About that snow forecast + Medicaid scheme collected urine from area kids, feds say
Howdy, folks. This is Kristen. You know what sounds really good right now, especially with this crisp weather? Korean BBQ. CharlotteFive’s Heidi Finley and Brent Peters put together a roundup for y’all of some places in town to find the tasty cuisine. From standalone restaurants to spots tucked inside a grocery, there’s an option for everyone. Just don’t hog all the banchan.
Let’s dig in:
1. Charlotte could see wintry weather for 3rd straight weekend? Snow kidding.
Snow in Charlotte? For the third week in a row? It’s more likely than you think.
Anywhere from a dusting to an inch of snow is expected in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties Friday night and early Saturday, meteorologist Robbie Monroe of the National Weather Service office in Greer, S.C., said Wednesday.
One weather model shows more than an inch falling in the Charlotte metro area, but NWS meteorologists will know more when more data rolls in by Thursday morning, he said.
“Large uncertainty remains” as to how much snow could fall, Monroe said. A high of 38 degrees and a low of 19 are forecast for Charlotte on Saturday, so if we see snow, it’s likely to stick around the rest of the weekend, Monroe said.
Get more info with the Observer’s Joe Marusak, and learn about the possibility of NC experiencing a nor’easter this weekend with the Observer’s Evan Moore.
2. $14M Medicaid fraud scheme collected urine samples from Charlotte-area kids, feds say
A Greensboro businessman pleaded guilty on Tuesday for his role in a urine-testing conspiracy in Charlotte and across the state.
OK, what happened here?
Newly filed documents in the case allege that Richard Graves, 49, was among folks who paid millions in kickbacks in exchange for urine samples collected from at-risk children, including some from Charlotte after-school programs, and other Medicaid-eligible beneficiaries.
The samples were given to United Diagnostic Laboratories and United Youth Care Services, two Greensboro companies where Graves worked.
The companies used the samples to file for Medicaid reimbursements for medically unnecessary drug tests, according to court documents.
Prosecutors say the scheme ran between 2016 and 2020.
As the Observer’s Michael Gordon reports, documents show that the conspirators got $14 million from the state’s Medicaid program.
3. Help us highlight Black leadership in Charlotte
Over the past year, our team has told stories about Black elders who shaped Charlotte’s history long ago, as well as a new generation of young Black leaders in our city.
Next month is Black History Month, and the Observer’s Devna Bose is paying special attention to those in the Black community who are creating history.
Find our poll here, where you can tell us who we should be highlighting. Your input will help shape upcoming news stories. Thanks in advance, Charlotte.
4. More local news to know today
Charlotte apartment developers create PAC, looking to influence 2022 elections by Will Wright
The Rental Housing Alliance PAC, created this month, has raised more than $86,000.
Bridge work on I-485 will mean lane closures this week by Joe Marusak
Expect lane closures to continue through early Saturday on I-485 near the Ballantyne area.
CMS raises for teachers, staff include retroactive increase and bonus pay by Anna Maria Della Costa
The average Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools teacher will see a 2.5% pay raise, retroactive to July 1.
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