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@accesspress.org
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Minnesota's Disability Community News Source

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Access Press @accesspress.org · 14/06/2026
Sandra Bond details how Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens are paying the price for government failures in #Revalidate2026. "Protecting access to care is about more than preserving organizations—it is about preserving the safety, dignity, independence, and well-being of thousands of Minnesotans."
accesspress.org
Minnesota's most vulnerable citizens are paying the price for government failures | Access Press
Minnesota’s disability service providers support thousands of our state’s most vulnerable citizens every day. We provide homes, stability, and services […]
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 12/05/2026
"Lord there ain't no backup plan when your accessible van breaks down." www.facebook.com/share/v/1Hdn...
facebook.com
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 18/03/2026
Planned "not-a-merger" combination of Allina Health with California's Sutter Health system. Unions involved "just learned" the news. How about Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute? [gift article]
twincities.com
Allina seeks to join California-based Sutter Health system
The combined nonprofit health system is not considered a merger as Allina Health will retain its brand, Minneapolis headquarters and focus on Minnesota and western Wisconsin, Allina officials said in ...
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 16/03/2026
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that it will transition medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) from states to its federal site. "Bringing in-house CDRs will improve service to our most vulnerable Americans." www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/…
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 07/02/2026
In Hollywood, nearly ALL disabilities are invisible disabilities. UCLA annual report on diversity representation in film: While 26% of Americans have disabilities, only 6-14% of film actors have a disability. Writers and directors? Numbers too low to track. #disabilityarts #disabilitymedia
disabilitybelongs.org
Disability Underrepresented in Top Films, UCLA Report Finds - Disability Belongs™
On screen, disability is mostly shown through nonapparent disabilities, leaving actors with more apparent disabilities almost entirely excluded from major roles.
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Keith Jones @dasoultoucha.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
JOIN US .. open.substack.com/pub/disabili...
open.substack.com
Kicking Off Q1 2026 With Two Special Events
'Being Black and Disabled is My Superpower' and 'In the Defense of Dignity' are organized by Disability Community for Democracy, Inc.
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Minnesota Department of Education @education.mn.gov · 04/02/2026
Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library provides library service to Minnesotans who are blind, have low vision, or have difficulty reading print materials due to a temporary or permanent visual, reading, or physical disability. Learn more at education.mn.gov/btbl.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 04/02/2026
Mike Ervin, in his Smart Ass Cripple column at @theprogressivemag.bsky.social, writes a blistering, incisive commentary on cuts to the US Dept of Education and IDEA funding. A defunded ED can't "ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education.”
progressive.org
The Department of Education Shell Game
Disability accommodations are a casualty of the Trump Administration's campaign against the department.
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 03/02/2026
BERNIE SANDERS: Do vaccines cause autism? BHATTACHARYA: I do not believe that the measles vaccine causes autism SANDERS: Nah. Uh uh. I didn't ask measles. Do vaccines cause autism? BHATTACHARYA: I have not seen a study that suggests any single vaccine causes autism
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 02/02/2026
9 states (FL, TX, 7 more) just filed an update to a lawsuit "that seeks to undercut federal mandates that people with #disabilities receive care in their communities...[with] implications for millions of Americans, especially after Congress voted in 2025 to slash state Medicaid funding."
statnews.com
Nine states challenge federal mandate that disabled people receive care in community
A lawsuit from nine states seeks to undercut a federal mandate that people with disabilities receive care in their communities.
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Chronic Illness Humor @chronicillness.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Studnificent - your chances of being able bodied your entire life are slim to none. It's always in your best interest to advocate for a more accessible world
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 28/01/2026
What happened when families convinced the Colorado Medical Services Board of the need for #Medicaid funds for home care of people with #disabilities?The state went ahead with #budgetcuts that "move family caregivers into the same category as host homes caring for up to three people at a time."
coloradosun.com
Plan to cut Medicaid rates for Coloradans with disabilities gets no support from governing board, moves ahead anyway
State Medicaid officials said they have authority to continue with the plan through an executive order from Gov. Jared Polis and that they will ask again for board approval
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 28/01/2026
Northwestern researchers think higher rates of #LongCOVID symptoms in America are probably due to less stigma, more access to neurological and mental health care in the US than in Nigeria, India and other nations studied.
news.northwestern.edu
Long COVID brain fog far more common in US than India, other nations
Large study of patients in U.S., Colombia, Nigeria and India finds symptom burden highest in high-income countries
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 26/01/2026
Between fraud and ICE: Minnesotans with disabilities are caught in the crossfire. We will not be collateral damage.
