Stories from December 13, 2022

New book explores why a Minnesota woman joined the Symbionese Liberation Army
While it was Sarah Jane Olson who made headlines for her St. Paul arrest in 1999, a lesser-known Symbionese Liberation Army member mentioned in the coverage caught the attention of author Rachael Hanel. She explores Camilla Hall’s journey from St. Peter, Minn., to the SLA in her new book, “Not the Camilla We Knew.”
Worthington meatpacker ends contract with cleaning firm accused in child labor probe
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says Packers Sanitation Services Inc. plans to cut 121 jobs next month at the JBS slaughterhouse in Worthington after JBS ended a 25-year contract with PSSI.
Act two of Minnesota's latest winter weather drama is about to unfold, and state officials say Minensotans need to up their immunization game again to keep hospital beds available. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Three perspectives on the 'high tide of American antisemitism'
Reports of harassment, vandalism and violence targeting Jewish people in the U.S. hit a record high in 2021. MPR News host Angela Davis talked with three guests about what is behind the rise in antisemitism and how we can address it.
Alissa Brown of “The Inner Geek” in Huntington, W.V. recommends the memoir “Another Appalachia: Coming up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place” by Neema Avashia.
There are now more nutcrackers than people living in Luverne
A new permanent display of 5,000 nutcrackers draws visitors from near and far — exactly as the original donor intended.
3 earth-friendly tips to slash salt, keep icy sidewalks safe
Road salt contamination is a serious environmental problem in Minnesota, but there are ways to keep yourself safe and environmentally sound, a key state expert told MPR News Tuesday as an icy winter storm spread across the state.
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announces bid for third term
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson has announced she is running for a third term to lead northeastern Minnesota’s largest city. Larson became Duluth’s first female mayor when she was elected in 2015.
From the archives: What can dogs teach us about aging?
It’s dog week on Big Books and Bold Ideas! This Friday, you’ll hear a conversation between MPR News host Kerri Miller and dog researcher Alexandra Horowitz about her new book, “The Year of the Puppy.” Until then, enjoy this throwback to Kerri’s daily show in 2020 — a discussion about how dogs age and what they can teach humans about aging better.
Ask a science teacher with Jill Jensen
Ever wondered if humans will ever go to the moon again? Or what bumblebees are thinking? You’ve come to the right place.
Ice, snow, rain spreading across Minnesota through Tuesday night
An icy, wintry mix of snow, freezing rain, and rain is spreading across Minnesota Tuesday. Most snowfall Tuesday will be across central and western Minnesota. The snow fills in north and northeast into Wednesday with heavy snow for northeastern Minnesota Wednesday. 
Prominent Minneapolis civil rights activist reveals battle with brain tumor 
Nekima Levy Armstrong revealed that she underwent emergency brain surgery in September. Levy Armstrong said she had been experiencing blurred vision in one eye. She said initial tests indicate the tumor was not cancerous.
Potted Christmas trees are a rentable alternative to their fake and fresh-cut cousins
For Christmas tree shoppers who want a real live tree that's reusable like an artificial one, there may be another option: rentable potted trees that are planted in the ground when they grow too big.
Rain, freezing rain, and snow is all in the forecast for the coming days. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister
Cornered in Ukraine, Putin ditches annual news conference
The Kremlin says that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be holding his annual marathon news conference this fall. Observers have attributed the break in the long-held tradition to the Kremlin’s uneasiness about a string of battlefield setbacks in Ukraine.
Lillard ties own Blazers mark with 11 3-pointers, beats Minn
Damian Lillard tied his own franchise record by making 11 3-pointers and finished with 38 points, leading the Portland Trail Blazers over the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-112.
Savings at the gas pump are eaten up at the supermarket, as inflation stays high
A government report due out on Tuesday is expected to show inflation cooled a bit in November. But prices are still climbing and the Federal Reserve is preparing to raise interest rates again.
CRISPR gene-editing may boost cancer immunotherapy, new study finds
Using CRISPR to modify certain immune cells could make cancer-fighting immunotherapy more potent for a broader set of patients. Two people who went through the treatment share their stories.
Walz, DFL lawmakers look to speed up shift to carbon-free electricity
With DFLers now in charge of both the House and the Senate, the proposal’s chances of approval have improved. But some of the state’s top utilities say meeting that new deadline could be a challenge.