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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: Consumer

Researchers with North Star Policy Action say Minnesota has more ambitious clean energy goals than neighboring states, but lags behind some of them in output. Permitting issues in Minnesota are cited as a big factor. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 25, 2024

MN tinkers with policy to speed up wind and solar projects

Minnesota has about 15 years to achieve its mandate of 100% carbon-free electricity from utilities. To get there, clean energy voices say the …

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Minnesota officials said not only climate-fueled storms are driving up homeowner insurance costs. They said economic factors, such as higher labor and material supply costs, also play a role. (Adobe Stock)
MN sees spike in complaints related to homeowner insurance claims

While there's snow in the immediate forecast, the spring storm season has arrived in Minnesota and state officials said with complaints related 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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Backers of establishing a cleaner standard for transportation fuel in Minnesota say it would apply to both in-state producers, as well fuel that's imported. (Adobe Stock)
MN transportation sector could be next in line for carbon-free standard

Minnesota already has a law calling for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Now, there's a similar plan for transportation, and a legislative …

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The Indigenous Peoples Task Force is bringing new baby food to Native populations. Those involved did extensive testing of recipes originally created by Lori Watso, a chef and nurse from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community. (Photo courtesy of Jaida Grey Eagle, Arts Midwest)<br /><br />
Indigi-Baby: MN project gets infants off to a wholesome start

By Jay Gabler for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collabo…

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A handful of large cities in the U.S. have added protections for tenants in a residential complex to organize in response to poor living conditions. Minnesota is looking to make it a statewide protection. (Adobe Stock)
MN considers 'organizing' protections for renters

Minnesota lawmakers face growing calls this session to boost access to affordable housing and there is a proposal to lend a voice to existing renters …

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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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When it comes to electric vehicle registrations per capita, Minnesota ranks high among Midwestern states but still lags behind coastal states such as California. (Adobe Stock)
MN rolls out new electric-vehicle rebates

This week, the state of Minnesota began a new rebate program for electric vehicle purchases. Officials say a third of the funding set aside for the …

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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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On the heels of last year's legislative session, Minnesota is implementing a range of new laws in 2024, including the expansion of earned sick time and access to free menstrual products in schools. (Adobe Stock)
New MN laws cover renters, extreme-risk protections involving gun owners

With 2024 now underway, a flurry of new Minnesota laws are in effect. Renters facing obstacles with their landlords have new protections, and there …

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Permanent rate hike cases for a trio of utility providers serving Minnesota customers are expected to stretch well into 2024. (Adobe Stock)
Measuring scope of utility rate hike activity in MN

Temporary rate hikes sought by a handful of utilities in Minnesota are taking effect. Consumer advocates are still monitoring long-term proposals …

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