Defendant in Feeding Our Future fraud scheme avoids prison after cooperating with investigators

The Legislature returns Tuesday after a weeklong break. So far, this year's session has been heavy on conflict. The narrowly split Legislature came into session with a lot of pressing matters to address: immigration enforcement actions, gun violence, fraud and a tight budget. Lawmakers have six weeks to finish their work.

The first defendant in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme to admit his involvement is avoiding prison because of his cooperation with investigators. After the FBI raided Feeding Our Future's offices and two dozen other locations in early 2022, Bekam Merdassa was the first conspirator to come forward. He pleaded guilty later that year.

Many farmers across Minnesota will soon start planting their crops. While some ordered the fertilizer and fuel they’ll need ahead of time, those who didn’t now face huge price increases due to the war in Iran.