Minnesota News Connection

Minnesota is below the national rate and most other states but it still outpaces most of America's closest international allies.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, most MN workers can apply for up to 12 weeks of medical leave, or 12 weeks of family leave. A payroll tax evenly split between the employer and employee.

The proposed sale to a private equity firm is seen as a possible roadmap for complying with clean energy laws. Opponents say the deal is riddled with transparency issues and conflicts of interest.

School administrators and parents discuss the dynamics of timing and follow-through on the complex path for parents when seeking special education services for their child.

A decade ago, 13% of Minnesota public school students were receiving special education services. That number now stands at nearly 18%.

Plus: The Minnesota PCA will host an informational meeting on permitting and variance requests from US Steel's Keetac Mine in Virginia on Sept. 3; and Wadena drivers can expect major traffic changes as Highway 10 opens and work starts on Highway 71.

Experts emphasize that people should learn authentic ways to support school shooting survivors, even after the stories fade from headlines.

Recent findings showed those who carry out school shootings are often in a noticeable crisis, meaning students, staff and parents should be trained to recognize concerning behavior.

Industry groups say Minnesota is home to at least 40 data centers, with nearly a dozen more being proposed.

In the United States, the Roosevelt Institute cites research that says about 43% of families with young children who pay for child care pay unaffordable rates.