Walz slammed in wake of viral video that raises daycare funding questions: 'Needs to be held accountable'

Politicians took to social media Saturday to criticize Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after a viral video raised questions about a Minneapolis daycare center that allegedly received millions of dollars in state funding despite appearing largely inactive.

Responding to an X post highlighting allegations of Somali Medicaid fraud and voter fraud in the state, Vice President JD Vance described the situation as "a microcosm of the immigration fraud in our system."

"Politicians like it because they get power. Welfare cheats like it because they get rich," Vance wrote. "But it's a zero sum game, and they're stealing both money and political power from Minnesotans."

Trump Cabinet Official Calls On Walz To Resign Over Massive Fraud Scandal In Scathing Letter: 'Shame On You'

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., demanded Minnesota Gov.Tim Walzbe "held accountable."

"Folks need to be arrested and prosecuted and the Governor of Minnesota needs to be held accountable," Lawler posted to X on Saturday. "Congress should hold a hearing immediately and start getting answers."

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A 42-minute video posted to X and YouTube on Friday by independent reporter Nick Shirley shows Shirley and another man visiting several childcare centers in the blue state, including a location on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis.

The footage shows no visible activity at the site, which displays a misspelled sign that says "Quality Learing Center," even though the center is reportedly supposed to account for 99 children and received roughly $4 million in state funds.

Hhs Probes Minnesota's Use Of Billions In Federal Social Service Funds Amid Fraud Concerns: Report

Several otherhigh-profile figuresalso weighed in on Shirley's video Saturday.

Donald Trump Jr. wrote on X, "If you haven't watched this yet. Watch it. All of it. Understand that this is what journalists are supposed to do, but no one in the mainstream media will even bother to look let alone actually publish it. This is what they're doing to your country with your tax dollars!!!"

Elon Muskshared similar concerns, accusing the "radical left" of exploiting government programs to bring in and retain immigrants to "win elections and turn America into a single-party state."

Minnesota Senate Candidate Wears Hijab In Visit To Somali Market As Fraud Scandal Unfolds

"The more you look at it, the more you will be horrified at what your tax money is doing and the fact that, if this is not reversed, your vote will mean nothing," Musk posted to X. "The most obvious case example is the Somali voting bloc in Minnesota, a state that historically had zero Somalis, electingIlhan Omarto the US Congress."

A day earlier, Musk posted, "Prosecute [Tim Walz]."

The video went viral this week amid the burgeoning scandal enveloping the Walz administration that notably included at least $1 billion lost to alleged social services fraud largely tied to the Somali community in the Twin Cities.

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A portion reportedly ended up in the hands of the Somali terror group Al-Shabab.

Lawler and Walz did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Fox News Digital's Charles Creitz contributed to this report.

Original article source:Walz slammed in wake of viral video that raises daycare funding questions: 'Needs to be held accountable'

byCosmopolite

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December 27, 2025

Walz slammed in wake of viral video that raises daycare funding questions: 'Needs to be held accountable'

Politicians took to social media Saturday to criticize Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after a viral video raised questions about...

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Massive blaze engulfs historic New England wharf; firefighters race to contain flames

Firefighters battled to contain a massive blaze that sparked Friday evening at a historic wharf inPortland, Maine.

One building was destroyed in the fire, and others were damaged in the blaze that broke out on the Custom House Wharf,Fox 23reported.

The Old Port in Portland was a major 19th century and early 20th century hub for the commercial fishing industry in the area and is now a popular tourist area with restaurants and shops; working fisherman still keep their boats there.

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"Unfortunately, it looked like the fire had a pretty good head start on us when we got down here, but the first companies did a great job. And they made a really aggressive attack to keep it from spreading down the rest of the wharf," Deputy Fire Chief Jon Hendricks told FOX 23.

ThePorthole Restaurant and Pubon the wharf posted Friday that it had survived the fire.

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"The Porthole is open today during regular hours if you need a familiar place to gather," the restaurant added on Saturday.

"Our hearts are with everyone impacted by last night's fire at Custom House Wharf. We're grateful for the first responders and for the safety of our neighbors."

Maine Gov. Janet Millsposted on social media last night that she was monitoring the fire.

"I am aware of the fire on the Portland waterfront and my administration is monitoring the situation," she wrote on X. "Please avoid the area and follow the direction of local fire and public safety officials."

