Minnesota Now

Over the last two weeks, federal prosecutors in Minnesota have charged nine people with defrauding two different Medicaid programs, and they say this is just the beginning. Last week, federal prosecutors charged a woman for defrauding a state autism treatment program out of $14 million.

The week prior, eight people were charged with defrauding the state's housing stabilization services. Now the State Department of Human Services is suspending another disability program over fraud allegations. No one has been charged.

This is all on top of more than six dozen people charged so far in the feeding our future child nutrition scheme. Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Joe Thompson is the prosecutor in charge of all these cases. He sat down with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini for a wide-ranging conversation about fraud in Minnesota.

Autism is in the news. On the national level Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump's false comments about its causes created backlash. Here in Minnesota prosecutors are taking down an autism center fraud scheme. We'll talk about all of it with local advocates.

It's vaccine season — but since the CDC has changed guidelines around COVID-19 shots, there's been a lot of confusion how and when to get it in Minnesota. We're going to clear that up.

And we'll get the latest on rural housing needs in the midst of a shortage out of Bemidji.

Plus a company is making it easier to shop around for therapists. We'll learn about how to find the right fit.

And we'll learn about the life of a renowned northern Minnesota nature writer.

Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Sunshine" by Atmosphere and "Dark was the Night, Cold Was the Ground" by Ben Gateno was our Song of the Day.

Asking for help can be hard. And making a commitment to continuously ask for help can be even harder. We’re talking about therapy. A new event is helping make therapy accessible. It’s called Therapy on Tap. Nearly every month, about 15 therapists set up at a brewery and have conversations at mental health or help people find a therapist.

Our ask: Help me find a therapist

Our professional: Adam Steinbach, LMFT, co-found of As You Are Therapy

The next Therapy on Tap is this Sunday at at Utepils Brewing in Minneapolis.

On Thursdays, we’re featuring the work of our regional reporters and having them open their notebooks a bit to shed light on how they work.

Earlier this week, MPR News Bemidji bureau reporter Mathew Holding Eagle III shared a story about housing needs in Beltrami County. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to provide some insight on reporting on his story.

If you have a news story or tip in Bemidji or the surrounding area you can email [email protected].

Under President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the federal government is putting a lot of attention on autism. Scientists and doctors criticized Trump’s debunked statements about the causes of autism from a press conference he held earlier this week. Advocates of autistic people and their families are also raising concerns about the way the president talks about autism.

The Autism Society of Minnesota released a statement Wednesday calling this language dehumanizing and harmful.

The federal rhetoric comes as autism centers in Minnesota are under scrutiny for fraud. Federal prosecutors on Wednesday charged the owner of an autism treatment clinic with stealing $14 million from a state program that funds services for young people with autism spectrum disorder.

Joining MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about this is the Autism Society of Minnesota’s executive director Ellie Wilson and communications director Zephyr James, who was diagnosed with autism as an adult.

There's a new book out this month about "the most beloved unknown nature writer in Minnesota history." That's how author David Hakensen describes Helen Hoover, the subject of his new biography. Seventy years ago Hoover moved to a cabin on the Gunflint Trail, where she became a best-selling author, writing about her experiences and the wildlife she observed.

MPR News reporter Dan Kraker spoke to Hakensen about why he finds Hoover's story so compelling.

Ever since a vaccine advisory panel to the CDC last week changed recommendations about COVID-19 vaccines for everyone, and certain immunizations for children, there’s been a lot of confusion here in Minnesota over who should get what shot and when.

Joining Minnesota Now to clear up some of this confusion and answer questions about vaccines are three MPR reporters. Krya Miles covers early childhood issues for MPR News. Erica Zurek and Molly Castle Work cover health.

The Minnesota Board of Pardons has ruled that a man in prison for murder can soon walk free. It comes after the Attorney General's Conviction Review Unit found law enforcement malpractice in the case from 1998. We get the details of the state's decision.

Kamala Harris reveals new details about her campaign with Tim Walz in her new book.

Plus, a Hamline law professor dug into what's happening with migrant child deportations. She shares what she found.

Chief meteorologist Paul Huttner has a look at how long this beautiful fall weather will last.

And we learn about the films featured at this year's Twin Cities Arab Film Festival, including some with Minnesota roots.

The Minnesota Music Minute is BRICK by the Minneapolis-based ensemble, Charles Gorczynksi Tango Quartet. “Live in West Salem” by The Lavender Project is the Song of the Day.

A film festival highlighting the work and culture of Arab and SWANA people, or those with roots in Southwest Asia and North Africa, is happening this week. Wednesday kicks off the 19th Twin Cities Arab Film Festival put on by the local organization Mizna.

Michelle Baroody, Mizna’s film programming curator, joins MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the festival.

Fall officially arrived in Minnesota this week, bringing warmth and sunshine. MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner joins Minnesota Now with a detailed weather update.