Stories from November 27, 2023

First lady Jill Biden unveils this year's White House Christmas decorations
This year's theme is the "magic, wonder and joy" of Christmas time through the lens of children. Throughout the White House grounds are 98 Christmas trees, almost 34,000 ornaments and 72 wreaths.
Rochesters Public Schools announced major changes to manage the district’s bloated budget, a move that is shaking up the system. This is the evening MPR News update for Monday. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
A bit of snow on this chilly Monday with a warmer, sunnier week ahead. There’s lots of cheer to be had Monday in the area, plus Jazz Night and Open Mic Night.
Rochester Public Schools considering overhaul to reduce bussing times and save money
Rochester Public Schools is facing a complicated redistricting overhaul aimed at reducing bussing times, getting elementary students to school earlier and saving some money.
St. Cloud State president Robbyn Wacker to leave university
Wacker announced that she’ll leave her position at the end of this academic year when her contract expires.  The school has seen declining enrollment and budget cuts in recent years.
Mother of Palestinian student shot in Vermont thought he would be safer in U.S.
Elizabeth Price's son Hisham Awartani was one of three men of Palestinian descent shot on Saturday in Vermont. Speaking to NPR from Ramallah, Price fears her son “is confronting a life of disability.”
Warming trend this week; snow chance Sunday
We’ll enjoy a weather smorgasbord over the next week in Minnesota. This week’s menu features subfreezing cold, milder temperatures and a chance for some snow by Sunday.
Merriam-Webster's word of the year definitely wasn't picked by AI
“Authentic” was one of this year’s most looked-up words, according to the lexical leader. That speaks volumes about our quest for truth in an age of algorithms and online artifice.
A pesar de su legalización, el cannabis puede tener un impacto legal en los inmigrantes que no son ciudadanos estadounidenses
El 1 de agosto, Minnesota se convirtió en el estado número 23 del país en legalizar el cannabis para uso recreativo. Pero ésta sigue siendo una droga de lista 1 según ley federal, lo que podría tener consecuencias para quienes no son ciudadanos estadounidenses.
Considering a later in life career change? You're not alone
For younger people, it’s generally easier to prepare for a career change. But it may seem daunting for those who are decades into their current career. U.S. government research suggests that a “job for life” is now a rarity, with college graduates between 18 and 46 likely to have around 12 jobs during their careers.
As Dean Phillips opts against another congressional run, a pair of Minnesota races could turn competitive
Both Republicans and Democrats are evaluating their 2024 options after U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips announced Friday he will not be seeking reelection in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District. The 3rd District seat has been in Democratic hands since Phillips won in 2018.
Facing budget crisis, Rochester proposes closing some schools, moving others
Rochester Public Schools is announcing major changes to manage the district’s bloated budget, including closing some schools and eliminating transportation for districtwide schools. The changes will allow earlier start times for elementary students and later start times for middle and high school students.
Millions of U.S. apples were almost left to rot. Now, they'll go to hungry families
Many growers across the country have been left without a market due to oversupplied apple processors. West Virginia rescued its surplus, with a plan that donates apples to hunger-fighting charities.
Few details have emerged after the man convicted of murdering George Floyd was stabbed in federal prison. And a community meeting is planned for Monday night in south Minneapolis to give an update on reports of air pollution from a metal foundry.
Cold Monday into Tuesday, warmer temperatures ahead
Monday will be cold and breezy but with sunshine for most of central and southern Minnesota. Overnight will see lows fall into the single digits for most. Warmer weather moves in for midweek. 
U.S. Navy seizes attackers who held Israel-linked tanker
Armed assailants seized and later let go of a tanker linked to Israel off the coast of Yemen on Sunday before being apprehended by the United States Navy.
Israel and Hamas agree to a 2-day extension of the truce in Gaza
The announcement by Qatar, which helped broker the original four-day cease-fire, was also confirmed by Hamas. The extension comes as another swap of hostages for prisoners was expected Monday.
FAQ: Annual climate negotiations are about to start. Do they matter?
World leaders, climate experts and oil company executives converge on Dubai later this week to talk about climate change at the United Nations COP28 meeting. Here's what you need to know.
Google is deleting unused accounts this week. Here's how to save your old data
If you haven't logged in with your Google account recently, it's at risk of vanishing. So is any data in that account. Here's how to ensure you don't lose your account, emails, photos and more.
Study finds large pay gap for Native American women
A new analysis by a national women’s advocacy organization finds Native American women face a significant pay gap in the workplace. The National Partnership for Women and Families found Native women earn just 55 cents for every dollar earned by white men.
Despite legalization, cannabis can still have legal impact for immigrants who aren’t U.S. citizens
On Aug. 1, Minnesota became the 23rd state in the country to legalize cannabis for recreational use. But cannabis continues to be a Schedule 1 drug under federal law, which could have consequences for non U.S. citizens. 
Honda recalls 300,000 cars and SUVs over missing seat belt component
Some 2023-2024 Accord and HR-V models may be missing a part of the seat belt pretensioners, increasing the risk of injury during a crash, say federal regulators.