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Federal prosecutors said the total fraud in Minnesota's Medicaid programs could be as much as $9 billion, but DFL Gov. Tim Walz and other state officials disputed that the amount of taxpayer money stolen is that high.
Federal prosecutors say the fraud in Minnesota could total several billions of dollars as criminal charges mount. But Gov. Tim Walz, DFL-Minnesota, and state officials dispute it's that high. Caroline Cummings heard from the governor and others in his administration Friday for the first time since new indictments came down Thursday.
Federal agents raided another business moments before the six new indictments were announced Thursday. That company claimed it was helping vulnerable people live at home. But as Frankie McLister reports, new court documents reveal one of the people under their "constant" care died, and no one noticed for days.
Federal prosecutors announced new indictments Thursday in the widening Minnesota fraud scandal, this time involving two Philadelphia-based men accused of traveling to Minneapolis after a friend told them the taxpayer-funded programs there presented "a good opportunity to make money."
From 2021 to 2025, Smart Therapy Center submitted claims totaling $31.8 million across all Minnesota Department of Human Services programs, according to that data. But the provider was only approved for a fraction of those payments.
A top prosecutor suggested on Thursday that the total amount of fraud in Minnesota could be $9 billion or more.
Prosecutors announced new charges against a provider of autism treatment services and a guilty plea for another.
Federal prosecutors announced they’ve charged five new defendants in Minnesota’s crisis.
Allegations of fraud are mounting in Minnesota, with state officials saying Wednesday they expect to pause enrollment for even more state programs. This comes after announcing a pause in licensing for adult day care centers for the next two years.
Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Friday unveiled a new statewide fraud prevention program in the state's latest effort to crack down in the wake of the Feeding Our Future scandal — a scheme that siphoned away $250 million in taxpayer funds meant for hungry children.
Federal investigators are still working to determine if Minnesota fraud money fueled terrorism overseas, plus more of the day’s top stories.
In a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Friday, U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar says witnesses have documented "blatant racial profiling" and "an egregious level of unnecessary force" by ICE agents during Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities.
The kingpin behind the nation's largest case of pandemic fraud was convicted nearly nine months ago, but the White House is putting a renewed focus on the scheme and new pressure on Minnesota to stop it from happening again. Jonah Kaplan reports on plans announced by Gov. Tim Walz to fight fraud.
WCCO's Reg Chapman shares the latest news headlines and updates from Friday afternoon.
Walz introduced the team lead, Tim O’Malley, who will serve as Director of Program Integrity.
It's the state's latest effort to crack down on fraud after the Feeding our Future scandal.
Documents and images show luxury purchases and wire transfers to China and East Africa.
Michelle Mildred, the owner of Minnesota-based e-commerce business Coloring Your Own, says she has seen ads using her voice and face to promote counterfeit products with her designs, sending customers to scam sites overseas.
Luxury cars, homes, jewelry and casino trips were among the spoils of some of the biggest pandemic era fraud cases, according to a CBS News review of five years of government records and data.
The federal and state crackdowns on fraud in Minnesota are creating collateral damage in programs aimed at helping people with disabilities.
As federal investigations expand, the state is now pressing pause on all new licenses for home and community-based providers for the next two years. One small provider told us: It's been swept up with the bad actors and is now in danger of closing. Learnability provides 24-hour care to the severely disabled. The CEO told Esme Murphy that the families she serves aren't sure what they're going to do.
In July 2019, Minnesota state officials spotted early signs of fraud that would eventually siphon away more than $1 billion in taxpayer money, sources told CBS News.
The federal and state crackdowns on fraud in Minnesota are creating collateral damage in programs aimed at helping people with disabilities. One nonprofit says it's at risk of shutting down because of potential lapses in funding.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claims half of the visas held by Somali-Minnesotans are fake, and says fraudsters are using them to leech off of state welfare programs. WCCO's Caroline Cummings took those allegations to an immigration expert.
A Minneapolis-based businessman will not serve any more jail time for his role in a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud pandemic relief programs, according to court documents.
NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa's Christmas Eve flight around the world each year. Follow a live map of the tracker here.
Christmas Eve will be mild with mostly cloudy skies, with afternoon temperatures reaching the upper 30s.
