Sam Stroozas News Today

Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Sam Stroozas discuss “Madame Web” and “The Iron Claw”

From Minnesota authors to BookTok recommendations, our staff has a ranging taste for their favorite read of the year. Here are the best books that members of the MPR News newsroom read in 2023.

Plus: Minnesota Power energy hike approved; University of Minnesota to close emails of alumni, retired faculty; Derrick Thompson facing federal charges in crash that killed five; and more.

Plus: Man claims self-defense in road rage incident; train derailment in Minneapolis; Minnesota turkeys arrive in D.C. to be pardoned; and more.

Plus: Give to the Max Day's origins; a 13th Minnesotan is charged in Jan. 6 riots; a federally funded program aims to train refugees to be nurses in central Minnesota; and more.

Plus Dean Phillips for prez, MPR gets spooky, and what if Lake Superior became bread in today's Flyover news roundup.

Summer is all about the classic beach read and while the season may be coming to a close, bookworms across the newsroom are sharing their favorite picks.

Plus: Twin Cities Best Buy thieves arrested in Oklahoma; drug use among Moose Lake prisoners is up; AG Ellison says use of “reasonable force” is still allowed by school employees; and more.

Carol Spencer, a fashion designer from Minneapolis, spent 35 years designing outfits for Barbie. She drew inspiration from designer brands like Dior and Chanel, and believes Barbie has endured because people from different walks of life found their own connection to the doll.

Plus: Minnesota may require free menstrual products in public schools; Northeastern Minnesota face hunger as snow drags on; Owamni electrical fire; Met Council looking for owner of diamond ring; more.