Environmental justice organizers nationwide are uniting to challenge trash incinerators, state repression, and pollution while advancing zero-waste solutions.
public health
Posted inHealth + Wellness
ICE hospital presence alarms Hennepin staff, patients
HCMC workers say ICE presence inside the hospital is disrupting care, violating privacy, and deterring patients from seeking medical treatment.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Black Medicaid patients face deadly delays in opioid treatment
Medicaid delays opioid treatment for Black patients, leaving many without access to life-saving medications, a new national study found.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Hunger strike escalates opposition to HERC pollution
The Zero Burn Coalition announced a hunger strike as part of an escalating push for HERC incinerator closure in North Minneapolis.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Fossil fuels are poisoning Black America
Medical and public health experts warn that fossil fuel pollution is already damaging public health, especially in Black and brown communities, and that the harm will intensify without a transition away from fossil fuels.
Posted inOpinion
We need to talk about domestic violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, remember those we have lost, and confront one of the most pervasive and deadly forms of violence in our society. Yet year after year, this month passes with too little outrage and too little action. As a Black man and the CEO of the […]
Posted inPolitics
House candidate wants to care for the village that cared for her
Registered nurse, educator, and entrepreneur Lyna Nyamwaya of New Hope has announced her run for Minnesota House District 43A, pledging to focus on health care, education, equity, and local business growth.
Supported
Posted inHelp Is Here
MN House bill would allow patients to refuse opioids
HF 1379 would create a statewide non-opioid directive so patients can decline opioid prescriptions except in emergencies. Supporters call it a commonsense safeguard after years of rising overdose deaths. Clinicians and advocates urge a balanced rollout that preserves pain care and expands treatment and harm reduction.
Posted inLocal & State
Angry tenants demand accountability for Mpls slumlords
Tenants at IPG-owned buildings say the 311 system has failed to fix chronic mold, leaks, and infestations. After a 5–1 committee vote, the “Stop the Slumlords” ordinance would force council approval — not automatic renewal — of rental licenses for landlords with repeated Tier 3 violations. Supporters call it overdue accountability. Landlord groups disagree.
Posted inPolitics
Government shutdown leaves millions in limbo
As the 2025 federal government shutdown continues, 900,000 workers are furloughed and core services are disrupted. Minnesota programs—WIC, Head Start, passports, small-business loans, and $645M in energy projects—are at risk as partisan gridlock persists.
Posted inPolitics
Walz calls special session on gun laws after Annunciation shooting
After the Annunciation Catholic School shooting, Gov. Tim Walz is calling a special session to advance tougher gun laws, including an assault-style weapons ban, safe-storage requirements, and an expanded red-flag law. Supporters call it urgent; GOP leaders vow resistance.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Rae Lewis-Thornton wants us to stop lying about HIV
At USCHA, Rae Lewis-Thornton shared how secrecy nearly cost her life. Four decades after diagnosis, she urges testing, PrEP, and honest conversations—especially in Black communities where HIV’s burden remains highest.
Supported
Posted inHelp Is Here
Fremont Fun Fest fosters connection, and saves lives
Fremont Fun Fest returns August 5 with food, music, and health resources for the North Minneapolis community. Hosted by Neighborhood HealthSource, this free event offers on-site HIV/STI testing, Narcan training, and support services in a celebration of care and connection.
Posted inPolitics
Local leaders condemn GOP’s ‘Big Ugly’ budget bill
Minnesota leaders gathered at Sabathani Community Center to condemn a newly passed Republican federal budget that slashes Medicaid, SNAP, and education funding while boosting ICE enforcement and tax breaks for the wealthy. Rep. Ilhan Omar, Irene Fernando, Omar Fateh, Sydney Jordan, and others are urging the public to take action.
Posted inResources
SNAP Critical to Fighting Hunger and Strengthening Minnesota Communities
With food insecurity surging, SNAP helps 440,000 Minnesotans fight hunger and fuels local economies. Now more than ever, the program must be protected.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
U.S. snubs landmark global pandemic treaty
The U.S. declined to adopt the WHO’s first global pandemic treaty, citing political tensions and raising questions about America’s role in global health response.
Posted inLocal & State
Health Heroes Awards recognize public health contributions
Over 100 health care professionals gathered at the Minneapolis Public Service Building to honor individuals and organizations making significant contributions to public health, including Marcus Kar, Matt Toburen, Sue Abderholden, BrightSide Produce, and the Colectiva Bilingüe.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Federal cuts threaten vaccine access
Federal funding for Covid-19 vaccine efforts is being cut early, prompting concern among public health officials who say it will impact underserved communities and make it difficult for local agencies to adapt.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
DEI rollback threatens Black/Native health program
The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program, funded by the CDC, aims to improve the health of Black and other residents of color in Minneapolis by addressing chronic disease prevention and vaccinations, with some uncertainty about future funding due to changes in federal funding policies.
Posted inOpinion
The threat of truth decay
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump’s alliance could be problematic for public health in Black communities, as they plan to remove fluoride from the water system and are skeptical of vaccines, which could worsen existing health disparities.