Stories from December 31, 2018

December 31, 2018 4:38 PM

Quiz: Test your knowledge of memorable local, national stories in 2018

How much do you remember about what happened this year? Take this quiz to test what you know about some big local and national stories that took place in 2018.

by Jiwon Choi

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December 31, 2018 4:37 PM

If you're over 50, chances are the decision to leave a job won't be yours

A new data analysis by ProPublica and the Urban Institute shows more than half of older U.S. workers are pushed out of longtime jobs before they choose to retire, suffering financial damage that is often irreversible.

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December 31, 2018 4:15 PM

Intern killed by lion at North Carolina animal center

Alexandra Black, 22, "was a beautiful young woman who had just started her career," her family said. It's not clear how the male lion escaped a holding area during a routine enclosure cleaning.

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December 31, 2018 3:25 PM

Cronyism, 'wasteful' spending accusations roil Government Publishing Office

According to an internal watchdog report, two officials at the U.S. Government Publishing Office allegedly violated federal laws and regulations by filling agency jobs with unqualified candidates, including an official's son.

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December 31, 2018 1:55 PM

Ruszczyk killing: Noor lawyers a no-show for police squad inspection

Attorneys for a former Minneapolis police officer charged in the 2017 shooting death of Justine Ruszczyk did not show up for an inspection of a police vehicle Friday after a judge approved their request to do so.

by Riham Feshir

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December 31, 2018 1:26 PM

10 points for Minnesota! Major league quidditch is coming to Minneapolis

For those of you who've never heard of it, the founder of the U of M's team describes it as: "A full contact, mixed-gender sport on brooms."

by MPR News Staff

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December 31, 2018 1:13 PM

House Democrats unveil measure to re-open government

House Democrats unveiled a package of bills Monday that would re-open the federal government without approving funding for President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico, establishing an early confrontation that will test the new power dynamic in Washington.

by Associated Press

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December 31, 2018 1:00 PM

Here are the most consequential political stories of 2018

On the last day of 2018, MPR News host Kerri Miller talked to two political experts about the most consequential political moments of the year.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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December 31, 2018 12:52 PM

Murder charge for man in Hibbing Christmas Day shooting

Prosecutors say Jerome Spann allegedly shot Jeryel Mcbeth three times as he approached Mcbeth and several other people outside an Iron Range home.

by Riham Feshir

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December 31, 2018 11:34 AM

Arctic New Year; 40-degrees by Friday?

Mild January ahead?

by Paul Huttner

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December 31, 2018 11:23 AM

Cute aggression: Adorableness overload can lead to violent urges

Adorable babies and cute puppies can make us happy. But researchers say their cuteness can be so overwhelming that it unleashes some ugly thoughts.

by Jon Hamilton

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December 31, 2018 10:38 AM

Chickpeas sit in silos as Trump's trade wars wage on

The largest importers of crops like lentils, garbanzos or peas — China and India — aren't buying because of trade wars and tariffs. But farmers already planted in anticipation of sales.

by Anna King

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December 31, 2018 9:07 AM

Connie Evingson performs tonight at Crooners Lounge

Hibbing native Connie Evingson will be performing tonight at Crooners Lounge in Fridley. That's one of your many musical options this New Year's Eve.

by Cathy Wurzer

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December 31, 2018 8:39 AM

U.S. citizen arrested in Moscow on suspicion of spying

Russia says Paul Whelan was detained on Friday while on a spy mission. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on espionage charges.

by Sasha Ingber

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December 31, 2018 7:39 AM

Elizabeth Warren takes big move toward 2020 presidential run

Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Monday took the first major step toward launching a widely anticipated campaign for the presidency, hoping her reputation as a populist fighter can help her navigate a Democratic field that could include nearly two dozen candidates.

by Associated Press

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December 31, 2018 7:16 AM

Blizzard-like conditions in Red River Valley

Forecasters say blizzard-like conditions are creating hazardous travel conditions in the Red River Valley, especially in areas with open fields.

