MINNEAPOLIS — Federal prosecutors have secured the conviction of the 52nd defendant charged in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.

Guhaad Hashi Said, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in federal court on Monday.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the State of Minnesota, Said filed for reimbursements from the Federal Child Nutrition Program after falsely claiming to have served more than one million meals to children between March and December of 2021 through an organization called Advance Youth Athletic Development. Prosecutors said Said then attempted to launder the funds by opening a bank account for Advance Youth Athletic Development and later transferring the money to another account.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Said and his co-conspirators ultimately received more than $2.9 million in federal funding in the scheme.

“Said stole money, falsified paperwork submitted to the government, and was reimbursed millions of dollars to which he was not entitled,” FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston, Sr. said in a statement. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will ensure this fraud stops, and we will ensure that every defendant in this investigation is held fully accountable for their conduct.”

Said will be sentenced at a later date. He faces up to 25 years in federal prison.

Today we’re diving into some ongoing battles over athlete pay, from college athletics to the WNBA.

In the case of college sports, a recent lawsuit settlement involving the NCAA allows colleges and universities to pay their athletes directly, which has the potential to transform the financial landscape of college athletics.

“The House v. NCAA settlement is just the latest in what seems to be a kind of peeling back of an onion of how college athletes are being paid,” said sports journalist Kennington Lloyd Smith III.

On the show today, Smith explains how college athlete pay has evolved, how the recent House v. NCAA settlement could strain athletic departments, and what could come from the WNBA players’ current fight for more equitable pay. Plus, the sports private equity firms are eyeing.

Then, we’ll hear how one listener got involved in local government. Plus, Paralympic sled hockey gold medalist Declan Farmer answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Glen Allan “Gus” Gustafson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and community leader, passed away peacefully at his home in Lakeshore, Minnesota, on August 10, 2025, at the age of 80. Known to many simply as “Gus,” he was kind, loving, modest, humble, and generous. He lived an impactful life and leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for generations.

Glen was born in Bremerton, Washington, on March 8, 1945, to Alfred and Stella (Spilseth) Gustafson, while his father worked in the naval shipyards during WWII. The family later returned to Minnesota, settling in Alexandria. Glen attended Alexandria High School, where he shined both academically and athletically, earning letters in football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated in 1963.

He continued his education at the University of North Dakota, where he was a three-year letter winner in football and a proud member of the 1964, 1965, and 1966 teams honored in the UND Hall of Fame. He graduated in 1967, and later from the UND School of Law in 1970.

Glen’s greatest blessing came when he met Marilyn, his future wife, in junior high. They began dating in high school and married in 1962, sharing 37 years of marriage until Marilyn’s passing, at age 54 in 1999 after a courageous battle with ALS. Together, they raised four children in Brainerd, Minnesota.

After law school, Glen worked in Rochester, MN, for a year before moving to Brainerd in 1972 to establish a law practice. Starting out in a small basement office generously provided rent-free for six months, he built a highly respected practice over the next 40 years. Known for his integrity, humility, and generosity, Glen helped countless people in both his professional and personal life—often quietly without seeking recognition.

A man of deep faith and quiet strength, Glen’s heart for service was evident in every stage of his life. He founded the Brainerd Sports Boosters and served as president of the YMCA, Brainerd Youth Athletic Association, Bremer Bank Board, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He was a longtime treasurer of the Brainerd Soup Kitchen, a hospice volunteer, a board member for the Brainerd Food Shelf, and a faithful Meals on Wheels volunteer. In recognition of his dedication, Glen was named Brainerd Citizen of the Year in 2019.

Glen’s faith was central to his life. He approached each day with gratitude, a deep love for God, and a commitment to living his values. He loved his family fiercely, treasured time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and found joy in sports, hunting, golf, Lake Hubert, Mazatlán, and his loyal dogs.

He is survived by his children: Jan (Mike) Sheady, Mike (Melanie) Gustafson, Brian (Kaylo) Gustafson, and Anne Gustafson; seven grandchildren: Kelsey, Patrick, Bodie, Lizzie, Abby, Paige, and Hillary; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; his brother, John; and his parents, Alfred and Stella.

A celebration of Glen’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2025 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd, with a visitation starting at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brainerd Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen (www.sharingbread.com).

Nelson – Doran Funeral Home

www.neslon-doran.com

218.829.4755

Donation made possible by the American Heart Association’s “Bring a Ball to the Ball” campaign sponsored by Kentucky Children’s Hospital

PIKEVILLE, Ky., August 5, 2025 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, recently donated more than 100 sports balls to Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education), which will distribute them to children throughout Eastern Kentucky. The donation was presented during Camp UNITE — a free program that aims to instill healthy social and physical habits in middle-school youth, recently held at the University of Pikeville.

The American Heart Association in Central and Eastern Kentucky collected sports balls from attendees at the Central Kentucky Heart Ball in February as part of the event’s “Bring a Ball to the Ball” campaign. The campaign, sponsored by Kentucky Children’s Hospital, encourages children to get physically active to help them lead longer, healthier lives.

“At Kentucky Children’s Hospital, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and strong. By encouraging kids to stay active and develop heart-healthy habits early, we’re not just promoting fun — we’re helping prevent chronic disease and building a foundation for lifelong well-being. We’re proud to partner with organizations like Operation UNITE and the American Heart Association to make these opportunities accessible for children across Kentucky,” said Dr. Scottie B. Day, physician-in-chief at Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

President and CEO of Operation UNITE Tom Vicini stated “the American Heart Association’s long-time partnership through the sports ball donation has made it possible for hundreds of youth from throughout our service region to experience fun alternatives to substance use. At Operation UNITE, we are expanding our prevention efforts, reaching more and more young people, and working tirelessly to ensure that future generations don’t have to experience the pain that so many before them have.”

Operation UNITE is currently in its 23^rd year working to address the devastating crisis of substance misuse through prevention, treatment, law enforcement, and education initiatives. In the past fiscal year alone, Operation UNITE has impacted more than 122,000 youth across 92 of Kentucky’s 120 counties through partnerships and programs. “Prevention is not just a strategy — it is the only way to truly break the cycle of substance misuse,” said Vicini. “The American Heart Association has found a way to become involved in these efforts, and we applaud their continued support.”

The American Heart Association is building healthier futures for America’s youth by encouraging regular physical activity and instilling healthy eating habits. The Association is also creating healthier generations by improving nutrition security, advocating for ending tobacco use and vaping, supporting resiliency and more. For more information, visit www.heart.org/kids.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.      

For Media Inquiries:

Meredith Adkins: Meredith.Adkins@heart.org

heart.org and stroke.org

This Week In Spartan Athletics – August 12
 
Women’s Soccer
The women’s soccer program is the first Spartan squad to officially begin its 2025-26 slate. MSU opens the year Thursday at Colorado (9 p.m. ET). Sunday marks the home opener for the Spartans as they host Dayton Sunday at 7 p.m. It will be Youth Soccer Day at DeMartin Stadium, where youth soccer players get in free by wearing their team jersey. Michigan State opens the season ranked in the Top 12 of both national polls.
 
 

 
Men’s Soccer
Michigan State will travel to Chicago to face UIC in the second exhibition contest of the season. It’s the final tune-up for the Spartans before beginning their regular season next week. MSU defeated Butler last Sunday in the first exhibition contest.
 
 

 
Field Hockey
Spartan field hockey opens its exhibition schedule with a Sunday afternoon contest against Central Michigan at Ralph Young Field at 1 p.m. MSU will play two exhibitions before opening the season on Aug. 29.