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The IRS says undocumented workers who don't have a valid Social Security number need to complete a W-7 form so they can get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a key tool they need to file their federal and state tax returns. (Adobe Stock)

During tax time crunch, multilingual sites in MN pitch in

Minnesotans who haven't completed their tax returns yet might be fretting about meeting the April 15th deadline. For those facing language barriers …

El IRS dice que los trabajadores indocumentados que no tienen un n�mero de Seguro Social v�lido deben completar un formulario W-7 para poder obtener un N�mero de Identificaci�n Individual del Contribuyente (ITIN), una herramienta clave que necesitan para presentar sus declaraciones de impuestos federales y estatales. (Adobe Stock).

Los sitios multilingües en Minnesota colaboran durante la crisis fiscal

Los habitantes de Minnesota que aún no han completado sus declaraciones de impuestos podrían estar preocupados por cumplir con la fecha l…

Lakes and Pines Community Action said its volunteer tax preparers helped 400 Minnesotans with their income tax returns last year but due to volunteer shortages, they had to turn away about the same number of people. (Adobe Stock)

Tax prep services for low-income Minnesotans short on volunteers

Minnesotans with low to moderate incomes can turn to free services to help get their tax returns ready to file but some programs are saying a lack of …

Beyond high-risk situations, such as assisting with a domestic violence call, Minnesota fire chiefs say peer support groups are becoming an important tool as first responders navigate stress from the daily calls they take on. (Adobe Stock)

MN public safety agencies reeling from weekend tragedy

The risk first responders face is getting renewed focus following the fatal shooting of two police officers and a paramedic in Minnesota. Amid …

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first celebrated as a federal holiday in 1986, but since the mid-1990s, it has been recognized as a day of service. (Adobe Stock)

Service opportunities remain at heart of MLK Day

Today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Minnesota residents are reminded to seek out service opportunities to make their communities a better place to …

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 …

For more than 25 years, Will Wallace, pictured, has worked with at-risk youth in North Minneapolis. He now leads the Community Peace Builders effort for Nonviolent Peaceforce in the area. (Photo courtesy NP)

New healing space, outreach efforts highlight community safety work in MN

A Minneapolis neighborhood celebrates the opening of a centralized location for community safety initiatives today. The nonprofit behind the effort …

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, almost three out of five home fire deaths are caused by fires in dwellings with no smoke alarms. (Adobe Stock)

MN fire expert: Don't let smoke detectors become an afterthought

The fall season, especially around the end of daylight saving time, prompts plenty of reminders regarding home fire safety. A Minnesota official says …

The CDC says there are five action steps someone can take in helping a friend or loved one who is having suicidal thoughts. In addition to openly talking about the matter and connecting them with help, a key step is following up after they have been seen by a provider. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Sees Troubling Reversal in Suicide Numbers

New provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide last year. The record …

According to the American Library Association, a record 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship in 2022, a 38% increase over the previous year. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Censorship Craze, Library Campaign Aims to Turn the Page

Public libraries are known for their quiet settings. But during National Library Week, staff leaders in Minnesota and elsewhere are being vocal about …

Electric vehicles, which can carry a battery pack with up to 50,000 volts of electricity, can be a danger, both to passengers and first responders, in accidents. (Adobe Stock)

EV Accident Response Training Emerges for First Responders

The auto industry and public agencies are looking ahead to a bigger transition to electric vehicles, and it's not just adding more charging stations…

AmeriCorps says in its latest report, Minnesotans logged 108 million hours of formal volunteer service. (Adobe Stock)

MN Fares Well in New Volunteer Rankings

New data on volunteering in the U.S. carries good news for Minnesota. Every other year, the independent government agency AmeriCorps works with the …

Community health workers offer many services, including education on topics related to chronic disease prevention, physical activity and nutrition. (Adobe Stock)

Community Health Workers Make Inroads in MN

It's been three years since COVID-19 cases first surfaced. While doctors and nurses have treated those patients, community health workers continued …

Federal officials say Minnesota is home to more than 533,000 small businesses. (Adobe Stock)

Grant Funding Flows to Struggling Main Streets in MN

For some Minnesota small businesses, it's been harder to fully recover from major events of the past two years. A state grant program has a new round …

Los funcionarios federales dicen que Minnesota alberga m�s de 533,000 peque�as empresas. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Subvenciones fluyen hacia negocios en problemas de MN

Para algunas pequeñas empresas de Minnesota, ha sido más difícil recuperarse por completo de los grandes eventos de los últimos …

The Girls on the Run Program is celebrating its tenth anniversary in Minnesota this year. (Adobe Stock)

Social, Emotional Building Program for Young Girls Expands in MN

Registration time is arriving at several Minnesota locations offering a national program geared for grade-school-age girls. It combines social and …

Community Peace Builders and their mentor are beginning to carry out de-escalation and relationship building efforts in North Minneapolis. (Photo courtesy of EMERGE)

Community Peace Builders Instill Hope in Minneapolis

The summer season and violent crime can fuel narratives by the public and the media about safety in urban settings. But in Minnesota's largest city…

