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Erica Zurek

@ericazurek.bsky.social
885 followers 383 following 31 posts

Senior health reporter at @mprnews.org tips: ezurek@mpr.org

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Reposted by Erica Zurek
ProPublica @propublica.org · 06/10/2026
NEW: The Trump administration keeps denying and downplaying that immigration agents have been detaining Americans. It’s wrong. We’ve found more than 500 U.S. citizens have been held against their will, including handcuffed or held at gunpoint.
projects.propublica.org
More Than 500 U.S. Citizens Have Been Detained, Including Handcuffed or Held at Gunpoint, in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown — ProPublica
The government doesn’t track how often immigration officers detain U.S. citizens. So ProPublica did. We’ve found more than 500 Americans who were held against their will during this Trump administrati...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 06/10/2026
Not all arrests by federal agents were loud. Some happened early in the morning with no one around. Marjorie Flores and her husband Luis Caiza were on their way to work at McDonald's in Maple Grove when they were pulled out of their vehicle and "thrown to the ground."
mprnews.org
Minneapolis family shares story of ‘violent’ ICE detainment and 10 months of separation
About 3,700 people were arrested by federal law enforcement in Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge. For one family, the resulting family separation has caused financial and emotional stress.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 01/10/2026
Health insurance premiums for thousands of Minnesotans will increase in 2027, following significant hikes in 2026. All approved insurers will raise rates at least 10% in Minnesota’s individual and small-group markets, as higher healthcare costs and expiring ACA tax credits put pressure on consumers.
mprnews.org
Minnesotans face another year of steep health insurance hikes
All approved insurers will raise rates by at least 10 percent in Minnesota’s individual and small-group markets, as higher healthcare costs and expired ACA tax credits put pressure on consumers.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 30/09/2026
The law ends Medicaid eligibility for many immigrants with legal status who do not yet have green cards, including refugees and asylum seekers. It affects hundreds of thousands of immigrants across the country.
mprnews.org
Medicaid access ends for 5,000 Minnesota immigrants
More than 5,000 refugees, asylum seekers, Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees, trafficking victims, noncitizens protected under the Violence Against Women Act and qualified noncitizen veterans ...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 26/09/2026
As respiratory virus season approaches, Minnesota clinics and pharmacies are offering updated COVID-19 and annual flu vaccines. But changing federal guidance has left some people uncertain about who should get vaccinated when.
mprnews.org
What to know about COVID-19 and flu vaccines in Minnesota this fall
Medical professionals highly recommend vaccines for both children and adults as respiratory illnesses begin to rise across Minnesota.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
Apoorva Mandavilli @apoorvanyt.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I’ve been reporting on the CDC for years, and have written about many of its troubles over the past year. I was still shocked by the extent of the staff losses and political interference I found when reporting this one. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/26/h...
nytimes.com
‘Zombified’ C.D.C., Hobbled by Cuts, Struggles to Fulfill Scientific Mission (Gift Article)
The agency has lost its independence and nearly a third of its staff, as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and associates have tightened control.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 24/09/2026
“Our report documents a chilling pattern of human rights violations across the U.S. intended to instill fear within migrant, asylum seeker and refugee communities,” said Nadia Daar, executive director of Amnesty International USA. It’s the first time the organization has called to abolish ICE.
mprnews.org
Amnesty International calls for the abolition of ICE in new report
The organization documented a pattern of human rights violations in the Twin Cities during Operation Metro Surge. Researchers recommend abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 24/09/2026
If the doctors — including obstetricians, psychiatrists and critical care physicians — vote to ratify the contract, it will conclude three years of 66 contentious bargaining negotiations with Allina.
mprnews.org
Unionized doctors reach tentative deal with Allina Health after four-day strike
The agreement follows a four-day strike, believed to be the first by inpatient doctors at a private-sector hospital in U.S. history.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 22/09/2026
Established in response to the opioid crisis, the Minneapolis Mobile Medical Unit prioritizes outreach to communities with high levels of drug use, including individuals experiencing homelessness and those who are uninsured or underinsured.
