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Trump administration sued by rights groups over attempted childcare funding cuts

Trump administration sued by rights groups over attempted childcare funding cuts

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, July 20 (Reuters) - Civil rights groups said they filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration on Monday over the government's attempt to restrict federal childcare and family assistance funding.
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Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme's Alleged No. 2 Appears in Court After Arrest in Somalia

Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme's Alleged No. 2 Appears in Court After Arrest in Somalia

Abdikerm Eidleh, identified by federal prosecutors as a key figure in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, made his first court appearance in St. Paul, Minnesota. Eidleh, 42, was arrested in Mogadishu, Somalia, after evading capture for four years. He faces 31 charges, including wire fraud, federal programs bribery, and money laundering. The U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, Daniel Rosen, described Eidleh as the second-in-command in the scheme, which involved demanding kickbacks and depositing over $5 million in fraudulent proceeds into shell company accounts. The FBI, with assistance from the Somali government, facilitated his arrest, underscoring the reach of U.S. law enforcement. Eidleh, considered a flight risk, was denied bail and is scheduled for an arraignment and detention hearing on July 31.
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Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme: Key Figure Abdikerm Eidleh Appears in U.S. Court After Arrest in Somalia

Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme: Key Figure Abdikerm Eidleh Appears in U.S. Court After Arrest in Somalia

Abdikerm Eidleh, identified by federal prosecutors as a major player in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, made his first court appearance in St. Paul, Minnesota. Eidleh, who fled the U.S. four years ago, was recently arrested in Mogadishu with assistance from the Somali government. He faces 31 charges, including wire fraud, federal programs bribery, and money laundering. Prosecutors allege that Eidleh was the second-in-command in the scheme, demanding monthly kickbacks and depositing over $5 million in fraudulent proceeds into shell company accounts. The FBI has already secured over 70 guilty pleas in the $300 million scandal and hopes Eidleh will follow suit. Eidleh was denied bail due to being deemed a flight risk and is scheduled for an arraignment and detention hearing on July 31.
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Somalia Extradites Citizen to U.S. for $250 Million COVID Fraud Case Involving Child Nutrition

Somalia Extradites Citizen to U.S. for $250 Million COVID Fraud Case Involving Child Nutrition

Somalia has extradited Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, a 42-year-old resident of Burnsville, Minnesota, to the United States to face charges related to a $250 million fraud case. Eidleh was indicted in September 2022 for his alleged involvement in the Feeding Our Future scheme, which misappropriated funds intended for child nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic. The charges against him include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, among others. Eidleh was located in Somalia in June 2026, and his transfer to the U.S. was facilitated by cooperation between the FBI, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, and the Somali Police Force. The U.S. Justice Department praised Somalia's Ministry of Justice for its role in the extradition.
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Somalia Extradites Citizen to Face Charges in $250 Million COVID Fraud Case in Minnesota

Somalia Extradites Citizen to Face Charges in $250 Million COVID Fraud Case in Minnesota

Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, a 42-year-old resident of Burnsville, Minnesota, has been extradited from Somalia to the United States to face charges related to a $250 million COVID-era fraud case. Eidleh was indicted in September 2022 as part of the Feeding Our Future case, which involved the misuse of taxpayer funds intended for child nutrition programs during the pandemic. He faces 31 charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Eidleh was located in Somalia in June 2026, nearly four years after a U.S. court issued a warrant for his arrest. His extradition was facilitated by cooperation between the FBI, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, and the Somali Police Force. Eidleh is accused of recruiting fraudulent meal sites, receiving bribes, and submitting false invoices, contributing to a scheme that allegedly diverted funds from children in need.
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Fatal Shooting in St. Paul's Frogtown Neighborhood Leaves One Dead, Two Injured

Fatal Shooting in St. Paul's Frogtown Neighborhood Leaves One Dead, Two Injured

A shooting in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota, has resulted in one fatality and two injuries. The incident occurred early Saturday morning near Edmund Avenue West and North Kent Street. Police found an adult male with life-threatening gunshot wounds, who later died at a local hospital. Two other adults arrived at a hospital with gunshot wounds and are expected to survive. Authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the shooting and have not yet made any arrests. The identity of the deceased will be released by the medical examiner's office.
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St. Paul Celebrates Middle Eastern Culture with Immersive Festival

St. Paul Celebrates Middle Eastern Culture with Immersive Festival

St. Paul Celebrates Middle Eastern Culture with Immersive Festival
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Wildfires in Canada and Minnesota Lead to Hazardous Air Quality in U.S.

Wildfires in Canada and Minnesota Lead to Hazardous Air Quality in U.S.

Recent wildfires fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions in Ontario, Canada, and northern Minnesota have resulted in significant smoke spreading across parts of the United States. This smoke contains fine particulates known as PM2.5, which are hazardous to human health. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory issues such as asthma. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography has found that wildfire smoke is up to ten times more harmful than other types of pollution, such as car exhaust. As a result, residents in affected areas are advised to stay indoors and take precautions to minimize exposure to the smoke.
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Wildfire Smoke Prompts Surge in DIY Air Purifier Interest Across U.S.

Wildfire Smoke Prompts Surge in DIY Air Purifier Interest Across U.S.

As wildfire smoke from Ontario, Canada, and northern Minnesota spreads across the U.S., air quality in regions from Minnesota to Virginia has been classified as 'very unhealthy' by the federal AirNow air quality monitor. This has led to a heightened interest in air filters and purifiers, particularly homemade solutions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued public health alerts due to the high levels of particulate matter, which pose serious health risks, especially to children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung conditions. The situation has prompted many to seek ways to improve indoor air quality, including the use of DIY air purifiers made from box fans and MERV 13 filters. These homemade devices, along with HEPA air purifiers, are recommended as effective temporary solutions to mitigate the impact of smoke indoors.
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US Faces Prolonged Air Quality Warnings Due to Canadian Wildfire Smoke

US Faces Prolonged Air Quality Warnings Due to Canadian Wildfire Smoke

The United States is currently experiencing widespread air quality warnings as smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota continues to affect large parts of the country. The smoke has led to dangerous air quality levels, particularly in the mid-Atlantic, northeast, Midwest, and Great Lakes regions. Thunderstorms expected in some areas may provide temporary relief but also pose risks of flash flooding and high winds. The situation has raised concerns about air quality for the upcoming World Cup final in New Jersey. Despite some potential improvements, the smoky conditions are expected to persist as the wildfires remain largely uncontrolled. The fires have already caused significant damage in Canada, including the destruction of the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation community and the evacuation of several others.
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Wildfire Smoke Continues to Affect Air Quality in Midwest as Northeast Sees Improvement

Wildfire Smoke Continues to Affect Air Quality in Midwest as Northeast Sees Improvement

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that air quality in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions is improving due to heavy rain and storms, while the Midwest continues to experience poor air quality from smoke originating from wildfires in Minnesota and Canada. The smoke has led to the postponement of a Major League Baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Guardians. President Trump has criticized Canada for not maintaining its forests, threatening new tariffs due to the air pollution affecting the U.S. Health experts, including Peter DeCarlo from Johns Hopkins University, advise using air purifiers and N-95 masks to mitigate health risks from the smoke. The situation remains volatile in Minnesota, where over 600 firefighters are battling wildfires that have burned more than 70,000 acres.
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Minnesotans Embrace Middle Eastern Culture and Cuisine in St. Paul Celebration

Minnesotans Embrace Middle Eastern Culture and Cuisine in St. Paul Celebration

Minnesotans Embrace Middle Eastern Culture and Cuisine in St. Paul Celebration