Hearing on Metro Gang Strike Force

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The Metro Gang Strike Force has been disbanded and the first investigation turned up evidence of criminal activity. Now the FBI is investigating, and the Minnesota legislature is holding a hearing. The FBI won’t let you in, but you can watch the legislative hearing live on the Senate channel:
http://www.senate.mn/media2:00 p.m. – Legislative hearing to review Metro Gang Strike Force
And if you miss it, we’ll have a report tomorrow. Support people-powered non-profit journalism! Volunteer, contribute news, or become a member to keep the Daily Planet in orbit. Continue Reading

Back-To-School shots

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With the days shortening and the nights getting cooler, it’s time to think about chickenpox, measles, mumps and rubella. Minnesota state law requires parents of all children who attend school and children in child care to show proof of up-to-date immunizations before enrollment. The law also allows parents, guardians or students over 18 to file for a medical or conscientious exemption to the school immunization requirements. New this fall: Starting this September, two doses of chickenpox vaccine are required for all children entering kindergarten or 7th grade. If you have health insurance, call your health care clinic for shots. Continue Reading

We are the village: Help kids go back to school

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A new school year is just around the corner and stores are buzzing with the back to school sales. While buying new supplies is an exciting time for many students, hundreds of low-income youth will start this school year without the tools they need. This year’s tough economy is making it especially difficult for Twin Cities families to afford the supplies needed for their kids to succeed in school and continue their education. The public school systems in St. Paul and Minneapolis are depending on outside donations and supply drives to prepare less fortunate students with the supplies they need to learn this school year. Continue Reading

FreeCreditReport.com? NOT, says FTC

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The Federal Trade Commission has taken to video to deliver the message: Freecreditreport.com is NOT the place to go. “Anyone can write a catchy jingle, but only AnnualCreditReport.com provides you with a truly free credit report. It’s the only authorized source to get your free credit report under federal law,” says the FTC. AnnualCreditReport.com – Apartment Script
In today’s economy, I check my credit annually. You can do it too, (for free!) Under the law, it’s guaranteed. Continue Reading

FreeCreditReport.com dances around the truth, says FTC

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The Federal Trade Commission has taken to video to deliver the message: Freecreditreport.com is NOT the place to go. “Anyone can dance a jig, but only AnnualCreditReport.com provides you with a truly free credit report. It’s the only authorized source to get your free credit report under federal law,” says the FTC. AnnualCreditReport.com – Restaurant Script
If you’re looking for a loan or you’d like to buy a home… when you want to land a job or your identity’s been robbed…
AnnualCreditReport(dot)com,the one you can depend upon! Continue Reading

Counting the masses: Why the census matters

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It is almost common knowledge that every ten years the U.S. Census Bureau counts the number of people residing throughout the United States. What isn’t common knowledge to many is that the Census Bureau does not share information with other government agencies: not even the CIA or the FBI.In the recent past, the FBI has attempted to gain access to data from the Census, but has been blocked by courts and the constitution. For undocumented immigrants who are worried about their information being shared by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Brett Buckner, Partner Specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau assures them that this will not happen. You and the CensusAre you part of a Complete Count Committee in your community? How you are working towards making sure that all members of your communities will get counted? How are you educating your community on the merits of the Census? Continue Reading

Emerald Ash Borer update

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By now you know that the tree in your backyard is not an oak or a maple, but an ash – the very variety threatened by the Emerald Ash Borer invasion. So what do you do? If it’s information that you’re after, look no further than the Emerald Ash Borer network. Start with homeowner information and FAQs, and then move on to the latest scientific research, if you are so inclined. Some of the basics:
• A tree identification guide (PDF) from Michigan State University, taking you step-by-simple-illustrated-step through the process of identifying ash trees. Continue Reading