Dené K. Dryden
@denekdryden.bsky.social
Health reporter for the Post Bulletin in Rochester, Minnesota. On Signal at ddryden.80
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists strongly condemns attacks on journalists by law enforcement on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, during a federal operation in St. Paul.
Read our full statement: www.mnspj.org/2025/11/26/m...
Read our full statement: www.mnspj.org/2025/11/26/m...
November 26, 2025 at 5:46 PM
The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists strongly condemns attacks on journalists by law enforcement on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, during a federal operation in St. Paul.
Read our full statement: www.mnspj.org/2025/11/26/m...
Read our full statement: www.mnspj.org/2025/11/26/m...
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
After a bird flu outbreak tore through Midwestern barns, killing millions of chickens and spiking egg prices, the federal government didn’t investigate if the virus was airborne.
So ProPublica did.
Absolutely terrifying reporting from @natlash.bsky.social:
www.propublica.org/article/bird...
So ProPublica did.
Absolutely terrifying reporting from @natlash.bsky.social:
www.propublica.org/article/bird...
What the U.S. Government Is Dismissing That Could Seed a Bird Flu Pandemic
Egg producers suspect bird flu is traveling through the air. After a disastrous Midwestern outbreak early this year, we tested that theory and found that where the wind blew, the virus followed. Vacci...
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 6:53 PM
After a bird flu outbreak tore through Midwestern barns, killing millions of chickens and spiking egg prices, the federal government didn’t investigate if the virus was airborne.
So ProPublica did.
Absolutely terrifying reporting from @natlash.bsky.social:
www.propublica.org/article/bird...
So ProPublica did.
Absolutely terrifying reporting from @natlash.bsky.social:
www.propublica.org/article/bird...
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
In the same year the health system set a record-breaking $1.3 billion operating margin, it also significantly increased its charity care contributions.
Mayo Clinic's 2024 charity care spending more than doubled over previous year, tax documents confirm
In the same year the health system set a record-breaking $1.3 billion operating margin, it also significantly increased its charity care contributions.
www.postbulletin.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:42 PM
In the same year the health system set a record-breaking $1.3 billion operating margin, it also significantly increased its charity care contributions.
Measles detection in Rochester wastewater foreshadows more robust monitoring for viral diseases
Measles detection in Rochester wastewater foreshadows more robust monitoring for viral diseases
As the MDH and University of Minnesota build out their statewide wastewater monitoring efforts, recent measles cases in Rochester tested the tech's ability to catch outbreaks early.
www.postbulletin.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Measles detection in Rochester wastewater foreshadows more robust monitoring for viral diseases
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
The new facility, built to replace the VonWald Youth Shelter south of Rochester, opened its doors to the public on Thursday for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
$10 million Southeast Minnesota Youth Shelter opens
The new facility, built to replace the VonWald Youth Shelter south of Rochester, opened its doors to the public on Thursday for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
www.postbulletin.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:19 PM
The new facility, built to replace the VonWald Youth Shelter south of Rochester, opened its doors to the public on Thursday for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
Marion County agrees to pay out $3M for newspaper raid, expresses regret. Editor says court cases against city continue #ksleg
Marion County agrees to pay out $3M for newspaper raid, expresses regret • Kansas Reflector
A handful of county-level officials who were involved in a small-town Kansas newspaper raid in 2023 will pay a cumulative $3 million to three journalists and a city councilor.
kansasreflector.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Marion County agrees to pay out $3M for newspaper raid, expresses regret. Editor says court cases against city continue #ksleg
New, from me: After some #MayoClinic employees received letters informing them that Hunt's Silver Lake Drug — the only independent pharmacy in town — would be out-of-network in 2026, the pharmacy clarified that it will be in-network next year. (TL;DR the contract wasn't signed in time)
November 10, 2025 at 9:49 PM
New, from me: After some #MayoClinic employees received letters informing them that Hunt's Silver Lake Drug — the only independent pharmacy in town — would be out-of-network in 2026, the pharmacy clarified that it will be in-network next year. (TL;DR the contract wasn't signed in time)
In Northfield, Minn., the local hospital's birth volumes have increased considerably over the past few years.
