A jury convicted five Minnesotans of stealing more than $40 million in COVID-19 pandemic funds under the guise that they were feeding kids in need. Seven defendants stood trial. However, two were acquitted on Friday, June 7. “The defendants took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to defraud the state of Minnesota and to steal tens…

In less than five months, tens of millions of Americans will cast their ballots in what could be a contentious presidential election. More than 30 states and the District of Columbia currently offer electronic voting for U.S. military and overseas voters. However, some states recently expanded electronic ballot returns for people with disabilities. Now, Nevada…

Three individuals, including Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell, were killed in a shooting Thursday, May 30, in the Whittier neighborhood of southern Minneapolis. As officers responded to the scene of a shooting, they were immediately met with gunfire, according to the Minneapolis Police Department. During the incident, police said a Officer Mitchell was providing medical aid…

Donald Trump is found guilty of 34 felonies in New York. What comes next? And what does the historic verdict mean for the former president? A police officer was killed during a deadly ambush in Minnesota. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, May 31, 2024. Donald Trump found guilty on 34…

As the New York criminal trial of former President Donald Trump enters its sixth week, the prosecution is expected to rest its case as soon as Monday, May 20. Over the past five weeks, prosecutors have presented testimony from 19 witnesses, with Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, serving as their key witness. The…

The first shipment of humanitarian aid made its way across the United States’ newly built pier in Gaza, and at least four people are killed after severe storms hit the Houston area. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, May 17, 2024. Humanitarian aid begins entering Gaza via US-built pier Humanitarian aid…

Federal prosecutors are increasing efforts to combat election-related crimes involving artificial intelligence. Deputy U.S. Attorney General Lisa Monaco announced that the Justice Department will seek tougher sentences for crimes using AI, including threats against election workers and voter suppression. Artificial intelligence continues to be a significant concern as the 2024 election approaches. According to a…

Around 90 wildfires are currently burning in Canada, sending smoke into the upper Midwest. On Monday, May 13, the smoke caused several states to issue air quality alerts. In Minnesota, all groups of people — healthy or not — were advised to stay indoors. There was a similar problem in 2023 when Canada had its…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Thursday, April 25, that one in five commercial milk samples tested in a nationwide survey contained particles of the H5N1 virus. The announcement suggests that the outbreak of bird flu might have deeply penetrated the dairy industry across the United States. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious…

More than 100 students were arrested Thursday, April 18, at Columbia University during a pro-Palestinian protest on the campus’ main lawn. The arrests occurred as New York City police, in riot gear, dismantled a makeshift tent city that had been set up by the protesters without school permission after a second day of protest. University President Minouche…