Federal and state law enforcement searched two Fridley autism centers April 28 as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud involving publicly funded social-service programs. The Fridley locations were Empower Skill Academy and Aspen Associates LLC. The searches were part of a broader investigation involving the Department of Homeland Security and the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families. The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families said in an April 28 statement that the law enforcement actions were the result of state, county and federal agencies working together. ...

Hello. This is Piper the cat writing. I belong to Madeline, the girlfriend of Elliot Steeves, who works for Adams MultiMedia of East Central Minnesota and recently moved in with her. As I stand here for the brief amount of time I have to type on this keyboard, I want to inform you all of one very simple fact: I am utterly beautiful. I am a proper calico — a domestic longhair, most likely — with long, white-spotted fur and fabulous nails. My biscuit-making skills with my paws are so amazing that I can type on a keyboard. ...

The interior of Protein House. Original Article

Protein House in Blaine, near the National Sports Center. Original Article

Presentations like these were displayed at the Oscars symposium at Anoka Ramsey Community College. Original Article

The OSCARS take place on the afternoon of April 29 at Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids. Original Article

The cooling system that keeps ice frozen at the National Sports Center’s Super Rink is 28 years old, and officials say replacing it has become a critical infrastructure need. State legislators are seeking bonding money for the project, but the request comes during a year when infrastructure needs across Minnesota exceed the funding likely to be available. Jayme Murphy, director of health, data and analytics for the National Sports Center, said the Super Rink is a state-owned building and is eligible for state bonding funds. ...

Tiffany Jacobsen speaks during the Growing Change Together fundraiser on April 22 at Storyteller Cafe in Blaine, where she shared her experience surviving trafficking as a child. Original Article

Andrea Donaldson during a talk with the Blaine Police Department. Original Article

Raffle items at Storyteller Cafe’s Growing Change Together fundraiser. Original Article