Stories from December 6, 2019

December 6, 2019 5:26 PM

Minn. receives $2 million federal grant to address untested sexual assault kits

The grant, managed by the state Department of Public Safety’s Office of Justice Programs, will aim to reduce the number of untested kits while improving investigations and victim advocacy.

by Mohamed Ibrahim

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December 6, 2019 4:41 PM

Maintenance test flights routine for military choppers

It was a tragic turn of events for what was supposed to be a routine flight. The Minnesota National Guard hasn't provided details on what the Black Hawk was doing, or what may have caused it to go down.

by Kirsti Marohn

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December 6, 2019 4:39 PM

Policast extra: Wrapping up the week in Minnesota politics

Policast extra: 1.3 billion bagels

by Mike Mulcahy, Briana Bierschbach and Brian Bakst

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December 6, 2019 4:32 PM

'This Book Is Not For You' -- but it is

This book is almost impossible to describe without revealing too much, according to bookseller Sarah Wilson: “It’s very intriguing, it’s got a very dark, humorous edge to it.”

by Tracy Mumford

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December 6, 2019 4:18 PM

Trump declines to take part in 'baseless' House impeachment inquiry

Democrats had offered to allow Trump to have attorneys representing him at future impeachment hearings in the House.

by Ayesha Rascoe

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December 6, 2019 4:03 PM

Zeroing in on snow and near-record cold next week

Next week looks like one of the more challenging weeks of winter in Minnesota.

by Paul Huttner

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December 6, 2019 3:36 PM

Let's cancel 'OK Boomer' in 2020, and the humblebrag, too

The end of the year is nearly upon us and that means it's time for summing up. That includes the annual ritual of griping over things that need to end.

by The Associated Press

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December 6, 2019 3:33 PM

Evening Update

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December 6, 2019 3:00 PM

Got a young reader on your holiday gift list? Here are some options

Are you shopping for gifts for that special child or teenager in your life? How about a book? On Friday, MPR News host Angela Davis was joined by two local children’s book experts. They offered up some of the best titles for kids and teens this holiday season.

by Jim Bickal, Mike Moen, Angela Davis and Karen Zamora

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December 6, 2019 11:49 AM

Cube Critics meet "Little Joe" and "The Aeronauts"

Nothing quite says ‘bring on the holidays’ like malevolent houseplants and hot air balloons, and that’s just what Cube Critics Euan Kerr and Marcheta Fornoff discuss as “Little Joe” and “The Aeronauts” arrive in local theaters.

by Euan Kerr and Marcheta Fornoff

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December 6, 2019 11:40 AM

Outdoors this weekend? Minnesota weather looking mostly good

Whether your weekend plans involve holiday shopping or playing in the snow, you’re interested in the latest weekend forecast. We have that, plus some links to some weekend outdoor activities and festivals.

by Ron Trenda

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December 6, 2019 11:26 AM

Spirit Mountain to ask Duluth for $235K to stay afloat after canceled Snocross

Unless the city of Duluth agrees to provide Spirit Mountain with a $235,000 subsidy, the ski hill will have only about enough money left in its coffers to meet payroll next Friday.

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December 6, 2019 10:50 AM

Where are we with medical marijuana in Minnesota?

The state unveiled a plan this week to add chronic pain and an eye disease to a list of qualifying conditions. Here’s what you need to know about how the medical marijuana program has evolved — and where it might be headed.

by Jon Collins

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December 6, 2019 10:28 AM

Nature's 'Brita filter' is dying and nobody knows why

A mysterious die-off of freshwater mussels has scientists scrambling to find a cause. Freshwater mussels clean water and provide habitat to countless other species.

by Nathan Rott

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December 6, 2019 10:23 AM

The business of Christmas trees: How millennials might be their saving grace

Sales have gone down in recent years, but some sellers are optimistic that millenial-driven business will bolster the industry in years to come.

by Barbara Sprunt

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December 6, 2019 9:50 AM

Minnesota counties say they won't reimburse DHS for $9M in overpayments

County budgets are already set for the year, and some officials say they don’t have extra money available. The bills range from $46 on the low end for Dodge County to nearly $2.2 million for the state’s most populous county, Hennepin.

by Briana Bierschbach

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December 6, 2019 9:33 AM

Gopher volleyball begins NCAA tournament with Friday home match

The No. 7 seed Gophers will challenge Fairfield at Maturi Pavilion.

by MPR News Staff

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December 6, 2019 9:27 AM

Policast: Investigation of helicopter crash begins

Three members of the National Guard are dead after a helicopter crash in Stearns County; more on the state budget surplus

by Mike Mulcahy

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December 6, 2019 9:18 AM

Slightly cooler Friday, then possible record cold next week

It’ll be a cooler Friday with light snow for northern Minnesota, as we brace for heavier snow and subzero temperatures next week.

by Nicole Mitchell

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December 6, 2019 8:02 AM

Governor: Pensacola shooter was Saudi aviation student

An aviation student from Saudi Arabia opened fire in a classroom at the Naval Air Station Pensacola on Friday morning, the Florida governor said, an attack that left three dead in addition to the assailant.

by The Associated Press

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December 6, 2019 7:18 AM

Climate Curious: When are electric vehicle fast chargers coming to greater Minnesota?

As part of our ongoing series, we explore how well you can get around the state in an electric vehicle.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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December 6, 2019 6:59 AM

MPR News AM Update: Army will probe fatal MN helicopter crash

Plus a budget surplus and a growing urban coyote population.

by Cody Nelson

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December 6, 2019 6:57 AM

What’s on the radio today: Dec. 6, 2019

Stream us online at mprnews.org/listen.

by MPR News Staff

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December 6, 2019 6:53 AM

MPR News Update

by Cathy Wurzer

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December 6, 2019 4:00 AM

President Clinton was impeached 21 years ago. Some parallels run deep

From the politics to the presidents' counternarratives, there are a number of similarities between the events of December 1998 and the proceedings underway now against President Trump.

by Brian Naylor

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December 6, 2019 4:00 AM

How hard are tariffs hitting the economy? It depends on who you ask

The U.S. economy is still growing, but trade tensions have taken a toll — especially on factories and farms. The trade war's impact on the overall economy is being debated.

by Scott Horsley

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December 6, 2019 4:00 AM

Annual show of British TV ads promotes community during a time of division

Organizers of the British Arrows TV Awards say political uncertainty in the U.K. led to a different approach to making commercials.

by Euan Kerr

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December 6, 2019 4:00 AM

A ‘good new home’ welcomes the formerly homeless

A new St. Paul housing project was conceived, designed and built by Native Americans. It aims to help their young residents with education and employment while honoring their culture.

by Martin Moylan