>>MDE Signs Memorandum to Help Mexican Teachers Get Hired in MN
(Undated) – This month, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) signed a memorandum of understanding with Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, creating pathways for teachers from Mexico to land jobs in Minnesota classrooms. MDE spokesperson Leigh Schleicher says in many cases, “We have students who may be from Mexico themselves or their families are from Mexico, so they benefit by having that cultural role model.” M-D-E first signed the memorandum in 2014. Commissioner Willie Jett says it’s “important students see themselves in their teachers.”
>>7th District Republicans Do Not Endorse Congresswoman Fischbach
(Regal, MN) — Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach does not have the endorsement of 7th District Republicans for the August 13th primary election. Fischbach failed to receive enough delegate support to secure the endorsement after three rounds of voting on Saturday. She’s being challenged for her seat by G-O-P candidate Steve Boyd. Fischbach was elected to the U-S House in 2020 after knocking off longtime D-F-L Congressman and House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson.
>>MDH, UMN Double Number of Counties Offering Innovative Jail Program
(Undated) – The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the University of Minnesota (UMN) have worked to more than double the number of state counties offering incarcerated parents a second chance. MDH Mental Health Promotion Coordinator Anna Lynn says the Minnesota Model Jail Program tries to change jail practices to support children keeping family ties to incarcerated parents, such as “Parenting education, expanding visiting opportunities for families, changing intake practices, and changing the environment so it’s more child-friendly.” Lynn says parental incarceration is the second most adverse childhood experience among Minnesota youth, leading to an increased risk of illness, poor mental health, substance use and misuse, and poor academic outcomes. The program is now available in 14 counties.
>>Spring Allergies Hit MN Earlier Than Expected
(Undated) – Spring allergy symptoms are on the rise in Minnesota, even earlier than many expected. Dr. Neal Godse with U of M. Godse says traditional over-the-counter nasal sprays and allergy tabs are good ways to combat typical allergy symptoms, but keep in mind they take “a couple of weeks” to reach full effectiveness.
>>UMN Insights on Hearing, Speech, Efficiency with Age
(Minneapolis, MN) – One-third of adults over 65 have hearing loss that significantly affects how they communicate with others. University of Minnesota (UMN) Associate Professor in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Matthew Winn says while most people think hearing loss is like turning down the volume, the most common problem is sound losing clarity. Winn says “It’s really tempting to want to speak louder at them but speaking louder doesn’t usually make things better, speaking more slowly does though.” Winn parallels to a camera with a smudge on the lens, even in good lighting, the photo will be blurry. With hearing loss, no matter how loud the volume is the sound will be blurry, making sounds hard to differentiate.
>>Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Southwest Minnesota’s Rock County
(St. Paul, MN) — The D-N-R is confirming the presence of emerald ash borer for the first time in southwest Minnesota’s Rock County. Officials say an arborist recently discovered an E-A-B infestation near Beaver Creek about five miles from the South Dakota border. Federal identification confirmed the larvae samples as emerald ash border. Rock is the 51st county in Minnesota with the tree-killing pest. The state Department of Agriculture issued an emergency quarantine that limits the movement of firewood and ash material out of the area.
>>Billie Eilish to Play 2 Shows at the Xcel Energy Center in November
(St. Paul, MN) — Nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist Billie Eilish is coming to Minnesota this fall. Eilish is scheduled to play two shows on November 10th and 11th at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The concerts are part of her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour which is also the name of her new album set for release May 17th. American Express card members can purchase tickets on Tuesday during a presale. Tickets go on sale to the public Friday on her website billieeilish.com.
