Stories from March 1, 2024

Organizers scramble to induce ‘uncommitted’ votes in Minnesota presidential primary
After more than 100,000 “uncommitted” votes in this week’s Michigan primary, backers of a ceasefire in Gaza hope Minnesota Super Tuesday voters also deliver a rebuke to President Joe Biden.
St. Paul City Council remains unaligned on declaring resolution for a cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war
Council Member Nelsie Yang said she plans to introduce a resolution at next week’s meeting. The council isn’t aligned on the matter, and it’s facing increasing pressure to debate it publicly.
Cube Critics review ‘Drive-Away Dolls’ and ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’
Cube Critics discuss a quirky Ethan Coen film, “Drive-Away Dolls” and a unique adaptation of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” as a series; plus, performer Bill Irwin’s deep dive into Samuel Beckett’s legacy, connecting vaudeville to the playwright’s profound influence.
The Met Council says its planned Blue Line light rail extension project will add up to 13,000 rides per day on the route and cost close to $3 billion. And teacher union representatives and school district leaders in St. Paul are engaged Friday in their last scheduled mediation session before a possible strike.
Cannabis growing facility is now under construction on Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe tribal lands
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has entered Minnesota’s cannabis growing industry. Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, the corporate entity owned by the band, will operate the growing facility that’s estimated to open in the fall of 2024.
U.S. will airdrop aid to Gaza after Israeli forces opened fire as crowd sought food
The United States military will airdrop humanitarian assistance into Gaza, President Joe Biden announced Friday, a day after witnesses say Israeli forces shot desperately hungry Palestinians crowding around a food aid truck.
Health care company ties Russian-linked cybercriminals to prescriptions breach
A ransomware attack targeting a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary is disrupting pharmacies and hospitals nationwide, leaving patients with problems filling prescriptions or seeking medical treatment.
In Georgia, a bill to cut all ties with the American Library Association is advancing
Several other states have made moves to disassociate from the nation’s oldest library professional association. But Georgia’s bill, the first of its kind in the nation, goes further than the others.
Minnesota es parte de los estados que votarán el Supermartes. Aquí te enseñamos cómo votar
En Minnesota, las primarias presidenciales del martes se rigen por reglas diferentes a las de la mayoría de las elecciones. Aquí encontrarás detalles sobre cómo emitir tu voto y lo que ese voto significa.
Camp Nenookaasi fire under investigation, Minneapolis fire officials say
Two people were treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation at the encampment of unsheltered people, but no serious injuries or deaths were reported. The two-alarm fire burned quickly through tents and yurts.
Review: ‘Hells Canyon’ at Theater Mu
“Hells Canyon,” premiered by Theater Mu in Minneapolis, looks at a historical crime as a horror story set in a remote Oregon cabin, echoing the vibe of classics like “Evil Dead.”
Politics Friday: Minnesota’s major political party chairs on presidential primaries and the 2024 election season
MPR News host Brian Bakst talks with Republican Party Chair David Hann and DFL Chair Ken Martin about this year’s election. The party chairs will break down this week’s precinct caucuses and highlight next week’s Super Tuesday presidential primary.
Friday’s high is 52 degrees with plenty of sunshine. A slight chance of rain enters Saturday’s radar with a high of 42. There’s a 50/50 chance of rain on Sunday, turning into a 30 percent chance of snow.
A prescription to modernize public health
The pandemic was a crucible for public health. What are the key takeaways? Epidemiologist Dr. Sandro Galea offers his diagnosis and a prescription for public health going forward in his new book, “Within Reason: A Liberal Public Health for an Illiberal Time.”
St. Paul teachers, district enter last scheduled talks as strike date nears
St. Paul teachers say they will strike on March 11 if they don’t reach a contract deal with Minnesota’s second largest district. Their final scheduled mediation session begins Friday. Both sides, though, expect mediation efforts to last through the weekend. 
Child care closures renew worries around the economics of early learning
The University of St. Catherine’s decision to close its 93-year-old early childhood center is rekindling worries about the financial health of child care operations. Minnesota’s spending more but the needs and challenges are outrunning the new money.
Allianz Field's new menu brings out the flavors of Minnesota
For Minnesota soccer fans, the menu at Allianz Field has expanded beyond traditional stadium food. Quesabirria tacos, spicy chicken sandwiches, and fresh noodle bowls are just a few of the foods that will all be available on menu for the 2024 Major League Soccer season.