Minnesota

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?

With New Power in 4 States, Democrats Prepare to Push for Previously Blocked Priorities

After key midterm wins, the party will gain additional “trifectas” in 2023, holding both legislative chambers and the governor’s office. The change will unlock new policymaking possibilities.

Minneapolis is the Latest US City to Demand Emissions-Free Shipping

The city, where Target is headquartered, is pressuring big brands to “abandon fossil-fueled ships.”

Cities and Towns Move to Recognize They are Built on Indigenous Land

But Native activists say "land acknowledgments" are only a start for reconciliation and healing, not an end unto themselves.

Two States to Seek Nearly $900M in Federal Funds for Bridge Project

They’re looking to tap money from the bipartisan infrastructure law approved last year. “This project is a perfect candidate for this funding,” says the governor of one of the states.

8 Best Winter Festivals in the U.S.

A list from Travel + Leisure showcases festivals that include snow golf and volleyball, skiers hanging onto a cowboy on horseback and plungers jumping into the icy waters.

Gun Violence Has Soared During the Pandemic, a New Study Finds—But the Reasons Why Are Complex

The pandemic brought about a sharp rise in mental health concerns, deep unemployment and an unprecedented amount of social isolation—a potentially deadly combination alongside rising gun sales.

10 Steps for Advancing Equity With American Rescue Plan Funding

Local governments seeking transformative impacts must recognize that threats, risks and trauma are daily conditions experienced by low-income communities and people of color, according to a report, which recommends a variety of actions.

5 Midwest States Form Electric Vehicle Pact

They plan to work together building out charging infrastructure and on other issues. The agreement comes after Ford unveiled plans for big electric vehicle investments in another region.

Full FDA Approval of Pfizer Vaccine Prompts Swift Mandates for State, Local Government Workers

Following approval for the vaccine, some leaders across the country immediately tell public employees and college students to get vaccinated now.

More than $20M in Federal Funds Available for State-Based Insurance Marketplaces to Make Improvements

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services funding will help improve access and update systems to reflect new eligibility thresholds, state officials said.

The Top 10 States for Doctors

These states ranked high because of low malpractice payouts, physician compensation and overall health system performance, according to rankings by a medical information website.

This School District Normally Gets $66,000 a Year for Library Books. This Year — $500,000.

Money from the American Rescue Plan will be used to replace items that went missing when schools closed at the start of the pandemic and enhance the district’s overall collection, St. Paul officials say.

Policing the Police: Justice Department Launches Probe in Minneapolis

Derek Chauvin’s criminal conviction won’t solve systemic policing problems. Experts said the DOJ’s resumption of pattern or practice investigations can help spur local police reform.

Growing Number of Cities Weigh Tribal ‘Land Acknowledgements’

In Arizona and other states, some local governments are formally recognizing Native American connections to lands.

The Boom in Out-of-State Telehealth Threatens In-State Providers

The pandemic has highlighted potential benefits with telehealth. But there have also been some unintended consequences as more people access care remotely.

How Urban Planning and Housing Policy Helped Create ‘Food Apartheid’ in U.S. Cities

COMMENTARY | The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 54.4 million Americans live in low-income areas with poor access to healthy food. For city residents, this means they are more than half a mile from the nearest supermarket.

Coming Soon to a Snowy Road in Minnesota: 'Plowy McPlowFace'

Plowy McPlowFace was the runaway winner in an online contest to name eight Minnesota Department of Transportation snowplows.

Report: Stop Lines do Little to Encourage Drivers to Stop

Stop lines, the thick white bars painted ahead of intersections, do little to prevent crashes or influence driver behavior, a 14-year study found.