Minnesota News & Current Events | Public News Service

Policy experts say rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such as Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Medicaid faces big cuts; experts warn about potential blow to rural areas

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this story noted the Children's Health Insurance Program as a component of Medicaid, before outlining Minnesota …

In the 2023 legislative session, Democrats in Minnesota had control of all levels of government, allowing them to push through most of their policy vision. But Republicans have made gains in the House, forcing party leaders to rethink their strategies. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

MN legislative stalemate has potential to worsen voter trust

Minnesota's new legislative session begins tomorrow, but there are still unknowns over how much of it will actually get started. A political expert …

Experts in the world of youth mentorship said one in three young people in the United States will grow up without a mentor. (Adobe Stock)

In MN, youth mentorship part of larger development puzzle

January is National Mentoring Month and in Minnesota, program leaders report waiting lists for kids to be matched up with an adult willing to spend …

Researchers say most newer models of electric vehicles are fitted with heat pumps, which can add roughly 10% extra range to cars during freezing conditions. (Adobe Stock)

EV upgrades could ease concerns about cold-climate performance

By Kristoffer Tigue for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

Companies are increasingly providing apps and other tools for people to track their screen time with the hope of cutting back. But a Minnesota exert says those solutions are still reliant on technology, making the temptation too hard for many people. (Adobe Stock)

Not now, social media 'likes': Phasing out heavy screen time

If reducing screen time is your New Year's resolution, a Minnesota expert says it can be tough. But with increasing concerns about the effects of …

National studies show when people leave prison, they face a range of obstacles in advancing through the world of postsecondary education. Right off the bat, a key deterrent is an application question about their past criminal history. (Adobe Stock)

With college application change, MN aims to reduce higher-ed barriers

In the new year, college applications in Minnesota will look a little different: They will no longer feature an initial question about a person's …

According to recent polling data from Navigator Research, nine in 10 people living in battleground districts want Congress to ban so-called

New MN laws target junk fees, pricey concert tickets

With 2025 at hand, Minnesotans might be mapping out the concerts they want to attend or things they want to buy in the new year but the presence of …

Battery storage is considered a key form of clean energy innovation, and those behind a public-private-partnership in Minnesota want to make the region a hub to perfect these solutions and similar technologies. (Adobe Stock)

MN's 'Energy Alley' looks to lengthen its on-ramp for start-ups

Minnesota's clean energy goals are among the more ambitious in the U.S. But industry experts say it can't slow down on the innovation side to see …

Immigration law experts say applying for asylum status can be very lengthy, and that programs such as Temporary Protected Status can fill the void for people fleeing violence elsewhere in the world. (Adobe Stock)

MN Latino advocates rally around temporary protections, health care access

With 2025 almost here, organizations assisting Minnesota's Latino populations say they're laser focused on a couple of areas - mental health-care …

Ag policy experts wonder if a second Trump administration will create a more regulatory-friendly environment for larger livestock operations and commodity farmers. They say growing a lot of corn, for example, might appear good, but it fuels feed for concentrated animal feeding operations. (Adobe Stock)

A giant policy question mark lies before smaller, independent farms

From declining commodity prices to unpredictable weather, American farmers are at a crossroads - especially smaller operations. And they're …

Rocky Casillas Aguirre adds a pop of color to 'Twitch the Flame,' a main character in his comic series which focuses on mental health for kids. (Photo courtesy of Casillas Aguirre)

Need a mental health boost? Talking hot dog is here

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

As winter takes hold, Minnesota farmers are getting repairs done on equipment and doing other tasks ahead of the next planting season. Some are also hoping their winter cover crops aid next year's growing with better soil and different types of harvest to sell. (Adobe Stock)

Potential moneymaker, water protector sits on MN's frozen farm fields

Clean drinking water doesn't just come from replacing lead pipes. Solutions also rest on Minnesota's farm fields, and this time of year, some rural …

When pandemic aid was flowing, policy experts said it opened the door for fraudsters to line their pockets by taking advantage of state and federal emergency programs. In Minnesota, some of that activity has persisted. (Adobe Stock)

MN lawmakers have their eye on combating fraud, with caution urged

The word "fraud" is likely to circulate in the upcoming Minnesota legislative session. One political expert said state agencies are being targeted …

Even with holiday shopping needs and planned celebrations, health experts emphasized taking time for yourself this time of year to avoid unnecessary stress. (Adobe Stock)

Holiday stress warnings are nothing new, but heart data doesn't lie

From hosting family to higher credit card bills and increased alcohol consumption, the holiday season, while fun, is not always friendly to our …

Since 2009, the Bentleyville Tour of Lights has dazzled attendees with an array of lights spread across Duluth's Bayfront Park. (Photo courtesy of Bentleyville Facebook page)

Taking in a big holiday light show? Give a nod to union workers

Over the next few weeks, many Minnesotans will travel to big holiday light shows such as the Bentleyville attraction in Duluth and It is not just …

After some initial permit roadblocks, Summit Carbon Solutions has been gaining approval in Midwestern states for a large-scale carbon capture project involving ethanol plants. (Adobe Stock)

