Stories from December 31, 2024

Chilly New Year's Eve; continued cooldown into 2025
We'll ring in the new year with below-average temperatures, ranging from the teens to single digits. As the weekend approaches, temperatures will continue to fall, with highs expected to be at least 10 degrees below the seasonal average.
2024 marks most shooting deaths of law enforcement in Minnesota in 42 years
The deaths of Burnsville police officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, along with Minneapolis Police officer Jamal Mitchell, made for a tragic year in law enforcement. In total, five law enforcement officers in Minnesota died this year.
Starting tomorrow, all court participants will be required to use the Minnesota Digital Exhibit System to upload hearing and trial evidence. And cannabis compact negotiations are underway between the state and some of the 11 tribal nations in Minnesota. If successful, this could lead to tribal cannabis growers providing wholesale supplies to dispensaries around the state when they open in mid-to late 2025.
Airlines file federal lawsuit seeking exemption from Minnesota sick time law
An airline industry group is suing the state of Minnesota in pursuit of an exemption from a new paid sick time law, arguing the requirement runs contrary to federal rules and could hamper flight schedules.
What are you reading? What are you watching?
MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the books, movies and TV shows that helped them unwind in 2024.
Nearly all of Puerto Rico is without power on New Year's Eve
A blackout hit nearly all of Puerto Rico early Tuesday as the U.S. territory prepared to celebrate New Year’s, leaving more than 1.3 million clients in the dark. Officials said it could take up to two days to restore power.
Should you be worried about bird strikes during your next flight?
Bird strikes occur daily for commercial flights, costing airlines millions in damages each year. Although rare, these incidents can result in injuries and fatalities.
Trump calls it the 'center of the universe.' Mar-a-Lago is a magnet for those seeking influence
President-elect Donald Trump calls his Mar-a-Lago resort the "center of the universe.” Famous figures such as Elon Musk, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg pop up at events held daily at the opulent club. 
New Year's Eve temps in the teens, single digits across Minnesota
Colder air is moving in and that will keep temperatures steady or even falling through the day. Even colder air arrives late in the week. 
NFL Playoff Guide: Postseason bracket much clearer with 1 week remaining in regular season
It’s Week 18 of the NFL season, which means just one game remains before postseason action begins. In the NFC, a crucial game awaits when the Minnesota Vikings travel to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday in a game that will decide the division winner, the No. 1 seed in the conference and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl.
4 ways news media fuel polarization, and some ways to stop it
We live in politically polarized times, and media coverage can be part of the problem, says Diana Mutz, an author and professor who wants American news organizations to rethink how they present political news.
Poll: American institutions? 1 in 5 say ‘let them burn’
New findings from the McCourtney Institute for Democracy’s Mood of the Nation Poll show that 1 in 5 Americans agree with a statement indicating that the nation’s political and social institutions should be allowed to burn.