lifted limits on how much money political parties can spend on congressional campaigns ahead of the midterms. In a 6-3 vote, the justices found the Federal Election Campaign Act violated the First Amendment. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Why democratic socialists are winning primaries
Democratic socialists are celebrating another win in a key U.S. congressional primary ahead of the 2026 midterms. CBS News political reporter Zak Hudak has more.