Rewards for Failure: The Minnesota DHS Bonus Scandal

Rewards for Failure: The Minnesota DHS Bonus Scandal

Author: PodMN | Hubbard Radio May 13, 2026 Duration: 1:05:29
Join us as we sit down with Kirsten Swanson, a 5 Eyewitness News investigative reporter. Kirsten walks through the newly obtained data showing DHS paid bonuses to program staff and eligibility specialists in the Housing Stabilization Services program and beyond, amid exploding Medicaid spending and ongoing fraud concerns.Also joining the conversation is DHS whistleblower Faye Bernstein, a 20-year veteran of the agency who has faced retaliation for sounding the alarm on fraud risks years ago. Faye shares her unfiltered take on the recent revelations of DHS handing out bonuses to staff overseeing fraud-riddled programs — even as massive waste, improper payments, and red flags piled up. She explains why she believes some of these bonuses went to people who shouldn't have received them and what it says about priorities at the agency.From whistleblower retaliation to taxpayer dollars vanishing into questionable awards, this episode pulls back the curtain on how Minnesota's largest agency has handled (or mishandled) oversight during a time of record fraud losses. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s a particular kind of clarity that comes with a good grumble, especially when it’s served with a laugh. That’s the atmosphere you’ll find each week on News from the Crabby Coffee Shop, a podcast from PodMN and Hubbard Radio. Hosts Kenny Olson of Garage Logic and former KSTP TV reporter Jay Kolls lean into their roles as seasoned curmudgeons, brewing up steaming hot takes on the issues and concerns of the day that are truly worth griping about. Their conversations feel like pulling up a chair at a familiar diner, where the news of the world-from Minnesota politics to global headlines-gets filtered through a lens of sharp wit and genuine exasperation. They’re often joined by a rotating cast of their so-called "famous" "friends," adding more voices to the mix. The charm of this podcast lies in its commitment to finding humor in the daily absurdities, arguing that no topic is too small for a proper grouse. It’s a refreshingly honest and consistently funny take on current events, perfect for anyone who prefers their news analysis with a strong dose of personality and a side of sarcasm.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

News from the Crabby Coffee Shop
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