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Stories from December 7, 2023

American Crystal Sugar reports a record crop despite drought

American Crystal Sugar reports a record crop despite drought

Moorhead-based American Crystal Sugar Company is reporting a record crop in 2023 as the sugar beet cooperative marks its 50th anniversary.
by Dan Gunderson

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St. John's student reflects on experience at COP28

St. John's student reflects on experience at COP28

A group of 20 students from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University got to observe the heated discussions about climate change and fossil fuels at COP28. Finn Dolezal was a part of that group and he shared more about his time in Dubai.
by Paul Huttner and Ngoc Bui

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U of M scientist advocates for developing countries at global climate summit

U of M scientist advocates for developing countries at global climate summit

On the first day of the 28th United Nations climate change conference, known as COP28, global leaders agreed to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund established at last year’s conference. Nfamara Dampha, a research scientist at the University of Minnesota is taking part in these discussions as a party delegate for the Gambia at COP28.
by Paul Huttner and Ngoc Bui

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Minneapolis declares unsheltered homelessness public health emergency

The City of Minneapolis has declared unsheltered homelessness a public health emergency. And eight members of the council called on the mayor to delay the closing of a large encampment scheduled for next week.
by MPR News Staff

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Pantone's color of the year is 'Peach Fuzz'

Pantone's color of the year is 'Peach Fuzz'

The color consultancy says the "gentle" peach tone highlights our desire for closeness, compassion and well-being. The orange-pink hue is meant to bring comfort and beauty to a digital world.
by Emma Bowman

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American Crystal Sugar signals a record year

Speaking at the cooperative's annual meeting, American Crystal president Tom Astrup said everything lined up for growers this year. The cooperative is forecasting a record payday for growers, but Astrup said operating costs are also rising. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
by Jacob Aloi

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Former police chief turned yoga teacher sentenced to 11 years over Jan. 6 riot

Former police chief turned yoga teacher sentenced to 11 years over Jan. 6 riot

A retired police chief, who led pro-Trump protests and called for "traitors" in government to be "executed as an example," was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot.
by Tom Dreisbach and Barbara Van Woerkom

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St. Paul mayor Melvin Carter on the city's medical debt cancellation plan

St. Paul mayor Melvin Carter on the city's medical debt cancellation plan

St. Paul City Council has approved a budget for next year. It includes a tax hike of 3.7 percent and money for a host of programs and city services. The budget also funnels $1 million in leftover pandemic relief money from the federal government to a non-profit firm that will help residents who are saddled with medical debt.
by Cathy Wurzer and Alanna Elder

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Minnesota Now and Then: Soccer Olympian Briana Scurry

Minnesota Now and Then: Soccer Olympian Briana Scurry

Dayton-born Olympian Briana Scurry was recently honored by the Sports Museum, which awarded her its Soccer Legacy Award at a fundraising gala in Boston. She’s made a big impact since being a star player at Anoka High School. But she has another legacy: as an advocate for treatment of traumatic brain injuries.
by Robbie Mitchem, Jamal Allen, Britt Aamodt, Gretchen Brown and Alanna Elder

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Bill English's rise from 3M's first Black salesman to chief diversity officer

Bill English's rise from 3M's first Black salesman to chief diversity officer

We’re starting a new series — it’s all about Minnesotans over 70 with wisdom and lessons to share. First up, we hear from the first Black salesman at 3M.
by Cathy Wurzer, Chris Farrell, Feven Gerezgiher and Gretchen Brown

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Here's where to find holiday lights, straight from the author of the definitive lights guide

Here's where to find holiday lights, straight from the author of the definitive lights guide

You’ve likely seen holiday lights strung up on the houses in your neighborhood. And maybe you have a holiday tradition to pack into the car and see the best displays in the area. An annual guide can help you map out your road trip.
by Cathy Wurzer and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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White House proposes to 'march in' on patents for costly drugs

White House proposes to 'march in' on patents for costly drugs

To lower drug prices, the Biden administration is looking to assert its authority to license drug patents that rely on government-funded research to drugmakers that would offer cheaper medicines.
by Sydney Lupkin

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This week in sports news with Wally and Eric

This week in sports news with Wally and Eric

Watching the Twins and Timberwolves could get easier soon, as Axios Twin Cities reported earlier this week. Both teams are ending contracts with the parent company behind Bally Sports, which streaming services have dropped. Of course, when you miss a game, Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson can help you get caught up.
by Cathy Wurzer and Alanna Elder

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U.S. military grounds all Osprey aircraft after deadly crash off Japanese coast

U.S. military grounds all Osprey aircraft after deadly crash off Japanese coast

The U.S. military has announced it is grounding all of its Osprey V-22 helicopters, one week after eight Air Force Special Operations Command service members died in a crash off the coast of Japan. 
by The Associated Press

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How to keep kids safe from guns in the home

How to keep kids safe from guns in the home

Firearms are the No. 1 cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. Take these life-saving precautions to protect kids — whether or not you own a gun.
by Marielle Segarra and Clare Marie Schneider

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Decoding the 'familect'

Decoding the 'familect'

What words or phrases does your family — and only your family — use and understand? MPR News host Kerri Miller talked ‘familect’ with University of Minnesota linguist Anatoly Liberman on Thursday’s 9 a.m. show.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer crashes during police chase, killing North Dakota sheriff's deputy

