Stories from January 4, 2023

'I bring a holistic view': Q&A with Dawanna Witt, new Hennepin County sheriff
The first woman and the first Black person to lead the department, Witt’s new role follows a period of deep scrutiny of law enforcement and a year of high crime. What comes next? All Things Considered sat down for a Q&A.
'Happy to be home': Twin Cities residents confront heavy snow, slick streets
The Twin Cities and area communities declare snow emergencies as plows begin to clear streets so emergency vehicles, delivery and commuting vehicles can move around. A second day of the winter storm is dumping more than foot in some places in the metro.
Winter is packing a wallop, snarling roads, cancelling flights and classes, knocking out power, darkening the Guthrie and a host of other events. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
GOP's McCarthy rejected for House speaker — again and again
House Republicans plowed through the second day of the new Congress, with no clear off-ramp from their political chaos over electing leader Kevin McCarthy as the new speaker. 
Rick Singer, head of the college admissions bribery scandal, gets 42 months in prison
Prosecutors had sought six years for his role in the scheme to get the children of wealthy parents into universities. He was also ordered to pay more than $19 million in restitution and forfeitures.
'Boys in Blue' shows aftermath of George Floyd on North High School football team
The four-part documentary series spotlights North Community High School and its football team in North Minneapolis during the 2021 season as the players come of age in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd.
Damar Hamlin shows 'signs of improvement,' Buffalo Bills say
The Buffalo Bills safety remains in critical condition after a seemingly routine tackle caused his heart to stop beating. The 24-year-old is expected to remain in intensive care, the team said.
Abortion rights, paid family leave top DFL plans for 2023
Democratic leaders at the Capitol on Wednesday unveiled their top priorities for the year and committed to move quickly to advance them.
'Bus Stop Mamas' introduces parents to employers with work that fits their busy schedule
During the pandemic, women left the workforce at higher rates than men, mostly to stay home and take care of children. Mary Kay Ziniewicz is connecting mothers who need flexibility to take care of their children with work that fits their schedules.
Thoughts on treating the rise of substance use disorders, addiction in Minnesota
Addiction is at an all-time high in the United States. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a Minnesota peer support network specifically for nurses struggling with substance use. And we’ll also hear from a group that is working to expand access to treatment using telehealth.
Periods of snow continue into Wednesday night; cooler behind the system
Snow showers will continue Wednesday into Wednesday night with additional accumulation. Temperatures will be relatively mild in eastern Minnesota in the 30s while pushing into the teens in northwest Minnesota.
Another round of snow — along with some freezing drizzle — blanketed much of Minnesota overnight and is forecast to continue through the day Wednesday, the second part of a multi-day winter storm to affect the region. The Twin Cities and much of the rest of southern, central and eastern Minnesota may see another 2 to 5 inches of snow on Wednesday, on top of what fell Tuesday. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
No. 14 Wisconsin holds off late push by Minnesota, 63-60
Steven Crowl scored 17 points, Chucky Hepburn had 16 and No. 14 Wisconsin held off Minnesota, 63-60, for its sixth straight victory Tuesday night.
U.S., Canada set to face off in junior hockey semifinals
The United States and Canada face off Wednesday night in another installment of their world junior hockey rivalry, with a trip to the title game on the line.
Mastermind of the Varsity Blues college admission scandal is about to learn his fate
Rick Singer pleaded guilty in 2019 to selling what he called "a side door" into top universities. The scheme snared dozens of wealthy clients, from actors to business titans and big-shot lawyers.
Snow — and travel headaches — keep piling up across much of Minnesota
Steady light snow continued falling across much of Minnesota on Wednesday, the second part of a multi-day winter storm causing treacherous road conditions across the region — if drivers were even able to dig out their vehicles and reach a cleared road.
Meet the new Gen Z state senator aiming to reshape Minnesota politics
The 2023 legislative session started Tuesday with the swearing-in of Minnesota’s most diverse class of lawmakers, including 25-year-old Zaynab Mohamed, whose campaign started with “a piece of paper and $3,000 in debt.”
Red Lake considers a future without blood quantum
A new study finds Red Lake’s population will plunge in coming years under the current rules which are governed by blood quantum. However, changing the rules might also bring about a population explosion.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport officials said crews were helping get passengers off the plane after the front of the jet went off the taxiway.
FDA finalizes rule expanding availability of abortion pills
The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday finalized a rule change that broadens availability of abortion pills to many more pharmacies, including large chains and mail-order companies.
McCarthy fails in marathon votes for speaker, House adjourns
Failing to elect party leader Kevin McCarthy as the new speaker of the House, Republicans adjourned in disarray Tuesday night, ending a raucous first day of the new Congress but hoping to somehow regroup on Wednesday from his historic defeat.