January 8, 2026: ICE Shooting in Minneapolis, What We Know About the Fraud in Minnesota, CDC Changes Childhood Vaccine Schedule and Dietary Guidelines, and More.

UNBIASED Politics Podcast

Host: Jordan Berman
Episode Date: January 8, 2026
Episode Title: ICE Shooting in Minneapolis, What We Know About the Fraud in Minnesota, CDC Changes Childhood Vaccine Schedule and Dietary Guidelines, and More

Main Theme

This episode delivers an impartial breakdown of several significant national news stories:

Developments in the Minnesota public assistance fraud cases,
The CDC's changes to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule and new federal dietary guidelines,
A deep dive into the recent ICE shooting in Minneapolis,
Plus, quick-fire updates on current U.S. political and legal news.

Jordan Berman stays true to his style—clarifying complex issues with legal and policy context, focusing on facts, and avoiding personal opinion.

Key Discussion Points and Insights
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
Timestamps for Important Segments

1. Key Discussion Points and Insights

A. Show Announcements & Format Changes

[00:23 – 03:30]

Personal Update: Jordan is expecting a baby in March, which will temporarily affect the podcast format.
- Planned Content: During maternity leave, a six-week "UNBIASED Education Series" will replace current events coverage, focusing on foundational topics:
  - Constitutional rights (e.g., First Amendment)
  - Separation of Church and State
  - Elections, lobbying
  - Psychological science behind polarization
- “This is knowledge you can take with you and actually use when analyzing current events in the future.” (02:38)
Substack Expansion: Launch of a premium paid tier for additional written, unbiased news summaries—both free and exclusive content will be available.

B. Minnesota Public Assistance Fraud Scandal

[03:32 – 20:09]

Backdrop and Recent Developments

National spotlight since 2021 due to three key recent developments:
1. Trump Announcement: Revocation of TPS status for Somalis in Minnesota citing "fraudulent money laundering activity" (citing Truth Social post) [05:04]
2. Viral Video: Nick Shirley’s documentary ("I Investigated Minnesota’s Billion Dollar Fraud Scandal") intensifies public scrutiny.
3. Federal Response: HHS freezes federal child care funds to Minnesota pending further review after Shirley's video.
Complexity Clarified: "Minnesota fraud scandal" isn't a single event; rather, it's multiple cases across various programs sharing a reimbursement-based funding model.

Notable Program Cases

Feeding Our Future (Child Nutrition Program)
- Nonprofit administered federal child nutrition funds during the pandemic.
- Allegation: Over $250 million in fraudulent claims; only a small fraction went to actual meals.
- "Federal prosecutors allege...submitted more than $250 million in fraudulent meal claims." (08:40)
- By late 2025: ~90 indicted, 60+ pled guilty, multiple convictions.
Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI)
- Medicaid-funded therapy/behavioral services for kids with autism.
- Methods included recruiting children, incentivizing parents with kickbacks, employing unqualified staff.
- Over $6 million in improper payments alleged.
Housing Stabilization Services (HSS)
- Medicaid benefit for helping vulnerable populations find housing.
- Out-of-state actors enrolled as providers, submitted $3.5 million in false claims through fake documentation.
- Program since shut down.

Nick Shirley’s Viral Investigation

YouTube video: Visiting suspicious daycare and autism centers, documents funding, attempts to verify activity on-site.
Official response: Minnesota regulators conducted spot-checks—most centers operating as expected, ongoing investigations for some.

Somali Community Impact

Minnesota has the nation's largest Somali population (~80,000).
Of 92 defendants in various fraud cases, 82 are Somali Americans—an overrepresentation but still a small fraction of the broader community.

C. CDC Changes to Childhood Vaccine Schedule

[25:08 – 36:07]

Summary

CDC director approved major updates reducing universally recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11.
"No vaccines were eliminated...Instead, the schedule was reorganized." (25:23)

Why the Change?

Trump administration memo argued the U.S. had become a "global outlier" by recommending more vaccines than peer nations (e.g., Denmark, Japan, Germany).
CDC reviewed schedules from 20 peer countries: Found U.S. offered more vaccines but didn't have higher vaccination rates or better health outcomes. Public trust in healthcare also fell significantly after the pandemic.

What's Different Now?