By 2035, there are projected to be more than 1.2 million older adults living in Minnesota (Adobe Stock)

MN Becomes 10th 'Age-Friendly' State

Minnesota is building on efforts to meet the needs of its growing population of older adults, now becoming the 10th state to join AARP's network of …

Even before winning her medals at the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Suni Lee had already made history as the first Hmong American to compete in the Olympics. (Adobe Stock)

Suni Lee's Olympic Triumph a Boost for MN Hmong Community

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Over the weekend, local celebrations were held in honor of Minnesota's Suni Lee, who brought home a trio of gymnastics medals from …

In the aftermath of George Floyd's death, communities experiment with different ways to promote public safety. (Chad Davis/Wikimedia Commons)

Special YES!/PNS Report - George Floyd Anniversary & Reimagining Public Safety

Atlanta-based journalist Anoa Changa and Laura Rosbrow-Telem out of Oakland, CA reported and produced this special report with YES! Magazine and …

Since 2011, Minnesota's Hmong American Farmers Association has helped producers with access issues, including financial tools. (Photo courtesy of HAFA)

Hmong Farmers in MN Part of Grant Effort to End Health Disparities

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Hmong farmers in Minnesota are playing a role in trying to end health disparities for marginalized residents. They're getting help …

AARP will provide $2 million for community improvement projects across the nation this year, including some in Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

Small Community Projects Aim to Pack Big Punch

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Grants again are being made available to governments, nonprofits and community groups across Minnesota to carry out local …

Studies have shown a lack of access to healthy foods leads to higher rates of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Grocery Store Tries Volunteer Model to Reduce Hunger

MINNEAPOLIS -- Groups that fight hunger say they're seeing more need for food assistance in the pandemic, and they hope "nutrition security" is part …

Books for Africa has been shipping donated books from Minnesota and other parts of the world to Africa since 1988. (BFA)

Despite Challenging Year, "Books for Africa" Program Hits Milestone

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- As 2020, with all of its challenges, draws to a close, a Minnesota nonprofit is celebrating some good news. A longstanding effort …

Elaine Rasmussen is one of 50 Minnesotans 50 and older being recognized for their contributions to the state in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Rasmussen)

What Isolation? Older Minnesotans Pitch In During Crisis

MINNEAPOLIS -- Public health officials have strongly advised older people to stay at home as much as possible to avoid COVID-19 infection, but some …

Before the latest round of CARES Act funding, Hunger Solutions-Minnesota says it received nearly 350 applications for aid, totaling more $20 million. It was able to provide $12 million, spread across 239 groups. (Adobe Stock)

Emergency Aid for Hunger Relief Drying Up in MN

DULUTH, Minn. - The lack of a new federal pandemic relief bill has local governments and nonprofits worried about how people will be able to survive …

Rep. Samantha Vang (DFL) and Rep. Rena Moran (R) are both members of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus in the Minnesota House. (Photo courtesy of Vang)

MN Likely to Keep Split Legislature. Is Compromise Possible?

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- In his victory speech on Saturday, President-elect Joe Biden offered a tone of national healing and bipartisanship. In Minnesota…

A Minnesota research group says rural and urban parts of the state may be different, but they are growing and changing in many similar ways. (Adobe Stock)

What Urban/Rural Divide? MN Research Group Finds Similarities

MINNEAPOLIS -- Political debates in Minnesota have included a common component in recent years: noted differences between geographic areas. But new …

It's been nearly five months since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, but debate on a variety of issues tied to the incident continues. (Mike Moen)

MN Group Gathers Residents' Thoughts on Police Accountaility

MINNEAPOLIS -- Feelings still are strong in Minneapolis about the police killing of George Floyd and how the city responded to the incident and the ci…

Health experts say public compliance with mask use could play a big role in slowing the spread of COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

Policymakers Weigh Mask Mandates, Public Pressure

WINONA, Minn. -- Cities in Minnesota have openly debated mask mandates to protect residents from contracting COVID-19 and to stem the spread…

New projections suggest that as many as 750,000 Minnesotans will be experiencing food insecurity by the fall, meaning they're not always sure where their next meal is coming from. (Adobe Stock)

MN Provides More Funds to Fight Hunger, But Uncertainty Looms

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota food banks and food shelves will see more funding come their way to help meet increased demand during the pandemic…

Thousands of bags of food and other supplies have been donated to Twin Cities communities that saw heavy business damage during the George Floyd protests. (LittleLioness6/Twitter)

Monetary Donations Urged for Food Shelves Helping Mpls. Recover

MINNEAPOLIS - Parts of the Twin Cities deeply affected by the George Floyd protests continue to see waves of donations as they work to recover from da…

The African Paradise restaurant in south Minneapolis is located near the site where the most intense protests occurred following the death of George Floyd. Like other minority-owned businesses, it faces an uncertain future because of damage to the building. (Nancy Korsah)

Minority-Owned Businesses Face Long Road After MN Protests

MINNEAPOLIS -- It took a long time for minority business owners to get established in parts of Minneapolis where protests demanding justice for George…

