Elizabeth Shockman at MPR News outlines the funding of a farm-to-school initiative by the state Legislature: “There is a $400,000 fund that can be used to reimburse schools that purchase local foods. And there will also be a person at the state Agriculture Department tasked with helping farmers and schools connect, but doing so will be only a part of that person’s job.”
Susan Du at City Pages writes about the residents of East Phillips and their fight to do something about their toxic surroundings: “At the corner of 28th Street and Hiawatha is a five-acre plot known as the Arsenic Triangle. Decades ago, chemical companies produced arsenic- and lead-based pesticides here, stockpiling raw materials uncovered on the ground. Wind and rain swept toxic particulates into nearby yards, poisoning the soil for miles around. The site eventually became a Superfund.”
Ben Terris of the Washington Post is following former Sen. Al Franken’s subtle return to the public eye: “Franken’s was always one of the more hotly debated situations of the #MeToo era. The accusations against him ranged from unwanted kissing to groping during photo sessions, and resulted in his resignation. But the decision was fraught: There were Democrats who didn’t believe that Franken’s actions, especially considering who was president, required such a heavy punishment. And now, his attempted return to relevance raises more difficult questions: Who deserves a second chance? What does he have to do to earn it?”
The Brainerd Dispatch has a short piece on Sens. Klobuchar and Smith reintroducing the Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act: “According to a news release, weak enforcement of existing laws has allowed insurance companies to continue illegal discrimination under the radar, but this legislation would reinforce parity requirements under the Wellstone-Domenici Mental HealthParity and Equity Act by increasing the oversight and resources needed to stop behavioral health discrimination.”
In other news …
Good news of the day: “‘It’s A Miracle’: Toddler Who Survived Minneapolis Balcony Fall To Make Full Recovery” [WCCO]
Condensed milk: “Dairy numbers dropping though large dairies on the rise” [Rochester Post Bulletin]
Hope there’s a good hospital close by: “Report: Olmsted trash incinerator among the dirtiest in nation” [Rochester Post Bulletin]
Whistleblower: “Lifeguard sues the city of St. Paul, says he and hundreds others weren’t paid for sick leave” [Pioneer Press]
All about that bass: “Bass fishing booms in Minnesota: ‘It’s really going gangbusters’” [Star Tribune]
Nice to see it grew to real animosity: “Once forced, Minnesota United vs. Atlanta United feels like a ‘rivalry’ now” [Pioneer Press]
Two weeks behind: “As planting window closes, Minn. farmers face tough choices” [MPR]
Research-based journalism: “The 40 best beers in Minnesota” [City Pages]
