Stories from December 29, 2022

Two teens face second degree murder and assault charges in the death of Johntae Hudson at the Mall of America last week. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.
MPR News host Angela Davis shares some of her favorite shows from 2022
All this week, we’re listening back to some of the conversations we’ve had on this show over the past year. MPR News host Angela Davis shares some of her favorite shows from 2022.
This week in sports news with Wally and Eric
Listen to news about the Vikings coming off of another dramatic win on Christmas Eve over the Giants, the Gophers at the Pinstripe Bowl, the Wilds vs. Dallas hockey and the Timberwolves.
Charges: Mall of America shooters chased, confronted, killed 19-year-old
Charges filed Thursday against four teens detailed a chaotic scene Friday at the Mall of America's Nordstrom store before the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Johntae Hudson, who died of multiple gunshot wounds. Prosecutors did not disclose a motive.
Best of 2022 with producer Matthew Alvarez
All this week, we’re listening back to some of the conversations we’ve had on this show over the past year. Associate producer Matthew Alvarez joined MPR News host Angela Davis to share some of the shows that have stood out to him.
Big changes to retirement savings in new federal spending bill
From emergency savings accounts to assistance for student loan borrowers, the new federal spending bill aims to make it easier to save for retirement.
U.S. Census Bureau redefines meaning of 'urban' America
Almost 1,000 towns, hamlets and villages in the U.S. lost their status as urban areas as the U.S. Census Bureau released a new list of places considered urban based on revised criteria. 
Vatican: Benedict XVI lucid, stable, but condition 'serious'
The Vatican says Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is lucid, conscious and stable, but his condition remains serious. That, a day after officials revealed that the 95-year-old's health had deteriorated recently.
Jan. 6 panel drops Trump subpoena as it wraps up work
The House Jan. 6 committee has dropped its subpoena against former President Donald Trump as it wraps up work and prepares to dissolve next week. 
Wintry mix Thursday and next week; mild air returns this weekend
Rain and snow showers will develop in southwestern Minnesota and move northeast across Minnesota Thursday. High will be mild, in the 30s southeast but colder northwest, in the low 20s.
The Minnesota Attorney General's office on Wednesday charged a former Minneapolis police officer for allegedly punching and kicking a man who'd surrendered after shooting at police in the days after George Floyd’s murder. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
A wintry mix of precipitation Thursday; colder Thursday night
Rain, snow and some freezing precipitation moves through Thursday. It will still be mild with highs in the 30s southeast to around 20 in the northwest. It’ll be colder Thursday night with lows in the teens and even subzero in northwest Minnesota.
Rodgers misses practice with knee issue, but expects to play
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t practice Wednesday because of a knee problem, but says he has no worries about his availability for Sunday's game against Minnesota.
Slovakia beats U.S. 6-3 in world junior hockey championship
Dalibor Dvorsky, Robert Baco and Filip Mesar scored in a 3:19 span in the second period and Slovakia beat the United States 6-3 on Wednesday in the world junior championship.
Williamson scores career-high 43, Pelicans top Timberwolves
Zion Williamson scored a career-high 43 points, capping it with New Orleans’ final 14 points in the last 2:44 of the game, and the Pelicans narrowly outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-118 for their fourth straight victory.
Russia launches new wave of missiles into Ukraine
Russian forces fired its largest air barrage into Ukraine in nearly two weeks Thursday as Ukrainian air defenses repelled several drones and missiles throughout the attack.
Women carve historic path as Legislature opens with DFL in charge
For the first time, the top two posts in Minnesota’s Legislature will be occupied at the same time by women. A third seat at the negotiating table will be, too.
GOP leaders ready to defend against DFL agenda at Capitol
Republicans picked new faces to lead them at the Capitol after a disappointing 2022 election, and two small business owners say they’ll take a more collaborative approach to working with DFL leaders.
1,600 bats fell to the ground during Houston's cold snap. Here's how they were saved
After hundreds of Mexican free-tailed bats went into hypothermic shock during the city's recent cold snap, they lost their grip and fell. But they found a temporary home: the attic of Mary Warwick.
T.J. Hockenson proves perfect fit for Vikings' offense
T.J. Hockenson has proven to be the perfect fit, never more than this past Sunday, when he had a career game as the Vikings beat the New York Giants.
The best of 2022 with producer Maja Beckstrom
All this week, we’re listening back to some of the conversations we’ve had on this show over the past year. Producer Maja Beckstrom joined MPR News host Angela Davis to share some of the shows that have stood out to her.