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  31. <title>Trump hosts Senate Republicans at renovated White House as the shutdown drags into fourth week</title>
  32. <link>http://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2025/10/trump-hosts-senate-republicans-at-renovated-white-house-as-the-shutdown-drags-into-fourth-week/</link>
  34. <dc:creator><![CDATA[By Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick and Seung Min Kim, Associated Press]]></dc:creator>
  35. <pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:11:05 +0000</pubDate>
  36. <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
  37. <category><![CDATA[Washington]]></category>
  38. <category><![CDATA[2025 Federal Government Shutdown]]></category>
  39. <category><![CDATA[Live Blog]]></category>
  40. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.minnpost.com/?p=2213357</guid>
  41.  
  42. <description><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="two men in suits at a podium" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  43. <p>As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, President Donald Trump welcomed Senate Republicans for lunch at the White House. </p>
  44. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2025/10/trump-hosts-senate-republicans-at-renovated-white-house-as-the-shutdown-drags-into-fourth-week/">Trump hosts Senate Republicans at renovated White House as the shutdown drags into fourth week</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  45. ]]></description>
  46. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="two men in suits at a podium" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25289627093703-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  47. <p id="p_summary">WASHINGTON (Oct. 21) — As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, President Donald Trump is welcoming Senate Republicans for lunch at the White House. It&#8217;s not for urgent talks on how to end the shutdown, but a celebratory display of unity as they refuse to negotiate on Democratic demands for health care funds. Trump is praising GOP leaders by name. But Senate Democrats are also expressing confidence in their strategy to keep voting against a House-passed bill that would reopen the government until Trump and other Republicans engage them. Democrats want to extend health care subsidies that are expiring. Trump says he&#8217;ll discuss health care, but only after the government reopens.</p>
  48.  
  49.  
  50.  
  51. <span id="more-2213357"></span>
  52.  
  53.  
  54.  
  55. <p>Head Start <a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-government-shutdown-education-10b7ea5cfcc2ae10c37533a09a1d1d0f">programs for preschoolers</a> are scrambling for federal funds. The federal agency tasked with overseeing the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-nuclear-security-furloughs-wright-trump-711fe8811697c850923c939befea2943">U.S. nuclear stockpile</a> has begun furloughing its 1,400 employees. Thousands more federal workers are <a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-trump-furloughs-firings-economy-federal-workers-efced4c32282087c8c53aeab535230a0">going without paychecks</a>.</p>
  56.  
  57.  
  58.  
  59. <p>But as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;welcomed Republican senators for lunch in the newly renovated Rose Garden Club — with the boom-boom of construction underway on the new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-demolish-a3efb2973d4d4e45f98b02e55210c538">White House ballroom</a>&nbsp;— he portrayed a different vision of America, as a unified GOP refuses to yield to Democratic demands for health care funds, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-trump-furloughs-firings-economy-federal-workers-efced4c32282087c8c53aeab535230a0">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;drags on.</p>
  60.  
  61.  
  62.  
  63. <p>“We have the hottest country anywhere in the world, which tells you about leadership,” Trump said in opening remarks, extolling the renovations underway as senators took their seats in the newly paved over garden-turned-patio.</p>
  64.  
  65.  
  66.  
  67. <p>It was a festive atmosphere under crisp, but sunny autumn skies as senators settled in for cheeseburgers, fries and chocolates, and Trump’s favored songs — “YMCA” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” — played over the new sound system.</p>
  68.  
  69.  
  70.  
  71. <p>And while Trump said the shutdown must come to an end — and suggested maybe Smithsonian museums could reopen — he signaled no quick compromise with Democrats over the expiring health care funds.</p>
  72.  
  73.  
  74.  
  75. <p>Later at another White House event, Trump said he&#8217;s happy to talk with Democrats about health care once the shutdown is over. “The government has to be open,” he said.</p>
  76.  
  77.  
  78.  
  79. <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Shutdown drags into record books</h4>
  80.  
  81.  
  82.  
  83. <p>As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">the government shutdown</a>&nbsp;enters its fourth week — on track to become one of the longest in U.S. history — millions of Americans are bracing for health care sticker shock, while others are feeling the financial impact. Economists have warned that the federal closure, with many of the nearly 2.3 million employees working without pay, will shave economic growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points per week.</p>
  84.  
  85.  
  86.  
  87. <p>The Democratic leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries had outreached to the White House on Tuesday, seeking a meeting with Trump before the president departs for his next overseas trip, to Asia.</p>
  88.  
  89.  
  90.  
  91. <p>“We said we’ll set up an appointment with him anytime, anyplace before he leaves,” Schumer said.</p>
  92.  
  93.  
  94.  
  95. <p>With Republicans in control of Congress, the Democrats have few options. They are planning to keep the Senate in session late into the night Wednesday in protest. The House has been closed for weeks.</p>
  96.  
  97.  
  98.  
  99. <p>The Republican senators, departing the White House lunch with gifts of Trump caps and medallions, said there is nothing to negotiate with Democrats over the health care funds until the government reopens.</p>
  100.  
  101.  
  102.  
  103. <p>“People keep saying ‘negotiate’ — negotiate what?” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said after the hour-long meeting. He said Republicans and the president are willing to consider discussions over health care, “but open up the government first.”</p>
  104.  
  105.  
  106.  
  107. <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Missed paychecks and programs running out of money</h4>
  108.  
  109.  
  110.  
  111. <p>While Capitol Hill remains at a standstill, the effects of the shutdown are worsening.</p>
  112.  
  113.  
  114.  
  115. <p>Federal workers are set to miss additional paychecks amid total uncertainty about when they might eventually get paid. Government services like the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-wic-food-a6d66fa0ce3d02257b5b43a79355b1bf">Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children</a>, known as WIC, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-government-shutdown-education-10b7ea5cfcc2ae10c37533a09a1d1d0f">Head Start</a>&nbsp;preschool programs that serve needy families are facing potential cutoffs in funding. On Monday, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the National Nuclear Security Administration is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-trump-furloughs-firings-economy-federal-workers-efced4c32282087c8c53aeab535230a0">furloughing its federal workers</a>. The Federal Aviation Administration has reported air traffic controller shortages and flight delays in cities across the United States.</p>
  116.  
  117.  
  118.  
  119. <p>At the same time, economists, including Goldman Sachs and the nonpartisan CBO, have warned that the federal government&#8217;s closure will ripple through the economy. More recently, Oxford Economics said a shutdown reduces economic growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points per week.</p>
  120.  
  121.  
  122.  
  123. <p>The U.S. Chamber of Commerce noted that the Small Business Administration supports loans totaling about $860 million a week for 1,600 small businesses. Those programs will close to new loans during the shutdown. The shutdown also has halted the issuance and renewal of flood insurance policies, delaying mortgage closings and real estate transactions.</p>
  124.  
  125.  
  126.  
  127. <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Rising health care costs</h4>
  128.  
  129.  
  130.  
  131. <p>And without action,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-congress-02382f77ea1ba72896148555a75dc075">future health costs</a>&nbsp;are expected to skyrocket for millions of Americans as the enhanced federal subsidies that help people buy private insurance under the Affordable Care Act, come to an end.</p>
  132.  
  133.  
  134.  
  135. <p>Those subsidies, in the form of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-tax-credits-obamacare-shutdown-f1ee636ddba7f65baa5234c55cb0c96e">tax credits</a>&nbsp;that were bolstered during the COVID-19 crisis, expire Dec. 31, and insurance companies are sending out information ahead of open enrollment periods about the new rates for the coming year.</p>
  136.  
  137.  
  138.  
  139. <p>Most U.S. adults are worried about health care becoming more expensive, according to a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/">Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research</a>&nbsp;poll, as they make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicare-part-d-prescription-coverage-enrollment-8cf0b1460e84367cdba7002147165a50">decisions about next year’s health coverage</a>.</p>
  140.  
  141.  
  142.  
  143. <p>Members of both parties acknowledge that time is running out to fix the looming health insurance price hikes, even as talks are quietly underway over possible extensions or changes to the ACA funding.</p>
  144.  
  145.  
  146.  
  147. <p>Democrats are focused on Nov. 1, when next year’s enrollment period for the ACA coverage begins and millions of people will sign up for their coverage&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-tax-credits-obamacare-shutdown-f1ee636ddba7f65baa5234c55cb0c96e">without the expanded subsidy help</a>. Once those sign-ups begin, they say, it would be much harder to restore the subsidies even if they did have a bipartisan compromise.</p>
  148.  
  149.  
  150.  
  151. <h4 class="wp-block-heading">What about Trump?</h4>
  152.  
  153.  
  154.  
  155. <p>Tuesday’s White House meeting offered a chance for Republican senators to engage with the president on the shutdown after he had been&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats%20say%20trump%20should%20be%20involved%20in%20shutdown%20talks/">more involved in foreign policy and other issues</a>.</p>
  156.  
  157.  
  158.  
  159. <p>But senators left the meeting, some saying it was more of a luncheon than a substantial conversation. They said they could hear, but not see, the ballroom construction nearby.</p>
  160.  
  161.  
  162.  
  163. <p>Trump had previously indicated early on during the shutdown that he may be willing to discuss the health care issue, and Democrats have been counting on turning the president&#8217;s attention their way. But the president later clarified that he would only do so once the government reopens.</p>
  164.  
  165.  
  166.  
  167. <p>___</p>
  168.  
  169.  
  170.  
  171. <p>Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Matt Brown, Will Weissert and Joey Cappelletti contributed to this report.</p>
  172. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2025/10/trump-hosts-senate-republicans-at-renovated-white-house-as-the-shutdown-drags-into-fourth-week/">Trump hosts Senate Republicans at renovated White House as the shutdown drags into fourth week</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  173. ]]></content:encoded>
  177. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2213357</post-id> </item>
  178. <item>
  179. <title>Shutdown Blog: The latest on the government shutdown and its impact on Minnesota</title>
  180. <link>http://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2025/10/live-blog-the-latest-on-the-government-shutdown-and-its-impact-on-minnesota/</link>
  182. <dc:creator><![CDATA[by MinnPost staff]]></dc:creator>
  183. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:36:16 +0000</pubDate>
  184. <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
  185. <category><![CDATA[Washington]]></category>
  186. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.minnpost.com/?p=2211596</guid>
  187.  
  188. <description><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="Silhouette of the U.S. Capitol building" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  189. <p>Updates on the federal government shutdown and its impact on Minnesota by D.C. correspondent Ana Radelat, data journalist Shadi Bushra and other MinnPost contributors.</p>
  190. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2025/10/live-blog-the-latest-on-the-government-shutdown-and-its-impact-on-minnesota/">Shutdown Blog: The latest on the government shutdown and its impact on Minnesota</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  191. ]]></description>
  192. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="Silhouette of the U.S. Capitol building" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  193. <p><em>Updates on the federal government shutdown and its impact on Minnesota by D.C. correspondent Ana Radelat, data journalist Shadi Bushra and other MinnPost contributors.</em></p>
  194.  
  195.  
