Stories from December 15, 2022

Snow winds down through Friday; subzero air locks in next week
Our massive, lollygagging, dayslong storm is finally beginning to wind down across Minnesota. Next week brings a bitterly cold air mass that will likely be the state’s first prolonged subzero stretch of the cold season.
Power out for thousands in northern Minnesota with two feet of new snow in many places, and the state’s unemployment rate ticks up, although jobs continue to grow as well. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
First Indigenous Miss Minnesota competes in Miss America pageant
Rachel Evangelisto talked with All Things Considered host Tom Crann for a Q&A ahead of the big competition to talk future plans, the pageant and politics.
Ex-event coordinator sues MDH, alleging boss used ethnic slur
A former vaccine event coordinator is suing the Minnesota Department of Health for racial discrimination, and alleges that her supervisor referred to her with a racial slur. Leticia Alonso, who’s Latina, says in a lawsuit filed Wednesday that MDH used a dispute over missing gift cards as a pretext to fire her.
Another 2-4 inches snow possible through Friday; cold weekend coming
Snow continues to affect travel. We have updated warnings and advisories, plus a look at snow totals. Quieter and colder weather is on tap for the weekend.
Ballot measures on weed and abortion won in 2022. Now they're fueling a backlash
Right-leaning states moved to make ballot measures tougher to pass after success of voter initiatives on abortion rights, marijuana and Medicaid expansion. That's led to pushback from state lawmakers.
For some transgender people, a legal name change is a big step forward
Coming out as transgender can involve more than changing pronouns and appearances. Legally changing your name can be a complex process. A Minneapolis law firm has been helping to walk transgender people through how to legally change their names.
COVID learning loss in Minnesota schools: Five things you should know
The pandemic made learning harder for many students, but we see evidence that it accelerated learning loss for students who were behind in school before we knew about COVID-19. What is being done to help kids catch up? Listen in.
Snow globe, Minnesota: Swirling storm throwing down wintry blanket
Snow emergencies have been declared in Minneapolis and St. Paul, so check where your car is parked. Periods of snow continue Thursday with the heaviest snowfall shifting north and west.
Walz won't support completely removing Social Security state tax
Walz also said he’d like to see some of a nearly $18 billion projected budget surplus used to fund paid family and medical leave. He said that could help address the state’s workforce shortage issues — and help retain workers.
George has triple-double, Clippers beat Timberwolves 99-88
Kawhi Leonard scored 19 points, Paul George had a triple-double and the Los Angeles Clippers rallied to beat the undermanned Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 on Wednesday night for their third straight victory.
Gaudreau scores twice as Wild top Red Wings 4-1
Frederick Gaudreau scored twice, including a long-distance empty netter, and Matt Dumba notched his third goal of the season as the Minnesota Wild won 4-1 on Wednesday over the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
How Fed's series of rate hikes could affect your finances
The Federal Reserve’s move to raise its key rate by a half-point brought it to its highest range in 14 years. The Fed’s increase — its seventh rate hike this year — will make it even costlier for consumers and businesses to borrow for homes, autos and other purchases.
29 inches of snow and counting on North Shore as winter storm continues
Heavy snow continued to fall across much of Minnesota on Thursday, with ongoing blizzard conditions near Lake Superior and snow totals of more than 2 feet in some communities.
Leaders of the Scott County town say a California-based bottling company’s proposal would deliver jobs and growth. Critics worry it could jeopardize the health of the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer in a region struggling already with severe to extreme drought. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Poll: Americans want compromise, but have no confidence Congress will work together
Three-quarters say they want members of Congress to compromise with each other across the aisle, but 58 percent say they have no confidence they will, more than double the percent who said so in 2008.
You can order free COVID tests again by mail
People are gathering indoors for the holidays, and there's been an uptick in COVID-19 cases. The federal government says you should test often to try to prevent the spread of the virus.
Elko New Market's plan to tap aquifer for bottled water plant draws residents' ire
Leaders of the Scott County town say a California-based bottling company’s proposal would deliver jobs and growth. Critics worry it could jeopardize the health of the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer in a region struggling already with severe to extreme drought.
Art Hounds recommend works that celebrate our connection with water
Anne Labovitz’s painting series “Water Stories” is on view at Minnesota Marine Art Museum. The podcast “Back Channel Radio” tells the history of the boathouse community on Wolf Spider Island. Meanwhile in Burnsville, the Church Basement Ladies are back in a new installment of the musical comedy.