Erica Zurek
@ericazurek.bsky.social
Senior health reporter at @mprnews.org
tips: ezurek@mpr.org
tips: ezurek@mpr.org
“He said if he indulges in any non-essential items, he risks going hungry. Huebner mostly eats pasta and peanut butter sandwiches and said this is the most calorie-dense option available to him.”
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
Minnesota SNAP recipients worry about hunger while political battle casts doubt on November benefits
SNAP recipients are expected to receive partial benefits this month after federal judges ruled that the government must continue providing food assistance during the shutdown.
www.mprnews.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:43 AM
“He said if he indulges in any non-essential items, he risks going hungry. Huebner mostly eats pasta and peanut butter sandwiches and said this is the most calorie-dense option available to him.”
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
“I did a lot of work around health equity and reducing health disparities. I saw what the numbers looked like for people that looked like me or people that did not have a lot of health literacy,” Maalimisaq said. “I know what it feels like to sit in that chair and not feel comfortable.”
Minneapolis' Inspire Change Clinic is open to everyone in the community. Co-founder Munira Maalimisaq emphasized that care will not focus solely on treating illness; there will also be space for clothing donations and assistance with resume writing.
New community clinic brings culturally sensitive care to Minneapolis
The Inspire Change Clinic is open to everyone in the community. Care will not focus solely on treating illness; there will also be space for clothing donations and assistance with resume writing.
www.mprnews.org
October 29, 2025 at 12:35 AM
“I did a lot of work around health equity and reducing health disparities. I saw what the numbers looked like for people that looked like me or people that did not have a lot of health literacy,” Maalimisaq said. “I know what it feels like to sit in that chair and not feel comfortable.”
Reposted by Erica Zurek
A combination of rising costs and fewer Medicare Advantage insurers is prompting an unprecedented number of Minnesotans to review their options for 2026.
Rising costs and fewer options for 2026 Minnesota Medicare plans
A combination of rising costs and fewer Medicare Advantage insurers is prompting an unprecedented number of Minnesotans to review their options for 2026.
www.mprnews.org
October 24, 2025 at 12:15 AM
A combination of rising costs and fewer Medicare Advantage insurers is prompting an unprecedented number of Minnesotans to review their options for 2026.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Food bank leaders in Minnesota say they’re navigating a drop in giving at the same time need is picking up. A massive surge in demand could be on the way if SNAP faces cuts from the government shutdown.
Facing ‘perfect storm,’ strained Minnesota food banks brace for impact of SNAP funding halt
Food bank leaders say they’re navigating a drop in giving at the same time need is picking up. A massive surge in demand could be on the way.
www.mprnews.org
October 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Food bank leaders in Minnesota say they’re navigating a drop in giving at the same time need is picking up. A massive surge in demand could be on the way if SNAP faces cuts from the government shutdown.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Antimicrobial resistance is responsible for some 1.2 million deaths a year a year and contributes to millions more. Data in the new report shows that the problem is growing at an alarming rate. n.pr/3J0HVBC
Study: We're losing the war against drug-resistant infections faster than we thought
Antimicrobial resistance is responsible for some 1.2 million deaths a year a year and contributes to millions more. Data in the new report shows that the problem is growing at an alarming rate.
n.pr
October 15, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Antimicrobial resistance is responsible for some 1.2 million deaths a year a year and contributes to millions more. Data in the new report shows that the problem is growing at an alarming rate. n.pr/3J0HVBC
Reposted by Erica Zurek
NEW: ProPublica obtained records from the Department of Agriculture that detail the millions of pounds of food, down to the number of eggs, that never reached food banks because of the Trump administration’s cuts to an aid program.
Trump Canceled 94 Million Pounds of Food Aid. Here’s What Never Arrived.
ProPublica obtained records from the Department of Agriculture that detail the millions of pounds of food, down to the number of eggs, that never reached food banks because of the administration’s cut...
projects.propublica.org
October 3, 2025 at 12:15 PM
NEW: ProPublica obtained records from the Department of Agriculture that detail the millions of pounds of food, down to the number of eggs, that never reached food banks because of the Trump administration’s cuts to an aid program.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has released the final rates for individual and small group health insurance plans for 2026. The average premium increase on the individual market will go up 22 percent, while the small group market sees a 14 percent increase.