  196. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2025/10/live-blog-the-latest-on-the-government-shutdown-and-its-impact-on-minnesota/">Shutdown Blog: The latest on the government shutdown and its impact on Minnesota</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  197. ]]></content:encoded>
  201. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2211596</post-id> </item>
  202. <item>
  203. <title>The shutdown threatened to close dozens of Head Start centers. Then the state stepped in.</title>
  204. <link>http://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2025/10/the-shutdown-threatened-to-close-dozens-of-head-start-centers-then-the-state-stepped-in/</link>
  206. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Radelat and Wren Warne-Jacobsen]]></dc:creator>
  207. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:25:42 +0000</pubDate>
  208. <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
  209. <category><![CDATA[Washington]]></category>
  210. <category><![CDATA[2025 Federal Government Shutdown]]></category>
  211. <category><![CDATA[Live Blog]]></category>
  212. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.minnpost.com/?p=2213327</guid>
  213.  
  214. <description><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="Silhouette of the U.S. Capitol building" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  215. <p>A Minnesota agency and three other nonprofits that run Head Start centers will be allowed to use state funds for their November operations.</p>
  216. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2025/10/the-shutdown-threatened-to-close-dozens-of-head-start-centers-then-the-state-stepped-in/">The shutdown threatened to close dozens of Head Start centers. Then the state stepped in.</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  217. ]]></description>
  218. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="Silhouette of the U.S. Capitol building" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25283485724386-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  219. <p>WASHINGTON – The federal shutdown threatened the operation of 30 Head Start centers run by West Central Community Action, a non-profit headquartered in Elbow Lake.</p>
  220.  
  221.  
  222.  
  223. <p>West Central and three other nonprofits that run Head Start programs in the state that serve more than 1,300 pre-school children face a Nov. 1 deadline to receive federal funding that would allow them to continue operations for a year. But as the shutdown dragged on, those payments were in danger.</p>
  224.  
  225.  
  226.  
  227. <p>“We were nervous,” said Missy Becker-Cook, CEO of <a href="https://wcmca.org/">West Central Community Action</a>, whose Head Start centers serve 370 children.</p>
  228.  
  229.  
  230.  
  231. <p>But on Friday, the state came to the rescue. Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth and Families advised West Central, and the three other nonprofits that run dozens of Head Start centers with Nov. 1 deadlines, that they are allowed to use state Head Start money to fund their November operations.</p>
  232.  
  233.  
  234.  
  235. <p>“It’s just barely enough for November, and November only,” Becker-Cook said of the approximately $400,000 that West Central was allocated by the state on July 1.</p>
  236.  
  237.  
  238.  
  239. <p>Although the federal government provides about 89% of the funding for the Head Start program in Minnesota, the state also chips in to fund centers that expand their operations.</p>
  240.  
  241.  
  242.  
  243. <p>“Head Start state funds are designated ‘to expand services and serve additional low-income children,’” said Patrick Hogan, spokesperson for Minnesota Management and Budget. “Using these funds to sustain operations during a federal funding disruption aligns with the intent of the state allocation and supports continuity of care for children and families.”&nbsp;</p>
  244.  
  245.  
  246.  
  247. <p>Kraig Gratke, executive director for the Minnesota Head Start Association, said the state has allowed the nonprofits at risk of losing their federal Head Start money on Nov. 1 to draw down the state funds aimed at expanding enrollment in the program “at an accelerated rate.”</p>
  248.  
  249.  
  250.  
  251. <p>“We have just heard this and are waiting for the state to let us know what the process will be,” Gratke said. “This is really about keeping kids and families safe and keeping staff on. It is the best short-term solution we could have in hopes the shutdown doesn&#8217;t last.”</p>
  252.  
  253.  
  254.  
  255. <p>The scramble to keep centers that provide early education, meals and even infant care for low-income families from closing shows the widening impact of the federal government’s shutdown and its cutoff of federal monies.</p>
  256.  
  257.  
  258.  
  259. <p>The lengthening federal shutdown has already affected the <a href="https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2025/10/heating-assistance-for-low-income-minnesotans-on-hold-during-shutdown/">federal heating assistance program</a> and could soon derail the federal food stamp program known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as WIC, another federal nutrition program.</p>
  260.  
  261.  
  262.  
  263. <p>The other nonprofits in the state that faced a looming Nov. 1 deadline for Head Start funding were the Rochester-based Families First of Southern Minnesota, Anoka Community Action and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. These agencies fund dozens of Head Start centers.</p>
  264.  
  265.  
  266.  
  267. <p>Anoka Community Action and the Grand Portage Band did not return calls requesting information.</p>
  268.  
  269.  
  270.  
  271. <p>But <a href="https://www.familiesfirstmn.org/">Families First</a> said it would spend state funds to keep its centers open.</p>
  272.  
  273.  
  274.  
  275. <p>“Five hundred children and their parents would be impacted if we have to shut down,” said Kristin Quenzer, the executive director of Families First. “But we are able to draw (state) funds down until there is an agreement.”</p>
  276.  
  277.  
  278.  
  279. <p>Quenzer said Families First has been threatened with a loss of Head Start funding before, but “it has never been as tenuous as it has been this year.”</p>
  280.  
  281.  
  282.  
  283. <p>Besides the threat posed by the shutdown, the Trump administration froze Head Start funding at the beginning of the year and the president failed to include funding for the program in his 2026 budget.</p>
  284.  
  285.  
  286.  
  287. <p>Hundreds of employees working in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), which administers Head Start, were laid off by the Trump administration this year. And five of the program&#8217;s regional offices – including the one that served Minnesota centers in Chicago – were abruptly closed. Minnesota centers must now correspond with a center in Rapid City.</p>
  288.  
  289.  
  290.  
  291. <p>“It would be really bad for children and families,” Gratke said of the possible shuttering of centers.</p>
  292.  
  293.  
  294.  
  295. <p>“If they shut down, there’s nowhere else for the children to go,” he said, citing the high cost of day care and even higher cost of infant care. “Their parents won’t be able to work or go to school and do the things that lift them out of poverty.”</p>
  296. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2025/10/the-shutdown-threatened-to-close-dozens-of-head-start-centers-then-the-state-stepped-in/">The shutdown threatened to close dozens of Head Start centers. Then the state stepped in.</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  297. ]]></content:encoded>
  301. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2213327</post-id> </item>
  302. <item>
  303. <title>Hermantown residents oppose data center at council meeting</title>
  304. <link>http://www.minnpost.com/glean/2025/10/hermantown-residents-oppose-data-center-at-council-meeting/</link>
  306. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Holly Marie Moore]]></dc:creator>
  307. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:10:00 +0000</pubDate>
  308. <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
  309. <category><![CDATA[The Glean]]></category>
  310. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.minnpost.com/?p=2213313</guid>
  311.  
  312. <description><![CDATA[<figure><img width="600" height="397" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600.png" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="The Glean logo" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600.png 600w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-190x126.png 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-130x85.png?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-400x265.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  313. <p>Plus: Could Minneapolis raise power bill fees to fund eco-friendly improvements; is Minnesota's attorney general running again; and more.</p>
  314. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/glean/2025/10/hermantown-residents-oppose-data-center-at-council-meeting/">Hermantown residents oppose data center at council meeting</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  315. ]]></description>
  316. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img width="600" height="397" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600.png" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="The Glean logo" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600.png 600w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-190x126.png 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-130x85.png?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-400x265.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  317. <p><strong>The Hermantown City Council voted for a zoning change Monday that allows a proposed data center in northeast Minnesota to move forward</strong>, but not before dozens of residents voiced opposition to the project. MPR News reports &#8220;the 4-0 vote to rezone the property about eight miles west of Duluth came after a marathon meeting that lasted nearly six hours and ended just before midnight. More than 50 residents of Hermantown and nearby communities addressed the council, <a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/10/21/hermantown-data-center-moves-forward-despite-opposition">most pleading with council members to reject the zoning change, or at least table it</a>.&#8221;</p>
  318.  
  319.  
  320.  
  321. <p>As residents make their position on the proposed northern Minnesota project known, Bring Me The News reports a &#8220;<strong>lawsuit over [a] Pine Island data center plan alleges substandard environmental review</strong>. &#8230; A&nbsp;St. Paul-based environmental nonprofit is suing [the] southeastern Minnesota city, alleging&nbsp;the environmental review of a proposed data center fell&nbsp;<a href="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/lawsuit-over-pine-island-data-center-plan-alleges-substandard-environmental-review">&#8216;woefully short&#8217;&nbsp;of the requirements in state law.&#8217;</a>&#8220;</p>
  322.  
  323.  
  324.  
  325. <p>Could utility fees help fund eco-friendly improvements? Sahan Journal reports the Minneapolis City Council is considering it. &#8220;<strong>A proposed ordinance to increase franchise fees, which are a percentage of gas and electric bills that goes to the city, was introduced Oct. 9</strong>. The proposal would steer proceeds from those increased fees to programs that <a href="https://sahanjournal.com/climate-environment/minneapolis-city-council-proposed-ordinance-power-bill-fee-increase/">help property owners finance improvements to boost energy efficiency</a> and decrease emissions.&#8221;</p>
  326.  
  327.  
  328.  
  329. <p><strong>Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has announced he will run again</strong>. KARE 11 reports &#8220;Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison confirmed Tuesday what was long anticipated, <a href="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/ellison-announces-run-for-3rd-term-as-minnesota-attorney-general/89-c3a33fa5-fdcf-49a4-a54d-e486d11d39c8">that he will seek a third term as the state&#8217;s top prosecutor</a>.&#8221;</p>
  330.  
  331.  
  332.  
  333. <p></p>
  334. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/glean/2025/10/hermantown-residents-oppose-data-center-at-council-meeting/">Hermantown residents oppose data center at council meeting</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  335. ]]></content:encoded>
  339. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2213313</post-id> </item>
  340. <item>
  341. <title>Timberwolves’ expectations ride on rising NBA superstar Anthony Edwards</title>
  342. <link>http://www.minnpost.com/sports/2025/10/timberwolves-expectations-ride-on-rising-nba-superstar-anthony-edwards/</link>
  344. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Britt Robson]]></dc:creator>
  345. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:38:04 +0000</pubDate>
  346. <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
  347. <category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
  348. <category><![CDATA[Top Story]]></category>
  349. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.minnpost.com/?p=2213285</guid>
  350.  
  351. <description><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="A basketball player smiles up into the stands with his arms out in front of him." decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  352. <p>Unless Ant makes the hardest leap of all — to one of the two or three best in the league — the Wolves will not advance to the NBA Finals.</p>
  353. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/sports/2025/10/timberwolves-expectations-ride-on-rising-nba-superstar-anthony-edwards/">Timberwolves’ expectations ride on rising NBA superstar Anthony Edwards</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  354. ]]></description>
  355. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="A basketball player smiles up into the stands with his arms out in front of him." decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25281115763495-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  356. <p>It is time for another season of the best basketball on the planet.&nbsp;</p>
  357.  
  358.  
  359.  
  360. <p>Time to watch Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards climb another step toward the peak of his career with the ankle weights of higher expectations, expanded duties and more formidable opposition. To see Ant’s ring-less veteran teammates Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert wield their minds as much as muscle to induce optimum team value from their performance.&nbsp;</p>
  361.  
  362.  
  363.  
