Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been issued a subpoena by the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, led by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), in connection with the Feeding Our Future (FOF) scandal. The investigation centers on the alleged misuse of $250 million from the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, funds that were intended to feed children but were reportedly misappropriated by organizations operating under state oversight.
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), which oversaw the program during Walz’s administration, has come under scrutiny for failing to prevent the alleged fraud. The subpoena demands records related to MDE’s internal decisions, communications with federal agencies, and any internal investigations conducted during or after the fraud took place. Rep. Foxx accused Walz and other executive officials of failing to take sufficient action to prevent the massive fraud.
Governor Walz responded to the allegations in June 2024, denying any wrongdoing. He acknowledged that MDE employees may not have conducted adequate due diligence but rejected claims of intentional misconduct. Walz, who was previously a vice presidential candidate, maintained that his administration acted in good faith during the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic.
The Committee hinted that the findings from the FOF investigation could prompt legislative action. In a letter, Rep. Foxx stated that the fraud fell within the Committee’s jurisdiction and could be addressed through new laws designed to prevent similar abuses in federal nutrition programs. This development signals the broader political and legislative stakes surrounding the scandal.
Adding further weight to the investigation, Guhaad Hashi Said, a known associate of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), recently pleaded guilty to laundering $2.9 million through his nonprofit organization. His conviction is part of the larger Feeding Our Future case, which has now implicated 52 defendants in what prosecutors describe as one of Minnesota’s largest fraud schemes.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson emphasized the scope of the fraud, calling it a major crisis for the state. He described the conviction of the 52nd defendant as a stark reminder of the systemic vulnerabilities in Minnesota’s oversight of federal nutrition programs.
Jerry Nadler Announces Retirement Marking End of Era in New York Politics
Representative Jerry Nadler, one of the most prominent and longest-serving Democrats in Congress, announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026.
The decision brings to a close a career spanning more than three decades, defined by his central role in shaping American political debates, leading President Donald Trump’s first impeachment, and championing progressive causes from civil rights to marriage equality.
The 78-year-old lawmaker, who has represented New York in the House of Representatives since 1992, revealed his decision in an interview with The New York Times.
Nadler explained that he believes the Democratic Party is ready for “generational change” and that it is time for him to step aside so that younger voices can step forward.
“This has not been an easy decision,” Nadler said. “But I know in my heart it is the right one and that it is the right time to pass the torch to a new generation.”
Nadler emphasized that his decision was influenced by the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party following President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race after a contentious debate with Donald Trump.
He argued that the party must bring in younger leaders who can better face the challenges of the modern political era.
“I’m not saying we should change over the entire party,” he explained. “But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism.”
The congressman’s comments reflect broader debates within the Democratic Party, where a rising generation of younger candidates has been pressing for more representation and new leadership at the highest levels. Nadler’s departure opens the door for that shift to accelerate in one of the nation’s most influential states.
Nadler declined to name a preferred successor, instead leaving the race open for competition. However, one challenger had already emerged before his announcement: Liam Elkind, a 26-year-old progressive organizer who had criticized the party for being out of step with younger generations.
In an August interview with CBS News, Elkind said, “We need to be the party of fighters. We need to be the party of organizers. We need to be more generationally relevant, better organized and ready to fight.”
Elkind’s campaign had already drawn attention as a potential generational showdown, and Nadler’s decision now clears the way for him and others to mount serious campaigns for the seat.
Nadler’s political career began in New York state politics, but his tenure in Congress was cemented in 1992 when he won a special election to represent Manhattan’s west side.
Over the years, he became known as a staunch liberal voice, consistently advocating for civil rights, LGBTQ+ protections, women’s rights, and oversight of presidential power.
His most high-profile role came as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2023. In that position, he presided over impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump, a responsibility that placed him at the center of one of the most divisive chapters in American political history.
Nadler later became the ranking member of the committee, though he stepped aside from the leadership role in late 2024 after Representative Jamie Raskin mounted a challenge.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Nadler’s decades of service, calling him “a relentless fighter for justice, civil rights and liberties and the fundamental promise of equality for all.”
“As the legendary Chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee, he helped lead two historic impeachments and ensure that no one, not even the President, is above the law,” Jeffries said. “Jerry’s years of leadership have earned him a spot among our nation’s greatest public servants.”
In addition to his role in impeachment, Nadler played a central part in legislative battles that defined Democratic priorities. He was instrumental in advancing the Respect for Marriage Act, which enshrined same-sex marriage protections into federal law.
He also fought for voting rights, protections against discrimination, and oversight of surveillance programs, often clashing with Republicans over constitutional interpretations.
He was known among colleagues as both an intellectual and a fighter, someone who combined legal expertise with an ability to navigate Washington’s partisan battles.
His reputation for diligence earned him the respect of allies and critics alike, even as he often found himself at the center of the nation’s most bitter disputes.
Though his national profile was considerable, Nadler’s final years in office were not without challenges. Internally, he faced a leadership contest from Jamie Raskin, signaling tensions within the Democratic caucus about the direction of the Judiciary Committee.
Locally, Nadler encountered a younger, energized base of voters eager for change. Liam Elkind’s primary challenge epitomized the generational divide that has reshaped Democratic politics, particularly in urban districts with a strong progressive presence.
Nadler acknowledged that this rising tide of generational pressure influenced his decision. “A younger successor can maybe do better, can maybe help us more,” he said.
Adding to the complexity of his final years, Nadler’s Manhattan district office became the site of a dramatic incident in June, when Department of Homeland Security officers handcuffed one of his aides.
The confrontation, captured on video by an observer monitoring immigration court activity in the same federal building, showed DHS officers entering the office and accusing staffers of “harboring rioters.”
One aide was seen in tears as she was handcuffed, while another demanded to see a warrant before officers attempted to enter a private area of the office.
