Minnesota News & Current Events | Public News Service

Community housing groups say extreme weather events are one of several reasons aging homes are running into repair backlogs, and that for many homeowners, securing a home-improvement loan is difficult. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Housing Crisis: Government Help for Older Homes Seen as Solution

As the housing market navigates a sea of obstacles, community-level organizations in Minnesota are urging governments to take a closer look at their …

Minnesota recorded 570 gun-related deaths last year, and a majority of them were listed as suicides. That's promoted calls for increased education about the safe storage of firearms. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

MN Report Amplifies Concerns About Guns, Suicide Link

For the second year in a row, suicides represent nearly 70% of all gun deaths in Minnesota. Those working to stop gun violence hope the new data …

Analysts say had the federal government not temporarily expanded the Child Tax Credit, child poverty would have fallen to 8.1% last year, rather than 5.2%. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 19, 2022

Policy Expert: Good News on Poverty Should Be the Norm

On the heels of a promising poverty report, there are renewed calls to make permanent certain pandemic policies that helped struggling families in …

While Minnesota hasn't joined the group of states to legalize sports betting, more debate is expected in future sessions as supporters argue about the potential for additional state revenue. (Adobe Stock)

Football is Back, Prompting Warnings to Avoid Gambling Traps

The Vikings and Gophers recently kicked off their new seasons, and for local football fans wanting to navigate online sports betting, there are …

Nurses in Minnesota who are on strike this week say hospital CEO pay is one of several factors contributing to staffing issues. (Adobe Stock)

MN Nurses: Strike About Patient Safety

The largest nurses strike in U.S. history started yesterday in Minnesota. Those walking the picket lines said they want the public to know it is not …

Beyond crime and safety, a survey of East Metro residents of the Twin Cities area found that education and economic impacts from COVID-19 were considered significant issues. (Adobe Stock)

MN Survey Shows Declining Trust in Key Institutions

The midterm elections are near - meaning candidates, political analysts and the media want to know more about what voters are thinking. Those behind …

Experts believe the real cost of financial fraud is much higher than what's been reported, because so many people who've been taken advantage of are too ashamed to come forward. (Adobe Stock)

Report Suggests Fraud Descriptions Need a Makeover

Changing how people talk about victims of financial fraud could lead to a shift in how Minnesota and the nation respond to this growing sector of crim…

Environmental and family farm advocates say there's been a proliferation of large confined-animal feeding operations in states such as Minnesota, with most of them deigned for hogs. (Adobe Stock)

Rural MN Communities Fight Influence of Factory Farms

This week, a northern Minnesota county advanced a large-scale hog feedlot project. Opponents argued such operations are not what rural communities …

School social workers in Minnesota say they're trying to be more intentional about listening to a student's concerns about not feeling safe or welcome. (Adobe Stock)

New Year, New Campus Culture for Some MN Schools

School districts across Minnesota are opening their doors today for the start of a new year, but for some students, lingering racial trauma and other …

Last year, Minnesota boosted state aid for school districts, but many administrators say they're still swimming in red ink while warning of future cuts. (Adobe Stock)

As Candidates Court Voters, MN School Leaders Detail Budget Woes

Most Minnesota school districts are preparing to welcome back students next week, and some administrators are expressing growing concern over their …

Washington Monthly ranks the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus 23rd in the nation when it comes to research that benefits the broader public. (Adobe Stock)

UMN Fares Well in 'Socially Conscious' College Rankings

The University of Minnesota's flagship campus, along with some other regional schools, are included in annual higher-education rankings shining a …

Last year, Congress approved a massive infrastructure bill. But rural community advocates say it's sometime hard to compete with bigger cities for that kind of funding. New development grants in the CHIPS Act are meant to create more fairness. (Adobe Stock)

Rural MN Could See Economic Jolt from CHIPS Act

A program approved by Congress aims to give rural communities in Minnesota and elsewhere a boost when applying for federal dollars. The CHIPS Act…

According to recent USDA 'Farm to School' Census data, Minnesota schools that responded reported spending 13% of their budgets on local products. (Adobe Stock)

Disadvantaged MN Farmers to See New Business with School Meals

Farmers of color in Minnesota are expected to see new opportunities to get their products into school lunch programs. Their advocates said a major …

Supporters of the federal infrastructure law say it will spur projects that will reach communities across Minnesota, including rural areas and historically underserved populations. (Adobe Stock)

MN Labor Leader: Don't Forget About Infrastructure Impact

This summer's passage of the federal Inflation Reduction Act has received a lot of attention. But last year's infrastructure law is seeing its …

Researchers say cardiovascular disease is the

New Round of Health Justice Grants in MN Focus on Women

Minnesota continues to rank highly for quality-of-life indicators, including health, but long-standing disparities persist. A new round of grants …

Earlier this year, nearly 1,300 Minnesotans participated in a new initiative that provides free schooling for people who want to become certified nursing assistants. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Shortages, MN Seeks to Train More Future Nurses

This fall, additional free classes will be offered in Minnesota for people thinking about a career as a certified nursing assistant. It follows an …

