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If Minnesota adopts a plan that asks private companies to fund innovations in recycling and the collection of discarded materials, the state also would set a goal of all packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2032. (Adobe Stock)

MN plan would overhaul its recycling approach

Minnesota ranks high for its recycling rate, but it still has a waste problem, putting more pressure on local governments. A plan in the …

El IRS dice que los trabajadores indocumentados que no tienen un n�mero de Seguro Social v�lido deben completar un formulario W-7 para poder obtener un N�mero de Identificaci�n Individual del Contribuyente (ITIN), una herramienta clave que necesitan para presentar sus declaraciones de impuestos federales y estatales. (Adobe Stock).

Los sitios multilingües en Minnesota colaboran durante la crisis fiscal

Los habitantes de Minnesota que aún no han completado sus declaraciones de impuestos podrían estar preocupados por cumplir con la fecha l…

The IRS says undocumented workers who don't have a valid Social Security number need to complete a W-7 form so they can get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a key tool they need to file their federal and state tax returns. (Adobe Stock)

During tax time crunch, multilingual sites in MN pitch in

Minnesotans who haven't completed their tax returns yet might be fretting about meeting the April 15th deadline. For those facing language barriers …

Researchers with North Star Policy Action say Minnesota has more ambitious clean energy goals than neighboring states, but lags behind some of them in output. Permitting issues in Minnesota are cited as a big factor. (Adobe Stock)

MN tinkers with policy to speed up wind and solar projects

Minnesota has about 15 years to achieve its mandate of 100% carbon-free electricity from utilities. To get there, clean energy voices say the …

Minnesota officials said not only climate-fueled storms are driving up homeowner insurance costs. They said economic factors, such as higher labor and material supply costs, also play a role. (Adobe Stock)

MN sees spike in complaints related to homeowner insurance claims

While there's snow in the immediate forecast, the spring storm season has arrived in Minnesota and state officials said with complaints related to …

According to national data, traffic deaths increased by 10.5% in 2021 and traffic fatalities rose by<br />14% for drivers 65 and older. (Adobe Stock)

In making MN roads safer, law change sought for safety course

Traffic deaths are trending higher in Minnesota this year after a decline the previous year. Groups pushing for safer roads are convinced a small …

Backers of establishing a cleaner standard for transportation fuel in Minnesota say it would apply to both in-state producers, as well fuel that's imported. (Adobe Stock)

MN transportation sector could be next in line for carbon-free standard

Minnesota already has a law calling for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Now, there's a similar plan for transportation, and a legislative …

The Indigenous Peoples Task Force is bringing new baby food to Native populations. Those involved did extensive testing of recipes originally created by Lori Watso, a chef and nurse from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community. (Photo courtesy of Jaida Grey Eagle, Arts Midwest)<br /><br />

Indigi-Baby: MN project gets infants off to a wholesome start

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

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 …

Leaders with a hunger-fighting group in Minnesota cite several reasons why more people are visiting food shelves. They acknowledge that skyrocketing rent is likely leaving less room for other necessities, including food. (Adobe Stock)

MN food shelves increasingly nimble in light of concerning data

Food shelves across Minnesota continue to adapt to record demand, that isn't showing any immediate signs of slowing down. This month, Hunger …

When it comes to electric vehicle registrations per capita, Minnesota ranks high among Midwestern states but still lags behind coastal states such as California. (Adobe Stock)

MN rolls out new electric-vehicle rebates

This week, the state of Minnesota began a new rebate program for electric vehicle purchases. Officials say a third of the funding set aside for the …

Heat pumps, powered by electricity, are seen as a key source in eventually replacing natural gas to reduce emissions from homes and businesses. (Adobe Stock)

MN coalition: Give residents a voice in phasing in clean heat sources

A regulatory hearing dealing with energy policy does not seem like a setting for most Minnesotans but a new coalition is recruiting voices who want af…

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 …

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 …

Permanent rate hike cases for a trio of utility providers serving Minnesota customers are expected to stretch well into 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring scope of utility rate hike activity in MN

