Stories from February 1, 2022

A doctor answers questions on vaccines for kids, natural immunity, omicron symptoms
Vaccines for the youngest among us may be on the way while confusion remains around natural immunity, omicron and more. With answers to more of your questions about the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Melanie Swift of Mayo Clinic joined host Cathy Wurzer.
A student pilot's death leads to efforts to combat mental health stigma at flight school
In October 2021, student pilot John Hauser died by suicide in a plane crash, sparking an effort to combat the stigma around mental health counseling in his flight school at the University of North Dakota. Dean Robert Kraus told host Cathy Wurzer about the effort.
Vaccines for the youngest among us may be on the way, and confusion remains around natural immunity, omicron and more. With answers to more of your questions about the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Melanie Swift of Mayo Clinic joined host Cathy Wurzer.
One student is dead and another seriously injured following a shooting by the front door of a Richfield school this afternoon.  Police officials say the victims were shot just outside the South Education Center, by a suspect who fled. This is an MPR News Evening update for February 1, 2022. Hosted by Natasha Senjanovic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
‘It’s a part of me’: In a podcast, Rochester students tell their hijab stories
The most recent episode of “The Invisible Backpack,” developed by Rochester, Minn., school staff, focuses on the experiences of students who wear hijabs — how it makes them feel, their favorite ways to style it and how they dispel misconceptions about the tradition.
Heartbroken? There's a scientific reason why breaking up feels so rotten
Science writer Florence Williams experienced what felt like a brain injury when her husband left her after more than 25 years. Her new book is “Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey.”
Native American tribes reach $590 million opioid settlement
Some tribes have been hit particularly hard by an overdose and addiction crisis that has been linked to more than 500,000 U.S. deaths. The leader of one tribe says the money will help its efforts to build a healing center.
Jon Ruzek left his job to help his kids during the pandemic. He's not planning to go back.
Record numbers of Americans have left their jobs during the pandemic as part of the Great Resignation — many of whom are parents who needed more time to help their kids. Jon Ruzek told host Cathy Wurzer how leaving his job changed his perspective on work-life balance.
A celebrity groundhog dies shortly before his big day
New Jersey's Milltown Mel "recently crossed over the rainbow bridge," his handlers say — and they scrambled to find a replacement rodent for Groundhog Day, to no avail.
'Free Love' puts a '60s spin on a Jane Austen-style novel of manners
Tessa Hadley's sharp new novel centers on a middle-aged wife and mother who falls for a much younger musician. “Free Love” is a domestic novel that's as eclectic and alive as the times it captures.
Police: 5-student dispute led to 1 killed, 2 injured outside Richfield school
Richfield’s police chief on Wednesday described it as an altercation that spilled onto the sidewalk outside South Education Center and led to the deadly shooting. Police arrested two teens. Charges are expected by Thursday.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Hospital, ICU needs fall; active cases ebb
With data backlogs finally easing, a clearer picture of the path ahead is beginning to emerge, one that offers some hope the state may be through the worst of a surge fueled by COVID’s omicron mutation.
Here are the 7 new Olympic events to watch in Beijing
The 2022 Winter Olympics are set to begin this week in Beijing, China. And viewers will be able to tune into a series of new events appearing at the Games.
The 2022 legislative session is barely underway, but the latest pandemic school year is already half over. Between the omicron surge and a big projected budget surplus, much is at stake when it comes to education this session.
Tom Brady announces his retirement from the NFL
Widely regarded as the greatest football player of all time, the quarterback is finally calling an end to his history-making 22-year career.
Stanek, ex-Hennepin sheriff, jumps into governor's race
Rich Stanek, a former Minneapolis police officer, Republican state legislator and public safety commissioner, is well-known in police and political circles. He narrowly lost a reelection bid as Hennepin County sheriff in 2018. 
High winds set to blow subzero air back into Minnesota
After a balmy overnight with the high temperature reaching 37 degrees, temperatures will drop throughout Tuesday as yet another arctic blast blows through Minnesota. Temperatures will be even colder Wednesday night into early Thursday.
The medical examiner who performed the autopsy on George Floyd will continue his testimony Tuesday in the federal trial of former Minneapolis police officers accused of violating Floyd’s civil rights. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Cold air pushes into Minnesota with gusty winds
Temperatures early Tuesday are still in the 20s and even low 30s but winds are already gusting over 40 mph as arctic air is returning. Temperatures will drop through the day with teens for southern Minnesota by afternoon and single digits north. We’ll be back below zero overnight.
Vikings coach finalists: O'Connell, Morris, Graham, Harbaugh
The Minnesota Vikings have entered a fast-paced final stretch of their head coach search. Vikings officials flew to California on Monday to conduct a second interview with both Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell and Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. 
A plane bound for Minneapolis has made an emergency landing at a mid-Michigan airport after a sensor indicating smoke in the cabin came on. The plane with about 70 passengers on board landed without incident at MBS International Airport in Freeland before 3 p.m. Monday. 
State seeks long sentence for cop convicted in Wright death
Prosecutors say the former Brooklyn Center police officer who was convicted of manslaughter in the killing of Daunte Wright should face a sentence above the state's guidelines. But defense attorneys for Kimberly Potter say she should get a lower sentence — or even probation.
Even if they can find a test, not everyone wants to know they have COVID
For some people, getting a positive coronavirus test could mean loss of income or other life disruptions. Doctors worry about growing disincentives to test and how this could prolong the pandemic.
Caucus night in Minnesota: 8 key questions, answered
Yeah, they’re here. Precinct caucuses serve as the starting line for a candidate selection process that will culminate with November’s vote. Here's a guide.
American curlers get early start at 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing
Two days before the opening ceremony in Beijing, U.S. curlers Vicky Persinger and Chris Plys face an Australian pair in a mixed doubles match that was nearly upended by the COVID pandemic.
'The New York Times' buys Wordle
The Times acquired the simple word guessing game for an undisclosed price in the low-seven figures. The paper already maintains its own set of games.