Stories from November 22, 2022

Attorney general says he'll hold public hearings into the Fairview-Sandford merger, and state ag commissioner says Minnesota may weigh a standing farm disaster relief fund. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
No pardon for Minnesota turkey, but a moment in the spotlight
The state has a tradition of bypassing the pardon in an effort to highlight the state’s turkey production industry and the importance of nurturing Minnesota families.
Biden to extend student loan pause as court battle drags on
President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that his administration will extend the pause on federal student loan payments while the White House fights a legal battle to save his plan to cancel portions of the debt.
Vigil for transgender victims draws crowd mourning Colorado Springs shooting
People packed a Minneapolis event Sunday for the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, looking for somewhere to be together to grieve the mass shooting at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub the night before.
Traveling for the holidays? 7 tips to help you keep your cool
There will probably be long lines, delays and overbooked flights, says aviation journalist Benét Wilson. So take steps to prepare for these situations and make the journey a little more pleasant.
Ronaldo to leave Manchester United ‘with immediate effect’
The 37-year-old forward conducted an explosive interview on the eve of the World Cup, criticizing manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s owners.
Animal sedative, xylazine, mixed with fentanyl linked to Minnesota deaths
Some Minnesota health officials say they are seeing deaths connected to a drug sometimes used to prolong the high of fentanyl and other opioids, and which may be interfering with a common overdose-reversal treatment.
Milder temps ahead; Thanksgiving rain stays mainly south of Minnesota
Northeastern Minnesota will see scattered light snow showers Tuesday. Temperatures will be warmer statewide and near or above normal through the weekend. A larger storm develops south on Thursday.
The veteran who helped disarm the gunman at gay club says he followed his instincts
"I have nothing but love" for the gay community, says Army veteran Rich Fierro, one of two people police credited with subduing a gunman who went on a shooting rampage at a Colorado Springs nightclub.
Minnesota health care providers are asking patients to help reduce strain as increasing cases of influenza and RSV cause delays at some facilities across the state. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Morning snow showers north; clearing and warmer Tuesday
Morning snow showers will sweep across northeast Minnesota leaving a coating of snow under one inch. Clouds will clear from southwest to northeast Tuesday with warmer high temperatures ranging from the upper 20s in the northeast to 40 in the southwest.
Taylor Swift ticket trouble could drive political engagement
On the heels of a messy ticket rollout for Taylor Swift’s first tour in years, fans are angry. They’re also energized against Ticketmaster. The ticket debacle has spurred broader conversations about economic inequality and political action.
Dawson Garcia's jumper with five seconds left in overtime lifted Minnesota to a 62-61 win over California Baptist in the opening game of the SoCal Challenge, Surf Division on Monday night.
Towns scores 25, Wolves hold on against Heat for 105-101 win
Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and Anthony Edwards scored 10 of his 22 in the third quarter as the Minnesota Timberwolves outlasted the shorthanded Miami Heat for a 105-101 victory. 
Mike Pence, pondering a presidential run, condemns Trump's rhetoric on Jan. 6
Former Vice President Mike Pence tells Morning Edition that he and former President Donald Trump have gone "our separate ways." Pence looks back on pivotal moments and ahead to what he might do next.
States differ on how best to spend $26B from settlement in opioid cases
The cash represents an unprecedented opportunity to derail the opioid epidemic. But with countless groups advocating for a share of the pie, the impact could depend heavily on geography and politics.
Minnesota scrutinizes its pension investments amid child labor probe
The State Board of Investment is a multibillion-dollar investor with the Blackstone Group, a private equity firm that owns a contractor accused of employing children to clean slaughterhouses. While Minnesota doesn’t invest in the fund that owns that slaughterhouse cleaner, officials are reviewing the state’s Blackstone investments amid those ethical concerns.
Bringing back the white pine, a foundational American tree
In a state renowned for its forests, there is arguably no Minnesota tree more majestic than the white pine. After logging nearly wiped out the species a century ago, longstanding efforts to bring them back are beginning to take root.
Promoting Hmong culture: Fashion and music at the Armory
Hmong Nouveau presented viewers with a mix of fashion and music, showcasing Hmong designers, dancers, choreographers and musicians.