Part of that probably has to do with its upgraded L&D unit and amenities. But another factor: more rural hospitals around the region are closing their childbirth services.
#ruralhealthcare
Part of that probably has to do with its upgraded L&D unit and amenities. But another factor: more rural hospitals around the region are closing their childbirth services.
#ruralhealthcare
As Mayo Clinic, other hospitals reduce rural labor and delivery services, one hospital is investing in them
A growing number of babies are being delivered at Northfield Hospital. It’s partially the result of fewer nearby hospitals that offer labor and delivery care.
www.postbulletin.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
In Northfield, Minn., the local hospital's birth volumes have increased considerably over the past few years.
Part of that probably has to do with its upgraded L&D unit and amenities. But another factor: more rural hospitals around the region are closing their childbirth services.
#ruralhealthcare
Part of that probably has to do with its upgraded L&D unit and amenities. But another factor: more rural hospitals around the region are closing their childbirth services.
#ruralhealthcare
How it feels to write about PBM contract negotiations
November 10, 2025 at 5:39 PM
How it feels to write about PBM contract negotiations
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
As federal data becomes less available, Walgreens launches flu and COVID tracker. www.axios.com/2025/11/04/w...
Exclusive: Walgreens launches expanded flu, COVID tracker
Commercial and academic tools are becoming more important as federal data becomes less available.
www.axios.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:54 PM
As federal data becomes less available, Walgreens launches flu and COVID tracker. www.axios.com/2025/11/04/w...
The second "Seconds Matter" story is now available!
For Southeast Minnesota teens and their parents, ‘communication, not isolation’ is key to suicide prevention
For Southeast Minnesota teens and their parents, ‘communication, not isolation’ is key to suicide prevention
November 4, 2025 at 4:27 PM
The second "Seconds Matter" story is now available!
For Southeast Minnesota teens and their parents, ‘communication, not isolation’ is key to suicide prevention
For Southeast Minnesota teens and their parents, ‘communication, not isolation’ is key to suicide prevention
CW: suicide
The first story in my @postbulletin.bsky.social reporting series on youth firearm access, supported by a @healthjournalism.org fellowship, is live.
The first two articles in this series address youth suicide prevention — and how firearm safety plays a key part.
The first story in my @postbulletin.bsky.social reporting series on youth firearm access, supported by a @healthjournalism.org fellowship, is live.
The first two articles in this series address youth suicide prevention — and how firearm safety plays a key part.
After losing her son to suicide, a Lake City mom wants to help others navigate hard conversations
Suicide is a leading cause of death for Minnesota teens. Southeast Minnesota parents and professionals speak about how suicide has impacted their lives — and how to prevent it.
www.postbulletin.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:33 PM
CW: suicide
The first story in my @postbulletin.bsky.social reporting series on youth firearm access, supported by a @healthjournalism.org fellowship, is live.
The first two articles in this series address youth suicide prevention — and how firearm safety plays a key part.
The first story in my @postbulletin.bsky.social reporting series on youth firearm access, supported by a @healthjournalism.org fellowship, is live.
The first two articles in this series address youth suicide prevention — and how firearm safety plays a key part.
I got to take a field trip to Northfield and @carleton.edu to report this sports/health combo story.
QB Jack Curtis received a cancer diagnosis in June. He's determined to play every football game this fall amid chemotherapy treatment.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to my normal life."
QB Jack Curtis received a cancer diagnosis in June. He's determined to play every football game this fall amid chemotherapy treatment.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to my normal life."
With a team behind him, this college quarterback plays his final season amid cancer treatment at Mayo Clinic
Over the summer, Jack Curtis was diagnosed with lymphoma. Now, he's balancing class, football and chemotherapy during his senior year at Carleton College.
www.postbulletin.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:47 PM
I got to take a field trip to Northfield and @carleton.edu to report this sports/health combo story.
QB Jack Curtis received a cancer diagnosis in June. He's determined to play every football game this fall amid chemotherapy treatment.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to my normal life."
