Minnesota News & Current Events | Public News Service

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature set aside $500,000 for local election offices to improve voting access for those with disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN

Early voting begins today in Minnesota and the state has implemented policy moves with the intent of making voting easier. Nonpartisan civic …

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the cost for a single cycle of IVF to range from $15,000 to $20,000 and can exceed $30,000 if a donor egg is involved. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

As U.S. Senate votes down IVF bill, MN parent speaks out

A bill to bolster protections for in vitro fertilization treatments failed in the U.S. Senate Tuesday and as the political debate plays out, a …

Minnesota's Center for Rural Policy and Development said in rural settings, parents are often forced to take a child to the emergency room during a mental health crisis. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Rural MN families have few options for youth mental healthcare

Gaps in mental health care are a common research topic right now and for Minnesota youth in rural areas, a new report showed their families face big …

In breaking down Minnesota's Latino population by age, nearly 223,000 are working-age adults between 18 and 64 years old. (Adobe stock)

In MN, leadership, culture variation part of Hispanic Heritage Month

Over the weekend, Hispanic Heritage Month got underway. In Minnesota, people are recognizing the diversity within these populations, as well as …

AARP says between 3 million and 4 million Medicare enrollees nationwide are estimated to benefit from the new out-of-pocket federal cap every year between 2025 and 2029. Of the total, 40,050 are in Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

Picture becomes clearer on drug cost savings for older Minnesotans

Consumer advocates have long detailed how older adults struggle to manage the cost of their medications but hope is emerging in Minnesota and elsewher…

Beyond additional support for K-12 schools, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill creating a free college tuition program for households earning annual incomes below $80,000. (Adobe Stock)

Former Walz colleagues bring education record into focus

The start of a new year of school in Minnesota has a new twist: intense focus from national media and voters across the U.S. With Gov. Tim Walz …

In a 2024 poll from Rural Democracy Initiative, rural voters said they're deeply concerned about rising costs for everyone, especially housing, healthcare, and childcare. (Adobe Stock)

Connecting Minnesota policies to rural needs

Recent Minnesota policy moves are in the national spotlight, with Gov. Tim Walz on the Democratic presidential ticket. Rural areas within the state …

The Center for Rural Affairs said if all forecasted solar in the Midwest was developed on prime farmland, it would occupy only 1.45% to 2.9% of such farmland in this part of the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Tractors, barns and solar panels: Renewables help reshape MN ag land use

Minnesota has plenty of prime farmland, with some of it being converted in the transition to clean energy sources such as solar. The movement has …

During Hunger Action Month, key organizations are calling on Congress to protect funding for support programs as lawmakers debate budget proposals. (Adobe Stock)

'On the edge of catastrophe': A call to arms during Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month and a food shelf coordinator in Minnesota does not see increased demand going down anytime soon. According to …

The Postsecondary National Policy Institue says in 2020, 22% of the 18- to 24-year-old Native American population were enrolled in college compared to 40% of the overall U.S. population. (Adobe Stock)

MN's new free tuition program resets higher ed path for tribal students

Indigenous populations have long faced barriers in pursuing higher education and Minnesota's new free college tuition program could help put some of t…

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, lower courts usually define a

MN livestock producers may take concerns to the polls

Concerns about consolidation in the meat industry could drive livestock producers to the polls. Just four companies process about 85% of American …

Sustainable energy systems such as heat pumps are getting a lot of attention amid government incentives to reduce carbon emissions from homes and businesses. (Adobe Stock)

With help of federal aid, MN 'green building' projects take flight

The federal Inflation Reduction Act just turned two years old. Those tracking its implementation said when you peel back the layers, a lot is taking …

In a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Cement Masons Plasterers and Shophands Local 633 holds a 10-week training camp each summer for Native Americans looking to learn a trade. (Photo courtesy of Fair Contracting Foundation of Minnesota)

MN cement mason bootcamp pays off for tribal youths

The next time you drive over a newly built highway in Minnesota, the concrete may have been poured by a Native American trained through a pre-…

University of Minnesota officials said a new climate change prediction tool means information gathering is not just for the research community but by the broader public as they prepare for possible scenarios. (Adobe Stock)

Wanna know what climate change looks like in 50 years? MN tool can help

From government planners to farmers to residents, those wondering how climate change will affect Minnesota in the decades to come can now get the …

Each Community Action Agency is different, but many offer help with resume building and interview readiness as low-income individuals try to find stable work. (Adobe Stock)

MN agencies reflect on war on poverty, 60 years in

For six decades, the U.S. has carried out a coordinated effort to keep poverty levels in check. Support offices in Minnesota say there's still need …

In August, experts advise parents to pay attention to their child's mood, to spot and help soothe any anxiety from back-to-school jitters. (Adobe Stock)

Back to school time: Easing your child into the routine

Minnesota children will soon head back to school and experts have a few tips to get them back into a routine and make sure they're in good shape…

Just like meat processing, the agricultural industry has come under scrutiny over fears corporate consolidation is limiting a farmer's options in seeking equipment repairs. (Adobe Stock)

