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What’s next for the proposed Rondo land bridge atop I-94 in St. Paul?
The historically Black Rondo neighborhood was sliced in two by I-94. A vast land bridge proposed to the St. Paul Planning Commission could help to heal it, but decisions are far-off.
by Taylor Canas
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/10/whats-next-for-the-proposed-rondo-land-bridge-atop-i-94-in-st-paul/

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Hospital Association held a press conference to present a report outlining the coming impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The report says the Medicaid cuts in the bill will essentially destroy “the machinery that held hospital finance together.” Via MinnPost
https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/10/20/hospitals-federal-changes-will-worsen-minnesota-healthcare-crisis/ ( Read more... )

GOP focuses on fraud, seeking to redirect voters’ ire over healthcare costs
The effort has opened a broader political fight over the extent of fraud and the administration’s response to it.
By Stephanie Armour, KFF Health News
https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2026/10/gop-focuses-on-fraud-seeking-to-redirect-voters-ire-over-healthcare-costs/

The ‘swamp’ Trump promised to drain is thriving in D.C. – and Minnesota
From Fortune 500 companies to local governments and nonprofits, Minnesota organizations are spending more money than ever as they seek influence in the nation’s capital.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/10/the-swamp-trump-promised-to-drain-is-thriving-in-d-c-and-minnesota-lobbying/ ( Read more... )

Xcel Energy proposes freezing electric rates for 2 years
Kirsti Marohn
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/10/18/electric-rate-hikes-could-be-delayed-2-years-with-new-xcel-energy-proposal

Rep. Ilhan Omar's attorneys demand return of property seized in federal search of her home
The Associated Press
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/10/17/rep-ilhan-omars-attorneys-demand-return-of-property-seized-in-federal-search-of-her-home ( Read more... )

Some rural libraries are letting their users visit during unstaffed hours
In small communities where places to get work done in the evening are scarce, some libraries are offering extended access to their “third space.”
By H. Jiahong Pan, the Daily Yonder
https://www.minnpost.com/greater-minnesota/2026/10/some-rural-libraries-are-letting-their-users-visit-during-unstaffed-hours/

Joe Thompson’s message to Minnesota, a reminder that crime is down and the Wolves’ LaMelo Ball era
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/newsletter/joe-thompsons-message-to-minnesota-a-reminder-that-crime-is-down-and-the-wolves-lamelo-ball-era/ ( Read more... )

The Voting Rights Act has taken two devastating blows. What comes next?
Kristen Clarke, the NAACP’s top lawyer, says the country needs to have an “honest conversation” about how to protect the rights of Black voters amid the weakening of the Voting Rights Act.
By Amanda Becker, The 19th
https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2026/10/the-voting-rights-act-has-taken-two-devastating-blows-what-comes-next/

In 2024, Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill into law that prohibited schools and libraries from banning books. This year, North Woods School in Cook, Minn., banned 80 — more than all public schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North and South Dakota combined — and landed the state fifth on PEN America’s banned book report. St. Louis County Schools Superintendent Brian Masterson argued that the books were not banned, just removed from the shelves after complaints from parents. (The American Library Association defines a book ban as the removal of a book from the shelves in response to a complaint from a person or a group.) Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/banned-books-minnesota-school-north-woods/601898240?utm_source=gift ( Read more... )

Secretary of State Steve Simon: Minnesota will be ready with ‘war room mentality’ on Election Day
In an interview at Saturday’s MinnPost Festival, the state’s top election official described preparations for responding to Election Day threats or misinformation.
by Brian Martucci
https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2026/10/secretary-of-state-steve-simon-minnesota-will-be-ready-with-war-room-mentality-on-election-day/

Federal agents search Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home as part of a criminal investigation, AP sources say
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal agents have searched Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home as part of a criminal investigation. That’s according to people familiar with the matter.
by Alanna Durkin Richer, AP
https://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2026/10/federal-agents-search-rep-ilhan-omars-home-as-part-of-a-criminal-investigation-ap-sources-say/ ( Read more... )

D.C. Memo: High court won’t hear Native American adoption case
A Minnesota couple had challenged laws that prioritize tribes in Native American adoptions. Plus: GOP lawmakers say Minnesota’s voting system is rife with fraud, with little evidence; campaign coverage from this week; and more.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/dc-memo/2026/10/d-c-memo-high-court-wont-hear-native-american-adoption-case/

Minneapolis expects to fund up to 700 rental vouchers. Here’s how to enter the waitlist lottery
Residents can apply Oct. 13-15 to join the waitlist for a state-funded Bring It Home voucher, which will help shrink the wait for the Section 8 program.
by Katrina Pross
https://sahanjournal.com/housing/minnesota-bring-it-home-housing-voucher-waitlist-minneapolis/ ( Read more... )

Did Lisa Demuth sign a letter in support of Kristi Noem and ICE during Operation Metro Surge?
Noem led the Department of Homeland Security during last winter’s surge but was later fired by President Trump.
by Brian Arola
https://www.minnpost.com/fact-briefs/2026/10/did-lisa-demuth-sign-a-letter-in-support-of-kristi-noem-and-ice-during-operation-metro-surge/

Underdog Trina Swanson eyes Rep. Pete Stauber’s seat in a race that’s coming into focus
While Democrats running for the U.S. House have an advantage this year, Stauber has positioned himself well in the Iron Range district.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2026/10/underdog-trina-swanson-eyes-rep-pete-stauber-seat-in-a-race-thats-coming-into-focus/ ( Read more... )

One simple solution to St. Paul’s budget woes
Free or nearly-free parking is a nice-to-have in St. Paul, but when the city is in the hole, it’s time to rethink old policies.
by Bill Lindeke
https://www.minnpost.com/cityscape/2026/10/one-simple-solution-to-st-paul-budget-woes-parking/

As the world moves forward, U.S. retreats on climate change
There’s greater than 90% confidence that the 2026-27 El Niño will become the strongest recorded weather event since 1950.
By Rachel Hall Beecroft
https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2026/10/as-the-world-moves-forward-u-s-retreats-on-climate-change/ ( Read more... )

Pennsylvania health officials brace themselves as measles outbreak expected to spread
Most counties don’t have their own health agencies, and some specific population groups have low vaccination rates
Tobi Thomas Health and inequalities correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/04/pennsylvania-health-officials-measles-outbreak

Brazil goes to polls in decisive election for future of Latin America
Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro face off in battle between leftwing incumbent and far-right son of jailed ex-president
Tiago Rogero in Rio de Janeiro
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/04/brazil-presidential-election-lula-flavio-bolsonaro ( Read more... )