Stories from January 10, 2022

Penn got his start in stoner comedies, then took a hiatus from acting to work for the Obama administration. He shares stories from his life and career in the memoir You Can't Be Serious.
The longtime director of the NDSU marching band hangs up his whistle
For 15 years, the Gold Star Marching Band at North Dakota State University was led by a tall man with a shock of long white hair: Sigurd Johnson. But Johnson’s last day as band director was Saturday, and on his first day off, he sat down with host Cathy Wurzer.
Health experts say the real challenge of COVID is emerging, not as new infections, but as the strain on hospitals, schools and other institutions. This is an MPR News Evening update for Jan 10, 2022. Hosted by Nina Moini. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
Mayor Frey calls for unity as new, diverse Minneapolis City Council sworn in
The new Minneapolis City Council and second-term mayor face challenges to getting the city back on track amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, crime surge and public calls for police reform.
Pandemic concerns force Guthrie postponement and cancellation
“A Raisin in the Sun” is pushed back until late spring, and a pre-Broadway run of “Destiny of Desire” is canceled.
COVID takes a toll on college students
Almost two years into the pandemic, many college students are once again deferring a return to campus and taking courses online or living with restrictions on campus. Host Angela Davis talks about how the pandemic has impacted college students.
According to the University of Minnesota’s Michael Osterholm, the first weeks of 2022 could be the equivalent of a “viral blizzard” due to the fast-spreading omicron variant. Osterholm spoke with host Cathy Wurzer about the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota.
How a health equity activist is fighting gun violence against women
After her sister was shot in 2016, Pastor Jalilia Abdul-Brown founded the Minneapolis nonprofit Change Starts With Community, which runs programs centered on women and gun violence. In the midst of rising gun violence against women, Abdul-Brown sat down with host Cathy Wurzer to talk about her work and solutions.
According to the University of Minnesota’s Michael Osterholm, the first weeks of 2022 could be the equivalent of a “viral blizzard” due to the fast-spreading omicron variant. Osterholm spoke with host Cathy Wurzer about the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota.
After yet another arctic blast Sunday and Monday, the cold is packing its bags for a bit. We’re also eying a potential snowfall Friday into Friday night. The odds of plowable snow are increasing.
Nursing home worker shortage ripples through communities
Worker shortages in nursing homes are causing ripple effects across communities, putting pressure on long-term care facilities, hospitals and families.
Fire crews are fighting a large fire at a condemned hotel in Duluth in subzero conditions. Fire officials say the roof of the old Seaway Hotel in the Lincoln Park Craft District has collapsed and all firefighters have been pulled out of the building Monday.
Osterholm: Minnesota caught in ‘viral blizzard'; care systems strained
Health care is in a triage state, and conditions will worsen over the next three to four weeks before leveling off, Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, told MPR News Monday.
Vikings fire Zimmer, Spielman in team shake-up
Team owners on Monday confirmed they fired head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman following another disappointing season as the team missed the playoffs.
Cold sunshine Monday, then much milder
Frosty Canadian high pressure is digging in for a cold Monday. Milder weather begins Tuesday. Prospects for snow seem like a good bet by late in the week.
Minneapolis Public Schools is closing its buildings and shifting to an e-learning day on Monday, due to the bitter cold forecast and concerns about COVID-19 affecting bus transportation. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, January 10, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
In 'Wahala,' intimacy at times morphs into enmity
Nikki May's novel captures issues of modern city living: women's evolving roles in home and work, interracial relationships, multicultural identity and competition that runs under many friendship.
Cold Monday, then much milder
Cold high pressure will bring us a brisk Monday. Milder air is on tap beginning Tuesday. Snow could reach parts of Minnesota on Friday.
Towns' season-high 40 points leads Minnesota over Houston
Karl-Anthony Towns scored a season-high 40 points, D’Angelo Russell added 22 points and 10 assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves won their fourth straight game, beating the Houston Rockets 141-123 on Sunday night.
Biathlon retirements mean new hopefuls take aim at Olympics
A flurry of retirements since the 2018 Winter Games left only a few athletes who will defend their Olympic biathlon titles, and the battle for gold will include a host of talented racers who have shown promise all season.
New era in Minneapolis as more power shifts to mayor
As Minneapolis elected officials are inaugurated Monday morning, they'll be taking office under a new city governmental structure which gives the mayor more executive authority. But exactly how that new structure is implemented will likely play out over the next few months or years.
Myanmar's Suu Kyi sentenced to 4 more years in prison
Suu Kyi was convicted last month on two other charges and given a four-year prison sentence, which was then halved by the head of the military-installed government.
Actor and producer Dwayne Hickman, who played Dobie Gillis, dies at 87
Dwayne Hickman, the actor and network TV executive who despite numerous achievements throughout his life would always be remembered fondly by a generation of baby boomers for his role as Dobie Gillis, has died. He was 87.
Bob Saget, beloved TV dad of 'Full House,' dead at 65
Bob Saget, the actor-comedian known for his role as beloved single dad Danny Tanner on the sitcom “Full House” and as the wisecracking host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” has died, according to authorities in Florida. He was 65.
Neither side is optimistic ahead of U.S.-Russia talks over Ukraine
The U.S. and its European allies want Russia to reduce troop buildup along the Ukraine border. Russia wants U.S. troops out of Eastern Europe. Both sides say those demands are non-starters.