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For-profit educational institutions are ripping off students and taxpayers, according to an important report in Washington Monthly.
Yesterday (December 15), I wrote about recently-released federal numbers showing that for-profit schools have the highest default rate on student loans. Continue reading
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Okay – we all enjoyed hearing Obama criticize the fat cat financiers on 60 Minutes last night, but what will happen when he meets with them at the White House today? Continue reading
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UPDATE 7:55 a.m – Chuck Olson reports that the talks are back on after a meeting between the African bloc and Conie Heegard. Here’s the link – can’t confirm, because I don’t read Danish.
Endnu et lille drama er nu historie på klimakonferencen i Bella Center.
Efter et møde med COP15-formand Connie Hedegaard er forhandlerne fra de afrikanske lande og gruppen af verdens fattigste lande blevet enige om at genoptage møderne.
The African bloc walked out of climate change negotiations today, stopping all talks at the Copenhagen climate change meeting, according to BBC. The Washington Post reported that the entire G77 bloc of developing nations has walked out. Continue reading
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The University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will both raise tuition rates in the fall, reports MPR. The U of M currently plans a 7.5 percent hike, but that could increase if the legislature cuts funding. MNSCU is planning a five percent increase, but that, too, could change if the legislature cuts more than $10 million from the $615 million MNSCU budget. State Senator Sandy Pappas, chair of the higher education committee, is not optimistic: Continue reading
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St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health announced that everyone can come and get an H1N1 flu shot, beginning with a clinic on Saturday, December 19, from noon to 4 p.m. at North Heights Christian Academy, 2701 North Rice Street, Roseville. According to the Ramsey County Public Health website, “The vaccine is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.” Pubic health officials said they are opening the shots to everyone because there is more vaccine than is needed for high-risk groups. The website also lists clinics earlier in the week for high-risk groups – call 651-266-2440 for further information. Continue reading
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In its annual ranking, U.S. News gave a silver rating to nine Twin Cites metro area high schools: Central High School (St. Paul), Patrick Henry High School (Minneapolis), South High School (Minneapolis), Edina High School, Hopkins High School, Irondale High School (New Brighton), Mounds View High School, Roseville High School,and Wayzata High School. Continue reading
Yesterday at Plaza Lake, according to Alberto Monserrate’s post at PrensaLibreSur, the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided businesses suspected of piracy: Continue reading
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Minnesota State Senator Dick Day and St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington both announced that they are resigning – but the circumstances are very different. Continue reading
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December 10 is International Human Rights Day and, in observance of that day, the Minnesota AFL-CIO is sponsoring a forum on health as a human right. Then, at 12:30, three DFL legislators will present their plan to save GAMC – General Assistance Medical Care, which serves as a safety net for the poorest, most marginalized people in our community. MinnPost reports that about 36,000 poor adults are currently enrolled in GAMC. Governor Tim Pawlenty cut all funding for GAMC as part of his unallotment strategy for solving the state budget deficit in the current biennium. Continue reading
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Today’s Star Tribune editorial lays it out – while the second wave of H1N1 may be fading, the third wave is just over the horizon and now is the time to get vaccinations: Continue reading
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ICE is only one of the federal agencies surveilling people. Federal surveillance reaches far beyond immigrants. Federal agents use massive databases, facial recognition, cell phone photos, and license plate records. Beyond surveillance, they target and threaten people involved in protests, bringing the full weight of federal power to bear on individuals. Their actions often remain […]
Five years after the violent attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters, the attacks on democracy and on elected officials continue. Yesterday, two politicians currently under attack by the Trump administration spoke out with anger and eloquence.
The New York Times today has plenty of coverage of who, how, when, and where the United States illegally attacked Venezuela and abducted its president and first lady. But that’s far from the whole story. A few easily overlooked but essential facts: For informed insights on the consequences of Trump’s attack on Venezuela, see:
50 USC Ch. 33: WAR POWERS RESOLUTION §1541. Purpose and policy (a) Congressional declaration It is the purpose of this chapter to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of United […]
Over at Law Dork, Chris Geidner has a great column on the four key lessons we can and must take from 2025. The first: pushing back is essential — and it works. I won’t try to summarize his column, but encourage you to go and read it and, if you can, support the good work […]
Mary Turck