Stories from March 13, 2024

Union workers push for health care and insurance bills following coordinated strikes
After thousands of Twin Cities union workers went on strike last week, workers are pushing for changes at the Capitol — including public health insurance open to all Minnesotans and insurance for striking workers. 
Children’s Minnesota debuts new modest hospital gown for kids
Children’s Minnesota partnered with local design company Henna and Hijabs to debut a kid-size medical grade hospital gown with a detachable hijab and long sleeves.
DNR limits walleye fishing to catch-and-release on Mille Lacs through mid August
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it’s adjusting the open-water regulations for the popular destination lake in north-central Minnesota due in part to hungrier walleye and high catch rates.
The number of U.S. adults who identify as LGBTQ+ doubled in 12 years, new poll shows
In 2023, 7.6 percent of U.S. adults said they align themselves with the LGBTQ+ community, compared to 3.5 percent in 2012, the first year Gallup collected such metrics. That figure has grown every year since 2012.
First Black female jockey Cheryl White celebrated in Minnesota
Raymond White is traveling to Minnesota this coming weekend to share his sister’s legacy with a nonprofit equestrian program for BIPOC youth in the Twin Cities.
Rain expected to mostly miss Twin Cities, concentrated in far southern Minnesota
Did you get your tan on Tuesday? It was the last day of sun this week before we were supposed to get some much needed rain. But by Wednesday, it looks like that may not happen.
Super warm start to March; cooler weather pattern ahead
A pattern change brings much colder weather. We’re still searching for rain and or snow. The low-pressure system tracking through Iowa Thursday is taking a more southerly route, meaning less rainfall for southeastern Minnesota.
A federal grand jury has been convened in connection to the Burnsville shooting that took the lives of three first responders, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.
3M appoints new CEO to lead company
3M has appointed its next chief executive officer, choosing a candidate from outside the company.
Doctor responds to Allina’s planned shuttering of pediatric services at Mercy Hospital Fridley
Allina cites declining pediatric patient volume and high renovation costs of operating rooms as part of the rationale. The decision could mean job loss for providers and disrupted patient care.
What to know about the nose
You probably don’t think much about your nose, unless it’s stuffed up. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two doctors about the wonders of how our nose works, common nasal and sinus problems and how to treat them.
Mild with increasing clouds Wednesday. Rain south on Thursday
Wednesday will still be well above normal with highs in the 40s, 50s and 60s. Clouds will be on the increase ahead of a system that could bring significant rain to parts of southern Minnesota. 
Anthony Edwards leads big comeback, Kawhi Leonard injured in Timberwolves' 118-100 win over Clippers
Anthony Edwards scored 37 points, Nickeil Alexander-Walker added a season-high 28 and the Minnesota Timberwolves roared back from an early 22-point deficit for a 118-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kirill Kaprizov scores twice, adds assist as Wild beat Coyotes 4-1
Kirill Kaprizov scored two goals and assisted on another, and Marc-Andre Fleury made 21 saves as the Minnesota Wild earned their fourth victory in five games, 4-1 over the Arizona Coyotes.
The state Senate higher education committee heard a bill Tuesday that would prohibit legacy admissions at Minnesota colleges and universities. And a bill advancing in the Minnesota Legislature aims to make all packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2032.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering Aaron Rodgers or Jesse Ventura for a 2024 running mate
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is having conversations with vice presidential candidates as he gets closer to announcing his running mate for his independent presidential bid. Kennedy told The New York Times that NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura are at the top of his list. 
A radical Mideast proposal: What if the U.S. recognized a Palestinian state now?
The formula for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long called for negotiating a Palestinian state. What if that were reversed and a state were declared first and then negotiated later?
In northern Minnesota, researchers and foresters prepare for emerald ash borer invasion
The invasive emerald ash borer has slowly munched its way across the state since it was first discovered in St. Paul in 2009. Now it’s on the doorstep of the largest ash forest in North America.
Minnesota lawmakers look to put packaging companies on the hook for materials waste
Amid growing amounts of discarded packaging materials, lawmakers ask: Who should pay to deal with it and how to slim the pile? A bill before the Minnesota Legislature puts that onus on packaging companies.
Minnesota-grown technology helps scientists track wildlife around the globe
Much of the research conducted around the world on hundreds of species of wildlife — from large mammals including moose and wolves, to birds and fish and reptiles, even insects — relies on technology developed, in part, in Minnesota.
Climate solution or pipe dream? Carbon capture and coal power plants
An electric cooperative that serves customers in Minnesota and North Dakota wants to build one of the worlds largest carbon capture facilities. Skeptics doubt Project Tundra will work, but the Biden administration has thrown its support behind the nearly $2 billion project.
Trump and Biden clinch 2024 presidential nominations
The general election rematch between former President Donald Trump and President Biden is now official. Both men have now secured the required delegates to be their respective party's nominee.