a question- near & past

I am from non-English Speaking countries, and here I have a question:

I hear many people say: in the near future; wish we can work together in the near future.

With this pattern, I wonder if I can say:

in the near past;

for instance: I have got a news about it in the near past.

thanks!

thanks a million to mjd;

So, I say:
I got a correct version about this expression not too long ago.
recently, I got a correct version about this expression.

or I can say I got a correct version about this expression minutes before.

Usually, when we use 'before' we need to make a reference to a specific point or event. 'Minutes ago' would sound much more natural.