Minnesota News & Current Events | Public News Service

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)

Thursday, September 21, 2023

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)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

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 …

As of Aug. 1, Minnesota has lifted certain restrictions on marijuana use for adults. For example, people age 21 and older are now allowed to possess up to two ounces of cannabis flower, and up to eight grams of cannabis concentrates. (Adobe Stock)

Breaking Down Marijuana Legalization in MN

Recreational marijuana use for adults becomes legal today in Minnesota. A professor who has been guiding students on these laws says there are many …

This summer, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is holding recruiting events in more than 20 cities for jobs in public service. The tour stopped in Minneapolis this week. (Photo: AFSCME)

Labor Leaders: Public Service Staffs Need a Helping Hand

Trade organizations are warning worker shortages could linger for certain sectors for several more years, and to close gaps in public service…

The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is an IRS tool used as a way to collect taxes from undocumented workers. While it does not provide legal status, the IRS cannot share the information with other agencies carrying out immigration enforcement. (Adobe Stock)

IRS Tool Seen As Opportunity to Empower Undocumented Workers

Summer is usually a busy time for the housing market, but advocates say housing is one of many parts of the economy undocumented workers are excluded …

The U.S. Department of Energy says a large amount of potential clean power capacity has been proposed, but it is threatened by gridlock due to wait times and other factors. (Adobe Stock)

Permitting: The 'Elephant in the Room' in Advancing Clean Energy

As signs of climate change surface in Minnesota, policymakers and utilities are making a hard charge to transition to clean energy sources, but …

From left, Kareem Weaver, Tanji Reed Marshall and Alonso Jaque-Pino discussed the science of reading at an American Federation of Teachers conference. (Photo courtesy of AFT)

Teachers, Leaders Respond to Criticisms of K-12 Schools

With a new school year a little more than a month away, educators remain steadfast in fending off attacks from some parent groups and conservative …

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers all-terrain track chairs at selected sites. The battery-powered chairs give visitors with mobility disabilities a chance to explore state park trails that cannot be accessed using a regular wheelchair. (Photo courtesy of DNR)

MN Expands Opportunities for 'Wheelchair Hiking' in State Parks

Spending time at state and national parks has often been linked with health benefits, but accessing sites has long been a barrier for those with …

With more federal funding coming Minnesota's way to improve broadband access, advocates said it might create more remote work opportunities for those who want to move to rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

In Rural MN, Road to Good Jobs is Paved with Broadband

Minnesota is preparing to make use of more than $650 million in federal aid to bring high-speed internet to underserved populations. Rural areas …

In its most recent year of data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 4,000 American children were killed by guns. (Adobe Stock)

Giving MN Kids a Voice on Addressing Gun Violence

Minnesota children are in summer vacation mode, but some are taking time to call attention to how they and their peers have been affected by gun …

Juvenile=justice reform advocates say as the nation deals with a mental-health crisis among teenagers, still allowing solitary confinement at detention centers can only make those situations worse. Minnesota recently took steps to limit that practice. (Adobe Stock)

Limiting Solitary Confinement Part of MN Juvenile Justice Overhaul

Minnesota is about to implement several juvenile justice system reforms that are being cheered by advocates. The public-safety omnibus bill approved …

A year ago, inflation was at a 40-year high, but consumer costs have come down considerably since then. (Adobe Stock)

MN Rural Report Paints Different Picture of Past Inflation Spikes

New federal data show inflation is cooling off in a big way. The relief comes on the heels of a Minnesota policy report detailing how rural areas …

In its warning about a new mailing scam with claims of an unclaimed refund, the IRS notes that it handles tax refunds, not

New IRS Scam Shows Fraudsters Can Still Go 'Old School'

The next time a scammer tries to target you, it might not be through a text message with a harmful link. The Internal Revenue Service says bad …

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has confirmed more than 9,000 civilian deaths during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the OHCHR suggests the real numbers could be higher. (Adobe Stock)

Civilian Danger Prompts Pleas for U.S. to Stop Ukraine Weapons Transfer

The Biden administration faces calls to reconsider its latest round of support to Ukraine. A member of Minnesota's congressional delegation…

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials say the pandemic helped fuel a renewed interest in boating activity across the state. There is also concern about the growing size of watercraft and how larger waves affect swimmers and other non-boating water recreation. (Adobe Stock).

