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"Mastermind" of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case

"Mastermind" of largest COVID fraud  scheme gets 41 years

Prosecutors say Aimee Bock was at the center of a scheme to steal over $240 million from a federal program.

Politics & Policy

A judge has ordered the Minnesota &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mastermind" data-vars-click-url="https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-finds-feeding-our-future-mastermind-and-co-defendant-guilty-250-million" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-finds-feeding-our-future-mastermind-and-co-defendant-guilty-250-million" target="_blank">mastermind</a>&quot; in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s largest pandemic fraud case" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/21/feeding-our-future-indictment-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/21/feeding-our-future-indictment-minnesota" target="_self">nation&#x27;s largest pandemic fraud case</a> to serve 41.5 years in prison — the harshest sentence to date in connection with the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.Why it matters: Prosecutors say former Feeding Our Future executive director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aimee Bock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/21/aimee-bock-sentencing-feeding-our-future-pandemic-child-meals-fraud-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/21/aimee-bock-sentencing-feeding-our-future-pandemic-child-meals-fraud-minnesota" target="_self">Aimee Bock</a> was at the center of a scheme to steal more than $240 million from a federally funded child meals program during the pandemic. <ul><li>The case sparked intense scrutiny of the Walz administration&#x27;s oversight of state-run programs and fueled broader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns about fraud under his watch." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" target="_self">concerns about fraud under his watch.</a></li></ul>

In Minnesota's express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses

The growing violation rate denies the system toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.

Transit

MnDOT&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="E-ZPass system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" target="_self">E-ZPass system</a> has a scofflaw problem. Nearly half of the vehicles use the express tolling lanes without permission, according to the latest quarterly report.Why it matters: Aside from being unfair, the rising violation rate threatens to undermine the main goal of E-ZPass — managing congestion — while denying the system the toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.Stunning stats: MnDOT estimated that 29% of vehicles using the lanes had neither a passenger nor an E-ZPass tag in FY2024, according to the annual report for that year.<ul><li>But <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more recent field observations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" target="_blank">more recent field observations</a> suggest that vehicle &quot;violation rates&quot; have crept up across the system. On I-35W in the south metro, they&#x27;re now pushing past 50%.</li></ul><div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-fallback.png" width="1200" height="788"/><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-apple.png" width="750" height="740"/></div><figcaption>Data: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MnDOT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" target="_blank">MnDOT</a>; Note: Totals from all observation points along each corridor during tolled morning and afternoon commute periods; Chart: Kyle Stokes/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>Between the lines: The toll lanes&#x27; primary goal isn&#x27;t to make money; it&#x27;s to improve traffic flow during peak times — just like a ramp meter, according to MnDOT spokesperson Anne Meyer.<ul><li>Even with high violation rates, E-ZPass lanes maintain higher traffic speeds than general lanes and reduce trip times by as much as 10 minutes during peak times, according to the latest annual report.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: A February <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" target="_blank">report</a> from consulting firm AECOM detailed how MnDOT could use more automated tools — such as license plate readers and passenger-detecting cameras — to reduce E-ZPass violation rates.<ul><li>The report noted that the rollout would be costly — and could face legal hurdles and objections on privacy and civil liberties grounds.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Axios readers come clean on E-ZPass</h2>Axios reader Steven learned his lesson in 2016.<ul><li>While commuting into downtown Minneapolis, he occasionally merged into the E-ZPass lane to cut through the congestion.</li></ul>Finally, a state trooper pulled Steven over and asked why he had no pass. <ul><li>&quot;I matter of factly replied, &#x27;I didn&#x27;t think I would get caught,&#x27;&quot; he told us in an email. &quot;The officer stifled a big laugh.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: The Minnesota State Patrol dedicates teams of troopers to E-ZPass enforcement.<ul><li>In 2024, those patrols pulled over nearly 6,000 vehicles, and cited or warned about half of those drivers for tolling violations, Meyer said.</li></ul>&quot;E-ZPass lane enforcement is no joke along 394,&quot; wrote reader Kyle F., who says it&#x27;s typical to see two or three people each week pulled over in the E-ZPass lane.Reality check: Most scofflaws aren&#x27;t caught. In 2024, an estimated 11,000 violators used the lanes every day,<ul><li>&quot;There doesn&#x27;t seem to be any penalties for not being a paid user,&quot; wrote Marg P., who uses an E-ZPass to shorten her drive time to Lino Lakes.</li></ul>Follow the money: Violators are dodging tolls that can jump as high as $8 per trip. (The average is about $1.14.)<ul><li>&quot;It can be expensive on high congestion days,&quot; Teri I. said, &quot;so it sucks getting charged for that convenience and others are jumping in hoping to not get caught.&quot;</li></ul>Yes, but: Law-abiding E-ZPass users still praise their passes.<ul><li>&quot;Just eases the travel issues significantly!&quot; Rick said, adding that the modest cost is worth it &quot;to gain the ease of driving in that lane when traffic sucks!&quot;</li></ul>

