Stories from November 25, 2024

A colder than normal start to December?
Our weather maps appear to be undergoing the annual seasonal pattern change into winter. The jet stream is accelerating due to the colder air to the north, and it’s diving down across the central and eastern United States.
‘Busiest Thanksgiving ever’: How the TSA plans to handle record air travel
The Thanksgiving travel rush is expected to be bigger than ever this year. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million people in the U.S. will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday — most of them by car. 
Minnesota DNR delays decision on key proposed copper-nickel mine permit
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has delayed a decision until late next year on a key permit for the proposed NewRange Copper Nickel project in northeastern Minnesota, the mine formerly known as PolyMet. The company called the agency’s decision “unfortunate.”
A Ramsey County District Court judge has ordered the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management to postpone a lottery for social equity licenses that had been set for tomorrow. And Minnesota’s laws on abortion access are being challenged in federal court by a contingent of groups opposed to the procedure.
Hennepin Avenue to reopen to Minneapolis drivers Tuesday
Several blocks of Hennepin Avenue South in Minneapolis will reopen to cars Tuesday, as the first phase of the construction project ends for the season.
Old National to buy Bremer Financial for $1.4B
Old National and Bremer Financial announced Monday morning a merger agreement that will make Old National the third-largest bank in the Twin Cities and expand its banking footprint throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
Nail-biters for Gophers, Vikings and more sports news
Sports guys Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the Vikings and Gophers’ nail-biter games over the weekend.
Judge grants dismissal of Jan. 6 case against Trump
The move came after federal prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss both the Jan. 6 and Mar-a-Lago documents cases against Donald Trump.
Former Minnesotan in Kyiv: ‘Very uncertain’ situation as war in Ukraine rages on
MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with Brian Bonner, a journalist formerly with the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the former editor of the Kyiv Post, Ukraine’s premiere English language newspaper.
Federal lawsuit claims Minnesota’s abortion laws unconstitutional
University of Minnesota Law School Professor Jill Hasday joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share how the lawsuit might affect the future of abortion law in Minnesota.
Joe Biden begins final White House holiday season with turkey pardons for 'Peach' and 'Blossom'
President Joe Biden has kicked off his final holiday season at the White House, issuing the traditional reprieve to two turkeys who will bypass the Thanksgiving table to live out their days in Minnesota.
Listen: Minnesota Farm Bureau outlines legislative priorities
During the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Federation’s annual meeting, stopping the spread of and preventing illnesses that affect cattle and livestock, such as avian influenza and H5N1, arose as a key issue.
To bring or not to bring flowers for your Thanksgiving dinner host
Longtime KARE-11 news anchor and flower photographer Diana Pierce asked her network what they think about bringing flowers as a gift to a Thanksgiving host. The author of the “Blooming” newsletter joined MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer with some curated opinions.
The science and art of breeding, growing and tasting fruit
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two University of Minnesota fruit breeders who helped bring some of your favorite apples to market.
Judge halts cannabis license lottery that is precursor to Minnesota marijuana retail launch
A Ramsey County judge blocked a regulatory agency from holding a license pre-approval lottery after applicants who were denied entry sued the Office of Cannabis Management over the process.
How to get started with Bluesky?
Looking for a new social media platform? You could try Bluesky, where the vibe is seemingly welcoming and there are noticeably fewer trolls. 
Morning Announcements for Nov. 25
Here are the morning announcements for Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.
Winter weather advisory northeast. Cold air blowing in Monday
Snow showers will continue in northeast Minnesota for much of Monday. Temperatures will fall through the day Monday as cold air blows in, making for a chilly week. 
The man who helped roll back abortion rights now wants to 'crush liberal dominance'
Leonard Leo of the Federalist Society helped overturn abortion rights. He spoke to Morning Edition about the Teneo Network's plan to disrupt Hollywood and other perceived centers of liberal thinking.
The holidays are stressful. Restore your calm with these 5 quick tricks
Keep these science-backed stress busters in your back pocket this holiday season. Whip 'em out the next time you're at a table full of bickering in-laws or your flight gets canceled!
You can reduce your risk of dementia. Here's how to get started
About 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by healthy lifestyle choices and preventive medicine. Here's a tool to gauge your brain care and track your progress.
Minneapolis council member who beat rare cancer fights to protect others from harmful pollutants
LaTrisha Vetaw survived a rare form of cancer that doctors told her was likely caused by her exposure to toxins in the air and land where she grew up in Chicago. That was on her mind when the Minneapolis City Council voted recently in favor of closing a solid waste incinerator.
Old machines, new traditions fuel Rollag’s ‘Ladies of Steam’
Nicole Wallace’s love of steam powered engines began as a hobby. Today, she leads a global sisterhood of women with a passion for the vintage machines.