Stories from September 12, 2024

Amur tiger cubs explore their habitat in public debut at Minnesota Zoo
The species of tiger is native to far eastern Russia and northern China and faces endangerment according to Zoologist Trista Fischer. She says there’s an estimated 500 Amur tigers left in the wild.  
Next year’s Jan. 6 election certification will get extra security to prevent another riot
In an effort to prevent another riot like the one on Jan. 6, 2021, the Homeland Security secretary has designated the congressional count and certification of the presidential election as a national special security event overseen by the Secret Service.
Trump rules out another debate against Harris as her campaign announces $47M haul in hours afterward
Former President Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out another presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris as her campaign announced a massive fundraising haul in the hours after the two candidates met on stage.
Politics Friday: What to watch for with political ads on the way
The latest in our meet-the-candidates interviews offers an introduction to Democratic nominee Rachel Bohman in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District. Then, a chat with an expert in political psychology about political ads, their aims and what goes into them.  
Share of foreign-born people in the U.S. is at its highest rate in over a century, survey says
The share of people born outside the United States increased in 2023 to 14.3 percent from 13.9 percent in 2022, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual American Community Survey, which tracks commuting times, internet access, family life, income, education levels, disabilities, military service, and employment, among other topics.
Harvey Weinstein indicted on additional sex crimes charges ahead of New York retrial
Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg disclosed in court that the indictment charges “Mr. Weinstein with additional crimes” and that multiple accusers are prepared to testify against him.
She rapped with Ludacris at the State Fair, TikTokers helped make sure she would be able to cherish it
Alex Campbell turned to TikTok in hopes that someone recorded her rapping with Ludacris. She racked up more than 9 million views and plenty of videos of her to remember the moment forever.
Some Minnesota Republicans distance themselves from U.S. Senate candidate Royce White
Down-ballot GOP candidates are putting space between themselves and White, a candidate with a combative style and complicated past. They say they’re focusing on their own campaigns.
In light of Park Tavern crash, substance-use recovery advocates say comprehensive approach needed
The man behind the wheel during the Park Tavern crash had five previous DWI convictions. It brings up questions about the sometimes complicated path to sobriety.
A wave of school threats hits Minnesota schools, experts say even unfounded ones impact students
An expert who works with schools nationwide to prevent and respond to violence said these latest threats are not surprising following the school shooting in Georgia.
Regan Smith shares her path to resilience after struggling under pressure
Regan Smith used to crumble under the pressure of excellence. Now Smith is sharing how she’s worked on herself outside of the pool to view herself as more than just an athlete.
Review: ‘Back to the Future’ is a fun, slick ride  
“Back to the Future: The Musical” faithfully adapts the 1985 film with energetic performances, impressive practical effects and technical wizardry like the flying DeLorean — though its new songs are largely forgettable and the show leans heavily on fan service.
12 students taken to hospital after vehicle hits Cherry school bus near Hibbing
The crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. and the bus, which was carrying pre-K through 12th grade students, rolled at the intersection of Highway 5 and Townline Road in St. Louis County.
2 St. Paul charter schools closed Thursday amid online rumors of violence
Hope Community Academy and the Community School of Excellence canceled classes Thursday amid the social media rumors. Separately, the St. Paul public school district said it believes the rumors are not credible threats and there is no danger to any of its campuses.
Minnesota Twins win over Angels 6-4
Matt Wallner homered for the second straight game, Brooks Lee snapped an 0-for-19 stretch with a go-ahead, two-run double and the Minnesota Twins beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-4.
Twins plan to activate Byron Buxton from IL on Friday
The Minnesota Twins plan to activate outfielder Byron Buxton from the 10-day injured list prior to Friday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. Buxton has been sidelined since Aug. 13 with right hip inflammation.
Pair of rare Amur tiger cubs debuting at Minnesota Zoo are raising hopes for the endangered species
A pair of rare Amur tiger cubs are making their public debut at the Minnesota Zoo, raising hopes for preserving an endangered species that’s native to far eastern Russia and northern China. 
A Twin Cities business owner Wednesday urged U.S. House members to focus on tougher penalties as they weigh public safety policy. And the Minneapolis City Council is considering an ordinance amendment requiring the city to consistently report what happens when homeless encampments are cleared.
Minneapolis City Council considers requiring data collection on encampment clearings
There is no current requirement for the city to keep comprehensive public data when homeless encampments are cleared. The ordinance amendment would require consistent reporting on how many clearings occur, when and where they occur and the number of people who may have been impacted.
7 Ramsey County homicide cases under review amid scrutiny of former medical examiner
The seven cases are the last of more than 200 where former Dr. Michael McGee provided key testimony. His work fell under scrutiny after a 2021 order from a federal appeals judge called into question McGee’s testimony in the killing of college student Dru Sjodin.