>>Robbins Demands Federal Audit of DHS Over Fraud Concerns
(Maple Lake, MN) — State Representative Kristin Robbins is calling for a federal audit of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, citing what she calls “massive, unchecked fraud” in Medicaid programs. Robbins says that recent federal raids have uncovered over $1 billion in fraud, and that state oversight is no longer sufficient. “We’ve crossed the Rubicon,” Robbins said. “It’s time for federal oversight if we’re going to get a handle on this.”
She’s asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General to investigate.
>>Governor Invites Canadian Visitors to Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz is extending a special invitation to Canadians to visit Minnesota. The governor wants to reaffirm the state’s long-standing relationship with Canada as our state continues to be a top destination for travelers from the north of the border. The governor says, ” We want our Canadian neighbors to know they’re not just welcome here, they’re encouraged to visit and continue our long friendship.” Explore Minnesota has current marketing campaigns targeting visitors from Winnipeg and Thunder Bay.
>>Air Quality Alert Expanded to Most of Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is expanding the current air quality alert into northern, central, south central, and southwest Minnesota. Canadian wildfire smoke prompted the initial alert for the northwest corner of the state through 11 pm on Friday. Officials say the smoke will reach southwest, northeast, and central Minnesota by Thursday morning and move into east-central and south-central Minnesota in the afternoon. Air quality is expected to improve on Friday.
>>Man Convicted Of Deadly Stabbing At Duluth Bar Sentenced To Prison
(Duluth, MN) — A Michigan man convicted of stabbing a woman to death outside of a downtown Duluth bar is going to prison. Darrius Plummer was sentenced yesterday to more than 18 years behind bars. He was found guilty by a St. Louis County jury in May. Prosecutors say Plummer murdered 25-year-old Chantel Moose last April.
>>Authorities Release Identity Of Rochester Man Who Drowned In Mississippi River
(Red Wing, MN) — The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the identity of a Rochester man who drowned in the Mississippi River. The body of Ronald Highet was recovered on Sunday. Witnesses say he was wading in the water with a 12-year-old girl before they were both swept away by a current. The girl was safely rescued from the river, but Highet went under the water and never surfaced.
>>Aquatennial Torchlight Parade Canceled
(Minneapolis) – Due to the likelihood of severe weather, organizers have canceled the Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade scheduled for tonight. The parade was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., but organizers are concerned about the threat of thunderstorms, strong winds, and flash flooding. Officials say they are disappointed, but the safety and well-being of parade-goers, participants, volunteers, and staff remain their highest priority.
