Counting down to our 90th Anniversary
January 25 - 31, 2024
Vol. 90
No. 26
PRST STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 6391
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Inside this Edition... Read about Michele Norris’ upcoming Westminster Forum’s visit on page 7.
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‘Emergency’ or not, COvid is still killing people By Amy Maxmen n response to the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) new national warning against a surge in the respiratory illnesses Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the flu, it’s crucial to recognize the potential impact across Minnesota, a state that lost more than 15,000 people during the span of the pandemic, which started in 2020. Surprisingly, throughout 2023 Minnesotans were still dying from Covid-related illnesses. Information by the CDC shows that nearly 391 Minnesotans died from respiratory illnesses last year, and in 2024 through January 18, 160 people have died from respiratory illness, 24 of them from Covidrelated variants. Although the rate of in-
tory virus activity levels based upon national data that monitors the amount of respiratory illness (fever plus cough or sore throat) causing people to seek health care and visit emergency departments, as well as testing wastewater viral activity levels, which are elevated in the Midwest and South regions, according to the CDC. Minnesota is in better shape than a lot of other states like Texas, California, South Carolina, Georgia, New Mexico and Louisiana, all showing high respiratory activity. It’s equally important to understand why it’s paramount for communities of color to stay ahead of any pending outbreak, because those groups The CDC is urging all to take caution as respiratory illnesses spread across the country. were disproportionately affection, hospitalizations and days of Covid-19, there is still variants and the arrival of RSV. fected by Covid-19, experideaths are nowhere near the reason to take caution, espeMinnesota currently has a encing higher rates of hospicrippling totals of the early cially with the addition of new minimal threat rating of respira- talization and death.
Report reveals how mass incarceration deepens inequality By Stacy M. Brown he collateral consequences of a criminal conviction often amount to a lifelong disadvantage, particularly for African Americans. According to the Sentencing Project, in 2010, one in three (33 percent) African American adult men had a felony conviction on their record, compared to 13 percent of all adult men. Researchers found that employers discriminate against job candidates who have criminal histories, especially against those who are Black. Application questions about criminal histories deter some people from applying to certain jobs and colleges, with a 2017 study finding that nearly half of unemployed men had a criminal conviction. Additionally, almost onethird of all U.S. jobs require an
Researchers found that employers discriminate against job candidates who have criminal histories, especially against those who are Black. Photo courtesy of NNPA occupational license, and many licensing boards bar or impose cumbersome obstacles for people with criminal records. Fee-based programs to seal criminal records also exacerbate racial disparities, and the Sentencing Project noted that these policies stand in stark contrast to a growing evidence base showing that post-incar-
ceration employment prevents recidivism and that tackling heightened labor market discrimination against Black people with criminal records would reduce recidivism rates. The Sentencing Project has again highlighted a critical element causing inequalities in incarceration with “One in Five: How Mass Incarcera-
tion Deepens Inequality and Harms Public Safety.” The report highlights laws and policies that worsen inequality and unfairly burden communities of color. Initiated to provide an in-depth analysis of racial inequities within America’s criminal legal system, the series of reports covers a spectrum of topics. From the progress made in the 21st century in reducing the U.S. prison population to disparities in crime and policing, the series also explores the key causes of racial and ethnic disparities in imprisonment. Additionally, it highlights reforms that have played a pivotal role in mitigating these sources of disparity. “A primary driver of disparity within the U.S. criminal legal system is the multitude of laws and policies that intensify economic and social inequalities, ■ See INCARCERATION on page 5
More single women become first-time homebuyers By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer
2023, solo females made 18 percent of applications, up from 17.3 percent in 2021. “This is an interesting develmid a tight supply of homes for sale and opment in the real estate marfluctuating interest ket, the influx of what we think rates, a welcome bright spot of as a non-traditional homeis emerging in the Twin Cities owner. Traditionally, home housing market. Single wom- ownership is the nuclear family, en are showing up at Open a husband and wife, but now it Houses and then at the closing is for everyone who is prepared,” table as a larger percentage of said Stephen Spears, who leads home buyers. And they are do- Bremer Bank’s Community ing it at a faster pace and larger Banking Team. Spears anticipates that percentage than their male some changes are in the counterparts. According to Census data, works that will create more in Minnesota 12.2 percent opportunities for all firstof homes are now owned by time home buyers in 2024. single women, contrasted with “We are sitting in a time 10.2 percent for single men. when housing prices are up, At the same time, the number but so is the ability to get ■ See FEMALE More and more women across the state are flexing their buy- of women making mortgage HOMEBUYERS on page 5 ing powers in the housing market. Photo by Stefarmer applications is also rising. In
This disparity is often attributed to systemic inequalities in access to health care, underlying health conditions, and socioeconomic factors. Data also show that older adults, particularly those over the age of 65, are at a higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization from Covid-19 and its variants. With thousands of people dying of Covid-19 in the United States last year, and tens of thousands more abroad, the Covid-19 pandemic isn’t over. And while the recent warnings are by no means a reason to panic, they help Minnesotans prepare for what could become a major outbreak as hospitalizations are expected to increase nationwide. Let’s not confuse the terms “pandemic” and “emergency,” said Abraar Karan, an ■ See COVID on page 5
Are Social Security benefits safe in case of a government shutdown? By Al Brown Assignment Editor s we await the seemingly month-to-month entanglement over whether to shut down the government because both political parties want the other to give up major concessions, everyday citizens, many of whom are seniors, retirees, veterans, and those with disabilities, wonder what will happen to their monthly entitlements.
is among the programs that would carry on without disruption. This is due to the fact that Social Security is funded through a dedicated revenue stream that is separate from the annual appropriations that Congress must approve. As a result, beneficiaries can typically expect to receive their payments as scheduled, despite any potential government shutdown. It’s also worth noting that Medicare payments, as well
as funds for Medicaid, are also not directly impacted by a federal government shutdown. Similar to Social Security, these programs operate with funding that is not subject to the annual appropriations process and hence would not be immediately affected should a shutdown occur. It’s still essential for citizens to stay informed about potential impacts of a government shutdown, if it should hapThe status of the shutdown pen, and be aware of which saga between Democrats and services might be affected in Republicans, recently saw order to best prepare for any President Joe Biden sign into potential disruptions. law a short-term funding exBut those relying upon the tension to avert a partial gov- aforementioned benefits can ernment shutdown. The White take comfort in knowing that House announced that the their financial lifelines will not short-term funding extension be cut short or delayed in the sets up two new funding dead- event of a shutdown. lines on March 1 and March 8. Al Brown is the assignSocial Security, which encompasses retirement, dis- ment editor for the Minnesota ability and survivor benefits, Spokesman-Recorder.
It’s essential for citizens to stay informed about potential impacts of a government shutdown and be aware of which services might be affected in order to best prepare.