Company fined, enters consent decree for violating state child labor laws | MinnPost

Minnesota News Roundup

Tony Downs Food Company Fined for Child Labor Violations

A district court in Madelia has ordered Tony Downs Food Company to pay a $300,000 fine and comply with state child labor laws. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry discovered that the company had employed at least eight children who were operating meat-processing equipment. This violation goes against the Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Eagan County Officials Seek to Convert Norwood Inn & Suites into Homeless Shelter

County officials in Eagan are planning to purchase the Norwood Inn & Suites with the intention of transforming it into a homeless shelter. Current short-term policies have proven ineffective in addressing the issue of homelessness, and a more permanent solution is needed. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Law Enforcement Organizations Call for Special Session on Student Restraint Law

Local law enforcement organizations are urging for a special session to discuss changes to a new state law that prohibits the use of restraints on students. They believe that further discussions and amendments are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of both students and staff. This issue relates to the Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

Eastlake Craft Brewery to Close Due to Pandemic and Civil Unrest

Eastlake Craft Brewery, located in Midtown Global Market, has announced its closure due to the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest in 2020. The brewery cites financial difficulties as a result of these events. This closure reflects the challenges faced by businesses during times of crisis, which is relevant to the Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Yellow Mushroom Restaurant Closes Amid Labor Shortages

The Yellow Mushroom restaurant has closed its doors, highlighting the impact of labor shortages on local businesses. This closure serves as a reminder of the need for sustainable and equitable labor practices. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

13-Year-Old Becomes Youngest American Girl to Achieve International Chess Master Title

Alice Lee, a 13-year-old from North Oaks, has become the youngest American girl to achieve the title of international chess master. Her accomplishment showcases the importance of nurturing talent and providing opportunities for young individuals to excel. This achievement relates to the Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.

Invasive Insects Reported in Minnesota

Minnesota has reported sightings of two invasive insects for the first time: the Asiatic garden beetle and the elm seed bug. These findings highlight the need for effective pest control measures to protect local ecosystems and agriculture. This issue is connected to the Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Man Charged for Holding Girlfriend Prisoner and Committing Assaults

A 19-year-old man has been charged after allegedly holding his girlfriend prisoner in her St. Catherine University dorm for three days. During this time, he sexually assaulted, strangled, and waterboarded her. This incident underscores the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting safe environments. It relates to the Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age group.
• Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
• Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce, and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.
• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table