>>8 People Charged in $2.6 Million Minnesota Medical Assistance Fraud Scheme
(St. Paul, MN) — Eight people are now charged in Rice County for their alleged roles in a scheme to defraud the Minnesota Medical Assistance program out of two-point-six-million dollars. Attorney General Keith Ellison’s Office says they used the stolen identities of hundreds of people, mainly from the Faribault area, to bill the Medicaid program for services that the victims didn’t receive and the defendants did not provide. The complaint says the eight defendants’ conduct primarily involved fraudulently billing the program for transportation, physical therapy, an interpreter, mental health services, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
>>Smith: MN Couple Stuck In Brazil After Baby Birth Should Be Home Soon
(Washington, DC) — A Minnesota family stranded in Brazil after the premature birth of their baby will soon be able to return home. Cheri Phillips of Cambridge gave birth to her son Greyson three months early during a February trip. She, her husband Chris, and their son have been stuck in Brazil for several weeks after officials denied Greyson a birth certificate and passport. Senator Tina Smith provided an update on social media, stating that she has been working with the Brazilian embassy to expedite the process. Smith confirmed that Greyson will soon have a passport, allowing the family to finally return home.
>>Poll Shows Republicans With Slight Lead Over Democrats In MN
(St. Paul, MN) — Republicans currently have an edge over Democrats regarding voting in this fall’s election. A new KSTP-Survey USA poll published this week shows likely voters are giving a 45-to-43 percent edge to Republican candidates. Eight percent of the 625 likely voters polled were undecided, while four percent favored other candidates. A similar poll in January saw Democrats leading Republicans by three percentage points.
>>Fieldwork On Blatnik Bridge Replacement To Begin This Summer
(Superior, WI) — Preliminary work on the Blatnik Bridge replacement project will begin this summer. Transportation staff from Minnesota and Wisconsin provided an update on the project this week in Superior. Drivers will likely notice crews conducting testing in the field before the design work for the $1.8 billion project begins. Officials anticipate the bridge to be closed in 2027, with the replacement bridge expected to be ready for use in 2032.
>>Minnesota Lynx Host Seattle Storm in Home Opener at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Lynx play their first home game of the season tonight (Fri ) against the Seattle Storm. The Lynx won the season opener 83-70 Tuesday night in Seattle. Alanna (uh-LAN’-uh) Smith scored a career-high 22 points in her Minnesota debut. The Lynx home opener tips off at 8:30 pm at Target Center.
