Stories from December 20, 2022

Bitter cold, high winds, snow set to mess with holiday travel
A complex mosaic of warnings goes into effect starting Wednesday. Snow, wind, and subzero wind chills will cause dangerous travel conditions Wednesday through Friday.
Maplewood-based 3M announced Tuesday it will stop manufacturing PFAS, sometimes known as forever chemicals, by the end of 2025. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Jon Collins. Music by Gary Meister.
Maplewood police seek tips in fatal hit-and-run
Mark Koepke, 56, was walking near McKnight Road and Margaret Street around 10 p.m. on Dec. 9 when someone driving a minivan struck him and fled.
Union Hmong Kitchen plans new pop-up restaurant in Minneapolis
From the mind of Chef Yia Vang, known for his restaurant Union Hmong Kitchen, Slurp Pop Up Noodle Shop will open its doors in January for a limited run.
Cast of Santas at Mall of America gets more diverse
The Santa Experience at the Mall of America has expanded the variety of Santas — an Asian American Santa who speaks in Cantonese and English; a St. Nick who speaks Spanish and they have two African American Santas — one of whom communicates in sign language.
Gifting a DNA test? You might reveal a life-changing family secret
DNA tests can tell you a lot about your family history, but they can also lead to some unintended holiday stress. MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with a family therapist who’s witnessed family secrets revealed and a writer who discovered an unknown relative.
Wells Fargo to pay $3.7B over consumer law violations
The banking giant agreed to settle charges that it harmed customers by charging illegal fees and interest, as well as incorrectly applying overdraft fees. It's the largest fine ever leveled against a bank by the CFPB and the largest yet against Wells Fargo.
Minnesota lawmakers are considering a major overhaul for the 90-year-old State Office Building in St. Paul. The venerable old building is home to House members’ offices and many hearing rooms, but lawmakers say it’s in disrepair, and in need of major security and systems updates.
Cold, calm Tuesday; major winter storm Wednesday through Friday
Tuesday will be the cold, calm before the storm. Temperature will average about 20 degrees below normal. Snow develops Wednesday with significant accumulation and high winds developing by Thursday and Friday along with extreme cold.
3M to stop making 'forever chemicals' by end of 2025
3M said in a news release Tuesday it would discontinue manufacturing PFAS and aim to end the chemical’s use “across its product portfolio” by 2025.
A storm system is bringing more snow to Minnesota on Wednesday, with significant accumulation expected in the southern half of the state by Thursday night. High winds and bitter cold are also in the forecast. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Police seize on COVID-19 tech to expand global surveillance
Millions worldwide believed government officials who said they needed confidential data for new tech tools to help stop coronavirus’ spread early on in the pandemic. In return, governments got a firehose of individuals’ private health details, photographs that captured their facial measurements and their home addresses.
Harris says Congress needs to lead on immigration after Title 42 restrictions end
Vice President Kamala Harris told NPR that the administration plans to bolster agents at the southern U.S. border after pandemic migration restrictions end, but said Congress must lead on broader reforms.
Historic Vikings rally rises above, in age of NFL comeback
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins had a hard time believing his team set the NFL comeback record after being down 33 points and beating Indianapolis.
5 takeaways from the final Jan. 6 committee hearing
The Jan. 6 Committee held its final hearing, outlining its recommendations to refer former President Donald Trump for criminal charges to the Department of Justice.
U.S. Supreme Court extends border restrictions just before they were set to end
Pandemic border restrictions known as Title 42 will continue, at least for now, after the Supreme Court granted a stay to Republican state attorneys general as many migrants wait to cross the border.