  364. <p>The Wolves of 2025-26 are a seasoned basketball team with a continuity that reinforces competitive comfort. Ant, Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels are about to embark on their sixth season together, and are each under contract for at least three seasons beyond this one.&nbsp;</p>
  365.  
  366.  
  367.  
  368. <p>After spending the summer of 2024 preparing to play for the New York Knicks only to be uprooted in a trade to the Wolves a couple days before training camp, Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are no longer patchwork additions to the player rotation, their roles and relationships further integrated into the framework of a team they helped propel into a second straight appearance in the Western Conference Finals. Randle in particular has a new two-year contract (with a player option for a third season) and a coach in Chris Finch who put his reputation on the line proving that Randle belonged aside Ant as the dominant playmakers on the roster.</p>
  369.  
  370.  
  371.  
  372. <p>All-purpose combo guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker was the lone member of the Wolves top eight to be sacrificed due to salary constraints, and he will be missed more acutely than is now apparent. NAW was a blessing to team chemistry and consistency. He put gristle in the defense, condiments in the offense, and soulfulness in the locker room. He was honest, vulnerable and compassionate with his emotions and relentless with his energy. He never missed a game during his two-plus seasons with the Wolves, and the blossoming of his career was appropriately rewarded with a $60 million, 4-year contract (his option on the final season) in Atlanta.&nbsp;</p>
  373.  
  374.  
  375.  
  376. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-secondary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d4b446821f2bb48503c1820f8b9b9e54"><a href="https://www.minnpost.com/sports/2025/09/qa-timberwolves-coach-chris-finch-on-teams-young-depth-know-your-role-keep-it-simple/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>Related: Q&amp;A: Timberwolves’ Coach Chris Finch on team’s young depth – know your role, keep it simple</em></strong></a></h3>
  377.  
  378.  
  379.  
  380. <p>NAW’s departure has loosened up last season’s eight-player rotation, a gambit that even Finch conceded was a necessary evil for the sake of fast-forwarding the acclimation of Randle and DiVincenzo. But the preseason performance of TJ Shannon has staked a claim on the eighth slot so thoroughly that young players of proven value (Jaylen Clark) and enormous potential (Rob Dillingham and Joan Beringer) are still likely to scrap for time via situational matchups. Preseason is often an unreliable barometer, but Shannon’s defense and playmaking were organic enough to feel like genuinely latent parts of his skill set rather than a flukey small sample size against opponents still in training camp.&nbsp;</p>
  381.  
  382.  
  383.  
  384. <p>Divining the right rotations, minutes and situations for the four players just mentioned as part of the Wolves “young core” — Shannon, Clark, Dillingham and Beringer — was <a href="https://www.minnpost.com/sports/2025/10/4-questions-the-timberwolves-hope-to-start-answering-with-saturdays-preseason-opener-what-will-this-season-hold/">one of the goals for preseason</a> set forth by Finch and President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly. The others were improving team defense when Gobert wasn’t on the floor, elevating the team’s inclination and efficiency to push the pace and score in transition, and fostering the “intangibles” of sustained commitment and unselfish team play that will be crucial if they have any hope of getting beyond (or even back to) the conference finals and seriously competing for a championship.</p>
  385.  
  386.  
  387.  
  388. <p>All of this is complicated by a lopsided talent level among teams in the Western Conference as opposed to squads in the East. Every season brings surprises pro and con, and the caprice of injuries and less tangible maladies can (and usually does) waylay at least a few of the 30 teams each year. But as of now, I’ve got ten or eleven teams in the West that would stand a good chance of avoiding the play-in by finishing among the top six if any one of them were in the Eastern Conference. When you mix that much quantity with quality, two or three more wins over 82 games could dramatically alter a team’s place in the standings.&nbsp;</p>
  389.  
  390.  
  391.  
  392. <p>In other words, there is very little margin for error, especially for a team like the Wolves, who have generated an unforgiving level of expectation — from the coaches, players and fan base alike — after two successive trips to the conference finals.&nbsp;</p>
  393.  
  394.  
  395.  
  396. <p>That pressure is a double-edged sword that shouldn’t be overlooked as an “X factor” in how the 2025-26 season evolves.&nbsp;</p>
  397.  
  398.  
  399.  
  400. <p>Here are some of the other things that have piqued my curiosity and molded my perspective in preparation for another season of Wolves basketball.&nbsp;</p>
  401.  
  402.  
  403.  
  404. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The maturation of Edwards</h3>
  405.  
  406.  
  407.  
  408. <p>This overwhelms all the other factors. Unless Ant makes the hardest leap of all — going from a top-ten player to one of the two or three best in the league — the Wolves will not take their own difficult step of advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.&nbsp;</p>
  409.  
  410.  
  411.  
  412. <p>The ways and means by which this happens has never been so promising or so specific. Ant turned 24 in August, a year or two away from the typical prime seasons of even athletic guards, who tend to ascend earlier than big men. But one of the reasons Connelly said he made the blockbuster trade for Gobert three years ago was to provide enough surrounding skills to get Ant plenty of experience in the crucible of the playoffs at an impressionable age. That bet has paid off, as precious few star athletes have logged 42 postseason games before turning 24.</p>
  413.  
  414.  
  415.  
  416. <p>Furthermore, the silver lining of getting whupped four games to one in two successive conference finals has clarified where the Wolves fail at an elite level — and what Ant can do about it.</p>
  417.  
  418.  
  419.  
  420. <p>During the preseason, his coaches and teammates this year are challenging him to enhance his focus, tighten up places where his game and/or his mindset is flawed, and at the same time accept a more complementary role in certain situations.&nbsp;</p>
  421.  
  422.  
  423.  
  424. <p>It begins with consistency. Everyone knows Ant rises to the occasion when the stakes are high — and too often becomes inattentive when optimal engagement doesn’t seem vital. A Tuesday night game in mid-January against an inferior opponent, or an afternoon contest on the weekend, frequently brings out the indifference in his performance.&nbsp;</p>
  425.  
  426.  
  427.  
  428. <p>More specifically, Ant has always leveled up to defend star playmakers, but lapses against lesser assignments. His off-ball defense can be prone to wavering concentration or infidelity to schemes and rotations. On offense, he too often surveys before he attacks after receiving the ball, allowing opponents to organize and stack their coverages against him. There is also a little too much freelancing when he has the ball, especially in crunch time.&nbsp;</p>
  429.  
  430.  
  431.  
  432. <p>The message this preseason was that these bad habits come with indirect costs as well as more tangible damage. It puts a small but meaningful drag on the momentum of teamwork, and thus ongoing confidence and capability. It matters most deep into the playoffs, when the opponent is more likely to be that has fostered synergy throughout the season.&nbsp;</p>
  433.  
  434.  
  435.  
  436. <p>Put simply, Ant is being challenged to be at his best more often, to be a dogged role player as well as a star; to disrupt the playmaking of more ordinary foes with a similar vigor deployed in higher leverage situations, and to seal off the weakside cuts and make crisp rotations according to scheme. On offense, he needs to quicken the pace and seize the openings and options that pressure generates, getting off the ball when necessary, and moving without the ball when he does.&nbsp;</p>
  437.  
  438.  
  439.  
  440. <p>In crunchtime, he needs to hone a couple of go-to moves in places that help his teammates space the floor, give him room to get a shot off even when covered, but also provide ways to pass or draw fouls in the flow. He also needs to recognize and accept that there will be times when the crunchtime shots will arise out of post-up plays for Randle in the low block, or pick-and-roll action between Conley and Gobert.&nbsp;</p>
  441.  
  442.  
  443.  
  444. <p>None of these requests are inappropriate and if Ant can adhere to most of them much of the time it will almost certainly improve the team at both ends of the court.&nbsp;</p>
  445.  
  446.  
  447.  
  448. <p>But it is also a tall order that needs to be put in perspective.&nbsp;</p>
  449.  
  450.  
  451.  
  452. <p>The glory of Ant is much more than a bundle of stupendous skills. Finch himself noted in <a href="https://www.minnpost.com/sports/2025/09/qa-timberwolves-chris-finch-on-the-joys-and-challenges-of-coaching-anthony-edwards/">our annual preseason conversation</a> last month that Ant plays with a joy and confidence that is contagious, that provides hope and desire to teammates, who want to be part of the ride.&nbsp;</p>
  453.  
  454.  
  455.  
  456. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-secondary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-294b43854c0a603aaeab17341fb46e9b"><a href="https://www.minnpost.com/sports/2025/09/qa-timberwolves-chris-finch-on-the-joys-and-challenges-of-coaching-anthony-edwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>Related: Q&amp;A: Timberwolves’ Chris Finch on the joys — and challenges — of coaching Anthony Edwards</em></strong></a></h3>
  457.  
  458.  
  459.  
  460. <p>Ant’s charisma contains multiple tablespoons of glee, the pure, childish kind that everyone wants to sip. His love of the game, his support for his teammates, his desire to be coached, are bound up in that precious personality trait, which strengthens his character.&nbsp;</p>
  461.  
  462.  
  463.  
  464. <p>How much can Ant “mature” before some of that glee inevitably evaporates? Nobody knows, probably including Ant. But it is a subtheme running within the largest x factor of the 2025-26 season.</p>
  465.  
  466.  
  467.  
  468. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Is there really another level of improvement under the current plan?</h3>
  469.  
  470.  
  471.  
  472. <p>When you reach the conference finals twice in a row, you sweat the details, caulk the seams, lean into the continuity that has generated such success, and be wary and judicious about any significant tweaks.&nbsp;</p>
  473.  
  474.  
  475.  
  476. <p>During the preseason, the Wolves indeed attempted to push the pace and emphasize transition offense, with mixed results. They also focused on reducing turnovers that lead to transition points in the other direction and put even more pressure on their defense, whether or not Gobert is on the court.&nbsp;</p>
  477.  
  478.  
  479.  
  480. <p>But Chris Finch is realistic about the virtues and vices of his team. He acknowledges that, especially among the starters, it is not the ideal personnel to race up and down the court. And when I asked him directly, before the preseason game in Chicago last week, if the reliance on isolation plays involving Ant and Randle, along with the stolid presence of Gobert in the half-court offense, naturally created an atmosphere for a high level of turnovers, he agreed that it did.&nbsp;</p>
  481.  
  482.  
  483.  
  484. <p>Last season, Conley, Randle and Ant led the team in assists. On Media Day, Finch said that trio will likely repeat that status this season. Conley has always had one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the NBA, but the arrival of Randle and prominence of Ant necessarily reduce that role. Meanwhile, under certain circumstances, Gobert can be a potent weapon on offense (on screens, rolls and putbacks) but the ways he can score remain limited.&nbsp;</p>
  485.  
  486.  
  487.  
  488. <p>The status quo isn’t shabby, especially after Randle’s role was more clearly defined and refined after the All Star break. The Wolves scored more than 120 points per 100 possessions after the break, third-best in the NBA, while winning 18 of 26 games.&nbsp;</p>
  489.  
  490.  
  491.  
  492. <p>But it is reasonable to ask if a starting five of Ant, Randle, Gobert, Conley and Jaden McDaniels can provide enough punch to overcome its relative lack of points in transition and its high turnover frequency; enough to be among the final teams left in the brutally competitive West.&nbsp;</p>
  493.  
  494.  
