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Stories from December 5, 2019

Measles numbers were bad in 2018. This year, they're even worse

Measles numbers were bad in 2018. This year, they're even worse

The World Health Organization has released the latest data on measles. The increase in cases is notable — and a sign of how much work needs to be done to address the outbreak.
by Jason Beaubien

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Counter Stories: Murder-suicide in Hmong community

The last few months Counter Stories has put a spotlight on the issue of violence against women. In this episode we look at murder-suicide in the Hmong community and the erlying cause of these deaths. Hlee Lee, owner of “the other media group” Luz Maria Frias, executive coach and race equity strategist Anthony Galloway, Art-Us Marianne Combs MPR correspondent Don Eubanks, associate professor at Metropolitan State University and cultural consultant And guest: Dr Pang Yang-Rhodes, marriage and family therapist

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Evening Update

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3 soldiers killed in Minnesota National Guard helicopter crash near St. Cloud

3 soldiers killed in Minnesota National Guard helicopter crash near St. Cloud

A Minnesota Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter on a “maintenance test flight” crashed Thursday afternoon in Stearns County, killing the crew of three. “They paid the ultimate price in service to Minnesota,” Gov. Tim Walz said. An investigation is underway.
by Kirsti Marohn

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A new exhibit takes a fresh look at the history of Native people in Minnesota

A new exhibit takes a fresh look at the history of Native people in Minnesota

The Minnesota History Center showcases Minnesota’s Native American history through its new exhibit, “Our Home: Native Minnesota.” It explores how Native people continue to live their traditions, their resiliency and connection to the land.
by Jiwon Choi and Angela Davis

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U student taps Nigerian roots to design a sneaker for Nike

U student taps Nigerian roots to design a sneaker for Nike

University of Minnesota student Taoheed Bayo won a Nike design challenge this fall and set about creating a shoe inspired by his African heritage. His creation, the Afro-Yute Air Max 1, is doing more than selling. It’s teaching.
by Jeffrey Bissoy

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Ask a 'sotan: Why are the rivers different colors?

Ask a 'sotan: Why are the rivers different colors?

Have you ever driven past or hiked along a Minnesota river and wondered what gives it that particular color? One MPR News listener did. She asked, "Why is the Mississippi River so muddy when compared to other rivers like the St. Croix? Has it always been this way?"
by Kirsti Marohn

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Plowable snow and -15 degrees next week?

Plowable snow and -15 degrees next week?

Monday looks snowy across Minnesota. Then the season’s coldest air mass to date invades from Canada. Forecast models suggest temperatures could push into the minus 10 to 20 below zero range next week.
by Paul Huttner

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Outdoor plans this weekend? We have the updated forecast

We have an updated forecast that focuses on the coming weekend. The current snow depth map is impressive for early December.
by Ron Trenda

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Freed from icy grip, Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge back on the upswing

Freed from icy grip, Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge back on the upswing

Blizzard conditions that rocked Duluth over the weekend had left the city’s iconic bridge so heavily iced it was stuck in the down position. Officials on Thursday said the deicing efforts paid off and the bridge was operational again.
by MPR News Staff

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Policast: The state budget is running a surplus

The state budget is running a surplus; Minnesota files suit against a vaping company
by Mike Mulcahy

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Despite job boom, more men are giving up on work

Despite job boom, more men are giving up on work

The long economic recovery has brought unemployment to historic lows. But the number of men in the labor force during their prime working age has dropped significantly over the past 50 years.
by Jim Zarroli

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'1973: Rock at the Crossroads' acts as a mirror for one moment in time

'1973: Rock at the Crossroads' acts as a mirror for one moment in time

Via popular music, Andrew Grant Jackson paints a vivid portrait of a year that was the last gasp of an age of possibility, when idealism gave way to economic recession and cynical disillusionment.
by Michael Schaub

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Forecast: Minnesota has a $1.3 billion budget surplus

Forecast: Minnesota has a $1.3 billion budget surplus

The state financial forecast released Thursday delivered good news for lawmakers, who’ll open the 2020 legislative session with the state in good economic health. Debates over new spending and tax cuts are likely to follow.
by Briana Bierschbach and Brian Bakst

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MPR News Update

December 5. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

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No elves at this Twin Cities Christmas workshop, but lots of concrete

No elves at this Twin Cities Christmas workshop, but lots of concrete

A cement mason and plasterer union training program in New Brighton makes it a holiday tradition to build a heavy display using the tool of their trades. It’s lovely. Just don’t try to lift the snowman.
by Tim Nelson

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'At the Mountains of Madness,' spheroid space monsters are just like us

'At the Mountains of Madness,' spheroid space monsters are just like us

Gou Tanabe's graphic novel adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's novella makes its monsters both terrifying and weirdly human. Even if space spheres aren't your thing, Tanabe's art still prompts wonder.
by Etelka Lehoczky

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Klobuchar returns to Iowa with plan for a changing economy

Klobuchar returns to Iowa with plan for a changing economy

The Minnesota senator's plan includes tax credits to help retrain workers who lose their jobs to automation and support for workers and communities that have relied on the fossil fuel industry. It also calls for more investment in cybersecurity, encouraging small manufacturers to innovate and several measures to help the growing number of "gig" workers,
by The Associated Press

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#DemsSoWhite? Harris exit raises hard questions about race and power

#DemsSoWhite? Harris exit raises hard questions about race and power

The Democratic Party faces the prospect of a debate in two weeks with only white candidates on stage. Earlier, they had the most diverse presidential candidate field in history.
by Asma Khalid

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Brewing beer, breaking boundaries: People of color tap into MN’s craft business

Brewing beer, breaking boundaries: People of color tap into MN’s craft business

Craft breweries and distilleries abound in Minnesota, but few are owned by people of color. The co-owner of a new Minneapolis taproom hopes his experience helps open the door wider to diversity — and great beer.
by Brandt Williams

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Art Hounds: 'Underwater Dogs' in Winona

Art Hounds: 'Underwater Dogs' in Winona

Dogs abound this week on Art Hounds. The Minnesota Marine Art Museum presents Seth Casteel's beloved photos of dogs in water. Plus, there’s "Dog Act," a postapocalyptic vaudeville show. Art Hounds also recommend "on bayt," an exhibition that explores inter-generational memory and the longing for home.
by Marianne Combs

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Bird poop problems? Rochester’s Crow Patrol is on it

Bird poop problems? Rochester’s Crow Patrol is on it

The city’s epic struggle with downtown crows and their poop intensifies in the winter. Chasing them away falls to a dedicated band of city workers armed with lasers, starter pistols and crow distress calls. MPR News spent a night with the crew.
by Catharine Richert

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Walmart to stop selling Water Gremlin products

Walmart to stop selling Water Gremlin products

The fishing-sinker manufacturer based in White Bear Township is working to reduce lead dust leaving the plant under a court-approved plan. Children living with employees were found to have elevated blood lead levels.
by MPR News Staff

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Military: Sailor shoots 3 at Pearl Harbor, takes own life

Military: Sailor shoots 3 at Pearl Harbor, takes own life

The military says a U.S. sailor shot and wounded three civilian Department of Defense employees at the Pearl Harbor shipyard before taking their own life.
by The Associated Press

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Hair dyes and straighteners linked to higher cancer risk, especially for black women

Hair dyes and straighteners linked to higher cancer risk, especially for black women

Many women get their hair dyed or straightened regularly with products that contain thousands of chemicals. Researchers are teasing out whether our hair habits could be raising our breast cancer risk.
by Patti Neighmond

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