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Vote: Pick what new Minnesota State Fair foods Axios will try on day one

Axios Twin Cities readers are calling the shots on our annual opening-day food adventure.

State Fair

Audrey here! For the last five years, I&#x27;ve been the one choosing what new Minnesota State Fair foods the Axios Twin Cities team should try on day one of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees

Explore our interactive map of Twin Cities canopy coverage and tree population numbers.

Environment

Pests, disease and poor planning have decimated the urban forest in the Twin Cities, which has lost 11% of its tree cover over the last decade, according to an Axios analysis of state data.Why it matters: The numbers largely reflect the invasive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="emerald ash borer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/03/11/emerald-ash-borer-beetle-cure-fungi-university-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="d95a5b27-445c-40ad-a56d-a29981138faa" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/03/11/emerald-ash-borer-beetle-cure-fungi-university-minnesota" target="_self">emerald ash borer</a>’s devastation of Twin Cities tree populations and represent a huge setback to Minnesota’s goals to put more communities in the shade.<ul><li>Trees cool neighborhoods, improve air quality, manage stormwater runoff, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raise property values" data-vars-click-url="https://news.unl.edu/article/study-trees-have-315-billion-impact-on-home-values-each-year" data-vars-content-id="d95a5b27-445c-40ad-a56d-a29981138faa" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.unl.edu/article/study-trees-have-315-billion-impact-on-home-values-each-year" target="_blank">raise property values</a> and even boost our mental health.</li></ul>

Minnesota's kindergarten vaccination rate drops again

Minnesota is becoming one of the least-vaccinated states in the nation.

News

Minnesota&#x27;s kindergarten vaccination rates fell across the board during the 2025-26 school year, according to new CDC <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="fa04957d-bf5c-4784-b33a-ab5ac0e11124" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s kindergarten vaccination rate drops again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">data</a> released this week.Why it matters: Minnesota is becoming one of the least-vaccinated states in the nation, with immunization rates among kids well below levels needed to curb outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters

The move puts the long-debated issue back in the spotlight ahead of the election.

Election

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/08/18/walz-executive-order-block-copper-mining-near-boundary-waters" data-vars-content-id="191a6295-3bcf-4717-9f1d-a503760b4862" data-vars-headline="Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/08/18/walz-executive-order-block-copper-mining-near-boundary-waters" target="_blank">sweeping move</a> to block copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters thrust a long-running debate back into the headlines — and onto the campaign trail.The big picture: The fight over the future of Twin Metals and other mining proposals reflects a wider political tension between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boosting U.S. critical mineral output" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/trump-mineral-investments-evs" data-vars-content-id="191a6295-3bcf-4717-9f1d-a503760b4862" data-vars-headline="Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/trump-mineral-investments-evs" target="_self">boosting U.S. critical mineral output</a> and prioritizing conservation.<ul><li>In issuing his executive order, the outgoing DFL governor put himself squarely on the side of environmentalists who have long lobbied for more protections.</li></ul>

High blood pressure during pregnancy is rising in Minnesota

Rates rose within every age and BMI group studied,

Rates of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high blood pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/14/hypertension-stress-high-blood-pressure-mind-body-wellness-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="8f00c498-f79c-4fe6-a875-64e6c376befd" data-vars-headline="High blood pressure during pregnancy is rising in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/14/hypertension-stress-high-blood-pressure-mind-body-wellness-pandemic" target="_self">high blood pressure</a> during pregnancy have soared in Minnesota and across the country, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new CDC data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr75/nvsr75-04.pdf" data-vars-content-id="8f00c498-f79c-4fe6-a875-64e6c376befd" data-vars-headline="High blood pressure during pregnancy is rising in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr75/nvsr75-04.pdf" target="_blank">new CDC data</a>.Why it matters: High blood pressure is associated with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="serious complications" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy.html" data-vars-content-id="8f00c498-f79c-4fe6-a875-64e6c376befd" data-vars-headline="High blood pressure during pregnancy is rising in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy.html" target="_blank">serious complications</a> for mom and baby.

How Minnesotans can help address the national blood shortage

The Red Cross is offering Amazon gift cards to donors in the month of August.