  495.  
  496. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The pros and cons of a stable rotation</h3>
  497.  
  498.  
  499.  
  500. <p>In the four full seasons Finch has been head coach, the Wolves have made the playoffs and had unusual locker room harmony, with buy-ins up and down the roster.&nbsp;</p>
  501.  
  502.  
  503.  
  504. <p>Given that when he arrived the Wolves had the worst winning percentage of all the squads in the major teams sports, the last two seasons have been especially impressive. Over that span, the Wolves have been 105-59 in the regular season and 18-13 in the playoffs. And in each of those seasons Finch and his staff were preoccupied with the fallout from a blockbuster roster shuffle — the Gobert deal with Utah and the trade of Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. In 2023-24, Finch molded a frontcourt of Gobert and KAT (whose injury the previous season delayed their familiarity after Gobert was acquired) into the NBA’s premiere defense. Last season, he plugged in DiVincenzo and rejuvenated Randle by starting him every game he was available, without ruffling Naz Reid, the good soldier who was rewarded with a long-term deal this summer.&nbsp;</p>
  505.  
  506.  
  507.  
  508. <p>The point is, Finch’s instincts on his use of personnel have proven to be top-notch. Along the way, he flirts with potential shifts in the status quo — more offensive usage from McDaniels and the deployment of Naz at the small forward as part of a super-sized frontcourt have been articulated in my preseason interview with him two years running. During Summer League in July, he also vowed to get more minutes for the young core by expanding his rotation.&nbsp;</p>
  509.  
  510.  
  511.  
  512. <p>But when the games count after preseason ceases, Finch has stuck with his tried-and-true. There have been brief exceptions — the insertion of DiVincenzo at point guard over Conley for a stint late last fall, and the occasional changes in the crunch-time lineup in certain situations at different points last season. But for the most part, the Wolves under Finch develop their bench personnel on the side and wait for injuries to allow them meaningful playing time.&nbsp;</p>
  513.  
  514.  
  515.  
  516. <p>This drives some elements of the fan base crazy — especially stans of Dillingham, the lottery pick who plays the key point guard position now occupied by Conley, a greybeard on the last year of his contract, yet still gets scant minutes.&nbsp;</p>
  517.  
  518.  
  519.  
  520. <p>For most of last season, I ripped Finch for continuing to start Randle over Naz despite what seemed like a poor fit and a problematic contract situation. But Finch’s faith in Randle hit the jackpot down the stretch and in the first two playoff series. And Connelly followed up by signing both Naz and Randle to hefty contracts in the offseason.&nbsp;</p>
  521.  
  522.  
  523.  
  524. <p>This year’s itch is how the Wolves can and should tap into the versatility of McDaniels. When both Randle and Gobert went down last winter, McDaniels thrived in a small-ball frontcourt with Naz, proving himself an above-average rebounder and rim protector — big man duties — and easily toggling back and forth with Naz at power forward and center.&nbsp;</p>
  525.  
  526.  
  527.  
  528. <p>The Wolves didn’t win many games in that stretch, but the value of McDaniels not only as a force in the paint, but as a playmaker and scorer (as Finch has long suspected) was on display.&nbsp;</p>
  529.  
  530.  
  531.  
  532. <p>Flash forward to the preseason. Partly in an attempt to get Ant more engaged on defense, McDaniels has rarely been deployed as the wing-stopper, a role he parlayed into a spot on the All-NBA Defensive Team two seasons ago. There have also been times when plays have been run for Jaden this preseason.</p>
  533.  
  534.  
  535. <div class="wp-block-image">
  536. <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="640" height="427" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25145030411018-640x427.jpg" alt="Three basketball players vie for the ball." class="wp-image-2213296" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25145030411018-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25145030411018-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25145030411018-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25145030411018-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25145030411018-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25145030411018-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25145030411018-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25145030411018-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25145030411018-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AP25145030411018-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) passes against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, center, and forward Jaden McDaniels, right, during the first half of Game 3 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs, Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Minneapolis.  <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Abbie Parr / AP</span></figcaption></figure></div>
  537.  
  538.  
  539. <p>But there is no denying the fact that the current starting lineup leaves little room for McDaniels to flex on offense. Three of his teammates are ball-dominant and the other has a limited range of skills and positioning on the court. McDaniels’ place in the offense would best be filled by a capable catch-and-shoot long-range gunner.&nbsp;</p>
  540.  
  541.  
  542.  
  543. <p>That’s not McDaniels. But it could be Naz.&nbsp;</p>
  544.  
  545.  
  546.  
  547. <p>Swapping Naz in for McDaniels would give Finch both of his preseason flirtations — a supersized frontcourt and more playmaking opportunities for McDaniels with the second unit. It would require Ant to be the wing-stopper, a major shift and risking an Ant overload, but it would ratify the message of him prioritizing his defense.&nbsp;</p>
  548.  
  549.  
  550.  
  551. <p>When talking about the difficulty of extending his rotation, Finch customarily says that he has three talented bigs (Randle, Gobert and Naz) who eat up 96 minutes among them, leaving six other players in a 9-man rotation vying to fill the other three positions. Flipping the roles of Naz and McDaniels would mean a backup frontcourt of McDaniels and Randle or McDaniels and Naz, with Shannon as the small forward.&nbsp;</p>
  552.  
  553.  
  554.  
  555. <p>What I’ve just outlined is highly unlikely to occur. The greater point of it is that Connelly has done a remarkable job of creating a formidable second timeline, led by Ant, Naz and McDaniels, with Shannon, Clark, Dillingham and Beringer in tow, that could make the Wolves a legitimate contender for the next five years or more. But the temptations of developing that timeline collide with the pressure to maximize winning now, to finish the job after two years on the brink of something really special.</p>
  556.  
  557.  
  558.  
  559. <p>Longtime Wolves fans should re-read that preceding paragraph and let it sink in how remarkably different it is from the history of the franchise that doesn’t involve Kevin Garnett.&nbsp;</p>
  560.  
  561.  
  562.  
  563. <p>Those who prefer a “ring or bust” mentality have a drama to gnaw on for the next six months (barring injury or some other catastrophe). Those who love pro hoops, whether the Wolves are good at it or not, can look forward to another double dip of quality play most nights, as the barrel of crabs that is the Western Conference starts to scrabble — for the league, tonight; for the Wolves, Wednesday night in Portland.</p>
  564.  
  565.  
  566.  
  567. <p>Can’t wait.&nbsp;</p>
  568. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/sports/2025/10/timberwolves-expectations-ride-on-rising-nba-superstar-anthony-edwards/">Timberwolves’ expectations ride on rising NBA superstar Anthony Edwards</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  569. ]]></content:encoded>
  573. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2213285</post-id> </item>
  574. <item>
  575. <title>Once &#8216;more important than ever,&#8217; business and civic leaders shut down Itasca Project</title>
  576. <link>http://www.minnpost.com/twin-cities-business/2025/10/business-and-civic-leaders-shut-down-itasca-project/</link>
  578. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Liz Fedor and Twin Cities Business]]></dc:creator>
  579. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:41:55 +0000</pubDate>
  580. <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
  581. <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
  582. <category><![CDATA[Twin Cities Business]]></category>
  583. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.minnpost.com/?p=2213288</guid>
  584.  
  585. <description><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="Minnesota State Capitol photo" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-400x267.jpg 400w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  586. <p>The alliance, which planned to increase its impact in addressing Minnesota’s problems, has instead disbanded.</p>
  587. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/twin-cities-business/2025/10/business-and-civic-leaders-shut-down-itasca-project/">Once &#8216;more important than ever,&#8217; business and civic leaders shut down Itasca Project</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  588. ]]></description>
  589. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="Minnesota State Capitol photo" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2-400x267.jpg 400w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Capitol-Files_081925_es-2.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  590. <p>In a surprising move, leaders of the Itasca Project, a civic alliance that spanned more than two decades, have decided to shut down the initiative.</p>
  591.  
  592.  
  593.  
  594. <p>One year ago, Steve Grove, publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune, was chosen to become the Itasca Project’s chair. “Itasca has become a national model for collaboration across business, nonprofit, philanthropy, education and public sectors,” Grove said in an Oct. 22, 2024, news release. “I’m pleased to help the new team grow the impact of this work at such an important time for Minnesota.”</p>
  595.  
  596.  
  597.  
  598. <p>On Friday, Grove’s name was atop the list of Itasca Project executive leadership council members who decided to end the Itasca Project’s life span. The executive leadership council and Jake Blumberg, who had served as the Itasca Project’s managing director, were listed at the end of a 10-paragraph memo that was emailed Friday to Itasca Project working team members and funders.</p>
  599.  
  600.  
  601.  
  602. <p>The memo stated the Itasca Project “will be graduating its work to other organizations in our region moving forward.” It stated that the executive leadership council and managing director “came to a unanimous decision that the time is right to retire the Itasca Project as a standalone initiative.”</p>
  603.  
  604.  
  605.  
  606. <p>The memo indicated this conclusion was reached following “a period of careful deliberation.” Blumberg, in a LinkedIn post Thursday, described what that process entailed. He indicated on LinkedIn that he was starting a consulting business after his managing director role with the Itasca Project ended a month ago.</p>
  607.  
  608.  
  609.  
  610. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-secondary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22759d000a6fd90656cb09d3745fad25"><em>Related: <a href="https://www.minnpost.com/twin-cities-business/2025/02/are-ceos-walking-away-from-civic-leadership/">Are CEOs walking away from civic leadership?</a></em></h3>
  611.  
  612.  
  613.  
  614. <p>“I was focused on working with Itasca leadership to answer the most important questions any organization can ask: How do we define success, and are we the right leaders to pursue it? What is the right way forward to best serve the community? As we moved through months of strategic planning work along with community connections and feedback, we considered and explored multiple paths forward to answer those questions,” Blumberg wrote.</p>
  615.  
  616.  
  617.  
  618. <p>“After seven months, Itasca leadership ultimately arrived at this conclusion: Although the past 20 years of Itasca’s work was incredibly important for our community, the work of cross-sector civic engagement is best carried forward by numerous other organizations that have grown over the past two decades — especially those led by folks with different lived experiences and identities than those who have predominantly led those efforts historically,” Blumberg wrote.</p>
  619.  
  620.  
  621.  
  622. <p>The executive leadership council’s Friday memo named some of the organizations that likely will take on the Itasca’s Project’s work on social and economic issues. “Today, the Minneapolis/St. Paul region has many organizations, such as Greater MSP, the GroundBreak Coalition, and countless other groups where business and other community leaders come together to address critical issues for our community,” the memo said.</p>
  623.  
  624.  
  625.  
  626. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-secondary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1cb6ce55264b15e16497eabd8fb39713"><em>Related: <a href="https://www.minnpost.com/twin-cities-business/2021/03/itasca-project-makes-the-business-case-for-better-early-childhood-care/">Itasca Project makes the business case for better early childhood care</a></em></h3>
  627.  
  628.  
  629.  
  630. <p>“The task force model that Itasca pioneered to address issues has been fully adopted by Greater MSP and others. The MYALP [Minnesota Young American Leaders Program] and YALP programs [national Young American Leaders Program], which the Itasca Project helped create and co-lead with the Center for Integrative Leadership at the University of Minnesota and Harvard Business School, will continue without interruption,” the memo said. It indicated that Greater MSP is committed to “advancing and even growing” the leadership programs in 2026 and beyond.</p>
  631.  