Amid Crowded Lakes, MN Looks Ahead to Boat Safety Requirements

So far this summer, Minnesota has seen a lot of hot days, which means many people are soaking up the sun on boats, and in the coming years, …

According to Ballotpedia, more than 100 bills were introduced in the Minnesota Legislature this year dealing with election policy. (Adobe Stock)

Election Policy Roundup: MN Outlier for 2023

Many state legislatures around the country have wrapped up their work for the year. As expected, election policy changes were adopted, and those …

A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine found that nearly one-fourth of adults 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. (Adobe Stock)

MN Communities Use Grants to Cure Social Isolation Blues

Concerns about loneliness among older people aren't going away. But an annual grant program for community-level projects could bring more Minnesotans…

To date, 37 states have legalized online sports betting. (Adobe Stock)

In Between Sessions, MN Faces Calls to Look at Sports Betting Risks

Minnesota is in wait-and-see mode again when it comes to legalizing online sports betting, and one lawmaker hopes for more public discussion about …

While the growth rate has slowed, the United States has seen a nearly 20% increase in pedestrian fatalities in the last three years. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Pedestrian Fatalities Remain at Alarming Levels

More than 7,500 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. last year, a 40-year high. A new report is renewing calls to transform transportation systems in …

The National Low Income Housing Coalition said Minnesota has a shortage of nearly 104,000 affordable rental homes for its lowest-income households. Community action agencies say historic investments from the Legislature will help them meet the demand for housing aid. (Adobe Stock)

Facing High Demand, MN Digs Deep to Provide Housing Aid

The U.S. is in the midst of a housing crisis, with a shortage of affordable homes and concerns about people facing homelessness. Minnesota is using …

George Floyd's murder inspired a wave of global protests to fix 'broken' policing policies, and not just in Minneapolis. Activists and civic engagement leaders have long noted that citizen input is an important part of the process. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Probe of Mpls. Police Propels Talk of Civilian Input

The Minneapolis Police Department is one step closer to a consent decree after a scathing federal report was issued late last week. Around …

During periods when wildfires are prevalent, the public is urged to check local air quality reports or monitor the news media in case unhealthy smoke drifts into their region. (Adobe Stock)

With Climate Change, Smoky Air Could Become Routine Threat

Summer in Minnesota has come with an unwelcome visitor: periods of thick, smoky air brought on by Canadian wildfires. It has propelled conversations …

Findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation show Minnesota has an overall high ranking for child well-being. But advocates warn that lack of access to early child education could derail outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Shines in Child Well-Being Report, But Pandemic Shows its Impact

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like Minnesota fared better in the …

Union leaders have accused U.S. rail companies of prioritizing cost-cutting, prompting safety concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Congress Faces Pressure to Advance Rail Safety Plan

During National Safety Month, Congress is being urged to take swift action to pass the Rail Safety Act of 2023. The measure aims to prevent future …

Connexus Energy operates a 'solar meadow' at its headquarters in Ramsey, Minn. (Photo courtesy of Fresh Energy)

Summer's In Bloom, Including 'Solar Meadows' in MN

By Elizabeth Hewitt for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Net…

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says its new study into the economics of removing PFAS

New Study Puts Price Tag on PFAS Removal from MN Water Systems

As more research emerges about the chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, government agencies are faced with the task of figuring …

Organizations tracking a new U.S. strategy to build peace in countries prone to conflict say it is designed to remove longstanding obstacles to stability, such as women not being allowed to participate in their local economy. (Adobe Stock)

Global Fragility Act Turns U.S. Peacekeeping Approach on Its Head

Minnesotans and the rest of the U.S. population sometimes feel the ripple effects of instability in other parts of the world, and humanitarian groups …

Four years ago, Minnesota approved what was described as one of the toughest wage-theft laws in the country. But some construction union leaders say the practice is still prevalent within the industry. (Adobe Stock)

MN Adds Extra Wage Theft Protection for Construction Workers

As the summer construction season ramps up, the industry is preparing for new requirements under a pending Minnesota law change. In recent years…

This spring, Minnesota joined the nearly two dozen other states that have legalized recreational marijuana use in some form. (Adobe Stock)

Newly Signed MN Marijuana Law to 'Wipe Away' Minor Offenses

Two months from today, Minnesota will begin the process of removing low-level marijuana convictions for those who have them on their criminal records…

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