The Trump administration announced on Thursday it is suspending all U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding to Minnesota, effective immediately, as a large-scale fraud investigation is underway.
“Enough is enough! The Trump administration has uncovered MASSIVE fraud in Minnesota and Minneapolis—billions siphoned off by fraudsters. And those in charge have ZERO plan to fix it,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins wrote in a social media post.
The USDA will suspend federal financial awards to the state “until sufficient proof has been provided that the fraud has stopped,” according to Rollins.
“No more handouts to thieves!” she wrote in the post. “Time to drain the Minnesota swamp and put American taxpayers first.”
Earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) froze funding for several childcare grant programs in the state, including the Child Care and Development Fund, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Social Services Block Grant programs.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday said Minnesota tax dollars may have been filtered to terrorist group al-Shabab.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/ice-coated-trees-fallen-across-a-montreal-street-lined-with-caution-tape.jpg?id=55291160&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C228%2C0%2C228"/><br/><br/><p>Hold onto your toques! <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-winter-weather-forecast-2024-25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quebec's weather forecast</a> has some intense news about what's coming our way, and it's not your typical <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebecs-winter-weather-forecast-2024-2025-chaos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">winter chill</a>. </p><p>A new forecast from <a href="https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/forecasts/heavy-rain-ice-and-snow-threaten-travel-outages-across-eastern-ontario-quebec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Weather Network</a> is promising everything from heavy rain and snow to icy conditions — a true winter cocktail that could cause some serious headaches for travellers and homeowners alike.</p><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-winter-weather-forecast-january-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Montreal weather</a> is about to take a wild turn starting Wednesday and into Thursday, with a "weather bomb" sweeping across the province. According to The Weather Network, this powerful low-pressure system is bringing heavy rain to Montreal, Sherbrooke and Quebec City, with some areas expecting up to 40 millimetres of rainfall. If you're in low-lying areas, you might want to keep an eye out for localized flooding, especially with the frozen ground making it tough for all that water to drain.</p><p>But that's not all — once the rain starts to ease, it'll be time for the snow. By Wednesday evening, places like Mont-Laurier and Mont-Tremblant will see heavy, wet snow, which could mean slippery roads and even power outages. </p><p>For Montrealers, there's also a chance of flurries overnight Wednesday, so make sure those snow boots and shovels are ready to go.</p><p><a href="https://weather.gc.ca/?alertTableFilterProv=QC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Environment and Climate Change Canada</a> has issued several weather alerts for the province, including rainfall and freezing rain warnings for many parts of southern Quebec. The federal agency warns of potential travel disruptions as icy roads and sidewalks could make for a dangerous Thursday morning commute. </p><p>"A significant rise in the flow and level of some rivers is possible," ECCC adds. "Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads."</p><p><span></span>The Weather Network also points out that gusty winds — between 50-70 km/h — will hit along the St. Lawrence and around the Eastern Townships on Thursday, adding to the overall chaos.</p><p>And if you were hoping for better weather on the weekend, you might want to rethink those outdoor plans. While Friday and Saturday will bring clear skies, it's expected to be bitterly cold — potentially the chilliest days of the season so far. </p><p>Sunday might deliver another round of light snow or mixed precipitation before milder temperatures return next week.</p><p>So whether you're commuting, running errands or just looking to stay cozy indoors, make sure to plan ahead. With everything from heavy rain to icy roads on the menu, it's the perfect excuse to brew some hot cocoa and hibernate.</p><p><span></span><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
<p>The FCT High Court has remanded former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello in Kuje Prison, adjourning his trial to January 29.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.arise.tv/fct-high-court-remands-yahaya-bello-in-kuje-prison-adjourns-case-to-january-29/">FCT High Court Remands Yahaya Bello In Kuje Prison, Adjourns Case To January 29</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.arise.tv">Arise News</a>.</p>