Stories from December 24, 2024

The Minnesota DNR is investigating the deaths of waterfowl found dead across 20 counties in southern Minnesota in recent weeks. More than 50 birds were discovered and have tested positive for the a strain of the avian flu virus. Also longtime Minnesota legislator suffered a stroke last week.
Former Duluth head shop owner reacts to Biden commuting his drug sentence
MPR News host Tom Crann spoke with former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson just hours after his clemency became official — and his ankle bracelet was cut off — on Friday.
'Twas a foggy night before Christmas...
Expect foggy and dreary conditions through Christmas Eve, with mild temperatures lingering throughout the night. Overnight lows will dip only a few degrees, keeping things on the warmer side for Christmas Day. Rain chances in the forecast towards the end of the week.
Washington Post reporter explains how they uncovered more Native children deaths at boarding schools
A national investigation of former government-run boarding schools found new data on deaths there of Native students, including at Minnesota schools. The Washington Post reports 3,104 Native American students died at the institutions — triple the number previously reported by the federal government.
Talking Sense: From conflict to convergence
Minnesota Now presents an hour-long conversation as part of our Talking Sense initiative, recorded live at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis.
Power Pair: This mother-daughter duo builds community in Golden Valley and beyond
We revisit a conversation with Rose McGee, president and founder of the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie organization, and her daughter, Roslyn Harmon, the mayor of Golden Valley, Minn.
DNR investigating recent waterfowl deaths across southern Minnesota
The Minnesota DNR is investigating a number of reports of dead waterfowl across the southern half of the state. A DNR official said the deaths are likely the result of avian influenza.
Starbucks baristas’ ‘strike before Christmas’ has reached Twin Cities, hundreds of U.S. stores
Starbucks’ union says workers are walking off the job at some 300 — out of over 10,000 — stores across the U.S. as contract negotiations falter. The company urges it to return to the bargaining table.
Revisiting mothers, reimagining stories: Lloyd Suh finds connection and meaning in ‘The Heart Sellers’
Playwright Lloyd Suh’s “The Heart Sellers” explores friendship, immigration, and the enduring impact of history through the lens of two Asian immigrant women in 1970s America.
Morning Announcements for Dec. 24
Here are the morning announcements for Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024.
Mariah Carey and K-pop group Stray Kids rule this week's charts
Holiday music rules the pop charts once again this week, as Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" scores its 17th nonconsecutive week at No. 1 — the third longest run of all time.
Hanukkah Lights 2024
Celebrate the festival of lights with Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz's favorite Hanukkah stories.
Exit interview: The voice of the St. Paul Police Department retires
After a decade as the spokesman for St. Paul Police and 30 years with the department, Sgt. Mike Ernster has retired. His last day on the force was Friday, and he joined Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer for an exit interview.
American Airlines operations up and running again after technical issue grounded U.S. flights
American Airlines flights are cleared to fly after a brief grounding due to systemwide technical issue. American had reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions traveling for the holiday.
Morning fog Tuesday; mild weather persists all week with rain Friday
An end-of-December thaw will diminish much of the snowpack across southern Minnesota this week. The next system will likely bring rain to Minnesota Friday into Saturday. 
Prosecutors and defense attorneys are preparing for the felony burglary trial of DFL State Sen. Nicole Mitchell. And consumer groups and utilities are calling on state lawmakers to increase funding for energy assistance.
Mathews and Young lead the Hawks past the Timberwolves 117-104
Garrison Mathews made a career-best seven 3-pointers and scored a season-high 25 points off the bench as the Atlanta Hawks knocked off the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-104.
Bethlehem is set to mark a second subdued Christmas during the war in Gaza
Bethlehem is preparing for another somber Christmas under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. 
How to protect yourself from AI scams this holiday season
Generative AI is making it easier for fraudsters to dupe people, now more than ever. Protect yourself from scams this holiday season with these five tips.
2024 will be the hottest year on record, even hotter than expected
It's looking like 2024 will be the hottest year since record-keeping began, unseating 2023 for the top spot. Climate change is playing a role, and scientists say it was even hotter than expected.
Pain, hope, history share the ride as Dakota Exiles commemorate Mankato hangings
A nearly 300-mile journey ends in Mankato this week to mark the 161st anniversary of one of the grimmest chapters in Dakota history, the hanging of 38 men after the U.S.- Dakota War. Riders hope their work will bring more understanding of this history. 
As costs rise, number of Minnesotans losing heat, electricity spikes
The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota, a nonprofit that advocates for utility customers, tracks reported shutoffs. It found utilities disconnected more than 85,000 residential households from either gas or electric services from January through October.