Midwest
Dr. Oz warns Walz to address alleged Somali Medicaid fraud or lose federal funding: ‘We’ll stop paying’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz on Friday warned Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz the state could lose federal Medicaid funding unless it restores “the integrity” of its program.
In a post on X, Dr. Oz claimed more than $1 billion had been stolen through a massive Medicaid fraud scheme carried out by “bad actors” within Minnesota’s Somali community, alleging some of the funds “may have even made its way to the Somalian terrorist group (al-Shabab).”
“Our staff at CMS told me they’ve never seen anything like this in Medicaid — and everyone from Gov. Tim Walz on down needs to be investigated, because they’ve been asleep at the wheel,” Oz said.
COMER TARGETS WALZ IN NEW HOUSE INVESTIGATION, CITING NEARLY $1B IN ALLEGED MINNESOTA FRAUD
Oz claimed that more than $1 billion was stolen through a massive Medicaid fraud scheme carried out by “bad actors” within Minnesota’s Somali community. (@DrOzCMS via X)
Oz demanded Walz take the following corrective measures within 60 days:
- Send weekly updates on anti-fraud efforts to CMS
- Freeze enrollment of high-risk providers for six months
- Verify all current providers as “legitimate” or remove them
- Send CMS a corrective action plan to prevent fraud in the future
“If we’re unsatisfied with the state’s plans or cooperation, we’ll stop paying the federal share of these programs,” Oz warned.
The CMS administrator pointed to two Minnesota Medicaid programs launched in recent years, noting dramatic spikes in costs.
The Housing Stabilization Services program, projected at $2.6 million annually, paid out over $100 million in 2024, according to Oz.
The Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention program grew from $3 million in 2018 to nearly $400 million in 2023, he said.
WALZ ‘DERELICT LEADERSHIP’ TO BLAME IN $1B FRAUD SCANDAL WITH ‘HAUNTING REMINDS OF WATERGATE’: GOP CHALLENGER
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is demanding Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz address an alleged Medicare fraud scheme carried out by “bad actors” within the state’s Somali community. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
“These scammers used stolen taxpayer money to buy flashy cars, purchase overseas real estate and offer kickbacks to parents who enrolled their kids at fake autism treatment centers,” Oz said. “Some of it may have even made its way to the Somalian terrorist group al-Shabab. … So why didn’t Walz stop them? That’s simple: because he went all-in on identity politics.”
Minnesota officials previously reported the problem to CMS but failed to address it effectively, according to Oz.
“We stepped in and shut down the worst program: housing. We also froze provider enrollment in a few of the most abused programs,” Oz said.
PHOTOS EMERGE OF SOMALI ILLEGAL’S TIES TO TOP MINNESOTA DEMS AFTER ICE ARREST
President Donald Trump recently announced a flurry of actions to investigate alleged fraud schemes in Minnesota. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)
“The message to Walz is clear: either fix this in 60 days or start looking under your couch for spare change, because we’re done footing the bill for your incompetence.”
President Donald Trump recently announced a flurry of actions to crack down and investigate fraud schemes in Minnesota, which he has assailed as a “hub of money laundering activity,” and cited it as the basis of his decision to terminate deportation protections for hundreds of Somali migrants.
This week, senior Trump administration officials announced fresh investigations, including a new Treasury Department probe into how taxpayer dollars were allegedly diverted to the terrorist organization al-Shabab, according to Secretary Scott Bessent.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Walz’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report.
Read the full article from Here
Iowa
Iowa City man charged after alleged armed robbery in downtown Iowa City
IOWA CITY, Iowa — An Iowa City man is facing a felony theft charge after police say he was involved in an armed robbery in downtown Iowa City earlier this year.
According to the criminal complaint, 20-year-old Boubacar Dioubate is charged with second-degree theft.
Police say the robbery happened around 12:49 a.m. on April 18 in the 100 block of South Clinton Street.
Court documents allege the victim was approached by three suspects who threatened to stab and shoot him. Investigators say one of the suspects held a knife while demanding the victim’s cellphone.
The victim reported that his $500 cellphone, a $1,000 necklace and $200 in cash were stolen, for a total value of about $1,700.
According to the complaint, security cameras captured the incident. Investigators say the footage shows Dioubate assaulting the victim, repeatedly grabbing the victim’s phone and taking the victim’s necklace.
Police also say the stolen cellphone was tracked to Dioubate’s Iowa City address a few hours after the robbery.
Dioubate was arrested, and the charge was filed in Johnson County District Court. The case remains pending.
Kansas
Little Rock mounted police assist with public safety at Kansas City World Cup matches
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KATV) — A few members of Little Rock Police’s Mounted Patrol Unit had a field trip this past month, traveling to Kansas City to assist with public safety during FIFA World Cup matches.
In a statement, police said these officers “provided high-visibility patrol, supported crowd management, and engaged with fans from around the world.”
They posted these pictures to their Facebook page:
Little Rock mounted police assist with public safety at Kansas City World Cup matches (Photo LRPD via Facebook)
Little Rock mounted police assist with public safety at Kansas City World Cup matches (Photo LRPD via Facebook)
Little Rock mounted police assist with public safety at Kansas City World Cup matches (Photo LRPD via Facebook)
“We are proud of our Mounted Patrol Unit for representing the Little Rock Police Department with professionalism, dedication, and excellence while helping provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone attending this world-class event,” the Department said.
Michigan
60% of traffic restrictions to be lifted in Michigan during Fourth of July travel — what to expect
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced 60% of traffic restrictions will be removed for the Fourth of July weekend.
Traffic restriction removal will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and continue until 6 a.m. Monday, July 6.
Restrictions include road and bridge projects statewide.
106 out of 179 MDOT projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed.
For the Fourth of July weekend AAA estimates more than 2.6 million Michiganders will travel at least 50 miles or more from home.
Adjustments are aimed to keep traffic moving smoothly for the busy travel weekend.
While drivers will see suspended operations in most road work zone, equipment and certain temporary traffic shifts or shoulder closures may remain.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this Fourth of July, we want every Michigander to get where they’re going safely and with fewer delays,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why we’re temporarily lifting lane restrictions and removing orange barrels along key routes across the state. But once the holiday weekend ends, we’ll get right back to work fixing the damn roads.”
Here is a list of work zones and their status for the Fourth of July weekend.
Some routes may have detour routes posted at the project location.
All closures are subject to change.
Here is the most up-to-date information on MDOT projects.
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
-
Iowa5 minutes agoIowa City man charged after alleged armed robbery in downtown Iowa City
-
Kansas8 minutes agoLittle Rock mounted police assist with public safety at Kansas City World Cup matches
-
Kentucky13 minutes ago
Northern Kentucky parents sentenced for shooting death of their toddler by his brother
-
Louisiana20 minutes agoGas prices on the fall in Louisiana
-
Maine23 minutes agoICE arrests operator of midcoast Maine market
-
Maryland28 minutes agoSouthern Maryland Cooling Centers Open As Dangerous Heat Builds Ahead Of July 4 Weekend – The BayNet
-
Michigan35 minutes ago60% of traffic restrictions to be lifted in Michigan during Fourth of July travel — what to expect
-
Massachusetts38 minutes ago4 shot during World Cup watch party in Massachusetts