QB Jack Curtis received a cancer diagnosis in June. He's determined to play every football game this fall amid chemotherapy treatment.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to my normal life."
Tracie and Dave might go without health insurance next year.
Today, their plan is $400/mo. But, with the expiration of the IRA premium tax credit, that plan will cost them $2K/mo.
90,000 Minnesotans are in the same boat, per the state dept. of commerce. My latest for @postbulletin.bsky.social:
Today, their plan is $400/mo. But, with the expiration of the IRA premium tax credit, that plan will cost them $2K/mo.
90,000 Minnesotans are in the same boat, per the state dept. of commerce. My latest for @postbulletin.bsky.social:
Rochester-area residents face higher MNsure health insurance premiums in 2026
Between rising premiums and the anticipated end of a federal tax credit, those who purchase health insurance on the individual market could see their monthly costs go up next year.
www.postbulletin.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Tracie and Dave might go without health insurance next year.
Today, their plan is $400/mo. But, with the expiration of the IRA premium tax credit, that plan will cost them $2K/mo.
90,000 Minnesotans are in the same boat, per the state dept. of commerce. My latest for @postbulletin.bsky.social:
Today, their plan is $400/mo. But, with the expiration of the IRA premium tax credit, that plan will cost them $2K/mo.
90,000 Minnesotans are in the same boat, per the state dept. of commerce. My latest for @postbulletin.bsky.social:
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
With prospects for a special session of the Minnesota Legislature to consider an assault weapons ban and other gun control measures on hold if not dead, DFL political leaders are turning to a different tactic: Going to the people.
DFL looks to build support for gun control with town hall forums
With prospects for a special session of the Minnesota Legislature to consider an assault weapons ban and other gun control measures on hold if not dead, DFL political leaders are turning to a different tactic: Going to the people.
www.duluthnewstribune.com
October 22, 2025 at 5:14 PM
With prospects for a special session of the Minnesota Legislature to consider an assault weapons ban and other gun control measures on hold if not dead, DFL political leaders are turning to a different tactic: Going to the people.
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
Bueller, a three-year-old black Labrador Retriever, works full-time in the child and adolescent psychiatry unit.
Mayo Clinic Hospital adds another facility dog to its team
Bueller, a three-year-old black Labrador Retriever, works full-time in the child and adolescent psychiatry unit.
www.postbulletin.com
October 21, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Bueller, a three-year-old black Labrador Retriever, works full-time in the child and adolescent psychiatry unit.
Beginning Nov. 17, Mayo Clinic will no longer provide OB-GYNs to staff the labor and delivery department at Owatonna Hospital
Allina Health, which runs the Owatonna Hospital, said it is working to "preserve these vital services."
Allina Health, which runs the Owatonna Hospital, said it is working to "preserve these vital services."
Mayo Clinic to end its labor and delivery coverage at Owatonna Hospital
Beginning Nov. 17, Mayo Clinic Health System will no longer provide labor and delivery coverage at Owatonna Hospital.
www.postbulletin.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Beginning Nov. 17, Mayo Clinic will no longer provide OB-GYNs to staff the labor and delivery department at Owatonna Hospital
Allina Health, which runs the Owatonna Hospital, said it is working to "preserve these vital services."
Allina Health, which runs the Owatonna Hospital, said it is working to "preserve these vital services."
Forgot about Bluesky for a hot minute, my bad
This enrollment season, seniors in Olmsted County, Minnesota have fewer #MedicareAdvantage options to choose from, and Mayo Clinic will be out of network with one of three available insurers come 2026.
This enrollment season, seniors in Olmsted County, Minnesota have fewer #MedicareAdvantage options to choose from, and Mayo Clinic will be out of network with one of three available insurers come 2026.
