Minnesota
Minnesota Senate Democrats propose new tax on social media companies
Some Minnesota lawmakers are proposing a first-in-the-nation tax on large social media companies that collect data on consumers in the state.
Misinformation expert used AI to draft testimony containing misinformation about AI
Stanford’s Jeff Hancock submitted the document as an expert declaration in a case involving a new Minnesota law that makes it illegal to use AI to mislead voters prior to an election.
Survey: Americans think cities can't arrest their way out of the homelessness crisis
Supportive services and more government action is needed to reduce and prevent homelessness, according to a recent public opinion poll.
The states where climate progress is on the ballot
Getting laws passed is one thing. Protecting them from Republican opposition is another.
Why people aren’t buying heat pumps—and what states can do about it
COMMENTARY | New research from the coldest part of the country finds we need to tell people what heat pumps are before telling them why they should buy them.
The right to repair electronics is now law in 3 states. Is Big Tech complying?
You're legally entitled to fix your own gadgets in California, Minnesota, and New York — but not all tech companies have gotten the memo.
Nearly half of all lieutenant governors are women. Could the future of the governor's office be female?
If Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is elected vice president, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will be the first Native American female governor. She's one of a growing number of women of color serving in the No. 2 spot.
New data tool looks to cure medical debt woes
As state and local governments grapple with the impacts of medical debt on their communities, a new resource looks to help inform strategies aimed at remedying the financial burden.
Can a ‘sprint’ to a medical emergency solve states’ EMS shortages?
Minnesota lawmakers have approved a so-called sprint paramedic program to confront the state's worsening rural emergency response.
Whole-of-state program delivers security that’s ‘antivirus on steroids’
Woodbury, Minnesota, was one of the first cities to take advantage of the subsidized managed detection and response solution.
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State, local govs crack down on menthol cigarettes by pumping prices up
Setting minimum retail prices and increasing taxes can help officials address public health concerns surrounding menthol cigarettes.
Mobile hunting, fishing licenses streamline conservation management
Minnesota’s new system will replace a paper-based license purchase and harvest registration process, saving staff time and improving customer service.
Emergency alert: States confront EMS shortages
Minnesota declared an “EMS emergency” last month, but it’s far from alone. An outdated approach to funding the service is largely to blame, says experts.
In this Legislature’s Civility Caucus, Republicans and Democrats actually like talking to each other
At Civility Caucus gatherings, conversation might go to hot-button issues, but they are much more productive and sometimes even lead to co-sponsored bills.
Cash isn’t the only thing guaranteed income programs can deliver
Data is starting to show that supplemental income programs can boost participants’ employment, housing stability and family well-being.
How one city is bridging the gender gap in construction jobs
Rochester, Minnesota, launched its Equity in the Built Environment program in 2023 that looks to educate and train women for jobs in construction, project management, interior design, and other careers.
Local transit agencies mimicking Uber and Lyft are seeing big ridership gains
Connect is so popular that it’s having trouble keeping up with demand, even as the Minnesota legislature allocated over $9 million last year to build out Connect and similar systems statewide.
How one city added hundreds of new homes amid an affordable housing crunch
In Missoula, Montana, the city and county government donated land to support the development of three new affordable apartment sites. About 1,000 people, including those who were previously homeless, have signed the interest list for units, one official says.
Communities boost climate resilience by protecting pollinators
More cities are planting native plant-based gardens to slow loss of pollinators, which play a critical role in achieving climate adaptation goals.
Minnesota Takes On Corporate Profit Shifting
The state targeted a loophole that companies use to create income tax havens abroad. As overall tax revenue continues to slump, will other states do the same?