mprnews.org
Minneapolis' mobile medical unit is on the move
In its first year of operation, Minneapolis Mobile Medical Unit staff engaged with over 4,000 community members. Established in response to the opioid crisis, the unit prioritizes outreach to communit...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
Maanvi Singh @maanvisingh.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
NEW: ICE is arresting and detaining a record number of pregnant women and teens. At the same time, it has lost count of how many had miscarriages, according to a Guardian review of internal ICE documents. w/ @amyqin.bsky.social, @wcraft.bsky.social and Flávio Pessoa
theguardian.com
Revealed: ICE lost count of miscarriages, while detaining a record number of pregnant women
ICE says it has no updated information on the number of miscarriages after 3 October 2025. Lawmakers, advocates and immigration attorneys have raised alarms that pregnant detainees are not receiving b...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 15/09/2026
The dispute has been building for some time between doctors and Allina Health. Physicians have been negotiating their first union contract for three years but have not been able to reach a deal.
mprnews.org
Doctors strike, rally for contract with Allina
Union officials say Allina is offering less pay than the doctors currently make and is resisting demands for more physician control over decisions affecting patient care. Allina says the two sides hav...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 04/09/2026
St. Paul patients finally found accessible healthcare. Then the clinic closed. MCC, the state’s largest federally qualified health center, closed two of its community health center sites in early July: the Downtown Clinic and the St. Paul Wellness Hub.
mprnews.org
For St. Paul’s most vulnerable patients, the distance to healthcare is growing
St. Paul patients finally found accessible healthcare. Then the clinic closed.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 29/08/2026
A lawsuit filed in federal court in Maryland challenges new rules from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services governing Title X funds, which support reproductive health care and preventive services for millions of Americans.
mprnews.org
Minnesota joins multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration’s Title X family planning rules
A lawsuit filed in Maryland federal court challenges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' new rules for Title X funds, which support reproductive healthcare and preventive care for millio...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 29/08/2026
Terms of the agreement include $600 million in investments in North Memorial’s Maple Grove and Robbinsdale hospitals, and maintaining the Level 1 trauma center in Robbinsdale for at least 10 years.
mprnews.org
Minnesota AG announces oversight deal allowing North Memorial-Sanford Health merger to advance
Terms of the agreement include $600 million in investments in North Memorial’s Maple Grove and Robbinsdale hospitals, and maintaining the Level 1 trauma center in Robbinsdale for at least 10 years.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 28/08/2026
Under Minnesota law, the Department of Corrections commissioner can grant conditional medical release to an incarcerated person with a severe, terminal or incapacitating medical condition who does not pose a threat to public safety. But advocates say qualifying for release can be difficult.
mprnews.org
Minnesota advocates push for medical release of terminally ill prisoners
Advocates say delays in Minnesota’s medical release process are keeping terminally ill people behind bars.
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Erica Zurek @ericazurek.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
The outbreak comes about a year after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration raised concerns about sanitation practices at Everything Sprouts.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 15/08/2026
Thousands of Minnesotans could see higher health insurance costs next year as insurers seek rate increases across individual and small-group markets.
mprnews.org
Health insurance rates expected to climb again for Minnesotans in 2027
Thousands of Minnesotans could see higher health insurance costs next year as insurers seek rate increases across individual and small-group markets.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 15/08/2026
An undercover federal agent infiltrated a Minneapolis church despite a court order barring immigration enforcement at churches in its network. Newly released documents also show federal agents surveilled the church several times this spring.
mprnews.org
Feds spying in Minneapolis church may have violated court order
Homeland Security spied on a Minneapolis church in May as part of an investigation into alleged anti-ICE activities, potentially violating a court order barring federal agents from enforcing civil imm...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
Jon Collins @jcollins.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Legal documents released today show federal law enforcement officials extensively surveilled public meetings and activists during the ICE surge, and created dossiers on political enemies. I've been busy, but will post some takeaways on this thread soon: (1) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
mprnews.org
Attorney: Homeland Security spied on Minnesotans who spoke out against ICE
Defense attorney Kevin Riach alleges that just four days after Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents, that Homeland Security Investigations launched Operation Puppet Master. The agency cou...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 06/08/2026
Minnesotans between the ages of 21 and 64 who apply for Medicaid will need to demonstrate that they have been working, attending school or volunteering for at least 80 hours each month to qualify for or retain health insurance under the joint federal-state program.
