Stories from November 13, 2023

Minneapolis moves forward with $1M plan for policing alternatives
A Minneapolis City Council committee on Thursday moved forward a contract with New York University School of Law’s Police Project to help the city implement more public safety alternatives to policing. 
White Thanksgiving possible next week?
The weather maps suggest some snow could fly Thanksgiving week across Minnesota.
Appetites: 'Corn Dance' cookbook weaves together Indigenous and Southwest traditions
MPR News host Tom Crann talks with Native chef Loretta Barrett Oden and Minnesota food writer Beth Dooley about their new cookbook “Corn Dance: Inspired First American Cuisine”.
The Minnesota Hospital Association says a survey of 70 of its members — ranging from big health systems to rural hospitals — found that two-thirds are operating in the red with a collective loss of $419 million.   That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
The U.S. economy continues to chug along
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with MPR News senior economics contributor Chris Farrell about the retail market leading up to the holiday season and the U.S economy going into 2024.  
A new report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor of Minnesota found that the Minnesota Board on Aging did not meet legal standards in its oversight of the Senior Nutrition Program.
Mild for now; snow chance next week
November is running milder than average again this week. But there are signs colder air and possible snow may arrive Thanksgiving week.
Toys R Us to open new flagship store at Mall of America
An iconic toy store chain that largely vanished from the retail landscape in recent years announced Monday that it’s planning to open a new flagship location at the Mall of America.
Claire Keegan's 'stories of women and men' explore what goes wrong between them
Book critic Maureen Corrigan says her only frustration with Keegan's work is that she wants more of it. So she was happy to read her nuanced, three-story collection, “So Late in the Day.”
Taking charge of your time
There are only 24 hours in a day, but is that enough to tackle your entire to-do list? News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about time — how to manage it and how to prioritize your tasks. 
Why nuclear energy is a political minefield in Minnesota
Nuclear energy is controversial in Minnesota and across the country. A new series from Minnesota news startup Project Optimist is diving into all the gray areas.
An unusually mild November week underway
Temperatures will continue on the mild side for mid-November all this week. No big storms are likely, but rain and light snow could glance northern Minnesota on Thursday.
Former Minneapolis City Council Member Don Samuels has launched a second primary campaign to Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar. The commission charged with redesigning the state flag says it will no longer take submissions, but it welcomes feedback on the submissions sent in.
Major downtown St. Paul intersection closed this week
MnDOT said the closure of the busy intersection adjacent to the Xcel Energy Center is to allow crews to remove the deteriorating red concrete circle at that corner. It’ll be replaced with asphalt.
Mild week coming with warmer than normal temps
Temperatures will run well warmer than normal statewide this week. Rain and light snow might graze northern Minnesota on Thursday.
Robertson and Johnston each score twice as Stars beat Wild 8-3
Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston each had two goals and an assist as the Dallas Stars beat the Minnesota Wild 8-3. Matt Duchene had a goal and an assist, and Joe Pavelski, Radek Faksa and Evgenii Dadonov also scored for the Stars, who completed a perfect three-game road trip.
Hearing loss can lead to deadly falls, but hearing aids may cut the risk
Falling is the top cause of injury for older adults and even mild hearing loss can increase the risk. But consistently wearing hearing aids may improve balance and prevent falls, a study finds.
Girls on the Run 5K empowers Minnesota youth to reach potential
Over 1,000 third to eighth grade girls participated in a 5K hosted by Girls on the Run, a nonprofit focused on promoting positive physical activity and confidence in young girls.
Gaza's 2 largest hospitals have ceased to function, health officials say
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised speech Saturday night that there would be no cease-fire in Gaza until all hostages held by Hamas are released.