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A standing woman holds a paper of notes with a student

Minnesota schools will soon require ethnic studies. Here’s what that might look like

State leaders say it’s crucial students understand the political and social struggles of people of color, new immigrants and Indigenous communities. A look inside one St. Paul classroom shows how that might work.
A view of the state Capitol building

Minnesota budget projected surplus at $2.4 billion, but warning lights blinking

State finance officials released a broad report detailing Minnesota’s economy, spending and a potential budget surplus that sets the tone for the 2024 legislative session. The state’s budget commissioner, though, offered a cautionary view on the long-term forecast.
A canoe on top of a police SUV

Protect, serve — and paddle? Ely tries North Woods pitch to recruit new cops

The city of Ely — the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area — has taken a creative approach to a statewide and national issue, by offering a $3,800 canoe package to help recruit and retain badly needed police officers.
A rendering of a clinic

Minneapolis health clinic receives $2.6 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

The funding will go toward a planned move to a new location at 1000 East Lake St. 
A logo that says a bar of their own in a blue diamond

Don’t change the channel: Minnesota’s first women’s sports bar is ready to tip off

The Midwest’s first bar dedicated to promoting and watching women’s sports plans to open in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis, led by a woman who got tired of pleading with bartenders to change the TV to women’s sports.
People wearing black stand together

Art Hounds: Holiday recommendations

It’s a holiday line-up this week for Art Hounds. La Grande Bande presents a French Baroque Christmas in St Peter and St Paul this weekend, St Croix Valley Chamber Chorale performs its Christmas concert this weekend in Stillwater, and Trekkies unite for the play “It’s an Honorable Life,” a Klingon take of the George Bailey classic, at Mounds Theatre in St Paul. 
A man sits at an office desk

A world away from conflict, Israel-Hamas war proves divisive for Minnesota Jews

The Oct. 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza strip has surfaced a wide spectrum of emotions for Jews. Some know where they stand, others are changing their perspectives, and some are unsure where to even begin. But people are guarded. Amid the tension, Jews are seeking opportunities to come together and they’re looking for guidance.
A man speaks at a podium during a press conference

Feds to take bite of Minnesota tax rebates under 'disappointing' new determination

Minnesota’s Department of Revenue couldn’t convince the IRS to spare state rebate tax recipients from federal taxation. Forms advising taxpayers going out this week.
People stand and practice

‘We’re not hiding’: Trans Voices Cabaret debuts in Minneapolis

Hal Sansone directs the Minneapolis Trans Voices Cabaret, a theater production featuring entirely transgender and nonbinary participants, highlighting diverse trans experiences and showcasing their talent in a politically supportive Minnesota.

Fake bomb threats sent to Minnesota schools and Jewish institutions

More than two dozen public schools and nine Jewish institutions in Minnesota received fake shooting and bombing threats Wednesday in an apparent effort to draw large law enforcement responses.
Demonstrators at a rally in London wave Israeli flags and hold posters of Israeli hostages on Sunday during a protest over the United Nations' response to allegations of rape and other sexual crimes committed by Hamas militants during the Oct. 7 attacks.

Israel presses U.N. to investigate charges of sexual violence by Hamas fighters

Israeli officials have accused international groups, including the United Nations, of ignoring what it describes as evidence of rape and sexual violence by Hamas fighters during the Oct. 7 attacks.
Kate Cox and her husband were expecting their third child when they got a devastating fetal diagnosis last week. She is also having problems threatening her own health. A judge may decide if she can end her pregnancy on Thursday.

Texas woman asks court's permission for abortion because of pregnancy complications

A woman who is pregnant and seeking an abortion is asking a judge to allow it to be performed in Texas. She has health problems, and the fetus has a condition that is almost always fatal.

Man charged with murder in fatal shooting near Lake Street in Minneapolis

A 25-year-old Minneapolis man has been charged with second-degree murder after a fatal shooting near Lake Street last week. The victim is being remembered as “a beloved member of the transgender community.”
Joshua Dobbs

Vikings will stick with Joshua Dobbs at QB, after bye week assessment

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Wednesday that he will remain the starter this week, after he threw four interceptions during a damaging 12-10 loss at home to Chicago on Nov. 27. O’Connell acknowledged after that game he considered benching Dobbs to give the offense a spark.
Miguel Cardona, the U.S. Education Secretary, announced new efforts to help borrowers hurt by problems with its repayment programs.

Government efforts to erase student loan debt have now reached 3.6 million borrowers

The Education Department said Wednesday that changes to a pair of previously troubled programs have recently led to $4.8 billion in loan relief for another 80,000 borrowers.
Rally for Victims of High-speed crash

Federal prosecution proceeds in crash that killed 5

A grand jury has found probable cause for previous charges against Derrick John Thompson for possession of a firearm as a felon, possession of fentanyl, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Authorities responding to reports of multiple victims in shooting at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Police officers were responding Wednesday to a “confirmed active shooter” in a building at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. There appeared to be multiple victims and that a suspect had been “contained.”
For decades, pilots have been reluctant to seek mental health care for fear of losing their licenses. At a safety forum Wednesday in Washington, pilots and safety experts urged federal regulators to reform rules that discourage pilots from getting treatment.

Pilots say they're afraid to seek mental health care. The FAA says it's listening

At a summit on mental health in aviation, pilots and safety experts urged regulators to reform rules that discourage people from seeking treatment because they're afraid of losing clearance to fly.
a map showing snowfall totals

As December begins, many Minnesotans are asking 'where is the snow?'

Last month was the second-driest November on record for the Twin Cities, with overall temperatures sitting at 3.7 degrees above average while precipitation for the month was 1.57 inches below average. 
A man shovels snow from the sidewalk.

Accessibility advocates thrilled over Minneapolis' investment in sidewalk snow removal

The Minneapolis City Council Tuesday night passed a $1.8 billion budget for next year which includes a $595,000 funding package to help clear city sidewalks of snow. It’s intended to target high-traffic areas and residents who don’t shovel their walks.
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