Connect with us

Minnesota

Study shows the consequences of budget cuts to SNAP in Minnesota

Published

on

Study shows the consequences of budget cuts to SNAP in Minnesota


Minnesota advocates warn over a possible budget proposal to slash taxes

Advertisement


Minnesota advocates warn over a possible budget proposal to slash taxes

02:15

Advertisement

As lawmakers in Washington consider a budget proposal to slash taxes, advocates in Minnesota are warning of the potential for devastating consequences for hundreds of thousands in the state.

The non-partisan Food Research and Action Center says more than 458,000 Minnesotans rely on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to put food on the table. The non-profit says SNAP also offers nine meals to every one that a local pantry can provide.

The FRAC study also found that among the Minnesota households relying on SNAP benefits:

  • 45% are with children 
  • 49% are with a person with a disability
  • 35% have older adults in them
  • 10,989 veterans rely on SNAP

The CEO of Second Harvest Heartland, Allison O’Toole, says she fears the impact of potential SNAP cuts during the budget talks in Washington. “We’ve seen food insecurity rates skyrocket in the last 4 years. We’re at an all-time high right now,” said O’Toole. “We are in a hunger crisis already. If these proposals are enacted, it’ll be catastrophic.”

To do her part, O’Toole is flying to Washington, D.C. this week to meet with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and the House Committee on Agriculture to advocate for hunger relief policy.

“I’m making a special trip [on Monday] because it’s a critical time,” said O’Toole.

Advertisement

While cuts are not official yet, O’Toole hopes people will give money, food donations or service hours to Minnesota food shelves to prepare for what’s a possibility.

“This is a solvable issue and if there’s one state that can do it, it is ours. We just need everyone to join forces to make sure we can do it,” said O’Toole.

FRAC’s study found that 703,430 people in Wisconsin use SNAP.

Advertisement



Source link

Minnesota

Iran conflict: 250 Minnesota National Guard member serving in Middle East

Published

on

Iran conflict: 250 Minnesota National Guard member serving in Middle East


The Minnesota National Guard tells FOX 9 there are currently 250 guard members on regularly scheduled deployment at the United States Central Command areas of responsibility as the United States leads strikes in Iran.

Guardsman in Middle East

What we know:

Advertisement

The Minnesota National Guard says the deployed airmen and soldiers are serving from Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing, the Marshall-based 1-151 Artillery, and the Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company.

What they’re saying:

Advertisement

“While their missions and duty locations vary, all are grateful for the strong support of those back home,” writes Army Maj. Andrea Tsuchiya, State Public Affairs Officer for the Minnesota National Guard.

What we don’t know:

The guard did not disclose the exact bases or countries where the soldiers and airmen are serving.

Advertisement

CENTCOM covers 21 countries including: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

Pres. Trump says Iran operations likely to last 4 to 5 weeks

Big picture view:

Advertisement

In his first public remarks since the launch of the attack on Iran, President Trump said he expected operations to last four to five weeks, but he was prepared “to go far longer than that.”

The president also laid out his objective for the mission: to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, to “annihilate” their navy, to ensure the country doesn’t obtain a nuclear weapon and that the regime “cannot continue to arm, fund and direct terrorist armies outside of their borders.”

Advertisement
WorldMinnesotaPolitics



Source link

Continue Reading

Minnesota

U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities

Published

on

U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities


Iranians in the Twin Cities gathered in downtown Minneapolis Sunday to celebrate major developments in the Middle East. Anti-war protesters also took the streets of Minneapolis Saturday.

Plus, Jewish communities say they are on high alert over concerns of potential retaliatory acts in major cities across the U.S.

Advertisement

‘Massive moment’

What we know:

Following a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation in Iran, Khamenei was killed in an attack, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday.

Advertisement

What they’re saying:

Iranian community groups rallied at Nicollet Mall and 11th Street on Sunday to express hope for regime change.

Advertisement

Dozens of Iranian-Americans said they are celebrating the news.

“We are here to support Iranian people. Today, everybody is happy, very happy,” said Beheshteh Zargaran, an Iranian-American.

“Killed Khamenei, which was the supreme leader, and hopefully they will continue this action and help Iranians finally topple the Islamic regime,” said Faraz Samavat, an Iranian-American.

Advertisement

“That means a lot. We are fighting for almost half a century to destroy this cruel regime against people of Iran,” said Ali Mohammad, an Iranian-American.

The other side:

Advertisement

Protesters also took to the streets in the Twin Cities over the weekend condemning the strikes.

Some people are criticizing the military operation including members of Minnesota’s DFL delegation. Congresswoman Betty McCollum called the strikes “unlawful” and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called the war “illegal and unjustified.”

Advertisement

Heightened security:

Jewish communities in Minnesota say they are also on high alert following security guidance across the country to prevent potential retaliatory violence.

“A heightened sense of vigilance making sure that everybody is aware of their surroundings and that all of the protective measures are in place,” said Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.

Advertisement

There are currently no known specific threats against local Jewish communities.

WorldDonald J. TrumpPoliticsMinneapolisReligion



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Minnesota

Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28

Published

on

Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28


Storm reports in from Minnesota on Saturday, Feb. 28. 

Impressive snow totals were reported in parts of Minnesota after a narrow band of heavy snowfall worked its way across the state. 

Minnesota snow totals for the last day of February 2026 

Advertisement

Snow totals for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.  (FOX 9)

By the numbers:

Many areas saw more snow than was expected before temperatures warm up in the coming days.

Advertisement

The following snow totals were reported across Minnesota:

  • Lanesboro: 10 inches
  • Preston: 10 inches
  • St. Peter: 7 inches
  • Stewartville: 7 inches
  • Caledonia: 6 inches
  • Nicollet: 6 inches
  • New Ulm: 5.5 inches
  • Rochester: 4.9 inches
  • Mankato: 4.5 inches

The Source: This story uses information from the FOX 9 weather forecast and the National Weather Service. 

Advertisement
WeatherWinter Weather



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending