Stories from March 9, 2022

A look inside the 1st official 'safe injection sites' in U.S.
Two modest rooms in New York City are the first places in the United States where local officials are allowing illicit drug use to make it less deadly. Supporters see them as humane responses to a national surge in overdose deaths. Critics see them as illegal and defeatist. 
No movement in Minneapolis teacher strike, as educators rally at Capitol. Also, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe get a big win in court in reservation boundary dispute. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
The spiritual response to climate change
Climate anxiety is now a medical diagnosis. Seventy percent of Americans report experiencing climate anxiety on a regular basis, and millennials and Gen Z consider climate change their top priority. One approach to quelling climate anxiety is spiritual practice. Host Angela Davis speaks with two spiritual stewards about responding to climate anxiety among Minnesotans.
MPR News correspondent Matt Sepic joined Cathy Wurzer on Minnesota Now to discuss the recently released report that found Minneapolis first responders failed to follow emergency plans during the 2020 unrest.
Adjusting to life as a new mother can be a challenge for many women. It can be even harder for new mothers experiencing homelessness. In the Twin Cities there are programs available to help women and their children, but many women in rural Minnesota do not have access to those same resources. One maternity home is working to fill that gap. It’s called Star of the North and it’s opening a second location in Hibbing this month. Star of the North's new program director Kimberly Fagan spoke with host Cathy Wurzer about the organization's work.
The quality, cost and future of long-term care in Minnesota 
COVID-19 hit nursing homes hard at the beginning of the pandemic and now many of them can’t find enough workers to care for vulnerable older adults. Host Angela Davis talked about the cost, quality and future of long-term care in Minnesota.
Long-term care complaints rise during pandemic
The state ombudsman for long-term care says widespread labor shortages in the industry can lead to abuse and neglect.
Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen on the importance of colorectal cancer screening
Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Dr. Allen is a family physician in southern Minnesota and host of the podcast Millennial Health.
Sandy Hook ushered in new era of conspiracy and lies, author finds
Following the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school, journalist Elizabeth Williamson says, conspiracy theorists tormented the victims' families by accusing them of being actors.
As gas prices surge, here's how to get the most out of your tank
As U.S. gas prices hit record highs, it's an especially good time to improve your car's fuel economy. Keeping windows closed, avoiding high speeds and getting routine tuneups can all help.
Bitter cold through Saturday; huge warmup starts Sunday
Highs Wednesday will range from the low 20s in the southeast to just single digits in the northwest. Expect subzero wind chills across the state Thursday and subzero temps overnight Friday into Saturday. Highs soar into the 40s Sunday, the start of a big warmup.
Antarctic explorer Shackleton's ship found after a century
Scientists say they have found the sunken wreck of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance, more than a century after it was lost to the Antarctic ice. The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust says the vessel lies 10,000 feet below the surface of the Weddell Sea.
Samuels to challenge Omar in DFL primary
Former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels launched a primary challenge Tuesday against DFL U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Minneapolis public school leaders and district teachers remained at an impasse over a new contract late Tuesday as schools stayed closed and picket lines went up in the district’s first strike in more than 50 years. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Fiala gets 2 goals to help Wild halt slide, beat Rangers 5-2
The Minnesota Wild delivered a much-needed 5-2 victory over the New York Rangers. Kevin Fiala scored twice in the second period, and Marcus Foligno added a goal and two assists for the Wild. 
Cold air returns; signs of spring next week
Temperatures are once again colder early Wednesday morning. Readings range from the single digits north to teens in the south. High temperatures Wednesday will be just in the low 20s south to single digits northwest.
Airstrike hits Ukraine maternity hospital, 17 reported hurt
Russian airstrike has devastated a maternity hospital Wednesday in the besieged port city of Mariupol, with Ukrainian officials saying at least 17 people had been wounded. 
Why it's hard to know how accurate the 2020 census was
COVID-19 and interference by former President Donald Trump's administration have made it harder to pinpoint the accuracy of the numbers used to redistribute political representation and federal money.
As U.S. COVID deaths near 1 million, advocates press for a memorial day
Millions of people in the U.S. have lost someone they love to COVID-19, and advocates hope to have those losses marked each year on the first Monday in March.
Report: Mpls. police, fire failed to follow emergency plans during 2020 unrest
The outside review commissioned by the Minneapolis City Council also found public safety officials did not set up an effective communication and command structure as fires consumed parts of the city in the days following the police murder of George Floyd.
As COVID cases plummet, students take off their masks
Rochester Public Schools is the latest district to relax its masking requirements, making them mandatory only under specific circumstances. For one family, choosing to mask now is a matter of individual choice.
U.S. looks to boost cooperation with tribes on land management
National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said Tuesday he and other officials are committed to boosting the role Native American tribes can play in managing public lands around the U.S.
Congress passes bill to shore up the Postal Service without cutting back on delivery
Congress mustered rare bipartisan support for the Postal Service package, dropping some of the more controversial proposals to settle on core ways to save the service and ensure its future operations.