  632.  
  633.  
  634. <p>“Business and other community leaders gather at many tables to help work toward a vision for the region where everyone can thrive,” the memo said. “It is inspiring to see this work continue in countless ways and is proof of how strong the spirit of Itasca has become.”</p>
  635.  
  636.  
  637.  
  638. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Itasca Project’s accomplishments</h3>
  639.  
  640.  
  641.  
  642. <p>Educational attainment, housing affordability and regional competitiveness were among the issues tackled by the Itasca Project. It usually formed a couple of task forces per year to examine social and economic challenges, and then the Itasca Project released well-researched reports and recommendations.</p>
  643.  
  644.  
  645.  
  646. <p>Task forces often were led by corporate executives, and McKinsey &amp; Co. staffed the task forces for many years.</p>
  647.  
  648.  
  649.  
  650. <p>Friday’s memo referenced some of the major accomplishments of the Itasca Project. It said that Itasca Project leaders helped pass the “largest transportation investment in the history of the state.” That referred to an increase in the gas tax in 2008. An Itasca Project task force examined how other states were funding transportation and recommended what Minnesota could do to ensure more reliable and consistent funding.</p>
  651.  
  652.  
  653.  
  654. <p>The memo also cited the Mind the Gap/Close the Gap campaign, which expanded public understanding of socio-economic disparities related to race, class and place. It also noted the launch of Business Bridge, an effort to support local purchases by big employers to boost the regional economy.</p>
  655.  
  656.  
  657.  
  658. <p>Greater MSP, a regional economic development organization, was founded in 2011 by the Itasca Project. Greater MSP also provided a physical base for the Itasca Project in recent years.</p>
  659.  
  660.  
  661.  
  662. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Plan to strengthen the Itasca Project</strong></h3>
  663.  
  664.  
  665.  
  666. <p>Three years ago, Lynn Casey, former chair of the Padilla communications firm, was serving as the Itasca Project’s chair.</p>
  667.  
  668.  
  669.  
  670. <p>In a 2022 interview with Twin Cities Business, she said that the Itasca Project had existed as a virtual entity in which members would provide meeting spaces and McKinsey &amp; Co. provided staff work.</p>
  671.  
  672.  
  673.  
  674. <p>“We’re at a point now where more is expected of Itasca,” Casey said in&nbsp;<a href="https://tcbmag.com/tcb-qa-itasca-project-chair-lynn-casey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the 2022 interview</a>. “We really do need more oversight, more accountability to the people who are contributing finances and time.”</p>
  675.  
  676.  
  677.  
  678. <p>Casey said she anticipated that the Itasca Project would establish an executive leadership council to govern the work of Itasca. It would secure a permanent office location and hire full-time staff.</p>
  679.  
  680.  
  681.  
  682. <p>It took all three of those actions.</p>
  683.  
  684.  
  685.  
  686. <p>In 2022, Casey was getting lots of feedback about the Itasca Project. “One of the pieces was Itasca is more important than ever. We need to keep the business community engaged and we need to have more opportunities to help them solve problems with other sector leaders,” Casey said in the 2022 interview. She added that people wanted the Itasca Project to “catalyze action.”</p>
  687.  
  688.  
  689.  
  690. <p>One year ago, on Oct. 23, the Itasca Project hosted a 20th anniversary celebration called “Catalyzing Civic Leadership.” More than 300 longstanding and emerging leaders attended the event at the Union Depot in St. Paul.</p>
  691.  
  692.  
  693.  
  694. <p>Based on that gathering, some might have thought that the Itasca Project was well-suited to build broad-based coalitions to advance public policy changes and important project initiatives.</p>
  695.  
  696.  
  697.  
  698. <p>So, it’s somewhat puzzling that Itasca Project leaders decided to sunset the organization.</p>
  699.  
  700.  
  701.  
  702. <p>While the words Itasca Project were not well-known to the general public, they were recognized by civic leaders in Minnesota. The Itasca Project also was showcased multiple times in Tom Friedman’s column in the New York Times. A native Minnesotan, Friedman characterized the Itasca Project as a model for civic engagement by business leaders.</p>
  703.  
  704.  
  705.  
  706. <p>The disbanding of the Itasca Project is occurring while the state of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are facing fiscal challenges, the state’s population growth is anemic, and there are sharp political divisions over public safety approaches and various government-funded programs.</p>
  707.  
  708.  
  709.  
  710. <p>In&nbsp;<a href="https://tcbmag.com/are-ceos-walking-away-from-civic-leadership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a February TCB article</a>, some business leaders expressed concern that some CEOs lack involvement in civic affairs.</p>
  711.  
  712.  
  713.  
  714. <p>Casey shared a different perspective in that article. “I would not characterize it as a decline,” she said earlier this year. “It is an evolution driven by the complexity and intensity of the corporate environment.”</p>
  715.  
  716.  
  717.  
  718. <p>Casey and some others said that it’s important that business executives below the CEO level take on some of the civic roles that CEOs might have fulfilled in the past.</p>
  719.  
  720.  
  721.  
  722. <p>Casey has been serving on the Itasca Project’s executive leadership council, and her name appeared on Friday’s memo. Other business leaders on the council included: Audrey Lucas, managing partner of the Minneapolis office of McKinsey &amp; Co; David Mortenson, chairman of Mortenson; John Naylor, former CEO of Medica; and Tim Welsh, former vice chair at U.S. Bank and president of Chicago-based CCC Intelligent Solutions, Inc.</p>
  723.  
  724.  
  725.  
  726. <p>In concluding the Friday memo, the executive leadership council said that it understands that “this is a change worthy of further discussion.” It said it would set up a virtual meeting in the coming weeks to “create space for dialogue” among those who received the memo. It said questions, ideas, and concerns should be directed to Steve Grove or Peter Frosch, the CEO of Greater MSP.</p>
  727.  
  728.  
  729.  
  730. <p><em><a href="https://tcbmag.com/business-and-civic-leaders-shut-down-itasca-project/">This article originally appeared in Twin Cities Business</a>. </em></p>
  731.  
  732.  
  733.  
  734. <p></p>
  735. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/twin-cities-business/2025/10/business-and-civic-leaders-shut-down-itasca-project/">Once &#8216;more important than ever,&#8217; business and civic leaders shut down Itasca Project</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  736. ]]></content:encoded>
  740. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2213288</post-id> </item>
  741. <item>
  742. <title>How Minnesota can prevent teen drinking before it starts</title>
  743. <link>http://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2025/10/how-minnesota-can-prevent-teen-drinking-before-it-starts/</link>
  745. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Praise Emukah-Brown]]></dc:creator>
  746. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  747. <category><![CDATA[Community Voices]]></category>
  748. <category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
  749. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.minnpost.com/?p=2213174</guid>
  750.  
  751. <description><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="People sitting on pavement surrounded by various alcohol bottles." decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  752. <p>One promising pathway to prevent teen drinking lies in strengthening self-efficacy — a person’s belief in their ability to make healthy choices and manage challenges. </p>
  753. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2025/10/how-minnesota-can-prevent-teen-drinking-before-it-starts/">How Minnesota can prevent teen drinking before it starts</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  754. ]]></description>
  755. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="People sitting on pavement surrounded by various alcohol bottles." decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TeenDrinkingVoice_102125_unsplash-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  756. <p>As a psychiatry resident working with teenagers in Minnesota, I’ve witnessed how alcohol can quietly become part of young people’s lives — sometimes before they even realize it’s a problem. In 2022, about 1 in 10 Minnesota high school students said they <a href="https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/alcohol/documents/youthalcoholuse.pdf___.YXAzOm1pbm5wb3N0OmE6ZzoyNGRlYTFmNDE0NDkyMDJkZWFmZWZkMTMzMjMwZTVjMjo3OjYwYWM6MzIxYWE4NGRiYWU4NTk3NWM2YjRiZTBkYzRhNTNhMTc3ZGY1MzJlZjg4N2Q1MDFlYmU1MTVmNDkyZmI0MDg0YjpwOlQ6Tg">drank alcohol in the past month</a>, and about 1 in 25 reported binge drinking.</p>
  757.  
  758.  
  759.  
  760. <p>While teens drink less often than adults, they tend to consume more in one sitting, which raises the risk of <a href="https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/underage-drinking/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm___.YXAzOm1pbm5wb3N0OmE6ZzoyNGRlYTFmNDE0NDkyMDJkZWFmZWZkMTMzMjMwZTVjMjo3OmI2NzA6Y2JlMTVhNGQ4MmRjZGY3YzQxOWY1OWQxNGRjZDZmNWFjZDNlMjMyZDMxNmNiMGJkNzMzNWEzNDhjYzQ4YWIzNjpwOlQ6Tg">alcohol poisoning, injuries and other serious harms</a>. Research has shown that those who start drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to <a href="https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking___.YXAzOm1pbm5wb3N0OmE6ZzoyNGRlYTFmNDE0NDkyMDJkZWFmZWZkMTMzMjMwZTVjMjo3OjU3NDc6YWYxNmE0OWEwZDk3YTkwODJlMmFjZjM5ZjUxOTljYmIyYjYxMjEzMWVkNGFkYzkyZTJjMDM4NjYzMGQ0Y2Y3YjpwOlQ6Tg">develop alcohol use disorder</a> later in life.</p>
  761.  
  762.  
  763.  
  764. <p>Teens start drinking for many reasons — wanting to fit in with friends, curiosity about alcohol or coping with difficult situations at home. Those who have faced <a href="https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/ace/basics.html___.YXAzOm1pbm5wb3N0OmE6ZzoyNGRlYTFmNDE0NDkyMDJkZWFmZWZkMTMzMjMwZTVjMjo3OjE0MTU6ZGQzNGJhY2Q0NzljN2EyNzNlYTEyMWMwMGVjYjY1MmI0OGQzNmExZTIzYjBjNGY1NzBjNTcwYjdiNzY0YjQyZjpwOlQ6Tg">traumatic childhood experiences</a> such as abuse, neglect or parental substance use are especially at risk. These challenges often deepen feelings of anxiety and loneliness, making alcohol seem like an easy, temporary escape.</p>
  765.  
  766.  
  767.  
  768. <p>As clinicians, educators and community members, we cannot dismiss adolescent drinking as “typical teenage behavior.” It is a significant public health concern that demands urgent, preventive interventions — approaches that equip young people with the support and tools they need to manage stress, peer pressure and adversity in healthier ways.</p>
  769.  
  770.  
  771.  
  772. <p>One promising pathway to prevention lies in strengthening self-efficacy — a person’s belief in their ability to make healthy choices and manage challenges. First described by psychologist Albert Bandura, self-efficacy in this context refers to a child’s belief in their ability to resist or control alcohol use.</p>
  773.  
  774.  
  775.  
  776. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Strengthening self-efficacy</h3>
  777.  
  778.  
  779.  
