Stories from September 21, 2023

Biden is creating a new White House office focused on gun violence prevention
Gun safety measures have stalled in Congress. Advocates have long pushed for a White House office to elevate the issue and coordinate efforts. Vice President Harris will oversee the new office.
Keith Ellison says the controversy over rules for cops in schools is over, but it isn't clear yet if police agree. Also, Minnesota has a new marijuana czar, a CBD store owner. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota officials on Thursday approved plans for the expansion of a solar energy project in Becker, Minn. that a utility says will be one of the largest in the country with the capability of powering more than 150,000 homes.
As Ozempic use grows, so do reports of possible mental health side effects
Many people taking Ozempic and related drugs have reported mental health concerns. Those side effects aren't in Ozempic’s instructions for use. Are the problems a coincidence or related to the drug?
The song that never ends: Why Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September' sustains
It begins, “Do you remember?” — and we supply the memories. Dan Charnas tells the origin story of the Earth, Wind & Fire hit that still unites generations on the dance floor.
Minneapolis begins search for first-ever poet laureate 
Minneapolis is launching its first-ever poet laureate program in partnership with the Loft Literary Center, aiming to infuse arts and culture into the community through educational opportunities, city ceremonies and a civic project.
Extreme drought expands into the Twin Cities
A continuous channel of extreme to exceptional drought now covers a zone from near Bemidji in the northwest, south along either side of the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities, then southward into southeastern Minnesota.
Walz names state cannabis office leader
The St. Paul resident owns a CBD shop in Apple Valley, which she will give up to take the new job.
Kraft is recalling some American cheese slices over potential choking hazard
The company said one of its wrapping machines developed a temporary issue that makes it possible for a thin strip of film to remain on the slice even after it's been removed from the wrapper.
The joys of being a lifelong learner
Learning a new skill at an older age could be good for your physical and cognitive health. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell and his guests explore the benefits of trying a new and creative skill in the second half of life. 
U says hackers may have stolen decades of student, worker data
University of Minnesota officials on Thursday acknowledged that a data breach initially reported last month exposed personal information on students, potential students and employees from 1989 to 2021, including Social Security numbers.
Cannabis company founder picked to oversee Minnesota marijuana market
Gov. Tim Walz named Erin DuPree, the founder of a hemp products company, as the first leader of Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management. DuPree will oversee the buildup of a retail market for legal marijuana.
'We're all clear': Ellison says latest moves should end questions over police in schools
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison told MPR News on Thursday he believes his latest legal memo and a meeting with state and local leaders and law enforcement will resolve the controversy around how officers can restrain students in schools.
Are you saving enough for college? Here's what to know
As the cost of college continues to rise, families have new questions about how to save up. For answers, we turned to Ron Lieber, author of “The Price You Pay For College.”
In the Netherlands, a farmers party taps into widespread discontent with government
What began as a movement of farmers opposed to environmental rules is now one of the country's dominant political parties. The nation's agricultural exports are second only to the United States.
There's a revised opinion on the new and controversial state law that limits the kinds of physical restraints that can be used on students. The revised opinion comes after nearly 40 Minnesota law enforcement agencies have pulled their school resource officers from schools saying they are worried about liability. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
One more 80 degree day Thursday before weekend showers develop
Summer temperatures continue Thursday with highs in the low 80s. Friday will still be warm, but a slow moving system brings occasional rain showers Saturday into early next week.
Thomas and Bonner help the Sun advance to their fifth straight WNBA semifinals
Alyssa Thomas tied a career-high with 28 points, DeWanna Bonner had 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Connecticut Sun beat the Minnesota Lynx 90-75 on Wednesday night to advance to their fifth straight WNBA playoff semifinals.
Biden is telling his donors that Trump is out to destroy democracy
President Joe Biden isn't doing a lot of campaign events yet. But when he meets donors, he is spending a lot of time talking about the Republican frontrunner, former President Donald Trump.
As Ukraine's war drags on and a D.C. shutdown looms, Zelenskyy makes his case for aid
The Ukrainian leader will visit Washington Thursday to meet with Congress. Biden has requested $24 billion in new aid to Ukraine, but the funding is in limbo ahead of a possible government shutdown.
Minnesota's high court sides with defendant in #MeToo lawsuit
In a new ruling, the Minnesota Supreme Court has sided with a Minneapolis woman who publicly accused her dance teacher, who was also her romantic partner, of sexual assault.
Art Hounds: Shows that forge connections across the table — and across oceans 
Sod House Theater hosts “Table.” In Winona, two artists living in Iran and Minnesota use virtual reality and mixed media to share their lives with each other. And Ananya Dance Theatre presents “Michhil Amra: We Are the Procession!”
Hennepin County wrestles with future of Minneapolis waste incinerator
Mounting activism and recent action by the Legislature is putting renewed pressure on Hennepin County to close an incinerator that burns 1,100 tons of trash every day in downtown Minneapolis.
These 2020 census results break down people's race and ethnicity into details
The U.S. census asked for more details about people's race and ethnicity in 2020 than ever before. New results show how many responded with identities such as Irish, Jamaican, Arab and Salvadoran.
PrairieCare expansion means more beds for youth in mental health crisis
Like much of the country, adolescent mental health care needs are increasing in Minnesota. Todd Archbold, the CEO of PrairieCare, decided to expand his program to meet the demanding needs.
Minnesota Supreme Court to hear arguments on Trump ballot eligibility
The Minnesota Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for Nov. 2 on a petition that seeks to bar former President Donald Trump from appearing on Minnesota ballots next year.