Minnesota News & Current Events | Public News Service

Through the Inflation Reduction Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers rural electric cooperatives nearly $10 billion in grants and loans to help cover costs as they pursue cleaner forms of electricity. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Using federal incentives, rural electric co-ops make clean 'power grab'

Utilities and government agencies in the U.S. are carrying out plans to transition to cleaner electricity sources. To avoid being left behind…

In a new national poll, 86% of respondents say they would purchase more

'Made in America' items try to land on more holiday gift lists

With Thanksgiving behind us, Minnesotans are shifting their attention to holiday shopping. Spurred by encouraging public polling, those who make …

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 …

According to Gallup, three in four Americans side with the United Auto Workers in their negotiations with U.S. auto companies. (Adobe Stock)

Amid organizing buzz, union membership lags, but leaders still see hope

States such as Minnesota have seen a tidal wave of union organizing amid public support to improve pay and workplace conditions. However, labor …

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…

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 …

Elected leaders and Connexus Energy officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony in October to announce the planned installation of a battery storage system inside the company's Vadnais Heights substation. (Photo courtesy of CEEM)

MN project takes on energy reliability, affordability balancing act

In what's described as the first such project in the upper Midwest, a Minnesota utility is retooling one of its power distribution systems to make …

Leaders at Minnesota's Normandale Community College say the pandemic reshaped the lives of many students, prompting them to consider whether to keep pursuing a degree. (Adobe Stock)

MN college joins national 'stop out' prevention initiative

Minnesota's largest community college is one of nearly 12 schools that will be part of a national pilot project to boost student outcomes and retentio…

Among the election changes Minnesota ushered in this year were protections for poll workers and election administrators. Other changes, such as automatic voter registration, take effect next year. (Adobe Stock)

MN counts local votes with some new election changes in place

Minnesota just carried out its first election after new voting policies were approved by the Legislature. It was an "off year" for bigger contested …

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 …

Some pro-democracy groups contend former President Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol in early 2021 to block election results from being certified. That argument is now among the legal questions being debated as Trump runs for president in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Arguments heard in MN case on Trump's eligibility for 2024 ballot

The Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in a high-profile case that involves efforts to keep former President Donald Trump off the state'…

Federal officials say the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides funding opportunities for smaller communities to improve their water infrastructure. (Adobe Stock)

Biden pushes rural investment message with MN visit

President Joe Biden was in southern Minnesota yesterday to highlight federal investments for rural America. Biden visited a farm near Northfield to …

Census data show Minnesota's Latino population has grown by nearly 40% since 2010, and advocates say this should compel the state to take Latinos more seriously as an economic force, including for high-paying jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Complexities surround Latino 'wealth gap' as MN efforts take hold

A new report found factors like geography play a role in assessing Latino wealth gaps in the U.S. The findings are from the Brookings Institution…

The nonprofit newsgathering organization Climate Central recently analyzed fall warming trends in 244 U.S. cities. Around 89% have seen October nights warm up since 1970. (Adobe Stock)

Don't let this year fool you. Midwest Halloweens are warmer on average

Minnesotans are in store for a frighteningly cold Halloween this year but weather experts said climate change is making October nights in the Midwest …

According to the most recent Minnesota Student Survey, rates of online gambling increased from 2.4% in 2019 to 4.6% in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring the online gaming and gambling risk for MN youth

Minnesota announced this week it has joined a multistate lawsuit against Facebook's parent company Meta, over claims of addictive social media …

New research being presented within the American College of Surgeons showed not only did pediatric trauma cases move higher during the pandemic, but disadvantaged patients also had significantly worse trauma outcomes than less vulnerable patients. (Adobe Stock)

Study links pandemic with uptick in pediatric trauma cases

Medical researchers are out with new findings, which underscore how some communities saw more devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new …

Emerging farmers lack the economic opportunities of more established farmers, and face substantially greater barriers to success, according to the University of Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

Scandia event addresses lack of land access for new farmers

Emerging farmers in search of land across Minnesota will be able to foster relationships with landowners at a free event in Scandia this coming Sunda…

Nearly 10 regional hubs across the U.S. will share about $7 billion in federal funding to develop a national network of clean hydrogen producers, consumers and infrastructure. (Adobe Stock)

MN and its neighbors score big in 'hydrogen hub' funding

Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota are being asked to play big roles in determining how to make hydrogen a viable form of clean or low-carbon …

The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency is in the process of readying its

Shortages persist, but low-income housing projects in MN are surfacing

Estimates show Minnesota is short 100,000 housing units for low-income populations. To help meet demand, some poverty-fighting offices are playing a …

