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Today’s Top Stories from NBC News FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Good morning, NBC News readers.
Today we look at a huge criminal investigation involving the alleged smuggling of people into the country to work in conditions compared to "modern-day slavery," a profile of an important but seldom seen cabinet member, and a child viral star's sporting success.
Here's the latest on that and everything else we're watching this Friday morning. 
Two dozen people were indicted in Georgia last month on charges of smuggling Mexican and Central American immigrants to the United States and forcing them to work on farms in what authorities say were conditions akin to “modern-day slavery.”
Named “Operation Blooming Onion,” the yearslong probe investigated a “transnational criminal organization” that allegedly engaged in human trafficking, visa fraud, forced labor, mail fraud, money laundering and other crimes that earned the collaborators more than $200 million.
At least two workers died under the working conditions, another was repeatedly raped, while others were kidnapped and threatened with death, according to the allegations in the indictment.
“The American dream is a powerful attraction for destitute and desperate people across the globe, and where there is need, there is greed from those who will attempt to exploit these willing workers for their own obscene profits,” said David Estes, acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Read the full story here. Friday's Top Stories
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who said fighting Covid would be his top priority, seems "invisible," say former officials from both parties. 
New laws to allow more construction face strong opposition from cities and counties that stand to lose power over local zoning. 
The longtime anchor concluded his nightly MSNBC Show “The 11th Hour” Thursday with a look back on his career. 
OPINION After the Oxford school shooting in Michigan, GOP members of Congress show us we're facing an empathy and humanity problem, writes author Christina Wyman. Also in the News
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PODCAST 2021 brought highs and lows in racial justice. On Into America, two leading civil rights leaders share their thoughts on justice in 2021 and beyond. One Fun Thing
Dieunerst Collin, who unwittingly became a meme for his reproachful side-eye as a child, is now a state football champion.
Collin is now a high school senior and a lineman on the East Orange High School football team, which won the New Jersey championship Sunday.
He paid tribute to his childhood internet fame by giving a disapproving side-eye while posing with the championship trophy.
Read the full story here. 
Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown.
If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send me an email at: patrick.smith@nbcuni.com.
Thanks, Patrick Smith
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