Stories from January 21, 2022

Two batches of snow this weekend; temps retreat again
Many of us will see some snow Friday evening. We’ll then have two additional snow opportunities before the weekend is over. We have your forecast details.
Louie Anderson, the Minnesota comedian whose self-deprecating charm brought him to the national stage, has passed away at the age of 68.The St. Paul native broke out with an appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson in 1984 before embarking on a successful stand up, movie and television career. This is an MPR News Evening update for January 21, 2022. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
Access again an issue at federal trial in Floyd's killing
A closed hearing in the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers in George Floyd’s killing was canceled Friday after prosecutors and the media objected. It's the second time in just days that access to the proceedings became an issue. 
Trailcam captures busy life on Voyageurs ‘wolf and bear highway’
A well-placed trail camera caught wolves, moose, bears, lynx and other creatures last fall in Voyageurs National Park. The recently posted footage offers a cool view on wilderness life in northern Minnesota.
Thousands gather for the March for Life protest, as Supreme Court weighs Roe v. Wade
The annual march in Washington, D.C., occurs around the anniversary of the Roe decision. This year, as the Supreme Court considers overturning some of its protections, protesters say they feel hope.
Booker Prize finalist Nadifa Mohamed's novel revisits Somali seaman's fate in 1950s' Wales
It took many decades after Mahmood Mattan’s execution at Cardiff Prison in Wales for his name to be cleared over a killing he did not commit. Host Kerri Miller talked to author Nadifa Mohamed about her historical novel that looks back on Mattan’s life and the miscarriage of justice.
Bars, eateries sue Minneapolis over mayor's vaccine mandate
Owners of several bars and restaurants want a judge to toss the mayor’s recent COVID-19 order requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative test to enter public places serving food and drink, calling it a “significant hurdle” to business.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Surge path unclear as backlogs worsen
Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 data remains clouded by severe post-holiday reporting lags, making it difficult to know if the state’s past the current surge peak, or still climbing.
Political experience is line of division among GOP governor hopefuls
Minnesota hasn’t elected a governor without prior elective experience since 1966. But some Republicans seeking their party’s nomination say a fresh start is needed as rivals say know-how is a must.
'Joan Is Okay' explores the meaning of home, having roots
By exploring the spectrum of commitment in this book, and in her debut novel “Chemistry,” Weike Wang has shown us myriad ways to build a sense of home, myriad ways to feel okay in our skin.
Two Harbors requests review of mayor's underwater-hotel pursuit
The Two Harbors City Council has directed the Minnesota Attorney General's office to review whether Mayor Chris Swanson's pursuit of an underwater hotel in Lake Superior crossed an ethical or legal line and issue a written opinion on it.
Louie Anderson, Emmy-winning comedian, dies at 68
Louie Anderson, whose four-decade career as a comedian and actor included his unlikely and Emmy-winning performance as mom to twin adult sons in the TV series “Baskets,” has died at age 68. 
Brutal cold eases Friday afternoon, then comes snow
By late Friday afternoon, most of the state should see temperatures in the teens, with some 20-degree readings in western Minnesota. Three clipper systems begin to sweep in Friday, bringing stretches of snow through Monday.
A Minnesota kindergarten program takes learning outside
The new initiative at Gatewood Elementary of Hopkins Public Schools is part of the school’s effort to become more environmentally focused.
It took one day to find 18 jurors for the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s constitutional rights. Opening statements are expected Monday. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, January 21, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Warmer today, snow this evening
It’s another cold start in eastern Minnesota, where temps are again well below zero. Western Minnesota is above zero, and that upward trend will continue west to east. We should see afternoon temps in the teens. Snow showers start up Friday evening around 6 p.m. in the metro through about midnight with a fresh coating of snow.