Stories from December 7, 2022

Christmas ornament honors gingerbread White House tradition
This year's Christmas ornament from the White House Historical Association honors the tradition of displaying a gingerbread model of the executive mansion as part of the holiday decorations at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Xcel Energy dropped a controversial request for a $122 million electric rate increase next year. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.
Police board considers policy to keep licenses from cops affiliated with hate groups
As part of its minimum selection standards, the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board has been considering language that would prohibit licenses for officers who participate in hate or extremist groups.
What will Minneapolis taxpayers get for $1.66 billion next year?
There’s a lot to the mayor’s biennial budget. And it addresses a wide range of city priorities and concerns including funding opioid addiction treatment services, increasing street lighting and boosting support for non-law enforcement public safety programs.
Xcel drops request to raise electric rates next year
Consumer advocates and two state agencies opposed Xcel's request to raise interim rates next year, which would have increased residential customers' bills another 6 percent.
Boil water advisory lifted near major water main break in north Minneapolis
Authorities on Tuesday morning issued a now-lifted boil water advisory for homes and businesses near the site of a major water main break in north Minneapolis. City officials said it may be days before crews can complete repairs to the main that dates back to the 1800s.
Jonathan, the world's oldest tortoise, marks his 190th with fanfare and salad cake
While Jonathan's exact birthday is unknown, it's estimated he was born in 1832 — before the first photograph of a person and the first postage stamp. He's getting lots of well-wishes on St. Helena.
More home heating crisis funds for low income Minnesotans
In response to higher home heating costs, Minnesota is increasing the amount of crisis funding available to help low income residents in danger of running out of fuel.
Skies clear later Wednesday; southern MN snow late Thursday; mild weekend
Wednesday morning snow showers will end by late morning with some sun in the afternoon. High temperatures will range from the low 20s southeast to zero northwest. It’ll be milder Thursday but more snow moves into southern Minnesota Thursday night.
Social Security tax cut splits Minnesota DFLers
Some newly elected first term Minnesota Senate Democrats said Wednesday they would push to eliminate the tax on Social Security income, but legislative leaders have signaled they may not be willing to go that far. 
News of a state budget surplus that had grown to a whopping $17.6 billion is already generating lots of ideas but no final agreements on how to use the money. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by John Wanamaker. Music by Gary Meister.
Another round of snow showers and cooler Wednesday, milder air and a storm system ahead
Wednesday will be cooler with highs ranging from the low to mid-20s south to barely zero in the northwest. Another clipper brings light snow to central Minnesota but we’re watching the potential for a larger storm system Thursday night into Friday.
Hawaii remembrance to draw handful of Pearl Harbor survivors
A handful of centenarian survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor are expected to gather at the scene in Hawaii to commemorate those who perished 81 years ago in the Japanese bombing.
The cutting edge solution to rising debt? Paying in cash
2022 has been a rough year for America's personal finances. That's sparked a throwback movement among some young debtors: all cash, all the time.
Supreme Court to hear controversial election-law case
The "independent state legislature theory" could give state legislatures independent power to put in place all manner of election rules, without any available review by state courts.
McDonald's franchise owners are caught violating child labor laws
Santonastasso Enterprises broke the law when more than a 100 teens were asked to work too many hours or too many late shifts, according to the Department of Labor.
Why Warnock's seat means so much to Senate Democrats
That one seat, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, is a bit of a game changer for Democrats. "The truth is it's not a 1% difference," he said. "It's a world of difference."
Factory workers across the U.S. say they were exposed to asbestos on the job
Their accounts contrast sharply with what chemical giants have said about worker safety at their facilities. At an Olin plant outside of McIntosh, Ala., workers recall decades of asbestos exposure.
Big surplus prompts lots of spending, tax-cut ideas
News of a state budget surplus that had grown to a whopping $17.6 billion is already generating lots of ideas but no final agreements on how to use the money.
China announces a roll-back of its strict anti-COVID-19 measures
China has announced a series of measures rolling back some of its restrictive anti-COVID-19 restrictions, including limiting the scale of lockdown to individual apartment floors and buildings.