Minnesota health insurance premiums will rise sharply in 2026
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has released the final rates for individual and small group health insurance plans for 2026. The average premium increase on the individual market will go up 22 pe...
www.mprnews.org
October 1, 2025 at 6:08 PM
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has released the final rates for individual and small group health insurance plans for 2026. The average premium increase on the individual market will go up 22 percent, while the small group market sees a 14 percent increase.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Do you have questions about vaccine recommendations and changes? After a flurry of state and federal news last week around vaccines and who should get them, Minnesotans may be struggling to keep up. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Vaccine confusion? 5 Minnesota questions, answered
Minnesotans may be struggling to navigate a blizzard of state and federal news last week around vaccines, who should get them and when. Here are some answers to key questions about what’s happening.
www.mprnews.org
September 25, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Do you have questions about vaccine recommendations and changes? After a flurry of state and federal news last week around vaccines and who should get them, Minnesotans may be struggling to keep up. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
The Indigenous Interpreters Organization works to support Indigenous ASL interpreters as a means of meeting the need and improving interpreting for Deaf Indigenous people. They work to educate the interpreting community about the need for culturally informed interpreting.
Meet the interpreters improving access for Deaf Indigenous people
The Indigenous Interpreters Organization works to support Indigenous ASL interpreters as a means of improving interpreting for Deaf Indigenous people.
www.mprnews.org
September 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
The Indigenous Interpreters Organization works to support Indigenous ASL interpreters as a means of meeting the need and improving interpreting for Deaf Indigenous people. They work to educate the interpreting community about the need for culturally informed interpreting.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
UPDATE: President Trump and his deputies tied autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, presented a cancer drug as a possible treatment, and said the FDA would change labeling to reflect both claims. There is little strong scientific evidence for either.
Trump blames Tylenol for autism. Science doesn't back him up
President Trump and his deputies tied autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, presented a cancer drug as a possible treatment, and said the FDA would change labeling to reflect both claims. There is little strong scientific evidence for either.
n.pr
September 23, 2025 at 12:43 AM
UPDATE: President Trump and his deputies tied autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, presented a cancer drug as a possible treatment, and said the FDA would change labeling to reflect both claims. There is little strong scientific evidence for either.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
The Department of Agriculture said it will end a longstanding annual food insecurity survey. Experts say the move will obscure the effects of recent changes that will lead to people losing food aid.
USDA cancels survey tracking how many Americans struggle to get enough food
The Department of Agriculture said it will end a longstanding annual food insecurity survey. Experts say the move will obscure the effects of recent changes that will lead to people losing food aid.
n.pr
September 22, 2025 at 5:54 PM
The Department of Agriculture said it will end a longstanding annual food insecurity survey. Experts say the move will obscure the effects of recent changes that will lead to people losing food aid.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Millions of dollars worth of contraceptives destined for low-income countries were destroyed at the direction of the Trump administration.
$10 Million in Contraceptives Have Been Destroyed on Orders From Trump Officials
The birth control pills, IUDs and hormonal implants were purchased by U.S.A.I.D. for women in low-income countries. They had been in limbo in a Belgian warehouse after the U.S. cut much of its foreign aid.
nyti.ms
September 11, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Millions of dollars worth of contraceptives destined for low-income countries were destroyed at the direction of the Trump administration.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
The order directs the Minnesota Department of Health to work with other state agencies to identify, review and remove barriers to vaccine access to the “fullest extent permitted by law.”
Walz counters federal vaccine moves with state-level order to maintain broad access
Minnesota moves to maintain access to vaccines after federal guidance last week ordered limitations on who has access to the COVID-19 booster shot.
www.mprnews.org
September 8, 2025 at 5:34 PM
The order directs the Minnesota Department of Health to work with other state agencies to identify, review and remove barriers to vaccine access to the “fullest extent permitted by law.”
