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Minnesota's Disability Community News Source
#Minnesota researchers have faced a tumultuous federal funding year as dozens of #NIH and other grants were cut, then partially reinstated, leaving projects in limbo and labs uncertain about future work on health and disease. Source: #BrainerdDispatch

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#AccessPress
Changes to federal grants have affected Minnesota health researchers
While many of the grants that were cut have been reinstated, a tumultuous year for federal research funding has affected scientists and students across the country, including in Minnesota.
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January 2, 2026 at 12:02 AM
Minnesota’s only Spanish‑language cancer support group, La Nueva Esperanza, has been meeting monthly for 20 years, offering a safe space for people with cancer to find connection. Source: #CBSNews

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#AccessPress #Minnesota
Minnesota's only Spanish-language cancer support group changing lives for decades
For two decades, the only Spanish-language cancer support group in the state has been quietly changing lives.
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January 1, 2026 at 6:02 PM
As the New Year begins, we’re grateful for this community and excited for what we’ll build together next.

#AccessPress #Minnesota #HappyNewYear
January 1, 2026 at 2:01 PM
States are cutting ABA therapy hours for autistic children amid Medicaid budget strain. Some hours have been partially restored, but uncertainty remains for families. Source: #NPR

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#AccessPress #Autism #Medicaid #DisabilityServices
It's the 'gold standard' in autism care. Why are states reining it in?
Budget shortfalls and nearly $1 trillion in looming federal Medicaid cuts have prompted states to rein in spending on a widely embraced autism therapy, pinching families who depend on the services.
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January 1, 2026 at 12:02 AM
As the year comes to a close and the 2025 tax season ends, now is the moment to support Access Press and help sustain independent journalism serving the disability community. Every donation made today makes an impact!

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#AccessPress #DisabilityNews #NewsMatch
December 31, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Scientists at Northwestern have identified a toxic protein that appears early in #Alzheimers and showed an experimental drug, NU‑9, can block early brain damage and inflammation in mice. Source: #ScienceDaily

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#AccessPress #BrainHealth
A new drug could stop Alzheimer’s before memory loss begins
New research suggests Alzheimer’s may start far earlier than previously thought, driven by a hidden toxic protein in the brain. Scientists found that an experimental drug, NU-9, blocks this early damage in mice and reduces inflammation linked to disease progression. The treatment was given before symptoms appeared, targeting the disease at its earliest stage. Researchers say this approach could reshape how Alzheimer’s is prevented and treated.
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December 31, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Earlier in 2025, 23 staff at the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities were laid off amid federal funding cuts that threatened programs serving people across the state. Some were later rehired after funding shifts. Source: #KFYR

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#AccessPress #NorthDakota
Staff at ND Center for Persons with Disabilities react to losing jobs
Executive Director Lori Garnes said the center is federally funded mainly through what's known as the Administration for Community Living. But now, she said they're being left in the dark as some staff members with the administration are no longer at their desks.
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December 31, 2025 at 12:02 AM
#Iowa DOT is adding height‑adjustable adult changing tables to highway rest stops, helping families care for adults with disabilities while on the road. Already, 23 locations have them, and new stops will include them, too. Source: #KCCI

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#AccessPress
Adult changing tables make travel doable for families with disabilities
Currently, 23 of Iowa's rest stops have adult changing tables. The Iowa DOT says any new rest stops will have them built in.
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December 30, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Kowalski’s Excelsior Market earned the 2025 Outstanding Disability Employer Award from MOHR for strong support and meaningful roles for employees with disabilities. Source: #LakeMinnetonkaMagazine

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#AccessPress #Minnesota
Local Kowalski’s Market Named Outstanding Disability Employer - Lake Minnetonka Magazine
The Excelsior location has been recognized for going above and beyond. In October, Kowalski’s Excelsior Market was recognized by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) with its Direct […]
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December 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM
An opinion piece says clear sidewalks and curb ramps are essential for transit access and safety, especially for older residents and people with disabilities. What should the city’s role be? Source: #StarTribune

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#AccessPress #Minneapolis
Opinion | Shoveling sidewalks should be a priority for Minneapolis
If the city wants people to use public transit and age in place, they have to be able to safely get around after it snows, William Hendricks writes.
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December 30, 2025 at 12:02 AM
As Minnesotans with disabilities live longer, facilities face staff shortages, long waitlists & rising care needs. Families & group homes are stretched thin. Source: #StarTribune

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#AccessPress #Minnesota #Aging #GroupHomes
As people with disabilities live longer, Twin Cities facilities rework services
Providers are facing shortages in both funding and staffing, leaving some with waiting lists for group homes.
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December 29, 2025 at 9:02 PM
After removing accessible voting machines, the Town of Thornapple, WI, faced a DOJ lawsuit. A new settlement requires the machines’ return for federal elections through 2026 to comply with disability voting laws. Source: #WPR

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#AccessPress #Wisconsin
Northern Wisconsin town agrees to bring accessible voting machine back
After losing its case in two federal courts, a northern Wisconsin town has agreed to use an electronic voting machine designed for people with disabilities.
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December 29, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Heavy, wet snow across #Minnesota is making travel difficult and prompting snow emergencies. Try to stay off the roads and follow official channels for further updates.

