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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

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SD public defense duties shift from counties to state; SCOTUS appears skeptical of restricting government communications with social media companies; Trump lawyers say he can't make bond; new scholarships aim to connect class of 2024 to high-demand jobs.

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The SCOTUS weighs government influence on social media, and who groups like the NRA can do business with. Biden signs an executive order to advance women's health research and the White House tells Israel it's responsible for the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

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Midwest regenerative farmers are rethinking chicken production, Medicare Advantage is squeezing the finances of rural hospitals and California's extreme swing from floods to drought has some thinking it's time to turn rural farm parcels into floodplains.

MN: Criminal Justice

In a newly filed civil lawsuit, the Minnesota Attorney General not only accuses Evergreen Acres Dairy of stealing workers' wages, but also unlawfully deducting rent from the paychecks of those living onsite. (Adobe Stock)
MN takes action against dairy company in major wage-theft case

Minnesota officials have announced what they call one of the largest wage-theft lawsuits in state history. The case involves a dairy operator …

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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 …

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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 …

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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…

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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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Leaders with the Minnesota Freedom Fund say the criminal-justice system relies on a predatory cash bail system, suggesting prosecutors are ignoring constitutional protections which say a person cannot be given bail deemed 'excessive.' (Adobe Stock)
Group Works to Disrupt the Business of Cash Bail in MN

By Sonali Kolhatkar for Yes!Magazine.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

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A 2021 study found in Minnesota, about 23% of the construction workforce is misclassified, or is paid off the books. It also found these workers earned 36% less in wages and benefits than others who were regularly employed. (Adobe Stock)<br />
MN's Wage-Theft Law Could See Changes for Construction Workers

Minnesota has what's been described as one of the toughest wage-theft laws in the country. But labor leaders say there still isn't much recourse for …

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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 …

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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…

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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 …

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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 …

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Instead of arming teachers, young labor leaders in Minnesota say fostering a more welcoming environments in schools with adequate support staff can help with creating safe buildings and campuses. (Adobe Stock)
Uvalde Tragedy Spurs Calls for Collective Action on Safe Workplaces

The recent mass shootings in Texas and New York intersect with the organized labor movement among younger workers. Some in Minnesota say a safer …

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