Reposted by Erica Zurek
As details of the mass shooting in Minneapolis continue to emerge, many parents are worried about how children will cope. Sarah Jerstad, psychologist and medical director of outpatient mental health services at Children's Minnesota, shared how to help children process and manage their feelings.
Helping kids feel safe after the Minneapolis mass shooting
Many parents are worried about how their children will cope with the mass shooting. Sarah Jerstad, psychologist and medical director of outpatient mental health services at Children's Minnesota, share...
www.mprnews.org
August 28, 2025 at 11:25 AM
As details of the mass shooting in Minneapolis continue to emerge, many parents are worried about how children will cope. Sarah Jerstad, psychologist and medical director of outpatient mental health services at Children's Minnesota, shared how to help children process and manage their feelings.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Preliminary filings show that insurers are seeking average premium increases ranging from 7 percent to 26 percent for 2026 plans on the individual market, and between 7 percent and 17 percent on the small group market.
Minnesota health insurance premiums set to rise in 2026
Federal Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year, increasing costs for many Minnesotans.
www.mprnews.org
August 25, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Preliminary filings show that insurers are seeking average premium increases ranging from 7 percent to 26 percent for 2026 plans on the individual market, and between 7 percent and 17 percent on the small group market.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
A United States Senate investigation has identified more than 500 credible reports of human rights abuses in US immigration detention since January, including alarming allegations of mistreatment of pregnant women and children.
Senate Probe Uncovers Allegations of Widespread Abuse in ICE Custody
Led by US senator Jon Ossoff, the investigation cites hundreds of reports since January, including accounts of miscarriages, child neglect, and sexual abuse at ICE detention centers in dozens of state...
www.wired.com
August 19, 2025 at 5:19 PM
A United States Senate investigation has identified more than 500 credible reports of human rights abuses in US immigration detention since January, including alarming allegations of mistreatment of pregnant women and children.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
As of July 17, nearly 100 federal grants totaling more than $20 million in outstanding funds have been terminated or suspended at the University of Minnesota.
Written by @bzosiad.bsky.social and Shubanjana Das
Written by @bzosiad.bsky.social and Shubanjana Das
Federal grant cuts upend life-saving research, careers at UMN
Federal grant cuts have had a wide-ranging impact at the University of Minnesota, affecting everything from life-saving research, to undergraduate opportunities, to the pipeline of future scholars and...
sahanjournal.com
August 19, 2025 at 1:56 PM
As of July 17, nearly 100 federal grants totaling more than $20 million in outstanding funds have been terminated or suspended at the University of Minnesota.
Written by @bzosiad.bsky.social and Shubanjana Das
Written by @bzosiad.bsky.social and Shubanjana Das
Reposted by Erica Zurek
A Minnesota blood center has declared a blood emergency due to a shortage throughout the state.
More from Erica Zurek (@ericazurek.bsky.social)
More from Erica Zurek (@ericazurek.bsky.social)
Minnesota blood center declares blood emergency due to shortage
Memorial Blood Centers says the state’s blood supply has dropped below a two-day inventory. A seven-day supply is needed to meet the demands of hospitals and patients.
www.mprnews.org
August 19, 2025 at 2:08 PM
A Minnesota blood center has declared a blood emergency due to a shortage throughout the state.
More from Erica Zurek (@ericazurek.bsky.social)
More from Erica Zurek (@ericazurek.bsky.social)
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Medicare Advantage is costing taxpayers $550 billion this year. UnitedHealth Group and a web of business partners have built a research apparatus — replete with flawed studies and papers — to push back against critics and ward off attempts at MA reform. www.statnews.com/2025/08/11/u...
Inside the research machine that helps UnitedHealth protect its Medicare profits
A STAT Investigation: Inside the research machine that helps UnitedHealth protect its Medicare profits.
www.statnews.com
August 11, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Medicare Advantage is costing taxpayers $550 billion this year. UnitedHealth Group and a web of business partners have built a research apparatus — replete with flawed studies and papers — to push back against critics and ward off attempts at MA reform. www.statnews.com/2025/08/11/u...