According to the Smithsonian Magazine and Britannica, eggnog has British roots.
The nationwide ban on a toxic cancer-causing chemical, once on hold, has moved forward to protect people around the country.
Steven Stamkos scored 53 seconds into overtime to give the Nashville Predators a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting that left one man dead early Tuesday morning on the city's north side.
It was just after Jim Bzoskie's act of kindness last Friday that he died, likely from a heart attack, his daughter said.
A 32-year-old man is facing multiple assault charges after he allegedly pointed a handgun at two St. Paul police officers, resulting in him being shot on Sunday.
Minnesota state Rep. Samakab Hussein says an attempted break-in occurred at his family's home in St. Paul on Friday.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the federal immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities "political theater" by President Trump in a news conference with city and community leaders on Tuesday.
From a cat that accidentally made an 8,000-mile journey in a shipping container to a tunnel made just for turtles, all kinds of animals made the headlines in Minnesota this year.
There is no denying 2025 was a difficult year in Minnesota. A list of the biggest news stories is fraught with tragedy, attacks on the vulnerable and political division and dysfunction.
Several schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are reporting delayed starts on Monday amid a messy morning commute.
A 19-year-old man is dead and four people are in custody in a shooting overnight Saturday in northwestern Minnesota.
President Trump voiced support for Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell, founder and CEO of MyPillow, at a rally Friday in North Carolina.
A Wisconsin woman who almost killed her sixth-grade classmate to please the fictional Slender Man has been ordered back to a state psychiatric hospital after she escaped from her group home last month.
Several schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are reporting delayed starts on Monday amid a messy morning commute.
The U.S. Justice Department has sued three states, including Illinois and Wisconsin, and D.C. for not turning over requested voter information to the Trump administration.
Defenders of a Wisconsin judge found guilty of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant evade federal officers are raising alarms about judicial independence and say they hope the conviction will be overturned on appeal.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office says Menards, the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer, has reached a $4.25 million settlement with several states to "resolve claims" of deceptive marketing practices in its popular "11% Rebate Program," and pandemic-era price gouging.
Many people who serve in the U.S. military find it hard to ask for assistance when they've been trained to help and serve others.
Food Bank Eatery in North Minneapolis provides free meals for children, who may have little to eat after the pause of SNAP benefits for many in the community.
Firefighters are continuing a 44-year tradition that happens every year north of the Twin Cities.
It was a scary moment in the Twin Cities over the weekend, as a trailer hauling sled dogs turned over on Interstate 494 in Minnetonka.
On Sunday, members of Minnesota's Somali community spoke out against President Trump's social media post calling for an end to temporary protected status.
The nationwide ban on a toxic cancer-causing chemical, once on hold, has moved forward to protect people around the country.
The Minnesota Sheriffs' Association submitted a vote of no confidence on Dec. 8, with 72 of Minnesota's 87 sheriffs voting in favor.
Minnesota's governor says the state could see a surge in ICE raids over the holidays. The Trump administration launched an immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities earlier this month. The Homeland Security Department says it's targeting criminals with outstanding deportation orders. But as WCCO's John Lauritsen reports, top Democrats say it's nothing but political theater.
Minnesota state Rep. Samakab Hussein says an attempted break-in occurred at his family's home in St. Paul on Friday.
The Education Department signaled earlier this year that it would move to resume wage garnishment, among other forms of involuntary collection, for those in default.
This season of giving can really do a number on our recycling systems. But we can all be part of the solution.
With the time-honored tradition of gift giving comes gift concealing.
Twin Cities shoppers were out and about on Super Saturday, the second-busiest shopping day of the year. The day lands on the final Saturday before Christmas annually.
Buy now, pay later plans are becoming more popular for shoppers this holiday season.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office says Menards, the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer, has reached a $4.25 million settlement with several states to "resolve claims" of deceptive marketing practices in its popular "11% Rebate Program," and pandemic-era price gouging.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting that left one man dead early Tuesday morning on the city's north side.
A 32-year-old man is facing multiple assault charges after he allegedly pointed a handgun at two St. Paul police officers, resulting in him being shot on Sunday.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the federal immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities "political theater" by President Trump in a news conference with city and community leaders on Tuesday.
