Stories from December 21, 2023

Minneapolis looks to fund climate action through minor hike in gas and energy bills
Anyone getting gas and electricity service in Minneapolis will see an estimated one dollar increase in their bills come next year. It’s a part of the city’s Climate Legacy Initiative and officials say it will raise an additional $10 million each year starting in 2024 for climate action.
Appetites: Putting a holiday twist on cocktail classics
The Red Nose Room at the Red Cow in Uptown has ten different drinks to help you celebrate the season. There are classics with a festive spin and some new concoctions. Red Cow’s Beverage Director Ian Lowther shared some tips and ideas for those looking to recreate these drinks at home or for a holiday party.
Minnesota's unemployment rate inched down last month. And job applicants can't be prompted to share past salary information with prospective employers starting next year. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota employers can’t ask applicants about prior pay starting Jan. 1
A new state law will bar employers from asking about past pay and considering that information as part of the hiring process. The law’s supporters say it will help bridge wage gaps in Minnesota.
Minneapolis encampment residents moving to housing as city and nonprofits search for beds, opioid treatment
Camp Nenookaasi is forcing city leaders to find solutions to an already complicated set of public health and public safety issues involving opioid use and homelessness.
Inching closer to strike, Minnesota's 3 largest school districts turn to mediation
For more on the process as negotiations stall for several districts and unions, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Johnny Villarreal, commissioner of the state Bureau of Mediation Services.
APM podcasts for kids tap into curiosity about science and history
MPR News host Angela Davis and producer Matt Alvarez revisit a favorite show from 2023, a conversation with kids’ podcast hosts Molly Bloom and Joy Dolo about the creative process that goes into making award-winning podcasts for curious kids and curious adults.
MPR News staff share their favorite albums and EPs of 2023
We generally leave the music recommendations to our sister stations The Current and YourClassical, but MPR News staff listened to a lot of music in 2023. Here are some of their favorite albums and EPs.
Minnesota unemployment ticked down in November amid job gain
The Department of Employment and Economic Development on Thursday said the unemployment rate dropped slightly while new jobs in the state climbed in November.
Rudy Giuliani files for bankruptcy a day after a judge orders him to pay $146 million
The bankruptcy filing follows a Wednesday court order that Giuliani, a former campaign attorney for Donald Trump, must immediately pay millions to two 2020 election workers that he defamed.
More mild weather with fog overnight Thursday, rain develops Sunday
Thursday brings increasing clouds and more mild weather. Fog and drizzle will develop Thursday night into early Friday. Expect record temperatures Sunday and rain to develop. Some snow is possible northwest.
A federal judge has suspended a Minnesota campaign finance law due to take effect with the new year. And the Minnesota Attorney General's office has filed an appeal in a legal fight over a new law which places limits on disability claims for first responders. 
As Israel fights to destroy Hamas, the group's popularity surges among Palestinians
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a recent poll found 68 percent of Palestinians say the Oct. 7 Hamas attack was a legitimate act of defiance and support for the group has more than tripled to 44 percent.
St. Cloud mental health center aims to be a bridge to healing
Ali Aden and Lul Nur moved from the Twin Cities more than a year ago to provide culturally specific mental health services for the East African community, which St. Cloud lacked. 
Colombia Live: Llevando el ritmo y la cultura de Colombia a Minnesota
De Fuego Latino a Colombia Live: Este grupo de baile se llegó a convertir en embajador de la cultura colombiana en Minnesota, creando una comunidad vibrante y orgullosa de sus raíces.
Colombia Live: Bringing the rhythm and culture of Colombia to Minnesota
From Fuego Latino to Colombia Live, follow the journey of a dance group that became an ambassador of Colombian culture in the Midwest and created a vibrant community in Minnesota.
Walz family welcomes a new member, Honey the cat
Gov. Tim Walz adopts new cat Honey in the aftermath of missing first feline Afton.