Southeast Minnesota seniors see fewer options for Medicare Advantage coverage next year
For the 2025 plan year, five insurance companies offered Medicare Advantage plans in Olmsted County. In 2026, it'll just be three companies, one of which will be out of network with Mayo Clinic.
www.postbulletin.com
October 17, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Forgot about Bluesky for a hot minute, my bad
This enrollment season, seniors in Olmsted County, Minnesota have fewer #MedicareAdvantage options to choose from, and Mayo Clinic will be out of network with one of three available insurers come 2026.
This enrollment season, seniors in Olmsted County, Minnesota have fewer #MedicareAdvantage options to choose from, and Mayo Clinic will be out of network with one of three available insurers come 2026.
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
A federal judge in Illinois has barred federal agents from using force or threatening to arrest journalists in Chicago.
Illinois judge blocks federal authorities from using force against Chicago journalists
Chicago journalists and protesters sued senior administration officials this week, arguing that the government had prevented them from using their First Amendment rights.
www.politico.com
October 9, 2025 at 8:39 PM
A federal judge in Illinois has barred federal agents from using force or threatening to arrest journalists in Chicago.
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
The four-session class at Northrop Community Education Center will cover the science around addiction, how it affects people and their families and what help is out there.
An 'Understanding Addiction' class returns to Rochester this month
The four-session class at Northrop Community Education Center will cover the science around addiction, how it affects people and their families and what help is out there.
www.postbulletin.com
October 6, 2025 at 11:46 AM
The four-session class at Northrop Community Education Center will cover the science around addiction, how it affects people and their families and what help is out there.
A Rochester advisory group on homelessness caps off its first year with a statewide award
A Rochester advisory group on homelessness caps off its first year with a statewide award
Rochester's Team of Advisors Bringing Lived Experience, or the TABLE, was recognized by the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless for its "significant contributions" in addressing homelessness.
www.postbulletin.com
October 1, 2025 at 9:26 PM
A Rochester advisory group on homelessness caps off its first year with a statewide award
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
State health leaders are sharing information about measles symptoms, vaccination and travel considerations after confirming 10 new cases since Sept. 29.
Minnesota health department issues travel, vaccine advice as 10 more measles cases confirmed
State health leaders are sharing information about measles symptoms, vaccination and travel considerations after confirming 10 new cases since Sept. 29.
www.postbulletin.com
October 1, 2025 at 9:23 PM
State health leaders are sharing information about measles symptoms, vaccination and travel considerations after confirming 10 new cases since Sept. 29.
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
On Thursday, with the Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys' rainbow entrance as a backdrop, a group of people spoke out against the health system's closure of six clinics in southern Minnesota.
Outside Saint Marys hospital, demonstrators critique Mayo Clinic's rural clinic closures
On Thursday, with the Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys' rainbow entrance as a backdrop, a group of people spoke out against the health system's closure of six clinics in southern Minnesota.
www.postbulletin.com
September 25, 2025 at 7:41 PM
On Thursday, with the Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys' rainbow entrance as a backdrop, a group of people spoke out against the health system's closure of six clinics in southern Minnesota.
Reposted by Dené K. Dryden
In 2024, Mayo Clinic sponsored almost 400 new H-1B work visas for physicians and other health care and IT staff.
Trump's new $100K fee on certain work visas could impact Rochester's medical staff
In 2024, Mayo Clinic sponsored almost 400 new H-1B work visas for physicians and other health care and IT staff.
www.postbulletin.com
September 27, 2025 at 11:37 AM
In 2024, Mayo Clinic sponsored almost 400 new H-1B work visas for physicians and other health care and IT staff.
Busy day! First up: Mayo Clinic played host to an international event earlier this week. The third annual Undiagnosed Hackathon brings together global experts to solve as many unsolved medical cases as they can. #raredisease #aiinmedicine
International experts gather in Rochester to 'hack' answers for undiagnosed people
The Undiagnosed Hackathon, now in its third year, was held at Mayo Clinic this week. The goal: find answers for individuals who are living with an undiagnosed disease.
www.postbulletin.com
September 24, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Busy day! First up: Mayo Clinic played host to an international event earlier this week. The third annual Undiagnosed Hackathon brings together global experts to solve as many unsolved medical cases as they can. #raredisease #aiinmedicine