>>Minnesota Resumes Payments to Some Medicaid Providers
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is restoring Medicaid payments to some providers who were removed during the state’s recent revalidation effort aimed at identifying fraud and protecting federal funding. More than 3,400 providers were previously terminated after being classified as high-risk service providers. Some affected providers say they were caught off guard by the process and that legitimate businesses were swept up in the crackdown. State officials say the review is continuing as they work to distinguish fraudulent operators from providers delivering essential care.
>>Immigrant Defense Network Reports ICE Activity in Bemidji Area
(Bemidji, MN) — The Immigrant Defense Network says a large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation in the Bemidji area has led to the detention of about 35 people. The group says ICE activity began Thursday and continued Friday morning in Beltrami County. According to reports received by the network, many of those detained may have traveled from the Twin Cities area for work. The ACLU of Minnesota says it’s monitoring the situation and reviewing whether any local law enforcement agencies were involved. Federal authorities have not publicly released details about the operation.
>>Sleep Number Files for Bankruptcy, Plans Merger
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis-based Sleep Number is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it moves forward with plans to merge with a Canadian mattress company. The company says it has secured 260 million dollars in financing and expects to continue normal operations during the restructuring process. Sleep Number announced last month it was exploring strategic options after posting a 50-million-dollar quarterly loss. The mattress maker has now reported four straight years of declining sales. Terms of the merger with Sleep Country Canada have not been disclosed.
>>Boil Water Order in City of Benson
(Benson, MN) – Due to a power outage earlier today, The City of Benson is on a boil water order until further notice. Police Chief Ian Hodge says an incoming power line went down this morning knocking out power at the city’s water treatment plant. Until water pressure is built up again, there is a danger of contamination, so until further notice, people should drink and cook with only bottled water or boil it first. The city has had to cancel tonight’s Pioneerland Band Festival Flag Day Parade, which was scheduled to begin at 630 p.m. Marching bands from 11 different schools were expected to march and compete.
>>Drone Show Announced for Grandma’s Marathon Weekend
(Duluth, MN) – Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth is turning 50 years old next weekend, and one of the most anticipated events will be a drone show at Bayfront Festival Park. Organizers say 300 drones will take to the night sky after the race is over Saturday night with images central to the race and the community that supports it. The marathon also features a weekend-long musical festival and plenty of activities. Race day is next Saturday, June 20th.
