Stories from December 23, 2022

Mixed signals on COVID trends, new free telehealth treatment for Minnesotans with COVID
Several COVID-19 indicators suggest we’re entering the year-end holidays in a better place than the last two years. Cases are down overall — as are hospitalizations — but COVID load in wastewater is not.
At a Minneapolis tent encampment, a chosen family sticks together in the storm
The weather is just one of many daily hurdles for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Three residents at an encampment in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood are grateful to have each other and hope to have enough propane tanks to fuel their heaters through this dangerous cold spell.
Blizzard advisories remain in place across much of the region, with strong wind gusts as the storm moves through the state. That's sending freshly fallen snow airborne, creating whiteout conditions. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Jon Collins. Music by Gary Meister.
How to share your favorites with loved ones — and have everyone go home happy
As families gather for the holidays, you may find yourself talking television, film, books or podcasts. Pop culture critic Linda Holmes — who shares her favorite things for a living — has some tips.
Blizzard conditions in many areas Friday into Saturday AM, along with dangerous wind chills
Strong winds will continue to cause blowing and drifting snow in many areas this Friday and into Saturday morning. We’ll also have dangerously low wind chills. We have an update on the blizzard and winter storm warnings.
Winter storm update: Rescues reported as blizzard conditions bury highways in parts of Minnesota
There were reports of stalled and stranded vehicles blocking highways in southwest Minnesota, with authorities having to rescue drivers amid blizzard conditions. Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order to provide National Guard assistance for stranded motorists. 
Jane Smiley on her new novel, 'A Dangerous Business'
Two young prostitutes become uneasy when several women in their dangerous line of work disappear. Jane Smiley’s new novel follows them as they try to solve the murders in 1850s California.
Blizzard conditions continue for many Friday along with dangerous wind chills
Sustained high winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph will continue to create white-out conditions in many areas along with dangerously cold wind chills in the 20s and 30s to near 40 below zero into Friday.
Holiday travel upended as forecasters warn of 'bomb cyclone'
Thousands of flights were canceled and homeless shelters are overflowing amid one of the most treacherous holiday travel seasons the U.S. has seen in decades.
Migrants near U.S. border face cold wait for key asylum ruling
Hundreds of migrants are gathered in unusually frigid cold temperatures along the Mexican-U.S. border near El Paso, Texas, awaiting a U.S. Supreme Court decision on whether and when to lift pandemic-era restrictions that prevent many from seeking asylum.
Highways across a large swath of southern Minnesota were shut down overnight amid whiteout conditions. “Winds will increase later this morning. Don’t let your guard down today,” the Weather Service’s Twin Cities office cautioned early Friday. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Descendants of executed Dakota 38+2 ride to Mankato to honor ancestors
For what may be the last time, Dakota riders on horseback are braving bitter December weather to travel hundreds of miles to honor 38 men hanged in the largest mass execution in U.S. history. The ride also remembers the many others who died as a result of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.
Your stories: Acts of kindness in 2022
We asked and you answered, here are Minnesotans acts of kindness for 2022.