MPR News PM Update

Jan. 5, 2024

🌨️ Snow showers will develop and expand over the next 24 hours across most of Minnesota. The heaviest accumulations will be along the North Shore. Get more on Updraft.

Coming soon to Minnesota roadways: Oral tests for marijuana, other drug use by drivers

The oral fluid test tools are set to be rolled out this month as part of a pilot project. Initial roadside tests will be able to detect THC, cocaine, opioids, amphetamine, methamphetamine and benzodiazepines. 

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Twin Cities to host 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship

USA Hockey confirmed Friday that the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship will take place in the Twin Cities. It’ll be the 50th anniversary of the elite tournament that draws the top 10 national teams for players under age 20.

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🎿 Cross-country races preparing for less snow, but need more cold temperatures
While a number of cold weather specialties are changing plans, from the Beargrease cancellation to the Gunflint Mail Run moving to February, cross-country event planners for the Lopett Cross Country World Event and other races are holding their plans in place, for now.
🏛️ Retirements add up in Minnesota House, with veteran lawmakers saying 2024 will be their last session
Two veteran Minnesota House lawmakers, DFL State Rep. Liz Olson and Rep. Michael Nelson announced this week that they’ll retire after the current term, part of a possible bigger churn ahead at the Capitol.
🏥 Duluth-based Essentia Health ends merger talks with Marshfield Clinic
“We have decided that a combination at this time is not the right path forward for our respective organizations, colleagues and patients,” the two health systems said in a news release.
💼 Kelliher begins new chapter in political career as head of Minneapolis operations
The new position oversees 17 departments around the city, including civil rights, public works and racial equity, inclusion and belonging. Kelliher said she’s going to prioritize building a positive workplace culture.
🌡️ 2023 is the 8th-warmest year in Minnesota history
Listen: December and November saw record-breaking weather extremes, making 2023 the eighth-warmest year in state history. And although January may feel cooler, it’s still above average. 
⛪ Vatican finds former Minnesota archbishop acted imprudently but committed no crimes
A lengthy Vatican investigation against Archbishop John Nienstedt, former leader of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, concluded that he took “imprudent” actions but did not violate church law.
–  Nicole Johnson, MPR News
 
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