Federal health officials say dementia affects nearly 7 million Americans. That number is projected to double by 2060. (Adobe Stock)

Closing care gaps, finding wellness tools for those with dementia

This fall, a key federal agency is taking applications from providers who want to join a nationwide model to improve Alzheimer's care. Minnesota …

According to experts, keeping your smartphone's security software up to date is one way for domestic violence survivors to protect themselves from technology-facilitated abuse. (Adobe Stock)

Preventing domestic abuse in the digital world

Domestic violence service and prevention groups say abuse can happen in many ways, and using technology is one of them. They remind anyone …

Projects like wind farms have mostly enjoyed broad public support, but researchers with Columbia Law School's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law say local opposition to renewable energy facilities is widespread, potentially hindering the achievement of climate goals. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Broad support for wind, solar farms, despite local backlash

As more renewable energy projects surface in Minnesota, a new poll suggested most Americans are comfortable having them around. As projects are …

The United States saw 626 trespass-related fatalities and almost 550 trespass injuries in 2022, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. (Adobe Stock)

Campaigns bring focus to safety concerns for railroad tracks, crossings

Minnesota is among the top 25 states for collisions at railroad crossings. Safety experts shared common tips to avoid tragedy, and not just for …

Until recently, school boards were often free of politics. But pushback against COVID-19 measures, teachings about race and book-ban movements have made them a part of culture war debates in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Concerns mount over 'extreme' school board candidates in MN

Nearly 100 school board elections are coming up in Minnesota this fall, with some gaining attention because of the candidates who are running…

Agrivoltaics is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the use of land for both agriculture and solar-energy generation. Above is an example of a Minnesota project, where farmers are growing crops at a solar site. (Photo courtesy of Connexus Energy)

Growing veggies with a side of solar cuts emissions, boosts land access

The arrival of fall has farmers transitioning to the harvest season, but what if some gathered their crops with rows of solar panels right alongside …

UAW members are asking for 36% raises in general pay over four years, as well as the return of pension plans for new workers. (Adobe Stock)

MN labor groups rally with auto workers

Thousands of U.S. auto workers remain on strike, and the walkout is being felt in Minnesota. A rally was scheduled this morning in the Twin Cities …

Supporters of a federal Climate Corps see it as an opportunity to help underserved communities and address environmental racism by training more younger people to take on climate-related jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Wanted: Younger workforce ready to learn about climate jobs

If states like Minnesota are going to meet their climate goals, experts say younger workers will need to step into the roles to make it happen - like …

Health coverage aid groups and providers warn if you wait until the last minute and rush your enrollment for an insurance plan, you could end up in the wrong program or with benefits that do not suit your needs. (Adobe Stock)

Health Coverage 101: Early research, expert guidance keep pitfalls at bay

When it comes to open enrollment and navigating health insurance options, experts say starting your research sooner rather than later is the best …

While Minnesota continues to see job growth in clean energy, trade groups warn if efforts are not accelerated to add more grid capacity, projects slated for development could be stalled or canceled, potentially cutting into job gains. (Adobe Stock)

MN Part of Nationwide Burst of Clean-Energy Jobs

Federal data show much of the U.S. is seeing job growth for the clean energy sector, and Minnesota is no exception, as new regional numbers confirm …

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says last year's spike in the nation's child poverty rate is the largest increase for children dating back to 1967. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Nationwide Surge in Child Poverty, MN Mitigation Plan Takes Flight

Policy experts are reacting to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, showing the nation's child poverty rate has more than doubled, to 12%. In …

The 2023 Rural Policy Action report says if the federal government were to invest more in election safety and security, rural residents could avoid intimidation in making their voices heard about needs facing their communities. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Advocates Don't Want to Lose Community Improvement Momentum

Recent policy decisions are being carried out to improve the lives of Minnesota's rural communities. A national coalition says despite the progress…

Those demanding reforms within Minnesota's correctional facilities say incarcerated individuals in Stillwater have lacked access to such basics as showers and recreation time. (Adobe Stock)

MN Faces Calls to Investigate Prison Conditions

Prison reform advocates in Minnesota continue to speak out following a lockdown at the correctional facility in Stillwater. People incarcerated …

In 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than four in 10 students felt persistently sad or hopeless. Education observers said it has prompted more demand for mental health services in schools. (Adobe Stock)

Assessing Need for School Counselors Amid SRO Debate in MN

Minnesota lawmakers could soon be called into special session in response to a controversy over school resource officers. The situation has prompted …