MN joins the carbon capture pipeline wave with permit approval

A massive carbon capture project proposed for the Midwest has another permit under its belt after Minnesota regulators gave their approval Thursday…

In an October report from the Minnesota Department of Health covering 2017-2021, it was noted health care spending growth in the state had exceeded 5% in four of the past five years. (Adobe Stock)

In challenging health coverage times, MN union victory seen as hopeful sign

The tragedy surrounding UnitedHealthcare has brought renewed focus on cost barriers within the health care system. A group of Minnesota unions said …

Researchers said common barriers faced by Native American children include lack of culturally relevant curriculum in their educational settings. A Minnesota grant program helps community organizations expand such teachings within their tribal areas. (Adobe Stock)

Five years in, MN program creates improved pathways for Native kids

Five years ago, Minnesota established a program to bolster well-being metrics for children of color and young Native American kids. Today, fund …

The EPA's Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program focuses on environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities. The money has been hailed by advocates as one of the most important federal investments ever made in closing the nation's long-standing socioeconomic and racial gaps. But changes in leadership in the White House threaten these funds. (Freepik)

Concerns mount about future of federal environmental justice grants

By Kristoffer Tigue, Dennis Pillion, Dylan Baddour and Marianne Lavelle for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News …

The Union of Concerned Scientists warns that several Midwestern states, including Minnesota, could lose $22 billion in flood mitigation benefits as industrial farm expansion threatens wetlands. (Freepik)

New research says Midwest is prime target for wetlands loss

Minnesota is credited for having strong wetland protections. But the research community warns the growing presence of factory farms in the Midwest …

State officials say in 2023, Minnesota's workplace injury and illness rate fell to an all-time low. (Freepik)

MN workplace injuries plummet, with some caveats

There is promising news at the national level and in Minnesota in trying to lower workplace injuries and illnesses. A key labor organization is happy …

Balancing college expenses, and going through the student aid application process, is often viewed as a daunting task for most households. Backers of Minnesota's new free tuition program hope it removes a lot of stress for eligible households. (Freepik)

MN's free college tuition program gets early assessment

The first semester for Minnesota college students is winding down. Supporters of the state's new free tuition program - which assists low-income …

As Americans do their holiday shopping, a new poll from the Alliance for American Manufacturing found three in four adults think companies falsely marketing products as

Despite shopping habits, value of American-made gifts has public backing

The holiday shopping crunch is here and a new poll reflects the disconnect between the kinds of gift items Americans value versus what they buy and a …

In day-to-day life, 'solo agers' lean on neighbors and friends

By Judith Graham for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Servic…

Jacques Beech saw his electric bill fall to $100 a month after installing solar panels on his Minneapolis home. (Photo courtesy Brad Stauffer for Energy News Network)

Mpls. solar nonprofit proves patience brings results to low-income residents

By Frank Jossi for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

Minnesota's foster care entry rate has declined in recent years, along with efforts to bolster the state's adoption policies. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers link better outcomes to MN adoption reforms

CLARIFICATION: We updated language to clarify the timing for when the study's authors began tracking certain outcome measures for children within the …

Xcel Energy officials and Minnesota dignitaries gathered this week for a ceremonial connection of the company's Sherco solar facility. Phase One is now online and the utility says once fully operational, Sherco will power 150,000 homes. (Photo courtesy Xcel)

Following solar news, is MN closer to reaching carbon-free goal?

Minnesota's solar energy outlook took a big step forward this week with a new project coming online, bringing the conversation back into focus about …

Researchers have found that online shopping generates 4.8 times more packaging waste than in-store purchases, on average. (Adobe Stock)

Toy safety, environmental impacts cloud e-commerce holiday push

As Minnesotans click the "purchase" button when shopping online for the holidays, they're urged to consider two things: toys from overseas suppliers …

University of Minnesota researchers say for every two news outlets around the state that have closed up shop since 2018, one new local outlet has launched during the same period. (Adobe Stock)

Checking the pulse of MN's news landscape

This past election cycle has again raised questions about the viability of news outlets, and how audiences are consuming information. New research …

Certain farm fertilizers significantly contribute to climate change by emitting nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, when excess fertilizer is not absorbed by plants and is broken down by soil microbes. (Adobe Stock)

Putting farm fields under a green blanket with climate friendly fertilizer

Some sectors have made gains in Minnesota in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. Progress has been slower for agriculture, but those pursuing …

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced a rule requiring a veterinarian's prescription before farmers could get antibiotics for their animals. However, the new rule still leaves farmers in control over certain aspects of the process. (Adobe Stock)

Investigation: Food safety still compromised by use of critical antibiotics

By Marlowe Starling for Sentient and Andrew Wasley for The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News …

Following the pandemic, labor unions touted a stronger push among workers to organize but analysts said this month's election results could complicate their efforts. (Adobe Stock)

Following election results, questions emerge about labor impact

Changes in leadership at the federal level are likely to have some effect on the labor movement. In Minnesota, election results have spurred …

