Stories from December 6, 2023

50s on tap for Thursday; 30s return this weekend
It was much warmer than normal Wednesday afternoon and even warmer temps are on tap for Thursday. We have your weather outlook heading into the weekend.
A 25-year-old Minneapolis man has been charged with second-degree murder after a fatal shooting near Lake Street last week. The victim is being remembered as “a beloved member of the transgender community.”
Gov. Tim Walz wants Minnesota lawmakers to temper expectations heading into next session to keep the state budget from moving into the red. A deficit could result if new spending gets too high in the upcoming session.  That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
Vikings will stick with Joshua Dobbs at QB, after bye week assessment
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Wednesday that he will remain the starter this week, after he threw four interceptions during a damaging 12-10 loss at home to Chicago on Nov. 27. O’Connell acknowledged after that game he considered benching Dobbs to give the offense a spark.
Federal prosecution proceeds in crash that killed 5
A grand jury has found probable cause for previous charges against Derrick John Thompson for possession of a firearm as a felon, possession of fentanyl, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Police officers were responding Wednesday to a “confirmed active shooter” in a building at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. There appeared to be multiple victims and that a suspect had been “contained.”
Protect, serve — and paddle? Ely tries North Woods pitch to recruit new cops
The city of Ely — the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area — has taken a creative approach to a statewide and national issue, by offering a $3,800 canoe package to help recruit and retain badly needed police officers.
As December begins, many Minnesotans are asking 'where is the snow?'
Last month was the second-driest November on record for the Twin Cities, with overall temperatures sitting at 3.7 degrees above average while precipitation for the month was 1.57 inches below average. 
Local musician celebrating Hanukkah with song
Musician Sarina Partridge teaches original songs, speaking to the themes of Hanukkah, for community singing.
Minnesota students get a front row seat to COP28 in Dubai
The Middle East is playing host to its second straight U.N. climate conference known as COP28, and students from Macalester College get a chance to be spectators to the meeting of world leaders.
Breaking down Minnesota's budget forecast
Minnesota’s projected budget surplus was pegged at $2.4 billion in a new report Wednesday from the state finance agency, which also raised concerns about patterns down the line.
Accessibility advocates thrilled over Minneapolis' investment in sidewalk snow removal
The Minneapolis City Council Tuesday night passed a $1.8 billion budget for next year which includes a $595,000 funding package to help clear city sidewalks of snow. It’s intended to target high-traffic areas and residents who don’t shovel their walks.
Why is ADHD often overlooked in adults, especially women?
ADHD is a common diagnosis in children. But it’s not just for kids. Many adults are also learning they have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder — especially women. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how problems with attention and focus show up later in life. 
At tribal summit, Biden to sign order on funding, support Indigenous lacrosse team in 2028 Olympics
President Joe Biden will sign an executive order during a tribal nations summit that aims to make it easier for Native Americans to access federal funding and have greater autonomy over how to invest those funds.
U.S. files war crime charges against Russians accused of torturing an American in the Ukraine invasion
Attorney General Merrick Garland says in announcing a war crimes case against four Russians accused of torturing an American during the invasion of Ukraine that U.S. authorities “will never stop working to bring those responsible to justice.”
Cougar struck, killed by vehicle near previous sightings in Minneapolis
While officials have not confirmed it’s the same animal seen earlier in the week in the Lowry Hill neighborhood, the crash happened less than a mile from the previous sightings.
Taylor Swift is named Time Magazine's person of the year
Time Magazine has named Taylor Swift its person of the year. Swift was picked from a group of nine finalists that included Barbie, King Charles III, and OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, among others.
Mild, breezy Wednesday with warmer air ahead
We’re in for a December heat wave the next few days with highs in the 40s and 50s in southern Minnesota. Cooler air is back for the weekend with some snow possible especially north. 
Don’t change the channel: Minnesota’s first women’s sports bar is ready to tip off
The Midwest’s first bar dedicated to promoting and watching women’s sports plans to open in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis, led by a woman who got tired of pleading with bartenders to change the TV to women’s sports.
Minnesota tax rebate recipients must turn over some of their money to the IRS. And Democrats will retain a six-seat edge in the Minnesota House after a special election for a seat encompassing parts of Dakota County.
Warmer Wednesday and Thursday, another clipper system Friday
Wednesday will be much warmer with a mix of clouds and sun. Highs will be in the 40s and 30s. Thursday will bring 50s to southern Minnesota. A clipper system will bring colder air for the weekend.
A smaller stage, and higher stakes, for the fourth Republican debate
For the fourth Republican primary debate, the field is smaller than ever, with just four candidates meeting the Republican National Committee criteria to participate.
Minnesota schools will soon require ethnic studies. Here’s what that might look like
State leaders say it’s crucial students understand the political and social struggles of people of color, new immigrants and Indigenous communities. A look inside one St. Paul classroom shows how that might work.
Minnesota budget projected surplus at $2.4 billion, but warning lights blinking
State finance officials released a broad report detailing Minnesota’s economy, spending and a potential budget surplus that sets the tone for the 2024 legislative session. The state’s budget commissioner, though, offered a cautionary view on the long-term forecast.
Minneapolis adopts new budget amid calls to stop encampment closures
More than 60 people testified at the final public hearing on the city’s budget, many asking the council to intervene on the camp’s behalf and arguing that people will die if the camp is evicted.  
Democrats keep Dakota County seat in Minnesota House special election
Bianca Virnig, a Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school board member, won a special election for a Minnesota House seat, preserving the DFL’s hold on a district around Eagan and Mendota Heights.
New creative studio for kids opens in Whittier Recreation Center
Spark’d Studio in Whittier Recreation Center in Minneapolis is a new youth space with computers, video cameras, audio equipment and a range of media and art classes. The parks board space is open for kids to drop by after school for free.