  780. <p>It begins early — by teaching refusal and decision-making skills, modeling positive coping behaviors and providing supportive opportunities to practice problem-solving. <a href="https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28823687/___.YXAzOm1pbm5wb3N0OmE6ZzoyNGRlYTFmNDE0NDkyMDJkZWFmZWZkMTMzMjMwZTVjMjo3Ojc4ZGU6ZmQzOGU3MzE5YjM4YzAxN2VhZTRhNTA2MjAwOWQ5MWMyMmRkZjZjOTJmNWE3NTQ0NDFiNmMzZDdjZDI5NzZhZjpwOlQ6Tg">Research</a> indicates that children as young as preschool age are already aware of alcohol and can identify alcoholic beverages. By middle childhood, their attitudes toward it become increasingly positive. <a href="https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35369212/___.YXAzOm1pbm5wb3N0OmE6ZzoyNGRlYTFmNDE0NDkyMDJkZWFmZWZkMTMzMjMwZTVjMjo3OjNkZDk6YTM5YjdkY2EzMWFkOTUxZjY2ZTE5MDRkMWI4ZjAzMDc4MGE2MTZmNzZiZTA2Yjc0MTVlZjk2ZjAwYzExNTgwMjpwOlQ6Tg">Early interventions</a> that boost self-efficacy can help children resist peer pressure, reduce positive expectations about alcohol and delay initiation of drinking.</p>
  781.  
  782.  
  783.  
  784. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-secondary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95ab1b407bf8cdef63fb3c9390b0b73b"><em>Related: <a href="https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2025/09/50-years-later-from-addiction-to-recovery-and-resilience/">50 years later, from addiction to recovery and resilience</a></em></h3>
  785.  
  786.  
  787.  
  788. <p>A proven model that builds these skills is the <a href="https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://www.blueprintsprograms.org/programs/189999999/strengthening-families-10-14/___.YXAzOm1pbm5wb3N0OmE6ZzoyNGRlYTFmNDE0NDkyMDJkZWFmZWZkMTMzMjMwZTVjMjo3OmEwODE6YWIyYzQxYjNkMzU4MzJmMzg5ODI4MWYzNGVlMzRhNDBlN2I5NTAyNGQzNTVjYzQ4YjA4Y2ZhOTNmNjQwMmRhYTpwOlQ6Tg">Iowa Strengthening Families Program (ISFP 10–14)</a>, a family-based prevention program nationally recognized for reducing early substance use. Through seven engaging sessions, the program helps parents and children strengthen communication, manage emotions and solve problems together — skills that build resilience long before issues arise. When children trust their own judgment and feel supported at home, they’re far less likely to yield to peer pressure or use alcohol to cope.</p>
  789.  
  790.  
  791.  
  792. <p>The ISFP isn’t without its challenges. Access and outcomes can vary depending on where a family lives and the resources available to them. <a href="https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27757773/___.YXAzOm1pbm5wb3N0OmE6ZzoyNGRlYTFmNDE0NDkyMDJkZWFmZWZkMTMzMjMwZTVjMjo3OjNiMmM6MjQ5MDIyNTg5MDI0YmEzY2U3ZDI5MjZhY2Q2MTcxMTlmMmY0Zjk0MzY0ZmU1NTJjNDc0ZWIyNmU0NThjNjQ5ODpwOlQ6Tg">Many lower-income families face barriers</a> such as limited transportation, tight schedules and competing responsibilities that make participation difficult.</p>
  793.  
  794.  
  795.  
  796. <p>Considering that the program was initially developed for rural, middle-class families in Iowa, it may not fully reflect the cultural values or daily realities of Minnesota’s diverse cultural communities. By tailoring the program to reflect the voices and experiences of these families through flexible scheduling, local partnerships and culturally responsive content, we can ensure every child has an equal opportunity to benefit.</p>
  797.  
  798.  
  799.  
  800. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-secondary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6a37e8d2eeee89cf3ddeeda75e1e24ee"><em>Related: <a href="https://www.minnpost.com/mental-health-addiction/2025/10/a-model-approach-for-school-mental-health-treatment/">A model approach for school mental health treatment</a></em></h3>
  801.  
  802.  
  803.  
  804. <p>Minnesota faces a significant challenge with adolescent alcohol use. The ISFP has proven to be effective in helping children build confidence, make better decisions, and delay or avoid alcohol use altogether. <a href="https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://www.extension.iastate.edu/dallas/strengthening-families-program-equips-parents-and-youth-tools-stronger-future___.YXAzOm1pbm5wb3N0OmE6ZzoyNGRlYTFmNDE0NDkyMDJkZWFmZWZkMTMzMjMwZTVjMjo3OjNlNGQ6MzAwMTFiYTVmMmQ5ZmI2NTkyZjI3MGVmNDRkYjg4MzFmNjE0NGE5NDU5MWNmMWMwZTgxY2I4NGY0NWFiZGY3NTpwOlQ6Tg">For every dollar invested, the program generates an estimated $9.60 in benefits</a> — ranging from improved academic outcomes to reduced substance use and fewer justice system encounters. By adapting this program to reflect Minnesota’s diverse communities — and embedding it within schools, pediatric visits and community centers —we can make prevention more accessible, culturally responsive and sustainable.</p>
  805.  
  806.  
  807.  
  808. <p>In my young career as a psychiatry resident, I’ve already seen too many children’s lives derailed by alcohol before they’ve had a chance to reach their potential. Minnesota has an opportunity to change that trajectory by implementing a state-supported, culturally adapted Strengthening Families Program — one that equips every child with the tools, confidence and resilience to make healthier choices. Investing in prevention isn’t just good policy — it’s a lifeline that protects our youth, strengthens families and secures a healthier, safer future for generations to come.</p>
  809.  
  810.  
  811.  
  812. <p><em>Praise Emukah-Brown is a psychiatry resident at the University of Minnesota.</em></p>
  813. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2025/10/how-minnesota-can-prevent-teen-drinking-before-it-starts/">How Minnesota can prevent teen drinking before it starts</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  814. ]]></content:encoded>
  818. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2213174</post-id> </item>
  819. <item>
  820. <title>Should Minnesota brace for a more severe-than-average winter?</title>
  821. <link>http://www.minnpost.com/glean/2025/10/should-minnesota-brace-for-a-more-severe-than-average-winter/</link>
  823. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lydia Moran]]></dc:creator>
  824. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  825. <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
  826. <category><![CDATA[The Glean]]></category>
  827. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.minnpost.com/?p=2213234</guid>
  828.  
  829. <description><![CDATA[<figure><img width="600" height="397" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600.png" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="The Glean logo" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600.png 600w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-190x126.png 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-130x85.png?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-400x265.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  830. <p>Plus: Minneapolis Public Schools might shutter some buildings; TSA agents at MSP are missing paychecks; UCare dropping Medicare Advantage plans; and more. </p>
  831. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/glean/2025/10/should-minnesota-brace-for-a-more-severe-than-average-winter/">Should Minnesota brace for a more severe-than-average winter?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  832. ]]></description>
  833. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img width="600" height="397" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600.png" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="The Glean logo" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600.png 600w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-190x126.png 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-130x85.png?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TheGleanLogo600-400x265.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  834. <p>The oncoming winter season may be <strong>colder and snowier than average</strong>, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) winter weather forecast. &#8220;Minnesota’s Weather Authority says that may be the case but <a href="https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/winter-forecast-for-minnesota-colder-snowier-than-normal-noaa-says/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it’s worth noting that things can change</a>,&#8221; KSTP reports.</p>
  835.  
  836.  
  837.  
  838. <p><strong>Minneapolis Public Schools might be forced to shutter some schools</strong> &#8220;in a district with 29,000 students but the capacity for 42,000 and thus a bevy of half-empty schools,&#8221; Minnesota Reformer reports. &#8220;The Minneapolis school board has formally asked Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams <a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/10/20/minneapolis-school-board-signals-potential-school-closures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for information that could lead to school closures.</a>&#8220;</p>
  839.  
  840.  
  841.  
  842. <p>TSA agents at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport <strong>are missing paychecks due to the <a href="https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2025/10/live-blog-the-latest-on-the-government-shutdown-and-its-impact-on-minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">government shutdown</a>.</strong> &#8220;Federal employees are legally not allowed to strike,&#8221; WCCO reports, but some fear that &#8220;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/government-shutdown-tsa-agents-at-msp-airport/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">if the shut down continues, they could lose staff.</a>&#8221; </p>
  843.  
  844.  
  845.  
  846. <p><strong>UCare is dropping their Medicare Advantage plan.</strong> &#8220;[T]his shift is causing people to scramble for new affordable options for medical insurance,&#8221; MPR News reports. &#8220;The insurance company <a href="https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2025/10/20/state-agency-very-concerned-minnesotans-will-be-without-full-medicare-coverage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isn’t the only one to no longer offer Medicare Advantage</a> — it&#8217;s not as financially beneficial as it once was.&#8221;</p>
  847.  
  848.  
  849.  
  850. <p>A recent report from the think tank North Star Policy Action <strong>urges Minnesota agencies to be more proactive about wage theft</strong>, which is &#8220;a common problem in this region,&#8221; Public News Service reports. &#8220;The report found 23% of Minnesota construction workers are misclassified or paid off the books, <a href="https://app.publicnewsservice.org/story/report-mn-cities-need-to-stare-down-wage-theft-not-just-chase-it/f1e63de7-0be3-433e-9dd1-6fcf8c5fd95e">the highest among the states examined.</a> &#8220;</p>
  851.  
  852.  
  853.  
  854. <p></p>
  855. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/glean/2025/10/should-minnesota-brace-for-a-more-severe-than-average-winter/">Should Minnesota brace for a more severe-than-average winter?</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  856. ]]></content:encoded>
  860. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2213234</post-id> </item>
  861. <item>
  862. <title>Needed: More centers that can treat teens for addiction</title>
  863. <link>http://www.minnpost.com/threesixty-journalism/2025/10/needed-more-centers-that-can-treat-teens-for-addiction/</link>
  865. <dc:creator><![CDATA[By Janya Dieringer, Johnson Senior High School ]]></dc:creator>
  866. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  867. <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
  868. <category><![CDATA[ThreeSixty Journalism]]></category>
  869. <category><![CDATA[Top Story]]></category>
  870. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.minnpost.com/?p=2213114</guid>
  871.  
  872. <description><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="A smiling girl in a green plaid shirt in front of a lake." decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-400x267.jpg 400w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2.jpg 1818w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  873. <p>Inpatient facilities like Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation are critical resources for youth in recovery.</p>
  874. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/threesixty-journalism/2025/10/needed-more-centers-that-can-treat-teens-for-addiction/">Needed: More centers that can treat teens for addiction</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  875. ]]></description>
  876. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="A smiling girl in a green plaid shirt in front of a lake." decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2-400x267.jpg 400w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_courtesy-2.jpg 1818w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  877. <p><em>This story was produced as part of&nbsp;</em><a href="https://threesixty.stthomas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>ThreeSixty Journalism</em></a><em>’s Multimedia Storytelling Institute for high school students in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, which financially sponsors the camp and supports story sourcing.</em>&nbsp;<em>Additional reporting by Naomi Miller (Richfield High School) and Kamrin Scott (graduate of Two Rivers High School)</em>.</p>
  878.  
  879.  
  880.  
