Stories from December 12, 2024

Huge investment in new Midwest powerlines, including electricity ‘superhighway,’ gets approval
Electric utilities and clean energy advocates say the new transmission lines and substations will help deliver renewable energy to where it’s needed, meet the growing demand for electricity and make the grid more reliable.
FBI agents this morning searched the offices of two autism treatment centers as part of a major investigation into Medicaid fraud. And the Minneapolis city council enacted its 2025 budget today, overriding a mayoral veto.
Minnesota sues Glock over the design of their handgun
Minnesota is suing Glock, saying the company has known about switches — which convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic handguns — for decades and has not made any design changes to discourage their use.
Gov. Tim Walz says he’ll propose anti-fraud measures, reflects on VP bid
In his first interview with MPR News since his vice presidential run, Tim Walz said he still has “privilege” of serving as Minnesota governor, urged lawmakers to work together in divided government.
Nobel Laureates warn against a Robert F. Kennedy Jr.-led Department of Health and Human Services
Nobel prize laureates are pushing back against President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. In a letter from earlier this week, the group asked Senators to oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation to the job.
Making cookies this season? You might want a few tips from famed cookie extraordinaire ‘Zoe Bakes’
The holidays are often an excuse to eat more cookies than any other time of year. Many people have family traditions where they gather to make sweet treats. Zoë François may have your next cookie recipe.
Denials and prior authorizations: What it means and what needs to change with health insurance
The former chief medical officer for UnitedHealth Group says the harsh reaction to Brian Thompson’s killing shows the importance of addressing the health insurance system.
Help me buy sustainably for the holidays
A lot of the gifts we buy this holiday season will probably end up in a landfill eventually, polluting the earth long after we’re gone. And making all of those items releases greenhouse gas emissions that are fueling climate change.
Minnesota autism centers under investigation for fraud
On Thursday morning FBI agents searched the offices of two autism treatment centers — one in downtown Minneapolis and one in St. Cloud — as part of a major investigation into Medicaid fraud. 
FBI missed ‘basic step’ in its intelligence efforts ahead of Jan. 6 Capitol riot
The long-awaited report from DOJ Inspector General office comes nearly four years after a crowd of Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 to try to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden's election win.
Snow, freezing rain and sleet: A wintry precipitation primer
When the forecast calls for anything other than rain or snow, it can cause some panic or anxiety. While terms like freezing rain and sleet may prompt extra precautions, understanding how these types of precipitation form can help alleviate concerns.
North Dakota regulators consider underground carbon dioxide storage permits for Midwest pipeline
A North Dakota panel will consider whether to approve permits for underground storage of carbon dioxide that a proposed pipeline would carry from ethanol plants throughout the Midwest.
Biden commutes the sentences for 1,500 people, the largest act of clemency in a day
The 1,500 people had been serving long prison sentences that would have been shorter under today's laws and practices. Three Minnesota women are among those to get their federal convictions pardoned.
Trump is named Time's Person of the Year, will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell
President-elect Donald Trump is back in his hometown of New York where he's been honored as Time magazine’s Person of the Year and will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed the city council's budget, but the council could vote Thursday to override him. And the St. Paul City Council approved a budget with a property tax levy increase that is lower than what the mayor proposed.
St. Paul City Council passes property tax increase, makes cuts to mayor's spending plan
The St. Paul City Council approved a property tax levy increase that’s less than what Mayor Melvin Carter wanted — even after he reduced his original proposal. Like municipalities and counties across Minnesota, the capital city is facing increased costs and turning to taxpayers to pay more.
Frigid Thursday but warmer for the weekend
Thursday will still be very cold, but winds will be light and we’ll have some sunshine. A wintry mix with snowfall is possible Saturday with warmer temperatures for the weekend. 
The Geminids meteor shower peaks at the end of the week. Here's what to expect
The Geminids are one of the best and most visible annual meteor showers, when at least 120 meteors can usually be seen per hour. But 2024 will be different, thanks to the year's final full moon.
UHC murder suspect railed about U.S. health care. Here's what he missed
The man charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was critical of U.S. health care. Experts say the system's problems are complex and can't be pinned on one player or industry.
Appetites investigates: Was Chicago Mix actually invented in Minnesota?
It’s called Chicago Mix: that curious mixture of savory and sweet popcorn, the candy-coated mixed with the cheesy. But despite the regional name, there are claims that Chicago Mix originated in Minnesota.
The final Art Hounds of 2024 looks at children’s books and the art of recovery
Art Hounds recommend the Twin Ports exhibit “Loaded” by Duluth artists Rob Quisling and Jonathan Thunder and “Journey to Joy: Rise, Relevance, Representation in Children’s Picture Books.”