skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Saturday, December 21, 2024

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

Government shutdown looms after Trump-backed bill fails; Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits; NY elected officials work to electrify municipal buildings; Need a mental health boost? Talking hot dog is here.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

President-elect Trump repeats his threats to jail Jan. 6th committee members, while also putting a stop-gap spending plan in jeopardy. A court removes Fani Willis from Trump's Georgia election interference case. The FAA restricts drones in New Jersey, and a Federal Reserve rate cut shakes markets.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural folks could soon be shut out of loans for natural disasters if Project 2025 has its way, Taos, New Mexico weighs options for its housing shortage, and the top states providing America's Christmas trees revealed.

MN Election Brings Clarity to Future of Abortion Policy

play audio
Play

Thursday, November 10, 2022   

Minnesota is preparing for a state government described as a "pro-choice" trifecta. Those supporting abortion access say having Democrats in control creates opportunities.

The midterm election saw the DFL maintain control of offices for governor and attorney general, while adding power within the Legislature, and party leaders say they're ready to go on offense when it comes to reproductive rights.

Megan Peterson, executive director of the group Gender Justice, said Minnesota's Constitution protects abortion rights, but argued the state should be proactive in permanently removing restrictions which are currently blocked. She added addressing barriers such as affordability need consideration.

"To make sure that anyone who needs to receive abortion care actually has the ability to do so," Peterson explained.

Party leaders acknowledged under past majorities, they did not have enough pro-choice votes, but they feel confident it will not be an issue moving forward. Following this summer's U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn federal protections, Minnesota became a "safe-haven" state for abortion care after a number of surrounding states sought to enact bans.

Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, Speaker of the House, said they will be responding to what voters wanted because of the candidates they supported.

"People made a statement," Hortman contended. "They wanted the power that they have to bring about a state that protects their rights, their personal freedoms, and our liberties, and this is a majority that will do just that."

Hortman emphasized it is also important to cement protections because of how retirement requirements could reshape the Minnesota Supreme Court. A number of statewide candidates on the Republican ticket argued the abortion issue was a distraction from other voter concerns, including crime and inflation.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
A survey from the American Heart Association revealed 79% of respondents neglect their health during the holidays. Many say they find this time of year more stressful than income tax season.
(deagreez/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

Holiday travel is in full swing and for many, so is the stress. The American Heart Association of Missouri has health tips for anyone with heart …


Health and Wellness

play sound

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

Health and Wellness

play sound

With Christmas less than a week away, experts are giving advice on how seniors and the community can fight against social isolation. A United Health …


A new University of Miami study has found buildings in Sunny Isles Beach and Surfside have been sinking by 2-8 centimeters between 2016 and 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

When the Champlain Towers South collapsed in Surfside in 2021 taking 98 lives, it sent shock waves across South Florida. The tragedy has left …

Environment

play sound

Rural communities across Massachusetts are benefiting from state grants aimed at strengthening the local food supply and building climate resilience…

Dairy digesters remove methane from liquified animal waste. The gas can then be used to generate power. (Lance Cheung/USDA)

Environment

play sound

Three environmental nonprofits filed suit Wednesday against the California Air Resources Board to oppose the expansion of a program allowing oil and g…

Environment

play sound

New York lawmakers are focusing on electrifying municipal buildings. Buildings statewide make up 32% of New York's greenhouse gas emissions and …

Social Issues

play sound

North Dakota is expected to rejoin the debate over whether all school children, regardless of their family income, should have access to no-cost …

 

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