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Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

MN: Budget Policy & Priorities

Organizations fighting wage theft said it harms affected workers and surrounding communities because the money withheld is not being circulated through the local economy. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN

A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …

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As part of its Climate and Resilience Action Plan, the city of St. Paul plans to convert the Como Zoo Conservancy building to geothermal heating and cooling. (Flickr)

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

St. Paul Climate Action Plan aims for net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050

By Frank Jossi for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netwo…

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During the pandemic, the federal government rolled out a temporary expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Policy experts say it helped many families temporarily escape poverty. Supporters of Minnesota's new credit hope for similar results. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 25, 2024

New MN Child Tax Credit aligns with economic justice efforts

With tax season winding down, efforts continue to spread the word about Minnesota's new Child Tax Credit. Outreach leaders say it's another way to …

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According to national data, traffic deaths increased by 10.5% in 2021 and traffic fatalities rose by<br />14% for drivers 65 and older. (Adobe Stock)
In making MN roads safer, law change sought for safety course

Traffic deaths are trending higher in Minnesota this year after a decline the previous year. Groups pushing for safer roads are convinced a small …

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Attendees at a recent COPAL event hold the design of a proposed Latino Center for Community Engagement in the Twin Cities. The organization hopes to have the facility up and running by 2026. (Photo courtesy COPAL)
MN Latino leaders seek new hub to bolster community outreach

Minnesota's legislative session kicked off this week. A bill for construction projects is possible, and those serving Latino communities hope to get …

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Heat pumps, powered by electricity, are seen as a key source in eventually replacing natural gas to reduce emissions from homes and businesses. (Adobe Stock)
MN coalition: Give residents a voice in phasing in clean heat sources

A regulatory hearing dealing with energy policy does not seem like a setting for most Minnesotans but a new coalition is recruiting voices who want af…

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The Minnesota Department of Commerce reported weatherization services could help decrease a homeowner or renter's annual energy costs by up to 30%. (Adobe Stock)
Deep freeze prompts reminders for home weatherization aid

Warmer temps may be on the horizon, but arctic air still has a grip on Minnesota. State officials and community action agencies are pointing out …

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In 2023, the Legislature approved nearly $50 million for the new Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority. Officials said the funds will help accelerate the adoption of proven clean energy technology and greenhouse-gas reduction projects. (Adobe Stock)
'Green Bank' among new MN climate efforts trying to get off ground

When Minnesota lawmakers reconvene in the coming weeks, additional climate change work is expected. Meanwhile, bigger moves from last year are being …

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Minnesota lawmakers, leading a task force on Emergency Medical Services shortages, say they have received some initial reports of 90-minute response times in certain rural areas. (Adobe Stock)
MN takes deep dive into solving ambulance shortages

Efforts to close ambulance service gaps in Minnesota are taking shape. A special legislative task force is gathering findings about the severity of …

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Minnesota's new paid leave law, scheduled to take effect in 2026, will distribute benefits through a state-operated insurance pool funded by employers and employees. (Adobe Stock)
Despite cost debate, some MN businesses intrigued by paid-leave law

Minnesota is two years away from enacting its new paid leave law and while the debate over costs has resurfaced, some in the small business community …

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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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Using federal incentives, the USDA is calling on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations to add anaerobic digesters that collect methane from manure to be used for electricity. But conservation groups countered it will do little to reduce harmful emissions from industrial ag operations. (Adobe Stock)
Family farm groups blast conservation incentives for industrial ag

Minnesota has been in the headlines over nitrate levels in drinking water and some conservation groups argued industrial farms are being given too man…

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