Three categories of recommendations:
1. Universal (for all children): MMR, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Hib, pneumococcal, HPV, varicella (chickenpox)
2. High Risk Populations: Some vaccines (e.g., rotavirus, hepatitis A, meningococcal, RSV, influenza)
3. "Shared Clinical Decision-Making": Some vaccines are no longer universal, discussed between families and providers.
Insurance coverage remains unchanged; requirements for public school attendance unaffected unless states revise their own policies.

Debate

Critics: Removing universal recommendation may increase disease risk, and comparison to smaller nations may be inappropriate.
Supporters: More discretion for doctors/families, could improve trust.

D. New CDC Dietary Guidelines

[36:07 – 41:55]

Highlights:

Major overhaul since 1980.
Previous Guidelines: Focused on balanced portions of grains, low-fat dairy; base of food pyramid was bread/grains.
New Guidelines: “We are ending the war on protein. Every meal must prioritize high quality, nutrient dense protein from both animal and plant sources paired with healthy fats and from whole foods such as eggs, seafood, meats, full fat dairy, nuts, seeds, olives and avocados.” (40:08)
- Diet breakdown: Emphasize protein (0.54–0.73g per pound body weight per day), 3 servings of veggies, 2 servings of fruit, 2–4 servings of whole grains per day.
- Whole grains encouraged, refined carbs discouraged.
- Healthy fats (olive oil, butter, beef tallow) for cooking, though butter and tallow have drawn criticism.
- Alcohol: General limit for overall health, replacing former gender-specific recommendations.
- Sugar: No healthy amount; limit added sugar to 10g per meal.

Reaction

American Medical Association applauded move for focusing on processed foods and affirming “food is medicine.”
Criticism: Emphasis on animal fats/butter said to contradict long-standing heart health evidence.
Guidelines notably impact the National School Lunch Program, but actual changes may take years to reach schools.

E. ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

[43:38 – 56:53]

Incident Overview

On Wednesday, ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Goode (37) in Minneapolis.
Multiple videos show Goode in a burgundy SUV blocking the street. ICE agents approach, pull on driver door. Goode reverses, then pulls forward; an ICE agent ends up in front of the car and fires, killing her.
- "The video quality isn’t great, so we can’t definitively tell what happened...It matters whether Good’s wheels were turned away from the agent...because both sides are telling their own story." (45:47)

Competing Narratives

DHS Secretary Noem: “She then proceeded to weaponize her vehicle and she attempted to run a law enforcement officer over. This appears as an attempt to kill or cause bodily harm to agents in act of domestic terrorism.” (47:12)
President Trump: Describes the driver as “disorderly...who then violently, willfully and viciously ran over the ICE officer who seems to have shot her in self defense.” (48:22)
Governor Walz (MN): “What we’re seeing is a consequence of governance designed to generate fear, headlines and conflict. It’s governing by reality tv. And today that recklessness cost someone their life.” (48:52)
Minneapolis Police Chief: “There is nothing to indicate that this woman was the target of any law enforcement investigation or activity.” (49:29)

Legal Standard

DHS use-of-force policy: Agent must reasonably believe subject poses imminent threat of death or serious injury.
Supreme Court: “Reasonableness” is judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer at the moment, not with hindsight.

Latest Update

FBI has taken over the investigation; the state has been forced off the case.

F. Quick Hitters & Critical Thinking

[56:53 – End]

News Snippets

Vandalism at VP Vance's Home: Suspect faces federal/local charges for attempting to break into home, damaging property, running from Secret Service.
MN Governor Walz Drops Re-election Bid: States he can't serve MN and campaign simultaneously.
Trump Calls for Ban on Investors Buying Homes: Would require act of Congress.
Senate Advances Bill to Limit Military Action in Venezuela: Bipartisan support; procedural step.
Federal Judge Rules NDNY US Attorney Appointed Unlawfully: Must stop two investigations.

Critical Thinking Segment

Challenge: Argue both sides (for and against) whether Renee Goode’s actions meet the federal definition of “domestic terrorism.”
- Definition provided: Crimes intended to intimidate/coerce a civilian population or influence government policy/conduct, driven by ideology.

2. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Minnesota Scandal:
- "The phrase ‘Minnesota fraud scandal’ can be a bit misleading because there’s no single fraud case, or one coordinated scheme—it’s multiple separate public assistance programs under investigation." (04:28)
On CDC Vaccine Schedule:
- “No vaccines were eliminated. No vaccines were banned. No vaccines were removed from insurance coverage. Instead, the schedule was reorganized.” (25:23)
On dietary guidelines:
- "We are ending the war on protein. Every meal must prioritize high quality, nutrient dense protein..." (40:08)
- "Whole grains are encouraged, refined carbohydrates are not. Prioritize fiber rich whole grains and significantly reduce the consumption of highly processed refined carbohydrates that displace real nourishment, end quote." (41:02)
On the ICE shooting:
- “Whether the shots were justified here...comes down to whether this agent had a reasonable belief that Renee Goode posed an imminent threat of death or bodily injury either to him or someone else.” (51:57)
Governor Walz on Trump Administration:
- "What we're seeing is a consequence of governance designed to generate fear, headlines and conflict. It's governing by reality TV. And today that recklessness cost someone their life." (48:52)
American Medical Association on Dietary Guidelines:
- “The guidelines affirm that food is medicine and offer clear direction to patients and physicians can use to improve health.” (41:31)

3. Timestamps for Important Segments

Show/Personal Updates: 00:23 – 03:30
Minnesota Fraud Scandal: 03:32 – 20:09
CDC Vaccine Schedule: 25:08 – 36:07
CDC Dietary Guidelines: 36:07 – 41:55
ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: 43:38 – 56:53
Quick News Roundup: 56:53 – 1:00:50
Critical Thinking (domestic terrorism debate): 1:00:51 – End

Summary

This episode provides a factual, organized, and unbiased look at some of the most important U.S. news stories of the week. Listeners catch up on ongoing federal and state investigations into public assistance fraud in Minnesota, receive a clear explanation of the CDC's vaccine and dietary guideline updates, and walk through the evidence and legal questions surrounding a contentious ICE shooting in Minneapolis. The episode concludes with a "lawyer up" challenge about the line between obstruction and "domestic terrorism," inviting listeners to hone legal thinking skills—a hallmark of the show.

For deeper research or to see referenced videos/sources, consult the episode's show notes or Jordan's Substack.

UNBIASED Politics Podcast

Main Theme

This episode delivers an impartial breakdown of several significant national news stories:

Developments in the Minnesota public assistance fraud cases,
The CDC's changes to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule and new federal dietary guidelines,
A deep dive into the recent ICE shooting in Minneapolis,
Plus, quick-fire updates on current U.S. political and legal news.

Jordan Berman stays true to his style—clarifying complex issues with legal and policy context, focusing on facts, and avoiding personal opinion.

Key Discussion Points and Insights
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
Timestamps for Important Segments

1. Key Discussion Points and Insights

A. Show Announcements & Format Changes

[00:23 – 03:30]

Personal Update: Jordan is expecting a baby in March, which will temporarily affect the podcast format.
- Planned Content: During maternity leave, a six-week "UNBIASED Education Series" will replace current events coverage, focusing on foundational topics:
  - Constitutional rights (e.g., First Amendment)
  - Separation of Church and State
  - Elections, lobbying
  - Psychological science behind polarization
- “This is knowledge you can take with you and actually use when analyzing current events in the future.” (02:38)
Substack Expansion: Launch of a premium paid tier for additional written, unbiased news summaries—both free and exclusive content will be available.

B. Minnesota Public Assistance Fraud Scandal

[03:32 – 20:09]

Backdrop and Recent Developments

National spotlight since 2021 due to three key recent developments:
1. Trump Announcement: Revocation of TPS status for Somalis in Minnesota citing "fraudulent money laundering activity" (citing Truth Social post) [05:04]
2. Viral Video: Nick Shirley’s documentary ("I Investigated Minnesota’s Billion Dollar Fraud Scandal") intensifies public scrutiny.
3. Federal Response: HHS freezes federal child care funds to Minnesota pending further review after Shirley's video.
Complexity Clarified: "Minnesota fraud scandal" isn't a single event; rather, it's multiple cases across various programs sharing a reimbursement-based funding model.

Notable Program Cases

Feeding Our Future (Child Nutrition Program)
- Nonprofit administered federal child nutrition funds during the pandemic.
- Allegation: Over $250 million in fraudulent claims; only a small fraction went to actual meals.
- "Federal prosecutors allege...submitted more than $250 million in fraudulent meal claims." (08:40)
- By late 2025: ~90 indicted, 60+ pled guilty, multiple convictions.
Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI)
- Medicaid-funded therapy/behavioral services for kids with autism.
- Methods included recruiting children, incentivizing parents with kickbacks, employing unqualified staff.
- Over $6 million in improper payments alleged.
Housing Stabilization Services (HSS)
- Medicaid benefit for helping vulnerable populations find housing.
- Out-of-state actors enrolled as providers, submitted $3.5 million in false claims through fake documentation.
- Program since shut down.

