Stories from January 9, 2024

Minnesota blackout license plates are hot sell in first week
The Department of Public Safety’s Vehicle Services Division reported it sold 3,800 of the plates during the first week they became available. Major League sports team plates and Lion’s Club options also became available this week. Others go on sale later in January.
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe plans to open a cannabis growing facility. In her annual State of the Band address Tuesday, chief executive Melanie Benjamin said the decision to get into the cannabis industry was not made lightly, but a majority of band members said they support it.
The FAFSA rollout has been rough on students. The biggest problem is yet to come
The Education Department has made a big mistake with this year’s FAFSA — one that could cost students financial aid they’re entitled to. It’s now grappling with how to implement a fix.
Watch for frigid temperatures, light snow and difficult travel later this week. The rest of Tuesday should be mostly sunny with highs in the mid-teens. Wednesday it will snow with a high in the low 20s, plus a chance of snow the rest of the workweek and into the weekend.
Supreme Court rejects appeal by ex-officer Tou Thao, who held back crowd as George Floyd lay dying
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to review the federal civil rights conviction of a former Minneapolis police officer who held back a concerned crowd while fellow officers pinned down a dying George Floyd. 
Fourth child dies from injuries suffered in St. Paul house fire
A fourth child has died from injuries suffered in an early morning house fire last week in St. Paul’s Payne-Phalen neighborhood.
Here's who could oversee MPD's court-enforced settlement agreement
The city of Minneapolis is hosting meetings this week featuring the three finalists that want to oversee the city’s court-enforced settlement agreement with the state over Minneapolis police. It’s an important step to ensure the city meets obligations required by the state agreement and an expected federal consent decree on Minneapolis police.
Girl Scouts are about a lot more than the cookies
Girl Scouts are evolving to meet the needs of today’s girls. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Girl Scouts River Valleys CEO Marisa Williams about girls’ mental health, new badges and culturally specific troops.
Active week of winter weather continues in Minnesota
Snow showers will linger mostly in far southeast Minnesota with lighter snow showers and flurries scattered elsewhere across the state. More snow is possible Wednesday into early Thursday.
New Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne on cease-fire resolution, encampments
The Minneapolis City Council appointed Elliott Payne as its new president at its first meeting of the new year. He spoke with Morning Edition about the council’s resolution on the Israel-Hamas war, the future of policing in Minneapolis and how the city should handle homeless encampments.
Judge orders new North Dakota legislative district for 2 Native American tribes
A federal judge has ordered a new legislative district for two Native American tribes who successfully challenged North Dakota’s 2021 redistricting map as violating the Voting Rights Act in diluting Native American voters’ strength. 
Winter storm continues to affect southeast Minnesota
Plows were out and schools were delayed or canceled across much of southern Minnesota on Tuesday as the area’s first significant winter storm of the season shifted eastward.
Three people are dead after a reported "active shooter" at a Cloquet motel last night. Authorities are expected to release more information at a news conference this morning. Plus the Minneapolis City Council has appointed its new leaders. The council voted for Elliott Payne as president and Aisha Chughtai as vice president.
Michigan beats Washington Huskies 34-13 in college national championship
Michigan looked like it would run away from Washington early in the College Football Playoff championship game. But the Wolverines mostly plodded along until they put together the game-defining, 71-yard drive that put them up two touchdowns midway through the fourth quarter. 
Here are important dates on the 2024 election calendar
The presidential nominating contests kick off with voting in Iowa on Jan. 15. That's followed by New Hampshire on Jan. 23. Here are some more key dates for this year's election calendar.
As session approaches, Minnesota lawmakers plan to keep advancing shift to clean energy
Key Minnesota legislators say not to expect climate legislation as ambitious as last year in the upcoming session. In 2023, they passed a historic legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This year their focus will be on making sure the state’s able to achieve its clean energy goals.
2 major airlines find loose bolts, other problems on grounded Boeing jets
About 170 planes were grounded after the "door plug" on a Boeing 737 Max 9 blew out on an Alaska Airlines flight. United and Alaska are the two big U.S. carriers that fly Boeing jets with door plugs.
Long-time leader of St. John's Abbey retires leaving storied 23-year legacy
This week in Collegeville, Minn. the monks of St. John's Abbey are convening to elect their next leader, or abbot. John Klassen is retiring after 23 years in the role and notably led the monastery through its sexual abuse reckoning.