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Stories from December 6, 2018

Missing Pine Co. mom, infant found safe

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on Friday said Laura Lee St. Awesome, 39, and her 1-month-old son, Theo Stillday, were found overnight.
by MPR News Staff

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Another lead-poisoned bird euthanized at U's Raptor Center

Another lead-poisoned bird euthanized at U's Raptor Center

So far this season, the Raptor Center has seen two sick eagles where lead was the primary problem. Both had to be euthanized. Five more eagles were admitted where lead was a secondary problem.
by Cody Nelson

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How an exiled activist in Minnesota helped spur big political changes in Ethiopia

How an exiled activist in Minnesota helped spur big political changes in Ethiopia

Ethiopia's recent changes are due largely to an uprising by young men from the largest ethnic group, the Oromo. Their inspiration: Jawar Mohammed, who created a media network in exile in Minnesota.
by Eyder Peralta

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In British Arrows, ads may sell best that sell the least

In British Arrows, ads may sell best that sell the least

The annual collection of Britain's best TV commercials is a holiday tradition at the Walker Art Center.
by Euan Kerr

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Buddy the Elf in random pillow fights

It'd be OK with us if Brendan Evans' idea catches on and becomes a holiday sensation; the world can use a little of whatever he's having.
by Bob Collins

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Congress punts shutdown fight deep into December

Congress punts shutdown fight deep into December

Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are still fighting over President Trump's demand to include $5 billion for a border wall in the annual spending bill and have until Dec. 21 to get a deal.
by Kelsey Snell

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'The Faithful Spy': Telling the story of World War II through the eyes of a conscientious objector

John Hendrix is the author of "The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hilter," a new illustrated novel telling the story of the rise of Hitler and one man's attempt to stop him.
by Kerri Miller, Marcheta Fornoff and Jeyca Maldonado-Medina

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Debating issues with science

The students in a course at the University of Minnesota hold mock trials with science and facts at the center of the conversations.
by Kerri Miller and Marcheta Fornoff

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California gives final OK to requiring solar panels on new houses

California gives final OK to requiring solar panels on new houses

Single and small multi-family homes must include solar panels starting in 2020. Recent extreme weather events such as wildfires and drought make the need clear, a state official says.
by Bill Chappell

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MPR's Mark Steil reflects on 40 years of covering farm country

Today is the official last day on the job for MPR's Worthington-based reporter, who has been with MPR since 1978. He joined MPR News' Phil Picardi to talk about the state of agriculture in Minnesota.
by Phil Picardi

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Minnesota budget surplus projected to top $1.5B

Minnesota budget surplus projected to top $1.5B

State data released Thursday show incoming Gov. Tim Walz will have a surplus to work with when he begins preparing a new two-year budget in January. But it won't necessarily make lawmakers' jobs easier next year.
by Briana Bierschbach

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The Minnesota Orchestra performs Bach's Christmas Oratorio

The orchestra played the first half of the oratorio last year, and will perform the second part this weekend at Orchestra Hall. The performance comes the same week that music director Osmo Vanska announced he will step down when his contract ends in 2022.
by Phil Picardi

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Dayton praises state recovery even as his own is slow

Dayton praises state recovery even as his own is slow

Gov. Mark Dayton is in the final weeks of his last term. He's still recovering from two October surgeries, but isn't sure what's next.
by Brian Bakst

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Wolves lead researchers to record pine at Voyageurs National Park

Wolves lead researchers to record pine at Voyageurs National Park

"Sometimes you see jack pines and they're kind of tall and scraggly, and they look like they've just kind of been beaten by the elements," one researcher said. But not this beauty.
by Dan Kraker

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Bush, president and patriarch, is home for Texas burial

Bush, president and patriarch, is home for Texas burial

George H.W. Bush, who shaped history as 41st president and patriarch of a family that occupied the White House for a dozen years, is going to his final resting place Thursday in Texas.
by The Associated Press

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A housekeeper in a Trump hotel risks everything to speak her truth

Victorina Morales isn't just any member of a housekeeping staff at a hotel. Victoria Morales is a member of a housekeeping at a Donald Trump hotel.
by Bob Collins

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Democratic gov.-elect says he'll appeal to Walker to veto GOP power play

Tony Evers said that he will talk to Gov. Scott Walker as soon as the bills reach his desk and that if he cannot persuade the governor to veto the proposals, he will consider lawsuits and any other option "to make sure that this legislation does not get into practice."
by The Associated Press

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Carbon dioxide emissions are up again. What now, climate?

