Stories from March 8, 2024

Warming trend returns; 60s again by Monday
A cool weekend gives way to another springlike warm spell nearly next week.
Pentagon finds 'no evidence' of alien technology in new UFO report
In the U.S. military's most comprehensive report addressing unconfirmed UFO sightings, defense officials concluded that most sightings dating back to 1945 were of ordinary origin.
Minnesota Muslims prepare for Ramadan during tense, emotional time
The start of Ramadan signifies the beginning of deep, introspective prayer and private devotion to God through the month-long act of strict fasting, without water or food. While many Minnesota Muslims will be able to break their fast each night, for those in Gaza — they have been without food, water and shelter to pray in for months.
Mia union announces ‘vote of no confidence’ in museum leadership
The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 12 at the Minneapolis Institute of Art has issued a vote of no confidence in Director Katherine Crawford Luber.
Report shows ride share drivers in metro make less than minimum wage; Lyft disagrees
A report released by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry found wages for drivers working for transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft fall below the minimum wage rates in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. However, Lyft officials say they are skeptical of the data.
University of Minnesota approves contract, $1 million annual pay for incoming President Cunningham
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents today approved the employment agreement for incoming president Rebecca Cunningham. She’ll earn over $1 million in her first year on the job, putting her in the top quarter of earners among Big Ten heads.
Small businesses that rely on Minnesota winters could be eligible for federal disaster assistance due to lack of snow
Small businesses that rely on Minnesota’s typically cold winters and count on snow to operate could be eligible for federal assistance after the region’s unusually mild winter. The governor’s office says it’s the first time it’s taken such steps because of a lack of snow.
Minnesota’s free school meals push driving big jump in breakfasts
State leaders say they were surprised by the higher-than-expected demand for meals and that the new effort is making a significant difference for students. DFL lawmakers are looking to spend more.
Fed study finds Native borrowers pay more interest on home purchases than white borrowers  
New research released by the Center for Indian Country Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis blames a disproportionately broad use of home-only loans on reservations for higher costs for Native American homebuyers.  
Kirk Cousins, Chris Jones, Saquon Barkley are among the star players set to test NFL free agency
The quarterback carousel will start spinning when the NFL’s free agency period opens Monday with the legal tampering period. Players can’t officially sign new deals until the opening of the league’s new year on Wednesday.
‘The Extinction of Irena Rey’ asks: Can anything be truly individual and independent?
Jennifer Croft’s novel, centered on a group of translators working on a book, is surprising at every turn, moving from profound observations about nature, art, and communication — to surreal events.
What’s behind the women’s sports boom in Minnesota? An expert explains
Right now, Minnesota is in the midst of a women’s sports popularity boom. Nicole LaVoi, director of the Tucker Center, explains what led to the sudden burst of interest and a passionate fanbase for the gender that’s previously lacked mainstream media coverage.
Aldi to add 800 of its discount stores across U.S. as Americans feel pinch of high food prices
The company did not give specific locations where it plans to open those stores or indicate how many of them might be in Minnesota. Aldi already has more than 75 locations across the state.
Dozens of Minnesota communities see record-setting temps within first week of March
March is already a record breaker only one week in. Higher than average temperatures have led to drier conditions, drawing concerns of wildfire season picking up in Minnesota.
Minnesota sees the largest expansion of drought since October
While winter started wet thanks to December rainfall, the second half of winter became quite dry. The lack of snow cover has also allowed soils to become dry. 
For April's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'OMG' might mean just driving across town
Lots of urban areas will be either in or adjacent to the path of totality for the eclipse on April 8. Experts advise getting into this path, as even a 99% partial eclipse is nothing like a total one.
Cooler Friday and Saturday, but still above normal for most
A system is clipping southeast Minnesota with rain and snow showers Friday. The rest of the state will be cooler with decreasing clouds ahead of a sun-filled weekend.
A federal judge has dismissed a wrongful death suit by the mother of a man killed by Brooklyn Center police. And after fierce testimony, state lawmakers decided to table a bill transferring land from the White Earth State Forest to the White Earth Nation.
5 takeaways from President Biden's State of the Union address
President Biden used the high-profile speech to draw a contrast with his 2024 likely opponent, former President Donald Trump. He hit on the economy, abortion, the Mideast and the border.
After Legionnaires’ outbreak, Grand Rapids will consider chlorinating water
The outbreak has now sickened 15 people. Health investigators believe the source is the city’s water distribution system. Grand Rapids does not regularly disinfect its water supply with chlorine, which health officials say can help control Legionella bacteria.
Biden touts economic 'comeback' in election-year pitch to skeptical voters
President Biden used his State of the Union speech to highlight economic gains and draw a contrast with his GOP opponents. Polls shows many voters give Biden low marks for his economic stewardship.
A federal judge on Thursday dismissed a wrongful death suit filed by the mother of a man killed by Brooklyn Center police. Amity Dimock sued the Minneapolis suburb after police fatally shot her son, Kobe Dimock-Heisler, in August 2019.