Stories from January 2, 2021

There’s fog in the forecast for many areas Saturday evening into Sunday morning. We have details on which areas could see dense fog and freezing fog. We also look at snow chances and temps for the week ahead.
Struggling to discuss tough topics with a kid? Here are books that might help
If you feel daunted by the responsibility of shepherding a child through difficult times, don't feel alone: "I'm afraid of those moments as a parent, too," says picture book author Matt de la Peña.
New COVID-19 variant spreads to dozens of countries
The coronavirus variant that was first spotted last month in the U.K. has now spread to dozens of countries, likely passed on by infected people who traveled around the world and unknowingly brought the virus with them.
More GOP lawmakers enlist in Trump effort to undo Biden win
A growing number of Republican lawmakers are joining President Donald Trump's extraordinary effort to overturn the election, pledging to reject the results when Congress meets next week to count the Electoral College votes and certify President-elect Joe Biden's win.
The new year will bring more transparency in hospital prices
A new federal health care rule requires hospitals to publicly post prices for every service they offer, and break down those prices by component and procedure.
Fog lingers in parts of Minnesota this morning; we have the updated advisories. Mild (for January) highs are expected much of the coming week. We’ll look at that, plus the updated Minnesota snow depth map.
'Where are the women?': Uncovering the lost works of female Renaissance artists
A nonprofit has identified 2,000 works by women artists — art that had been gathering dust in Italy's public museums and in damp churches. It's also supported restoration of 70 works from the 16th to 20th centuries.
A federal judge on Friday dismissed a last-gasp lawsuit led by a House Republican that aimed to give Vice President Mike Pence the power to overturn the results of the presidential election won by Joe Biden when Congress formally counts the Electoral College votes next week.
Jan. 2 update on COVID-19 in MN: Uptick in average daily case counts
The average number of new COVID-19 cases reported each day in Minnesota steadily dropped through most of December. As the new year begins, though, that decline might be stalling.
After decades-long push, it's not clear who will bid in Arctic refuge oil lease sale
There's little solid data on how much oil is under Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and lawsuits and market forces could dampen industry interest. Any leases would also face opposition from a Biden administration.
Dense fog advisories will continue in many areas until 10 a.m., and afternoon temps will be mild. We have the details.
Ask a Bookseller: 'Gods of the Upper Air'
The book explores the work of Franz Boaz, founder of cultural anthropology, and a circle of women scientists whose work 100 years ago helped inform our notions of identity today.