Nick Shirley’s Viral Investigation

YouTube video: Visiting suspicious daycare and autism centers, documents funding, attempts to verify activity on-site.
Official response: Minnesota regulators conducted spot-checks—most centers operating as expected, ongoing investigations for some.

Somali Community Impact

Minnesota has the nation's largest Somali population (~80,000).
Of 92 defendants in various fraud cases, 82 are Somali Americans—an overrepresentation but still a small fraction of the broader community.

C. CDC Changes to Childhood Vaccine Schedule

[25:08 – 36:07]

Summary

CDC director approved major updates reducing universally recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11.
"No vaccines were eliminated...Instead, the schedule was reorganized." (25:23)

Why the Change?

Trump administration memo argued the U.S. had become a "global outlier" by recommending more vaccines than peer nations (e.g., Denmark, Japan, Germany).
CDC reviewed schedules from 20 peer countries: Found U.S. offered more vaccines but didn't have higher vaccination rates or better health outcomes. Public trust in healthcare also fell significantly after the pandemic.

What's Different Now?

Three categories of recommendations:
1. Universal (for all children): MMR, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Hib, pneumococcal, HPV, varicella (chickenpox)
2. High Risk Populations: Some vaccines (e.g., rotavirus, hepatitis A, meningococcal, RSV, influenza)
3. "Shared Clinical Decision-Making": Some vaccines are no longer universal, discussed between families and providers.
Insurance coverage remains unchanged; requirements for public school attendance unaffected unless states revise their own policies.

Debate

Critics: Removing universal recommendation may increase disease risk, and comparison to smaller nations may be inappropriate.
Supporters: More discretion for doctors/families, could improve trust.

D. New CDC Dietary Guidelines

[36:07 – 41:55]

Highlights:

Major overhaul since 1980.
Previous Guidelines: Focused on balanced portions of grains, low-fat dairy; base of food pyramid was bread/grains.
New Guidelines: “We are ending the war on protein. Every meal must prioritize high quality, nutrient dense protein from both animal and plant sources paired with healthy fats and from whole foods such as eggs, seafood, meats, full fat dairy, nuts, seeds, olives and avocados.” (40:08)
- Diet breakdown: Emphasize protein (0.54–0.73g per pound body weight per day), 3 servings of veggies, 2 servings of fruit, 2–4 servings of whole grains per day.
- Whole grains encouraged, refined carbs discouraged.
- Healthy fats (olive oil, butter, beef tallow) for cooking, though butter and tallow have drawn criticism.
- Alcohol: General limit for overall health, replacing former gender-specific recommendations.
- Sugar: No healthy amount; limit added sugar to 10g per meal.

Reaction

American Medical Association applauded move for focusing on processed foods and affirming “food is medicine.”
Criticism: Emphasis on animal fats/butter said to contradict long-standing heart health evidence.
Guidelines notably impact the National School Lunch Program, but actual changes may take years to reach schools.

E. ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

[43:38 – 56:53]

Incident Overview

On Wednesday, ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Goode (37) in Minneapolis.
Multiple videos show Goode in a burgundy SUV blocking the street. ICE agents approach, pull on driver door. Goode reverses, then pulls forward; an ICE agent ends up in front of the car and fires, killing her.
- "The video quality isn’t great, so we can’t definitively tell what happened...It matters whether Good’s wheels were turned away from the agent...because both sides are telling their own story." (45:47)

Competing Narratives

DHS Secretary Noem: “She then proceeded to weaponize her vehicle and she attempted to run a law enforcement officer over. This appears as an attempt to kill or cause bodily harm to agents in act of domestic terrorism.” (47:12)
President Trump: Describes the driver as “disorderly...who then violently, willfully and viciously ran over the ICE officer who seems to have shot her in self defense.” (48:22)
Governor Walz (MN): “What we’re seeing is a consequence of governance designed to generate fear, headlines and conflict. It’s governing by reality tv. And today that recklessness cost someone their life.” (48:52)
Minneapolis Police Chief: “There is nothing to indicate that this woman was the target of any law enforcement investigation or activity.” (49:29)

Legal Standard

DHS use-of-force policy: Agent must reasonably believe subject poses imminent threat of death or serious injury.
Supreme Court: “Reasonableness” is judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer at the moment, not with hindsight.

