Stories from November 16, 2023

Minnesota initiative looks to boost production of sustainable aviation fuel
10 percent of U.S. transportation greenhouse gas emissions come from plane travel. But a first-of-its kind initiative is looking to slash those numbers by creating a hub to scale the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health is launching a new Cannabis Research Center. The center announced Thursday was included in the law signed in May that made Minnesota the 23rd state to legalize adult-use cannabis.  And Minnesota's unemployment rate inched up last month to 3.2 percent, up slightly from September. Those stories and more from this MPR News evening update. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry on one year on the job
Henry joined MPR News guest host Catharine Richert to talk about unforeseen challenges, depleting staff levels, hiring solutions and how he’s addressing gun violence and school violence.
University of Minnesota launches Cannabis Research Center
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health has launched a new Cannabis Research Center to assess the health impacts of the state’s recent legalization of recreational cannabis for adults.
First director of UMN Cannabis Research Center on studying the impact of marijuana legalization in Minnesota
Minnesota became one of the latest states to legalize marijuana with the passage of House File 100 earlier this year. The law included two and a half million dollars for the University of Minnesota to study the impact of legalization.
Rochester teachers march for smaller class sizes
A summary of the teachers union's proposal outlined the reasons for the class caps, saying large classes lead to disengagement, feelings of alienation, and ultimately negative behaviors.
Wayne Ducheneaux II is stepping down from Native Governance Center. Here's a look at his legacy
He was the Native-led organization’s first executive director and helped to grow its work from a single program to many — all of which serve tribes and their needs.
Thursday brings a cold front and strong winds to FM. Here’s our update on rebate checks, driverless trucks and what to do this weekend.
Rep. Craig's attacker sentenced to 2-plus years in prison
Kendrid Khalil Hamlin, 27, apologized to Minnesota U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and said he wants to get mental health and substance abuse treatment. He pleaded guilty to assaulting Craig in February in the elevator of her Washington apartment.
Nerds of color assemble for ConFluence this weekend
Leslie Barlow, an artist and community educator passionate about science fiction, founded ConFluence, a pop culture convention centered on people of color, in response to the lack of Black and brown representation at traditional sci-fi events.
Thanksgiving FAQ: 8 tips to have the best holiday meal
The Thanksgiving feast doesn’t get itself on the table. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests shared turkey tips and suggestions for sides and pies that will leave your guests grateful.  
Gusty winds Thursday, temps plummet by evening; weekend looks dry
Unusually warm temperatures linger into Thursday afternoon, then we get cold-fronted. We have your Thursday forecast details plus a look at the weekend.
Ned Blackhawk and Justin Torres are among the winners of National Book Awards
The nonfiction prize was awarded on Wednesday night to Ned Blackhawk’s “The Rediscovery of America.” Justin Torres’ “Blackouts” has won the National Book Award for fiction. Young people’s literature was won by Dan Santat’s “A First Time for Everything.”
After more than two weeks of searching, crews have found the body of a second Minnesota man who went missing while canoeing in northwest Wisconsin last month.
A federal grand jury has indicted another 13 people in connection with an ongoing crackdown on Minneapolis street gangs. And the Minnesota Board on Aging has more details in its report on a senior nutrition program’s failures and lack of oversight.
Warriors' Draymond Green suspended 5 games for grabbing Rudy Gobert; 3 players fined
Also penalized by the league for their roles in the incident, which happened early in Tuesday’s game between the Timberwolves and Warriors, were Gobert, his Minnesota teammate Jaden McDaniels and Golden State guard Klay Thompson — all fined $25,000 by the league.
The U.S. has special rules for satellites over one country: Israel
It's not unusual for countries to restrict satellite images of sensitive locations. But in the case of Israel, a U.S. law seeks to protect an entire — and separate — country.
Where the Republican presidential candidates stand on abortion
Ever since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Republicans have struggled with messaging on the issue. GOP presidential hopefuls are trying to strike a balance on the campaign trail.
Decree encourages Minnesota Muslim women to use donated breast milk for vulnerable kids
A Muslim legal expert on Thursday signed a religious ruling that will allow Muslim families in Minnesota to use donated breast milk for vulnerable babies in intensive care. The decree is believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S. and may save lives.
Ag industry testing driverless trucks to solve labor shortage
A sugar beet cooperative in western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota is turning to autonomous trucks to solve a driver shortage. Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative says the trucks can make the company more efficient.
Art Hounds: The past and present of Native art
The November exhibit at the Northwoods Friends of the Arts in Cook is “Native American Art: Past and Present," featuring work by local Native American artists. Off-Leash Theater Productions presents its second “Off-Kilter Cabaret” this weekend and The Commonweal Theatre Company stages the musical comedy “She Loves Me.” 
‘Desperately short-handed’ Minnesota businesses curtail offerings, cut hours to get by
The pandemic, followed by a tight labor market, has forced many smaller businesses to rethink their operating models. It’s part of a “grand reset” in the service sector, one industry leader says.
Biden and Xi agree to restore some military-to-military communications between the U.S. and China
President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed Wednesday to restore some military-to-military communications between their armed forces as the two leaders met for hours on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco.
Alleged Highs members charged in expanding gang crackdown in Minneapolis
The continuing law enforcement crackdown on Minneapolis street gangs has resulted in the indictments of 13 additional people. Federal prosecutors allege in indictments unsealed Wednesday that the defendants are affiliated with the Highs gang and trafficked large amounts of fentanyl.