  881. <p>Lucy Getschow knew if she didn’t get help soon, she would end up dead.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  882.  
  883.  
  884.  
  885. <p>Drugs and alcohol had taken over her life. She had quit soccer. Stopped trying in school. She realized she was at her breaking point. Lucy felt terrified to vocalize her struggle, because there was no one there to push her forward. She had to face it all alone.&nbsp;</p>
  886.  
  887.  
  888.  
  889. <p>Lucy grew up in south Minneapolis. She started using marijuana at 11 years old and then moved on to alcohol and opiates, which quickly became an addiction. She felt isolated in her experiences. At the age of 16, she opened up to her sister about her struggles. Lucy was then enrolled in Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s inpatient program. It wasn&#8217;t until she met the other girls in the program that she found connection and community.&nbsp;</p>
  890.  
  891.  
  892.  
  893. <p>Many youth have had experiences similar to Lucy’s.&nbsp;</p>
  894.  
  895.  
  896.  
  897. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-secondary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30c4b546a44aa8052d89e2e0dfdc90e5"><a href="https://www.minnpost.com/threesixty-journalism/2025/10/paying-a-price-for-getting-high-on-likes-social-media-addicti/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>Related: Paying a price for getting high on likes</em></strong></a></h3>
  898.  
  899.  
  900.  
  901. <p>More than 8% of Minnesota teens use drugs and nearly 11% of them drink alcohol, according to the <a href="https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics</a> (NCDAS).&nbsp;</p>
  902.  
  903.  
  904.  
  905. <p>Ken Winters, a researcher of adolescent health and cannabis use at the University of Minnesota, says there are two main reasons youth are so susceptible to addiction.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  906.  
  907.  
  908.  
  909. <p>Drugs are popular in our culture. Youth follow the norms that they see in their culture and the behavior of the adults around them.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  910.  
  911.  
  912.  
  913. <p>Biology also plays a role in addiction. Young people are more vulnerable to the addictive effects of drugs than adults, and the way the brain is maturing and developing can contribute to it.&nbsp;</p>
  914.  
  915.  
  916.  
  917. <figure class="wp-block-video wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-videopress"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  918. <iframe title="VideoPress Video Player" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='780' height='439' src='https://videopress.com/embed/PuG5oNZs?cover=1&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent="true" allow='clipboard-write'></iframe><script src='https://v0.wordpress.com/js/next/videopress-iframe.js?m=1739540970'></script>
  919. </div><figcaption>Video by Naomi Miller, Richfield High School and Kamrin Scott, Two Rivers High School / ThreeSixty Journalism</figcaption></figure>
  920.  
  921.  
  922.  
  923. <p>“Young people, even though it’s illegal and [they] may not have a lot of money to buy drugs, it’s easier to go down an addiction path than adults,” he said.&nbsp;</p>
  924.  
  925.  
  926.  
  927. <p>The NCDAS reports that more than&nbsp;3% of all 12- to 17-year-olds in Minnesota meet the criteria for illicit drug use disorder. Because of the amount of youth addiction, there is an overwhelming need for recovery facilities that offer treatment. Inpatient programs are an important part of recovery for many; they provide a place where those with a drug use disorder can stay and receive 24-hour treatment, often for a month.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  928.  
  929.  
  930.  
  931. <p>“The inpatient or residential environment can really be quite important for a young person, because it helps structure the recovery process,” said Winters.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  932.  
  933.  
  934.  
  935. <p>Health professionals like Winters say that there is a need for more inpatient facilities available to youth. “On average, they say only 10%, maybe 15% of young people that need treatment services for a substance use problem receive it,” said Winters.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  936.  
  937.  
  938.  
  939. <p>Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation helps fill that need in Minnesota. The organization works to supply more opportunities for recovery from substance use disorders and related mental health conditions. Their youth residential program serves people ages 12-25 at a Plymouth facility.&nbsp;</p>
  940.  
  941.  
  942.  
  943. <p>“Because there are national gaps,” said Emily Piper, chief legal and administrative officer at Hazelden Betty Ford, “people fly their kids in from all over the country to receive treatment and access to health care.”&nbsp;</p>
  944.  
  945.  
  946.  
  947. <p>Lucy was one of the young people who received treatment through this program, and she says it is one of the reasons she is alive today.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  948.  
  949.  
  950. <div class="wp-block-image">
  951. <figure class="alignright size-large"><img decoding="async" width="640" height="480" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-640x480.jpg" alt="A woman in a bright green sweater sitting in a chair." class="wp-image-2213211" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-640x480.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-190x143.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-768x576.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-1200x900.jpg?crop=1 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-800x600.jpg?crop=1 800w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-600x450.jpg?crop=1 600w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-400x300.jpg?crop=1 400w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-200x150.jpg?crop=1 200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-1024x768.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-2000x1500.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli-780x585.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthAddictionThreeSixty_102025_pechulanoNgweAli.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Emily Piper is chief legal and administrative officer at Hazelden Betty Ford. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Pechulano Ngwe Ali</span></figcaption></figure></div>
  952.  
  953.  
  954. <p>“I definitely appreciated the program, but I was really angry at first, and I didn’t want to engage,” said Lucy. “I wasn’t used to being held accountable and being told I was doing something wrong and that I needed to clean up my actions.”&nbsp;</p>
  955.  
  956.  
  957.  
  958. <p>There are many other things that contributed to Lucy&#8217;s recovery, including the sober high school she attended and her sister&#8217;s support. Today she is two-and-a-half-years sober.&nbsp;</p>
  959.  
  960.  
  961.  
  962. <p>Hazelden Betty Ford aims to become more accessible to those who cannot access treatment due to cost and coverage barriers, says Piper. They also engage in education and prevention work in schools and communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  963.  
  964.  
  965.  
  966. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-secondary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66655802abbede4fb7e384d995b8e005"><a href="https://www.minnpost.com/threesixty-journalism/2025/10/access-makes-the-difference-between-addiction-and-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Related: Access makes the difference between addiction and recovery&nbsp;</em></a></h3>
  967.  
  968.  
  969.  
  970. <p>Parents shape the attitudes and values of their children, says Winters. When parents and communities are educated on these topics, they have the ability to support their youth when they are in need.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  971.  
  972.  
  973.  
  974. <p>“[Parents and communities are] an important source of corralling … and bringing favor to pro- healthy and drug-free attitudes,” said Winters.&nbsp;</p>
  975.  
  976.  
  977.  
  978. <p>Youth access to drugs can also be limited by laws and compliance checks, like ensuring drug stores are following drug age regulations, says Winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  979.  
  980.  
  981.  
  982. <p>Lucy, now 19, has found a supportive community in her recovery. She is into her second year of college at St. Catherine University. She is studying to become a nurse, a profession she chose because of the experiences she has had throughout her recovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  983.  
  984.  
  985.  
  986. <p>“I definitely have thought about [how] my life isn&#8217;t linear and my recovery isn&#8217;t linear, and that&#8217;s okay that I&#8217;m not like everyone else,” she said.&nbsp;</p>
  987. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/threesixty-journalism/2025/10/needed-more-centers-that-can-treat-teens-for-addiction/">Needed: More centers that can treat teens for addiction</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  988. ]]></content:encoded>
  992. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2213114</post-id> </item>
  993. <item>
  994. <title>Take a look at the photos from MinnPost Festival 2025</title>
  995. <link>http://www.minnpost.com/galleries/2025/10/take-a-look-at-the-photos-from-minnpost-festival-2025/</link>
  997. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sydney Zahradka]]></dc:creator>
  998. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  999. <category><![CDATA[Galleries]]></category>
  1000. <category><![CDATA[Inside MinnPost]]></category>
  1001. <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
  1002. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.minnpost.com/?p=2212349</guid>
  1003.  
  1004. <description><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  1005. <p>Relive all the best moments of MinnPost Festival in photo form.</p>
  1006. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/galleries/2025/10/take-a-look-at-the-photos-from-minnpost-festival-2025/">Take a look at the photos from MinnPost Festival 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
  1007. ]]></description>
  1008. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img width="1024" height="683" src="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 34.9rem) calc(100vw - 2rem), (max-width: 53rem) calc(8 * (100vw / 12)), (min-width: 53rem) calc(6 * (100vw / 12)), 100vw" /></figure>
  1009. <p>MinnPost Festival 2025 was a great success. Not only did we raise money to support our nonprofit newsroom, but we also put on eleven panel discussions to further our mission of being a trusted guide for Minnesotans exploring the challenges and opportunities facing their communities. The event featured interactive experiences, opportunities to meet MinnPost reporters and community building and socializing.</p>
  1010.  
  1011.  
  1012.  
  1013. <p>Of course, this event wouldn&#8217;t have been possible without the hundreds of people involved on different levels as sponsors, VIPs, ticketholders, featured panelists and staff. Thank you to everyone who was involved in the event!</p>
  1014.  
  1015.  
  1016.  
  1017. <p>Take a look at the photos below:</p>
  1018.  
  1019.  
  1020.  
  1021. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212900" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs10of540-1-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Executive Director Tanner Curl kicks off the festivities. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1022.  
  1023.  
  1024.  
  1025. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1706" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212524" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-2-1-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gov. Tim Walz and New York Times journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro take the stage before their panel. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America</span></figcaption></figure>
  1026.  
  1027.  
  1028.  
  1029. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212901" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs14of540-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lulu Garcia-Navarro discusses the top issues facing Minnesota with Gov. Walz. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1030.  
  1031.  
  1032.  
  1033. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212904" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs88of540-1-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees chat ahead of the opening keynote session with Gov. Walz and Lulu Garcia-Navarro. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1034.  
  1035.  
  1036.  
  1037. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212906" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs152of540-1-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees mark the hidden gems of Minnesota on a map. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1038.  
  1039.  
  1040.  
  1041. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212897" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-12-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">MinnPost Executive Editor Elizabeth Dunbar interviews Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America</span></figcaption></figure>
  1042.  
  1043.  
  1044.  
  1045. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212890" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-22-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audience members ask questions during a conversation between MinnPost Washington, D.C. correspondent Ana Radelat and New York Times White House correspondent Tyler Pager. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America</span></figcaption></figure>
  1046.  
  1047.  
  1048.  
  1049. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="640" height="426" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs210of540-640x426.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212915" style="width:810px;height:auto" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs210of540-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs210of540-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs210of540-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs210of540-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs210of540-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs210of540-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs210of540-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs210of540-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs210of540-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs210of540-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A packed room of MinnPost Festival attendees listens to MinnPost data journalist Shadi Bushra interview author and epidemiologist Dr. Mike Osterholm. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1050.  
  1051.  
  1052.  
  1053. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212918" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs328of540-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Osterholm discusses pandemics throughout history and how the next one could be worse. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1054.  
  1055.  
  1056.  
  1057. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212919" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs339of540-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Washington correspondent Ana Radelat and Tyler Pager discuss his book on the events leading up to the 2024 election. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1058.  
  1059.  
  1060.  
  1061. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212907" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs175of540-1-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A League of Women Voters representative talks with MinnPost Festival attendees in between sessions about voting rights. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1062.  
  1063.  
  1064.  
  1065. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212912" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs182of540-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees purchase books from the festival speakers and more at SubText Books. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1066.  