Fire Wipes Out Family's Home With 'Nothing Left' Except For One Treasured Item: See The Video

Thefire broke outafter 5 p.m. and was under control by around 7:22 p.m., according to WBTS-TV.

One boat sank and others were damaged, News Center Maine reported.

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Two firefighters also sustained minor injuries but weren't taken to a hospital.

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The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Original article source:Massive blaze engulfs historic New England wharf; firefighters race to contain flames

byCosmopolite

in

December 27, 2025

Massive blaze engulfs historic New England wharf; firefighters race to contain flames

Firefighters battled to contain a massive blaze that sparked Friday evening at a historic wharf inPortland, Maine. ...

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UK unveils paid armed forces ‘gap year’ for young people

Young people in Britain will soon be offered the chance of a "gap year" through a new paid program in the armed forces, the government announced Saturday.

Set to launch in March 2026, the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme aims to initially recruit around 150 people to experience military life, without long-term commitment.

The program will give participants the opportunity to spend a year training and working across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Government officials hope to grow the scheme to over 1,000 young people, "subject to interest," the government said in astatement.

Defense Secretary John Healey said the scheme marked "a new era for Defence," adding that it would open up opportunities for young people to experience the skills and training offered by the armed forces.

The program is aimed at school leavers and young adults under 25, who may be unsure about their future career path. Those taking part will be paid and offered hands-on exposure to life in the armed forces, including basic training and placements that could involve working at sea or alongside specialist units. Participants in the proposed gap-year program would not be sent on active operations.

Officials say details of the training curriculum are still being finalized. While salary hasn't been announced,a basic recruit typically receives a starting pay of around £26,000.

The government says the scheme will focus on developing transferable skills also valued in the civilian workforce, including logistics, engineering and supply-chain management. That also includes bespoke training designed to build skills such as "problem-solving, teamwork and leadership."

According to the British government, the announcement follows a "rallying cry" from the head of the armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, who says there is a need for a "whole-nation response to an increasingly volatile and uncertain world."

The government also noted that the effort comes as part of its broader push for a "whole of society" approach to defense, a "central theme" of this year's Strategic Defence Review.

The program draws inspiration from the Australian Defence Force's long-running ADF Gap Year scheme, which has operated for more than a decade. Similar initiatives have been introduced elsewhere in Europe, with countries likeFranceandGermanyrecently launching programs aimed at increasing young voluntary national service.

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December 27, 2025

UK unveils paid armed forces ‘gap year’ for young people

Young people in Britain will soon be offered the chance of a "gap year" through a new paid program in the armed forces, the gover...

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Canada apologizes for handshake snub after world juniors win vs. Czechia

Hockey Canada issued an apology on Saturday after its players skipped the post-game handshakes following an emotionally charged 7-5 win over Czechia at the IIHF World Junior Championship.

It is customary for teams to shake hands following games at the World Juniors, but Canada skated off the ice on Friday in Minneapolis without doing so after a heated affair that included some pre-game antics, plenty of chirping between players and post-whistle scrums.

"Following last night's game, Canada's National Junior Team skated off the ice before shaking hands with Czechia," Hockey Canada said in a statement. "Hockey Canada takes full responsibility for this oversight and we have apologized to the team, Czech Ice Hockey Association and IIHF for our mistake."

Perennial favorites Canada, who suffered heart-breaking quarter-final losses to Czechia at the World Junior Championship in the last two years, needed to score four times in the third period to secure the victory in their opening game of the tournament.

Top photos from 2025 world junior hockey medal games

Team Canada captain Porter Martone scored an empty-net goal with one minute remaining to give his team a two-goal lead but then was given a two-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for skating past the Czechia bench and tapping forward Adam Novotny on the backside.

Players and Canada coach Dale Hunter have pleaded ignorance for failing to participate in the post-game tradition of shaking hands.

"No one was trying to be disrespectful or anything like that," said Canada winger Tij Iginla. "We actually didn't really know we were supposed to shake hands, but now we do and we'll shake them after every game no matter the result."

Hunter said: "You know something, though, I didn't know. But I know now, so there'll be a handshake (after tonight's game against Latvia) and I'll say sorry to the Czechs."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Hockey world juniors: Canada apologizes for handshake snub vs Czechia

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December 27, 2025

Canada apologizes for handshake snub after world juniors win vs. Czechia

Hockey Canada issued an apology on Saturday after its players skipped the post-game handshakes following an emotionally c...

