MinnPost Minneapolis

Researchers at the University of Minnesota are working to address disparities in Alzheimer’s and dementia care among rural communities, noting issues like isolation and lack of access to treatment. Studies reveal that rural U.S. adults face a higher burden of modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, compared to urban residents. The effort requires specialized public health strategies to improve prevention and address structural inequities.

Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding state bans on trans athletes competing in women’s and girls’ sports, both Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Dr. Amy Acton publicly stated support for enforcing such bans in Ohio. The article points out that two candidates from different parties adopted similar language regarding the ban, which has been criticized as misgendering transgender athletes.

Seven months after VA nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed by ICE officers in Minneapolis, his mother expressed disbelief regarding the handling of the investigation and lack of accountability. In separate legal actions, a federal judge is expected to rule on whether Texas Gov. Greg Abbott must send an ICE agent to Minnesota to face charges. Additionally, a dispute arose after Mike Lindell began withholding payment for a requested recount of a race.

Jason Lennox is walking to complete the entire Minnesota border—a journey of almost 1,800 miles—to raise awareness and money for children’s mental health. Having personally battled addiction and severe mental health challenges, Lennox now works as a speaker and consultant, serving as CEO of One Arrow Foundation. His walk, called Recovery Road, aims to show that recovery is possible.

The Bush Fellows program supports community leaders in the region with opportunities for bigger, bolder change. Individuals from business, government, and nonprofit sectors can apply by submitting a plan detailing how they might use $150,000 to improve their ability to lead more effectively. Applications are set to open on September 22, 2026.

No candidates are running for Red Lake County attorney, a situation that is attributed to eligibility requirements stating the attorney must reside within the county. This problem exemplifies 'legal deserts'—areas where legal assistance is scarce—a common issue in rural and distressed communities across Minnesota. The vacancy followed Tanner Holten stepping down from his part-time role due to an insufficient number of local attorneys.

During an August 22 rally in Minneapolis staged by Jake Lang, a counter-protester dressed as Spider-Man, identified as William Love, was seen fighting with Lang and his associates. Following the incident, Love was detained by police and subsequently charged with misdemeanor assault, while Lang and nine others were also arrested.

The article reports on various local issues including community responses to ICE in Minnesota and efforts by groups like Unidos for get-out-the-vote action. It details concerns raised by the American Federation of Teachers regarding Target's inaction during Operation Metro Surge, alongside a review request against Xcel Energy's rate increase order. Furthermore, news highlights severe drought conditions across much of Minnesota.

The Ain Dah Yung Center in Saint Paul supports Native American youth by offering a combination of free housing and care rooted in Native traditions like talking circles and smudging. The center serves over 3,000 youth annually through programs including emergency housing, and its work has shown success, with 100% of young people who stayed at the emergency shelter in 2024 remaining enrolled in school.

Community projects in St. Paul face funding challenges, such as the Westgate Commons Park needing $214,000 for shade structures due to its lack of protection from the sun. Similarly, both St. Paul and Minneapolis are experiencing issues with capital project committees; Minneapolis' CLIC saw only 22 out of 33 seats filled this year, which limits who makes decisions about city infrastructure.

Jake Lang was arrested in Minneapolis after taking to the streets with a sign featuring the N-word. Mayor Jacob Frey stated that individuals who incite a riot will be arrested for public safety risks. Separately, an investigation into alleged remarks by Mayor Kaohly Her is ongoing, while the Midwest Black Book Fair recently took place during what is known as Black August.

The St. Paul Planning Commission approved a permit allowing JB Vang Partners to develop an apartment building up to 71 feet on the east end of the historic Hamm’s Brewing property. This planned 110-unit development is classified as affordable housing, with rent and income limits ranging from 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income. Furthermore, the commission approved a plan to establish a Commercial Development District around University and Snelling Avenues.

Maternity health care deserts, defined as regions lacking obstetric clinicians or birthing facilities, exist in nearly every U.S. state, including Minnesota. Twenty-four Minnesota counties are currently considered these deserts, affecting about 64,000 women and resulting in roughly 4,000 annual births. These issues are projected to worsen due to ongoing cuts to Medicaid, which covered a significant portion of U.S. births in 2023.

The City Bureau Documenters Network teaches vital civic skills like critical thinking and fact checking to residents of the Twin Cities, aiming to keep neighbors informed on local issues. Through this program, participants build community involvement while gaining experience that has led to new jobs or civic service roles. The initiative emphasizes that supporting these programs helps reduce barriers to civic participation across the region.

Mike Lindell announced plans to pay approximately $825,000 for a recount and audit of an election he lost, stating his goal is tied to eliminating electronic voting machines. In other news, Target raised its annual sales forecast due to CEO Michael Fiddelke's plan and a $1 billion boost from tariff refunds. Local reports covered discussions in Minneapolis regarding the Star Tribune facility sale and efforts at the Walker Art Center to clarify exhibitions potentially related to AI generation.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott regarding a delay in the extradition of ICE agent Christian Castro, who is accused of shooting a man in North Minneapolis and lying about it. Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty characterized this delay as unprecedented and political.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey revived efforts to allow for four-unit buildings in his $2.3 billion budget proposal as a way to address affordable housing shortages. This issue references the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan from 2018, which was radical in ending single-family zoning. A planning director noted that staff did not anticipate multifamily units being a significant solution to the city’s housing shortage.

Wildfire smoke is disrupting fall high school sports teams in northern Minnesota. Other local news stories cover city officials apologizing for making disparaging comments regarding a data center project and the use of hempcrete, a chemical-free building material, by a community business.

The development of hyperscale AI data centers is beginning to shape local elections in Minnesota. MinnPost monitored six cities—Faribault, Farmington, Hermantown, Monticello, North Mankato, and Pine Island—finding that candidate filings there have increased compared with previous election years. This heightened participation means combined candidate numbers are higher than in any election over the last decade.

Minneapolis workers are replacing old lead pipes with copper piping to eliminate health risks associated with the metal, a service paid for by state and federal funding. However, this essential work faces significant challenges because supporting funds are set to expire at the end of 2027. This lack of continuity forces Minneapolis public works employees to make difficult choices regarding which neighborhoods need immediate infrastructure attention.