Minnesota-based retailer Target is introducing a new self-checkout system designed to enhance accessibility for guests with disabilities. The company announced the nationwide rollout of what it calls a first-of-its-kind accessible self-checkout experience.
This innovative system is tailored to support guests who are blind or have low vision, as well as those with motor disabilities. It integrates seamlessly with Target’s existing self-checkout infrastructure. It includes a range of inclusive features, such as Braille labels, high-contrast button icons, a headphone jack with adjustable volume, a custom tactile controller, physical navigation buttons, and a dedicated information key.
Target says the new system reflects its ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive shopping experience for all guests.
Minnesota health officials are launching “Be Cannabis Aware,” a new campaign aimed at educating young people under the age of 25 and their supporters about the risks of cannabis use, using clear, science-backed facts without judgment. Heidi Glesmann of the state Department of Health, explains the campaign’s objectives.
The new campaign website, BeCannabisAware.org, serves as a central resource for communities, educators, and families. It features downloadable materials for peer-to-peer conversations covering cannabis facts and dangers, coping strategies, navigating peer pressure, and support resources.
The campaign comes as recreational cannabis is now legal in Minnesota for adults 21 and older. State lawmakers directed health officials to focus on youth education, highlighting the potential harms cannabis can have on brain development, mental health, memory, decision-making, and driving.
Health Commissioner Dr. Brooke Cunningham says the goal is to provide accurate, science-based information without judgment, so families and communities can have open conversations. The campaign avoids scare tactics and instead encourages honest dialogue.
The new website, BeCannabisAware.org, offers fact sheets, videos, peer-to-peer conversation tools, and resources for parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors. Campaign materials will also appear on TikTok, Instagram, billboards, schools, and community events, aiming to meet youth where they are.
Focus groups with Minnesota youth helped shape the campaign, stressing the importance of relatable messaging, especially around stress and mental health.
Key messages include that cannabis remains illegal for anyone under 21, THC impacts brain development into a person’s 20s, regular use can cause dependence and withdrawal, and cannabis impairs judgment, mental health, and driving safety.
The Health Department says this campaign is part of a larger two-year project to learn how communities across Minnesota respond to cannabis messaging and to strengthen prevention efforts statewide.
The federal tax cuts are sending shockwaves through Minnesota farm fields. When Minnesota sure rates come out this week, more Minnesotans are expected to see rising costs in their premiums. Cindy VanDerpole is a breast cancer survivor and farmer, and says her previous health plans saved her and her family.
VanDerpole says the new cuts will be devastating for her family and other farmers across the state.
MN sure says if the enhanced tax credits do expire at the end of the year, 62 percent of their enrollees will see their costs go up in 2026.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its fall color forecast, and northwest Minnesota is gearing up for a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and yellows. Peak colors are expected from late September through early October, making it the perfect time for scenic drives and leaf-peeping adventures.
Travelers along Highway 11, from International Falls to the North Dakota border, will see mixed hardwood forests, especially near the Beltrami Island State Forest. On Highway 32, south from Warroad to Thief River Falls, the route winds through rich woodlands and wetlands, offering excellent opportunities to spot wildlife. Meanwhile, Highway 71, connecting Baudette to Bemidji, passes lakeshores and forested areas, providing a leisurely drive through vibrant fall foliage.
Weather plays a big role in the show: sunny days and cool nights help colors pop, while early frosts or hard freezes could shorten the season. For real-time updates and maps to plan the best drives, visit the Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder online. Northwest Minnesota’s autumn landscapes are ready to shine, just in time for travelers to experience the beauty of the season.
This Saturday, Sept. 27, was officially declared Public Lands Day in Minnesota, as proclaimed by Gov. Tim Walz. The day recognizes the vital role public lands play in the state’s identity, economy, and environmental stewardship.
The proclamation aligns with National Public Lands Day (the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands in the U.S.) and National Hunting and Fishing Day, which honors the contributions of hunters and anglers to conservation.
Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources manages 5.6 million acres of public land, including state parks, forests, wildlife areas, and more. These spaces provide clean air and water, protect wildlife, and offer outdoor recreation that enriches the lives of Minnesotans and visitors alike. Partnerships with Tribal Nations, federal and local governments, nonprofits, and more than 14,500 volunteers help keep these lands protected for generations to come.
DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen encourages everyone to celebrate Public Lands Day by getting outside and enjoying Minnesota’s unique landscapes, from prairies to oak savannas to coniferous forests.
The state is also investing in the future of public lands through the $150 million Get Out MORE initiative—modernizing outdoor recreation, improving accessibility, expanding programs like all-terrain track chairs, and adding new fishing piers. These projects strengthen Minnesota’s outdoor economy, which creates tens of thousands of jobs and generates billions each year.To learn more about Minnesota’s public lands and ways to get involved, visit mndnr.gov/publiclands.
