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FBI Special Agent Breaks Down Medicare Fraud, A Greener Wynwood & 'Wynwood Stories'

Last week the Justice Department announced a sweeping investigation that charged 24 people in a $1.2 billion Medicare fraud scam. Among those charged were Elliot Loewenstern and Creaghan Harry, both from Boca Raton. The men are accused of deceiving Medicare patients into buying unnecessary medical equipment. This is not uncommon in South Florida, where the Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Justice Department have developed a 'Medicare Fraud Strike Force.' Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Martens joined Sundial to talk about ways people can stay protected. 

Landscape company ArquitectonicaGEO and the Wynwood Business Improvement District (WBID) are working on plans to make Wynwood greener: new tree plantings, public art spaces and pedestrian friendly sidewalks. The Miami neighborhood has become a major tourist destination. According to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau it attracted nearly 20% of tourists in 2017, more than double from the previous year. WLRN Producer Chris Remington spoke with Arquitectonica GEO Vice President Ben Hutchens and WBID Vice Chair Albert Garcia.

Last year Juggerknot Theatre Company brought an immersive theatre experience to the city: Miami Motel Stories. Now, they bring Wynwood Stories, a look at how this Miami neighborhood has changed over the years. The Sundial team recently stopped by one of the dress rehearsals and spoke with playwright Juan Sanchez and three of the actors. You can see Wynwood Stories until May 4. 

Chris knew he wanted to work in public radio beginning in middle school, as WHYY played in his car rides to and from school in New Jersey. He’s freelanced for All Things Considered and was a desk associate for CBS Radio News in New York City. Most recently, he was producing for Capital Public Radio’s Insight booking guests, conducting research and leading special projects at Sacramento’s NPR affiliate.