"Zoë Bakes" star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen

François' chef's kitchen served as the backdrop for her HBO Max show "Zoë Bakes."

Real Estate

Want to be the star of your own cooking show? This historic Minneapolis home has the kitchen for you.Driving the news: Twin Cities baker, cookbook author and television host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë François" data-vars-click-url="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" target="_blank">Zoë François</a> just put her home on the market — and you may recognize that chef&#x27;s kitchen as the backdrop of her HBO Max show &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë Bakes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" target="_blank">Zoë Bakes</a>.&quot;

Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park

One focus of the company's new "Epic Lab" is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Business

In the big retail <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" target="_self">race</a> to be fast and efficient, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Target" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" target="_self">Target</a> this month finished building out an innovation lab in Brooklyn Park, where it can test out new ideas. Why it matters: One focus of the company&#x27;s new &quot;Epic Lab&quot; is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Minnesota monitoring possible hantavirus exposure linked to cruise outbreak

Experts say the risk to the public remains low.

News

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.

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>

Mapped: How much Minnesotans spend on health care

The findings show how tough it can be to afford health care, even with insurance.

Health insurance costs ate up almost 9% of the median family income in Minnesota in 2024, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" data-vars-content-id="048e1d66-1dd9-4e59-a4b2-b728a995f7c3" data-vars-headline="Mapped: How much Minnesotans spend on health care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" target="_blank">analysis</a>.Why it matters: The findings show how tough it can be to afford health care, even with insurance.

Legislative leaders back site visits and AI tools to curb fraud in Minnesota

Fraud in state-managed programs is set to dominate the Capitol and the campaign trail this year.

The Minnesota Legislature&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to-do list for tackling fraud" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="04a750bb-226f-4273-a0bd-2a5e09f46942" data-vars-headline="Legislative leaders back site visits and AI tools to curb fraud in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" target="_self">to-do list for tackling fraud</a> could include AI tools, more inspectors and structural changes to social services programs, two top leaders told Axios. Why it matters: Mounting concern — and political pressure — over fraud in state-managed programs is set to dominate the Capitol and the campaign trail this year.<ul><li>Just Thursday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Walz administration announced" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43450998.9215/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3RhcnRyaWJ1bmUuY29tL3N0YXRlLWZyZWV6ZXMtZW5yb2xsbWVudC1vZi1uZXctcHJvdmlkZXJzLWluLW1lZGljYWlkLXByb2dyYW1zLWF0LXJpc2stZm9yLWZyYXVkLzYwMTU2MDQ0OT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX21pbm5lYXBvbGlzJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70Baab94071" data-vars-content-id="04a750bb-226f-4273-a0bd-2a5e09f46942" data-vars-headline="Legislative leaders back site visits and AI tools to curb fraud in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43450998.9215/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3RhcnRyaWJ1bmUuY29tL3N0YXRlLWZyZWV6ZXMtZW5yb2xsbWVudC1vZi1uZXctcHJvdmlkZXJzLWluLW1lZGljYWlkLXByb2dyYW1zLWF0LXJpc2stZm9yLWZyYXVkLzYwMTU2MDQ0OT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX21pbm5lYXBvbGlzJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70Baab94071" target="_self">the Walz administration announced</a> that it will freeze new provider enrollments in 13 high-risk Medicaid programs for six months.</li></ul>