Brad Miller's family, above, takes part in the Twin Cities Heart Walk each year to honor his legacy. Family members will be among the many to participate in this year's virtual walk, which was forced to change formats in response to the coronavirus pandemic. (AHA)

American Heart Association to Hold Key Event Virtual Style

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Nonprofit organizations face major obstacles in carrying out large fundraisers during the coronavirus pandemic. The same is true …

A new online effort being led by a Minneapolis nonprofit aims to connect people feeling a lack of human connection during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Virtual Chats Give Front-Line Workers and Marginalized a Voice During Crisis

MINNEAPOLIS - Not everyone can huddle up safely in their homes during the pandemic. Many Minnesotans are on the front lines or lack community support …

Minnesota's stay-at-home order is scheduled to end this Friday, but Gov. Tim Walz gave no specific indication about whether it would be extended during his State of the State speech Sunday. (Adobe Stock)

COVID-19: MN Governor Warns of More Tough Days Ahead

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Gov. Tim Walz offered Minnesotans a mix of harsh realities and encouragement in his State of the State speech Sunday night…

Groups such as AARP hope Minnesota seniors can access help if their normal support structure is affected by the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Groundswell of Community Support for MN Seniors During Pandemic

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Senior citizens across Minnesota might find it harder to get access to supplies or crucial information during the pandemic…

Hunger Solutions Minnesota is encouraging people planning to donate extra supplies to food shelves to take in boxes from neighbors. They say fewer trips can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. (Adobe Stock)

Efforts Speed Up to Help MN Food Banks in Light of COVID-19

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A number of agencies have mobilized staff members and volunteers to distribute food to Minnesotans in need in response to the new …

The Minnesota Department of Health has already requested $25 million in state funding to help prevent coronavirus spread in the state. (Adobe Stock)

MN Health Consultant Encourages Neighborhood Preparation for Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn. -- Minnesota health officials say they're working to contain the spread of coronavirus after the state announced its first case last …

Since 2017, AARP has awarded 376 grants through its Community Challenge Grant program to nonprofit organizations and government entities in all 50 states and territories. (Adobe Stock)

Grant Program Seeks More Diversity, Inclusion in MN

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. -- Making communities more livable for people of all ages is the goal of a grant program that's looking for Minnesota towns to …

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only 37% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, and fewer than 10% of prospective donors give blood annually. (uofmhealth.org)

Red Cross Focuses on MN Young Adults for Blood Donations

MINNEAPOLIS -- January is National Blood Donor Month, and there's a big need for type-O blood. In Minnesota, the American Red Cross hopes younger …

Hunger fighting advocates say Minnesota food shelves could use cash donations to help them keep longer hours and serve more people. (Maryhere)

MN Food Shelves Need Cash Donations to Keep Lights On

ST. PAUL, Minn. – As winter approaches, operators of food shelves across Minnesota hope to take in loads of donated items to help people in …

The northern Minnesota town of Cook has avoided becoming a food desert, defined as a part of the country without fresh fruit, vegetables and other healthful whole foods. (americannutritionassociation.org)

Residents of Minnesota's Cook, Get Back to "Cooking"

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Sometimes a walk-in freezer is all it takes to prevent a so-called food desert. But renewed funding for a Minnesota program …

Minnesotans age 50-plus are making valuable contributions in communities across the state. (aletia2011/Adobe Stock)

Trailblazing Through the Golden Years

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Trailblazing is not just for the "up and coming," and some Minnesotans are being honored for not letting their golden years …

Ashley Goette says she was within days of giving birth to her son when a 911 dispatcher had to coach her through the cardiopulmonary resuscitation that saved her husband's life. (Goette/AHA)

“Common-Sense” Phone CPR Training Can Save People Like Ashley’s Husband

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Last fall, a 911 dispatcher talked a pregnant West Saint Paul woman through the CPR that saved her husband's life. Now …

According to the American Heart Association, cardiopulmonary resuscitation can double or triple the chance of surviving cardiac arrest. (HansMartinPaul/Pixabay)

MN Legislature Mulls Telephone/CPR Training

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Advocates will gather at the Capitol in St. Paul today to support Telephone CPR bills in the Legislature. The bills would …

Federal law allows 60 percent of the U.S. workforce to take unpaid time off to care for a sick family member or new child, but many workers in rural communities can�t afford to skip a paycheck. (smprat90/Pixabay)

Report: Need for Paid Family Leave Greatest for Rural Minnesotans

ST. PAUL, Minn. – As legislators at the Minnesota State Capitol debate a paid family and medical leave policy, a new report from the University …

State and county workers in Minnesota are working hard to make sure the state's 500,000 low-income people receive their February food stamp benefits early, despite a partial federal government shutdown.(Twenty20)

Gov't. Shutdown Means Early Checks for MN SNAP Recipients

ST. PAUL, Minn. — As the partial federal government shutdown drags on, the United States Department of Agriculture will pay February's …

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MN: Community Issues and Volunteering