Stories from January 25, 2022

'Big Papi' David Ortiz elected to Hall of Fame
David Ortiz was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first turn on the ballot, while steroid-tainted stars Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were denied entry to Cooperstown in their final year under consideration by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. 
Gov. Walz says he wants state surplus to go big for schools and kids as session approaches, and housing sales post sharp gains, with one of the tightest markets in decades last year in the Twin Cities. This is an evening news update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Want to understand the U.S.? This historian says the South holds the key
Imani Perry says the South can be seen as an "origin point" for the way the nation operates. Her book “South to America” reflects on the region's history and traces the steps of an enslaved ancestor.
Kyiv or Kiev? Why people disagree about how to pronounce the Ukrainian capital's name
What's the correct way to call a foreign city — by its English name, if it has one, or by its name in the local language? For the people involved, it can be a serious matter entwined with geopolitics.
'And I say, Hey! HEY!' Aardvark Arthur's wonderful new days are ending
The world-famous aardvark first appeared in print over 45 years ago. The Emmy and Peabody award-winning TV show is about to begin its 25th and final season — and creator Marc Brown has a new book.
Classrooms, child care, kids' meals top Walz spending plan
A giant surplus has set the stage for a legislative session debate over how to use it. Gov. Tim Walz laid out his education priorities Tuesday, including a boost in per-pupil school aid, increased funding for early education and free school breakfasts and lunches.
How the recovery community is surviving the pandemic
For people in recovery, the pandemic presented some familiar and some new problems. And while the opioid epidemic continues to grow, access and affordability of rehab and counseling continues to be a challenge for many people. Host Angela Davis speaks with experts on entering or staying in recovery during the ongoing pandemic. 
Friday is MN deadline to apply for help with rent
Demand has picked up for COVID-19-related rental assistance, so state officials have set this Friday at 9 p.m. as the deadline for people to apply for help.
University of Minnesota infectious disease specialist Michael Osterholm predicted a “viral blizzard” of COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant a few weeks ago. He says the Twin Cities is beginning to emerge from under that, with case counts dropping daily.
On this day in MN history: Landmark decision protects Ojibwe hunting, fishing treaty rights
On Jan. 25, 1983, the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed the treaty rights of Lake Superior Ojibwe to hunt, fish and gather on off-reservation lands. Professor Anton Treuer looked back at the historic ruling — and the turmoil and violence surrounding it — with host Cathy Wurzer.
Expect 15-20 below in Twin Cities, southern Minnesota Wednesday morning
The core of bitter arctic air mass slides across southern Minnesota overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. A milder air mass will quickly slide into Minnesota Wednesday afternoon.
St. Cloud, Moorhead reject mask mandates
Several other Minnesota cities are requiring masks in indoor public places, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester and Duluth.
Food cupboards at MN community colleges address hunger and declining enrollment
Every public two-year college in Minnesota now has a food pantry where students can get free groceries. Sahan Journal reporter Becky Dernbach told host Cathy Wurzer it’s part of an effort to combat student hunger and declining enrollment.
Pfizer and BioNTech begin testing an omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine
Though people who are vaccinated and boosted appear to be better protected against omicron, the highly contagious variant has still led to breakthrough cases and a surge in infections worldwide.
Child-free by choice: Why more people are deciding not to have children
More people say they don’t plan on having children, and they are making that decision for a variety of reasons, from climate change to simply not wanting kids. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a sociology professor and an author about why more people are choosing not to have children.
Subzero temps grip Minnesota through Wednesday morning
The latest arctic blast isn’t done with us quite yet. Tuesday morning was very cold with lows ranging from the minus teens to minus 30. Tuesday night will be even colder for the eastern half of the state. Temps rise rapidly Wednesday afternoon.
Osterholm: Twin Cities emerging from 'viral blizzard'
University of Minnesota infectious disease specialist Michael Osterholm predicted a “viral blizzard” due to the omicron variant of COVID-19 a few weeks ago. He says the Twin Cities is beginning to emerge from that, with case counts dropping daily.
The state appeals court has reversed a key permit for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine, sending it back to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for additional analysis. But in a mixed ruling, the court also sided with PolyMet and the MPCA on several issues. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Dangerously cold wind chills: Arctic blast persists through Wednesday morning
Wind chills are dangerously cold for many areas Tuesday morning. In the Twin Cities wind chills are generally around minus 25 but much of western and northern Minnesota are experiencing wind chill values of minus 30 to minus 45 in some cases. Temperatures will largely remain below zero statewide with even colder temps in eastern Minnesota Tuesday night.
Wild match franchise goals record in 8-2 win vs Canadiens
The Minnesota Wild matched their franchise record for goals in an 8-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Connor Dewar got his first career goal and added an assist when Nico Sturm scored 22 seconds later to help the Wild break open the game in the second period. 
Ukraine urges calm, saying Russian invasion not imminent
Ukraine's leaders sought to reassure the nation that a feared invasion from neighboring Russia was not imminent, even as they acknowledged the threat is real and prepared to accept a shipment of American military equipment Tuesday to shore up their defenses.
George Floyd: Bodycam video rolls in 3 cops' federal trial
A second day of testimony wrapped up Tuesday in the federal trial of three ex-Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd's constitutional rights, failing to intervene as fellow officer Derek Chauvin killed the man as he subdued him.
Meet the Minnesotan who wrote a novel in Japanese — and then got it published
When Marnie Jorenby sets herself a challenge, she doesn't hold back. Not only did she decide to write a novel, she decided she’d write it in Japanese and get it published in Japan. It took a while, but she did it.
The Supreme Court adds affirmative action to its potential hit list
With the court already having heard arguments this term on abortion and guns, this case marks yet another politically charged issue that threatens to uproot decades of legal doctrine.