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#AccessPress
NEXT Weather: Winter storm wraps, but blowing snow lingers in Minnesota
A major winter storm that blasted Minnesota on Sunday is still impacting travel conditions on Monday. Follow live updates.
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December 29, 2025 at 4:04 PM
#Minnesota DHS offers housing support for people with disabilities, older adults, and those with complex needs. Services include assistance with move-in costs, housing planning, and eviction prevention. Source: #HB101

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#AccessPress
HB101 Minnesota - MN DHS Housing Programs that Help People with Disabilities
HB101 Minnesota: Explore your housing options. Discover what works for you. Make a plan to get there.
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December 29, 2025 at 2:02 PM
#Minnesota jails are increasingly tasked with #mentalhealth care as gaps persist in community services. Facilities are expanding roles beyond custody to address inmates’ behavioral health needs. Source: #NAMI

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#AccessPress #Corrections #PublicHealth
Minnesota jails take on expanded mental health care duties
The blueprint for change is taking shape, but the pace of implementation remains uncertain.
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December 29, 2025 at 12:02 AM
#Heartdisease kills more women than any other cause. Minneapolis medtech leader Anna Szafranski is chairing the 2025‑26 Twin Cities Go Red for Women initiative to raise awareness and close care gaps. Source: #AmericanHeartAssociation

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#AccessPress #HeartHealth
Minneapolis medtech executive spearheads local women’s heart health movement
MINNEAPOLIS, Mn – Dec. 16, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in the Twin Cities and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health...
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December 28, 2025 at 9:02 PM
#Measles cases in the U.S. have reached 2,012 in 2025, the most in decades. CDC reports 50 outbreaks, 3 deaths, and falling kindergarten vaccination rates. Source: #CDC

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#AccessPress #Vaccines #PublicHealth
Measles Cases and Outbreaks
Find the latest numbers of confirmed U.S. measles cases. CDC updates this page weekly.
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December 28, 2025 at 6:02 PM
#Flu, #norovirus, and #COVID19 are active as winter sets in. Norovirus outbreaks are hitting schools and cruise ships, flu is rising, and #CDC says updated COVID #vaccines reduced ER visits in kids. Source: #USAToday

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#AccessPress
What's going around right now? COVID, flu, stomach bug on the rise
'Tis the season for sniffling, coughing and calling out of work. Here's what to know about the pathogens circulating in the U.S. this December.
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December 28, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Feeling lonely later in life is linked to a significantly higher risk of developing #dementia and cognitive decline, about 30% higher in large studies. Source: #WalkerMN

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#AccessPress #loneliness #aging
Study finds loneliness increases dementia risk later in life
Scottish researchers  discovered a direct causal effect between social isolation and a faster decline in cognitive function as we grow older.
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December 28, 2025 at 12:02 AM
New data show #COVID19 shots benefit pregnant women and their babies, reducing the risk of illness and early birth. Kids also gained protection from updated vaccines, even after prior infections. Source: #ScienceNews

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#AccessPress
Research hailing the benefits of the COVID-19 shot keeps coming
There was more good health news about the COVID-19 vaccine for infants, kids and adults in December. There’s still time to get the shot this winter.
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December 27, 2025 at 9:02 PM
#Minnesota families are protesting Medica’s new limits on private insurance coverage of at‑home nursing for children with severe disabilities. Source: #StarTribune

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#AccessPress #healthcare #Medica
Parents protest Medica’s new benefit limit for children with severe disabilities
Reduction in private insurance coverage of at-home nursing care could create tough choices for families with disabled children who need around-the-clock monitoring.
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December 27, 2025 at 6:02 PM
A trial shows the OTC antioxidant lipoic acid may slow gray matter loss in people with progressive MS. However, it didn’t improve walking speed, a possible neurological benefit that warrants further research. Source: #GrandRapidsMN

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#AccessPress #multiple­sclerosis
Over-The-Counter Supplement Might Help Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
Key Takeaways
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December 27, 2025 at 2:02 PM
U.S. hospital mortality rates have returned to prepandemic decline despite patients being sicker at admission, but experts warn improvements don’t guarantee resilience against future health system shocks. Source: #CIDRAP

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#AccessPress #COVID19
US hospital mortality trends rebound after COVID shock, but experts warn against complacency
Patients present with more severe illness than before COVID, even as hospital mortality rates return to prepandemic levels. 
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December 27, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Iowa Medicaid may cut reimbursements, so speech therapy for children is reimbursed for only one 15‑minute session per day. Providers warn that this could reduce access and delay early development supports. Source: #WQAD

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#AccessPress #Iowa #Medicaid #SpeechTherapy
WQAD News 8
Hard Work. Determination. Local news, sports and weather in the Quad Cities, Iowa and Illinois. Have a news tip? Send us an email at news@wqad.com. 24/7 streaming and more available on the WQAD News 8+ app: https://www.wqad.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/wqad-plus-news-8-streaming-app-24-7-news-channel-roku-amazon-fire-stick-tv/526-8541371e-0493-4bcb-943b-4f265cfa63ce ‘Like’ WQAD on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wqad8 Follow WQAD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wqadnews8/
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December 26, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Farmers face high stress and suicide risk tied to isolation, economic pressure, and long hours. #Wisconsin outreach efforts include 24/7 helplines, telehealth counseling, and support groups. Source: #PBSWisconsin

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#AccessPress #mentalhealth #ruralhealth
How farmers at risk for suicide can find mental health help
'He was always the happy guy who had a good story to share. Everybody's like, 'I never would have thought your dad would have done this,' said Jennifer Webster. Growing ...
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December 26, 2025 at 6:02 PM