Environment

Report: Feds Could Do More to Help Protect Farms from Climate Change

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By: Mike Moen (Minnesota News Connection)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Extreme rain events and wide swings in temperatures are just some of the climate-change threats facing Minnesota farmers. And their advocates say federal policymakers need to do more to make sure farmers are protected from crop losses caused by changing weather patterns. This year in Minnesota, many farmers have struggled with the fall harvest due to muddy fields.

Minnesota

Rising Drug Costs Force MN Seniors to Make Tough Choices

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By: Mike Moen (Minnesota News Connection)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The rising cost of prescription drugs continues to grab the attention of lawmakers and advocacy groups. AARP Minnesota says some of its members are being forced to choose between buying life-saving drugs or buying food, and they hope an upcoming forum will produce solutions on bringing drug costs down. Erin Parrish, associate state director of advocacy with AARP Minnesota, said the situation has reached a breaking point.

CD2

Video Replay: Rep. Angie Craig’s First Town Hall

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Congresswoman Angie Craig holds her first town hall since being sworn into office a few weeks ago. She’s asked about the shutdown, immigration, health care and other hot button issues.

Minnesota

New Farm Bill Signed Into Law; Hungry Americans Remain

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Hunger-fighting groups applaud the new 2019 Farm Bill signed by President Donald Trump, for not including more work requirements in order for adults to be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Economy/Jobs

Farmers Group Ramps Up Advertising Campaign Against Tariffs

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China recently announced additional terrifies on U.S. imports, on the same day Farmers for Free Trade said it’s stepping up its campaign to encourage farmers to let President Donald Trump know that tariffs are hurting the agriculture industry. Farmers for Free Trade will spend $800,000 on radio, print, online and television ads across the heartland, including in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, South Dakota and other states. The bipartisan association’s Tariffs Hurt the Heartland campaign also will include town hall events in various states. Matt McAlvanah, policy analyst with Farmers for Free Trade, said the group is at the Minnesota Farmfest this week to collect stories from farmers that will appear in the advertising campaign. “Because right now there’s just this wave of anecdotes of pain, job loss and plummeting prices,” McAlvanah said.

Economy/Jobs

Light Rail Shutdown To Protest Deportations

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18 people were arrested after blocking a light rail line to protest deportations. The action is part of the national “Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival”

Gun Violence

Thousands of MN Students Protest Gun Violence

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Tens of thousands of Minnesota students participated in rallies both at home and in Washington, D.C. The “March For Our Lives” movement stretched nationwide in response to escalating gun violence across the country.

Minnesota

MN Anti-Sexual-Harassment Legislation Fails

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A bill aimed directly at combating sexual harassment in the Minnesota Legislature won’t be coming up for a vote this session. A subcommittee on workplace safety and respect still plans to meet next week to discuss Minnesota Statehouse sexual harassment policies.

The Minnesota Department of Health says about 580,000 people in the state are smokers, a rate of 14.4 percent.
Minnesota

Proposal Would Raise MN Tobacco Purchase Age to 21

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A bipartisan measure that would raise Minnesota’s statewide minimum tobacco-purchase age to 21 is moving through the Statehouse. The bill would make Minnesota the sixth state in the country to pass such a measure.

Labor/Unions

Minnesotans Defend Unions Before Crucial Court Case

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The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in a case with high stakes for unions. Janus vs. AFSCME will decide whether public-sector unions can continue to deduct fees for non-members who benefit from representation.