Walz Dodges Childcare Fraud Hearing, FBI Claps Back

0:00It's April 29th, U.S. News Today starts now, AI-powered and nationwide, I'm Cory with the story. Minnesota Governor Tim Walsh dodged a key house oversight hearing on Tuesday about fraud in the state's childcare assistance program. This came right as federal agents rated nearly two dozen spots in Minneapolis, like daycares and autism centers for allegedly ripping off taxpayer money. Lawmakers had invited Walsh over a month ahead, even letting him pick the date, but he didn't show. Reports say he was right there in the state capital for his state-of-the-state speech. The hearing went on without him, digging into years of problems flagged in audits and whistle blower tips since 2019. Republicans are fired up, calling his no-show a big red flag on leadership. Committee Chair Kristen Robbins said it was frustrating, stressing they need answers on how fraud went unchecked for so long under his watch. Walsh hit back on social media, saying state agencies spotted issues and tipped off feds, making the raids a win.

1:02But FBI director Cash Patel clapped back quick, saying, feds ran the whole show solo, no state help. With probes still rolling and impeachment talk bubbling from critics, the push is on to fix the system, hold fraudsters accountable, and get real.