Stories from December 17, 2024

The president of the NCAA calls for a ban on 'prop bets' in college sports
As sports betting has spread across the U.S., college athletes have increasingly faced harassment from bettors. A federal ban on wagers that concern individual performances could help, the NCAA says.
‘An irreplaceable feeling’: Formerly incarcerated advocate votes in Electoral College
Elizer Darris said voting in the Electoral College on Tuesday was “the culmination of a multidecade fight” to make sure the voices of formerly incarcerated people like him are heard.
Most U.S. shootings are done by men, but the Wisconsin school attack is an exception
Authorities say a 15-year-old girl carried out the shooting that killed two and wounded several at a Wisconsin school. Female shooters are relatively rare, statistically speaking.
Luigi Mangione is charged with murder as an act of terrorism in CEO’s death
The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has been charged with murder as an act of terrorism. The indictment could help move along procedural steps toward extraditing the suspect.
Coffee prices are higher than ever. Here’s what it means for your cup
Droughts in top coffee-growing countries have shrunk the supply of beans. Supermarket brands like Nescafé and Folgers have already raised prices — but the world keeps drinking more and more coffee.
Snow Tuesday mainly south of Twin Cities; several inches likely Thursday
We’re still 48 hours away from the bulk of Thursday’s system, so snowfall projections will likely still shift. Most forecast models suggest a wide swath of between 3 and 6 inches of fresh powder across much of Minnesota by Friday morning.
Water safety for the kids who need it most
Children of color and children on the autism spectrum are less likely to know how to swim than their peers. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about efforts to bring water safety and swim lessons to communities most at risk.
Minnesota’s home care workers fight for retirement benefits
If you’re looking for job security, you might consider being a home health or personal care aid. It’s the highest demand job in Minnesota, according to the state government. But the low median wage for the job leaves little for retirement savings. Some workers are fighting to change that.
Minneapolis mosque and synagogue targeted in threats, vandalism
Minneapolis Police are investigating the defacing of Temple Israel, a synagogue in Minneapolis. On Monday, a suspect spray-painted swastikas on the doors and pillar of the building.
In disputed Shakopee-area legislative race, voters share what was on uncounted ballots
While 20 ballots believed to have been discarded before being counted won’t be recovered, some voters who cast those missing ballots shared what was on them. They appear to show Rep. Brad Tabke’s narrow lead would stand up.
Amid safety concerns, federal government puts land into trust for Prairie Island Indian Community
The Prairie Island Indian Community can start preparing to move its gaming operations — should that be necessary — after a ruling by the federal government last week put about 400 acres of land into trust. It was spurred by the tribe’s concerns that “catastrophic” flooding or an incident from the nearby nuclear power plant would render their casino inoperable.
Electoral College members meet Tuesday at the State Capitol and at sites across the U.S. to cast the final votes in the presidential election. And Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips gave farewell remarks to Congress on the House floor Monday. 
A judge has sentenced a southeast Minnesota man to life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing his estranged partner. Family and friends tearfully remembered Madeline Kingsbury in a Winona County courtroom Tuesday during Adam Fravel's sentencing hearing.
Jefferson turns TD celebration into Moss tribute during Vikings win: 'We love you Randy'
Justin Jefferson raced across the back of the end zone, leaped to catch the pass from Sam Darnold and launched into his latest touchdown celebration after an early score for the Minnesota Vikings. He finished the dance with a special tribute to one of his greatest inspirations, Randy Moss.
Vikings win 7th straight to forge tie for NFC North lead with 30-12 blowout of reeling Bears
Aaron Jones and Cam Akers had touchdown runs in the second half to complement a smothering performance by the Minnesota defense, and the Vikings moved into a tie for first place in the NFC North by beating the Chicago Bears 30-12 for their seventh consecutive victory. 
A transplanted pig kidney offers a grandmother hope for life without dialysis
The patient was in kidney failure and her immune system would reject a human organ. Scientists hope genetically modified pig organs prove safe and will alleviate the organ shortage and save lives.
'Love Is Blind' cast are employees, labor board says. Could a reality TV union be next?
The case could have big implications for what glues reality show fans to the tube. A pending ruling, whatever the outcome, would set a precedent that other unscripted TV cast members could follow.
Divided over politics, a father and son in Minnesota sought a therapist’s help
A father and adult son with sharp political differences sat down with a therapist to figure out how they can have more productive political conversations at a time of intense polarization in the country.
An explosion kills the head of Russia's nuclear defense forces in Moscow
A senior Russian general was killed Tuesday by a bomb hidden in a scooter outside his apartment building in Moscow. A Ukrainian official said the country's security service carried out the attack.
Canada's finance minister resigns, posing biggest test of Trudeau's political career
The stunning move raised questions about how much longer the prime minister of nearly 10 years — whose popularity has plummeted due to concerns about inflation and immigration — can stay on.