Overview
- Speaking at Minneapolis’s Karmel Somali Market in a Somali TV video, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan greeted viewers with “Salam alaikum,” wore a hijab, and said the Somali community is “part of the fabric” of Minnesota while urging support for Somali businesses.
- Flanagan, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tina Smith, faced swift pushback from conservatives, with Rep. Tom Emmer calling the hijab appearance a stunt.
- Federal prosecutions tied to the Feeding Our Future case continue, with the Justice Department describing it as among the largest pandemic relief frauds, citing roughly $250 million in fraudulent claims, 78 people charged, and dozens of convictions.
- Broader reviews by federal and congressional investigators reference losses potentially reaching $9 billion across programs, and reporting says Treasury is examining allegations that some proceeds moved through hawalas, including claims of links to al‑Shabaab.
- Policy fallout includes President Donald Trump ending Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals in November, stepped‑up ICE operations in Minneapolis, a House Oversight inquiry seeking records, and a state anti‑fraud task force launched by Gov. Tim Walz.