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Stories from July 19, 2023

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With federal threat looming, Minnesota proposes new plan for special education teachers

With federal threat looming, Minnesota proposes new plan for special education teachers

Under a new federal corrective-action plan, Minnesota will take steps to limit how long special education teachers can work without formal training. The move should help the state preserve $219 million in federal funds. But critics say it still leaves teachers ill prepared to serve some of the state’s highest-needs students.
by Becky Z. Dernbach

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Man who killed Fargo police officer had nearly 2,000 rounds and an arsenal in his vehicle

Man who killed Fargo police officer had nearly 2,000 rounds and an arsenal in his vehicle, and the U moves to end consideration of race in admission in wake of U.S. Supreme Court decision. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

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Hearing postponed for Adam Fravel who is charged with killing former partner, Madeline Kingsbury

Hearing postponed for Adam Fravel who is charged with killing former partner, Madeline Kingsbury

Adam Fravel’s hearing at Winona County District court, originally scheduled for Thursday, has been postponed until late September. He is charged with killing and hiding his ex-partner’s body in Fillmore County.
by MPR News Staff

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Gunman who shot Fargo officers had 1,800 rounds, multiple guns, grenade in car, officials say

Gunman who shot Fargo officers had 1,800 rounds, multiple guns, grenade in car, officials say

The man who shot Fargo police officers — one fatally — last week had 1,800 rounds, multiple guns and a homemade hand grenade in his vehicle, officials said Wednesday.
by The Associated Press

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Short of veterinary technicians, Animal Humane Society decides to 'grow their own'

Short of veterinary technicians, Animal Humane Society decides to 'grow their own'

Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. households adopted a pet during the pandemic, according to the ASPCA. And all those animals need a lot of care: Mars Veterinary Health says pet care spending will rise by a third in the next ten years, and the U.S. will need 41,000 additional vets and more than twice as many veterinary technicians. 
by Tim Nelson

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Your air conditioner isn't built for this heat. 5 tips can boost performance

Your air conditioner isn't built for this heat. 5 tips can boost performance

Extreme temperatures present a significant challenge to AC systems, which engineers and installers say are really only designed to keep indoor temperatures about 20 degrees cooler than outside.
by Scott Neuman

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Mankato-born singer Mary Jane Alm celebrates a storied musical career

Mankato-born singer Mary Jane Alm celebrates a storied musical career

Mary Jane Alm dipped a toe in the music business 50 years ago and since then has swept up numerous Minnesota Music Awards, including Artist of the Year, and inductions into the Mid-America and Minnesota Music Halls of Fame.
by Cathy Wurzer and Alanna Elder

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Inside the Supreme Court’s web designer ruling

Inside the Supreme Court’s web designer ruling

The Supreme Court ruled in support of a wedding web designer who denied business to same-sex couples. MPR News host Angela Davis talks why this decision is significant and what companies gain or lose by marketing to LGBTQ+ people.
by Angela Davis and Danelle Cloutier

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Southern Minnesota musicians and fans gather for workshops, concerts in second annual festival

Southern Minnesota musicians and fans gather for workshops, concerts in second annual festival

The Minnesota Original Music Festival kicks off Wednesday and runs through Sunday, bringing together musicians in southern Minnesota for live performances and educational opportunities.
by Cathy Wurzer and Gretchen Brown

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It Happens Here explores reactions to new Indigenous education standards

WTIP North Shore Community Radio recently looked at the debate over how to teach kids about Minnesota’s past, with a focus on new statewide standards that will require schools to include Indigenous history in their curriculum.
by Cathy Wurzer and Alanna Elder

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Duluth city councilors to introduce ban on smoking marijuana in public parks

Duluth city councilors to introduce ban on smoking marijuana in public parks

Duluth city councilors plan to introduce an ordinance to ban smoking marijuana in public parks and trails and some other public outdoor spaces. The state law that legalizes smoking marijuana on Aug. 1 leaves it up to cities to decide whether to allow it in public places.
by Dan Kraker

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Evolving police pursuit policy in Minnesota: An expert weighs in

Evolving police pursuit policy in Minnesota: An expert weighs in

On July 26, a former Minneapolis police officer will report to the Hennepin County workhouse to serve nine months for the death of an innocent motorist during a high-speed chase. His sentencing raises questions about the consequences police officers can face in pursuits that go wrong, and who has the authority to hand down that discipline.
by Cathy Wurzer and Gracie Stockton

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Liberty and tacos for all: Taco Bell prevails as Taco John's abandons trademark to 'Taco Tuesday'

Liberty and tacos for all: Taco Bell prevails as Taco John's abandons trademark to 'Taco Tuesday'

Taco Bell has rung up a win in its quest to make “Taco Tuesday” free of trademark restrictions. On Tuesday, Taco John’s formally abandoned its longstanding claim to sole use of the phrase amid a challenge from its fast-food rival.
by The Associated Press

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New campaign to 'accept, prevent, treat' mental health concerns of Minnesota first responders

New campaign to 'accept, prevent, treat' mental health concerns of Minnesota first responders

While first responders rush to help, they're often the last to find help for themselves. Last week’s fatal shooting of police officer in Fargo comes just as the state of Minnesota launches a new mental health initiative for public safety professionals. It's called the “Accept, Prevent, Treat” campaign.
by Cathy Wurzer, Gracie Stockton and Lukas Levin

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Temporary site plan for Minneapolis police precinct building moves forward

A council committee Tuesday unanimously passed a legislative directive requiring the city to research the merits of adding 3rd Police Precinct officers to the Century Plaza building which is located outside of the precinct's geographic boundaries. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

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3 lessons past Hollywood strikes can teach us about the current moment

3 lessons past Hollywood strikes can teach us about the current moment

Hollywood actors and screenwriters are on strike simultaneously for the first time since 1960. When — and how — might things resolve this time? Experts tell NPR what recent history can teach us.
by Rachel Treisman

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5 storylines to watch as the Women's World Cup kicks off

5 storylines to watch as the Women's World Cup kicks off

It's Megan Rapinoe's last World Cup, and it could be Marta's, too. From winter weather to new faces to watch, here's what to know about this year's tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
by Laurel Wamsley

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In 1963, she left Minneapolis for Mattel. She designed Barbie clothes for 35 years

In 1963, she left Minneapolis for Mattel. She designed Barbie clothes for 35 years

Carol Spencer, a fashion designer from Minneapolis, spent 35 years designing outfits for Barbie. She drew inspiration from designer brands like Dior and Chanel, and believes Barbie has endured because people from different walks of life found their own connection to the doll.
by Sam Stroozas and Alex V. Cipolle

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Duluth musician Gaelynn Lea debuts new play, continues work to make stages more accessible

Duluth musician Gaelynn Lea debuts new play, continues work to make stages more accessible

Seven years since winning NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, Duluth musician Gaelynn Lea has played hundreds of gigs around the world, scored a Broadway play and become an influential advocate for disability awareness.
by Dan Kraker

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Could private-sector scholarships play a big role in closing racial gaps in higher education?

Could private-sector scholarships play a big role in closing racial gaps in higher education?

Colleges and universities are figuring out how to move forward in the wake of last month's Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action. One Minnesota-based organization says private-sector scholarships can play a big role in closing racial gaps in higher education.
by Tom Crann and Ngoc Bui

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