The White House says under the Inflation Reduction Act, 7.5 million more families will be able to install solar on their roofs with a 30% tax credit. (Adobe Stock)

New Federal Climate Bill Renews Hope for MN Groups

President Joe Biden is expected to sign the Inflation Reduction Act today. Its main theme is addressing the threat of climate change, and clean-…

While there are continued disparities, an annual report says Minnesota has seen progress in elevating kids out of poverty, with 12% of children falling into that category. (Adobe Stock)

Disparities, Mental Health Cloud MN Child Well-Being Summary

Minnesota once again gets a high ranking among states for child well-being, but an annual report says the state's disparities remain a challenge…

Consumer surveys indicate hope that inflation is slowing down, but analysts say there's legitimate concern about how higher prices are affecting household budgets. (Adobe Stock)

Gauging Inflation's Impact on Foreclosure Activity in MN, U.S.

In the first six months of this year, the U.S. saw a significant jump in foreclosure filings, coinciding with concerns about the pressure inflation …

According to a report from the University of California, Berkeley, prior to the pandemic, restaurant workers in Minnesota had a workforce of 195,694 employees. Now that figure is down to around 175,000. (Adobe Stock)

Restaurant Workers Plan Capitol Hill Push to Improve Conditions

Restaurant workers have been fleeing the industry throughout the Great Resignation. To reverse the trend, advocates in Minnesota and elsewhere argued …

Later this year, Minnesota officials hope to receive federal approval for its plan to use infrastructure dollars, awarded to each state, to add fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

MN's EV Infrastructure on Verge of Big Growth Spurt

By 2030, Minnesota wants 20% of all light-duty vehicles on its roads to be electric. But a lot of charging stations are needed to help achieve that …

Pro-democracy groups say momentum from the

MN Primary: Democracy Concerns Swirl Around Election Deniers

Minnesota's primary vote is less than a week away, and a pro-democracy group reported it is one of several states with a number of "election deniers" …

Minnesota's Safe at Home program began operating in 2007. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Law Enhances Confidentiality Program for Abuse Victims

A new Minnesota law has gone into effect this week involving a program that keeps address information confidential for victims of domestic abuse…

The Girls on the Run Program is celebrating its tenth anniversary in Minnesota this year. (Adobe Stock)

Social, Emotional Building Program for Young Girls Expands in MN

Registration time is arriving at several Minnesota locations offering a national program geared for grade-school-age girls. It combines social and …

More than a billion young people are at risk of developing hearing loss, according to UnitedHealthcare. (Adobe Stock)

When Escaping with Music or Podcasts, Be Mindful of Your Ears

Distraction has been a coping mechanism during the pandemic, but one method can have a lasting impact on health: cranking up the volume on your …

For the first time in a decade, the organization responsible for power grid operations in the Midwest has approved a large set of transmission expansions. It's described as the biggest such investment in U.S. history. (Adobe Stock)

Midwest Power Grid Capacity Opens Up, Boosting Renewable Projects

States such as Minnesota have made progress in renewable-energy output, but a lack of grid capacity has created a logjam, preventing some projects …

Community Peace Builders and their mentor are beginning to carry out de-escalation and relationship building efforts in North Minneapolis. (Photo courtesy of EMERGE)

Community Peace Builders Instill Hope in Minneapolis

The summer season and violent crime can fuel narratives by the public and the media about safety in urban settings. But in Minnesota's largest city…

Hunger-fighting groups say when children have trouble accessing food over the summer, they might not challenge themselves as much intellectually, which puts them behind in the next school year. (Adobe Stock)

New Summer Food Benefits Surface for MN Children

In the coming days, many Minnesota families with young children - dealing with food insecurity - should see some financial aid to help get them …

Conservation experts say the monarch butterfly's western population is at greatest risk of extinction, having declined by an estimated 99.9%. (Adobe Stock)

Monarch Butterfly Moves Into Endangered Status

An insect commonly seen flying through gardens is now closer to extinction. The migratory monarch butterfly has landed on an endangered species list…

Rotational grazing, a popular form of regenerative agriculture, involves moving animals through pasture to improve soil health. (Adobe Stock)

MN Farmer to Congress: Protect Small Producers, Food Security

A U.S. House subcommittee held a hearing Tuesday highlighting the threat climate change poses to the world's food supply, and how farmers can be …

State health officials say the number of suicide deaths and the suicide rate in Minnesota have increased consistently for 20 years. (Adobe Stock)

MN Embraces 988 Line, But Mental Health Care Concerns Linger

Mental-health advocates hope the revamped National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and its new simplified number of 988, allows more people in crisis to …

A report from the Social Science Research Council says in the recovery from the 2008 housing crisis, the typical white family's wealth losses slowed to zero, while the typical Black family lost an additional 13% of its wealth. (Adobe Stock)

Foreclosure Prevention Takes On MN's Racial Housing Gap

An uneven pandemic recovery, along with inflation, is fueling concern about foreclosure activity. In Minnesota, there is a push to ensure households …

