Stories from March 20, 2024

No criminal charges against St. Paul officers in the death of Yia Xiong
The Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison jointly announced Wednesday “criminal charges are not warranted” in the death of Yia Xiong in February 2023.
Minneapolis school district proposes eliminating at least 200 staff positions
The Minneapolis school district on Tuesday laid out a plan that would slash jobs including music teachers, nurses and custodians to help reconcile a $110 million budget gap.
Researchers: Homelessness declined slightly in Minnesota since 2018, pandemic effect unclear
Every three years, Wilder Research conducts a survey to better understand the prevalence of homelessness in Minnesota. On a single night in October, more than 1,000 volunteers conducted face-to-face interviews with unhoused people.
North Memorial Health is cutting around 100 jobs across its system, the health care system says. And Minnesota lawmakers plan to discuss a bill Thursday that would set tougher penalties for straw purchasers.
Two snow systems still on track for Minnesota
Two separate weather systems are still on track for Minnesota through next Tuesday. The first brings some snow Thursday night. The second system looks potentially bigger and wetter from Sunday through next Tuesday.
Uber and Lyft make threats to leave Minneapolis. Could taxis fill the gap in their wake?
The number of taxis licensed in the city of Minneapolis has dropped precipitously in this age of Uber and Lyft. Could taxis make a comeback in a future without rideshares services?
Commerce Department warns homeowners to check insurance for wind, hail coverage changes
Insurance complaints more than doubled in the past three years. Premiums for homes and vehicles have had significant increases due to extreme weather events caused by climate change, along with economic factors like higher labor and material costs.
The victories and flaws of social equity licensure in the cannabis business
Social equity applicants include people whose family or themself has a marijuana conviction, historically underrepresented communities, Minnesotans living in low-income areas and service-disabled veterans.
Minneapolis Uber, Lyft driver pay ordinance may face reconsideration vote next month
A Minneapolis City Council member is expected to introduce a notice that could lead to reconsideration of the city’s new rideshare driver ordinance when the council meets Thursday. Rideshare companies Uber and Lyft have warned they would leave the state if the ordinance in its current form takes effect May 1.
Goats contract bird flu on Minnesota farm
Minnesota officials detected highly pathogenic avian influenza in several young goats on a farm in Stevens County. The infection is reportedly the first time avian influenza has been detected in cattle, sheep or goats.
Historic covered bridges are under threat by truck drivers relying on GPS meant for cars
One of Vermont’s historic covered bridges is under threat from modern technology. Box truck drivers relying on GPS designed for cars continually crash through Lyndon’s 140-year-old Miller’s Run bridge.
Colder air is here, snow is on the way
Chilly air is back Wednesday and sticking around. Blustery northwest winds will make it feel colder. Snow develops Thursday into Thursday night with another system this weekend. 
U.S. drops in new global happiness ranking. One age group bucks the trend
A new happiness report finds sharp declines in well-being among adolescents and young adults in the U.S. But the picture is better for people aged 60 and older, marking a striking generational divide.
The Minnesota House is back to its full complement.  Republican Bryan Lawrence won a special election in a central Minnesota last night. Lawrence replaces former GOP Rep. Kurt Daudt, who resigned ahead of the session to take a new job. And Members of a Minnesota Senate committee want the state historical society to buy the ruby slippers made famous in "The Wizard of Oz."
Former NHL enforcer Chris Simon has died at age 52
Former NHL enforcer Chris Simon won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996 and was part of runs to the final with Washington in 1998 and Calgary in 2004. He also spent time with the Quebec Nordiques before they became the Avalanche and played for Chicago, Calgary, Minnesota and the New York Rangers and Islanders. He was 52.
Jokic's 35 points pace Nuggets in 115-112 win over short-handed Timberwolves
Nikola Jokic had 35 points and 16 rebounds and Michael Porter Jr. scored 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as the Denver Nuggets fended off the undermanned and undersized Minnesota Timberwolves 115-112.
Gustavsson gets 3rd shutout of season as Wild blank Ducks 4-0
 Filip Gustavsson recorded his third shutout this season, Kirill Kaprizov extended his point streak to eight games with the 150th goal of his NHL career and the Minnesota Wild beat the Anaheim Ducks for the second time in six days, 4-0.
Beyoncé's new album is inspired by backlash to her entering the country music genre
With less than 10 days until the release of her new album, “Cowboy Carter,” the multiple Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter discusses the moment that inspired her to delve into country music.
Rochester bans camping on city property in attempt to curb homeless encampments
The Rochester City Council passed an ordinance this week, banning camping on city property and city right-of-ways. The new rule gives Rochester City Police enforcing authority. Council members had strong opinions on both sides.