Temporary rate hikes sought by a handful of utilities in Minnesota are taking effect. Consumer advocates are still monitoring long-term proposals …

Rural connection gaps, through lack of infrastructure, are often cited as barriers to high-speed internet access. But experts reported being able to afford the monthly payments is another issue affecting many Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Helping low-income Minnesotans defray internet costs

Roughly 200,000 Minnesota households lack access to high-speed internet. Affordability is an issue for some, and two regions are ramping up outreach …

Agriculture experts have long noted that only a handful of large companies control a large percentage of meat processing in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Quality vs. commodity in knowing where your food comes from

When was the last time you looked at a label when buying meat from the grocery store? Smaller farmers from Minnesota and elsewhere hope Congress takes…

If your flight is delayed this holiday travel season, experts recommended people with chronic health conditions pack or seek out airport vendors selling healthy snacks. They said it can help reduce the risk of a health problem during your trip. (Adobe Stock)

Making holiday travel manageable for those with chronic health issues

Holiday stress is a concern for most people, but when you mix in travel plans and chronic health issues, those worries might be elevated. A …

Through the Inflation Reduction Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers rural electric cooperatives nearly $10 billion in grants and loans to help cover costs as they pursue cleaner forms of electricity. (Adobe Stock)

Using federal incentives, rural electric co-ops make clean 'power grab'

Utilities and government agencies in the U.S. are carrying out plans to transition to cleaner electricity sources. To avoid being left behind…

In a new national poll, 86% of respondents say they would purchase more

'Made in America' items try to land on more holiday gift lists

With Thanksgiving behind us, Minnesotans are shifting their attention to holiday shopping. Spurred by encouraging public polling, those who make …

Elected leaders and Connexus Energy officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony in October to announce the planned installation of a battery storage system inside the company's Vadnais Heights substation. (Photo courtesy of CEEM)

MN project takes on energy reliability, affordability balancing act

In what's described as the first such project in the upper Midwest, a Minnesota utility is retooling one of its power distribution systems to make …

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, almost three out of five home fire deaths are caused by fires in dwellings with no smoke alarms. (Adobe Stock)

MN fire expert: Don't let smoke detectors become an afterthought

The fall season, especially around the end of daylight saving time, prompts plenty of reminders regarding home fire safety. A Minnesota official says …

According to the most recent Minnesota Student Survey, rates of online gambling increased from 2.4% in 2019 to 4.6% in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring the online gaming and gambling risk for MN youth

Minnesota announced this week it has joined a multistate lawsuit against Facebook's parent company Meta, over claims of addictive social media …

Federal health officials say dementia affects nearly 7 million Americans. That number is projected to double by 2060. (Adobe Stock)

Closing care gaps, finding wellness tools for those with dementia

This fall, a key federal agency is taking applications from providers who want to join a nationwide model to improve Alzheimer's care. Minnesota …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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, …

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 …

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…

Postal union leaders say understaffed facilities are taking a toll on the health and safety of postal workers and the service they provide. (Adobe Stock)

Postal Employees Say They're Fighting 'Toxic' Work Environment

Today is International Workers Day, and in the U.S. postal workers say they're struggling to keep up amid staffing shortages and a work environment …

Federal officials say cold-climate heat pumps can provide high-efficiency heating in freezing temperatures without producing greenhouse gas emissions. (Adobe Stock)

Science Moms Hope 'Cleanversations' Spur Climate Action from Families

April is Earth Month, and moms who work in scientific fields are trying to get the attention of parents in Minnesota and elsewhere - hoping they'll …

According to a Move Minnesota poll, 86% of respondents report driving as one of the main ways they get around, but nearly one in five drivers would prefer to travel by another mode. Advocates say expanding mass transit or walking options could help. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Minnesotans Want Transportation Options Beyond Roads

A Minnesota bill could surface as early as this week, calling for a proposed tax increase to fund transportation needs. Advocates and local …

All the states that border Minnesota have approved laws that legalize sports betting. (Adobe Stock)

MN Sports-Betting Bill Advances

Another Minnesota House committee has endorsed a bill that would allow sports betting within the state, but there are calls to add some provisions as …