MN farmers feel left out by new 'Right to Repair' law

The fall harvest is around the corner and Minnesota farmers hope their equipment holds up. Advocates said a new state law, intended to level the …

According to the Pew Research Center, Latinos are projected to account for 14.7% of all eligible voters in November 2024, a new high. (Adobe Stock)

MN Latino organizers mobilize election outreach teams

Voters across Minnesota will be participating in today's primary. At the same time, community-level organizers are starting to engage with Latino …

Since the mid-1990s, the May Day Cafe has been a community fixture in South Minneapolis. Workers there are trying to add it to the growing list of worker-owned cooperatives in the United States. (Photo courtesy of Forrest Wozniak/Flickr)

Worker-owned cooperative movement finds footing in MN

CLARIFICATION: While worker-owned cooperatives are seen as one of many solutions to the expected wave of small-business owners retiring, organizers …

As Minnesota governor, Tim Walz has helped push through a range of policies opponents and political observers describe as progressive. Some observers noted he appealed to voters while representing a largely conservative Congressional district prior to serving as governor. (Adobe Stock)

Assessing Walz pick in MN for tone, logistics

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has introduced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. The timing comes amid conversations about …

Agricultural groups said when a farmer contracts with a large meat company, they often lose control over many aspects of their operation, including the livestock they are housing, creating added stressors. (Adobe Stock)

The mental health case for leaving factory farms behind

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboratio…

Federal tax incentives are being awarded to spur more carbon capture projects around the U.S., including the controversial Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline in the Midwest. But some environmental groups want to

Public can weigh in on proposed carbon pipeline in MN

Public hearings are scheduled this month as Minnesota regulators consider a permit for a proposed pipeline to transport carbon emissions from ethanol …

The American Heart Association says nearly 40% of cardiac arrest cases among children happen in conjunction with sports-related activities. (Adobe Stock)

Is your school prepped for a cardiac emergency? MN advocates hope so

They may sit empty right now, but high school athletic fields and gyms will soon be active with practices for fall sports ramping up. Health advocacy …

According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. households will spend around $140 on back-to-school staples such as notebooks and pencil sharpeners. However, other needs, such as shoes and electronics, push the cost much higher. (Adobe Stock)

School supply donations: Notebooks help but so do headphones, gym shoes

The average household is spending nearly $875 on back-to-school items this year, according to the National Retail Federation and Minnesota organizers …

Food systems are responsible for about a third of global greenhouse-gas emissions, according to the United Nations. (Daniel Thornberg/Adobe Stock)

MN gets $200 million to reduce emissions in its food systems

The Environmental Protection Agency is giving Minnesota $200 million to reduce emissions in its food systems. The money will impact a large swath …

Most of the buses in Minnesota's rural transportation system are ADA-compliant and equipped with wheelchair lifts for passengers with disabilities. (Arrowhead Transit)

Rural MN communities gain expanded public transportation options

Traveling around rural Minnesota can be difficult but in more than half the state, nonprofit transit systems are helping people get where they need …

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called on members to defend democracy, voting rights and public education in the run-up to the presidential election this November. (Adobe Stock)

MN educators join national calls for democracy, better working conditions

Politics and education reform are among the major topics at a national convention of more than 3,500 teachers union members this week, including some …

According to the Minnesota Housing Partnership, more than 640,000 households across the state are cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than they can afford for their housing. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Many Minnesotans squeezed by housing costs

Newly released data in Minnesota underscores what housing assistance groups have been preaching - it's become increasingly difficult for many people t…

Industry groups said Minnesota's current solar investments have created enough capacity to power nearly 400,000 homes. (Adobe Stock)

MN poised to complete one of nation's largest solar farms after permit vote

Construction could begin in Minnesota later this year in the final phase of one of the nation's largest solar energy developments, after state …

Minnesota farmer Stuart Lavalier proudly displays his solar installation on his property along the Iron Range. (Photo courtesy of Resource Rural)

MN berry grower adds solar power to his revenue stream

By Bryce Oates for Resource Rural.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Resource Rural-Public News Service Co…

A cat from Minneapolis, now named Rue, is recovering from extensive injuries after a suspected case of animal cruelty. (Photo courtesy of Home for Life Animal Sanctuary)

MN case brings renewed focus on animal cruelty

Pet lovers say a Minnesota cat that narrowly escaped death is in recovery after being thrown from a high-rise apartment building. They want …

The Environmental Working Group said in a new report when someone thinks of farm subsidies, they might not picture the recipient living in a downtown Minneapolis apartment but it showed loopholes approved by Congress allow it to happen more frequently. (Adobe Stock)

'Big city' farmers cash in on government aid, drawing fairness questions

Minneapolis-St. Paul is in the top five metro areas where investors in farms are receiving large amounts of government subsidies. Authors of a new …

In making homes more energy efficient, Minnesotans could see new rebates released sometime next year. Officials are still piecing together the framework for these new programs, which are federally funded. (Adobe Stock)

With new home energy rebates on horizon, MN wants to emphasize equity

Minnesotans this month have a chance to share their thoughts on how the state should distribute home energy rebates. With federal incentives coming …