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Michigan to introduce Kyle Whittingham in Orlando. Which Wolverines will join him in Florida?

ORLANDO, FL − ForMichigan football, one of the strangest months in recent memory has now bumped up against its bowl game, which is generally supposed to be a fun event. Sometimes, it's the crowning achievement of a season; others, it's just one final chance to take some momentum into the offseason.

Michigan(9-3) has arrived in Orlando and will begin practice on Saturday, Dec. 27, for itsCitrus Bowlmatchup with Texas (9-3), a game between two blue-blood programs that few in the Michigan circle are actually focused on.

The team isled by interim coach Biff PoggiafterSherrone Moore was firedearlier this month for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer and subsequently arrested forbreaking into her house and threatening to kill himselfin the ending to a disappointing two years at the helm.

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It all forced theWolverinesto conduct a tough coaching search at an awkward time, one that eventually led to thehiring of longtime Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who spent Friday in Las Vegas telling his Utes he won't coach their bowl game. Instead, he was heading down to the Sunshine State to begin making relationships and working on roster retention with his new group.

He signeda five-year deal reportedly worth $8.2 million annuallywith 75% of his contract guaranteed.

Fitting with the bizarre timeline of it all, Whittingham is expected to be formally introduced at a news conference at a hotel ballroom in Orlando, instead of the typical pomp and circumstance at Michigan's facilities.

It's obviously a situation Michigan never wanted to be in. Just like the Citrus Bowl, a nice end-of-season landing spot, but not the College Football Playoff. Texas opened the 2025 season as the No. 1 team in the nation, while Michigan needed to just knock off Ohio State in the final game to be considered. Instead, each side now seeks a 10th win to make their final record look more respectable.

For U-M, it would be the program's fourth 10-win season in five years, a feat not achieved since the days of Bo Schembechler.

Michigan wasn't expecting a ton of opt-outs for this game. Poggi said Monday the three expected were edges Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham (both of whom have already declared for the NFL draft) and offensive lineman and captain Gio El-Hadi (who is also likely to declare soon).

On aTexas-based podcast called "The Stampede,"shortly before Christmas, however, Poggi said he wouldn't be surprised if that changed by this weekend.

"I have to tell you with what's going on with those here now, we sent them home for Christmas yesterday and, you know, I think there's a really good chance that we're going to have many more opt-outs for the game, unfortunately," Poggi said. "Because we're in such a state of flux. ... (players may feel like) 'Why do I want to, you know, play in that game?' And so I can see some of that happening too. And I would tell you on the 26th, we're probably going to have a significantly different roster than we had yesterday when we sent them home."

Exactly who has made the trip will become clear Saturday, when the media gets to speak with a handful of team-selected players and observe the first 15 minutes of practice at West Orange High School, just a few miles west of Orlando.

Co-offensive coordinator Steve Casula will call plays afterChip Lindsey left to take the same job at Missouri earlier this month.But for many coaches, this could be the final time they coach at Michigan. It all depends on who Whittingham selects for his new staff.

So with one eye on the future, Michigan is doing its best to stay in the present. There are bowl activities, such as kids day at the Fun Spot America theme park on the schedule, as well as a handful of practices, news conferences and a pep rally the day before the game.

Michigan had a bit more stability Saturday than it did 48 hours ago, now knowing who will usher U-M into the 2026 season. But the 2025 season feels like it's headed to a strange and anticlimactic conclusion.

Justice Haynes not with Michigan for first Citrus Bowl practice

All signs point to star running back Justice Haynes not playing for theWolverinesin the Citrus Bowl against Texas in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday, Dec. 31 (3 p.m., ABC).

As the Wolverines started their first bowl practice in Winter Garden, Florida, Haynes was not with the team, though a program spokesperson told the Free Press he's expected to fly down and join the team later. He has not 100% been ruled out, but the likelihood of him suiting up appears low.

He's eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft after three years in college, and considering he's coming off surgery, the downside appears to severely outweigh the upside of playing in the Citrus Bowl.

Tony Garciais the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at@RealTonyGarcia.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Michigan Citrus Bowl prep includes Kyle Whittingham hire, opt outs

byCosmopolite

in

December 27, 2025

Michigan to introduce Kyle Whittingham in Orlando. Which Wolverines will join him in Florida?

