Stories from November 29, 2024

Health records of hundreds of veterans served by Minneapolis VA exposed in cyberattack
The federal Veterans Health Administration says hackers may have obtained personal information and health records of more than 600 veterans who use the Minneapolis VA Health System.
Navigating change in higher education
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the first African American president of St. Catherine University about her commitment to empowering women and helping first-generation college students navigate higher education.
Richard Flanagan’s exploration of history, family and human interconnection in ‘Question 7’
Australian author Richard Flanagan recently became the first writer to win both the Booker Prize and the Baillie Gifford Prize for Best Book of Nonfiction. The latter prize was for his memoir “Question 7.” In it he examines his own life through a series of interconnections stretching across history and spanning the globe.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was the deadliest in nearly two decades
The six-month season saw an above-average number of storms. Scientists say climate change is leading to more powerful and deadly hurricanes that can affect inland communities far from the coasts.
Minnesota businesses that rely on snow hope for better conditions after less-than-ideal winter last year
Unprecedented warmth and record-low precipitation during the 2023-24 winter season left many Minnesota businesses that rely on snow and cold weather struggling to survive. Now those businesses are working to prepare for their upcoming seasons after a less-than-ideal experience last year. 
Democratic lawmakers report Thanksgiving bomb threats against their homes
At least five Democratic members of Congress from Connecticut were targeted by bomb threats on Thursday. Police who responded said they found no evidence of explosives on the lawmakers' properties.