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Stories from December 21, 2021

COVID drives halt to Minnesota's population growth

COVID drives halt to Minnesota's population growth

Minnesota’s population growth screeched to a halt in the past year, buffeted by COVID-19, slowing immigration rates and more people leaving the state.
by David H. Montgomery

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Gov. Walz has COVID, urges Minnesotans to get booster jabs and tests

Gov. Walz and members of his family have tested positive for COVID-19 and are quarantining at home with minor to no symptoms. Jurors in the trial of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter appear to be struggling to reach a verdict. This is the MPR News afternoon update for Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. Hosted by Natasha Senjanovic. Theme music by Gary Meister.
by Natasha Senjanovic

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How to stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning

How to stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common in the winter, and the state’s fire marshal says he’s already seen several suspected CO deaths this winter.
by MPR News Staff

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For tornado survivors, 'Cowboy' offers a listening ear

For tornado survivors, 'Cowboy' offers a listening ear

Dave Graham of Frederickstown, Ohio, has volunteered after natural disasters around the country. He's been spending time offering to listen to stories of tornado survivors in Dawson Springs, Ky.
by Sarah McCammon

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Vigil, march highlight Minnesota’s homeless struggles as winter begins

Vigil, march highlight Minnesota’s homeless struggles as winter begins

Homeless advocates in Minnesota say there aren’t enough resources across the state to provide shelter for everyone who needs it. A recent Minneapolis march remembered those who died too young in 2021.
by Sarah Gelbard

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South Dakota governor pens bill to block race theory in schools, colleges

South Dakota governor pens bill to block race theory in schools, colleges

Republican Gov. Kristi Noem has drafted a bill that would block teaching critical race theory in South Dakota schools, public universities and technical colleges. South Dakota education officials say critical race theory isn't part of state curriculum in schools or colleges.
by The Associated Press

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How climate change is affecting winter in Minnesota

How climate change is affecting winter in Minnesota

Climate change is reshaping Minnesota's winter. Change is evident in the state’s ecosystem, its economy and its collective identity, a climatologist and a climate researcher discussed on MPR News with Angela Davis Tuesday.
by Angela Davis, Maja Beckstrom and Chris Graves

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Feds investigate study pod access at MSU Mankato

Feds investigate study pod access at MSU Mankato

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating a complaint alleging the university failed to provide accessible study booths for students with disabilities.
by Hannah Yang

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Gov. Tim Walz tests positive for COVID-19

Gov. Tim Walz tests positive for COVID-19

The governor received a positive test result for COVID-19 after another family member contracted the virus. None of the Walz family members are said to be experiencing serious symptoms.
by Brian Bakst

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It's the shortest day of the year. Things can only get brighter from here

It's the shortest day of the year. Things can only get brighter from here

Tuesday is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. That means from now till June, each day will be a little bit longer — and brighter. Here are some ways you can celebrate the season.
by Rachel Treisman

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Minnesota's weather stays active, but no major storms expected

Following snow Tuesday morning, Minnesota sees a couple more chances for precipitation through the weekend, but those systems are expected to move through quickly without significant snowfall.
by Nicole Mitchell

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MN Rep. Phillips hopeful ‘build back better’ will still pass

MN Rep. Phillips hopeful ‘build back better’ will still pass

While some Minnesota Democrats criticized West Va. Sen. Joe Manchin for tanking President Joe Biden’s “build back better plan,” Rep. Dean Phillips said he hopes Manchin will come back to the negotiating table, and that he is confident the legislation will pass in the new year.
by Brian Bakst

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Confirmed December tornadoes in Minnesota now at least 16

Confirmed December tornadoes in Minnesota now at least 16

The number of tornadoes confirmed to have touched down in southern Minnesota on Dec. 16 is now at least 16. Prior to this year, there had never been a confirmed tornado in Minnesota in the month of December.
by Andrew Krueger

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A quick round of snow impacts the Tuesday morning commute

Minnesota is starting Tuesday off with snow thanks to a fast-moving system that also brings wind gusts over 30 mph by the afternoon.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Texas governor's decision: Whether to pardon George Floyd

Texas governor's decision: Whether to pardon George Floyd

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott isn’t saying whether he will posthumously pardon George Floyd for a 2004 drug arrest. Floyd spent much of his life in Houston before his death last year in Minneapolis led to a reckoning in the U.S. over race and policing. 
by The Associated Press

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Kimberly Potter trial: Case goes to jury as closing arguments end

The Kimberly Potter case is now in the jury’s hands following closing arguments Monday in the ex-Brooklyn Center officer’s manslaughter trial in the traffic stop killing of Daunte Wright. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, December 21, 2021. Hosted by Phil Picardi. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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NHL shuts down Wednesday through Saturday; 5 games postponed

NHL shuts down Wednesday through Saturday; 5 games postponed

The NHL is putting all teams on pause from Wednesday through Saturday. The move postpones five additional games scheduled for Thursday to make it a total of 49 this season. 
by The Associated Press

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Biden announces free COVID tests, more aid for hospitals to deal with omicron

Biden announces free COVID tests, more aid for hospitals to deal with omicron

President Joe Biden plans to increase support for hospitals, improve access to COVID-19 tests and expand the availability of vaccines that can reduce the risks from the omicron variant. The government will purchase 500 million rapid at-home tests to be delivered for free to Americans who request them.
by Jaclyn Diaz

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Jury in Potter trial ends another day without verdict

Jury in Potter trial ends another day without verdict

A jury has concluded deliberations in the trial for the day. The former Brooklyn Center officer says she meant to use her Taser instead of her gun when she fatally shot Daunte Wright. The jury Tuesday afternoon asked two questions, one of which was about difficulty reaching a decision.
by The Associated Press and Jon Collins

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Walmart sued for allegedly dumping hazardous waste in California

Walmart sued for allegedly dumping hazardous waste in California

Investigators said inspections of trash compactors from Walmart stores over the last six years found dozens of items classified as either hazardous waste or customer records with personal information.
by Jonathan Franklin

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