It's no secret that fire departments, especially ones that are voluntary, have been struggling with recruitment. Fire chiefs from a handful of Minnesota communities reflect on the challenges, as well as the strategies they use to draw interest among applicants and keep local populations safe when a call comes in. Comments from Mora Area Fire Chief Brett Anderson; Waverly Fire Chief Ben Duske (DUSS-kee); and Austin Fire Chief Jim McCoy.

An annual summary of Minnesota's renewable energy sector shows the state is generating a majority of its electricity from carbon-free sources – for the fifth consecutive year. Industry voices note the state doesn't have to lean on energy imports as much as it used to, potentially shielding this sector from global tariff disputes. Comments from Peter Ingraham (ING-grumm), senior manager of marketing and communications, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota; and Derrick Flakoll (FLACK-ull), senior policy associate, Bloomberg NEF.

Campuses within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system are weighing what are being described as "significant" tuition hikes, with state aid likely to stay flat. That's presenting a challenge to administrators who want to help students with limited means continue their college careers. Comments from John Hoffman, president, Bemidji State University and NTC: Bemidji’s Technical College.

Utilities are gradually shifting away from coal as an energy source, but the Trump administration still sees it as a viable resource. New findings throw cold water on the push to reinvest in coal, with Minnesota part of the analysis. Experts say it isn't as simple as flipping an "on switch" at retired coal plants. Comments from Dennis Wamsted (WAUM-sted), energy analyst, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.

Minnesota authorities say DUI campaigns have been successful in convincing more people to give up their car keys before driving drunk. However, for distracted driving, namely the use of cellphones, officials say those habits are hard to break, and they're out with new pleas for drivers to keep those distractions out of sight. Comments from, Tom Williams, police chief, Winona, MN.

Wage theft is getting more attention these days among county attorney offices in Minnesota. Long viewed as a civil matter, prosecutors and labor organizations are now highlighting the harm created when someone isn't paid for the work they've done. A movement taking shape seeks to land more criminal convictions. Comments from Anoka County Attorney Brad Johnson.

State economists and industry leaders have discussed Minnesota's lack of skilled trade workers for a while now. But solutions are coming together, including plans for a new training center at a tribal college in northwest Minnesota. Comments from Anna Sheppard, president, White Earth Tribal and Community College; and Deidra (DEE-druh) Berg, student senate president at White Earth.

The Trump administration's push to significantly reduce federal spending is being felt at the state level. Public health officials in Minnesota are receiving layoff notices, and they say reduced staffing could jeopardize not having as many of them around Comments from Amy Saupe ('Sau' rhymes with 'wow,' with 'p' at end), senior epidemiologist, Minnesota Department of Health.

A large electric utility in Minnesota is up for sale. The proposed acquisition involves a private-equity firm, raising questions about future moves under Minnesota Power. Supporters say it will make the company stronger as energy demand spikes, but skeptics worry about the impact on ratepayers and conflicts of interest. Comments from Minnesota Power customer Stephanie Kiero (KEER-oh); and Hudson Kingston, legal director, CURE. *ALLETE is pronounced "elite."

It's been two decades in the making – but in one month, all Americans who want to board a plane or access certain facilities will need what's known as a REAL ID. Minnesota officials have some helpful reminders on how to ensure you're in compliance. Comments from Jody-Kay Peterson, director of Driver Services Programs at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

When people in Minnesota see a news story involving youth crime, they might think it's a widespread problem facing teens. But new findings reveal a disconnect between how the public perceives challenges among young adults versus what the data show. Experts say elected leaders and service organizations need to latch onto different vocabulary in advancing conversations about finding youths the right level of support. Comments from Jennifer Hahn, chief client officer, Fenton Communications.

Legislation in Minnesota would wind down a community solar program. Supporters of the bill say the program isn't viable, while opponents say it will cause lower-income households to lose access to solar power. Comments from state Sen. Nick Frentz, DFL-North Mankato; and Patty O’Keefe, Midwest regional director, Vote Solar.

Springtime in Minnesota means different types of birds are winging their way back to the area as the winter cold fades away. Whether you actively watch birds or not, the research community and support organizations are asking the public to take little steps to aid this year's migration. Comments from Monica Bryand (BRI-and), executive director, Urban Bird Collective; and Bob Dunlap, zoologist and data specialist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The Trump administration's purge of federal workers continues this week, including thousands of Health and Human Services staffers. Minnesota officials are voicing concerns about the impact on federal energy assistance payments for low-income households, after the entire staff for that office was reportedly let go. Comments from Annie Levenson-Falk, executive director, Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota. (Pronouncer: LIHEAP, "LYE-heep.")

Minnesota farmers are gearing up for the planting season. But this year is different, as producers can't look too far into the future with an escalating trade war and federal funding uncertainty. Comments from Cindy VanDerPol (VAN-der-poll), owner, Pastures A Plenty Farm; Jennifer Fahy (FAY-hee), co-executive director, Farm Aid; and Gary Wertish (WURR-tish), president, Minnesota Farmers Union.

Student loans are one of the areas the U.S. Department of Education oversees. But now that the Trump administration is trying to do away with that agency, questions linger about the impact on students and families trying to pay for college. Minnesota advocates say there's reason for concern, but borrowers shouldn't give up. Comments from Mike Dean, executive director, North Star Prosperity.

This is the second of two stories this month featuring students from a Twin Cities high school hoping to see more learning opportunities for their peers on key issues. One issue is climate justice and, despite some setbacks, these students say they remain committed to getting more accurate information about it. Comments from Ansh Shah (ON-chh shaw) and Vedanth (VAY-donth) Srinivasf (SHREE-nee-voss-if), both students at Wayzata (why-ZETT-uh) High School.

More guilty verdicts surfaced this month in a high-profile fraud case in Minnesota. The "Feeding our Future" investigation has spurred calls for more fraud controls within state government, and an organization that demands accountability feels lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are off to a good start. Comments from Matt Ehling (like 'ailing'), board member, Minnesotans for Open Government.

The COVID-19 pandemic is in the rearview mirror, but its effects are still felt today. That includes updating policies on remote work rules for employees in a variety of industries. State workers in Minnesota say they feel blindsided by a new directive from the governor. Comments from Bart Andersen, executive director, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME "AFFS-me") Council 5.

Health-care mergers remain a popular choice for systems wanting to improve their financial outlook. But that means more doctors are swept up in these acquisitions, and analysts say it's one reason why physicians have joined the unionization movement. A group of University of Minnesota doctors, going through their residency training, have taken steps to collectively bargain. Comments from Dr. Thomas Schmidt, infectious-diseases fellow, University of Minnesota.