In the video, one officer claimed, “I’m a federal officer. We’re here checking on something. We have the right to check.” The episode fueled outrage among Nadler’s supporters, who viewed it as an overreach by federal authorities.
It also raised questions about the environment faced by staff members working in politically charged conditions.
Nadler’s announcement arrives at a moment of profound change for Democrats. President Biden’s decision not to seek reelection in 2024 created a leadership vacuum, while Trump’s enduring influence on the Republican Party has reshaped the stakes of national elections.
Against this backdrop, calls for new leadership within the Democratic Party have grown louder.
For many Democrats, Nadler’s decision is emblematic of the generational shift underway. His retirement signals that the long era of leadership from figures elected in the 1990s and early 2000s may be giving way to a new cohort ready to carry the party into the future.
Tributes poured in after Nadler’s announcement. Hakeem Jeffries lauded his leadership not only in impeachment but also in legislative achievements protecting marginalized communities. Colleagues praised his commitment to constitutional oversight, with many recalling his consistent stance that “no one is above the law.”
Progressive groups pointed to his decades-long advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and his role in securing marriage equality as evidence of his lasting impact. Civil rights organizations likewise highlighted his dedication to advancing voting protections and addressing systemic discrimination.
Nadler has made clear that while he will leave Congress, he does not intend to retire from public life. “I don’t know what the future beyond 2026 holds, but I plan to stay fully engaged in the community that is my home and in the causes that I’ve championed throughout my life,” he said.
For the next sixteen months, he pledged to continue his work in Washington, defending democracy, protecting institutions, and fighting for the values he has long represented. His focus will remain on the legislative battles before Congress until his term concludes.
Attention now turns to who will succeed Nadler in representing his district. Liam Elkind, already an announced challenger, is expected to continue his campaign, emphasizing themes of generational renewal and progressive activism. Other candidates are likely to enter the race, given the rarity of an open seat in a district as influential as Nadler’s.
Observers expect the contest to become a symbolic battle over the Democratic Party’s future direction. Will voters choose a young activist seeking to energize a new generation, or will they prefer a more experienced political figure who can preserve Nadler’s legacy? The answer may offer clues about the broader trajectory of Democratic politics heading into the late 2020s.
Jerry Nadler’s decision not to seek reelection in 2026 marks the end of an era in New York and national politics. From his early years representing Manhattan’s west side to his central role in impeaching Donald Trump, Nadler has been a towering figure in the House of Representatives.
His legacy of fighting for civil rights, marriage equality, and constitutional oversight will be remembered as hallmarks of his career.
Yet his decision also reflects the growing recognition that political leadership must evolve with the times. By stepping aside, Nadler has made room for the new generation of Democrats he himself says are needed to face the challenges ahead.
Whether his successor will live up to that challenge remains to be seen, but Nadler’s imprint on American politics is assured
A devastating earthquake on the Myanmar–China border has left destruction, chaos, and heartbreak in its wake. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at 3:42 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located in a mountainous area on the border between Myanmar and Yunnan Province, China. The tremor originated at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, making its impact even more destructive.
The quake’s shockwaves were felt far beyond its epicenter. Residents in the northern Thai cities of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai reported intense shaking, prompting mass evacuations from homes, hotels, and apartment complexes. Panic spread quickly as aftershocks rippled through the area, forcing thousands of people into open spaces for safety.
So far, Myanmar has been the hardest hit. Authorities have declared a state of emergency across multiple regions as the death toll continues to rise. Official reports confirm at least 48 fatalities and more than 300 people injured, with dozens still missing beneath the rubble.
In the city of Lashio, the devastation is severe. Several multi-story buildings have completely collapsed, leaving streets filled with debris and survivors desperately searching for loved ones. Rescue operations are underway, but teams face enormous challenges due to damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and ongoing aftershocks.
Residents described the terrifying moments when the quake struck.
Scenes of chaos have been reported across affected towns: families fleeing into the streets, temples and schools reduced to rubble, and emergency shelters filling with displaced residents.
Rescue teams in Myanmar are racing against time to locate survivors buried beneath collapsed structures. Heavy machinery is being used to clear debris, while volunteers and neighbors dig with their bare hands. Hospitals in Lashio and surrounding areas are overwhelmed, struggling to provide medical care for the hundreds of injured.
Chinese authorities in Yunnan Province also reported structural damage, though initial casualty numbers remain low compared to Myanmar. Both governments are coordinating cross-border aid, while international relief organizations are mobilizing to provide emergency supplies, food, and medical support.
The Myanmar–China border region is known for its seismic vulnerability. Experts warn that shallow earthquakes, such as this one, often result in catastrophic destruction due to their proximity to the Earth’s surface. The USGS has issued alerts about potential aftershocks, urging residents across Myanmar, China, and Thailand to remain cautious.
As night falls on the affected regions, thousands of families are without shelter, food, and electricity. Aid agencies have called for urgent assistance to support the displaced population, many of whom have lost their homes and livelihoods in a matter of minutes.
This disaster adds to the long list of deadly earthquakes that have struck Southeast Asia in recent decades, highlighting the urgent need for stronger infrastructure, better early-warning systems, and coordinated regional disaster preparedness.
The Myanmar earthquake near the Yunnan border has already been marked as one of the most destructive seismic events of 2025. With dozens dead, hundreds injured, and entire communities displaced, the road to recovery will be long and difficult.
Yet amid the destruction, stories of survival and human solidarity continue to emerge—neighbors saving neighbors, international aid being deployed, and communities coming together in the face of tragedy.
As rescue operations continue and the full scale of the disaster becomes clearer, global attention remains fixed on Myanmar, China, and Thailand, where millions hold their breath, hoping for more survivors to be pulled from the rubble.