Regional Red Cross officials are calling on Minnesotans to roll up their sleeves to address the nation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alarming blood supply crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/28/us-blood-supply-health-red-cross-donate" data-vars-content-id="b92839b6-b73e-4bf6-8df2-12577853abfb" data-vars-headline="How Minnesotans can help address the national blood shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/28/us-blood-supply-health-red-cross-donate" target="_self">alarming blood supply crisis</a>.Why it matters: A prolonged shortage could delay surgeries, trauma care and other treatments that depend on timely transfusions.

Minnesota paid leave program came in $70M under budget in first 6 months

While officials say it's been running smoothly, some have been frustrated by the system.

State officials say they&#x27;ve seen &quot;robust interest&quot; in Minnesota&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="paid leave program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/12k-minnesotans-apply-for-paid-leave-in-days-after-launch" data-vars-content-id="b4683e65-7e50-4c72-9cc2-c297e76042e1" data-vars-headline="Minnesota paid leave program came in $70M under budget in first 6 months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/12k-minnesotans-apply-for-paid-leave-in-days-after-launch" target="_self">paid leave program</a> since its January launch. Why it matters: Nearly 75,000 Minnesotans took advantage of the program in the first six months, allowing them up to 12 weeks — or longer in some situations — to bond with a newborn, recover from a medical issue or care for a sick family member.

Minnesota monitoring possible hantavirus exposure linked to cruise outbreak

Experts say the risk to the public remains low.

The Minnesota Department of Health announced Tuesday that it&#x27;s monitoring one person who may have &quot;briefly been exposed&quot; to a cruise ship passenger who tested positive for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hantavirus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/07/hantavirus-cruise-outbreak-covid-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="89ea2514-2a1e-4bc9-b3e9-0695929a787f" data-vars-headline="Minnesota monitoring possible hantavirus exposure linked to cruise outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/07/hantavirus-cruise-outbreak-covid-pandemic" target="_self">hantavirus</a>.What we know: The unnamed individual in Minnesota doesn&#x27;t have symptoms and is cooperating with public health officials. <ul><li>&quot;We want to emphasize that the risk to the public remains very low,&quot; the department said in a press release.</li></ul>

Plymouth poised to ban flavored tobacco sales, joining growing list of metro cities

Officials are cracking down on youth smoking, vaping and smokeless tobacco use.

Health

Plymouth could become the tenth metro-area city to ban flavored tobacco sales when its city council meets tonight.Why it matters: It&#x27;s getting harder to find a menthol- or candy-flavored nicotine fix in the Twin Cities.<ul><li>Officials are cracking down on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="youth smoking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/smoking-cigarettes-trend-generation-z" data-vars-content-id="d7fa9eed-e42f-486a-9021-190e3484adb8" data-vars-headline="Plymouth poised to ban flavored tobacco sales, joining growing list of metro cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/smoking-cigarettes-trend-generation-z" target="_self">youth smoking</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaping" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/05/youth-e-cigarette-use-hits-decade-low" data-vars-content-id="d7fa9eed-e42f-486a-9021-190e3484adb8" data-vars-headline="Plymouth poised to ban flavored tobacco sales, joining growing list of metro cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/05/youth-e-cigarette-use-hits-decade-low" target="_self">vaping</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smokeless tobacco" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/zyn-nicotine-pouches-philip-morris-international" data-vars-content-id="d7fa9eed-e42f-486a-9021-190e3484adb8" data-vars-headline="Plymouth poised to ban flavored tobacco sales, joining growing list of metro cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/zyn-nicotine-pouches-philip-morris-international" target="_self">smokeless tobacco</a> use.</li></ul>

