Stories from January 5, 2023

Lawmakers roll out measure to legalize marijuana, scrub some past drug-related convictions, and Minnesota is digging out after major winter storm. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
PUC requires environmental review for first proposed carbon pipeline in Minnesota
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission unanimously accepted Summit Carbon Solution’s route permit application. It also ordered an environmental review of the project which has drawn opposition from communities along the proposed route in northwestern Minnesota. 
Abortion access bill advances as ground shifts on issue at MN Capitol
Minnesota lawmakers took their first look Thursday at a bill that would codify the right to an abortion in state law. And there was emotional testimony for and against it in a House Committee. 
McCarthy fails and fails again: GOP stalemate on new speaker
For a third day, divided Republicans left the speaker’s chair of the U.S. House sitting empty Thursday, as party leader Kevin McCarthy failed and failed again in an excruciating string of ballots to win enough GOP votes to seize the chamber’s gavel.
Delta says free Wi-Fi coming to many US flights next month
By the end of the year, Delta plans to offer the service on more than 700 planes and expand free Wi-Fi to international and Delta Connection flights by the end of 2024.
A comedy bit from Twin Cities-based actress and comedian Brittany Parker.
Bed Bath & Beyond warns that it may go bankrupt
The struggling retailer says it's exploring all options, including restructuring and filing for bankruptcy relief.
New bill would codify abortion rights into Minnesota law
The House just wrapped up its first hearing on a bill to codify abortion rights into Minnesota law. Representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, the bills sponsor, shares the details.
Putin orders a temporary cease-fire in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces to observe the cease-fire for 36 hours starting Jan. 6. A Ukrainian official dismissed the move as "a cynical trap."
What do you want to change about your life in 2023?  
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a behavioral researcher and a health and wellness coach about how to make change easier by shifting our mindset, picking realistic and inspiring goals and using tips from psychology to stay motivated.
 Push for legal marijuana begins at Minnesota Capitol
DFL lawmakers introduced a bill Thursday to legalize adult use and sale of marijuana in Minnesota. It has a long road at the Capitol, but it also has the support of top DFL leaders.
Damar Hamlin is awake and shows 'substantial improvement,' physicians say
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a Monday game, is awake and has shown "substantial" improvement in the past 24 hours, according to his physicians.
How much snow did we get? Reports from around Minnesota are in
We’ve got a roundup of snow totals reported by the National Weather Service, based on reports submitted by snow spotters across Minnesota and neighboring states, as of 10 a.m. Thursday.
A top 4 January snowfall is finished; still mild Thursday, decreasing clouds
Our recent snow was a top producer. Temperatures will still be in the 20s south and east but cooler, in the teens in northwest Minnesota. Clouds will decrease through the day. Thursday night will be cooler with possible freezing fog.
Canada beats U.S. 6-2 in world junior hockey semifinals
Adam Fantilli scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, Thomas Milic made 43 saves and Canada overcame an early deficit to beat the United States 6-2 on Wednesday night to advance to the world junior hockey championship game.
Sony unveils prototype EV, Afeela, to be made with Honda
Sony has unveiled a new high-tech prototype car it will produce in partnership with Honda. The vehicle, first announced in October, glided out on stage at the CES tech show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A second day of the winter storm dumps more than a foot of snow in some places in the metro. The Twin Cities and area communities declare snow emergencies as plows begin to clear streets. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Edwards scores 32, helps Wolves close out Blazers 113-106
Anthony Edwards scored 13 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 12 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Portland Trail Blazers 113-106. Luka Garza added 14 points off the bench for Minnesota.
Lingering flurries move out, decreasing clouds Thursday
Flurries will exit early Thursday with decreasing clouds from north to south. Temperatures will range from the teens in northwest Minnesota to around 30 in the southeast. Temps will drop in the southeast into the 20s. Thursday night will be colder.
Snow, travel troubles linger into third day across much of Minnesota
The seemingly never-ending storm meant a third day of shoveling, travel headaches and school disruptions — and a third day of building up the snowpack for skiing, snowmobiling, sledding and other winter activities.
Thousands mourn Benedict XVI at funeral celebrated by pope
Bells tolled Thursday for the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the German theologian who made history by retiring, as thousands of mourners packed St. Peter's Square.
Members of the military will now get 12 weeks of parental leave
The new guidance is for birthing and non-birthing parents, including parents who recently adopted a child and parents who used a surrogate.
Mini-tax bill moves fast at Capitol, but big breaks will wait
Minnesota lawmakers are moving quickly to approve a plan to sync state and federal tax deductions. They’re aiming to do it before most people and business owners file their 2022 income tax returns. 
Art Hounds: Last chance to see 'Paj qaum ntuj' at the Walker
In the first week of 2023, Art Hounds recommend visual artist Paula Barkmeier, Led Zepplin cover band Zeppo and Pao Houa Her’s exhibition at the Walker Art Center.
Amazon CEO says company will layoff more than 18,000 workers
The layoffs represent the single largest number of jobs cut at a technology company since the industry began aggressively downsizing last year.