Stories from December 11, 2024

University of Minnesota announces plans to restructure M Health system under new leadership 
U leadership proposes hiring an interim executive vice president of health affairs for the university’s academic health system. President Rebecca Cunningham said they seek someone with experience “owning and operating a successful and financially feasible hospital system.”
The benefits of older workers
Ageism limits opportunities for older people and can diminish their sense of value. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell and his guests talk about how to find purpose later in your career and in retirement.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he’s vetoing the 2025 budget approved by the city council last night. In a statement this afternoon, the mayor said he WILL approve the property tax levy, an increase of just under 7 percent. And the authors of Minnesota’s cannabis law are expressing disappointment over procedural delays that will push a retail market rollout into spring or summer.
FBI Director Wray to resign at end of Biden administration
FBI Director Christopher Wray on Wednesday announced he would resign from the bureau at the end of the Biden administration next month, with more than two years remaining on his term in office.
The U.S. is facing a severe housing shortage. Will Trump's proposals help?
The U.S. is short approximately four million homes. Wharton economist Ben Keys traces the beginning of the housing crisis to the 2008 financial meltdown — and says climate change is making things worse.
Local TikToker says she would lose majority of her business if app was banned
Data from TikTok and Oxford Economics found around 70,000 businesses in Minnesota use TikTok for promotional purposes. And a third of the small businesses in the state say that using TikTok is at the crux of their business structure.
Two people charged with animal abuse after dozens of cats, dogs seized in Beltrami County
Authorities said 64 dogs and cats were removed from the property last week, and brought to Animal Humane Society in the Twin Cities. But deputies had counted well over 200 animals on previous visits.
Minnesota Now and Then: Santa Lucia
Swedes in Minnesota and beyond will be celebrating Santa Lucia, a 400-year-old tradition.
Cannabis agency drops plans for licensing fast track, early 2025 retail launch in Minnesota grows doubtful
Amid legal disputes, Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management will no longer hold a preapproval lottery for certain marijuana business applicants. Instead, the process will be revamped heading into 2025, making an early-year launch to retail sales difficult to achieve.
Fire at Minneapolis encampment spreads to nearby home
Crews arrived to find several tents in the encampment fully engulfed in flames and propane tanks exploding, as well as a neighboring home that had caught fire.
How can we avoid loneliness and social isolation as we age?
More than a third of people over the age of 50 feel lonely. And nearly as many feel isolated. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell and his guests talk about how to connect the disconnected.
Driver who crashed into Park Tavern pleads not guilty
The man accused of crashing his vehicle into a Twin Cities restaurant patio earlier this year, killing two people, pleaded not guilty Tuesday.
Morning Announcements for Dec. 11
Here are the morning announcements for Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024.
DFL, Republican senators weigh in on state budget forecast
The state’s latest economic forecast, revealed Dec. 4, predicts less revenue than expected and higher-than-expected costs for some government programs. MPR News host Emily Bright spoke with state Sens. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, and Eric Pratt, R-Prior Lake, about their thoughts on the budget forecast and what it means for the 2025 Legislative Session.
Mayor Jacob Frey vetoes 2025 budget approved by Minneapolis City Council
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced Wednesday afternoon that he is vetoing the 2025 budget approved by the city council late Tuesday night. The budget had passed with enough votes to override a veto.
Matt Boldy scores the only goal in a shootout to send the Wild past Utah 5-4
Matt Boldy was the only scorer in the shootout and lifted the Minnesota Wild to a 5-4 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Minnesota’s Marco Rossi scored with 43.2 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.
The Minneapolis City Council has passed a 2025 budget. And state Senate leaders again are sparring over the membership of a lawmaker arrested for burglary. 
Bundle up: Frigid cold for the next 48 hours
We’re in the grip of an arctic air outbreak Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures will warm up dramatically for the weekend with another chance at snow showers Saturday. 
Data centers spark opposition from residents, concerns over energy use
Tract, a development company based in Colorado, is proposing to build the $5 billion project for an undisclosed company, one of several data centers under construction or planned in Minnesota.
Minnesota’s holiday stages offer a mix of joy, history and soul
Minnesota’s holiday theater offerings this year range from the soulful traditions of “Black Nativity” and the whimsical charm of “The Nutcracker Fantasy” to a comedic take on Scrooge at the Guthrie, a kid-approved Grinch at the Children's Theatre Company and the feminist and historical journey of “I Am Betty” at History Theatre.
Dreaming of a Black Utopia in Trump’s America
In his new book, “The Black Utopians,” author Aaron Robertson tells the story of how Black folks have created many different versions of utopian communities throughout history — and why those communities tend to be especially meaningful during times of political tension and racial unrest.
Bankruptcy judge rejects The Onion's bid for Infowars
The bidder that lost last month's auction of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' assets had complained that the process was rigged and "fatally flawed."
Developers break ground on $500 million Duluth hilltop housing development
The project, called Incline Village, on the former site of Duluth Central High School, is expected to include nearly 1,200 market rate condos and apartments and 80,000 square feet of retail.