As neighboring states such as South and North Dakota implement abortion bans, Minnesota is building capacity to provide care for patients traveling from those areas. (Adobe Stock)

Certain Abortion Restrictions Lifted in MN

Minnesota's status as a "safe-haven" state was enhanced Monday after a court ruling lifted several abortion restrictions. The procedure remained …

Utilities such as CenterPoint Energy have sought to maintain customer surcharges for as long as 63 months to cover the higher cost of natural gas in February 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Watchdogs: Natural Gas Customers in MN Not Getting Fair Shake

In the near future, Minnesota regulators will decide whether companies such as CenterPoint Energy can keep customer surcharges in place related to a 2…

There's a wide range of religious beliefs about abortion in the U.S., but many in the Jewish faith have expressed support for reproductive rights. (Adobe Stock)

Post Roe: MN Jewish Groups Voice Support for Reproductive Rights

In mid-July, several groups will hold an abortion access rally in Minnesota. They include Jewish-led organizations, who say much of their community …

When voters head to the polls this fall, broader legal arguments will be taking shape over the authority of states in managing federal elections in the future. (Adobe Stock)

Upcoming SCOTUS Arguments Center on Election Authority

Coming off a string of controversial opinions, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments in a case tied to oversight of federal elections…

While most classrooms are empty right now, lingering concerns from the previous school year, such as the pandemic's effect on students and staff, are being dissected ahead of next year. (Adobe Stock)

Summer Recharge for MN School Social Workers

Research is emerging about the secondary trauma school staff members face after helping students during the pandemic. As summer moves forward…

A new student-led effort in Minneapolis, supported by the CDC's Preventing Violence Affecting Young Lives grants, is one of eight projects around the country to receive funding. (Adpbe Stock)

Student Peace Advisory Group Takes Flight in MN

Students may be settled into their summer break - but in Minnesota, some remain focused on setting a peaceful tone ahead of their return to school …

It's estimated nearly 140,000 Minnesotans aged 62 and older who are receiving Social Security still are working, so they can meet basic needs. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Law Removes Barrier for Older Residents Seeking Jobless Benefits

A new Minnesota law, which goes into effect Sunday, removes requirements restricting Social Security recipients from receiving full jobless benefits …

Minnesota officials say conservation practices, through its Water Quality Certification Program, have reduced nitrogen loss on farmland up to 49%. (Adobe Stock)

MN Farmers Given Bigger Opportunity to Be 'Climate Smart'

From extreme drought to wet springs, Minnesota farmers are seeing firsthand the impact of climate change. To help address the growing threat…

Should the Supreme Court remove federal abortion protections, Minnesota would be one of a small handful of Midwestern states with access to care. (Adobe Stock)

With Abortion Ruling Imminent, Potential Scenarios Play Out in MN

In the coming days, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling that could remove longstanding federal abortion protections. In Minnesota…

Surveys show a third of households with children have a gun, and nearly half of gun-owning households with children do not store all of their firearms safely. (Adobe Stock)

'Public Health Emergency': Protecting Youth from Gun Violence

Congress continues to debate possible changes to the nation's gun laws after the recent school shooting in Texas. In the meantime, efforts move …

Recent years have seen a nearly 500% increase in the number of unaccompanied young immigrants, fleeing abuse in their home country, seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile status after settling in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Law Expands Immigration Protections for At-Risk Youth

Minnesota has joined several states in raising the age limit for young immigrants who have escaped trauma to receive legal protections in the United S…

A new report says Minnesota has a low percentage of older adults with a dedicated health care provider. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MN Ranks High for Senior Well-Being, But Concerns Emerge

Minnesota is among the top five states in a new report measuring a range of well-being factors for older populations, but some concerning trends …

In the 2020 election, nearly nine million LGBTQ adults in the U.S. were registered to vote. (Adobe Stock)

Pride Month in MN Includes Voter Outreach

One in five LGBTQ adults in the U.S. are not registered to vote. During Pride Month, a Minnesota organization is ramping up efforts to help improve …

Debate has been building in states like Minnesota, Iowa, and North and South Dakota over plans to construct underground pipelines that would carry and store carbon emissions from ethanol plants. (Adobe Stock)

MN Nears Next Step in Regulating Underground Carbon Pipelines

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced it will soon accept public comments on drafting rules to regulate underground carbon-dioxide…

Following the Uvalde tragedy, supporters of tighter gun laws say Congress can't fail to act as it did after the Sandy Hook shooting a decade ago. (Adobe Stock)

MN Cities Part of Rallies Calling for End to Gun Violence

As policymakers debate gun-control laws in light of the latest mass shootings in the U.S., a youth-led organization is planning weekend …

The group Hunger Solutions says in a recent survey, one in three respondents who is not receiving SNAP benefits to help with food purchases reports being food insecure. (Adobe Stock)

MN Becomes Latest State to Boost SNAP Eligibility

Minnesota is now the 20th state in the nation to allow the maximum eligibility for federal SNAP benefits. Hunger-fighting groups say it comes at a …

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