Supporters of Minnesota's new 100% carbon-free plan say it balances reliability factors in providing electricity by providing

Sorting Out the Cost Factors Behind MN's Carbon-Free Plan

Minnesota recently captured headlines for its approval of a new goal to reach 100% carbon-free electricity, and those tracking the effort say while …

Roughly 400,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. (Adobe Stock)

Extra SNAP Benefits Coming to an End

This month, Minnesotans receiving federal food assistance will see their final round of emergency aid prompted by the pandemic. Additional SNAP …

Minnesota's electric utilities have already reached a goal of 25% renewable-energy generation by 2025. But supporters of a new standard say the climate crisis has created a sense of urgency to revise the goal. (Adobe Stock)

MN Puts Proposed "100% Carbon-Free" Goal on Fast Track

Minnesota has surpassed the goals it set more than a decade ago for renewable-energy standards. But as the climate crisis grows larger, there's a …

In the Minnesota Legislature, there's a prospective price-gouging bill for emergencies, and violators could see a maximum penalty of $25,000 per day. (Adobe Stock)

Bill to Prevent Price Gouging in Emergencies Surfaces in MN

From supply shortages at the start of the pandemic to recent inflation spikes, consumer prices have sometimes been linked to claims of price gouging…

Kelley Blue Book says Americans bought almost 41 million used vehicles last year. But Minnesota lawmakers say some used cars that look fine can come with significant damage under previous ownership that wasn't reflected in the title. (Adobe Stock)

MN Closes Loophole on Damage Transparency for Used Cars

A new Minnesota law took effect January 1 designed to reduce risks for people buying used vehicles. It comes as more Americans lean on the market for …

A user plugs an Evie electric vehicle into a charging station as part of its car-sharing program. (Photo courtesy Evie Carshare)

MN Electric Vehicle-Share Program Finds Success After False Start

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

Housing assistance groups say 25% of Minnesota homeowners and renters pay more than they can afford for housing. (Adobe Stock)

Market Challenges Persist, But MN Keeps Affordable Housing Solutions in Sight

Amid a challenging housing market, Minnesota has released annual funds to provide more affordable homes around the state. It coincides with efforts …

Community health workers offer many services, including education on topics related to chronic disease prevention, physical activity and nutrition. (Adobe Stock)

Community Health Workers Make Inroads in MN

It's been three years since COVID-19 cases first surfaced. While doctors and nurses have treated those patients, community health workers continued …

Workers in July helped with installation at a 15-megawatt solar construction site owned by Minnesota Power in Sylvan, near Brainerd. (Photo courtesy of CEEM)

Will 2023 Be MN's Big Year for Clean-Energy Policy?

Despite gains in certain areas, Minnesota is still behind its current goals to reduce carbon emissions. But those in the clean-energy sector see big …

Union leaders representing the nation's railroad workers say it's nearly impossible for members to get time off, given the industry's staffing crunches. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Deal, Rail Workers Say Conditions Still Rough

The nation's railroad workers say while they have a new contract, they're still fighting for quality-of-life issues. That was demonstrated at …

In the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey, nearly 150 11th graders reported obtaining scratch-off tickets on a daily basis. (Adobe Stock)

Lotto Tix as a Gift? MN Campaign Says Don't Buy Them for Youth

With Thanksgiving over, the holiday shopping season has the full attention of many Americans. But in Minnesota and elsewhere, people are being asked …

In Minnesota, the average home heating aid distributed to eligible households each winter is $500. (Adobe Stock)

Winter is Coming: Help for Higher Heating Bills in MN

After warm a start to November, cooler temperatures have found their way back to Minnesota. That's prompting reminders for homeowners and renters to …

Despite having one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country, Minnesota officials say racial disparities in health coverage have worsened in the state. (Adobe Photo)<br /> <br /><br />

Minnesotans Urged to Do Careful Research Ahead of ACA Enrollment

At 4%, Minnesota has one of the lowest uninsured rates in the U.S., but those still looking for a health plan, or who want to change their policy…

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MN: Consumer