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Minnesotans aren’t happy about the six finalists for the new state flag
The six flags that are finalists to become the new Minnesota state flag are receiving reviews to rival “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” panned by Minnesotans on social media, who are calling them “trash” and harshly critiquing the work of the commission tasked with selecting Minnesota’s new state flag and seal. Members of the State […]
Minnesotans would save big with caps on child care costs
Advocates for affordable child care have launched a new tool to help parents figure out what they would be paying for child care if Minnesota tackled runaway costs. The federal Department of Health and Human Services suggests that families pay no more than 7% of their yearly household income on child care, no matter how […]
A committee is now hearing Minnesotans’ opinions on the new ethnic studies curriculum
As culture war issues over race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality roil every level of government from school boards to the U.S. Congress, Minnesota is revisiting its social studies standards, including the highly contentious issue of how to teach ethnic studies. Implementation of a bill mandating ethnic studies as a required course for Minnesota students is […]
Fatwa issued allowing for donor breast milk to be accepted by Muslim parents
A Muslim legal expert issued a fatwa, or religious clarification, that Muslim parents can now use donor breast milk for their infants in intensive care. Mohamed Mahad, imam from Nuruliman mosque in Minneapolis, signed what he believes is the first fatwa of its kind in the country at an event Thursday at Children’s Minnesota in […]
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum of the 4th District sent a letter to President Joe Biden Wednesday calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a new strategy going forward. “Without an immediate cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a robust bilateral ceasefire, this war will lead to a further loss of civilian […]
DOJ finds city of Anoka violated federal housing, disability law
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday that the city of Anoka was in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act for discriminating against people with mental illness. The DOJ found that Anoka’s “crime-free” multi-housing program discouraged tenants struggling with mental illness or other disabilities from reaching out to the […]
Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn speaks to Minnesotans on global engagement
United States Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn said during a recent Minnesota visit that she’s focused on reinvigorating the Corps after operations were suspended as the pandemic unfolded in March of 2020, leading to the evacuation of over 7,000 volunteers across the world. Spahn now leads over 2,400 volunteers in 57 countries today, working on […]
Submissions for the new Minnesota State flag and seal are out
The submissions are in! The commission deciding on a new Minnesota state flag and seal have released Minnesotans’ ideas, displaying the creativity, lack of creativity and occasional snarky humor of our neighbors. The State Emblems Redesign Commission accepted over 2,600 submissions for the Minnesota state flag or seal in a one-month period this October. Later […]
Nadia Mohamed is Minnesota’s first Somali American Mayor
Nadia Mohamed has been elected the mayor of St. Louis Park, making her the city’s first Black mayor in 170 years, Minnesota’s first Somali American mayor and the second known Somali mayor in U.S. history. Mohamed secured 58% of the vote against Dale A. Anderson, a retired banker. Mohamed also represents a new generation of […]
Walz launches $10 million fund, granting small businesses low-interest loans
Gov. Tim Walz sought to head off continued criticism from some in the business community with the announcement Tuesday of the Minnesota Expanding Opportunity Fund, with plans to allocate $10 million in low-interest loans to non-profit lender partners, which will use the funds to lend to Minnesota small businesses. “One of the biggest challenges for […]
Attorney General Keith Ellison to hold a clinic to clear criminal records
Attorney General Keith Ellison will be hosting a clinic in north Minneapolis this week to help eligible people get their criminal records wiped clean. The AG is working with New Justice Project and the Pathways to True Freedom Foundation on the clinic, which is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at 1101 W. Broadway, Minneapolis, […]
Former Ambassador Ronald E. Nuemann to speak in Minnesota this week
Former Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann, a U.S. State Department lifer, will speak at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul Oct. 30 about the need to modernize the U.S. State Department. Global MN, a non-profit focusing on international affairs, will be hosting. Tickets to the in-person event, which will also be held virtually, are free. In […]