News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Tuesday December 23rd 2025
BEANS ”“ Good for the Earth, Good for You, Good for Your Wallet
By MARY ELLEN KALUZA
World population is growing by 3 billion people over the next 40 ”“ 50 years, and with it is a growing demand for beef. Over the past 60 years, global production of cattle meat has grown over 40%. Cattle grazing accounts for 80% of the loss of Amazon forests alone. One acre devoted to beef produces just 15.6 pounds of protein. One pound of beef needs 1800 gallons of water to get to our table. Additionally, and alarmingly, all meat production accounts for 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions, with beef taking in the lead at 2/3 of that.
We need protein for repair and growth of cells, fighting disease, moving oxygen in our blood, and more. Meat is a good source of protein. But, meat isn”™t the only source of protein.
Enter dried beans, also known as pulses. Pulses are also a good source of protein. One acre of pulse crops can produce 94 pounds of protein, and use 1/10 of the water beef needs.… Read the rest “BEANS ”“ Good for the Earth, Good for You, Good for Your Wallet”
Random alley News
By LINDSEY FENNER
Hennepin County Lead Paint Removal Funding Assistance:
Hennepin County has a program to help eligible homeowners and landlords pay for lead paint removal, which includes a free home test and up to $12,000 for work, including new windows. Visit https://healthyhomes.hennepin.us/ to see if you qualify. Contact healthy-homes@hennepin.us Phone: 612-543-4182.
In 2018, more than 200 children tested for lead in Hennepin County had blood lead levels high enough to damage their health.In young children lead ex-posure can cause:
- Brain and nervous system damage
- Slowed growth and devel-opment
- Learning and behavior problems
- Hearing and speech prob-lems
The government banned lead paint in 1978. Homes built before then likely have lead paint.
Abbott Northwestern Parking Ramp Expansion Passes City Planning Commission:
As part of their planned Allina/Abbott Northwestern campus renovation (see the February 2021 alley for project details) Allina has been granted permitting, zoning, and variance changes to build a new 8-story parking ramp and expand an existing ramp at 28th St. and Chicago Avenue. Part of a planned “transportation hub”, the ramp will include approximately 1,825 additional parking stalls, a bike center with parking for 200 bikes, electric car charging, and a roof-top solar array. At the public hearing on March 8, community speakers expressed concerns over increased car traffic and air pollution.… Read the rest “Random alley News”
RETURNING – Chapter 8: Sweet & Sour
By PATRICK CABELLO HANSEL
As our little family walked towards Lake and Bloomington, two other forces started to move. On 17th, the evening crew began to disperse towards the corners that their regular customers knew well. And from a small house deep in the swale near 24th, an elderly woman wrapped a colorful shawl around her neck and stepped out into the night wind.
Angel and Luz had met at the San Miguel Bakery six years before, when it was still located in the old People”™s Bakery spot near Bloomington. The People”™s Bakery had made the Guinness Book of World Records for making the World”™s Largest Dog Biscuit, and Luz”™ Uncle Jaime was running the bakery the day they met.
St. Michael the Archangel of pan dulce and tres leches had moved two blocks east to a larger place, and on this cold night, the aroma given off caught little Angelito”™s nose.
“Mami, papi,” he said. “Tengo hambre. Can I have a concha, please?”
Luz and Angel had not planned on stopping at the bakery, but they realized that none of them had eaten dinner. As they walked through the doors into the warmth and scent of fresh bread, a skinny man in a hoodie brushed past them, bumping Angel with his arm.… Read the rest “RETURNING – Chapter 8: Sweet & Sour”
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