‘Green burial’ dispute heads to federal court

A dispute over green burial practices is heading to federal court today. It originated in rural Carlton County, where Matt Connell bought a 20-acre hayfield with plans of turning the land into burial grounds — sans coffins and headstones — where loved ones can bury their dead wrapped in biodegradable materials and dig the graves themselves. But some in the surrounding community are trying to “intimidate him into abandoning his dreams,” MPR News reports. Now Connell is taking Carlton County to court and accusing officials of illegally blocking his project. Minnesota law enforcement agencies beefed up their seatbelt enforcement tactics during the last week of September, resulting in 1,000 citations in one week. “These citations serve as a powerful reminder for every driver and parent to pause and make a life-saving choice,” stated Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Mike Hanson in a press release. Overall, the St. Paul police department came in first with 92 citations. Gov. Walz is in the southern part of the state today in support of Minnesota farmers hit hard by Pres. Trump’s recent tariffs, which are causing China’s soybean purchases to hit rock bottom.”Minnesota is home to 26,000 soybean farmers, and 60% of their crop is sent overseas. Now, experts say top competitors, like Brazil and Argentina, are capitalizing on the U.S. loss,” WWCO reports. Last week the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could nullify Minnesota’s ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ people, which passed in 2023 with bipartisan majorities. “Over 20 states have banned licensed mental health professionals from practicing conversion therapy for minor patients because it doesn’t work and contributes to increased rates of depression, suicidality and overall psychological distress,” reports Minnesota Reformer. A decision is expected next summer. The post ‘Green burial’ dispute heads to federal court appeared first on MinnPost.