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The Topline: The end of the line?
Welcome to The Topline, a weekly roundup of the big numbers driving the Minnesota news cycle, as well as the smaller ones that you might have missed. This week: the bottom line. Well Reformers, this is it: the final Topline. Call it the Bottom Line? As this is my last day here, I thought I’d […]
45,000 Minnesotans are at risk of losing SNAP benefits
Roughly 45,000 Minnesotans would be at risk of losing all of their federal food assistance, and tens of thousands more could lose some of that assistance under cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) approved by Republicans in the U.S. House. The bill still needs to pass the Senate and win the signature of […]
‘Big Beautiful Bill’ mostly benefits Minnesota’s wealthiest
The tax provisions in House Republicans’ so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” would overwhelmingly benefit Minnesota’s wealthiest families, according to an analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a progressive think tank in DC. If the bill passes the Senate and wins the signature of President Trump, the bottom 20% of Minnesota households, […]
At long last, Minnesota has decriminalized bong water
Minnesota authorities would no longer be able to charge people with major drug crimes solely on the basis of the dirty water in their bongs — thanks to a provision in the 192-page judiciary and public safety bill that was sent to Gov. Tim Walz over the weekend. He’s expected to sign it. Under current […]
The Topline: Tens of thousands of Minnesotans to lose health insurance
Welcome to The Topline, a weekly roundup of the big numbers driving the Minnesota news cycle, as well as the smaller ones that you might have missed. This week: health coverage losses due to congressional Republicans’ cuts; UnitedHealth in free fall; the young children dying to fentanyl; EPA funding to clean up polluted sites; and […]
Suicide rate levels off in 2024
Minnesota’s suicide rate held steady between 2023 and 2024, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Health. The 813 estimated suicides in the state last year work out to an age-adjusted rate of 13.9 per 100,000. Death statistics are typically reported in age-adjusted terms to account for how the age composition of a […]
The Topline: What’s in the Minnesota Senate tax bill?
Welcome to The Topline, a weekly roundup of the big numbers driving the Minnesota news cycle, as well as the smaller ones that you might have missed. This week: what’s in the Senate’s $365 million tax omnibus; a record-high graduation rate; the summer air quality outlook; and tallying the attorney general’s lawsuits against the Trump […]
Why Minnesota wants to be a leader in sustainable aviation fuel
Sustainable aviation fuel is having a moment in Minnesota. Lawmakers are considering a broad expansion of tax credits for producers of the fuels, in hope of positioning Minnesota as a leading manufacturer. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently awarded a grant to the University of Minnesota to study a new oil-producing field crop that holds […]
The Topline: A staggering drop in Black homeownership
Welcome to The Topline, a weekly roundup of the big numbers driving the Minnesota news cycle, as well as the smaller ones that you might have missed. This week: green cities; a stunning decline in Black homeownership; America’s most polluted air; an unusually long stretch without homicides; and Minnesota’s most conservative county. The Washington Post […]
Attorney General Ellison sues Trump administration over trans athlete ban
Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing the Trump administration over two executive orders targeting transgender children and adults, alleging among other things that they amount to the federal government “commandeering the States to carry out federal law or policy,” which the 10th Amendment protects against. “Trump’s unconscionable attack on this small number of vulnerable children […]
MN Republicans introduce vaccine criminalization bill drafted by Florida hypnotist
A group of eight Republicans in the Minnesota House have introduced legislation (HF3219) that would designate certain vaccines and medical treatments as “weapons of mass destruction” and make possessing or administering them a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The legislation specifically targets messenger RNA (mRNA) treatments, which include several COVID-19 vaccines. […]
Rep. Tom Emmer refuses to rule out deporting U.S. citizens
On Sunday, U.S. House Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District repeatedly dodged straightforward questions about whether the U.S. president has the legal power to “deport” U.S. citizens, or whether he would be supportive of such a move. The question has arisen recently, as President Donald Trump suggested his administration could “deport” U.S. citizens. […]