Where Minnesota’s worst state parks are
Statewide the overwhelming majority of visitors — 82% — rated themselves as “very satisfied,” with another 14% choosing “somewhat” satisfied.
Minnesota News
Blunts, beverages and a Bong-O-Matic: Minnesotans enjoy cannabis freedom
“I’ve been waiting 55 years for this,” said Gary Cardinal Sr., who sat on the patio of Midway Saloon in St. Paul, listening to a band cover Bob Marley and offering other patrons the chance to use his “Bong-O-Matic."
Minnesota tribe makes history with state’s first legal marijuana sale
Red Lake’s NativeCare is the only legal recreational marijuana dispensary in Minnesota, as state officials have yet to establish a licensing system. That gives tribes at least a year’s headstart in the Green Rush to stake a claim of what’s projected to be a $1.5 billion industry.
Minnesota among states with highest average household income, highest racial inequality
By Madison McVan, Minnesota Reformer Good news: Minnesota’s average income is in the top ten of U.S. states. Bad news: The average yearly income — $72,062 in 2022, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data — obscures big gaps between the rich and everyone else. Half of Minnesotans make
States, cities turn to community organizations to battle wage theft
Wage theft, which can include not paying workers minimum wage, misclassifying workers as independent contractors or as management to avoid paying overtime and taking tips meant for employees, is a $50 billion problem for U.S. workers.
Minnesota is the Midwest leader on electric vehicles, report says
By Christopher Ingraham, Minnesota Reformer Minnesota is the Midwestern leader on policies encouraging the widespread use of electric vehicles, according to a new scorecard from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, an advocacy group. But the state still has considerable work to do to catch up to national leaders
Minnesota to receive over $650 million to expand broadband access
By Michelle Griffith, Minnesota Reformer Minnesota will receive over $650 million to expand access to broadband thanks to the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which should make a major dent in Minnesota’s effort to provide high-speed internet to all Minnesotans who want it. The state has set a goal of
The Easter eggs: The good stuff the Legislature passed you may not have heard about
The Legislature approved a measure in the education funding bill allowing a school board to renew a 10-year levy once if the amount is the same.
Is Tim Walz running for president? No, but he’s up to something with this national politicking.
So, what’s next? A Biden cabinet position seems possible, perhaps at the Department of Veterans Affairs, or Education or Agriculture.
This week’s record-breaking air pollution, in one chart
This summer’s smoke is being driven by a Canadian wildfire season that’s started much earlier than usual, and which is expected to last until the fall or winter.
Minneapolis police officers continue to rack up hefty overtime as understaffing continues
Minneapolis Police Sgt. Stephen McBride was the department’s top earner in 2022, earning over $390,000 — more than three times his base salary.
Lt. Gov. Flanagan, nonprofits praise additional $3.3 million for prepared meals program
The prepared meals are for Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity who have trouble cooking meals due to lack of access to a kitchen or because they have a disability.
Trump pleads not guilty in federal documents case, heads back out on campaign trail
The charges stem from Trump retaining 102 documents with classification markings, which federal authorities recovered only through an FBI raid.
Minneapolis school district on the brink of insolvency, state involvement
MPS will have to close schools and/or lay off teachers when federal pandemic funds run out
Reps. Emmer, Stauber imply Trump indictment timed to Biden bribery allegations
Emmer, who is the House majority whip and third-ranking House Republican, told Minnesota conservative talk radio host Jon Justice on his show Friday that Trump’s indictment “stinks to high heaven.”
Former Gov. Arne Carlson is 88 and battling a massive mining conglomerate
While PolyMet opponents cheered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision this week to revoke a key permit for the mine — a huge setback for the project, but not a death knell — Carlson urges caution.