accesspress.org
Caught in the crossfire: Minnesota’s fraud war and ICE influx are devastating for those with disabilities | Access Press
Recently, Minnesota was shaken by a series of fraud scandals. At first, this fraud just looked like a massive waste […]
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 26/01/2026
@disableddoctor.bsky.social just keeps sharing these pearls.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 25/01/2026
Mid-Minnesota Law Center @legalaidmn.bsky.social, home of Minnesota's Disability Law Center, urges all to #StandWithMinnesota www.standwithminnesota.com
standwithminnesota.com
Stand With Minnesota Donation Directory
Stand With Minnesota is a hub for supporting, learning, and taking action to support Minnesotans impacted by ICE and federal enforcement.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 25/01/2026
Send us details on your #poor, your #disabled, your #voters. "Allowing the federal government to efficiently investigate fraud will save Minnesota taxpayers’ money and ensure that Minnesota’s welfare funds are being used to help those in need."
accesspress.org
Attorney General Bondi wants records of voters, Medicaid and SNAP recipients for ICE to leave Minnesota | Access Press
US Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote Gov. Walz’s office on Saturday, January 24, after Alex Pretti was shot and killed […]
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 24/01/2026
Helpful reminders for #DisabledCreatives: your process, your time, your needs.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 23/01/2026
January 23 is Ed Roberts Day. We remember with gratitude his committed leadership for disability rights. Take a few moments today to explore the legacy of "the father of independent living." edrobertsandassociates.org
A black and white picture of Ed Roberts smiling at the camera. His wheelchair back is visible, and he has a respirator hose tip in his mouth. Text reads, Ed Roberts. January 23, 1939 - March 14, 1995, with the quotation: "...nothing will stop our achieving equal opportunity and the right to move about freely in this society."
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 23/01/2026
The Disability Belongs™ Entertainment Lab offers a 5-month professional development opportunity for disabled creatives. www.disabilitybelongs.org/lab/
disabilitybelongs.org
Disability Belongs™ Labs for Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities
A program elevating disabled creatives, focusing on building community, networking, and career advancement.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 23/01/2026
Support your local library and making books available to all. The Friends of the St Paul Public Library point out that purchasing one title means buying copies in multiple formats: ​print, large print, eBook for two platforms, CD, Playaway, eAudiobook. #Accessibility #Disabilities
thefriends.org
Books for All Saint Paul - The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
The City of Saint Paul includes money in the Library's budget each year to purchase the materials we check out. Due to financial constraints, the 2026 budget
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Jessica Smith @thedaybooks.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
A lot of what we experience every day, both online and IRL, was initially designed for disabilities. “When we design for disability, we all benefit.” (Elise Roy) (And another reason to approach STEM in a humanities/social science/arts-informed manner — better overall UX)
An infographic timeline of some of the MANY inventions that were initially made for people with disabilities. 

Thank Accessibility for These Everyday Inventions

1808
Typewriter Invented for a blind woman
1932
Audiobooks
Created for blind readers
1937
Bendy straw
Helped patients drink in bed
1940s
Curb cut
Access for wheelchair users
1954
Electric toothbrush
Made for people with limited dexterity
1972
Closed captions
Developed for Deaf viewers
CC
1970s
Speech to text
Designed for blind and motor-impaired users
1980s
Screen magnifier
Created for low-vision users
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 22/01/2026
Another recent study found that Long COVID is more likely in people who have experienced traumatic stress. newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/histo…?
newsroom.uw.edu
History of trauma linked to risk of long COVID - UW Medicine - Newsroom
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 22/01/2026
WED FEB 4: Virtual meeting for all on #disability services in Minnesota. ASL interpretation and CART live captioning provided. 
disability.state.mn.us
Let’s Talk About Disability Services in Minnesota | Minnesota Council On Disability
The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) will host “Let’s Talk About Disability Services in Minnesota,” a virtual statewide discussion focused on stability, accountability…
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 21/01/2026
Long COVID in kids: Just-published study finds increased school absences, memory problems, difficulty making friends.  www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/researc…?
cidrap.umn.edu
Research ties long COVID in kids to chronic school absenteeism, learning problems
Long COVID was also linked to a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 19/01/2026
Noah Cox, a lawyer in the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, formed the #Neurocognitive Disorder Team built on the premise that prison is not always the right place for someone with this kind of #disability.
npr.org
Defending the Disabled : Up First from NPR
L.A. County Public Defender Noah Cox noticed the disturbing trend. Many of his clients seemed to struggle answering even the most basic questions about the crimes they’d been charged with, questions l...
