Stories from January 10, 2020

Sled dog teams hit the trail this weekend for Gunflint Mail Run
More than two dozen sled dog teams will hit the trails of Cook County on Saturday for the annual Gunflint Mail Run. The race serves as a kickoff of sorts to the sled dog racing season in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
Women now outnumber men on U.S. payrolls
Women got the lion's share of new jobs in December and now outnumber men on U.S. payrolls. This unusual situation reflects the growth of industries like health care where women dominate.
Police say a homeowner has died in a house fire in Maple Grove. Authorities say flames were shooting out of the house when firefighters arrived about 7 p.m. Thursday.
In St. Paul, here's how a potentially violent act never came to be
There have been a lot of stories about the concerning spike in gun violence and homicides in St. Paul last year. This story is about a potential act of violence that was prevented — thanks to a St. Paul nonprofit, the 8218 Truce Center. It provides a place for youth to relax, learn and settle their differences.
A hilarious and razor-sharp debut
“It’s a book that’s a combination of funny and smart,” said bookseller Danny Caine. “And that’s my favorite thing, when something can be hilarious with a lot to say.”
CWD reported in captive deer in Pine County
A captive deer at a farm in east-central Minnesota has tested positive for chronic wasting disease, in a case linked to another CWD discovery last month.
U of M research shows rural moms more likely to die in childbirth
New research shows that mothers who live in rural areas are 9 percent more likely to die or nearly die in childbirth, when compared to mothers who live in urban areas.
Texas governor to reject new refugees, first under Trump
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says the state will reject the resettlement of new refugees, becoming the first state known to do so under a recent Trump administration order. Abbott wrote in a letter that Texas “has been left by Congress to deal with disproportionate migration issues resulting from a broken federal immigration system.”
Education on history of Indian boarding schools gets a boost
A national organization based in Minnesota is trying to educate people about the trauma Native American children suffered at government run boarding schools, and promote healing in Native communities across the country. A new $10 million grant will help support that effort.
Do the debates matter to you?
The last Democratic debate before the Iowa caucuses happens Tuesday night. Are the candidates talking about what you care about?
Author Peggy Orenstein on ‘Boys & Sex’
Are you dreading having “the talk” with your son? Author Peggy Orenstein did some of the legwork for you. She shares what she found in her new book.
Sometimes you just need a good laugh, and who better to turn to than a comedian? The popular TV series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” on Amazon Prime has brought new attention to just how hard it is to pursue a career in standup comedy. Two standup comics from the Twin Cities share their triumphs and struggles, and talk about those performances that got zero laughs.
Shelter serving Drake Hotel fire victims to close in late January
The Red Cross says a temporary shelter at First Covenant Church won’t be available after Jan. 22. Nearly 60 Drake Hotel residents are still sheltered at the Minneapolis church.
Woodbury takes emergency action to tackle water contamination
The southeast Twin Cities suburb will build a temporary treatment plant to remove the chemicals known as PFAS, to ensure it has enough clean water to meet summertime demand.
Warm clothes will come in handy this weekend. We have details on the temperatures and wind chills for this weekend, plus an updated Minnesota snow cover map for your outdoor adventures. We could add to our snow pack late Sunday.
Climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley spoke with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer about the temperature outlook and other weather topics.
Trump administration announces more economic sanctions against Iran
The new restrictions had been promised by the president after Iranian missiles struck an Iraqi air base, threatening American and allied service members this week.
Pelosi to send articles of impeachment to Senate next week
In a letter to House Democrats, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that she expects the House to transmit the articles of impeachment against President Trump to the Senate and vote on impeachment managers.
Rep. Ilhan Omar on House-approved war powers resolution
The nonbinding resolution comes after the president authorized the killing of a top Iranian general last week, flaring tensions in the Middle East. DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar spoke with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer about the measure.
Iraq's caretaker prime minister asked the U.S. secretary of state to start working out a road map for an American troop withdrawal from Iraq, his office said Friday, signaling his insistence on ending the U.S. military presence despite recent moves to deescalate tensions between Iran and the U.S.
Enormous 'megafire' in Australia engulfs 1.5 million acres
Two fires have merged into a single blaze more than three times as big as California's largest-ever known fire. A quarter of a million people have been urged to evacuate towns south of Sydney.
The northwest corner of Minnesota is waking up to dangerous cold Friday morning, while the rest of the state sees colder air spread. Southern Minnesota may see a few flurries.
Cabaret performer thanks his elementary school music teacher for giving him a voice
Russell King, a cabaret performer who has a drag character, tells a former music teacher she helped him feel comfortable being himself. "(H)ow fortunate I was to have influences like you," he says.
January 10. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.
Iran denies missile hit plane, calls on West to share data
U.S., Canadian and British officials said Thursday it is "highly likely" that Iran shot down the Boeing 737 that crashed near Tehran late Tuesday. U.S. officials said the jetliner might have been mistakenly identified as a threat.
Boeing employees mocked FAA in internal messages before 737 Max disasters
Employees bragged about getting approval for the jets without having to give pilots much new training. One employee says, "This airplane is designed by clowns who ... are supervised by monkeys."
Teaching homeowners septic ‘secrets’ to protect water
A program from the University of Minnesota aims to teach homeowners about the myths and misconceptions of septic systems — knowledge that could save them money and help protect the environment.
Drivers beware: Catalytic converters thieves active in Twin Cities
A crime wave is lapping at the undersides of cars, trucks and SUVs across the Twin Cities, as police field dozens of reports of catalytic converter thefts.
Minnesota winter blues: Tips to treat seasonal affective disorder
Winter blues are common, especially in Minnesota where for months it’s cold and dark. We tend to hibernate and crave carbohydrates. Our mood changes. These symptoms can be signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression. Craig Sawchuk, a psychologist at Mayo Clinic, shares tips on how to treat it.
Could sleep apnea be the reason you’re tired?
About 12 percent of people in the country have sleep apnea, but many of them are undiagnosed. If left untreated, it can lead to severe heart problems. A sleep expert joins the program and answers questions.
Shanahan, Cousins on opposite sides for playoff meeting
Coach Kyle Shanahan once thought he'd have Kirk Cousins as his quarterback when he led the San Francisco 49ers back to the playoffs. Cousins will be on the opposite sideline instead when the Minnesota Vikings visit the 49ers in the divisional round.
Video outside cell during Epstein's first suicide attempt 'no longer exists'
After first reporting that the video had been preserved, prosecutors now say that further investigation shows officials "inadvertently preserved video from the wrong tier" within the Manhattan prison.