Distance learning for Minneapolis Public Schools and many other districts across the state launched a week ago, but not every family has been able to even log on.Many immigrant and refugee families are still navigating distance learning while also trying to find the right support needed to succeed online. Some have limited English proficiency, no formal education or internet access, and even lack the understanding of how to work on a computer.This situation overwhelms some immigrant community members in the state, including Mohamed Nor Qeys, 29, who moved to the United States from Somalia...…Distance learning for Minneapolis Public Schools and many other districts across the state launched a week ago, but not every family has been able to even log on.Many immigrant and refugee families are still navigating distance learning while also trying to find the right support needed to succeed online. Some have limited English proficiency, no formal education or internet access, and even lack the understanding of how to work on a computer.This situation overwhelms some immigrant community members in the state, including Mohamed Nor Qeys, 29, who moved to the United States from Somalia...WW…

After the death of George Floyd and growing calls for police accountability, Minnesota State University, Mankato — home to the state’s largest four-year law enforcement training program — is taking a hard look at how it trains future officers. And officials there are asking for the public’s help. This week and next, MSU Mankato is hosting virtual, town hall-style community listening sessions focused on reviewing the college’s criminal justice and law enforcement curricula. The university hosted its first session Tuesday. Last month, the Minnesota State school system — of...…After the death of George Floyd and growing calls for police accountability, Minnesota State University, Mankato — home to the state’s largest four-year law enforcement training program — is taking a hard look at how it trains future officers. And officials there are asking for the public’s help. This week and next, MSU Mankato is hosting virtual, town hall-style community listening sessions focused on reviewing the college’s criminal justice and law enforcement curricula. The university hosted its first session Tuesday. Last month, the Minnesota State school system — of...WW…

As more Minnesotans lose their jobs because of COVID-19, local food shelves are seeing a surge in first-time visitors needing emergency food services — and the demand doesn’t look like it’ll let up anytime soon. Anti-hunger advocates say more people will be depending on emergency food services as a result of the pandemic, with aging seniors in particular helping fuel the trend.  Back in 2018, Minnesota’s food insecurity rate was about 1 in 12 households, according to Hunger Solutions Minnesota, a nonprofit that supports food shelves. However, a recent survey by Blue...…As more Minnesotans lose their jobs because of COVID-19, local food shelves are seeing a surge in first-time visitors needing emergency food services — and the demand doesn’t look like it’ll let up anytime soon. Anti-hunger advocates say more people will be depending on emergency food services as a result of the pandemic, with aging seniors in particular helping fuel the trend.  Back in 2018, Minnesota’s food insecurity rate was about 1 in 12 households, according to Hunger Solutions Minnesota, a nonprofit that supports food shelves. However, a recent survey by Blue...WW…

Three people, including a police officer, were wounded by gunfire in Albert Lea early Sunday, prompting several SWAT teams from around the region to respond to what authorities called an "active shooter" situation at an eight-story apartment building.Authorities announced just after 11 a.m. that a 21-year-old male suspect had been arrested after an hours-long standoff.Albert Lea Director of Public Safety J.D. Carlson said the suspect fired out an apartment window, and that the scene remained “dynamic” through the morning, with the suspect still inside the building.Authorities asked people...…Three people, including a police officer, were wounded by gunfire in Albert Lea early Sunday, prompting several SWAT teams from around the region to respond to what authorities called an "active shooter" situation at an eight-story apartment building.Authorities announced just after 11 a.m. that a 21-year-old male suspect had been arrested after an hours-long standoff.Albert Lea Director of Public Safety J.D. Carlson said the suspect fired out an apartment window, and that the scene remained “dynamic” through the morning, with the suspect still inside the building.Authorities asked people...WW…

After decades of impasses and financial shortcomings, southern Minnesota will finally be able to fix and finish a highway expansion project that has been ongoing for 60 years.Last week, the state was awarded a $22 million federal grant to finish the expansion of U.S. Highway 14 between New Ulm, Minn., and Nicollet, Minn. The final step of the decades-long expansion involves widening 12.5 miles of highway from a two-lane to a divided four-lane road.Greg Ous, an engineer with the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s south-central district, has been with the agency for 33 years. One of his...…After decades of impasses and financial shortcomings, southern Minnesota will finally be able to fix and finish a highway expansion project that has been ongoing for 60 years.Last week, the state was awarded a $22 million federal grant to finish the expansion of U.S. Highway 14 between New Ulm, Minn., and Nicollet, Minn. The final step of the decades-long expansion involves widening 12.5 miles of highway from a two-lane to a divided four-lane road.Greg Ous, an engineer with the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s south-central district, has been with the agency for 33 years. One of his...WW…