mprnews.org
Minnesota DHS rolls out eligibility tool ahead of federal Medicaid work requirement changes
Individuals enrolled in Medical Assistance can check if they meet the federal work reporting requirements set for 2027, as well as review a list of exemptions by using the new renewal lookup tool prov...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 31/07/2026
Minnesotans can be reassured that the large multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis infections, a gastrointestinal illness caused by cyclospora, has not yet reached the state.
mprnews.org
Cyclospora confusion? Four questions about the parasite in Minnesota, answered
Minnesotans can be reassured that the large multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis infections, a gastrointestinal illness caused by cyclospora, has not yet reached the state.
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Erica Zurek @ericazurek.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
A long-standing federal funding program that supports HIV prevention efforts nationwide may soon come to an end. @mprnews.org www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
mprnews.org
Minneapolis HIV prevention programs at risk with federal funding changes
The Trump administration’s decision to redirect federal HIV prevention funding from community organizations to state and local health departments could disrupt testing, outreach and treatment services...
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Erica Zurek @ericazurek.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Minnesota officials say the $200 million dollars federal officials are withholding from the state is the third in a series of Medicaid payment deferrals related to suspected fraud in the state’s public health insurance programs. www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
mprnews.org
Feds announce new freeze of Medicaid money for Minnesota over fraud concerns
The deferral of aid to Minnesota is part of a larger action, which also includes approximately $867 million kept from California. This brings the total to more than $1 billion in paused federal Medica...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 20/07/2026
A 2024 survey found that nearly half of the participants experienced discrimination when accessing healthcare services. Consequently, one in three individuals chose to forgo necessary care.
mprnews.org
Healthcare discrimination leads many Minnesotans to delay or avoid care
Findings from a Minnesota survey show that nearly half of the survey participants experienced healthcare discrimination.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 02/07/2026
Collectively, advocates say an overdose response network has helped address the opioid crisis that has gripped the area in the years during and since the COVID-19 pandemic. An MPR News data analysis finds reasons for hope and concern.
mprnews.org
Across north Minneapolis, neighbors help neighbors survive the opioid crisis
An overdose response network of healthcare providers, community coalitions, a fire station and neighbors equipped with naloxone saw opioid-related emergency room visits decline in north Minneapolis in...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
Hamed Aleaziz @haleaziz.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
NEW: Federal immigration officials have detained more than 10,000 people in the last 5 days, a major surge that has stemmed from a push at ICE to increase arrests. The WH has wanted more arrests. The expectation inside ICE is 2K arrests a day. www.nytimes.com/2026/07/01/u...
nytimes.com
Immigrant Arrests Surge to 10,000 in 5 Days as ICE Clamps Down
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
Melody Schreiber @melodyschreiber.com · 26/06/2026
SCOOP: The CDC told state and local health programs that they have to align with the agency's new priorities -- including a move away from proven overdose prevention and a greater focus on "parental authority" in education. They got five days to align. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
White House mandates move away from overdose prevention in US health programs
Experts say move signals greater political interference into public health and will exacerbate opioid overdose crisis
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 22/06/2026
Residents organized to keep their neighbors housed during Operation Metro Surge, and convinced state legislators to pass a rent relief bill in May. Some fear it won’t be enough. This story is published in partnership with The New York Times (@nytimes.com).
mprnews.org
Minneapolis donors gave as ICE surged, but eviction filings are rising
Residents organized to keep their neighbors housed during Operation Metro Surge, and convinced state legislators to pass a rent relief bill in May. Some fear it won’t be enough.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 18/06/2026
Human Rights Watch has released a comprehensive report detailing human rights abuses by the government during this winter’s immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, which the group alleges also violates international human rights treaties that the U.S. is signed onto.
mprnews.org
Report authors say feds violated Minnesotans' human rights during ICE surge
The 186-page report from Human Rights Watch in part highlights how federal agents stopped or detained thousands of people and alleges that many of the arrests were arbitrary and race-based.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
NPR @npr.org · 09/06/2026
Just in: The bill provides roughly $70 billion for immigration enforcement and highlights a GOP caucus continuing to endorse Trump's immigration agenda as Democrats warn Congress has ceded its oversight role.
