University Budget Cuts: The University of Minnesota approved plans to eliminate 230 jobs while raising undergraduate tuition, as other major universities like Johns Hopkins also move to cut staff tied to shrinking federal funding. Medicaid Access Pressure: A new Northstar Policy Action report says Minnesotans are paying more for healthcare but getting fewer services, with the uninsured rate at a decade high—raising fears as Medical Assistance faces looming federal cuts. Medicaid Fraud & Waste: Actuaries and advocates are pushing back on how Medicaid dollars flow, arguing only about half reach member services, while Minnesota continues to pursue fraud and waste concerns. Public Health & Safety: Minneapolis is sharing early results on a FAST team aimed at improving investigations and victim support after non-fatal shootings, while officials warn about open-water dangers after multiple drownings and safety issues at Minnehaha Falls. Gun Violence Trends: Minnesota’s firearm death data shows overall gun deaths down in 2025, but firearm suicides rising to more than three-quarters of gun deaths, with ERPO filings increasing. Science & Health Tech: University of Minnesota researchers report SpudCell, a synthetic cell that can complete a life cycle—an early step with potential long-term impacts for medicine and engineering. Local Governance: Eagan faces a lawsuit over its data center moratorium, with claims it overreaches and isn’t tied to public health and safety.