Thursday, January 27, 2022

PNS Daily Newscast - January 28, 2022
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The Indiana House passes a controversial bill barring schools from teaching about Critical Race Theory, and President Biden pledges to place a Black woman on the Supreme Court for the first time.

2022Talks - January 28, 2022
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Justice Stephen Breyer formally announces his retirement, the Dept. of Education will help students who fell behind during the pandemic, and Ariz. lawmakers consider a bill granting them control over elections.

The Yonder Report - January 27, 2022
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Free COVID tests by mail but some rural Americans need to go the extra mile; farmer storytellers join national campaign to battle corporate consolidation; specialty nurses want more authority; and rare bat gets credit for the mythic margarita.

Mike Moen

Producer

Mike Moen is a radio news reporter with nearly two decades of experience in the field. He has covered much of the upper Midwest, including Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and the Dakotas. Many of his stories have aired nationally, including several public radio programs.


Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

Topic Expertise: Community issues, racial disparities, public policy matters.

Local Expertise: Midwest, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota

Location: Blaine, MN

CONTACT

Latest Work

Iowa lawmakers are being asked to make a host of investments, including tax cuts for direct support professionals, to ensure that people living with disabilities have more access to caregivers. (Adobe Stock)

Iowans with Disabilities: Key Support Areas Need Investment

Groups advocating for Iowans with disabilities say 2022 is a crucial year to lay groundwork for individuals to gain more independence and live stronge…

On the heels of 2018 tariffs issued by the U.S. government, American steel producers have pledged more than $15 billion in facility investments. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MN Steelworkers to Biden: Keep Domestic Market Strong

The future of tariffs on imported steel is uncertain, and steelworkers in Minnesota hope policies they feel have helped provide economic stability …

A national report issued in 2021 says if more states create avenues for legal action tied to abortions, the ripple effect would mostly fall on communities of color and those who are economically disadvantaged. (Adobe Stock)

SD Bill Takes Punitive Approach to Governing Reproductive Rights

South Dakota has taken a step in trying to mirror Texas' strict abortion law, potentially paving the way for citizens to sue those involved in a …

Health equity experts say struggling Minnesota families and their children are being impacted by compound stressors that include lack of access to food and technology. (Adobe Stock)

School Meal Access Back in Spotlight Following Latest COVID Disruption

January saw some Minnesota schools move back to distance learning because of COVID-19 cases. Families struggling to find their kids meals in these …

While such issues as tax cuts are getting attention in the Iowa Legislature, some advocacy groups hope policymakers don't lose sight of programs they say would improve health outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

'Day of Action' to Highlight Health-Policy Priorities for IA

If Iowa wants to create healthier outcomes for its residents, advocates say there are steps policymakers can take right now to make it happen…

Over the course of the pandemic, North Dakota has received more than $350 million in federal aid to help struggling renters, but says it has sent back roughly 40% of that money unspent. (Adobe Stock)

ND Opts to Return Much of Federal Rent-Relief Funding

North Dakota has returned a significant portion of the rental assistance provided by the federal government in the pandemic, and groups working …

Proponents of wind and solar projects say because of the environmental benefits, human health won't be as negatively impacted in the long run, providing more economic stability for Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

Dispelling Misinformation on Wind, Solar Amid Utility Rate Hikes

Minnesota is seeing a flurry of utility rate hikes either being considered or taking effect. Those who support renewable energy warn there's some …

In North Dakota, Native Americans represent only 5% of the state's population, but roughly a quarter of the state's prison and jail population. (Adobe Stock)

ND Continues Effort to Examine Racial Bias in Courts

It's been nearly a year since North Dakota began collecting racial data on people accused of committing crimes - a process that paves the way for a re…

Even if someone in need receives brand new winter gear that was donated, humanitarian groups say there's a good chance some of those items can become lost or damaged over the course of a cold season and need to be replaced. (Adobe Stock)

Evictions, Inflation Part of Plea for Winter Clothing Donations

South Dakota is seeing another round of below-freezing temperatures. As folks bundle up, Salvation Army chapters hope they'll consider donating …

Researchers say even before the pandemic, Americans were logging between seven and 10 hours of screen time per day. (Adobe Stock)

Blue Light from Screen Time Prompts Health Warnings

The pandemic shows no signs of ending soon. And with working from home and distance learning still a reality for many households, health experts say …

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