Stories from March 27, 2024

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP pick in 2000, dead at 82
Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who nearly won the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in the disputed 2000 election and who almost became Republican John McCain's running mate eight years later, has died, according to a statement issued by his family.
Former governor launches Jesse Ventura Farms cannabis brand
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is launching his own brand of cannabis edibles. Ventura is partnering with Columbia Heights-based Retro Bakery, which is producing hemp-derived THC edibles under the Jesse Ventura Farms brand.
All Minnesota public school students can access free mental health care
Farah Hussein, a mental health therapist in Minneapolis Public Schools, wants families to know that students can sign up for free therapy, and that care is confidential. Meanwhile, a new study examines how students benefited after public schools in Hennepin County began offering mental health services to all.
A settlement has been reached between the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the families of five men who were killed by law enforcement. The suit against the BCA said the agency did not follow the law when it did not turn over data to families after their cases had been settled. And Rosemount-based Spectro Alloys broke ground today on a more than $70 million expansion that will greatly increase its aluminum recycling capacity.
Families of men killed by police settle with BCA over investigative files
Five Minnesota families who lost loved ones in police shootings have agreed to a settlement with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. They said the BCA withheld data about the investigations that it’s required to make public under the Minnesota Data Practices Act. The BCA settled for $165,000 and changes to their processes.
Cash-strapped Trump is now selling $60 Bibles, U.S. Constitution included
The “God Bless The USA” Bible is inspired by the Lee Greenwood anthem and includes copies of the nation’s founding documents. Trump launched it ahead of Easter as his financial woes mount.
Kickoffs will look radically different in the NFL next year. Here's how and why
For years, the NFL has tweaked kickoff rules to reduce injuries, resulting in kickoffs that were safer but more boring. The changes aim to re-introduce excitement while keeping injuries low.
Smuggling suspect knew of frigid cold before Indian family's death on Canada border, prosecutors say
Court papers show a man accused of helping lead a human smuggling ring was warned about blizzard conditions before an India family froze to death trying to cross into the U.S. with his associate.
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty on lessons Baltimore can draw from 35W bridge collapse
Pawlenty was one of the state leaders who helped the Twin Cities navigate recovery and rebuilding after the 35W bridge fell into the Mississippi River in 2007.
Trevor Turner, public policy director of the Minnesota Council on Disability, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer from Disability Advocacy Day at the state capitol.
Chilly couple of days before gradual warming
First the snow, now the cold. Wednesday will be well below normal by 10-20 degrees with highs mostly in the 20s. We’ll see gradually warmer temps into the weekend with a couple rain and snow chances. 
Gov. Tim Walz sized up the State of the State as “strong” during an address Tuesday night at an Owatonna school. And abortion providers in the upper Midwest say they're ready for any outcome of a legal challenge to the drug mifepristone.
Loss of ship’s power and stiff current may have led to bridge collision, experts say
A momentary loss of propulsion or electricity aboard the massive cargo vessel as it maneuvered in a tight channel in Baltimore may have triggered a cascade of events leading to the bridge collision.
Replacement Blatnik Bridge plans safety measures in case of future ship collision
As authorities in Maryland respond to the collapse of a major freeway bridge that was struck by a cargo ship, transportation officials in Minnesota say guarding against a similar scenario is part of the planning for the replacement of the Blatnik Bridge linking Duluth and Superior, Wis.
Stages of discovery: Exploring Shakespeare’s enduring appeal as the Guthrie prepares to open three of his plays
In advance of The Guthrie opening “Richard II,” “Henry IV” and “Henry V,” three experts look at Shakespeare’s ability to resonate across cultures and generations.
Visa, Mastercard settle long-running antitrust suit over swipe fees with merchants
Visa and Mastercard announced a major settlement with U.S. merchants, potentially ending years of litigation over the fees charged every time a credit or debit card is used in a store or restaurant.
Snow day, Part 3: School cancellations, delays across Minnesota for Wednesday
Icy roads left in the wake of this week’s winter storm are prompting some school districts across Minnesota to cancel classes, move to online learning or start classes two hours late on Wednesday.