Minnesota News & Current Events | Public News Service

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) recently approved a $10.3 billion investment package of 18 transmission projects, a handful of which have a presence in Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

MN moves forward on another power grid project

On the heels of a regulatory victory, utilities and various energy groups in Minnesota are expressing more optimism about the region's power grid - …

Immigration advocacy groups said they are monitoring reports about ICE agents detaining parents while walking their children to school. They said it complicates efforts to limit the impacts of enhanced deportation efforts under the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Awareness builds in MN about possible ICE activity in schools

Information is flowing through Minnesota schools about the best way to handle new federal immigration policies as enforcement ramps up under the Trump…

Each year, congenital heart defects are found in about one in 100 births in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Hope, worry cloud research for kids born with heart defects

February is American Heart Month and some Minnesota families are sharing their experiences with a sometimes overlooked disease among newborns: congeni…

Infrastructure experts say there is a $1 trillion dollar need for drinking water, stormwater and wastewater improvements over the next 20 years in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 3, 2025

MN cities dig deep for safe drinking water, but can they meet goals?

An Environmental Protection Agency rule, finalized near the end of the Biden administration, calls on states and cities to replace all lead pipes in …

A Minnesota high school student gets an in-person learning experience about aspects of construction work after taking an online elective course now being offered. (Photo courtesy Fair Contracting Foundation of Minnesota)

Through virtual academy, MN high schoolers get sneak peek of the trades

Choosing a career path can be hard for high schoolers, especially if their district can't provide additional learning opportunities that move them in …

Experts say potential health impacts from exposure to nitrates from farm runoff include thyroid problems, adverse pregnancy outcomes and certain types of cancer. (Adobe Stock)

New lawsuit says MN needs tougher action on nitrate pollution

The State of Minnesota faces a new lawsuit over the connection between harmful nitrates from farm fields and the threat they pose to natural resources…

Public polling indicates most American adults oppose the idea of arresting an undocumented person inside a church. (Adobe Stock)

MN parishes warn of 'chilling effect' of potential ICE raids in churches

The mass deportation plan promised by President Donald Trump shows no signs of slowing down after his first week back in office. Church leaders in …

The CDC says guns are the leading cause of death for American children. That fact has kept calls for restricting firearms and gun safety as major rallying cries for advocacy groups. (Adobe Stock)

Under Trump, how will gun violence prevention fare?

President Donald Trump has been busy signing executive orders since his inauguration. Gun violence prevention advocates in Minnesota hope he isn't …

According to the Pew Research Center, six in 10 U.S. adults say they'd feel uncomfortable if their own health provider relied on artificial intelligence to do things such as diagnose disease. (Adobe Stock)

MN nurses: Patient care shouldn't come with a heavy dose of AI

Nurses in Minnesota and other parts of the country are calling attention to an issue felt by many parts of society - the growing influence of artifici…

Peatlands store up to 30% of the world's terrestrial carbon despite occupying just 3% of its land surface. (Photo courtesy Minnesota DNR)

MN's little-known emissions-fighting tool at a crossroads

Minnesotans have until next Tuesday to offer their thoughts on the state's next Climate Action Framework. Those tasked with protecting a distinct …

UMD researchers say Lake Superior's raw wave power tends to run from September to May. But climate change might be extending those conditions, potentially opening the door to more exploration of converting wave energy into electricity. (Adobe Stock)

What's in a big wave? Potential electricity for MN homes, businesses

It's that time of year, when a strong winter storm might produce giant waves along Lake Superior shorelines that aren't frozen over. Minnesota …

Leading up to Donald Trump's first inauguration, the Women's March 2017 represented the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. Similar marches are planned before Trump is sworn in as president a second time. (Adobe Stock)

Peacekeeping teams head to D.C. for People's March

In Minnesota and Washington, D.C., marches will take place this weekend as President-elect Donald Trump nears the start of his second term. An …

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)

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)

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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