Access Press

11/15/2025

The administration has announced a pause in payments and an audit for 14 high‑risk programs in , generating confusion and concern among enrollees and providers. Source:

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Providers and Democratic legislators reacted with alarm regarding unpaid caregivers and vulnerable Minnesotans shut out of lifesaving services.

11/14/2025

A op-ed says that ’s long-standing program, designed to assist job seekers with disabilities, is facing federal funding disruptions that threaten its ability to close the labor market gap. The program delivers a strong return on investment for the state. Source:

https://f.mtr.cool/zadgvtqmto

The Vocational Rehabilitation program could help fill Minnesota’s labor gap, but Washington is standing in the way, Steve Wooderson writes.

11/14/2025

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities are utilizing artificial intelligence models to analyze large genomic and clinical datasets, aiming to better predict which cancer therapies will be effective for individual patients. This approach has the potential to reduce ineffective treatments and improve patient outcomes. Source:

https://f.mtr.cool/spjexnjmml

11/14/2025

A commentary in the Minnesota Reformer argues that the nearly century-old state-supervised, county-delivered model in is straining under modern demands and needs a redesign. It calls for the Legislature to review which services should be centralized vs. localized. Source:

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Counties agree that it is time for the Legislature to invest in a comprehensive review of state and county responsibilities.

11/14/2025

In , the number of fatal drug overdoses dropped by 26 % in 2024, with 994 deaths recorded statewide, 300 fewer than in 2023. Officials attribute the decline to increased access to treatment, wider distribution of naloxone, and coordinated prevention efforts. Source:

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The number of fatal drug overdoses in Minnesota declined by 26% in 2024, with 994 deaths statewide – more than 300 fewer than in 2023.

11/14/2025

Vaccine skepticism in Minnesota is raising concern as it reduces and leaves individuals with medical vulnerabilities at greater risk. This editorial emphasises that high vaccination rates are essential to protect those who cannot be immunised. Source:

https://f.mtr.cool/lqpbyewhix

Worried about health risks from a proven, decades-old vaccine? Try having measles, or mumps.

11/13/2025

A new study reports that children whose mothers had during pregnancy have about a 29 % higher chance of being diagnosed with a condition such as , speech delays, or motor disorders by age 3. The research notes that the absolute risk remains low, and the findings may primarily apply to early pandemic infections. Source:

https://f.mtr.cool/jpumiipnsp

A new study suggests that children of mothers who had COVID-19 during pregnancy are at 29% higher risk of neurodevelopmental conditions such as speech delays, motor disorders, and autism by age 3, although the overall odds are likely low and may well have ebbed since the pandemic peak.

11/13/2025

Dakota County Social Services presented an 18-month progress update on efforts to address workforce shortages in disability support services. The county highlighted initiatives in four strategic areas: recruiting and retaining direct support professionals, increasing assistive technology and remote support, enhancing self-direction for waiver participants, and expanding inclusive community programs. Source:

https://f.mtr.cool/olianwnful

County social services updated the board on implementing a 2023 workforce shortage work group’s recommendations, including training for direct support professionals, a pilot certification, assistive technology pilots and a planned gig‑economy app supported by legislative funding.

11/13/2025

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11/13/2025

schools are under increasing pressure to meet students’ mental‑health needs. With an average counselor‑to‑student ratio of 558:1, far above the recommended 250:1, and a patchwork funding system, many districts are reacting to crises rather than providing preventative care. Source: phys.org

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Minnesota schools are confronting a student mental health crisis with a fragile patchwork system—and without much of the federal money that was supposed to help fix it.

11/12/2025

The federal government shutdown is placing the food assistance program at risk for November, raising concern for millions of low‑income Americans who rely on it. States warn that if funding isn’t restored, benefits could be delayed or reduced. Source:

https://f.mtr.cool/wtjboaqaqn

Reporters from the NPR Network are covering the uncertainty and lapse in benefits in states across the country.

11/12/2025

The Edina Housing & Redevelopment Authority approved spending $875,381.99 in Local Affordable Housing Aid to support emergency rental assistance, preserve modest homeownership, and fund repairs in two group homes serving people with disabilities. Source:

https://f.mtr.cool/nbqdzrejga

The Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority on Aug. 28 approved distribution of $875,381.99 in Local Affordable Housing Aid to three programs: $200,000 to emergency rental assistance provider VEEP, $581,881.99 for an affordable ownership preservation program, and $93,500 for repairs at two Mount O...