Growing GLP‑1 drug costs squeeze Minnesota employers and health plans

The Metropolitan Airports Commission recently moved to cut coverage for weight loss medications, citing cost concerns.

Surging demand for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ozempic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/17/ozempic-wegovy-glp-1-prices" data-vars-content-id="cdafb224-87c2-48ce-bab4-b1429b2f372a" data-vars-headline="Growing GLP‑1 drug costs squeeze Minnesota employers and health plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/17/ozempic-wegovy-glp-1-prices" target="_self">Ozempic</a> and other GLP-1 drugs is adding up for some Minnesota employers.Why it matters: The popular medications are changing lives and health outcomes for the better.<ul><li>But the high price tag is also driving up health care costs for employers and their workers, prompting some workplaces to scale back coverage.</li></ul>

Downtown Minneapolis' public bathroom problem

For years, downtown boosters have acknowledged a lack of loos makes the area less welcoming.

Downtown Minneapolis has a &quot;leaking&quot; problem: There aren&#x27;t enough good spots to take one.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shortage of public restrooms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/10/south-minneapolis-target-closes-bathrooms-citing-health-safety-concerns" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/10/south-minneapolis-target-closes-bathrooms-citing-health-safety-concerns" target="_self">shortage of public restrooms</a> isn&#x27;t only a problem for unsheltered people or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="touring rock stars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/11/downtown-minneapolis-public-restrooms-dilemma-flea" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/11/downtown-minneapolis-public-restrooms-dilemma-flea" target="_self">touring rock stars</a>.<ul><li>For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/project-focuses-on-more-public-restrooms-in-downtown-minneapolis/89-2aeff2aa-921c-499e-9eeb-da4fa3e9c943" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/project-focuses-on-more-public-restrooms-in-downtown-minneapolis/89-2aeff2aa-921c-499e-9eeb-da4fa3e9c943" target="_blank">years</a>, downtown boosters have acknowledged a lack of loos makes the area less welcoming for a wide range of people — from people with disabilities to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parents with young children" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/minneapolis-skyway-things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/minneapolis-skyway-things-to-do" target="_self">parents with young children</a>.</li></ul>

😴 Stat du jour: The teens need more ZZZs 

American teens face a sleep crisis: U of M researchers

A chloropleth map of the cities in Hennepin and Ramsey counties showing cities that either prohibit or restrict sales of flavored tobacco products. The cities prohibiting sales appear in dark green: Bloomington, Richfield, Edina, Golden Valley, Lauderdale, Arden Hills and Vadnais Heights. Another 12 cities with lesser restrictions, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, appear in light green.

Cities with flavored tobacco restrictions

Data: Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota, Hennepin County; Map: Kyle Stokes/Axios 

A choropleth of the United States showing rate of colorectal cancer in people under 50, 2018-2022. In the U.S. overall, the rate is 9.2 cases for every 100k people. Rates are lowest in the west and highest in the Midwest and South. The state with the lowest rate is Nevada, at 7.6 cases per 100k people, and the state with the highest rate is Kentucky, at 11.4 cases per 100k people.

Health 🩺

American teens face a sleep crisis: U of M researchers

Minnesota monitoring possible hantavirus exposure linked to cruise outbreak

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

Colorectal cancer's alarming rise in young adults in Minnesota

Allina Health agrees to Sutter acquisition