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Stories from December 30, 2021

A Minneapolis writer invents new words to help us process our collective malaise

A Minneapolis writer invents new words to help us process our collective malaise

As we close the book on another strange year, we look to a new book for help understanding difficult emotions: “The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.” Minnesota author John Koenig joined host Cathy Wurzer to discuss the power of words and examine some of his creations.
by Cathy Wurzer and Kelly Gordon

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Jurors in Potter case reportedly handled her weapons, found them easy to tell apart

Jurors in the Kimberly Potter case reportedly handled her weapons during their deliberations and found the Taser and pistol easy to tell apart. Also, police looking for a suspect in a shocking robbery found him already in jail for a carjacking. This is an evening update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

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Light snow Friday; arctic cold Friday night and through the weekend

Light snow Friday; arctic cold Friday night and through the weekend

We’ll see some flakes on Friday, followed by arctic chill that will last right through the weekend. We have the forecast details, including some wind chill advisories and warnings for Friday evening into Saturday.
by Ron Trenda

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The latest from college reporters around Minnesota

We’re looking back on 2021 at Minnesota Now, and Thursday, we turned our attention to news from the world of higher education. Host Cathy Wurzer talked with young journalists from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, University of Minnesota Duluth, and Minnesota State University-Moorhead about the top stories on college campuses around Minnesota this year.
by Cathy Wurzer

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MN sports roundup: Remembering John Madden, a son of Austin, Minn.

MN sports roundup: Remembering John Madden, a son of Austin, Minn.

The Vikings don't look like a playoff team; the Gophers won a bowl game; and legendary football coach and commentator John Madden, a son of Austin, Minn., has passed away. Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson are back with the latest stories in Minnesota sports.
by Cathy Wurzer and Alex Cheng

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Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect the omicron variant?

Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect the omicron variant?

At-home COVID-19 tests are able to detect the omicron variant, but U.S. health officials say early data suggests they may be less sensitive at picking it up. 
by The Associated Press

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College reporter roundtable: The latest from UMN-Twin Cities, UMD, MSU-Moorhead

College reporter roundtable: The latest from UMN-Twin Cities, UMD, MSU-Moorhead

We’re looking back on 2021 at Minnesota Now, and Thursday, we turned our attention to news from the world of higher education. Host Cathy Wurzer talked with young journalists about the top stories on college campuses around the state this year.
by Cathy Wurzer and Lindsay Guentzel

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Healing in the new year: Setting intentions for 2022

Healing in the new year: Setting intentions for 2022

This week, we’ve turned our attention to the transition from 2021 to 2022 in a series of conversations with a group of powerful women who are all coaches and healers. To wrap up the series Thursday, host Cathy Wurzer talked to her guests about setting intentions for 2022.
by Cathy Wurzer, Melissa Townsend and Alex Cheng

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Coronavirus FAQ: Remind me, what's the difference between isolation and quarantine?

Coronavirus FAQ: Remind me, what's the difference between isolation and quarantine?

The Centers for Disease Control changed its guidelines for isolation and quarantine during this pandemic. Not everyone is sure how to define those terms. Also, not everyone is 100 percent behind the changes.
by Fran Kritz

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MN newsmakers look back on 2021: Coverage of drowning involving Samuelses

MN newsmakers look back on 2021: Coverage of drowning involving Samuelses

This week, we’re reexamining the big stories of 2021. On Thursday, reporter Becky Dernbach from Sahan Journal told host Cathy Wurzer about her coverage of the tragic drowning of a 6-year-old boy who was under the watch of a Minneapolis couple, community leaders Don and Sondra Samuels.
by Cathy Wurzer and Melissa Townsend

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Minnesota forests, peatlands on list of 'irrecoverable carbon'

Minnesota forests, peatlands on list of 'irrecoverable carbon'

A Conservation International study has mapped forests and other natural areas that store so much carbon, it could be impossible to offset their emissions if lost to development or natural disasters.
by Paul Huttner

