Stories from January 14, 2022

A federal judge has sentenced a Rochester, Minn., man to 10 years in prison in connection with a fatal pawn shop arson during unrest over George Floyd's death.
Pediatricians say omicron may be causing more respiratory problems in children than earlier variants of Covid-19. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports nationally the number of children hospitalized since Christmas has tripled. This is an MPR News Evening update for January 14, 2022. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
How to protect yourself from scams
Scams cost Americans serious money. In 2021, Americans lost about $30 billion to scam calls. And in 2020, they lost $56 billion to identity fraud. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks with two experts about scams, how they affect older adults and how to avoid them.
Costs for COVID-19 hospitalization are changing. Here's why
With vaccines proven to keep people out of the hospital, more and more insurance companies are requiring enrollees to share the cost of COVID-19 treatments. Vaccines and tests remain free, though.
Feds pledge $60M for Minnesota bridges, more in years ahead
The $60 million is part of bridge work awards through the new federal infrastructure law. The state will have to put up matching money for some projects.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Bad numbers accelerate as pandemic digs in
Minnesota continues to struggle with a massive COVID-19 surge that began in the Twin Cities metro area but is swamping much of the state now. The newest data shows more than 67,000 known, active cases, the highest point in the entire pandemic.
Retired University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley told MPR News host Cathy Wurzer that it’s a good day to be aware of the weather, particularly for people traveling in southern parts of Minnesota.
You'll be able to order free at-home COVID test kits starting on Wednesday
The new order doubles the number of tests the White House plans to buy — for a total of 1 billion kits. Biden said a website will launch next week so Americans can order the free tests.
Forest Service announces 13 percent cut in Boundary Waters entry permits
About 23,000 fewer people will be allowed to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area each summer starting this year, according to newly released changes the U.S. Forest Service says are needed to relieve crowding and congestion and protect natural resources.
Snow will continue through Friday afternoon and into early evening across much of Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin. We have an update on the winter storm, plus a look at our weekend weather.
10 tips to help navigate this round of distance learning
Dozens of districts across the state are shuttering schools, meaning students will take to the kitchen table to learn. And while this go-around may be short-lived (fingers crossed), it certainly will be filled with stress for all parents. Here are some strategies to help.
U.S. Olympic men's hockey roster includes 15 college players
College players make up almost two-thirds of the U.S. Olympic hockey roster for Beijing. The 15 college players makes it 11 more than in 2018 when the NHL also opted not to participate. 
Winter storm warnings are posted for areas stretching from Fargo and Detroit Lakes all the way to Willmar, Worthington and Albert Lea. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, January 14, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Grizzlies win 11th straight, beating Timberwolves 116-108
Desmond Bane scored 21 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 20 and the Memphis Grizzlies pulled away in the final minutes for their 11th straight victory, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-108 on Thursday night.
Man charged with stalking a second DJ for The Current
Patrick Henry Kelly, 62, previously pleaded guilty to stalking another on-air personality at the station. He is now charged with four counts of violating a harassment restraining order within a decade of a previous conviction. 
Minn. parents contend with 'revolving door' of child care quarantines
Minnesota clarified its suggestions for handling COVID-19 in state licensed child care settings, as providers, parents and employers struggle to cope with a new record wave of coronavirus infections.
Poop surfaces as crucial tool to track Twin Cities COVID
Wastewater analysis closely matches other ways to track the virus like case counts — except wastewater can flag spikes faster than traditional testing.
Djokovic faces deportation as Australia revokes visa again
Tennis star Novak Djokovic faces deportation again after the Australian government revoked his visa for a second time three days before the Australian Open is set to begin.
Former Treasury official Sarah Bloom Raskin and economists Lisa Cook and Philip Jefferson are the three nominees Biden is expected to announce for the Fed board on Friday.
ERs are overwhelmed as omicron continues to flood them with patients
Omicron may cause milder disease but the sheer number of patients is making this wave far worse for the health-care system. With packed emergency rooms, patients can wait days to get moved to a hospital bed.
Nursing home operators fear 'collapse' after another COVID wave
In the early stages of the pandemic, nursing homes and assisted living facilities faced enormous challenges and grief, as the virus had severe and deadly consequences on residents. Now some say the system of caring for vulnerable people is itself in danger.
How a weather forecast can cut emissions and save companies money
Aviation and shipping companies are among the fastest growing emitters in the transportation sector. Even small tweaks to their routes can cut emissions and save money.