Latest Update

FBI has taken over the investigation; the state has been forced off the case.

F. Quick Hitters & Critical Thinking

[56:53 – End]

News Snippets

Vandalism at VP Vance's Home: Suspect faces federal/local charges for attempting to break into home, damaging property, running from Secret Service.
MN Governor Walz Drops Re-election Bid: States he can't serve MN and campaign simultaneously.
Trump Calls for Ban on Investors Buying Homes: Would require act of Congress.
Senate Advances Bill to Limit Military Action in Venezuela: Bipartisan support; procedural step.
Federal Judge Rules NDNY US Attorney Appointed Unlawfully: Must stop two investigations.

Critical Thinking Segment

Challenge: Argue both sides (for and against) whether Renee Goode’s actions meet the federal definition of “domestic terrorism.”
- Definition provided: Crimes intended to intimidate/coerce a civilian population or influence government policy/conduct, driven by ideology.

2. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Minnesota Scandal:
- "The phrase ‘Minnesota fraud scandal’ can be a bit misleading because there’s no single fraud case, or one coordinated scheme—it’s multiple separate public assistance programs under investigation." (04:28)
On CDC Vaccine Schedule:
- “No vaccines were eliminated. No vaccines were banned. No vaccines were removed from insurance coverage. Instead, the schedule was reorganized.” (25:23)
On dietary guidelines:
- "We are ending the war on protein. Every meal must prioritize high quality, nutrient dense protein..." (40:08)
- "Whole grains are encouraged, refined carbohydrates are not. Prioritize fiber rich whole grains and significantly reduce the consumption of highly processed refined carbohydrates that displace real nourishment, end quote." (41:02)
On the ICE shooting:
- “Whether the shots were justified here...comes down to whether this agent had a reasonable belief that Renee Goode posed an imminent threat of death or bodily injury either to him or someone else.” (51:57)
Governor Walz on Trump Administration:
- "What we're seeing is a consequence of governance designed to generate fear, headlines and conflict. It's governing by reality TV. And today that recklessness cost someone their life." (48:52)
American Medical Association on Dietary Guidelines:
- “The guidelines affirm that food is medicine and offer clear direction to patients and physicians can use to improve health.” (41:31)

3. Timestamps for Important Segments

Show/Personal Updates: 00:23 – 03:30
Minnesota Fraud Scandal: 03:32 – 20:09
CDC Vaccine Schedule: 25:08 – 36:07
CDC Dietary Guidelines: 36:07 – 41:55
ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: 43:38 – 56:53
Quick News Roundup: 56:53 – 1:00:50
Critical Thinking (domestic terrorism debate): 1:00:51 – End

Summary

For deeper research or to see referenced videos/sources, consult the episode's show notes or Jordan's Substack.

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Summary

UNBIASED Politics Podcast

Main Theme

Table of Contents

1. Key Discussion Points and Insights

A. Show Announcements & Format Changes

B. Minnesota Public Assistance Fraud Scandal

Backdrop and Recent Developments

Notable Program Cases

Nick Shirley’s Viral Investigation

Somali Community Impact

C. CDC Changes to Childhood Vaccine Schedule

Summary

Why the Change?

What's Different Now?

Debate

D. New CDC Dietary Guidelines

Highlights:

Reaction

E. ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

Incident Overview

Competing Narratives

Legal Standard

Latest Update

F. Quick Hitters & Critical Thinking

News Snippets

Critical Thinking Segment

2. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

3. Timestamps for Important Segments

Summary

Summary

UNBIASED Politics Podcast

Main Theme

Table of Contents

1. Key Discussion Points and Insights

A. Show Announcements & Format Changes

B. Minnesota Public Assistance Fraud Scandal

Backdrop and Recent Developments

Notable Program Cases

Nick Shirley’s Viral Investigation

Somali Community Impact

C. CDC Changes to Childhood Vaccine Schedule

Summary

Why the Change?

What's Different Now?

Debate

D. New CDC Dietary Guidelines

Highlights:

Reaction

E. ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

Incident Overview

Competing Narratives

Legal Standard

Latest Update

F. Quick Hitters & Critical Thinking

News Snippets

Critical Thinking Segment

2. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

3. Timestamps for Important Segments

Summary