In 2017, the U.S. government was criticized for its response to hurricane recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. Since then, the island has been lauded for community-level efforts to make towns and cities there more climate resilient. (Adobe Stock)

MN Delegation Brainstorms on Climate Solutions After Puerto Rico Trip

Next week, elected officials in Minnesota, along with Latine and environmental organizations, will gather to discuss a recent delegation trip to …

Beyond insulation and furnace repairs, programmable thermostats are part of home weatherization services to help establish more energy efficiency. (Adobe Stock)

With Winter Around the Corner, MN Enhances Weatherization Efforts

The application period is now underway for Minnesotans who'll need help with heating bills this winter. The Energy Assistance Program also paves the …

Health experts say if a student in the classroom is the only one not frequently raising their hand to answer a question, it might signal a deeper issue, such as hearing loss. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Unaddressed Hearing Woes Could Make School Life Miserable

Parents in Minnesota have been feverishly helping their kids get ready for the new school year. A health expert says if hearing has been an issue for …

Unlike temporary expansions at the start of the pandemic, free school meals for all Minnesota K-12 students are now permanent. (Adobe Stock)

MN Implements 'No-Cost Meals' for All Students

With back-to-school season here, Minnesota is implementing no-cost meals for all students, regardless of family income. As districts prepare…

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Minnesota ranks second in the nation for hog production. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Criticized After Passing on New Regulations for Factory Farms

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it will hold off on imposing new regulations dealing with factory farms amid concerns about their li…

Environmental researchers reported buildings account for 40% of global carbon emissions, and not all of it is from their heating and cooling systems. They said conventional construction materials used to build them, such as steel and concrete, account for some of the pollution, too. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Law Gives Skeletons of Buildings a Green Makeover

Just like electric vehicles and solar farms, the bare bones of a large building can be environmentally friendly if constructed with certain supplies…

Minnesota government scientists are among the workers covered under a new two-year contract recently approved by key unions. (Adobe Stock)

Remote Work, Corrections Benefits Wins Part of MN State Employees Deal

Minnesota is phasing in new provisions for state employees as their latest contracts have been finalized. Beyond pay raises, union leaders say there …

Behavioral health specialists often sound the alarm over the impact social media has on teens, especially if they're online most of the day. Experts say parents can help by setting good examples and limiting their own screen time. (Adobe Stock)

Curbing Excessive Online Time for Teens

Over the next couple of weeks, kids across Minnesota will head back to school. Addiction specialists say now is a good time for parents to address …

Hunger relief experts say the pandemic made it much harder for marginalized populations to access healthy food, and federal relief grants helped some organizations address gaps. (Adobe Stock)

Relief Grants in MN Help Instill Hope in Addressing Food Insecurity

Minnesota saw a record 5.7 million people people visit food shelves last year. While there is still great concern about households not having enough …

Retail experts say the cost of electronics that students need has become a driving factor in the overall rise of school supply expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Budget Pressure, Low-Income Minnesotans Get School-Supply Relief

The average U.S. household will spend nearly $900 on back-to-school supplies this year, and in Minnesota, poverty-fighting organizations are …

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 …

Rather than focusing on their differences, University of Minnesota Extension educators say people from urban and rural areas should bridge community networks to help address the common challenges these geographic areas face. (Adobe Stock)

What Urban-Rural Divide? Experts Say It's More Like an 'Interdependency'

Political tension in the United States has fueled narratives that urban and rural areas are sharply divided. But what if it's more of a myth? The …

Developing carbon capture technology has been viewed by some, including the Biden administration, as a way to help achieve climate goals. But in the Midwest, private projects involving multistate pipelines and underground storage have resulted in pushback. (Adobe Stock)

New Twist in Regional Carbon Pipeline Plan Felt in MN

The fallout continues from last week's decision by North Dakota regulators to deny a permit for a controversial regional pipeline project. Opponents …

This year, the Minnesota Legislature approved $15 million for the Solar for Schools program, which helps public schools and state colleges and universities install solar panels on their campuses. (Adobe Stock)

Transit, Solar Access, Commercial Buildings Part of MN Climate Push

August is usually a time when new laws take effect in Minnesota - and in the months ahead, a lot of eyes will be monitoring the implementation of …

This summer, the Twin Cities region broke an 18-month slump in year-over-year growth for housing construction permits. (Adobe Stock)

Could Retooling Zoning Cure MN's Affordable Housing Woes?

New data show promising news in closing Minnesota's housing supply gap, with home construction shaking off its slump. However, there are calls to …

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