Earl Bennett was found guilty on three counts of second-degree intentional murder for the Oct. 27, 2024, shooting at a small encampment next to railroad tracks near Snelling Avenue and East 44th Street.
Lyndon Wiggins, the man twice convicted for orchestrating the kidnapping and killing of Minneapolis realtor Monique Baugh, received a life sentence without the possibility of parole on Monday afternoon.
The clock is ticking to snag a few more gifts and prepare for that holiday trip to visit family. As the pressure builds, so does the stress.
The Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association says of the middle and high schools they know of, only 49% have an athletic trainer providing some level of service.
From 2021 to 2025, Smart Therapy Center submitted claims totaling $31.8 million across all Minnesota Department of Human Services programs, according to that data. But the provider was only approved for a fraction of those payments.
The family of a Minnesota Vikings player who died at training camp from heat exhaustion in 2001 is still fighting to protect others.
A Twin Cities metro area school shifted to e-learning after a flu outbreak impacted nearly a quarter of its students. A senior epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health said flu season is "definitely picking up."
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
The singer said an MRI showed a cancerous spot on one of his lungs after he recovered from a lengthy bout of bronchitis.
The special features interviews with Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Albert Brooks, Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O'Connell and Mandy Patinkin.
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
The nearly 100-year-old cinema will close briefly after New Year's Day and reopen on Jan. 9 with a showing of Jim Jarmusch's "Father Mother Sister Brother."
Steven Stamkos scored 53 seconds into overtime to give the Nashville Predators a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild.
Anthony Edwards scored 38 points to help the Minnesota Timberwolves beat former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns for the first time and hold off the New York Knicks 115-104.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has a hairline fracture in his hand and will not play on Christmas Day against the Detroit Lions, head coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday.
In many ways, this year in Minnesota sports mirrored the most spectacular games. There were triumphs and trials, feats and foibles, delights and disasters.
For the first time in more than a decade, the Pro Bowl roster lacks a single Minnesota Viking.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for answers about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities. She is also denouncing the president's attacks on the Somali community and herself. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy shows us how, for Omar, this is a familiar position to be in.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for clarity about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
Fear and uncertainty continue in Minnesota's Somali communities as ICE continues its intensified focus on the Twin Cities.
Opposition to ICE actions is widespread among Democratic elected officials throughout the state, though nowhere more than in Minneapolis, home to the state's largest Somali population.
Minnesotans who welcomed a child this year were able to start applying this week to the state's new paid family and medical leave program to take time off in 2026.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
The holidays are upon us, and in the town of Kellogg, Minnesota, you'll find a toy store unlike any other.
With the holidays fast approaching, and lutefisk on the menu for many families, one Minnesota town has the distinction of being called the "Lutefisk Capital of the Country."
How would you like to own a former Cold War missile site? In Dakota County, Minnesota, there's a one-of-a-kind property that could be yours for the right price.
According to the Smithsonian Magazine and Britannica, eggnog has British roots.
With the time-honored tradition of gift giving comes gift concealing.
The story of "The Wizard of Oz " is 125 years old, yet still reinventing itself in all kinds of forms.
It's the time of year when we accumulate the most stuff. When we do, people often throw around the word "hoarding." But it turns out it's a frequently misunderstood term.
Why do we have oily or dry skin? A dermatologist explains the root cause and how it can change over time.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Christmas Eve will be mild with mostly cloudy skies, with afternoon temperatures reaching the upper 30s.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says the next several days will feature highs well above average before temperatures plummet this weekend.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the next several days will feature highs well above average before temperatures plummet this weekend.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says it'll be warm for the next few days, but we should still technically have a White Christmas.
Christmas Eve will be mild with mostly cloudy skies. Our next chance for precipitation comes Christmas night into Friday, with a low chance of light rain or freezing rain.
DOJ releases huge new set of Epstein files with many mentions of President Donald Trump, plus more of the day’s top stories.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says the next several days will feature highs well above average before temperatures plummet this weekend.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the next several days will feature highs well above average before temperatures plummet this weekend.
Some love it, some don't. There's a good chance you'll be offered some eggnog this season. How did eggnog become the drink of the season? Good Question. Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield explains the history behind the cup of cheer.