  1067.  
  1068.  
  1069. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212908" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs176of540-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A representative from the U of M talks with festival attendees about the certificate in election administration. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1070.  
  1071.  
  1072.  
  1073. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212895" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-30-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The audience listens to a panel with MinnPost senior state government reporter Matthew Blake and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America</span></figcaption></figure>
  1074.  
  1075.  
  1076.  
  1077. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212889" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-2000x1334.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-17-1-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Senior state government reporter Matthew Blake and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison discuss lawsuits filed during the Trump administration. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America</span></figcaption></figure>
  1078.  
  1079.  
  1080.  
  1081. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212957" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs391of540-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attorney General Keith Ellison discusses the top priorities for his office during the current Trump administration with Matthew Blake. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1082.  
  1083.  
  1084.  
  1085. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212894" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-24-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">MinnPost Executive Director Tanner Curl moderates a conversation with New Yorker staff writer Emily Nussbam. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America</span></figcaption></figure>
  1086.  
  1087.  
  1088.  
  1089. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212893" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-19-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A conversation with Rep. Dave Baker and Rep. Mary Frances Clardy is moderated by Jake Loesch. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America</span></figcaption></figure>
  1090.  
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  1093. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212942" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs179of540-1-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees place pom poms in jars containing the issues most concerning them ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1094.  
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  1097. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212913" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs181of540-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Civic Bridgers representatives talk with festival attendees between sessions about their programs. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
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  1100.  
  1101. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212941" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs5of540-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ThreeSixty Journalism representatives chat with attendees between sessions about their high school journalism program. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1102.  
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  1105. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212903" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs33of540-1-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former U.S. Attorney Andy Luger and legal expert Barbara McQuade discuss the rise of disinformation. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
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  1108.  
  1109. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212896" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-45-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chanda Smith Baker, president and CEO of the Saint Paul &amp; Minnesota Foundation, and Lisa Shannon, CEO of Allina Health, speak at a panel on navigating the challenges facing one of Minnesota’s largest health-care systems. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America</span></figcaption></figure>
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  1111.  
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  1113. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212945" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-43-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">MinnPost columnist Bill Lindeke speaks in a panel on how this year’s local elections could shape the urban environment. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America</span></figcaption></figure>
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  1117. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212924" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs479of540-1-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attorney General Keith Ellison catches up with Lisa Shannon following her session with Chanda Smith-Baker. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
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  1121. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212914" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs191of540-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Citizens League chats with festival attendees between sessions about their work and recent projects. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
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  1125. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212891" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-190x127.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-640x427.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-768x512.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-1200x800.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-780x520.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MinnPost-Fest_092725_es-41-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., right, takes the stage before speaking with journalist Kara Swisher. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America</span></figcaption></figure>
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  1127.  
  1128.  
  1129. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212927" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs499of540-2-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees listen to Kara Swisher interview Sen. Tina Smith. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1130.  
  1131.  
  1132.  
  1133. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="2560" height="1703" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2212929" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-scaled.jpg 2560w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-190x126.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-640x426.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-130x85.jpg?crop=1 130w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-768x511.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-1200x798.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-2000x1330.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-780x519.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Proofs521of540-3-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kara Swisher interviews Sen. Smith about her priorities during her last year in office and what&#8217;s next. Credit: Sarah Morreim</figcaption></figure>
  1134.  
  1135.  
  1136.  
  1137. <div class="wp-block-group"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained">
  1138. <p class="has-text-align-center has-dark-gray-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-b6a66981e1b0a1bbfdaa717500701c3c" style="background-color:#4797d2;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:800">2025 <strong>Festival Sponsors</strong></p>
  1139.  
  1140.  
  1141.  
  1142. <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-025cd5c5c2369a9af127892d62a6ac1b">Presenting Sponsor</p>
  1143.  
  1144.  
  1145. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1146. <figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/"><img decoding="async" width="640" height="229" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AARP_Minnesota-640x229.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2207393" style="width:280px" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AARP_Minnesota-640x229.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AARP_Minnesota-190x68.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AARP_Minnesota-768x275.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AARP_Minnesota-1536x551.jpg 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AARP_Minnesota-2048x734.jpg 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AARP_Minnesota-1200x430.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AARP_Minnesota-1024x367.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AARP_Minnesota-2000x717.jpg 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AARP_Minnesota-780x280.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AARP_Minnesota-400x143.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></figure></div>
  1147.  
  1148.  
  1149. <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1e6b53d7581c9f6297e13d352bb1bc7b">Supporting Sponsors</p>
  1150.  
  1151.  
  1152.  
  1153. <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
  1154. <div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-bottom is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1155. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="200" height="152" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/solomonlogo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2177991" style="width:175px" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/solomonlogo.jpg 200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/solomonlogo-190x144.jpg 190w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" /></figure></div></div>
  1156. </div>
  1157.  
  1158.  
  1159.  
  1160. <div class="wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
  1161. <div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1162. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/"><img decoding="async" width="500" height="126" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MplsFndLogo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2121585" style="width:286px;height:auto"/></a></figure></div></div>
  1163.  
  1164.  
  1165.  
  1166. <div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1167. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="http://www.darlakashian.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" width="864" height="308" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/RBC_IMPlogo.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2083528" style="width:280px"/></a></figure></div></div>
  1168. </div>
  1169.  
  1170.  
  1171.  
  1172. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
  1173.  
  1174.  
  1175.  
  1176. <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-261d0f9b08847f1897dfcd3baf63892d">Promoting Sponsors</p>
  1177.  
  1178.  
  1179.  
  1180. <div class="wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
  1181. <div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
  1182. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.shavlikfamilyfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" width="621" height="312" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shavlikLogo3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2118223"/></a></figure>
  1183. </div>
  1184.  
  1185.  
  1186.  
  1187. <div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1188. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.hhh.umn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" width="864" height="864" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/humphreylogo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2120430" style="width:180px"/></a></figure></div></div>
  1189.  
  1190.  
  1191.  
  1192. <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1193. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.astccc.net/"><img decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ASTCCC_Square500x500.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2118220" style="width:160px"/></a></figure></div></div>
  1194. </div>
  1195.  
  1196.  
  1197.  
  1198. <div class="wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
  1199. <div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1200. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.fredlaw.com/"><img decoding="async" width="500" height="120" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Fredrickson_500wide.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2120422" style="width:200px"/></a></figure></div></div>
  1201.  
  1202.  
  1203.  
  1204. <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1205. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.taikoartsmidwest.org/"><img decoding="async" width="400" height="234" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/TaikoArts_4c.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2204928" style="width:200px" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/TaikoArts_4c.jpg 400w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/TaikoArts_4c-190x111.jpg 190w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a></figure></div></div>
  1206.  
  1207.  
  1208.  
  1209. <div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1210. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.bravenorthtech.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" width="1045" height="193" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BraveNorthLogo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2120424" style="width:215px"/></a></figure></div></div>
  1211. </div>
  1212.  
  1213.  
  1214.  
  1215. <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
  1216. <div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-bottom is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:0">
  1217. <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
  1218. <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1219. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="373" height="135" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/citizensleague.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2176308" style="width:210px" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/citizensleague.png 373w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/citizensleague-190x69.png 190w" sizes="(max-width: 373px) 100vw, 373px" /></figure></div></div>
  1220.  
  1221.  
  1222.  
  1223. <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1224. <figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.jdgravesfoundation.org/"><img decoding="async" width="640" height="433" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GravesFoundationLogo-640x433.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2208591" style="width:155px" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GravesFoundationLogo-640x433.jpg 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GravesFoundationLogo-190x129.jpg 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GravesFoundationLogo-768x520.jpg 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GravesFoundationLogo-1200x812.jpg 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GravesFoundationLogo-1024x693.jpg 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GravesFoundationLogo-780x528.jpg 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GravesFoundationLogo-400x271.jpg 400w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GravesFoundationLogo.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></figure></div></div>
  1225.  
  1226.  
  1227.  
  1228. <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1229. <figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://pressforwardmn.org/"><img decoding="async" width="640" height="169" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PressForwardMN-640x169.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2207584" style="width:300px" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PressForwardMN-640x169.png 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PressForwardMN-190x50.png 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PressForwardMN-768x202.png 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PressForwardMN-1536x405.png 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PressForwardMN-2048x540.png 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PressForwardMN-1200x316.png 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PressForwardMN-1024x270.png 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PressForwardMN-2000x527.png 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PressForwardMN-780x205.png 780w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PressForwardMN-400x105.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></figure></div></div>
  1230. </div>
  1231. </div>
  1232. </div>
  1233.  
  1234.  
  1235.  
  1236. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
  1237.  
  1238.  
  1239.  
  1240. <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9aeae11eda8e5135a8d3a8b9d81ea551">Media Partners</p>
  1241.  
  1242.  
  1243.  
  1244. <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
  1245. <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1246. <figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities"><img decoding="async" width="640" height="80" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-640x80.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2176433" style="width:240px" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-640x80.png 640w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-190x24.png 190w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-768x96.png 768w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-1536x192.png 1536w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-2048x256.png 2048w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-1200x150.png 1200w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-1024x128.png 1024w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-1568x196.png 1568w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-2000x250.png 2000w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-400x50.png 400w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AxiosLocal-twin-cities-706x88.png 706w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></figure></div></div>
  1247.  
  1248.  
  1249.  
  1250. <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1251. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://sahanjournal.com/"><img decoding="async" width="700" height="103" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/sahan_logo-horizontal_RGB-Red.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2124909" style="width:220px"/></a></figure></div></div>
  1252. </div>
  1253.  
  1254.  
  1255.  
  1256. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
  1257.  
  1258.  
  1259.  
  1260. <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
  1261. <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow">
  1262. <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c8540cdba73ac03aa7ceaae7a12c7f36">In-Kind Partners</p>
  1263.  
  1264.  
  1265.  
  1266. <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex">
  1267. <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1268. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://dogoodevents.com/"><img decoding="async" width="500" height="186" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DoGoodEvents_500wide.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2120425" style="width:200px"/></a></figure></div></div>
  1269.  
  1270.  
  1271.  
  1272. <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image">
  1273. <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mspeo-element-minneapolis-downtown/overview/"><img decoding="async" width="272" height="347" src="https://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/elmMSPEOcmyk-322045-GRASSY-GREEN-EARTHY-GREY-CMYK-version-Click-thumbnail-for-more-information-JPG.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2178800" style="width:150px" srcset="http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/elmMSPEOcmyk-322045-GRASSY-GREEN-EARTHY-GREY-CMYK-version-Click-thumbnail-for-more-information-JPG.jpg 272w, http://www.minnpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/elmMSPEOcmyk-322045-GRASSY-GREEN-EARTHY-GREY-CMYK-version-Click-thumbnail-for-more-information-JPG-190x242.jpg 190w" sizes="(max-width: 272px) 100vw, 272px" /></a></figure></div></div>
  1274. </div>
  1275. </div>
  1276. </div>
  1277. </div></div>
  1278. <p>The post <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/galleries/2025/10/take-a-look-at-the-photos-from-minnpost-festival-2025/">Take a look at the photos from MinnPost Festival 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.minnpost.com">MinnPost</a>.</p>
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