Stories from December 18, 2024

Season's biggest snowfall so far likely Thursday
Forecast models continue to lay out a wide zone of 3 to 7 inches of snow across most of central Minnesota, including the Twin Cities. It still looks like there will be a sharp cutoff with lower snowfall totals south of the Twin Cities.
Man pleads guilty to stalking UConn basketball star and Minnesota native Paige Bueckers
A man accused of stalking and harassing UConn basketball star Paige Bueckers has pleaded guilty to a stalking charge. A court clerk said 40-year-old Robert Cole Parmalee received a one-year suspended sentence and three year's probation on Wednesday.
House Ethics Committee secretly voted to release Matt Gaetz ethics report, source says
The House Ethics Committee has voted in secret to release the long-awaited ethics report into former Rep. Matt Gaetz. The move by the bipartisan panel raises the possibility that the allegations against the Florida Republican who was President-elect Donald Trump’s first choice for attorney general could be made public in the coming days.
Report: Minnesota gun deaths declined in 2023
The number of Minnesotans who died as a result of gun-related incidents in 2023, is lower than in past years.  But the advocacy group which released the report say stronger laws still needed to reduce gun deaths.
Government funding plan collapses as Trump makes new demands
President-elect Donald Trump has abruptly rejected a bipartisan plan to prevent a Christmastime government shutdown, instead telling House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republicans to essentially renegotiate — days before a deadline when federal funding runs out. 
Winter storm warnings are now in place for much of northern and central Minnesota —including the Twin Cities — from late Wednesday through Thursday. A storm system may drop more than half-foot of snow on parts of the state. The warnings stretch from the Red River Valley south and east to Saint Cloud, Duluth and the metro area. Also, Minnesota taxpayers eligible for a child tax credit can opt for advance payments beginning next year.
Global warming can’t be ignored, Montana’s top court says, upholding landmark climate case
Montana’s Supreme Court has upheld a landmark climate ruling that said the state was violating residents’ constitutional right to a clean environment by permitting oil, gas and coal projects without regard for global warming.
The M’s New Wing and exhibition glow after $14M renovation and expansion
At the Minnesota Museum of American Art, newly commissioned Native works and a broad range of historic and contemporary art are displayed together in the expanded New Wing, creating a setting that centers Indigenous perspectives.
Federal Reserve cuts its key rate by a quarter-point but envisions fewer reductions next year
The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point — its third cut this year — but also signaled that it expects to reduce rates more slowly next year than it previously envisioned, largely because of still-elevated inflation.
Senate passes defense bill that will raise troop pay and aims to counter China's power
The Senate has passed a defense bill that authorize significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members and boost overall military spending to $895 billion. It also strips coverage of transgender medical treatments for children of military members.
Twin Cities low income housing for mothers saved from bankruptcy, state looks for funding
The low income apartments in St. Louis Park filed for bankruptcy in 2023, putting 60 mothers and their children at risk. But now they’ll be able to continue critical programming to help women recover from abuse and addiction.
As companies build new data centers across Minnesota, some worry about their energy use
MPR News correspondent Kirsti Marohn spoke to chief meteorologist Paul Huttner about the rapid growth in new data centers across the state that’s making neighbors concerned.
The darker side of the rise of women’s sports: With more visibility comes more online harassment
It’s a cycle female athletes and fans of women’s sports have come to recognize: With the increased and sought-after visibility also comes added scrutiny and, often, harassment and online abuse targeting some players.
Cooler Wednesday ahead of snow Thursday
Enjoy a dry day with a mix of clouds and sun Wednesday. It will be cooler than the last couple of days. Snow develops late Wednesday night into Thursday for much of the state. 
'Cancer ghosting' can be more painful than treatment, survivors say
Loss of social support after a cancer diagnosis is a surprisingly common experience, social workers and cancer patients say. For young cancer survivors, it is a particularly difficult part of the disease.
‘Pure evil’: Madeline Kingsbury’s family, friends decry abuse that led to her murder
Before sentencing Adam Fravel to a mandatory term of life without parole, Judge Nancy Buytendorp noted the profound effect of his abuse — a pattern of behavior that led him ultimately to kill his former partner. 
Impacts of Rapidan Dam breach on Minnesota likely to be long-lasting
Six months after the Blue Earth River carved its way around the Rapidan Dam near Mankato, the surrounding community is still coming to terms with the damage and its longer-term implications. Sediment levels in the river remain high, and a nearby bridge is now being replaced.
In last-ditch effort, Democrats push to get Julie Su confirmed as labor secretary
Acting Secretary Julie Su has led the Labor Department for nearly two years, despite never getting a Senate confirmation vote. With time running out, her staunchest supporters haven't given up.