Tuesday, November 30, 2021

PNS Daily Newscast - November 30, 2021
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Minority-owned Southern businesses get back on their feet post-pandemic with a fund's help; President Biden says don't panic over the new COVID variant; and eye doctors gauge the risk of dying from COVID.

2021Talks - November 30, 2021
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U.S. Senate is back in session with a long holiday to-do list that includes avoiding a government shutdown; negotiations to revive the Iran Nuclear Deal resume; and Jack Dorsey resigns as CEO of Twitter.

The Yonder Report - November 25, 2021
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South Dakota foster kids find homes with Native families; a conservative group wants oil and gas reform; rural Pennsylvania residents object to planes flying above tree tops; and poetry debuts to celebrate the land.

Minnesota

Some estimates say roughly 150,000 rural Minnesotans lack access to high-speed internet, affecting things such as distance learning. (Adobe Stock)
Some estimates say roughly 150,000 rural Minnesotans lack access to high-speed internet, affecting things such as distance learning. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

MN's Rural Students to See Broadband Relief from Federal Bill

PRINCETON, Minn. -- President Joe Biden is expected to visit Minnesota today to tout passage of the new federal infrastructure bill. Those working …

Minnesota student-loan borrowers have an average of $31,250 in public and private education debt. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)
Minnesota student-loan borrowers have an average of $31,250 in public and private education debt. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

Student Loan Payment Relief Set to Expire

MINNEAPOLIS -- Student loan borrowers take note: A pause on federal student-loan payments is set to end when February rolls around. The moratorium on …

Managers of a grant program to install more boat-cleaning stations at Minnesota lakes are getting a jumpstart on next year's boating season by installing units this winter. They hope being proactive will prevent further spread of aquatic invasive species. (Adobe Stock)
Managers of a grant program to install more boat-cleaning stations at Minnesota lakes are getting a jumpstart on next year's boating season by installing units this winter. They hope being proactive will prevent further spread of aquatic invasive species. (Adobe Stock)
Winter Won't Stop AIS Prevention Work in MN

CASS LAKE, Minn. - Minnesota boat owners have stored their watercraft for the winter. But in the coming weeks, some lakes will be getting new …

In the United States, more than 4 million youths and young adults experience some form of homelessness each year. (Adobe Stock)
In the United States, more than 4 million youths and young adults experience some form of homelessness each year. (Adobe Stock)
New App Part of Effort to End Youth Homelessness in MN

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- November is National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month. Compared with other Midwestern states, Minnesota has some of the …

In the mid 1990s, federal law was changed that paved the way for more deportations based on criminal convictions. But immigrant advocates say many defendants are unaware of the consequences when they seek plea deals. (Adobe Stock)
In the mid 1990s, federal law was changed that paved the way for more deportations based on criminal convictions. But immigrant advocates say many defendants are unaware of the consequences when they seek plea deals. (Adobe Stock)
MN Deportation Case Seen as Major Victory in Pursuit of Reforms

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Refugee advocates are cheering a decision by an immigration judge to terminate deportation orders for a Minnesota man, who had …

Community action agencies say many of the families they serve may never get a chance for long-term stability without reducing the burden of needs such as housing and child-care costs. (Adobe Stock)
Community action agencies say many of the families they serve may never get a chance for long-term stability without reducing the burden of needs such as housing and child-care costs. (Adobe Stock)
Advocates: Federal Plan Could Do Wonders for Housing, Child Care in MN

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. -- In Congress, initial votes are possible this week on the Biden administration's budget reconciliation bill. From child care to …

Regional food shelf directors says they don't rely only on bulk donations. And when they have to make purchases these days, costs for certain items are sometimes 10% higher. (Adobe Stock)
Regional food shelf directors says they don't rely only on bulk donations. And when they have to make purchases these days, costs for certain items are sometimes 10% higher. (Adobe Stock)
MN Food Banks Try to Stay Ahead of Supply, Inflation Woes

MANKATO, Minn. -- Food shelves are a key source for meeting nutritional needs of low-income households, and Minnesota locations reported they too are …

Leaves act like mulch, helping to suppress weeds and fertilize the soil as they break down. (Adobe Stock)
Leaves act like mulch, helping to suppress weeds and fertilize the soil as they break down. (Adobe Stock)
Give Your Rake and the Planet a Break by Leaving Some Leaves

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- As the fall season begins to wind down, Minnesotans are urged to take a more environmental approach to their yardwork. Experts …

Analysts say if Congress were to pass an automatic IRA requirement, more than 55 million workers would have an opportunity to save for retirement. (Adobe Stock)
Analysts say if Congress were to pass an automatic IRA requirement, more than 55 million workers would have an opportunity to save for retirement. (Adobe Stock)
Survey Shows Cross-Generational Concerns about Retirement Savings

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - A new survey underscores calls for laws to make it easier for people to accumulate savings, and Minnesota voices hope to spark …

Accountability groups say larger police departments, such as the one in Minneapolis, are beholden to their unions and often slow to implement reforms. (Adobe Stock)
Accountability groups say larger police departments, such as the one in Minneapolis, are beholden to their unions and often slow to implement reforms. (Adobe Stock)
Amid Mpls. Vote, Views on MN Police Reforms Keep Evolving

MINNEAPOLIS - Nearly 18 months after the murder of George Floyd, efforts for police accountability and best practices continue to take shape in …

The Minnesota Homeownership Center says last year, it worked with 533 households to prevent foreclosure. (Adobe Stock)
The Minnesota Homeownership Center says last year, it worked with 533 households to prevent foreclosure. (Adobe Stock)
Homeownership Groups Warn of Economic Fallout from Foreclosures

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Programs that allowed struggling homeowners to pause monthly payments during the pandemic have reached their limits for millions of …

Community action agencies say weatherization assistance programs provide a local economic benefit, in part because crews are using funds to buy supplies locally to make homes more energy-efficient. (Adobe Stock)
Community action agencies say weatherization assistance programs provide a local economic benefit, in part because crews are using funds to buy supplies locally to make homes more energy-efficient. (Adobe Stock)
More MN Homes Could Benefit from Weatherization

MONTEVIDEO, Minn. -- Home weatherization programs for low-income households have come a long way, but federal funding has not always matched demand…

 

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