On the ballot this fall: An amendment to boost funding for Minnesota schools
If voters approve it, the amendment would increase the amount the state can draw from the Permanent School Fund, boosting funding from $68 per student to about $101 per student — without raising taxes.
South St. Paul teen balances graduation, new responsibilities after dad’s deportation to Laos
Yaay Aden Yang was looking forward to graduating high school in June when his father was deported to Laos. Now, the 17-year-old is taking on more responsibility at home as he prepares for college this fall.
TOP STORIES
ENVIRONMENT
Residents in Minneapolis ‘green zones’ want more benefits, power as city redraws boundaries
Minneapolis established special environmental zones on the city’s north and south sides a decade ago. Now, the boundaries are being redrawn, and the city wants to hear from you.
Passive energy homes go on sale in Minneapolis’ Phillips neighborhood
Developers estimate that a two-bedroom unit will incur $8 a month in energy bills compared to $163 per month for similar, conventional units elsewhere.
Northern Iron to close East Side foundry after battle with regulators, neighbors
Northern Iron and Machine will close its foundry Phalen Boulevard by the end of 2026. The company has been fighting with state regulators in court since April 2024, when the MPCA ordered it to reduce operational hours.
Minnesota DNR opens comment period on controversial nickel mine near pristine waters. Here’s how to weigh in.
The state is accepting public comments on the proposed Tamarack nickel mine until Sept. 14. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe opposes the project.
BUSINESS & WORK
‘This is not over’: As Lake Street cash mobs wrap up, immigrant businesses still face headwinds
The Lake Street Council launched the events this winter to bring new customers to immigrant-owned businesses hard-hit by Operation Metro Surge. They held the final event at Karmel Mall on Wednesday.
At Billy’s Hmong Shop, handsewn garments help keep Hmong funeral tradition alive
Billy Vang owns a Maplewood Mall shop, which specializes in traditional Hmong funeral garments and supplies. Vang is partnering with North Memorial Health to provide the garments for patients who unexpectedly die, or who are in end-of-life care.
For Sean Sherman, Indígena by Owamni is ‘just the start of everything’
The Sioux Chef’s growing Indigenous food network includes a new barbecue joint, Native meals for schools and community organizations, and plans to expand nationally.
Kenyan sisters who farm in Medina dream big, despite federal cuts for local food
The sisters, who grew up in a farming family, sell their produce at the Kingfield Farmers Market and at food hubs like Second Harvest. But cuts to local food aid are forcing them, and other small farmers to scale back.
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