future

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — On a crisp Wednesday morning, in a courtroom charged with anticipation and the weight of justice, jurors embarked on their duty to deliberate over a case that has captured national attention. The Feeding Our Future fraud case has been the subject of fervent discussion for six weeks, magnified by the testimony and impassioned arguments from both sides of the legal aisle. The case pivots around allegations by federal prosecutors who posit that Aimee Bock, founder of the now-dismantled…

Kenya and South Africa: Pioneers in Cashless Economy Transition In a world embracing digital convenience, Kenya and South Africa are staking their claim as leaders in transitioning towards cashless economies. This shift is bolstered by the widespread adoption of digital payment systems, mobile money, and contactless transactions. But what does this really mean for these nations, and could it signal the beginning of a worldwide trend? The global march towards a future where cash is a rare…

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Resilience Amidst Challenges FILE - In this poignant snapshot of survival and hope, Somali women find refuge near Mogadishu, erecting shelters to protect themselves from the cruelty of displacement. We find ourselves on the cusp of another International Women's Day, coming up on March 8, 2025. This year, the world celebrates women across the globe for their unwavering strength amidst relentless struggles, championing a theme that echoes the…

In the serene yet bustling city of Minneapolis, a courtroom is the backdrop of a legal drama that's been capturing national headlines—a fraud trial alleged to be one of the biggest involving pandemic relief in America. The spotlight is firmly on Aimee Bock, the founder of Feeding Our Future. With her own future hanging in the balance, she stepped into the witness box late on a crisp Friday afternoon. Bock faces multiple severe charges—seven felonies, to be exact. These range from wire fraud to bribery, all tied to an…

A Lakeville Man's Guilty Plea Marks Another Turn in a $250 Million Fraud Case Abdinasir Abshir, a 33-year-old resident of Lakeville, finds himself amidst the complexities of a major fraud investigation. Recently, Abshir recorded his name in history as the 37th individual to plead guilty in connection with a massive $250 million fraud scheme. If you take a moment to ponder, how does someone become embroiled in such a significant case? For Abshir, it all began when he registered Federal…

The Complex Case: Unraveling Mysteries at Feeding Our Future In the year 2021, as the operations of Feeding Our Future within the federal child nutrition program ballooned to staggering proportions, an ominous complaint rippled through the organization. A food site operator had apparently voiced a grievance. "She said we don’t pay and what else?" texted Bock, who was then the executive director of Feeding Our Future, to her colleague Hadith Ahmed. It was the kind of text that might seem trivial at first—perhaps just…

The Future of Payments and Financial Inclusion Across Africa Founder and CEO, Nkebet Mesele, discusses the launch of Intreensic, a payments education and advisory group, and its significance for payments and financial inclusion across Africa. Exploring Payment Evolution What piques your interest the most about the transformation in payments, and how do women play a role in this journey, particularly in Africa? The payment evolution is indeed fascinating. From my early days in the industry,…

African Oil Discoveries Set to Transform the Global Energy Landscape Imagine a continent rich in energy reserves, like a dormant giant waking to its potential. That's precisely the scene unfolding in Africa's oil sector, according to S&P Global's recent publication, "High Impact Wells 2025". It's noteworthy that Africa has suddenly surged to represent 35% of new oil discoveries in this past year alone. Compare that with a modest 7% just a year before in…

As the specter of strained trade relations looms over South Africa, a wave of uncertainty permeates the air. The United States, a significant player in global commerce, has hinted at severing vital economic ties, igniting anxiety among South African entrepreneurs and corporations alike. Is it time for Africa's most industrialized nation to brace itself for a seismic economic shift? This isn't merely theoretical speculation; it’s a scenario that resonates with real-world implications. Picture the bustling markets of…

The serene edifice of the federal courthouse in downtown Minneapolis stands as a silent witness to many tales of justice. On a sultry afternoon of May 5, 2022, this stately structure cradled another narrative—one steeped in shame and regret. As captured by Ben Hovland for the Sahan Journal, it seemed almost surreal that within its chambers, lives were unraveling. Qamar Hassan, co-owner of a Minneapolis catering firm, stood on the stand, shoulders bowed under the weight of a confounding $250 million fraud conspiracy. "Every…