A new nationwide fraud crackdown is underway as federal officials announce a pause on parts of Minnesota’s Medicaid funding to enforce spending rules and curb improper payments, with broader implications for other states.

CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz disclosed a six-month pause on new enrollments for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, and assistive devices under Medicare after identifying nearly $23 million in improper payments to suppliers from 2018–2024, largely before 2020 system changes.

The pause affects roughly $259.5 million in Medicaid funding and is framed as a leadership issue for Minnesota authorities rather than a reflection on beneficiaries.

The report appears in CNN Politics, anchored to a NewsNight panel discussion on the topic.

The piece raises questions about political targeting and fraud accusations but offers limited evidence in the excerpt.

Democratic leaders in both chambers discuss potential political strategies following the State of the Union, alongside views on party direction.

Kit Maher contributed to the reporting.

The package of briefs includes unrelated items such as a North Carolina manhunt, Trump’s State of the Union references, weather updates, and a college student’s carbon monoxide death.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio notes Cuba-related incidents and careful identification of U.S. citizens versus permanent residents amid ongoing information gathering.

Investors are watching NVIDIA earnings as AI-related tech stock activity influences broader market movements.

The article notes that the U.S. does not have universal health coverage, unlike Germany.

During confirmation hearings, BLM nominee Steve Pearce faced questions about federal land control and public lands policy.