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 19/01/2026
#Disabilityrights are #civilrights. Thanks to Martin Luther King Jr for leading the way. “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
history.com
When the 'Capitol Crawl' Dramatized the Need for Americans with Disabilities Act | HISTORY
The 1990 protest demonstrated the barriers that inaccessible buildings create for people with disabilities.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 17/01/2026
Ellie Sherwood Kidder shares her story of linguistic deprivation trauma. #deaf #disabilities accesspress.org/buried-deaf-...
accesspress.org
Buried deaf child coming home | Access Press
A personal story When I was seven years old, I experienced something I did not have the language to explain. […]
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A Chronic Voice @achronicvoice.com · 17/01/2026
"When u r #diagnosed with a #disability, #doctors don’t tell u that it’s going to be more difficult to make #friends & u figure these things out when you go to school & are eating by yourself.": buff.ly/6BJhyyW by sarahlynn358 #NEisVoid #awareness #DisabledPeople
buff.ly
What Doctors Don’t Tell You About Disability
When you are diagnosed with a disability, sometimes people think that their doctor will tell them everything they need to know to live well with a disability, and I only wish that were true. Doctor…
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 17/01/2026
NIU Visual Disabilities students visited the Wisconsin School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to observe Braille, mobility, and life skills classes. Source: #NIUToday f.mtr.cool/efuquxwxsy #AccessPress #Education #VisualDisabilities
f.mtr.cool
NIU Today - Visual Disabilities students head north to visit Wisconsin School for the Blind
Eleven students in NIU’s program in Visual Disabilities gained close-up exposure this fall to a career option they might never had considered. Molly Pasley, assistant professor in the Department of Special and Early Education, drove the group to the Wisconsin School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WSBVI) in Janesville. A state-operated school, WSBVI offers...
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Minnesota Reformer @minnesotareformer.com · 15/01/2026
The Minnesota Department of Human Services delayed all payments to providers of 14 Medicaid services in the first weeks of a new system designed to prevent fraud. Providers said the delay caught them by surprise and interrupted payrolls, leaving older and disabled Minnesotans without care.
minnesotareformer.com
DHS abruptly delayed all payments to providers of 14 Medicaid services in fraud prevention effort • Minnesota Reformer
Melissa Berg is a paid personal care assistant for her friend, a disabled person who needs 24/7 care. In December, Berg received a memo from AM Home Healthcare, the St. Paul-based agency she works und...
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 16/01/2026
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is prohibited from discriminating against people with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. But reports continue to surface.
nonprofitquarterly.org
The Danger ICE Poses to the Disabled Community | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.
Disabled people face increased rates of violence, abandonment, and medical neglect in ICE custody.
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Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid @legalaidmn.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
ICE is expected to give detained parents time to arrange child care alternatives. See link to this directive + resources for those at risk for deportation in our statement. mylegalaid.org/news-stories/stateme…
An adult buckling a child into a car seat inside a vehicle. Text reads: Statement: Suddenly parentless, what happens to children of ICE detainees?
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ConnectAbility of MN @connectabilitymn.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
This is the equipment we have available as of Monday, January 12th, 2026, through our Donated Equipment Program in our Waite Park office. Donated Equipment Program Hours: 8:00AM - 4:15PM, Monday-Friday Learn more: ConnectAbilityMN.org/donated-items/ #MN #Minnesota #disability #support #donate
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Morningtide Wellness ADHD Coaching @morningtideadhd.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
In 2026 one small way I hope to build stronger community, support others, and champion people fighting for #Disability Rights is to share #resources. One of my favorite's is #Autism Society of Minnesota ausm.org, founded in 1971 and supporting all of #MN, the whole lifespan, and the whole spectrum.
ausm.org
AuSM
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 16/01/2026
Remote finger‑prick blood tests can accurately detect Alzheimer’s biomarkers from home, helping expand research and access to testing. Source: #MedicalXpress f.mtr.cool/slcsmcbueb #AccessPress #Alzheimers #BloodTest #Neurodegeneration
f.mtr.cool
Remote Alzheimer's testing: At-home blood tests can accurately detect key biomarkers
A new international study has demonstrated that Alzheimer's disease biomarkers can be accurately detected using simple finger-prick blood samples that can be collected at home and mailed to laboratories without refrigeration or prior processing.
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Malena-PRO-CHOICE 🌊 🟦🟧Fighting Tyranny! @malena.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
"Her only options were to move her car forward in the direction of ICE officers & risk being accused of trying to harm them—which led to Renee Good's death—or stay stationary, which in the end led to physical violence & abuse," herlawyer said. www.cbc.ca/news/world/a...
cbc.ca
'I thought I was going to die,' says U.S. citizen seen in latest video of ICE arrest | CBC News
A U.S. citizen on her way to a medical appointment in Minneapolis was dragged out of her car and detained by immigration officers, according to a statement released by the woman on Thursday, after a v...
