There’s a funny thing that happens when the government decides to “get things done.” It begins with bold headlines, press conferences, and well-written mission statements. Billions of dollars are earmarked, and officials tout innovation, jobs, and progress. The goals always sound noble — revitalize chip manufacturing, expand high-speed internet, rebuild infrastructure. But somewhere between the approval of funds and the actual pouring of concrete, the gears of bureaucracy start grinding.

The latest report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called the Nation’s Report Card, delivered a sobering reality check: student test scores in reading and math for 12th graders have fallen to historic lows. Nearly half of seniors are now below basic in math, and one-third fall below basic in reading. (See graph below) These results aren’t just numbers—they represent young people who are leaving high school without the tools they need to thrive in college, in careers, and in life. (Star Tribune article September 10, 2025 attached below)

Getting to the Root of Mass Shootings: Why a “Single-Fix” Mindset Misses the Mark Mass shootings are one of the most painful and polarizing topics in American life. Communities grieve, politics harden, and the conversation often collapses into a tug-of-war over gun laws versus mental health. If we’re serious about saving lives, we have to get past slogans and build a prevention strategy that matches the complexity of the problem. That starts with a hard look at what the data actually show about who commits these attacks, why they do it, and what works to stop them—before the shooting starts. 

I’m filling out my brother’s Medicaid paperwork as his legal guardian. Below is a comprehensive summary of what I discovered about the recent Medicaid cuts and new requirements in Minnesota—what stays the same, what’s changed, what you must do to keep coverage. Remember Medicaid IS NOT Medicare. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program in the United States that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. It is also called Medical Assistance (MA) in Minnesota.