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Monday, December 9, 2024

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President Joe Biden considers 'pre-emptive' pardons for staff; SD libraries face stricter policies; GA trans activists face post-election struggles; AL taskforce tackles obesity crisis; MD fossil-fuel lobbyists fail to disclose activities; Midwest prime for wetlands loss; and ID joins lawsuit that could threaten access to public lands, critics say.

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President-elect Trump promises to pardon Jan. 6 rioters on day one. President Biden touts the fall of Syria's Assad regime as an "act of justice," and a North Carolina Supreme Court recount brings charges of attempted vote suppression.

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Limited access to community resources negatively impacts rural Americans' health, a successful solar company is the result of a Georgia woman's determination to stay close to her ailing grandfather, and Connecticut looks for more ways to cut methane emissions.

Looking Past Election, MN Groups Push Priorities

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022   

As Minnesota pores over midterm election results, there are calls for policymakers to pursue more protections for the state's working class, but special interest groups have different views.

A number of statewide races touched on the economy, but other issues, like crime, were at the forefront, too.

TakeAction Minnesota, a grassroots progressive group, said no matter who is in charge, policymakers could put all Minnesotans on equal footing if they invested in such areas as child care and public assistance programs.

Trisha Harms, communications director for the group, said it is not only about helping people survive, but also allowing them to thrive.

"The richest Americans are accumulating more wealth than ever before, while the rest of us, especially low-income Americans, are actually getting poorer," Harms asserted.

Researchers have noted some positive wage signs among low-income workers, but federal data show income gains in the past 40 years have largely favored the wealthy. The conservative-leaning Center of the American Experiment agreed child care solutions are a priority, but it also believes Minnesota should send much of its budget surplus back to taxpayers.

Harms countered key investments can help Minnesota families recover from recent inflation woes.

"And we're ready to hold our elected leaders accountable to their promises," Harms contended. "To make sure every Minnesotan can afford to live with safety and dignity, and the resources and care that all of us deserve."

This past year, Minnesota leaders largely failed to agree on how to use the state's multibillion-dollar budget surplus. The issue is expected to receive heavy debate early next year when those newly elected or reelected are sworn into office.


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Save Ohio Parks group photo taken July 1st 2024. (Photo Credit Paul Becker Photo)

Environment

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Protesters are gathering at the statehouse today to voice opposition to plans that could expand fracking activities near the state's parks. …


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A Wisconsin Circuit Court's ruling involving public sector bargaining rights has intensified the stakes for the state's Supreme Court election in 2025…

Health and Wellness

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Alabama leaders are zeroing in on the state's obesity crisis, which now ranks seventh-highest in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease …


Transgender activist Monica Helms created a transgender pride flag in 2000 that now hangs in the Smithsonian Institution's collection of LGBTQ historical items and, in 2003, founded the Transgender American Veterans Association. (Flickr)

Social Issues

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The issue of transgender rights is back in the news after a recent Supreme Court hearing and Donald Trump's reelection as president returns legal and …

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Environment

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Mainers are encouraged to take advantage of clean energy rebates and tax credits before they are gone. The Inflation Reduction Act offers incentives …

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