skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

MN: Housing/Homelessness

According to the Minnesota Housing Partnership, more than 640,000 households across the state are cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than they can afford for their housing. (Adobe Stock)
Report: Many Minnesotans squeezed by housing costs

Newly released data in Minnesota underscores what housing assistance groups have been preaching - it's become increasingly difficult for many people t…

play audio
Under Minnesota law, landlords are prohibited from accepting application fees when no units are available. Housing advocates say there are some examples where landlords might not break the law, but they accept fees from applicants that make it clear they don't meet the requirements. (Adobe Stock)
Pie-in-the-sky listings? Paying rental application fees for an out-of-reach unit

Data is scarce, but Minnesota housing advocates say in a tough rental environment, applicants sometimes fork over screening fees for a unit they …

play audio

Organizations like Children's Defense Fund-Minnesota recommend bolstering tutoring programs and other out-of-school learning opportunities for kids to help address lagging test scores. (Adobe Stock)
Patience urged as MN policies evolve to improve outcomes for kids

Despite a handful of concerning results for child well-being in Minnesota, one policy expert says the state is well positioned to make structural …

play audio
A handful of large cities in the U.S. have added protections for tenants in a residential complex to organize in response to poor living conditions. Minnesota is looking to make it a statewide protection. (Adobe Stock)
MN considers 'organizing' protections for renters

Minnesota lawmakers face growing calls this session to boost access to affordable housing and there is a proposal to lend a voice to existing renters …

play audio

The Minnesota Department of Commerce reported weatherization services could help decrease a homeowner or renter's annual energy costs by up to 30%. (Adobe Stock)
Deep freeze prompts reminders for home weatherization aid

Warmer temps may be on the horizon, but arctic air still has a grip on Minnesota. State officials and community action agencies are pointing out …

play audio
On the heels of last year's legislative session, Minnesota is implementing a range of new laws in 2024, including the expansion of earned sick time and access to free menstrual products in schools. (Adobe Stock)
New MN laws cover renters, extreme-risk protections involving gun owners

With 2024 now underway, a flurry of new Minnesota laws are in effect. Renters facing obstacles with their landlords have new protections, and there …

play audio

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 …

play audio
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 …

play audio

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 …

play audio
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 …

play audio

Community Action Agencies provide services that go beyond energy assistance and home weatherization. Many offer job training programs that take into account the barriers low-income individuals face in advancing in the workplace. (Adobe Stock)
With New Partners, MN's Poverty-Fighting Offices Expand Financial Reach

May is Community Action Month, and Minnesota agencies that help address poverty say demand for services isn't going away. To help clients thrive…

play audio
Studies have shown that while Minnesota has an overall healthy population, there are glaring health disparities. That has prompted efforts to help racial and ethnic groups have equal access to necessities, in hopes of boosting health outcomes. (Adobe Stock)
MN Steps Outside Doctor's Office to Improve Health Outcomes

Research keeps emerging about social determinants of health, including a new study linking these factors to suicide risks. In Minnesota, nonprofits …

play audio

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021