by Associated Press

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December 31, 2018 6:29 AM

Opioid makers face wave of lawsuit in 2019

Opioid manufacturers and distributors will be defending themselves against cases brought by thousands of communities around the country.

by Brian Mann

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December 31, 2018 5:56 AM

Anoka bars closing earlier to cut crime

Last call for alcohol is ending an hour earlier in Anoka.

by Associated Press

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December 31, 2018 5:53 AM

MN court: Marriage no defense for man who fathered child with vulnerable adult

The Minnesota Court of Appeals today reinstated criminal charges against a New Ulm man who fathered a child with a vulnerable adult.

by Bob Collins

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December 31, 2018 5:43 AM

Ex-Rocori superintendent pleads guilty to 4 exposure counts

The former superintendent of the Rocori School District has pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent exposure under a plea deal.

by Associated Press

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December 31, 2018 5:42 AM

Trump-Pelosi showdown over shutdown first battle of new era

The high-stakes move to reopen the government will be the first big battle between Trump and Pelosi as Democrats come into control ready to reassert the power of the legislative branch and confront the White House.

by Associated Press

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December 31, 2018 5:32 AM

Way beyond Pluto, an icy world is ready for its close-up

Minutes after the turn of the new year, NASA's New Horizons probe will fly by a minor planet in the most distant exploration of a world ever attempted.

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

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December 31, 2018 5:28 AM

Minimum wages rising in 20 states and several cities

The minimum wage will increase on or around January 1 in 20 states and 21 cities, impacting millions of American workers. Twenty-nine states will have set minimum wages above the federal level.

by Samantha Raphelson

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December 31, 2018 5:17 AM

Affordable Care Act can stay in effect while under appeal, judge says

The federal judge in Texas issued a stay on the health care law more than two weeks after ruling it unconstitutional due to a recent elimination of a tax penalty on uninsured people.

by Emma Bowman

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December 31, 2018 5:10 AM

What's open, what's closed on New Year's Day in Minnesota

Here's a (noncomprehensive) guide to what's open and what isn't for the first day of 2019.

by Cody Nelson

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December 31, 2018 5:01 AM

Five family-friendly options for New Year's Eve around Minnesota

Looking for something to do on Monday night to say farewell to 2018 and welcome 2019? Here are a few family-friendly ideas from around Minnesota.

by Andrew Krueger

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December 31, 2018 4:52 AM

Life lessons from a retiring football player

Kyle Williams, a defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills, played his last NFL game on Sunday and retired with a final lesson that has very little to do with football per se.

by Bob Collins

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December 31, 2018 4:00 AM

Intelligence Squared debate: Is Trump bad for comedy?

For our New Year's Eve broadcast, four humorists, satirists and performers debate this motion: "Is Trump bad for comedy?"

by MPR News Staff

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December 31, 2018 4:00 AM

Flanagan hopes to leave her mark as lieutenant governor

Lt. Gov.-elect Peggy Flanagan has already made history as the first Native American woman elected to a Minnesota statewide executive office. Now she wants to make her mark by raising the profile of her new office.

by Tim Pugmire

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December 31, 2018 3:05 AM

Full-time trash hauler builds NHL franchise in spare time

Dan Shrader, of Prior Lake, was likely out picking up the trash this morning. It's his full-time job. Between a few stops, he helps build one of the best franchises in the National Hockey League.

by Bob Collins

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December 31, 2018 2:15 AM

Arctic attack: blizzard and winter storm warnings; subzero chills

Our December thaw rolls right into January after our brief arctic adventure. The jet stream continues to blow in from the Pacific next week.

by Paul Huttner

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December 31, 2018 1:00 AM

MN family survives the great cricket debacle of 2018

The struggle is real in rural Minnesota, people. Oh, sure, you city slickers have it pretty easy when you need a bunch of crickets for whatever you need crickets for. But in rural Minnesota? It's cricket eat cricket out there.

by Bob Collins