Son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer crashes during police chase, killing North Dakota sheriff's deputy

The 42-year-old son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer crashed into a North Dakota sheriff’s vehicle during a police chase, pushing it into a deputy and killing him, according to authorities and the Republican senator’s family. 
by The Associated Press

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Near-record warmth Thursday; cooler weekend with snow showers possible

Near-record warmth Thursday; cooler weekend with snow showers possible

Near-record highs are possible Thursday with temperatures running 15 to 30 degrees above normal. Minnesota will see snow showers to the north on Friday and statewide by Saturday. Cooler readings are in store for the weekend. 
by Sven Sundgaard

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Recipe: Potato latkes, fried in oil, represent a Hanukkah miracle

Recipe: Potato latkes, fried in oil, represent a Hanukkah miracle

In celebration of Hanukkah, Evana Kvasnik, who is from the fourth generation of the Cecil's Deli family in St. Paul, shared her tips and recipe for traditional potato latkes.
by Tom Crann and Lukas Levin

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Gobert has 16 points and 21 rebounds, helps Timberwolves beat Spurs 102-94

Gobert has 16 points and 21 rebounds, helps Timberwolves beat Spurs 102-94

Rudy Gobert had 16 points and 21 rebounds and the NBA-leading Minnesota Timberwolves held on to beat San Antonio 102-94 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory and the Spurs’ 15th loss in a row.
by The Associated Press

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Gov. Walz seeks to temper budget expectations. Flu season is upon us

Gov. Tim Walz wants Minnesota lawmakers to temper expectations heading into the next legislative session. Walz is hoping to keep the state budget from moving into the red. And with flu season arriving, a senior epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health says now is the time to get a flu shot if you haven't yet.
by Elena See

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Very warm Thursday; more seasonable weekend temperatures

Very warm Thursday; more seasonable weekend temperatures

Thursday will bring even warmer temperatures and some will be near record territory. We’ll see plenty of sunshine also. A clipper system will bring snow showers to northern Minnesota Friday and cooler air for all this weekend. 
by Sven Sundgaard

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'Rebuild the base': How the Biden campaign will tackle a possible Trump rematch

'Rebuild the base': How the Biden campaign will tackle a possible Trump rematch

A campaign manager for President Biden outlines the strategy if there's a repeat of the 2020 election against Donald Trump, and how Democrats plan to win over voters once again.
by Tyler Bartlam, Justine Kenin and Ari Shapiro

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Israel's map and evacuation messages for Gaza are adding to the chaos

Israel's map and evacuation messages for Gaza are adding to the chaos

The U.S. said Israel should create safe zones to minimize civilian deaths from Israeli airstrikes. But Palestinians and international aid groups say the zones have been inadequate or nonexistent.
by Kat Lonsdorf, Daniel Estrin, Anas Baba and Abu Bakr Bashir

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Art Hounds: Holiday recommendations

Art Hounds: Holiday recommendations

It’s a holiday line-up this week for Art Hounds. La Grande Bande presents a French Baroque Christmas in St. Peter and St. Paul this weekend, St. Croix Valley Chamber Chorale performs its Christmas concert this weekend in Stillwater, and Trekkies unite for the play “It’s an Honorable Life,” a Klingon take of the George Bailey classic, at Mounds Theatre in St. Paul. 
by Emily Bright

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A world away from conflict, Israel-Hamas war proves divisive for Minnesota Jews

A world away from conflict, Israel-Hamas war proves divisive for Minnesota Jews

The Oct. 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza strip has surfaced a wide spectrum of emotions for Jews. Some know where they stand, others are changing their perspectives, and some are unsure where to even begin. But people are guarded. Amid the tension, Jews are seeking opportunities to come together and they’re looking for guidance.
by Aleesa Kuznetsov and Lukas Levin

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‘We’re not hiding’: Trans Voices Cabaret debuts in Minneapolis

‘We’re not hiding’: Trans Voices Cabaret debuts in Minneapolis

Hal Sansone directs the Minneapolis Trans Voices Cabaret, a theater production featuring entirely transgender and nonbinary participants, highlighting diverse trans experiences and showcasing their talent in a politically supportive Minnesota.
by Sam Stroozas

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Fake bomb threats sent to Minnesota schools and Jewish institutions

More than two dozen public schools and nine Jewish institutions in Minnesota received fake shooting and bombing threats Wednesday in an apparent effort to draw large law enforcement responses.
by Matt Sepic

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Trump allies craft plans to give him unprecedented power if he wins the White House

Trump allies craft plans to give him unprecedented power if he wins the White House

Trump insiders are working behind the scenes on detailed plans to amass his power so that he can carry out an unprecedented restructuring of the U.S. government and expand executive authority.
by Franco Ordoñez

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Israel presses U.N. to investigate charges of sexual violence by Hamas fighters

Israel presses U.N. to investigate charges of sexual violence by Hamas fighters

Israeli officials have accused international groups, including the United Nations, of ignoring what it describes as evidence of rape and sexual violence by Hamas fighters during the Oct. 7 attacks.
by Becky Sullivan and Michele Kelemen

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