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YOUR MORNING

Feds launch massive taxpayer fraud probe in Minnesota after viral video

Minnesota: Federal agencies have descended on Minnesota this week to investigate suspected fraud at child care centers and other facilities after a viral YouTube video claimed to uncover $110 million in fraudulent payments. Key questions answered about the investigation >

Viral video: The video by YouTuber Nick Shirley, which has garnered over 40 million views, documented visits to multiple licensed child care facilities in Minnesota that appeared inactive or deserted. Investigation going door-to-door > 

Probe: One major fraud case involves the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which claimed to feed thousands of children each day during the pandemic. But court documents say the money was spent on island vacations, luxury vehicles, waterfront properties and jewelry. What the FBI has said >

Fraud: The investigations mark an escalation of federal involvement in Minnesota’s fraud crisis, which has resulted in 86 indictments tied to the largest known COVID-19 fraud case in the U.S. Of those indicted, 79 are of Somali descent, sources said. How does ICE factor in? >

‘Jaw-dropping’: House Speaker Mike Johnson is requesting data from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who has come under fire by federal officials for his response. Walz’s office said he “has worked for years to crack down on fraud.” Read more: SBA halts Minnesota funding >

Minnesota fraud crackdown has been a long time coming, lawmaker says >

Minnesota fraud investigation will be ‘historic’: Former Gov. Pawlenty >

New Minnesota fraud allegations ‘utterly infuriating’: Batya >

Missing Texas woman’s parents: ‘We’re clueless’ on where she went

Missing: Sydney Marquez’s family says they are “clueless” about how she went missing Dec. 11. Video shows the 24-year-old last seen walking near a hotel while in Houston visiting friends. “There’s just no explanation why she didn’t make it back,” her father told “Banfield.” The latest >

Video: In a separate case, a Texas sheriff investigating the disappearance of 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos says he believes a driver’s dashcam video shows her walking near her home. Watch the “CUOMO” interview >

US military says it killed 2 ‘narco-terrorists’ in eastern Pacific

Strike: The U.S. military said it killed two “narco-terrorists” during an attack on another alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific. Since Sept. 2, the military has conducted at least 30 strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats. The latest >

Tensions: The strike comes as Trump increases pressure against Venezuela’s president. Trump said the U.S. took out an “implementation area” along Venezuela’s shore, describing it as a “major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs.” Details >

More than 2.8K pounds of ground beef recalled over E. coli concerns

Recall: About 2,855 pounds of ground beef have been recalled due to potential E. coli contamination. “Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef” was shipped to multiple states. What you need to know >

Joint pain and arthritis supplement recalled nationwide over lead concerns >

Raw oysters linked to salmonella outbreak in 22 states >

Dog biscuits recalled in 7 states for Salmonella risk >

Billionaires weigh leaving California over proposed wealth tax

‘Billionaire tax’: A billionaire backlash is brewing among California’s wealthiest residents over a proposed 5% wealth tax, with some warning they could move their businesses and their money out of the state. Where they’re going >

California: Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is against the proposal. State analysts warn that if the measure becomes law, California could lose hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue each year. The latest >

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How to exchange your unwanted gift cards for cash >

Are you getting an ‘extra’ paycheck in January? >

 WHAT WE’RE WATCHING 👀

• A winter storm is expected to bring strong winds and heavy snow to the Great Lakes and Northeast today.
• Moscow’s negotiating position to end the war in Ukraine is under review after the Kremlin claimed Kyiv tried to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence.
• The Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes are published.
• Malaysia resumes the search for Flight MH370 wreckage after 11 years.
• PETA rallies to shut down horse-drawn carriage rides in New York City. 
  

A National Guard deployment in New Orleans begins today as part of security for New Year’s celebrations, a year after an attack on Bourbon Street killed 14 people. The latest >

In a court hearing for Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson, a Utah judge ruled that transcripts from an earlier hearing can be released. What to know >

According to reports, a garbage bag filled with personal belongings of slain Arkansas mother Charity Beallis and her 6-year-old twins was found at an address tied to her ex-husband. The investigation >

A private investigator reported that an unused chainsaw was found inside the Hollywood Hills home rented by music artist D4vd. Full “Banfield” interview >

An Oklahoma man faces charges after he fatally shot a woman on a neighboring porch during target practice on his property, police said. Read more >

The parents of a student who was fatally shot on Kentucky State University’s campus earlier this month were arrested in Indiana. Details >

Shark biologist Greg Skomal believes the death of a 55-year-old California swimmer after a shark attack was a “mistake.” Here’s why >

Vietnam veteran receives long overdue Purple Heart

A Rhode Island man finally received his Purple Heart — 55 years after he was wounded in combat. Read more >

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