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Sunday, May 11, 2025

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Trump signals he is open to cutting China tariffs to 80% ahead of trade negotiations; Pope Leo XIV calls Church 'a beacon to illuminate dark nights' in first mass; Medicaid cuts risk health care access for VA military families; Does climate change 'perception gap' silence action in Mississippi? 'Forever families' needed for PA children in foster care.

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A judge orders certification of the 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court race, Wisconsin Democrats want congressional maps redrawn, and the interim U.S. Attorney for District of Columbia loses the job over his support for January 6th rioters.

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Volunteers with AmeriCorps are devastated by cuts to the 30-year-old program, Head Start has dodged elimination but cuts are likely, moms are the most vulnerable when extreme weather hits, and bullfrogs await their 15-minutes of fame in rural California.

Minnesota

A hunter stands in the Minnesota Heritage Forest Project area, which is protected from heavy industrial use under a new land deal covering nine counties. (Photo courtesy of Jay Brittain)

Friday, May 9, 2025

Mighty Mississippi in MN gets extra shield thanks to land deal

The Mississippi River is the drinking water source for 20 million people and its starting point in northern Minnesota has new protections following co…

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Analysts with UnidosUS say the $23 billion average annual SNAP cut under the House budget resolution would be more than three times the size of the largest previous cut ever made to the food-assistance program. (Photo courtesy Farmers Market Coalition)

Thursday, May 8, 2025

For MN, SNAP benefits reach farmers markets, other parts of economy

Congressional Republicans are poised to move forward with a proposal that would bring major cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program…

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Minnesota's version of the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is geared for helping households in need stay warm in the winter. But for warmer regions, LIHEAP is said to be crucial for customers trying to stay cool in the scorching heat. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

MN finally gets federal aid for heating bill program but issue is not settled

For now, Minnesota officials say panic has eased over federal funding for a program helping low-income households with their energy bills but there …

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In a statewide survey about Library Media Specialists for Minnesota's K-12 schools, some respondents reported using their personal funds to support the library where they work. (Adobe Stock)
Nearly half of MN school libraries lack licensed media specialist

Minnesota law requires K-12 school libraries to be staffed by a licensed media specialist but survey results indicated almost half of districts have d…

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Experts say social, economic, personal and environmental factors are the major influences on a person's well-being. They hope families keep these things in mind, especially mental health, when assessing the state of their household. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 5, 2025

Checking underneath the 'family wellness' hood

May is Family Wellness Month, and Minnesota households are encouraged to work on goals beyond the surface level of success. One expert said family …

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Reform advocates say people in America's prisons are often forced to work, and if they refuse or say they can't handle the working conditions, they can be punished. (Adobe Stock)
Coalition wants to end 'forced labor' in MN prisons

A Minnesota proposal is in the works that supporters say would end forced labor in correctional facilities. They note the 13th Amendment was adopted …

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Environmental experts said you should not stress out about the carbon footprint from grilling, because it is meant to be an enjoyable experience. Still, they urged trying eco-friendly ways of grilling, including the cleaning products they use. (Adobe Stock)
Grill cleaning can be a dirty mess, but for air quality, it doesn't have to be

The unmistakable smell of hamburgers or steak on outdoor grills will soon be making its way through Minnesota neighborhoods and with the weather warmi…

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The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture announced in March the Food Safety and Inspection Service will extend waivers allowing pork and poultry producers to process meat at a faster pace than the previous time limits prescribed. (Photo courtesy Sentient)
USDA moves may compromise safety for MN meatpacking workers

By Whitney Curry Wimbish for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Coll…

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At Minnesota's Capitol, state lawmakers are trying to come together on a new two-year budget, estimated to land at around $66 billion. (Adobe Stock)
As May looms, MN lawmakers contend with added budget wrinkles

Minnesota lawmakers have a few weeks left to wrap up their legislative session on time. A new state budget tops the list of remaining tasks, with …

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In a North Minneapolis strip mall, Nonviolent Peaceforce recently opened a community space to work with youth to prevent violence. Officials worry about keeping it open after a key federal grant was cut without warning. (Photo courtesy Nonviolent Peaceforce)
Federal cuts bring abrupt halt to community peacebuilding in Minneapolis

Violence prevention groups said building trust in vulnerable neighborhoods is key to their success but a global humanitarian organization worries abou…

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Ash Hanson reads a love letter to a crowd gathered at the YES! House as part of a residency with artist JJ Kapur. (Photo courtesy of Alana Horton)
MN town practices art of love, one letter at a time

By Alana Horton for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Colla…

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Of the nearly 30,000 fire departments in the United States, almost 19,000 are all volunteer. (Adobe Stock)
MN fire chiefs lean on ads, targeted messaging to boost depleted ranks

In many small Minnesota communities, city hall windows display "firefighters wanted" posters. Lack of interest is a reality local fire chiefs have to …

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