“$9.7 million worth of contraceptives could have provided pregnancy prevention for more than 650,000 people for up to one year, and for 950,000 people for three to 10 years, depending on the method.”
This planned destruction of birth control devices is part of the dismantling of USAID services — and linked to allegations by the government that cite abortion. Critics are speaking out.
The U.S. is destroying $9.7 million in contraceptives. Is there another option?
This planned destruction of birth control devices is part of the dismantling of USAID services — and linked to allegations by the government that cite abortion. Critics are speaking out.
n.pr
July 28, 2025 at 9:33 PM
“$9.7 million worth of contraceptives could have provided pregnancy prevention for more than 650,000 people for up to one year, and for 950,000 people for three to 10 years, depending on the method.”
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Hospitalization and mortality data from the Minnesota Department of Health do not signal a COVID-19 flare-up in the state so far this summer. U of MN wastewater measurements of the disease, however, are trending upward.
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0... by @craigstetter.bsky.social via @mprnews.org
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0... by @craigstetter.bsky.social via @mprnews.org
Little evidence of a COVID-19 ‘summer surge’ so far in Minnesota
National data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are showing increases in COVID-19 activity. But data from the state’s health department show continued low numbers of COVID-19 hospita...
www.mprnews.org
July 25, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Hospitalization and mortality data from the Minnesota Department of Health do not signal a COVID-19 flare-up in the state so far this summer. U of MN wastewater measurements of the disease, however, are trending upward.
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0... by @craigstetter.bsky.social via @mprnews.org
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0... by @craigstetter.bsky.social via @mprnews.org
Reposted by Erica Zurek
For smaller stations in Minnesota, federal dollars make up a more significant share of their budgets. Twelve broadcasters get more than 30 percent of their funding from the CPB.
Minnesota broadcasters brace for ‘catastrophic’ impact of federal funding cuts
Minnesota public broadcasters brace for the impact of losing $17 million in Corporation for Public Broadcasting funds following the passage of the rescission bill in Congress.
www.mprnews.org
July 19, 2025 at 12:23 AM
For smaller stations in Minnesota, federal dollars make up a more significant share of their budgets. Twelve broadcasters get more than 30 percent of their funding from the CPB.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
BREAKING: ICE officials will gain access to personally identifiable information for all Medicaid enrollees, according to an agreement obtained by the AP.
Trump administration hands over nation's Medicaid enrollee data, including addresses, to ICE
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials will gain access to personally identifiable information for all of the nation’s 79 million Medicaid enrollees.
bit.ly
July 17, 2025 at 4:21 PM
BREAKING: ICE officials will gain access to personally identifiable information for all Medicaid enrollees, according to an agreement obtained by the AP.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
The defendants maintain that abortion is a legitimate form of medical care, not an infringement on parental rights.
Judge hears motion to dismiss suit challenging Minnesota abortion law
A federal judge Friday heard a motion to dismiss a suit brought last year by a group of plaintiffs arguing that Minnesota laws protecting access to abortion are unconstitutional.
www.mprnews.org
July 11, 2025 at 11:33 PM
The defendants maintain that abortion is a legitimate form of medical care, not an infringement on parental rights.
Reposted by Erica Zurek
Funding for SNAP-Ed, the educational piece of the nationwide federal food assistance program, was completely eliminated in the massive Trump administration spending bill recently signed into law. One local leader says it will cause serious harm to Minnesota families.
Trump cuts gut family nutrition education program in Minnesota, slash 60 jobs
Funding for SNAP-Ed, the educational piece of the nationwide federal food assistance program, was completely eliminated in the massive Trump administration spending bill recently signed into law. One ...
www.mprnews.org
July 11, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Funding for SNAP-Ed, the educational piece of the nationwide federal food assistance program, was completely eliminated in the massive Trump administration spending bill recently signed into law. One local leader says it will cause serious harm to Minnesota families.