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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

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SD public defense duties shift from counties to state; SCOTUS appears skeptical of restricting government communications with social media companies; Trump lawyers say he can't make bond; new scholarships aim to connect class of 2024 to high-demand jobs.

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The SCOTUS weighs government influence on social media, and who groups like the NRA can do business with. Biden signs an executive order to advance women's health research and the White House tells Israel it's responsible for the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

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Midwest regenerative farmers are rethinking chicken production, Medicare Advantage is squeezing the finances of rural hospitals and California's extreme swing from floods to drought has some thinking it's time to turn rural farm parcels into floodplains.

MN: Poverty Issues

Leaders with a hunger-fighting group in Minnesota cite several reasons why more people are visiting food shelves. They acknowledge that skyrocketing rent is likely leaving less room for other necessities, including food. (Adobe Stock)
MN food shelves increasingly nimble in light of concerning data

Food shelves across Minnesota continue to adapt to record demand, that isn't showing any immediate signs of slowing down. This month, Hunger …

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Rural connection gaps, through lack of infrastructure, are often cited as barriers to high-speed internet access. But experts reported being able to afford the monthly payments is another issue affecting many Americans. (Adobe Stock)
Helping low-income Minnesotans defray internet costs

Roughly 200,000 Minnesota households lack access to high-speed internet. Affordability is an issue for some, and two regions are ramping up outreach …

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According to the organization Hunger Solutions, Minnesota saw a record 5.5 million visits to food shelves in 2022. There is concern visits this year will be even higher. (Adobe Stock)
MN food shelves navigate record high demand

The Thanksgiving holiday is here, as too many Minnesotans still struggle with food insecurity. New state support is on the way, but with record …

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The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says last year's spike in the nation's child poverty rate is the largest increase for children dating back to 1967. (Adobe Stock)
Amid Nationwide Surge in Child Poverty, MN Mitigation Plan Takes Flight

Policy experts are reacting to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, showing the nation's child poverty rate has more than doubled, to 12%. In …

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Hunger relief experts say the pandemic made it much harder for marginalized populations to access healthy food, and federal relief grants helped some organizations address gaps. (Adobe Stock)
Relief Grants in MN Help Instill Hope in Addressing Food Insecurity

Minnesota saw a record 5.7 million people people visit food shelves last year. While there is still great concern about households not having enough …

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Retail experts say the cost of electronics that students need has become a driving factor in the overall rise of school supply expenses. (Adobe Stock)
Amid Budget Pressure, Low-Income Minnesotans Get School-Supply Relief

The average U.S. household will spend nearly $900 on back-to-school supplies this year, and in Minnesota, poverty-fighting organizations are …

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The National Low Income Housing Coalition said Minnesota has a shortage of nearly 104,000 affordable rental homes for its lowest-income households. Community action agencies say historic investments from the Legislature will help them meet the demand for housing aid. (Adobe Stock)
Facing High Demand, MN Digs Deep to Provide Housing Aid

The U.S. is in the midst of a housing crisis, with a shortage of affordable homes and concerns about people facing homelessness. Minnesota is using …

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Findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation show Minnesota has an overall high ranking for child well-being. But advocates warn that lack of access to early child education could derail outcomes. (Adobe Stock)
MN Shines in Child Well-Being Report, But Pandemic Shows its Impact

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like Minnesota fared better in the …

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For years, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been quickly targeted for cuts when Congress is at odds over spending priorities. (Adobe Stock)
MN Hunger Relief Leader: SNAP Threats Off Mark

Whether it's the recent debt ceiling negotiations or the Farm Bill debate, a key federal food assistance program is again at the mercy of budget …

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Community Action Agencies provide services that go beyond energy assistance and home weatherization. Many offer job training programs that take into account the barriers low-income individuals face in advancing in the workplace. (Adobe Stock)
With New Partners, MN's Poverty-Fighting Offices Expand Financial Reach

May is Community Action Month, and Minnesota agencies that help address poverty say demand for services isn't going away. To help clients thrive…

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Leaders with the Minnesota Freedom Fund say the criminal-justice system relies on a predatory cash bail system, suggesting prosecutors are ignoring constitutional protections which say a person cannot be given bail deemed 'excessive.' (Adobe Stock)
Group Works to Disrupt the Business of Cash Bail in MN

By Sonali Kolhatkar for Yes!Magazine.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

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Since 2017, Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership in Minnesota has helped low-income clients train to become certified nursing assistants. (Adobe Stock)
Nursing Career Path Widens for Low-Income Minnesotans

Amid workforce issues within health care, the state of Minnesota is poised to soon roll out a nursing recruiting initiative. In the meantime…

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