Stories from December 1, 2023

More than 550 soldiers from the Guard's 34th Infantry Division Red Bull headquarters are getting ready for a 10-month, regularly scheduled deployment to the Middle East. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
RSV rising rapidly; COVID-19 continues its climb and flu season is underway
Respiratory illnesses are on the rise. COVID-19 and more recently influenza have been leading to more hospitalizations, but respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is currently increasing fastest among the three in the Twin Cities seven-county region.
'I Am Betty' at History Theater brings Betty Crocker to life
I Am Betty is a new musical at History Theater covering the history and impact of the iconic Betty Crocker figure, one who doesn’t exist and yet is very real to many. Cristina Luzárraga wrote the book and some of the lyrics. She gave us a look at the show on Appetites.
Appeals court says Trump isn't immune from Jan. 6 riot lawsuits
The ruling stems from several lawsuits brought by Capitol Police officers and Democratic members of Congress seeking civil damages from Donald Trump related to the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
State agencies pledge new steps to reduce nitrate in southeast Minnesota
Last month, the EPA said state agencies need to develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the nitrate problem in eight southeast Minnesota counties’ drinking water. In a letter Friday, commissioners of the departments of health, agriculture and the Pollution Control Agency promised to do more – but said they may need more federal or state money to do so.
Soviet diaspora artists open two shows at Museum of Russian Art
Two exhibitions at the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis showcase unique interpretations of traditional iconography and politically charged art, reflecting the artists’ Soviet diaspora experiences.
Safiya Sinclair liberates herself in 'How to Say Babylon'
In her new, haunting memoir, poet Safiya Sinclair recounts her childhood in Jamaica, where her father’s strict Rastafari religion kept her controlled and quiet. She is quiet no more.
Minnesota fiddle builder brings new life to an old Norwegian folk instrument
Master fiddle builder Bud Larsen is passing on his knowledge of the Hardanger fiddle to apprentices in the Fargo-Moorhead area. His work is creating a new generation of fiddle makers and players.
Dry and warm November stands out against recent years
According to retired meteorologist and climatologist Mark Seeley approximately two-thirds of days in the month were warmer than normal. and although it may not have felt like that warm, Thursday concluded one of the warmest Novembers since 1895.
George Santos expelled from Congress
The freshman New York Republican is facing nearly two dozen federal charges related to financial misdeeds, many of which have been corroborated in a report compiled by House lawmakers.
Photos: Northern lights painted Minnesota skies overnight
Photographers around the state shared some of their snapshots of the northern lights painting the skies pink, purple and green overnight and just before Friday sunrise.
Mild pattern continues; some snow showers possible this weekend
Friday will be a little cooler and we’ll have more clouds around for the afternoon into the weekend. A few snow showers are possible Saturday night. Looking back, Minnesota’s November was mild, as was the entire meteorological fall.
Minneapolis school board picks Lisa Sayles-Adams as next superintendent
Sayles-Adams currently serves as superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools in the western Twin Cities. She’s from Minnesota and started her education career teaching in the Minneapolis district. 
Deadly salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupe grows
“If you cannot tell if your cantaloupe, including pre-cut cantaloupe or products containing pre-cut cantaloupe is part of the recall, do not eat or use it and throw it away,” the FDA said in a statement.
The Minneapolis City Council allocates millions for non-police-based public safety initiatives in the 2024 budget. Mayor Jacob Frey is critical of the funding strategies for these programs. We also hear about internal tensions within the DFL Party, highlighting the public rebuke of Senator Ron Latz by several party members over his controversial comments regarding Palestinian youth amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Minnesota Timberwolves beat Utah Jazz 101-90
Karl-Anthony Towns had 32 points and 11 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves weathered the absence of leading scorer Anthony Edwards to beat the Utah Jazz 101-90.
Cooler Friday with increasing clouds; some weekend snow showers
Friday will be a bit cooler but near normal with increasing clouds and light winds. Some of us will see some snow showers this weekend. Warmer than normal weather persists next week. 
Israeli warplanes carry out strikes on Gaza after truce with Hamas collapses
Israel's military resumed combat operations in the Palestinian enclave after a seven-day cease-fire broke down. During the pause, Hamas freed some 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians.
Executions are on the rise in the U.S., even as public support wanes
Twenty-four executions have been carried out in 2023 — five more than last year, the Death Penalty Information Center says. Meanwhile, 50 percent of Americans say the death penalty is applied unfairly.
Minneapolis council members insert millions for non-police based public safety in 2024 budget
On Thursday members of the Minneapolis City Council discussed and approved the use of millions of dollars to support public safety initiatives in 2024 that will rely on unarmed civilians in busy corridors of the city.  
These penguins take 10,000 little naps a day — seconds at a time
Sleep. It's an essential biological function that has long intrigued scientists. This week, scientists finally added one piece to the elusive sleep puzzle: How wild chinstrap penguins sleep amid their noisy colony.
In a vote late Wednesday, the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers walked back a resolution on the Israel-Hamas war after acknowledging that the statement was harmful to Jewish members and students.
Millions of seniors struggle to afford housing — and it's about to get a lot worse
Baby boomers are entering older age amid a historic affordable-housing shortage and widening inequality. A new study warns many won't be able to access the kind of housing or caregiving they need.
Northern lights possible Thursday night; quiet weather Friday
We could see northern lights Thursday night, where clouds don’t get in the way. We have details on that, plus a look at our weather through the weekend.