>>Federal Investigators Estimate Fraud in Minnesota Could Reach $9 Billion
(Minneapolis, MN) — Federal investigators are out with a new estimate of the total amount of money lost to fraud in state government since 2018. Assistant U-S Attorney Joe Thompson says 14 “high risk” Medicaid programs have cost 18 billion dollars in Minnesota. Thompson said a significant amount, “half or more” of the 18 billion was fraud. Prosecutors charged six people Thursday in these fraud schemes. Governor Tim Walz applauded the charges and said, “we will not tolerate fraud, and we will continue to work with federal partners to ensure fraud is stopped and fraudsters are caught.”
>>Governor Walz Urging Republicans to Pass ACA Tax Credits
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz will urge congressional Republicans today (Fri) to join Democrats in extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits. The governor will appear with Minnesota health care leaders from MNsure, the Minnesota Medical Association and the Department of Commerce. Walz’s office says the governor will outline the severe consequences Minnesotans will face if these credits are allowed to expire on December 31st.
>>State Health Officials Encourage Vaccinations as Flu Cases Rise
(St. Paul, MN) — With flu cases climbing and holiday gatherings in full swing, Minnesota health officials are reminding residents that getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to prevent illness and stop the spread. Melissa McMahon with the Minnesota Department of Health says the timing isn’t surprising. She says, “This is usually when we see flu activity start to increase, and then it really spikes over the holidays due to people traveling and getting together.” Officials recommend staying up to date on flu, COVID-19, and R-S-V vaccinations to protect yourself and those around you.
>>Honoring Fallen Heroes Act Signed into Law
(Washington, DC) — A bipartisan bill to support families of fallen firefighters and first responders who passed away or became disabled was signed into law by President Trump. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar was one of the lead authors of the “Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act” named in honor of former St. Paul Fire Captain Michael Paidar. Paidar died in 2020 from an aggressive form of leukemia. Following the signing, Paidar’s widow Julie said, “This important legislation will honor his legacy and recognize the sacrifices of our fallen, allowing first responders and their families to receive the benefits they rightly deserve.”
>>Man Dies in East St. Paul House Fire Thursday Morning
(St. Paul, MN) — Fire officials are investigating a deadly fire on the East Side of St. Paul. Crews called to the home early Thursday found heavy flames on the porch and first floor. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control and located an unconscious man in a second-floor bathroom. He was taken to the hospital and later died of his injuries. Investigators say a space heater was discovered where the fire started.
>>Fire at Georgetown Farmer’s Elevator in Perley
(Perley, MN) — Nineteen fire departments from both Minnesota and North Dakota responded to an elevator fire Thursday night in Norman County. The sheriff’s office got a call around 6 p-m to the Georgetown Farmer’s Elevator in Perley, about 25 minutes north of Moorhead. The fire was reported by someone driving by who saw smoke coming from the elevator. Fire officials say it took about three hours to get the fire out. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.
>>Late-Season CWD Management Begins Friday in Southeastern Minnesota
(Undated) — A late-season chronic wasting disease management hunt kicks off today (Fri) in eight deer permit areas in southeastern Minnesota. The D-N-R’s Erik Hildebrand says there’s been a slight uptick in C-W-D infections in the state this season. He says we have about a hundred positive confirmed deer and another 16 that are suspect awaiting a confirmation test. Last year Minnesota had a total of 95 confirmed positive hunter-harvested deer. Hildebrand says this weekend is an opportunity for hunters to harvest additional deer and help slow the spread of C-W-D.
>>Minnesota Wild Extend Win Streak to 6 Games in Columbus
(Columbus, OH) — The Minnesota Wild extended their win streak to six games with a 5-2 victory over the Blue Jackets last night in Columbus. The game was tied 2-2 when Joel Eriksson Ek scored the go-ahead goal in the third period. Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy added empty netters to seal the win. Ryan Hartman and Vladimir Tarasenko scored in the second period and goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made 26 saves. Minnesota is back home to face Edmonton on Saturday and Colorado Sunday.