n.pr
House passes bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the remainder of Trump's term
The bill provides roughly $70 billion for immigration enforcement and highlights a GOP caucus continuing to endorse Trump's immigration agenda as Democrats warn Congress has ceded its oversight role.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 09/06/2026
The University of Minnesota, Fairview Health Services and M Physicians have finalized a 10-year deal following a tumultuous negotiation process.
mprnews.org
U of M Fairview and M Physicians reach long-term funding deal for med school, research programs
The agreement includes a $1 billion investment from Fairview in its medical facilities on the University of Minnesota campus, along with $50 million in annual funding for the medical school.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
NPR @npr.org · 06/06/2026
A new report shows that nearly half of U.S. households did not earn enough to cover their necessities in 2024.
n.pr
This is how close American households are to the financial edge
A new report shows that nearly half of U.S. households did not earn enough to cover their necessities in 2024.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 04/06/2026
The Minnesota Department of Health has observed an increase in emergency department visits related to tick bites over the past few months.
mprnews.org
Ticks are thriving in Minnesota. Experts explain why.
Health experts emphasize early detection and prevention as tick activity increases statewide.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
NPR @npr.org · 03/06/2026
Adults on Medicaid will be required to work 80 hours per month. The Trump administration says people who are sick will have to prove they are too sick to work to be exempt from the new work rules. n.pr/3RK4U7X
n.pr
People with cancer or HIV could lose Medicaid under new work rules, advocates say
Adults on Medicaid will be required to work 80 hours per month. The Trump administration says people who are sick will have to prove they are too sick to work to be exempt from the new work rules.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 16/05/2026
HCMC has struggled with budget constraints for years and is expected to incur $1.7 billion in losses over the next decade due to rising uninsured rates and changes to federal policy, including Medicaid cuts.
mprnews.org
Minnesota budget deal offers $205 million lifeline to HCMC
Lawmakers are finalizing the details of the agreement, but they plan to direct $205 million from the state's general fund to stabilize HCMC's funding for this year.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
ProPublica @propublica.org · 14/05/2026
NEW: We just launched a new podcast! It’s called “Paper Trail,” and for our first episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a Pulitzer finalist investigation. This is what the FDA won’t tell you about the generic drugs in your medicine cabinet. Listen now 👇
propub.li
What the FDA Won’t Tell You About Your Medications
For years, the FDA said generics are just as safe as brand-name medications. ProPublica found that this isn’t always true.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 08/05/2026
What if a onesie could treat jaundice? Researchers and scientists at the University of Minnesota’s College of Design are developing exactly that with a stretchy, close-fitting full-body baby onesie embedded with about 112 sapphire-blue LED lights.
Lab co-director and founder Lucy Dunne poses with two test models for her photo-therapy onesie in the Wearable Technology Lab in St. Paul on April 30. Ben Hovland | MPR News
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Lucy Dunne @lucyedunne.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Check out this great piece from @mprnews.org about the #UMNWTL and our jaundice-treatment onesie! (And while you’re there, become a member! It’s fund drive week! 😁)
mprnews.org
At the University of Minnesota’s Wearable Technology Lab, clothing becomes medical care
Researchers and scientists at the U’s College of Design are developing wearable apparel that blends garments with technology to make clothing more useful for people.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
Kris Schulze @krisschulze.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Loved this @mprnews.org @ericazurek.bsky.social - U of M research on wearable onesies to treat newborn jaundice & that severe newborn jaundice can result in brain damage/kernicterus. Had I heard this story 28 yrs ago I'd have known to insist on bili test-my son has KI share.google/BumRq4UeXy4D...