Carbon dioxide emissions are up again. What now, climate?

The fortuitous dip in emissions of the main greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, during the past three years is over, as economies turn up. The trend in the near future looks grim, say climate scientists.
by Christopher Joyce

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More raw beef recalled after nationwide salmonella outbreak

More raw beef recalled after nationwide salmonella outbreak

More than 12 million pounds of meat are now included in the recall. Officials say some 250 people have been sickened. They fear contaminated beef may remain in people's freezers.
by Amy Held

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'Living coral' crowned color of the year for 2019

'Living coral' crowned color of the year for 2019

Pantone chose the "vibrant, yet mellow" shade for its ability to bridge the natural and digital worlds. The pick comes at a poignant time, given the existential threats the color's namesake now faces.
by Colin Dwyer

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Kicked off bus for bullying, girl forced to walk

It was a long walk to school this week for Kirsten Cox, of Swanton, Ohio, who got kicked off the school bus for bullying and was forced by her dad to walk to school instead. That's his story, anyway.
by Bob Collins

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Dear Kyle Rudolph…

Tear duct check time, thanks to this video released this morning by the Minnesota Vikings in honor of tight end Kyle Rudolph.
by Bob Collins

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State lawmakers won't rush tax code rewrite

State lawmakers won't rush tax code rewrite

When state leaders failed to agree on a tax plan last spring, there was talk they could tackle it when the Legislature reconvened in 2019. But it's not going to happen.
by Brian Bakst

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A chilly stretch, then temps rebound next week

A chilly stretch, then temps rebound next week

Some areas of very light snow showers or flurries are possible in eastern Minnesota into western Wisconsin this Thursday morning and possibly early in the afternoon.
by Ron Trenda

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Fergus Falls food pantry users surprised: free food

People who showed showed up Ruby's Pantry signed in and paid the usual $20 for about $120 of food. Then something lovely and unusual happened just before they left.
by Bob Collins

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The ‘best and brightest’ are passing on leading the nation

Deval Patrick, the former Massachusetts governor who announced yesterday he won't run for president, has already distinguished himself as a different kind of potential presidential candidate. Unlike most politicians who are being coy with the media while claiming they haven't made up their minds about running for office, Patrick really was weighing both sides of running and really was undecided.
by Bob Collins

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Dentists who help needy in Red River Valley now need a home

The Red River Valley Dental Access Project, which provided dental services to low-income people who couldn't afford it, has been one of the success stories in Minnesota and North Dakota. For a $30 flat fee, volunteer dentists and dental specialists provide all the dental care needed. They don't get paid and they put in all the hours needed.
by Bob Collins

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Daily Digest: Regents settle on finalist

Some Minnesota political stories in the news as you begin your Thursday.
by Mike Mulcahy

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What’s on MPR News – 12/6/18

What’s on MPR News – 12/6/18

Here are the stories, topics, and guests you'll hear today on MPR News.
by Bob Collins

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In 'Trish Trash,' it's roller derby on Mars

In 'Trish Trash,' it's roller derby on Mars

Jessica Abel's comic 'Trish Trash, Rollergirl of Mars' isn't just a sports story and a coming-of-age tale, it's a masterful critique of capitalism that stays engaging despite a few wobbles.
by Etelka Lehoczky

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Surrealism meets sci-fi in 'Parallel Lives'

Surrealism meets sci-fi in 'Parallel Lives'

Olivier Schrauwen's new graphic novel is cold and rejecting, giddy and uncontrolled, all at the same time. It's semi-autobiographical and loosely sci-fi, set in an unsettlingly minimalist future.
by Etelka Lehoczky

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Going out in Steil: Longtime MPR News reporter retires

Going out in Steil: Longtime MPR News reporter retires

Mark Steil has worked as a reporter for MPR for 40 years. He's retiring this week. Here's a look at some of his reporting.
by MPR News Staff

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Minnesota Orchestra's Osmo Vanska to step down in 2022

Minnesota Orchestra's Osmo Vanska to step down in 2022

Minnesota Orchestra music director Osmo Vanska will step down at the conclusion of his contract, in August 2022. Vanska made the announcement at the Orchestra board's annual meeting Wednesday.
by Euan Kerr

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