MN Republican Congressional Delegation Call on State to Address Widespread Fraud in MN Public Programs

US Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) joined Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) in sending a letter to Governor Walz and leadership of the Minnesota Legislature communicating their urgent and growing concern related to widespread fraud, waste, and abuse within public programs administered by the State of Minnesota, many of which involve federal funding and oversight.

In the letter, the Representatives outline repeated cases of failed oversight and accountability across multiple state agencies and programs that resulted in fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars, citing recent incidents within the Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Housing Stabilization Services, the Child Care Assistance Program, and others. 

In part, the lawmakers write: 

“Minnesota has now become a national case study in failed program oversight and misused public funds. As Members of Congress, we are working diligently to restore fiscal order at the federal level, but that effort requires strong partners in state governments – partners who are equally committed to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are respected. 

And that: 

“As elected officials called to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, it is our duty to ensure we are leaving our backyard better for future generations rather than allowing today’s decisions to saddle our children and grandchildren with unsustainable debt and broken systems. Fiscal discipline, program integrity, and public trust must be restored – starting now. We stand ready to work with you in good faith, but we also must demand accountability. The American people deserve nothing less.”

Crookston Diocese Bishop Cozzins Talks Pope Leo XIV

The Catholic Church has a new Pope! Pope Leo XIV (14th)
Robert Francis Prevost, originally from Chicago, Illinois, has been elected the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church—a monumental moment in Church history.

Statement from Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Crookston Diocese :
Although each pope brings with him different emphases and encouragement, the mission of the Church remains the same — the mission of proclaiming the Life of Christ to the world of today. Together with our Church, throughout the world, we seek to make the world anew. By sharing the life of God, we are inviting those we meet to share with us the life of God through the sacraments.

As we begin this new moment in the life of the Church in the third millennium with our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, let us commit ourselves to the mission Jesus gave us when he ascended into Heaven to make disciples of all those around us.

Together let’s pray for our Holy Father, that the Lord might grant him grace and sustain him. Let us seek ourselves to live the holiness of the mission of the Church so the Church might be strong in our day — not just in Rome, but even here in northwest Minnesota.

The Vatican Names New Pope Leo XIV

Chicago-born Robert Prevost named new leader of the Catholic Church, choosing the name Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV is the first American to be named pope in the history of the Church.

“Peace be with you all” were the first words Pope Leo XIV said to the crowd from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica. 

Thousands of people stood below in Saint Peter’s Square as an emotional pope addressed the crowd. Pope Leo XIV spoke to the crowd in Italian, Spanish, and Latin, but not English.

The crowd roared as white smoke blew from the pipes of the Sistine Chapel, signaling a new pope has been selected. The vote comes on the second day of the papal election process known as the Conclave.

President Trump spoke on social media about the pope election, saying “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.”

The announcement was made in Latin, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!”)