Stories from November 9, 2023

Neighborhood group secures funding for Roof Depot site
Community activists in Minneapolis's East Phillips neighborhood have secured the funding they needed to buy the Roof Depot site, and the city has approved the sale.  
Plan to convert Cambridge gas plant to burn diesel gets OK
Great River Energy says the project will provide flexibility when natural gas isn’t available or its price spikes. Environmental groups say it will increase local air pollution and carbon emissions.
Roundup: Breaking down a busy week of Minnesota politics
MPR News political editor Brian Bakst and Eric Eskola, co-host of “Almanac” on Twin Cities Public Television, joined Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer to run down this week’s political headlines and what they mean for Minnesotans.
What a progressive majority city council could mean for Minneapolis
Although Minneapolis is a mostly DFL town, city politics in recent years have been divided between liberal Democrats and a more progressive alliance of Democrats and democratic socialists.
Another candidate has entered the race for Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District House seat in the western Twin Cities suburbs. It’s for the seat now held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, who is running for president. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Nina Moini. Music by Gary Meister.
Apollo astronaut Frank Borman, who first orbited moon, dies at age 95
Frank Borman commanded two early NASA missions including Apollo 8, the first to orbit the moon. He was a no-nonsense astronaut known for his keen attention to detail and duty to country.
Sen. Joe Manchin announces he won't seek reelection in 2024
West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin will not seek reelection to the Senate in 2024, Democrats have a narrow majority and face and uphill battle to retain his seat.
'Just say no' didn't actually protect students from drugs. Here's what could
For years, programs like D.A.R.E. told students to "just say no" to drugs. But research shows that approach alone didn't work. Now experts are backing a new approach that could help save lives.
Weekend weather: Mainly dry; Sunday warmer than Saturday
The daylight hours look mainly dry this weekend, and temperatures tick up a bit on Sunday. We have the weekend forecast details.
Thanking and remembering veterans
What does “Thank you for your service” mean to military veterans? Listen back to a conversation MPR News host Angela Davis had with veterans about that phrase. Plus, a documentary about the Ojibwe and Dakota code talkers who helped win World War II.
State Sen. Kelly Morrison launches bid for Phillips' U.S. House seat
Kelly Morrison, an OB-GYN who has served in the Legislature for five years, has helped advance policies guaranteeing access to reproductive health care in Minnesota.
Snow showers north, windy statewide; warmer next week
Northern Minnesota will see snow showers while southern Minnesota sees sunshine. It will be windy statewide as cool air sets in. Next week will be substantially warmer. 
Twin Cities airport set for $242 million in interior renovations
Leaders with the Metropolitan Airports Commission said MSP’s Terminal 1 will undergo renovations in its concourses and 75 gate areas — what officials are calling the largest interior renovation project for gates and concourses since the airport opened in 1962.
The Minnesota Supreme Court says former president Donald Trump can remain on the state primary ballot. More than 2,000 designs for a new state flag and seal are available to view online. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Windy; sunshine south, snow showers north Thursday
Blustery winds are blowing Thursday as cooler air moves into the area. Another round of snow showers will move across northern Minnesota. It’ll be much warmer Sunday into next week. 
Edwards, Timberwolves hand short-handed Pelicans 122-101 loss
Anthony Edwards scored 26 points and had a season-high eight assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans 122-101 on Wednesday night.
6 takeaways from the third Republican primary debate
At the GOP debate in Miami, five Republicans sparred over top issues include the Israel-Hamas war, Ukraine, China, abortion and Social Security. Here's what you need to know.
Minnesota voters backed school funding, union-endorsed candidates at the polls
Minnesota voters on Tuesday approved the majority of funding questions from school districts. Union-endorsed candidates took significant school board wins. Here’s a look at what happened.
Art Hounds: Three very different plays about immigration 
Art Hounds recommend three very different plays in the Twin Cities that have immigration as a theme. Combustible Theatre resurrects Eugene O’Neill’s 1922 play “The Hairy Ape,” Full Circle Theater stages “Anon(ymous)” and Fortune Fool’s new musical “Cold Planet Warm Heart.”
 Local group helps mobile homeowners save money and energy
Mobile homes may be affordable, but heating them is not. Joel Haskard of Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) offers advice on making manufactured homes more comfortable — both financially and physically.
Roslyn Harmon declares victory in tight race for Golden Valley mayor
With all precincts reporting, Roslyn Harmon, a nonprofit leader, led city council member Gillian Rosenquist by 26 votes. Harmon is poised to become Golden Valley’s first Black mayor.
Minnesota’s Ukrainian community commemorates the 90th Anniversary of Holodomor 
Members of Minnesota’s Ukrainian community and Minnesota state legislators gathered Wednesday at the State Capitol to mark the anniversary of the Holodomor, the catastrophic famine inflicted by Joseph Stalin in 1932-33.