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 16/01/2026
Type 2 diabetes raises the risk of Parkinson’s, dementia, and death, but after PD diagnosis, the risk flattens except in people under 70. Source: #Parkinsonism f.mtr.cool/ohjdclwucg #AccessPress #Parkinsons #Type2Diabetes #Aging
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 16/01/2026
Wisconsin #Medicaid is projected to exceed its current budget by about $213M, driven by higher enrollment, long‑term care use, and rising drug/mental health costs. Source: #WPR f.mtr.cool/ndrsxpeecs #AccessPress #Wisconsin #PublicHealth
f.mtr.cool
Wisconsin Medicaid expected to spend $213M over state budget
Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson said the agency is projecting the shortfall in state funding based on recent enrollment and spending data.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 15/01/2026
A community health fair in Bismarck saw participation double, connecting residents with health screenings, benefits support, and counseling resources. Source: #KFYRTV f.mtr.cool/chyaiddciy #AccessPress #NorthDakota #PublicHealth
f.mtr.cool
Community health fair connects residents to services
A group that advocates for people with disabilities hosted its annual health and wellness fair in Bismarck.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 15/01/2026
Stay informed with Access Press, Minnesota's go-to source for disability-related news, events, and resources. Subscribe today to stay connected. f.mtr.cool/bscjhkflpr #AccessPress #DisabilityNews #Minnesota #MN #MinnesotaNews #Disabilities #DisabilityResources
f.mtr.cool
Subscribe to Print and Email | Access Press
Both online and print subscriptions are now free — because money should never stand in the way of access to […]
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Chronic Illness Humor @chronicillness.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
@coolauntV  

This mattress salesman started off his pitch with an explanation that the brand was first designed for bedridden people in hospitals to prevent bed sores, and i was really impressed that he immediately perceived the lifestyle I'm looking for
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Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid @legalaidmn.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Volunteers needed! Support Legal Aid and our Immigration Law Project. Seeking Spanish-speaking legal professionals to protect the rights of neighbors in detention. The work can be difficult but the company you’ll keep is stellar! mylegalaid.org/take-action/...
Eight staff members in a restaurant setting, sit at a table, smiling. Most are dressed in warm weather attire. A snowflake decoration is hanging from the window.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 15/01/2026
A small trial suggests immune therapy may reduce vessel inflammation and prevent repeat heart attacks; none of the treated patients had another attack over two years. Source: #MedicalXpress f.mtr.cool/blnvhujpsv #AccessPress #HeartHealth
f.mtr.cool
Targeting the immune system could prevent future heart attacks, clinical trial suggests
Cambridge researchers have discovered that an existing therapy which boosts protective immune cells in people who recently had heart attacks reduces blood vessel inflammation and may reduce the likelihood of future heart attacks.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 14/01/2026
More shock and dread. Surprise letters went out on Jan 13 cutting an estimated $2 billion in federal grants for #mentalhealth and substance use disorder services nationwide. Article here by the American Journal of Managed Care also has links in its footer to articles by NAMI and NPR.
ajmc.com
Trump Terminates Hundreds of SAMHSA Grants, Threatening Mental Health, Addiction Services Nationwide | AJMC
Federal grant terminations by SAMHSA threaten vital mental health and substance use services, risking lives amid rising suicide rates and addiction crises.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 14/01/2026
"I'm #autistic and I'm #disabled...I need to go to the doctor up there!" ICE agents drag a woman out of her car on the streets of Minneapolis Tues 1/13 and handcuff her.
globalnews.ca
ICE agents pull woman from car as she yells ‘I’m disabled!’ in Minneapolis - National | Globalnews.ca
In the video, several masked ICE agents speak to the woman before an Enforcement and Removal Operations agent smashes the passenger-side window of her vehicle.
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 14/01/2026
His Own Private Idaho: "As part of the governor’s recommendation for $22 million in extra #Medicaid cuts, he says the state could remove home and community-based services for people with #disabilities."
idahocapitalsun.com
To cut Medicaid budget, governor says Idaho could remove disability, dental services • Idaho Capital Sun
To balance the state’s budget, Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s plan says the state could cut Medicaid services for dental care and disabilities.
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hozzl @hozzl.com · 14/01/2026
Live Streaming! @Committee on Veterans Affairs' Democrats “Reevaluating the Rating Schedule: Examining VA’s Efforts to Modernize Disability Benefits”. hozzl.com/p/youtubevideo/committee-…...
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Access Press @accesspress.org · 14/01/2026
#Minnesota health officials report 2,946 #flu hospitalizations this season, with spikes after Christmas. 176 school and 57 long-term care outbreaks have also been confirmed. Source: #VoiceOfAlexandria f.mtr.cool/yftieemwsp #AccessPress #PublicHealth
f.mtr.cool
Department of Health releases updated flu numbers in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN)--The Minnesota Department of Health released the latest flu numbers on Thursday. Officials say there have been so far 2,946 hospitalizations reported for the season around the state,
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