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Richfield man charged in attempted purse snatching that knocked out an older St. Paul woman

Richfield man charged in attempted purse snatching that knocked out an older St. Paul woman

Authorities looking for a young man caught on surveillance video trying to rob an 81-year-old drug store customer didn’t have to go far: They say he was already in jail after being arrested in connection with a carjacking. 
by Tim Nelson

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KARE 11 report: Juror says handling Potter's Taser and gun influenced panel's decision

KARE 11 report: Juror says handling Potter's Taser and gun influenced panel's decision

Jurors in the trial of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter reportedly were not convinced by arguments that her Taser and her handgun were easily confused, according to reporting by KARE 11.
by MPR News Staff

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Slightly milder Thursday, then dangerous cold for the New Year

A weak system brings a dusting of snow across Minnesota Thursday and briefly milder temperatures, but the colder air behind that disturbance starts a pattern that brings bitter cold.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Biden, Putin to hold call as Russia-Ukraine tension smolders

Biden, Putin to hold call as Russia-Ukraine tension smolders

Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin are set to discuss the Russian troop buildup at the Ukrainian border. Thursday's call will be their second in recent weeks amid little progress toward ending the smoldering crisis.
by The Associated Press

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Mama bear, 3 cubs climb tree, take nap in urban Virginia

Mama bear, 3 cubs climb tree, take nap in urban Virginia

Wildlife officials say a mama black bear and her three cubs clambered up a tree and napped in the middle of a Virginia neighborhood before voluntarily ambling on hours later. 
by The Associated Press

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A light round of snow on Thursday

A weak system that brings a dusting of snow across Minnesota Thursday also helps temperatures recover somewhat from Wednesday’s chill.
by Nicole Mitchell

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New deer feeding ban takes effect in northern Minnesota

The ban, which takes effect Thursday, covers 12 northern Minnesota counties, and comes in response to chronic wasting disease found in two northern Minnesota locations this year. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, December 30, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Americans fume as the pandemic scrambles New Year's Eve celebrations again

Americans fume as the pandemic scrambles New Year's Eve celebrations again

Skyrocketing COVID-19 case rates have caused officials In New York City and elsewhere to scale back their New Year's Eve celebrations. Around the country, people are facing tough decisions.
by Brian Mann

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As the Jan. 6 attack anniversary nears, one Capitol officer fears a violent repeat

As the Jan. 6 attack anniversary nears, one Capitol officer fears a violent repeat

Ten months after U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell thought he'd die as Capitol rioters pummeled him, he's still working to recover his mental and physical health.
by Amy Isackson, Gabe O'Connor, Matt Ozug and Mary Louise Kelly

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As Duluth’s highest-ranking Black firefighter retires, efforts grow for more diversity

As Duluth’s highest-ranking Black firefighter retires, efforts grow for more diversity

After more than 25 years on the job, Duluth Assistant Fire Chief Clint Reff is retiring Thursday. When he leaves, there will be only one remaining African American firefighter in a department of about 130 people. Efforts are underway to recruit more diverse fire departments — in Duluth, and beyond. 
by Dan Kraker

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MPR News’ memorable stories from 2021

MPR News’ memorable stories from 2021

Amid the year’s struggles, Minnesota saw a homegrown Olympian make history, and people found ways to connect and rebuild in a world searching for a path back to normal. Here’s a look at some of the 2021 stories MPR News reporters felt compelled to tell.
by MPR News Staff

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Gone too soon: Minnesotans lost to COVID in 2021

Gone too soon: Minnesotans lost to COVID in 2021

Minnesota crossed an awful threshold in mid-December — 10,000 deaths from COVID-19. The pandemic’s second year took many who’d built families and communities, and just made Minnesota better. Here are just a few of their stories.
by MPR News Staff

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'Slow-motion insurrection': How GOP seizes election power

'Slow-motion insurrection': How GOP seizes election power

Supporters of Donald Trump are trying to remove some of the guardrails that stopped him from overturning the 2020 presidential election that he lost.
by The Associated Press

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