ORLANDO, FL − ForMichigan football, one of the strangest months in recent memory has now bumped up against its bowl game,...

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Raiders place DE Maxx Crosby (knee) on injured reserve

The Las Vegas Raiders placed Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby on injured reserve with a knee injury Saturday, ending his season one day after Crosby expressed frustration and left the team facility after being told he would not get to play in Sunday's game against the New York Giants.

Crosby's knee injury is serious enough that he requires knee surgery, according to an ESPN report.

"After deliberate and thorough consultation with multiple top medical professionals, it became clear that this decision is in the best interest of both the franchise and the player," the Raiders said in a statement. "Maxx is the ultimate warrior, and he has fought extremely hard to compete each week with his teammates since injuring his knee mid-season. We are grateful for his extraordinary contributions. He is a true Raider on and off the field -- we look forward to his leadership and toughness into 2026 and beyond."

Crosby received his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl nod earlier this week. He has amassed 73 tackles, 20 quarterback hits, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and his first career interception in 15 games.

Overall, Crosby has 439 tackles, 69.5 sacks and 11 forced fumbles in 110 games (104 starts) in seven seasons with the Raiders.

Sunday's Raiders-Giants game is a matchup of 2-13 teams, with the loser taking pole position for the No. 1 pick in next April's draft. Crosby is the third Raiders starter to be placed on IR this week, joining standout tight end Brock Bowers (knee) and safety Jeremy Chinn (back).

"Yeah, I don't give a s- about the pick," Crosby said earlier this week. "I don't play for that. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world. That's what I focus on every day - and being a leader and a great influence."

As a corresponding move, Las Vegas signed rookie defensive end Jahfari Harvey to the active roster for what would be his NFL debut. The Raiders also elevated running back Chris Collier and receiver Phillip Dorsett from the practice squad for Sunday's game.

--Field Level Media

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December 27, 2025

Raiders place DE Maxx Crosby (knee) on injured reserve

The Las Vegas Raiders placed Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby on injured reserve with a knee injury Saturday, ending...

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Pat Montandon, TV Host and Socialite Who Dated Frank Sinatra, Dies at 96

Pat Montandon/Facebook;Penske Media via Getty Images

NEED TO KNOW

• Pat Montandon died at the age of 96 on Dec. 21

• The TV host, author and activist died "surrounded by love" at an elder care facility in Palm Desert, Calif.

• Montandon, who famously once dated Frank Sinatra, is survived by son Sean Wilsey and grandkids Owen and Mira

Pat Montandon, the TV host, activist and socialite who once famously datedFrank Sinatra, has died. She was 96.

Montandon's son, Sean Wilsey, announced the news of her death in a post on the star'sFacebookpage, sharing that his mother died in an elder care facility in Palm Desert, Calif., on Dec. 21.

"For the last few months my mom has been living at De Anza House, a truly immaculate and serene elder care home," the post began. "She has been attended to with great love and dignity by her dear friend Melissa Aaron, who lives nearby, and a group of deeply kind staff members.

Wilsey shared that his mother has "stopped eating" the previous week and "stopped drinking a few days later."

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Dustin Pittman/WWD/Penske Media via Getty

He continued, "Her beloved longtime friend Susan Gold drove out from LA to be with her immediately. I flew out from New York yesterday and spent the night at her side. She passed away this morning but was able to see her two grandchildren, Owen and Mira Wilsey, last month."

"She passed surrounded by love," he added.

Montandon was born in Oklahoma in 1928. She relocated to San Francisco in the 1960s, where she was known for her lavish parties featuring the likes of Andy Warhol and the Gettys, perABC 7.

Over the years she worked as a model, television host and columnist, and later went on to found a peace group called Children as Teachers for Peace. She made 37 international trips on the organization's behalf, per the outlet.

Montandon, who was married and divorced four times, was also known for briefly dating legendary singer Sinatra, per theLos Angeles Time.

Read the original article onPeople

byCosmopolite

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December 27, 2025

Pat Montandon, TV Host and Socialite Who Dated Frank Sinatra, Dies at 96

Pat Montandon/Facebook;Penske Media via Getty Images NEED TO KNOW Pat Montandon died at the age of 96 on Dec. 21 The TV host, author and ...

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