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Stories from January 8, 2019

Using genetic genealogy to identify unknown crime victims, sometimes decades later

Using genetic genealogy to identify unknown crime victims, sometimes decades later

DNA combined with the study of family history has been used to solve high-profile cold cases such as the Golden State Killer. Now, volunteers are using the technique to identify crime victims.
by Barbara Anguiano

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U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are once again on the rise

U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are once again on the rise

A newly released report shows that the United States' CO2 emissions spiked last year. A booming economy and busy transportation sector are to blame.

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New session opens amid calls for smoother process

New session opens amid calls for smoother process

Minnesota lawmakers returned to St. Paul Tuesday to begin the 2019 session under the latest version of divided government with key leaders predicting a productive session that avoids partisan gridlock.
by Tim Pugmire

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Democrats set to counter Trump after Oval Office address

Democrats set to counter Trump after Oval Office address

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will speak at the Capitol Tuesday night. They are in a battle with President Trump over border funding amid a government shutdown.
by Kelsey Snell

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Where U.S. battles over abortion will play out in 2019

Where U.S. battles over abortion will play out in 2019

Expect more aggressive regulatory action from the Trump administration while skirmishes continue in Congress and statehouses across the U.S. Many of these policies will ultimately land in court.
by Julie Rovner

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These driveway sealants polluted Minnesota ponds. Who should pay?

These driveway sealants polluted Minnesota ponds. Who should pay?

Seven metro-area cities are suing a group of companies that refine coal-tar sealants, asking them to help pay for the cleanup and removal of harmful chemicals from their stormwater ponds.
by Kirsti Marohn

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2019 legislative session gets underway with new faces, familiar issues

Minnesota's 2019 legislative session kicked off with a new balance of power. DFLers have the governor's seat and a new majority in the House, while Republicans retained their slim majority in the Senate.
by Mike Mulcahy, Julie Siple and Manda Lillie

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Top judge calls all Minnesota's federal court workers 'essential'

Top judge calls all Minnesota's federal court workers 'essential'

Chief U.S. District Judge John Tunheim said funds to pay the 223 staff members in his court will run out as soon as this week. Then they'll be required to work without pay
by Mark Zdechlik

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Sun Country rolls out new Twin Cities service, major route expansion

Sun Country rolls out new Twin Cities service, major route expansion

New routes from the Twin Cities include four East Coast cities as well as Chicago, Sacramento, Calif., St. Louis and San Antonio, the carrier said Tuesday. One-way fares to Chicago O'Hare will start at $49.
by Mark Zdechlik

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What does Elizabeth Warren bring to the party?

MPR News host Kerr Miller spoke with political scientist Dianne Bystrom about Sen. Elizabeth Warren's reception in Iowa and what separates her from other candidates considering a presidential run in 2020.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Living with a criminal record

You don't have to be convicted of a crime to feel the repercussions. Even an arrest for a petty misdemeanor can impact future employment, housing and even student loans. What is it like to live with a criminal record?
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Missouri voters backed an anti-gerrymandering measure; lawmakers want to undo it

Missouri voters backed an anti-gerrymandering measure; lawmakers want to undo it

Like voters in Colorado, Utah and Michigan last year, Missouri's voters decided to alter the redistricting process. But lawmakers argue it could create bizarre districts that are hard to represent.
by Jason Rosenbaum

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Wintry winds now; 30s return this weekend

Wintry winds now; 30s return this weekend

Cold air is having a hard time sticking around this winter.
by Paul Huttner

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Air travelers start to feel effects of government shutdown

Air travelers start to feel effects of government shutdown

Over the weekend, some airports had long lines at checkpoints, apparently caused by a rising number of security officers calling in sick while they are not getting paid.
by The Associated Press

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Trump, Democrats taking border wall fight to prime-time TV

Trump, Democrats taking border wall fight to prime-time TV

Trump's Oval Office speech Tuesday -- his first as president -- will be followed by his visit Thursday to the southern border to highlight his demand for a barrier.
by The Associated Press

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'He loved the Iron Range': Rukavina remembered as the last of a political era

'He loved the Iron Range': Rukavina remembered as the last of a political era

The populist DFLer from Virginia, Minn., was remembered for always standing up for working people. He was a throwback politician, someone who made genuine friendships with the Republicans across the aisle.
by Dan Kraker

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Your guide to following the 2019 legislative session

Your guide to following the 2019 legislative session

A new governor and new makeup of the Minnesota Legislature must pass a balanced budget by May and navigate a host of other contentious issues. Here's your guide to following along this year -- the key players, the issues to watch and more.
by Briana Bierschbach and MPR News Staff

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Daily Digest: The Legislature returns

Oaths are taken, lawmakers return for legislative session. Catch up on it all.
by Bill Wareham

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Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist explores flaws of the justice system

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist explores flaws of the justice system

In a new book, Edward Humes raises question after troubling question, pointing to frustrating subjectivity and the power of damning narratives that feed the ponderous process of criminal justice.
by Ilana Masad

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Newly elected Rochester politicians promise more transparency

Newly elected Rochester politicians promise more transparency

As the Destination Medical Center transforms Rochester, a new class of elected city officials is promising more transparency and less decision-making behind closed doors.
by Catharine Richert

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Update planned next week in case of missing Wisconsin girl

Update planned next week in case of missing Wisconsin girl

Authorities in Barron, Wis., are planning to provide an update on their investigation into the apparent abduction of a 13-year-old girl whose parents were killed.
by Associated Press

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George, reclusive Hawaiian snail and last of his kind, dies at 14

George, reclusive Hawaiian snail and last of his kind, dies at 14

While he was but one very lonely Achatinella apexfulva, his death takes place amid a crisis for Hawaii's native snails, whose populations have been decimated by invasive species.

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'New captain' Saunders has Wolves' trust in interim role

'New captain' Saunders has Wolves' trust in interim role

Appointed interim coach of Minnesota on Sunday after Tom Thibodeau was fired halfway through his third season, Ryan Saunders ran practice for the first time on Monday before the team took off for a game at Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
by Dave Campbell, Associated Press

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Childbirth injury led a new mom to start a parenting podcast 'To Feel Less Alone'

Childbirth injury led a new mom to start a parenting podcast 'To Feel Less Alone'

Hillary Frank struggled after a childbirth injury left her in chronic pain for months. Her podcast The Longest Shortest Time, and her book Weird Parenting Wins aim to give other parents a voice.
by Terry Gross

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Despite 70K furloughed IRS workers, White House vows refunds will be issued

Despite 70K furloughed IRS workers, White House vows refunds will be issued

The tax collecting agency is one of those affected by the partial government shutdown, but the White House says it will issue refunds, reversing previous government policy.

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