share.google
At the University of Minnesota’s Wearable Technology Lab, clothing becomes medical care
Researchers and scientists at the U’s College of Design are developing wearable apparel that blends garments with technology to make clothing more useful for people.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
NPR @npr.org · 04/05/2026
The Supreme Court says rules that allow patients to get the abortion pill mifepristone through the mail can stay the same for at least a week. n.pr/4en3zxb
n.pr
Supreme Court gives abortion pill mifepristone a 1-week reprieve from a major change
The Supreme Court says rules that allow patients to get the abortion pill mifepristone through the mail can stay the same for at least a week.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
NPR @npr.org · 01/05/2026
A federal appeals court has restricted access to one of the most common means of abortion in the U.S. by blocking the mailing of mifepristone. n.pr/4uodfw7
n.pr
Court restricts abortion access across the US by blocking the mailing of mifepristone
A federal appeals court has restricted access to one of the most common means of abortion in the U.S. by blocking the mailing of mifepristone.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 20/04/2026
More than 300 members of the SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa union voted to strike, demanding higher wages, improved benefits and safer staffing levels, which they said are contributing to a growing workforce shortage.
mprnews.org
Nursing home workers launch strike across Twin Cities facilities
Over 300 members of the SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa union voted to strike, demanding higher wages, improved benefits and safer staffing levels.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 17/04/2026
Minnesotans between the ages of 21 and 64 who apply for Medicaid will need to demonstrate that they have been working, attending school or volunteering for at least 80 hours each month to qualify for or retain health insurance under the joint federal-state program.
mprnews.org
Minnesota up against the clock on Medicaid changes
Democrats and Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature say they need to either pass legislation or update existing rules soon to ensure that state programs comply with new requirements from the federa...
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 16/04/2026
Update: The U.S. Senate has voted to overturn a 20-year ban on mining on about 350 square miles of federal land near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, paving the way for Twin Metals to renew efforts to open an underground copper mine near Ely, on the doorstep of the wilderness area.
mprnews.org
Senate votes 50-49 to overturn mining ban near Boundary Waters
The vote clears the path for Twin Metals to reapply to open an underground copper mine near Ely, just outside the wilderness area. Conservation groups argue mining in the region poses an unacceptable ...
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Erica Zurek @ericazurek.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
“Children's Minnesota announced Monday that it has resumed all services in its Gender Health program, some of which had been temporarily paused on Feb. 27.”
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 04/04/2026
The Trump administration plans to close two northern Minnesota U.S. Forest Service research facilities, including one in Grand Rapids that led globally recognized research on the impacts of climate change on forests and peatlands.
mprnews.org
Feds to close Grand Rapids lab that does global-leading research on forestry, climate change
The Trump administration plans to close two northern Minnesota U.S. Forest Service research facilities, including one in Grand Rapids that led globally recognized research on the impacts of climate ch...
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Jon Collins @jcollins.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Almost half of the people arrested by federal agents this winter in Minnesota have already been deported, according to new data released to the @deportationdata.org through a FOIA lawsuit. It's the clearest picture yet of federal activities in the state. (1) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
mprnews.org
Half of those arrested by federal agents in Minnesota this winter have already been deported
The federal government moved at a rapid pace to deport nearly 1,700 people picked up during a surge of immigration enforcement in Minnesota this winter, according to data analyzed by APM Reports and M...
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Erica Zurek @ericazurek.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
I heard from national and local hospital leaders this week. They told me that the MPR News story helped get the attention of Medicare administrators who are now processing millions of dollars in backup claims.
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MPR News @mprnews.org · 02/04/2026
The person who was recently appointed as an interim leader of Hennepin Healthcare resigned Wednesday, according to an internal email obtained by MPR News. Dr. Kevin Croston was appointed to the position after the previous interim CEO stepped down in January.
mprnews.org
Interim Hennepin Healthcare leader steps down
Dr. Kevin Croston resigned Wednesday. He was appointed to the position after the previous interim CEO stepped down in January.
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Reposted by Erica Zurek
MPR News @mprnews.org · 02/04/2026
After more than two years of negotiations, a union representing more than 600 doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners at Allina Health clinics has reached a tentative first contract agreement. Doctors Council SEIU said the three-year deal was reached late Wednesday night.
mprnews.org
Allina Health doctors, clinicians reach tentative first contract agreement
After more than two years of negotiations, a union representing more than 600 doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners at Allina Health clinics has reached a tentative first contract agre...
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