More than one million Latinos live in Minnesota and surrounding states, and advocacy groups say it shows how this population is having an influence on elections. (Adobe Stock)

MN organizers: Latino voting power is here to stay

The impact Latino voters had in this year's election has caught the public's attention. Minnesota organizers found success in connecting with this …

According to the Pew Research Center, inadequate retirement savings will result in a $1.3 trillion increase in public assistance costs over the next two decades. (Adobe Stock)

MN readying new program to close big gaps in retirement savings

Roughly 30% of Minnesota's private-sector employees do not have a work-sponsored retirement plan but some business owners and consumer advocates hope …

The latest Census of Agriculture renewed concerns about the growing size of farms around the United States, prompting more calls for farmers to embrace climate-smart practices. (Adobe Stock)

Successful ballot question in MN seen as way for more climate-friendly farming

Minnesota voters this week signed off on giving a longer shelf life to a funding tool helping protect the state's natural resources and its backers se…

State officials said Minnesota has roughly 30,000 poll workers who help out in each election. (Adobe Stock)

Election 2024: Passing the poll worker torch in MN

In Minnesota and across the U.S., poll workers are being praised for stepping up during another big election. Administrators hope the goodwill …

Since 1991, Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Fund has provided about $700 million to over 1,700 projects statewide, including things like research work for soil health. (Adobe Stock)

MN voters asked to reauthorize key environmental funding

Election Day in Minnesota will bring environmental funding into focus in the form of a ballot question. At stake is lottery revenue that over the …

As of Oct. 31, Minnesota election offices had accepted nearly 1 million absentee ballots. (Adobe Stock)

Voting in MN: Tracking absentee ballots; fraud detection praised

In the final sprint toward Election Day, some Minnesotans might worry their absentee ballot won't arrive in time. Experts say there's no cause for …

A screenshot from a Donald Trump for President advertisement includes a claim fact-checkers have found misleading. Therapists said such rhetoric has taken a toll on undocumented immigrants' mental health. (Photo courtesy of MinnPost)<br />

As identity politics flood the airwaves, MN therapists help affected clients cope

By Deanna Pistono for MinnPost.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Service C…

Minnesota is home to six National Park sites, including Voyagers National Park. (Adobe Stock)

MN reps graded on National Park support as election nears

A conservation group wants Minnesotans heading to the polls to consider an issue that may not have come up on the campaign trail: preserving and fundi…

Through the Montevideo Medical Academy program, high school students can earn industry certifications to serve as certified nursing assistants, trained medication aides, pharmacy technicians and first aid/CPR providers. (Photo courtesy of Montevideo Public Schools)

MN medical academy serves high school kids and their communities

By Liz Carey for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collaboration …

A home in Virginia, Minn., displays signs for both candidates in a closely watched legislative race, along with other DFL candidates. In recent years, Republicans could finally envision taking the House 7B seat, a possibility that a decade ago seemed unthinkable. (Photo courtesy of Jerry Burnes)

Election 2024: Inside the decades-long political shift on MN's Iron Range

By Jerry Burnes for MinnPost.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Service Col…

According to federal data, Minnesota is home to 1,141,334 Medicare beneficiaries. (Adobe Stock)

Insurance experts: don't shrug off Medicare enrollment needs

Medicare open enrollment is underway and it is the time of year when other public health coverage programs and employer-sponsored plans carry out thei…

Early voting in Minnesota began in late September. And if you're heading to the polls soon, officials remind people worried about their voter registration status to bring along a current billing statement to help update your registration on the spot. (Adobe Stock)

Billing statements could be your gateway to voting in MN

More than 3.6 million Minnesotans are registered to vote this fall. But if you're worried that something will get you turned away at the polls…

According to Climate Central, the U.S. experienced about two times more weather-related power outages during the last 10 years than the previous decade. (Adobe Stock)

Great Lakes businesses keep close eye on legal fight over carbon rule

For now, the Environmental Protection Agency can move forward with plans to establish new, federal carbon pollution standards for power plants…

According to an industry report, clean-vehicle jobs in Minnesota grew by 13.2% in 2023, the highest of any clean-energy jobs subsector. (Adobe Stock)

MN's clean-energy workforce still strong, but needs more diverse expertise

An annual report shows Minnesota now tops 62,000 clean-energy jobs, a new state record. Federal and state policies are fueling growth. However…

Guaranteed-income programs tend to run 12 to 18 months, but a Minnesota initiative that helps artists is tinkering with a several-year approach. (Adobe Stock)

MN effort helps artists nurture creative spark with extra funds in their pockets

One in three Americans indicates they're living paycheck-to-paycheck, and that includes many artists. A Minnesota organization is expanding its …

According to the Pew Research Center, 65% of Americans say they always or often feel exhausted when thinking about politics. (Adobe Stock)

Election 2024: When small MN city confronts big political tension

If it is getting harder to talk with the people in your life about politics, a community-level survey in northeastern Minnesota indicated you are not …

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