A University of Minnesota expert said drinking enough water helps your muscles work efficiently, a key benefit for those doing outdoor labor during hotter stretches. (Adobe Stock)

Ice cold water: A shield against hot temperatures, especially for outdoor workers

Minnesota could see temperatures reach the 90s in the coming days and as residents try to stay hydrated, one health expert said consistency is key…

Under Minnesota law, landlords are prohibited from accepting application fees when no units are available. Housing advocates say there are some examples where landlords might not break the law, but they accept fees from applicants that make it clear they don't meet the requirements. (Adobe Stock)

Pie-in-the-sky listings? Paying rental application fees for an out-of-reach unit

Data is scarce, but Minnesota housing advocates say in a tough rental environment, applicants sometimes fork over screening fees for a unit they …

Minnesota officials say a new roofing standard, created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, has shown to reduce the costs of hail and wind-related damages by up to 60%. The standard is now being used for home resiliency programs. (Adobe Stock)

Roof repair grants could keep MN insurance claims from spiraling out of control

Minnesota is part of a patchwork of states trying to reimagine storm preparedness, by making roofs on homes stronger - before winds and hail fueled …

The Conservation Fund said it aims to protect five million acres of forest by 2035. (Adobe Stock)

National project helps MN push back against deforestation

Deforestation remains a concern in the U.S. but success stories are emerging and Minnesota advocates said new achievements bode well for all …

According to the national organization Inseparable, Minnesota's 988 mental health crisis call line is within federal goals related to answer rates. (Adobe Stock)

MN part of deeper look into '988' crisis line effectiveness

A new report examined the rollout of the 988 mental health crisis line in each state, including Minnesota. The revamped National Suicide and Crisis …

According to the U.S. Department of energy, e-bikes topped the 1 million mark in sales in 2022, almost four times the total from 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Can e-bikes become a carbon reduction force?

Tomorrow Minnesota will reopen online applications for electric bike rebates. Environmental advocates are closely watching consumer demand for …

The union representing Minneapolis park keepers says since 1984, the department's superintendent's salary has increased by 229%, but in contrast, frontline workers' wages have fallen behind when factoring in inflation. (Adobe Stock)

Mpls. labor dispute highlights park workers' job challenges

With the July 4 holiday approaching, families are likely to spend time at municipal parks to celebrate and Parks Department staff in Minneapolis hope …

Proposed water permit changes in Minnesota to limit harmful runoff from industrial farms would only cover about 1,000 of the state's 17,000 livestock feedlots. However, environmental groups said the affected farms generate about one-third of the manure spread on agricultural fields. (Adobe Stock)

MN regulators unveil tougher water permit requirements for CAFO's

Minnesota will soon hold public hearings on proposed water permit changes as it seeks to get control of nitrate pollution from industrial farms…

If you are displaced by a natural disaster such as a flood, consumer watchdogs say you should keep all your receipts, including for food and temporary lodging as your home is repaired. It can help recoup expenses when going through necessary insurance claims and other forms of assistance. (Adobe Stock)

Watchdog hopes MN flood victims keep shady contractors at bay

Communities across Minnesota, especially in its southern half, have been responding to flood emergencies, and consumer protection groups are urging …

Violence Free Minnesota reported in 2018 through 2022, nearly 67% of bystanders or intervenors to domestic violence were killed by an abusive person using a firearm. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS ruling instills hope for domestic violence prevention groups

Domestic-violence prevention organizations in Minnesota continue to express relief over a U.S. Supreme Court ruling dealing with abusers having …

The Minnesota DNR says rivers in several parts of the state are running extremely high and fast, and conservation officers recommend people stay off the areas until water levels drop. (Photo courtesy of DNR)

Soggy MN weather prompts safety issues as state park season kicks off

Recent bouts of heavy rain are not just leading to flooded basements in Minnesota, they are reducing access to state parks just as summer demand …

Authors of a new report examining election laws for each state say inconsistent federal funding has made operations harder for local election administrators. If states do not fill the funding gap, replacing aging voting equipment becomes more difficult. (Adobe Stock)

Automatic voter registration stands out in MN election-law analysis

This week, Minnesota leaders touted early numbers under a new automatic voter-registration law. The provision was among the highlights in a report …

A senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council's Climate and Clean Energy Program said burning wood biomass for renewable energy actually emits more carbon dioxide than coal for every unit of electricity produced. (Adobe Stock)

Could other exceptions come with MN's new carbon-free law?

Minnesota is sorting out details ahead of trying to meet its 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2040. Some environmental advocates feel energy …

Staring July 1, Minnesota drivers 55 and older will only have to take four hours of a driver safety course to get an auto insurance discount, down from the current requirement of eight course hours. (Adobe Stock)

MN finalizes overhaul of driver safety education policy

On average, nearly 40% of traffic-fatality victims in Minnesota are 55 and older. A law change soon goes into effect to help more of these drivers …

Advocates are concerned that large corporate

MN farmers push for more protection from corporate agriculture in Farm Bill

With a September deadline looming for Congress to finish work on renewing the Farm Bill, Minnesota family farmers are pushing for more regulations to …

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