Standardized math test scores have continued to decline for Minnesota students. Math scores have gone down in the past four years, dropping from 60% of students exceeding state standards in 2016, then to only 54% this year.

The Minnesota Department of Education says that other Minnesota test scores, such as reading and writing, have stayed at a consistent level.

Due to the high levels of rainfall in recent years, Minnesota lakes in the northern part of the state have continued to be the source of a rare fungal infection. So far this year 45 people and over 150 animals have been diagnosed with blastomycosis.

Since last September, the number of people getting sick has increased from 31 cases and the number of animal cases has grown from 100. Dogs are the main animal that is getting sick, which is from dogs digging their noses into dirt or beach sand.

Forty-two thousand United Auto Workers continue their now two-week strike against General Motors. According to a report from the Union, there are negotiations up on the table, but no end in sight. The negotiations include discussions about new wages for workers, profit-sharing, keeping factories open, new hires and the use of temporary workers.

Mae Macfarlane can be reached at macf7507@stthomas.edu.