Stories from December 20, 2024

Gift ideas for the readers on your list
Looking for book recommendations to round out your gift lists? Ask a Bookseller has you covered.
The reason for warmer Minnesota winters: Less snow
Hotter summers and scorching temperatures might be a go-to thought when you think of climate change, but most of Minnesota’s warming has actually been taking shape during the winters.
In a ruling critical to Minnesota House control, a Democrat elected in November is barred from taking office after a court order in Ramsey County. Also, if you’re a fan of the snow that fell across much of the region this week, make sure to get out and savor it this weekend. Warmer weather is in the forecast for next week.
December warmer than normal despite blankets of snow
Minnesota was covered in snow on Thursday. But despite the look of a winter landscape, the month of December is warmer than normal.
10 young adult novels you don’t have to be young to enjoy
Whether you’re young or young at heart, NPR has book ideas for you. This year’s YA collection, gathered by NPR book critics and staff, includes romance, historical fiction, poetry, fantasy and more.
What a government shutdown could mean for your holiday travel plans
Millions of Americans are planning to travel in the coming days. Here's what a potential government shutdown could mean for flying, driving and more — and what you can do to prepare.
Unwelcome holiday guests: RSV, flu and COVID-19 on the rise
According to data released Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Health, 47 people were hospitalized due to influenza, 34 were admitted with RSV, and 191 were hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first week in December — all up notably from the previous week. Additionally, COVID-19 levels measured in the state’s wastewater continue to rise.
Morning Announcements for Dec. 20
Here are the morning announcements for Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.
Frosty winter solstice ahead
The winter solstice on Saturday will mark the end of our shorter, darker days. Friday will bring bright, arctic sunshine, with a calm weekend ahead. Light snow showers are expected late Sunday into Monday. Temperatures will rise above freezing for the holiday week.
Who can say it’s healthy? The FDA has a new definition for food labels
At a time when more than half the American diet comes from processed, packaged foods, the FDA has new rules aimed at helping people make healthier choices in the grocery store.
How much snow? Thursday storm totals from across Minnesota
Parts of Minnesota received more than a half-foot of snow from Thursday’s winter storm. For much of the state, it was the largest snowfall of the winter so far.
Government funding bill clears Congress and heads to President Biden, averting a shutdown
The Senate has rushed through final passage of a bipartisan plan to fund federal operations and prevent a government shutdown. It now goes to President Joe Biden, who is expected to quickly sign it into law.
Minnesota Frost beat the Ottawa Charge 5-2, Kelly Pannek and Grace Zumwinkle each score 2 goals
Kelly Pannek and Grace Zumwinkle each scored two goals and the Minnesota Frost beat the Ottawa Charge 5-2 on Thursday night. Minnesota (3-0-1-0) had two multi-goal scorers for the second straight game after getting a pair of goals from Britta Curl-Salemme and Michela Cava in a 6-3 win over Toronto on Dec. 7.
Parts of the state saw up to 7 inches of snowfall Thursday. A federal grand jury has indicted three Minnesota women on charges that they defrauded Medicaid by overbilling for substance abuse treatment services.
Towns tears up T-wolves in return with 32 points and 20 rebounds in 133-107 romp by Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns had 32 points and 20 rebounds in his return to Minnesota in leading the inspired New York Knicks past the Timberwolves 133-107. Mikal Bridges scored 29 points as the Knicks built a lead as big as 36 points in the third quarter and won for the 12th time in 16 games.
Chilly Friday and Saturday, then a mild week ahead
Chilly air has settled into place in the wake of Thursday’s snowfall. Temperatures will be below normal Friday and Saturday, but next week brings above-freezing temperatures.  
Snow emergencies remain in effect for St. Paul, Minneapolis
Snowplows were back on the road Friday across much of Minnesota, clearing freeways, streets and sidewalks after Thursday’s winter storm. Snow emergencies remain in effect in Minneapolis, St. Paul and other cities.
Towns relishes an enjoyable return to Minnesota, from the roar of the crowd to a blowout win
Karl-Anthony Towns needed some extra time to prepare for playing against the team he always figured he’d be with his whole career. The surreal experience of returning to Minnesota was enjoyable from start to finish for Towns.
Trump’s reelection victory pushes some LGTBQ Minneapolis residents to safety training
For some marginalized communities the second Trump term is fraught with fears over personal safety. In Minneapolis, one organization is helping with de-escalation services and gun training.
‘Niimiwin’ art exhibit celebrates the powwow tradition
All My Relations Arts will celebrate its current exhibit with live performances and an art market at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. “Niimiwin” is a multimedia art exhibit inspired by powwow and dance.
Home monitoring helps moms track blood pressure after birth, reducing risks 
High blood pressure disorders affect one in seven patients during pregnancy or after delivery, leading to an increased risk of dangerous complications that can include stroke, heart failure and seizures.
Edina superintendent picked to head St. Paul schools
The St. Paul school board Thursday night chose Stacie Stanley to head the state’s second largest district. Board members voted unanimously to offer her the position, describing Stanley as compassionate. Her start date will be announced after winter break.
Carter takes scalpel to St. Paul budget with line-item veto, approves smaller levy increase
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter used his line-item veto power to cut several items from the city’s 2025 budget, but the city council overrode all of the vetoes at a special meeting late Thursday afternoon.