Colorectal cancer's alarming rise in young adults in Minnesota

Most patients under 50 are diagnosed only after the disease has already spread.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorectal cancer cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/colorectal-cancer-deadliest-screening-age-colonoscopy" data-vars-content-id="d42f0c10-0aab-4559-a17b-3ef8415d733c" data-vars-headline="Colorectal cancer&#x27;s alarming rise in young adults in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/colorectal-cancer-deadliest-screening-age-colonoscopy" target="_self">Colorectal cancer cases</a> in Minnesotans under 50 have risen by roughly 80% since the early 2000s, per federal data.Why it matters: Colorectal cancer is now the deadliest cancer for Americans under 50, per new research in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="JAMA" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44761700.33110/aHR0cHM6Ly9qYW1hbmV0d29yay5jb20vam91cm5hbHMvamFtYS9hcnRpY2xlLWFic3RyYWN0LzI4NDQxODk_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3N2aXRhbHMmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B1da9d289" data-vars-content-id="d42f0c10-0aab-4559-a17b-3ef8415d733c" data-vars-headline="Colorectal cancer&#x27;s alarming rise in young adults in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44761700.33110/aHR0cHM6Ly9qYW1hbmV0d29yay5jb20vam91cm5hbHMvamFtYS9hcnRpY2xlLWFic3RyYWN0LzI4NDQxODk_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3N2aXRhbHMmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B1da9d289" target="_self">JAMA</a>.

Allina Health agrees to Sutter acquisition

Following the merger, they will be one of the largest health systems in the U.S.

Business

Minneapolis-based Allina Health <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.allinahealth.org/about-us/news-releases/2026/allina-health-announcement" data-vars-content-id="39acd50a-3e7a-48c8-98c6-09b7f3fbdf07" data-vars-headline="Allina Health agrees to Sutter acquisition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.allinahealth.org/about-us/news-releases/2026/allina-health-announcement" target="_blank">says</a> it has agreed to be acquired by Sacramento-based Sutter Health, making the combined company one of the largest health systems in the U.S.Why it matters: If the deal closes, it means 12 metro hospitals — including Minneapolis&#x27; Abbott Northwestern, St. Paul&#x27;s United and Coon Rapids&#x27; Mercy — will have a new operator.

Hennepin Healthcare's crisis is a warning for safety net hospitals

HCMC won't be the first safety net hospital pushed to the brink by recent Medicaid cuts, experts predict.

Hennepin County Medical Center is not only at &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="real risk of closing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/hennepin-healthcare-minneapolis-financial-troubles-patient-care/" data-vars-content-id="41167eda-d430-4e04-a3b0-aea550814c36" data-vars-headline="Hennepin Healthcare&#x27;s crisis is a warning for safety net hospitals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/hennepin-healthcare-minneapolis-financial-troubles-patient-care/" target="_blank">real risk of closing</a>.&quot; It&#x27;s a canary in the coal mine for safety net hospitals everywhere, experts say.Why it matters: HCMC is Minnesota&#x27;s largest emergency room, trains a raft of future medical professionals, and serves patients whose needs or incomes often prevent them from seeking care anywhere else.<ul><li>Experts predict it won&#x27;t be the last hospital pushed to the brink by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mounting threats to Medicaid funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/aca-medicaid-hospitals-changes-2026?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosvitals&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="41167eda-d430-4e04-a3b0-aea550814c36" data-vars-headline="Hennepin Healthcare&#x27;s crisis is a warning for safety net hospitals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/aca-medicaid-hospitals-changes-2026?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosvitals&amp;stream=top" target="_self">mounting threats to Medicaid funding</a>.</li></ul>

More Minnesota women over 40 choosing solo motherhood

The share of unmarried mothers over 40 has roughly tripled since 2007.

More new moms in Minnesota are having kids solo in their 40s, with births to unmarried women 40 and over roughly tripling since 2007.State of Labor and Delivery: Just over 1% of babies in Minnesota were born to women who met that criteria in 2024, per CDC data.<ul><li>That small but growing group translated to about 700 births that year.</li></ul>

Axios Vitals

A line chart that shows kindergartner vaccine exemption rates and the U.S. average from 2011-12 to 2025-26. The local rate rose from 0.6% to 3%, with faster gains after 2020. It remained below the national average each year, which increased from 1.6% to 4.2%.

Minnesota kindergartner vaccination exemptions

Data: CDC; Note: Data collection methods can vary from state to state; Brad Jennings/Axios

A choropleth map shows the percent change in gestational hypertension rates from 2016 to 2024, by state. The U.S. overall increase is 73%. Idaho, New York and New Mexico saw the smallest increases at under 40% while Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Wyoming saw the largest increases at over 130%.

Health 🩺

Minnesota's kindergarten vaccination rate drops again

High blood pressure during pregnancy is rising in Minnesota

How Minnesotans can help address the national blood shortage

Minnesota paid leave program came in $70M under budget in first 6 months

American teens face a sleep crisis: U of M researchers