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Stories from January 10, 2022

Actor Kal Penn isn't afraid to take chances, on screen or in life

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.
by Ann Marie Baldonado

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The longtime director of the NDSU marching band hangs up his whistle

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.
by Cathy Wurzer and Melissa Townsend

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Current COVID "viral blizzard" could force sick health care employers back to work

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. 

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Mayor Frey calls for unity as new, diverse Minneapolis City Council sworn in

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.
by Jon Collins and Cathy Wurzer

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Pandemic concerns force Guthrie postponement and cancellation

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.
by Euan Kerr

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COVID takes a toll on college students

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.
by Angela Davis and Maja Beckstrom

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Osterholm: Omicron variant bring 'viral blizzard' to Minnesota

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.
by Cathy Wurzer

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How a health equity activist is fighting gun violence against women

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.
by Cathy Wurzer and Alex Cheng

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As omicron drives a COVID-19 surge, Osterholm says MN hit by 'viral blizzard'

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.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Arctic air departs; warmup on the way and sticking around

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.
by Sven Sundgaard

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Nursing home worker shortage ripples through communities

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.
by Dan Gunderson

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Fire crews battle blaze at condemned hotel in Duluth

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.
by The Associated Press

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Osterholm: Minnesota caught in ‘viral blizzard'; care systems strained

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.
by Cathy Wurzer, Ariana Rosas and Kyle Shiely

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Vikings fire Zimmer, Spielman in team shake-up

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.
by Tim Nelson

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Cold sunshine Monday, then much milder

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.
by Bill Endersen

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Minneapolis Public Schools closes buildings, moves to e-learning day for Monday

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.

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In 'Wahala,' intimacy at times morphs into enmity

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.
by Carole V. Bell

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Cold Monday, then much milder

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.
by Bill Endersen

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Towns' season-high 40 points leads Minnesota over Houston

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.
by The Associated Press

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Biathlon retirements mean new hopefuls take aim at Olympics

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.
by The Associated Press

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New era in Minneapolis as more power shifts to mayor

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.
by Jon Collins

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Myanmar's Suu Kyi sentenced to 4 more years in prison

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.
by The Associated Press

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Actor and producer Dwayne Hickman, who played Dobie Gillis, dies at 87

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.
by The Associated Press

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Bob Saget, beloved TV dad of 'Full House,' dead at 65

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.
by The Associated Press

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Neither side is optimistic ahead of U.S.-Russia talks over Ukraine

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.
by Matthew S. Schwartz

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